Songs from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass — The Message to the Fish

[Music: In winter, when the fields are white, I sing this song for your delight-- In spring, when woods are getting green, I'll try and tell you what I mean.

In summer, when the days are long, Perhaps you'll understand the song: In autumn, when the leaves are brown, Take pen and ink, and write it down.

] [Illustration] I sent a message to the fish: I told them "This is what I wish."

The little fishes of the sea They sent an answer back to me.

The little fishes' answer was "We cannot do it, sir, because--" I sent to them again to say "It will be better to obey."

The fishes answered, with a grin, "Why, what a temper you are in!"

I told them once, I told them twice: They would not listen to advice.

I took a kettle large and new, Fit for the deed I had to do.

My heart went hop, my heart went thump;

I filled the kettle at the pump.

Then some one came to me, and said, "The little fishes are in bed."

I said to him, I said it plain, "Then you must wake them up again."

I said it very loud and clear;

I went and shouted in his ear.

But he was very stiff and proud;

He said, "You needn't shout so loud!"

And he was very proud and stiff;

He said, "I'd go and wake them, if--" I took a corkscrew from the shelf: I went to wake them up myself.

And when I found the door was locked, I pulled and pushed, and kicked and knocked.

And when I found the door was shut, I tried to turn the handle, but-- [Illustration] [Illustration: The Lion and the Unicorn]