Poem · Lewis Carroll

Another Acrostic (in the style of Father William)

“Another Acrostic (in the style of Father William)” by Lewis Carroll: full text of the poem (13 lines, 106 words). Public domain.

"Are you deaf, Father William!" the young man said,
"Did you hear what I told you just now?
"Excuse me for shouting! Don't waggle your head
"Like a blundering, sleepy old cow!
"A little maid dwelling in Wallington Town,
"Is my friend, so I beg to remark:
"Do you think she'd be pleased if a book were sent down
"Entitled 'The Hunt of the Snark?'"

"Pack it up in brown paper!" the old man cried,
"And seal it with olive-and-dove.
"I command you to do it!" he added with pride,
"Nor forget, my good fellow to send her beside
"Easter Greetings, and give her my love."

Typesetting this poem in a book

Trim (11 pt)Characters per lineLongest line
5 x 8 in55 charactersFits
5.5 x 8.5 in Digest62 charactersFits
6 x 9 in US Trade67 charactersFits
7 x 10 in Executive81 charactersFits

Poetry should not wrap mid-line; if it must, indent the turnover. See the poetry collection guide.

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