The Butcher in the 5th fit of The Hunting of the Snark:
“The method employed I would gladly explain,
While I have it so clear in my head,
If I had but the time and you had but the brain —
But much yet remains to be said.“In one moment I’ve seen what has hitherto been
Enveloped in absolute mystery,
And without extra charge I will give you at large
A Lesson in Natural History.”In his genial way he proceeded to say
(Forgetting all laws of propriety ,
And that giving instruction, without introduction,
Would have caused quite a thrill in Society).
Comic Arithmetic, Rule III, Subtraction
Subtraction teaches to “take from” or to find the difference of two numbers; having taken too much in, and slept out; to find the difference in sovereigns and shillings between that and sleeping at home according to the “
conventional laws of virtuous propriety .” (Vide Miss Martineau.)
2023-11-23