First the Governor, the Father: <br />He suggested velvet curtains <br />looped about a massy pillar; <br />And the corner of a table, <br />Of a rosewood dining-table. <br />He would hold a scroll of something, <br />Hold it firmly in his left-hand; <br />He would keep his right-hand buried <br />(Like Napoleon) in his waistcoat; <br />He would contemplate the distance <br />With a look of pensive meaning, <br />As of ducks that die in tempests. <br /> <br />Grand, heroic was the notion: <br />Yet the picture failed entirely: <br />Failed, because he moved a little, <br />Moved, because he couldn't help it. <br /> <br /> <br />Next, his better half took courage; <br />She would have her picture taken. <br />She came dressed beyond description, <br />Dressed in jewels and in satin <br />Far too gorgeous for an empress. <br />Gracefully she sat down sideways, <br />With a simper scarcely human, <br />Holding in her hand a bouquet <br />Rather larger than a cabbage. <br />All the while that she was sitting, <br />Still the lady chattered, chattered, <br />Like a monkey in the forest. <br />"Am I sitting still ?" she asked him. <br />"Is my face enough in profile? <br />Shall I hold the bouquet higher? <br />Will it come into the picture?" <br />And the picture failed completely.<br /><br />Lewis Carroll<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hiawathas-photographing-part-ii/
