Acrostic

by Lewis Carroll

Little maidens, when you look

On this little story-book,

Reading with attentive eye

Its enticing history,

Never think that hours of play

Are your only HOLIDAY,

And that in a HOUSE of joy

Lessons serve but to annoy:

If in any HOUSE you find

Children of a gentle mind,

Each the others pleasing ever–

Each the others vexing never–

Daily work and pastime daily

In their order taking gaily–

Then be very sure that they

Have a life of HOLIDAY.

Born January 27, 1832 in Cheshire, England, Lewis Carroll published his novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865. Today is his birthday.