9 July 1888: The gift of writing precious nonsense as that which came from the pen of the late Edward Lear is denied to most authors
Nonsense Songs and Stories. By EDWARD LEAR.
London and New York: Frederick Warne and Co.
Much nonsense is published from time to time, but the gift of writing such precious nonsense as that which came from the pen of the late Mr. Edward Lear is denied to most authors. It is one thing to write nonsense without meaning it, and quite another to write nonsense for nonsense sake. Nonsense which is also literature is not so common that one can afford to speak slightingly of its author.
The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat;
They took some honey and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.
The Owl looked up to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
“O, lovely Pussy! O, Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are,
What a beautiful Pussy you are!”
