For there was the Moon, and, strange to say, There too was the Earth, just over the way, Like the Doctor's globe, or a huge balloon, Forty times larger, perhaps, than the Moon, All covered with circles, and looming in space: There were groups upon it, and every face Was turned one way; and very long-jointed Telescopes at the sky were pointed;-- And there, with a terrible rushing and humming And hissing of breath, was a Comet a-coming! So long and so queer, and as it came nearer It grew every moment longer and queerer! Until I made out such a comical chap, In a red-flannel coat with a very long flap, On, on he came, With nose like a flame, So red I was sure the fellow'd been drinking (His canteen was empty, I knew by the clinking) [Illustration: 0721] "And what can a sober Comet be thinking," I cried "not to see there, plain as the day, The Earth, like a target, hung right in his way?" The groups were beginning to hurry about, And hustle and bustle and signal and shout, And the Moon looked scared, while I shrieked out, [Illustration: 0022] "Dear sir, I beg pardon, I don't know your name-- I pray you'll consider, and if it's the same To you, here's a planet! I don't think you knew it; But, sir, it will be A great favor to me And a very large circle of friends, as you see, If you will drive round it instead of right thro' it!" He put up his head with a stupefied stare, And says he, "I declare! No, I wasn't aware! And I'm going at such a deuce of a rate-- I'd stop if I could, but I fear it's too late! Bless my stars! here I am!" He had just time to stoop, When through it, head-foremost, he went at a swoop, As a circus rider dives through a hoop! With a crash, And a smash, And a roar as of thunder, It quivered, And shivered, And flew asunder: The Moon, looking down, shed tragical tears; While, winking hard and holding his ears, The Comet came out on the other side, Wheeled round, swore loud, and ruefully eyed The ruin; sneezed two or three times; then drew His long tail after him down the blue. Heavens and earth! what have I done! This does beat everything under the sun! I don't care the wink of a star," said he, "For all the damage done to me--" [Illustration: 0721] (Feeling his nose, and then with a flirt Carefully brushing away the dirt From his coat and its stained and draggled skirt)-- "But look at this dear little, queer little planet! I've done the business for her, and I van, it Is quite too bad! The fairest of creatures--