Nonsense Madrigals: V. The Lobster Quadrille

"Will you walk a little faster? said a whiting to a snail
There's a porpoise right behind us and he's treading on my tail!
See how eagerly the lobsters and the turtles all advance!
They are waiting on the shingle - will you come and join the dance?
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?

You can really have no notion how delightful it will be
When they take us up and throw us, with the lobsters, out to sea!
But the snail replied,Too far, too far! and gave a look askance
Said he thanked the whiting kindly, but he would not join the dance
Would not, could not, would not, could not join the dance
Would not, could not, would not, could not join the dance

What matters it how far we go? his scaly friend replied
There is another shore, you know, upon the other side
The farther off from England, the nearer is to France
Then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?"