Tom. [To lobster caught in a lobster pot.] What, have you been naughty, and have they put you in the lockup?

Lobster. I can’t get out.

Tom. Why did you get in?

Lobster. I came in for that ugly piece of fish.

Tom. Where did you get in?

Lobster. Through that round hole at the top.

Tom. Then why don’t you get out through it?

Lobster. Because I can’t. I have jumped upwards, downwards, backwards, and sideways, at least four thousand times, and I can’t get out. I always get up underneath then and can’t find the hole.

Tom. Stop a bit. Turn your tail up to me, and I’ll pull you through hindforemost, and then you won’t stick in the spikes. [Tom pulls lobster.] Hello, here is a pretty business. Now take your great claws and break the point off those spikes, and then we shall both get out easily.

Lobster. Dear me, I never thought of that!