The Banker's fit caused by the Bandersnatch

The Banker's fit, caused by the Bandersnatch, an illustration by JVL in Lewis Carroll's 

The Hunting of the Snark, Artists' Choice Editions, 2006.

The text:

125

 But while he was seeking with thimbles and care,

 A Bandersnatch swiftly drew nigh

 And grabbed at the Banker, who shrieked in despair,

 For he knew it was useless to fly.

 126

He offered large discount--he offered a check

 (Drawn "to bearer") for seven-pounds-ten:

 But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck

 And grabbed at the Banker again.

 127

Without rest or pause--while those frumious jaws

 Went savagely snapping around-

 He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped,

 Till fainting he fell to the ground.

 128

The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared

 Led on by that fear-stricken yell:

 And the Bellman remarked "It is just as I feared!"

 And solemnly tolled on his bell.

 129

He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace

 The least likeness to what he had been:

 While so great was his fright that his waistcoat turned white-

 A wonderful thing to be seen!

 130

To the horror of all who were present that day.

 He uprose in full evening dress,

 And with senseless grimaces endeavored to say

 What his tongue could no longer express.

 131

Down he sank in a chair--ran his hands through his hair--

 And chanted in mimsiest tones

 Words whose utter inanity proved his insanity,

 While he rattled a couple of bones.