Today's guardian

[maimai]

Been up since 7. Started looking at this at 8. Four hours later and I'm missing something really obvious. Any nudges for starters please...

[kayakamina]

As you know it is a limerick. To get you going start at 3d 'There was an old man of '..... I found once i had got 22a
(hint bagatelle) I was away. Good luck K

[maimai]

thank you I'd been googling and looking up and going wrong. not enough coffee.

[stromselkie]

just finished it. how you doing?

[kayakamina]

Who me ? K

[maimai]

I just struggling along at my own pace with my dictionary.... may be back later.

[lapwing]

Forgive me if this has already been discussed, but I can't find it. Finished the puzzle, but why does he say "a mouthful of pips" is the last line, when it can't be? And what is the last line?

Thanks
lapwing

[maimai]

Thanks for the prompts, I actually enjoyed it once got into it but have two left: 10a and 16a.
As for the final part of the limerick.... too sore a head for me to worry about that yet...