University of Virginia Library

Riddles

[1 A pearl in Latin speech shall be my first]

A pearl in Latin speech shall be my first,
In grammar rules, my next, a bishop versed.
Judah's first born my third will just supply,
Grant me, kind heaven, the whole, or let me die!

[2 My first a mighty kingdom shall portray]

My first a mighty kingdom shall portray,
Where freedom, now triumphant, bears the sway.
The line of beauty as by Hogarth found,
Will lengthen and at once complete the sound.
My next in books—nay more in courts you'll find.
The youthful virgin's form, in all combined;
Whence beams the dawning of an angel's mind.

3
Charade

My first in sultry climates wafts in air
My next from many you may nicely pair,
Two-fifths of night, with just three-fourths of cold
And that which Sarah gained when she was old,
A beauteous virgin's name will straight unfold.

4
Charade

My first devoutly humble met reproof,
In Zion's temple while she stood aloof.
My next to Britain's king a terror grown,
Made many a simple knight of many a drone.
My whole's the picture of my last reversed,
And bears a strong resemblance to my first.

5
To Mrs. Pope

I saw today upon our green,
A thing I have not lately seen,
Although it happens night and day
At balls, at concert, and at play.
But that you may the more applaud,
I'll tell it to you in a charade.
My first at Versailles, or St. James is seen,
When the idol of worship's a king or a queen.
My next in all parts of the ocean is found,
Except where ice-regions prescribe it a bound.
My third is of lasses, and lads the delight,
As witness the Capitol, this very night.