The book of riddles, concord: Portland: Balley & Noyes

It is true I have both face and hands, and move before your eyes, yet when I go, my body stands, and when I stand, I lie. A clock.

My clothing is fine as velvet rare, though under earth my dwellings are, and when above it I appear, my enemies put me oft in fear, the gardener does at me repine, I spoil his works as he does mine. The mole.

My form is beauteous to the ravished sight, my habit gay, and my color gold or white, when ladies take the air, I without pride, a faithful partner am close by their side, I near their persons constantly remain, a favorite slave, bound with a golden chain, and though I can both speak and go alone, yet are my motions to myself unknown. Watch.

Emblem of youth and innocence, with walls enclosed for my defense, and with no care opprest, I boldly spread my charms around, it will some rude lover breaks the mound, and takes me to his breast, here soon I sicken and decay, my beauty lost, I am turned away, and thrown into the street, where I despised, neglected lie, see no Samaritans pass by, but numerous insults meet. Rose.

Two twins we are, and, let it not surprise, alike in every feature, shape, and size, we are square, or round, of brass or iron made, sometimes of wood, yet useful found in trade, but, to conclude, for all our daily pains, we by the neck are often hung in chains. A Pair of scales.

I was before the world began, and shall forever last, ere father Adam was a man, or out of Eden cast. You’re youthful moments I attend, and mitigate your grief; the industrious peasant I befriend, to prisoners give relief. Make much of me if you are wise, And use me while you may, For you will lose me in a trice. As I for no man stay. Time.

It foams without anger, it flies without wings, it cuts without edge, and without tongue it sings. A bottle of ale.

What force and strength cannot get through, I with a gentle touch can do, and many in the streets would stand, were I not, as friend, at hand. A key.

What is that which has been tomorrow, and will be yesterday? Today.

My habitation is in a wood, And I am at any one’s command; I often do more hurt than good, If I once get the upper hand I never fear the champion’s frown, Stout things I oftentimes have done ; brave soldiers I have oft laid down, i never fear their sword and gun. A Barrel of Beer.

My nose is long, my back is broad and round, And in cold weather of great use I’m found, No load I carry, yet I puff and blow, As much as heavy loaded porters do. A pair of bellows.

I never offend thee, Yet thou dost me whip, Which doth not amend me, Though I dance and skip, when I am up right thou dost like me best, And severely dost whip me when I want to rest. A Top.

I am a busy active creature, fashioned with a sportive nature, l nimbly skip from tree to tree, Under a well-wrought canopy, And for cleanliness and air, I am a pattern to the fair, I to arms and blood a stranger, Apprehensive of no danger, like the ant, for winter store, searching treasures to explore, all on a sudden hear the foe, the cause and object of my woe, by whom I am soon a prisoner made Chained, and in a dungeon laid. bid Chloe then, and Myra tell. What is my name and where I dwell. The squirrel.

My body is light, my head is white, with a cord I am laced around, I am beaten with sticks, yet not for bad tricks, but to animate my sound. The unthinking youth, who heed not the truth, which would save them from every alarm, to fight, kill, and die, and cause much misery to those who have done them no harm. A drum.

Two bodies have I, though both joined in one, the stiller I stand, the faster I run. Hour glass.