As you know, I try to match this column to the monthly themes in Celtic Guide. But, given the nature of The Archivist’s Corner, wherein I search through antique and forgotten books, journals, poetry, etc., to bring you forgotten treasures from the past, I felt stumped as to what I could find for this month’s theme of “Mysteries.” Well, I was searching on the internet and I came across a book of riddles which seemed to match the theme, but it didn’t appear “Celtic” at all, so I almost dismissed it. But, then I happened to see the dedication on the title page which reads:
Compiled for the Use of
The Great and the Little
GOOD BOYS and GIRLS
In England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The Great and the Little
GOOD BOYS and GIRLS
In England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Well, there you have it. This book is for all you good little boys and girls with Celtic heritage. These riddles come from a book called “Food for the Mind: Or a New Riddle-Book,” published in 1778. It is credited to having been written by John-the-Giant-Killer, Esq. How fun! Pictures are provided in the book to help you solve the mysteries within these riddles. Quiz your friends and family and see who can guess these!
| Four wings I have, Which swiftly mount on high On sturdy pinions, Yet I never fly; And tho' my body often moves around, Upon the self-same spot I'm always found; And, like a nurse who chews the infants meat, I chew for man before that he can eat. |  |
| The world I view in little space I'm restless, ever changing place Nothing I eat, but by my pow'r, Procure what all mankind devour. |  |
| When mortals are involv'd in ills, I sing with mournful voice; If mirth their hearts in gladness fills, I celebrate their joys. And as the lark with warbling throat, Ascends upon the wing; So I lift up my chearful note, And as I mount I sing. |  |
| A tall and slender shape I bear, Nor lady's skin's more white or fair: My life is short, and doth decay So soon it seldom lasts a day. If in the evening brought to light, I make my exit in the night; Yet to mankind I'm useful ever, And many hidden things discover; Which makes all those who round me tend, Oft with a sigh lament my end. |  |
| In courts or cottages we may be found; Our skirts with fringe of various dyes are bound; And as we were by providence design'd, A guard from harm t' a fav'rite applejoin'd. We ne'er rove long, nor far asunder stray, But meet and part a thousand times a day: When dark, like loving couples, we unite, And cuddle close together every night. |  |
| No twins could e'er with us compare, So like in shape and size; Our bodies are like ermin fair As black as jet our eyes: But tho' so like in ev'ry feature, We rival brothers be; Yet so obdurate is our nature, We often disagree. Sometimes we play the friendly part, And sometimes act the foe; Now transient happiness impart, Then cause a future woe: Thousands by us have curs'd their fate, Plung'd in the gulph of sin; Happy the youth who shuns the bait, And dreads the fatal gin. |  |
| There was a thing a full month old, When Adam was no more; But 'ere that thing was five weeks old, Adam was years five score. |  |
| We dwell in cottages of straw, And labour much for little gains; Sweet meat from us our masters draw, And then with death reward our pains. |  |
| It foams without anger, It flies without wings, It cuts without edge, And without tongue it sings. |  |
I hope you enjoyed our little journey back to 1778. Now we know what our great-great-great-grandparents did for fun without T.V., eh? If you enjoyed this and want some more riddles to play with, it is available in full for free on Project Gutenberg.
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