Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/14

 In short—had some wise ones but my penetration,

It had long ago better far'd with the nation.

In me beheld the height of human art,

Hear what to me the elements impart;

My origin I owe to mother earth,

It was the midwife forwarded my birth;

She gave me wings, and added to my voice,

And Neptune made me his peculiar choice,

To me committed his dominions vast

Love wav'd his sceptre, and the fiat pass’d;

I took possession without mere delay.

And hold the liquid empire to this day.

I am short let me tell ye,

But have a big belly,

Which a bodice lac'd round me restrains,

I have also a head,

But may truly be said,

Do carry no guts in my brains;

My skull is so soft,

That when taken aloft,

You would swear I should soon shake asunder.

For when I am beat,

Till set down on my feet,

And roar all the time loud as thunder,

But the great ones of late,

Who all pity’d my fate,

Resolved to alter my station,

Made me known to the fair,

Who can now with an air,

Call upon me for their recreation.

In gold and silver dress’d,

I'm by belles and beaux caress'd;

Who on me each day attend,