Page:Tom Thumb's royal riddle book.pdf/19

 19 The Trial of Dull Witts.

A viſage fair, a voice as rare,

affording pleaſant charms,

Which is with us moſt ominous,

prefaging future harms.

A Mermaid, which betokens

deſtruction to Mariners.

little informer, cloth'd in bright armour,

beloved by men of degree;

goes fine and neat, without legs or feet,

now tell me what this riddle may be.

A Silver Watch,

By ſparks of fine lawn, I am luſtily drawn,

but not in a chariot nor coach;

fly at a word, more than a bird,

that does the green foreſt approach.

An Arrow from a Bow.

My ſtomach they fit ſometimes with a bit,

they give, and I'm the receiver :

And what I do take, does commonly make

my fair face as hot as a fever.

A Box-iron: the heater betokens the bit.

When I appear, the affrighted world,

dreads miſery and woe,

From me ſuch flames are often hurl'd,

as kingdoms overthrow.

A Comet.

I am carried thro' the city,

Appearing mighty pretty,

No quarrel nor wrangle I breed:

My body is tapier,

I fear not a rapier,

Tho' ſtabb'd, not a drop I do bleed.

Scabbard of a Sword.