ENIGMA.
(Sovereign.)
I was known in old Time; and yet, strange to [relate],
’Tis a very few years from my very first [state].
When I travel—’tis seldom—my Way you may trace;
Yet I’m constantly secretly changing my Place;
I’m weak, and I’m wise; I have Praise and have Blame;
Yet at all times my Value and Worth is the same.
I Nobles create; and yet any of these
May consume and abuse me as much as they please.
Though I Millions command, yet the Poorest may gain
And possess me awhile, though they seldom retain. 10
Tho’ I’ve Equals ten thousand, all over the Land,
Yet One Crown I possess and have four at Command.
One part of my Character All Men may read, }
And that only from such Contradictions is freed: }
Who counterfeits me, stakes his Life on the Deed. }