392. My first, though originally an animal, now-a-days often goes by steam; though commonly used for eating, is now much used to punch holes with; though hitherto considered rather sheepish than otherwise, in these times goes to war. My second lies before you; waits to do your bidding; is both black and white at the same time; can draw tears or provoke laughter; carry messages and convey instruction. Entire, I imply a disturbed state of mind, which has extended itself to the body, leading a looker-on to indulge great expectations that something is going to happen.

CHARADE.

393.

On this green grassy ball of a structure called earth,

I have dwelt unregarded for innumerable years,

And none more attached to the land of their birth,

More deep in its pleasures, its grief and its fears;

I sport ’mid the waves of the ocean and sea,

Or rest on the bank of some flowery glade.