Take the moon from out the sky,
And the same then so apply
That you will see what this saucy puss
Is giving to her cousin Gus.
ORIGINAL RIDDLE.
I am older than the Pyramids, yet continually made new. In infancy I am of a cold disposition, but in youth am heated with passion, and I then usually acquire a permanent blush. My composition is very peculiar: I am made up of the head of an insect and the tail of an alligator joined to an organ, a sea, and part of a monkey. If the insect is exchanged for a vegetable, I may hurt you; if it is replaced by a Chinese plant, I may deceive you. I am found in the homes of the poor and humble, in the palaces of princes, in the temples of religion, and in the low places of the earth. I have assisted in the worship of the true God, and in the extravagant rites of the heathen. I often support insignificant and contemptible undertakings, yet I once took part in the most ambitions and presumptuous enterprise of mankind. Usually peaceful in disposition, I have caused the death of rioters, and once excited a mighty rebellion. Though used to rough treatment at the hands of ignorant men, I am highly esteemed and much sought for by learned scholars. By my aid rivers are spanned, tunnels strengthened, prisoners held in captivity, and iron industries rendered possible; without me, many would lose their livelihood, and London would be desolate. Finally, I am most useful when in bed.
DON.
Don was a retriever that could never be taught to retrieve. A great romp of a fellow, jet black, relieved by a single white star on his throat.
Don is excessively fond of sweets and fruit, notably ripe gooseberries, of which his master grows some fine varieties. During the season a great quantity of ripe, yellow fruit disappeared from the bushes, but no one could discover the thief; at the same time, however, it was noticed that Don's nose was always covered with scratches. His master put two and two together, and resolved to watch the dog. He did so, and saw Don go toward a door in the garden wall, stand on his hind-legs, and press down the latch with his fore-paw.
The door yielded, and in went Don to feast on the yellow gooseberries. He scratched his nose in the operation, but evidently thought the fruit worth suffering for.