Friday, October 26, 2012

Mr. Punch's Puzzles: The Riddle of the Week





Once, again, Mr. Punch, with my help, is offering up a true Victorian riddle.  The first person to answer correctly--by posting in the comments--will receive public congratulations.  

So, here's this week's riddle.  We ask that you don't Google the answer.  Mr. Punch would not find that sporting at all.  Give it a shot and see what you can come up with.  Here we go... No cheating...


    
 
     If old stories say true,
     I could once talk like you;
But for fear of becoming a slave,
     I was instantly mute,
     And grew cunning to boot,
Determined my freedom to save.

     Now the fop and the fool,
     And the rude boy at school,
All endeavour to practise my art,
     But their efforts are vain;
     They pretenders remain,
And must--till the world they depart.

      To observe how I grin,
     With my snub nose, lips, and chin,
Would the laughter excite of a lord;
     And for mimicry too,
     I my betters outdo,
And more innocent pleasure afford.





And, the answer is...

A MONKEY.

We're closing up a little early today.  We have a correct answer from regular commenter Sam P.  Good job, Sam!   And, thanks to our merry, little gang of weirdos for all of your answers.  Come back next Friday for another of Mr. Punch's Puzzles.





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13 comments:

April said...

Rich Little.

Joseph Crisalli said...

There's a name you don't hear much anymore.

Gene said...

A parrot

Joseph Crisalli said...

Good answer. Not the one I was looking for, but a good answer.

Carolyn said...

I was going to say parrot.

Joseph Crisalli said...

You have to take that up with Gene.

Angelo said...

I'm no good with the long ones. Maybe a pig.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Thank you for trying, Angelo. It's not a pig, however.

Dashwood said...

Mr. Ed.

Darcy said...

If not Rich Little how about Frank Gorshin?

Joseph Crisalli said...

Last time I thought of that name was about the same time I last thought of Rich Little.

Sam P said...

Is it a monkey?

Joseph Crisalli said...

Well, yes. It is.