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1
My first we do with funds we have to spare,
My next is one I cherish with much care;
My last will shut us in or set us free.
Just as we use it, as you soon will see.
My whole all men of science love to do,
And find it ever will repay them to.
2
My first obstructs the rivers rapid course,
And harnesses for man its mighty force;
My next steals o'er each mortal day by day,
And fast his useful moments glide away.
From failure of my first my whole ensues,
Sweeps desolation o'er the distant views.
3
From toils of life and from the noonday heat
My first and second yield a calm retreat
Inviting watch to stillness and to sleep.
At once the brows to cool, the sense to steep.
But he would combine the two in haste,
Venturing the sweets of both at once to taste,
May rest so long as never more to rise,
May sleep till death forever close his eyes.
4
In my first we sometimes ride,
In my second oft confide;
And in mv whole we take a pride,
if it is a beauty.
In my first we move with speed
Or in my second get indeed;
But keep my whole from dust well freed, For it is a duty.
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1
I wanton in the gale of or playful rise
In many an airy fold to sunny skies,
Lighter than the breeze on which I soar,
And many far-off realms of space explore.
Though chiefly bred in towns, I yet am found
Where rural peace and happiness abound.
In warlike strife I hover round, a light
And calm spectator of the bloody fight.
2
I paint without colors, I fly without wings,
I people the air with the most fanciful things;
I hear sweetest music where no sound is heard
And eloquence moves me nor utters a word.
The past and the present together I bring.
The distant and near gather under my wing;
Far swifter than lightning my wonderful light,
Through the sunshine of day and the darkness of night;
And those who would find me must find me indeed.
As this picture they scan and this poesy read.
3
Wealth and immense power I give,
No feeling have and yet I live;
Before mankind the earth had trod,
I held possession of the sod.
Now in the tomb of ages sought,
Again to earths fair surface brought
Enlivening all man's checkered lot,
I cheer the palace and the cot,
And raise for mortals every hour
A spirit of tremendous power.
Though short my life, yet, I supply
A thousand blessings ere I die.
4
A mask on every side I wear,
Or hide my face within my hood;
And when I speak my greatest care
Is to be quite misunderstood.
I am a plaything and a toy
Made first to vex and then amuse.
And still the more that I annoy
The greater pastime I produce,
I am intended to mislead
A trap that wit may fall into;
A riddle which the clearest head
Will often miss of seeing through.
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