CHARADE.
Reading edition
My whole most mischievous appears; Yet, if I you offend, Cut off my first, and swiftly will You bring me to my end. Freed from my last, I'm gayly off, Yet would you me detain; Cut off my last, and, lo! for time Without end I'll remain. My first the teamster names his nag That helps to draw the load, As toward my last their journey tends Along the country road. When, eagerly, we are my first, My last to then pursue, We're anxious most to shun my whole, While yet my whole we do.
Interested Old Gent. "Ha! ha! he'll miss!"
Disgusted Old Gent. "Oh! oh! he has hit!"
