Note 112 — Chapter XI · EPWORTH AND CHRISTIAN SOCIETIES—1696–1699.

As a specimen of Mehetabel’s wit, we subjoin the following riddle respecting a pen, published in the Gentleman’s Magazine for 1734, and subscribed by her usual signature in that periodical, “Sylvius:”—

“A RIDDLE.

“I am an implement that’s common,

Much occupied by man and woman;

Not very thick, nor very long,

Yet tolerably stiff and strong.

If inches twelve may give content,

That measures much about my stent.

Sometimes I’m only used for pleasure,

And then I’m jaded out of measure;

If a young, vigorous bard employs me,

Egad, e’en to the stumps he tries me;

A parson to get one in ten

In private plies me now and then;

The lawyer, and the doctor too,

For fees will wear me black and blue.

I have a dribbling at the nose,

Which leaves a stain where’er it goes,

And yet the fairest nymph will use me,

The queen herself will not refuse me.

I’m used by numbers of all arts,

Who would be reckon’d men of parts;

And none esteems a lady polish’d

Who has not often me demolish’d;

And let me tell you, by the by,

A minute’s labour drains me dry;

I’m now exhausted, so have done;

Now who, or what I am make known.”