WOUNDED DWORDS .U/53 A BOOK OF CHARADES BY CORA BERRY WHITIN Class JE!iJA^l GipyrigM }]° CDEYRIGHT DEPOSIT. WOUNDED WORDS WOUNDED WORDS BY CORA BERRY WHITIN Boston The Four Seas Company 1919 Copyright* 1919, by The Four Seas Company 2 The Four Seas Press Boston, Mass., U. S. A. ©CI.A.5592'00 NOTE TV/TOST of these words received their "wounds" during the later months of the Great War — and it was the hope of the writer that their "reconstruction" might aid some convalescent to health: that the effort would serve to shorten some weary- hours. The war is over, but there must still be many (perhaps more than ever be- fore), who need to be diverted. In the hope that this little book may have that happy mission, it is sent forth into the world. These words have been thoroughly riddled Though not with shot and shell. It was my play to wound them, 'Tis yours to make them well. "Just my whole/' I hear some say About this little book, I hope those very prosy souls Won't take a second look ! Charades are not for folk like them, Tis needless to explain. But there are minds these quips and quirks May serve to entertain. My first are used by all of us, Writers and speakers too. My next can't do without them, Neither, in fact, can you ! Man-made they've been so long in use, In ev'ry my last and clime. Without them — second might seem dumb — My whole reduced to signs. II My whole dates back to early days In this old world of ours. It still exists, though hard to find Outside of childhood's hours. It makes this life seem very fair, So full of love and truth — With joy and virtue everywhere O — rosy dream of youth! My one, two, three can this be true As any one can tell. But if my whole believes it so Perhaps it's just as well. Sometimes it's those of little last Who get most joy from life, Taking no heed of present need, They live with my second strife. Ill My first when crushed between the hands Gives forth a pungent smell. A flavor too it has. Some say They like it very well. My second's naught. Don't waste your time To give a thought about it! Though scholars think and I agree We can't get on without it. My third is seldom seen by man Though often very near; For ladies use they're simply fine And also very dear. My whole is sharp and piercing. I loathe the very name! That modern nations use it Fills my soul with shame ! O sad it is but very true My first's in every one of you. Oh, why it is I cannot tell But every one must own its spell. When I to my second did my last, I did it with great glee. Too greedy I — and so alas! It proved too much for me. The Doctor came — gave me my whole, Rebuked me for my greed. My pain was soothed — I fell asleep) — My whole had done the deed. V When Adam lost my first It was the whole world's gain. Nor was he ever known to say- He wished it back again. My second's good! When doubled up 'Tis most too good for me. My whole is made for prettiness And for utility. VI 'Twas in the woods I saw my last With merry song Go flitting past. No song — my first Tis scarce a sound! With 'bated breath I looked round — When sudden to my listening ear Came through the silence — loud and clear My whole! I jumped aside with fear. 'Twas in the street — but seemed quite near. VII My first sails the sea. Sails over to France For you and for me. My second and third is a dear Who holds the heart Of the gay cavalier My whole — He, in my first, Sails over the Sea — Sails over to France For you and for me. VIII If you my first my second My whole will march in line. If my last has a swing And you my first with a vim, My whole will keep the time. IX Crash went my first And stopped my second's song! 'Twas not my third to do it — The world will always rue it; My whole continued all night long. X My first are fighting our battles Afar in the fields of France. By amulet, charm and prayer They think they have a chance That they my third my second — But if worse comes to worst, Pray that my second like my first. In the devastated places Where hordes of Huns have been, 'Tis a safe and sad prediction My whole will oft be seen. XI My first is a fabric fine, Too delicate and sheer, In these disastrous times For your fair ladies' wear. My second to you was given With a very knowing air, You believed it true! Alas for you — And for your hopes so fair, It proved to be my last ! ! You first on your mischance You sought your wealth to whole O wretched happenstance! XII The fragrance of the clover, The waving of the grain, All remind the farmer He must my first again. William was this farmer's name And how he hated next ! His money very slowly came But why should he be vexed ! Two of my last this farmer had; He set by them great store. Although they're plenty in this world, He knew he'd have no more. When he heard the country's call To my whole without delay — He left his farm — his hearth — his all ! Duty's voice he must obey. XIII My three four was a tough old bird With an ungainly gait. So 'twas not sad — but quite one two When he finally met his fate. My whole's a weapon of the Hun, A weapon I despise. A cute invention of their own. There's nothing faster flies ! XIV Within the door My one two stood Silent — polished, Made of wood. Without the door Hung my last, Many saw it Hurrying past. To go within I had no need. So to my last I paid no heed. My whole's just a word in passing- Which one is known by few — They change so very often The old one for the new. XV Twins are my first. You've seen them oft. An undisputed pair Twain are they now and ever more, And never seem to care. My two, three is like mountain air Or breezes from the sea. We take deep breaths and feel new life : It braces you and me. My whole's a race ! And such a race ! We watch with 'bated breath! Oh, which will win and which will lose, Which come in "at the death" ! For is it always proven true? That old proverbial song. The race is ever to the swift, The battle to the strong? XVI Arithmetic is very queer, I will not even strive To prove to you, Although it's true, That one, two is a five! 'Twas after school and gathered round Were my three— little boys. Four was it nine? I cannot tell. They did not make much noise. With eyes upraised and pious air Absorbed they watched my whole. Let's slip away and leave them here, Praying death takes no toll ! XVII My first is found on many things, On apron, wrap, or gown. And e'en on Johnny's trouserloons I've seen it running round ! My second's for protection good, If one could pick and choose I'd fain have plenty on my head Lest I my lover lose! Upon my whole I laid my head My whole was o'er me spread. "Oh, I'll not drink my whole," quoth I "For I should soon be dead !" XVIII In numbers vast In troubled times Appear my last. 'Tis often used For children's pleasure. "Heap Big Injun" Taking leisure. My one two are oft called "pretty" Yet are not held in high esteem. So many wasted — 'tis a pity! They should be saved — least so it seems To me and other financiers In prosp'rous times — for future years. Whene'er I use my first My whole am I ! When this you've guessed You'll see good reason why ! ! XIX Don't take my first! Let it alone ! For many a youth Has it undone. I loved to play In my two three. A rainy day Was a treat to me. I had no doubt In those old days I was my whole, For in our plays I was a star. The star has long Since glimmered out. No Shaw am I Nor Teddy R. XX As I saw my whole my first My soul was filled with anger. I shook my last, but on he passed And little knew his danger! Between my first and last Is a tiny little letter. I'd tell you which, but it's so plain I do not think I'd better. XXI My first your hair can stand on end Or with my second fill you. My whole your patience oft offends Or with delight may thrill you. XXII My first a soldier's glad to get In any queer old place. Be careful if you stroke it Which way you smooth its face ! My next is often used for warmth, A useful thing and homely, But if it's given you by your girl 'Twiil make you feel most lonely. My last, well-filled would, like my whole, A heavy burden be For the unaccustomed muscles Of a raw recruit like me! XXIII When alien element combine They're said to do this first of mine. When I was my next without delay I called for my last. 'Twas in the fray Caused by the enemy's my whole, Pausing to try to take the toll My strength forsook me : down I fell. My whole had done its work full well ! XXIV I had a little sweetheart Not very long ago, Don't ask my third for I'll not tell ; You do not need to know. She loved my one two dearly (I'd take her on my knee) I found she loved it better Than ever she loved me. I was my whole for wedlock Besought her for my third. She said she liked a lover best ! Now was not that absurd? XXV I heard a wail Alas! Alas! So sad a tale ! Before me lay From some sad fray Poor little One Her life most gone! From swift motor Was it three four ? We do not know Which horrid foe The deed had done! It all offends My sub two three When will it end? O my! O me! This act we add To that long whole Of deeds so sad They wring one's soul ! XXVI Slowly when the day was past, I watched approaching o'er my last My first — and at a glance I saw 'Twas loaded! — full up to the law. Then the twilight swift descended, My long and anxious wait was ended! My whole was in my first concealed, As cautious searching soon revealed, Death-dealing things, thank God they've come To help me to defend nry home! XXVII My last I am, I can explain Matters deep and Matters vain. If in my first You're deep immersed I'll get you out Without a doubt! So come to me (There's a small fee) Believe my whole And cheer your soul ! XXVIII My whole to others must be given If you have hope of winning heaven. My last you wholly must forswear For nothing evil enters there. All worldly aims be put aside, No pride of spirit can abide. No titles like my first or lord Would with that heav'nly place accord. Keep humbly in my whole each day, Walk in the straight and narrow way. XXIX To my first you from my last Is the aim of my whole, Help keep you from sin For the good of your soul. XXX My first is a contented sound. Men in my last were all around. My whole expresses a career. He'll catch you soon, my pretty dear ! XXXI Don't my first— O little last ! Your pain will soon be gone. My whole will very soon have passed As darkness flees from dawn. XXXII My first when bald and bare Is not a pleasing sight; Without a small growth there One simply is a fright. I like my last in the morning And also noon and night. But when at sea — deliver me! It takes my appetite! A tedious duty is my whole. 'Tis rather worse at night But sometimes there's a stolid soul Who'd rather whole than fight. XXXIII I've sailed upon the ocean To lands beyond the sea. 'Twas long ago ; now in my last Sweet memories come to me. And by the evening fireside The children gathered round, Wondrous tales I tell them: Until we hear the sound Of my first gaily coming ! All run to see the sight. My stories are forgotten Nor do I mind the slight! I sit still by the fireside All heedless of the noise. My thoughts now wander overseas To the dearest of my boys, The front door softly opens — I look up from my dreams. My boy's come back ! My soldier lad ! Too wonderful it seems That he still lives — in spite of wounds, (We feared that he was dead). Now he is here — safe home again, My whole upon his head. XXXIV My first is a carrier of germs So learned doctors say; In long and scientific terms Their meaning they convey. This much I learn That from this day I'm death on first Come when they may. My last is caused by summer sun, Though sometimes in the South In winter time the mischief's done, Perhaps in times of drouth. My whole is found in far Japan My first is also there. You see my whole in finest homes, In fact — most everywhere. XXXV February, 191 8 My whole belonged to the army, With my last so firm and set He left his home behind him And we haven't heard from him yet. But when my first so balmy Returns to cheer the earth We hope my whole will also come To the land that gave him birth. XXXVI It is very true my first is false. I admit that much to you. In this bad world 'tis often hard To know the false from true. My second is just half of us. I say it without pride For if we had to "divy up" You would still abide. My third I think I'll write to you But do not hold it tight. Just drop in round most anywhere; It's "busy" every night. My whole is never ladylike, Nor should it ever be. That ladies sometimes my whole Seems very sad to me. XXXVII 1918 That the Hohenzollerns are my whole Most of my first admit. Should all the world lay down their arms And helplessly submit? No ! We must fight them to the end The brutal Hun must "lick" ! But 'tis my last — so high — so high Who'll help us win the trick ! XXXVIII I'll say in the beginning And again before I'm done That the meaning of this war Is to my whole the Hun. No my second can describe What horrors met my last On those battlefields in France Such destruction as I passed. My first of two was ashen, The field was strewn with dead, Women and children were homeless, Hungry and crying for bread. As I said in the beginning I repeat now that I'm done. The intention of this war Is to my whole the Hun! XXXIX Around my first don't linger — There's always danger there. My second has its danger spot — I advise you to beware. My third you'd better take from me. "Stop! Look! Listen!" "Leave 'em be"! I smell my whole: 'tis almost done! We'll "do it brown"— Yum- Yum- Yum- Yum! XL The lily, tall and fragrant, Doth never do my first. Sun-kissed, she standeth waiting Till bud to blossom burst. And so a gentle maiden Went laughing on her way. Unkissed, she's now stood waiting Many and many a day. Though lovers came a wooing, None could my last her heart. Alas ! 'Twas her undoing — My whole is now her part. She wanders in her garden At closing of the day: The lilies have passed blooming. They, too, have had their day. XLI My last is not "comfy" in a sheet Nor even in a shirt ! The largest kind one ever sees Are mostly made of dirt. I like my first upon the head Worn without pomp or pride. My whole is wild and hard to tame; 'Tis of the feathered tribe. XLII My first and last belong to cats, My whole is on the town! "Some in rags, some in tags And some in velvet gowns." XLIII My three, four, so pungent and fine, So highly concentrated, Has perfume like a vintage wine. (They're always over-rated!) If cobwebs like my second adorn — In fact — enshroud the vial, I first the label carefully And then give it a trial. My whole's an irritating time, You loathe yourself and life, You make it hard for all around, Especially for your wife ! XLIV Where is my first? I cannot tell- Just "somewhere", was it France? This much I know — I love it well Like many other "tanks". I like it rich and rare and old. Although I'm not two three It really always is my whole Had one capacity. XLV If I should live to be my whole Which I should much my last, I ne'er could learn to love my first Or forgive the awful past. My horrid first have been so long My last of the whole world, Though I should live my whole of years, Those tales would still be told. XLVI I loved my first devotedly, I sought her for my bride. She said she'd be my last to me Which sorely hurt my pride. "All right," said I— "I know full well There's still good fish in the sea !" So off I walked — head high in air, And married my two three. My whole's a sorting into parts, But Oh! I do deplore To separate three such fine girls As one — two three — and four! XLVII My whole you may have seen in Rome ; We have them here at home, But here they can't be seen at all, Though free to every one. I know a lovely island where You may have bought my last If you had any friends with you; It was disposed of fast. My last is called my first to man, Though why I cannot tell. I loathe my first ! As for my last, I love it far too well ! XLVIII France, 19 18 If I could only get my whole A happy man I'd be ! I long to see my little home In the land across the sea. little cottage, nestled last Beside my ancient first, At thought of you my tears gush forth ; It seems my heart would burst. I'd like to be my last, my first, The remainder of my life. 1 want my whole most awfully; I want to see my wife. XLIX My first's a quantity unknown, My next's expressed by three ; That seems a problem, but I know You'll solve it easily. My third is a receptacle, Common in every home. My last you are if you have guessed The meaning of this "pome". When Father brings a friend to dine, And sends no word before, He gaily says (with jaunty air) Just put one, two, three, four. My whole is that which reaches out And grabs — (regardless of his state) - Rich man or poor — it matters not, Low thief or highest potentate. I made an impetuous my last For the love of my lady's heart. The citadel was hard to win, I had made a mistaken start. I saw my first on the railroad track, I had often seen them there. I thought I'd buy a pretty one For my dear lady's wear. She did not like the color, She did not like the style, She burst into a mad my whole, You could hear her for a mile. I do not love that lady now However fair she be, What care I for beauty? Mv whole was what cured me. LI Of my last I was very proud And with much satisfaction I used my whole, I thought it showed My last to its perfection! My second is a part of you And also of my last. My first is you — is really you — Now — do not look aghast ! "Variety is the spice of life," As friend Bill Cowpei said — So he would never like my whole Tho' glory's o'er it shed. LII My last, hard hit, were softly dark, A melancholy pair. When I my first my next my third I felt I trod on air. I first my next unto my heart And madly held her there. She struggled, struck and wounded me, 'Twas more than I could bear ! The wound, so sore, refused to heal In spite of faithful care. At last they did my whole to it And thus my life did spare ! LIII My whole does not amount to much My first is a negation. My next's the middle of the end, The first of our great nation. My third and last? We'll call them twins So much alike they are. The stutterer knows they'll trouble him, He sees them from afar. LIV (With Apologies to Amy Lowell) My whole had managed sadly, So my first was in my next. She planned her work so badly It always made me vexed ! She washed my third and hung it out Upon the line to dry, And then she went within the house Her "other fish to fry". Thus she continued busy Throughout the livelong day. But still my first was in my next Whatever you may say. LV Blood red and emerald green Dots — bits — splashes ! Blood red — crimson — gold Glowing, vivid, intense. Russet brown and golden yellow Splotched — masses — Falling — falling — Drifting ! That is my whole. My first is fierce, I loathe, hate, despise him! I long to crush him, Crush him to earth ! Not till I see him My second before me, His life blood flowing Can I go down to my last, Content — satisfied. LVI My whole stood in her humble door. With eyes upraised she watched the sky. Did gathering clouds portend a shower Or would restless winds swift carry them by? She shook her head and went within, Breathing a prayer to her Gods of Fate. Should she risk my last of my first so thin With texture so very delicate? She drew her breath with a brave "I will" ! "What matters the wind or rainy weather, I can conquer them all with my fine skill, Good luck will attend my brave endeavor !" LVII I asked my first with me to dine At some gay cabaret. He said he thought that would be fine, He'd meet me right away. I waited patiently around Till 'twas long past my next. My hunger then put in its claims, I really was quite vexed. So when he finally appeared He found me somewhat cool. "He came soon as he was three four For promptness was his rule." That dinner proved to be my whole. We feasted and we wined. We were the very best of friends By the time that we had dined. LVIII I love to do my first, My two and three I love, My whole is of great energy Most earthly power above. LIX My first is just a word of slang Telling us "who is who." 'Tis never used by bon my next Nor approved in my one two. My third is on the other side My last is writing fine. My whole is finely written too With wisdom in each line. LX My first we'll call a measure of light. My second is far from divine. In fact it is so human We all to it incline ! My third is a jolly joker Though somewhat of a clown. We all enjoy his company — His wit one cannot down. On my last I will not dwell Lest I your mind befog. It is a very little thing The tail that wags the dog!" My whole, a rather clumsy thing, Goes clattering up and down Advertising its own virtue, But it does help clean the town. LXI My first is made of my second Both pointing to the sky. My whole hop on But not for long. They seldom fly so high. LXII Around my whole the crowd so great Would not my second me my last. I pushed and shoved my way within, A glimpse just made me stand aghast. For on my whole I saw (woe's me, I have no tears to shed !) The news so sad — my heart will break- Of a one, two, three Tom's head. LXIII I saw my three, four, by a stream, We had my first before, I asked if she would next with me, She said 'twould be a bore. She had no wrap — she had no hat, She knew that she would five ! "Cheer up," I said, "dear little lass, I'm sure I'll still survive!" My whole pertains to the city's whirl And towns of fine abodes. Where brick and stone rear lofty walls, And life runs "a la mode." LXIV My first made me shiver, And shake in my shoes, I don't want to think of it more. When my whole came to me, No time did I lose, But threw those shoes out of the door. My last was a statesman Of some years ago, (I don't need to mention his name), A Republican able To strike a strong blow, He came from the old State of Maine. LXV My first is on a maid, My next is on a man, A very skilful Doctor Hurrying fast's he can To see my third. My whole Is in his hand. LXVI Theodore Roosevelt was my first, And so was C. H. Hughes, Although they both loved music, My whole they did not use. My last — a place where shoes are made- Is parted from my first By such a lot of sticky stuff ! That second is the worst ! LXVII Oh, sad is the story — Tis horrid and gory ! This tale of my whole! 'Tis long since I read it. I scarcely can credit Such savage slaughter of souls ! My two, three was a bit of earth. Located where? 'Twas in my first. LXVIII My first is very good, In fact it is A-i. You need not try to beat it For — indeed — it can't be done! This can't be said of my two, three, Which nobody can want; And yet, at least a trace of it Does every human haunt. My whole is very ancient, You hardly can conceive Of anything much older — For it dates back to Eve. LXIX My whole in my opinion Is a dangerous thing abroad Wrong views disseminating, A foe to all concord. Yet each one has his weakness, By chance I found his out : For I saw one two blushing Whene'er he came about. I watched them from my window, A glance around he cast — Then was that blushing maiden A happy one two — last! LXX My first was in the ground. My next was on the sea. My whole at last I found Upon a pound of tea! LXXI My first is very easy. If you mistake and blunder, It is no more than others do, Indeed, it is no wonder ! My last is mine — and yet I own I do not own it more Than you, or Tom or any one Who has of wealth a store. My whole — a little animal, That's valued for his skin, Is killed for my fair lady's wear- It really seems a sin ! LXXII I saw my first (a little one) Go running down my last. I tried to stay his rapid course — "Why do you run so fast?" Oh, I must get my whole at once," Was all that he could say. "And this my last is very long Delay me not, I pray." His hurried pace and anxious face Told that the need was great, "May the good my whole return with you Before it is too late !" LXXIII My first is my last, A dear little thing! The ladies all love him, His praises they sing. I envy him not, But had I my way, He should have more Than just his due "day". But I am my whole, Subject to the sway Of 'Towers that be", They have their own way. LXXIV My second is long without my first, Tis bleak and bare and gray. It is not good for age or youth To live in such a way. In later years 'tis oft two, three Yet we admit the truth, 'Tis a my whole of human need. My first preserves your youth. LXXV Said my one to my two, "Do come to my three Early this afternoon." Said my two to my one, "That would be great fun, But I cannot come so soon." My two three was an author great, Long one three your birth, Some call him slow But so is my whole, One cannot live on mirth. Now, readers, critics, friends, Pray be my first to me, Grant my last I meant. On that, please do agree! My sins (of words — not deeds) I hope you'll overlook, For now I say my whole And end this little book. KEY TO ANSWERS NOTE To the king of charadists — Mr. William Bellamy — I am indebted for permission to use his ingenious "key to answers/' By substituting for each letter of a sup- posed answer the figure under which it stands in the table, one can verify the cor- rectness of a guess. 1 2 3 4 5 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z KEY 111153 313534425 111155 3144354 112145 3155331254 112151225 314312445 11325123 3144135 1134145 314444155 11341445 31445244 11354425 31553 11441354512 315514 114422145 354135 115352 31552535 1215554 33112144 1241553 334222144 13435212 33444 1351121441 342254 14114131 335254125 14125444 35145534424 141333445 3532531 1441455 35242455 1441533 3 544125 1512535 354443145 1524125 3542 12 5 43 543 5 15313 355351524514 15351225 4144453 15445545 43131543 211443544 4354441453145 21225544 443145 21325315 44354 2142125 4532435 234214453 45354543 25324125 454135 25321343545 454545955 2 54554531443415 514253 311553455 533445 31254125 54531445454 31314455 55155443 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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