These are simple catches, in which the sense is playfully cheated, and are generally founded upon words capable of double meaning. The following are examples:-

Where did Charles the First's executioner dine, and what did he take ?

He took a chop at the King's Head.

When is a plant to be dreaded more than a mad dog?

When it's madder.

What is Majesty stripped of its externals ?

It is a jest. [The m and the y, externals, are taken away.]

Why is hot bread like a caterpillar?

Because it's the grub that makes the batter fly.

Why should a gouty man make his will ?

To have his legatees (leg at ease).

Why are bankrupts more to be pitied than idiots ?

Because bankrupts are broken, while idiots are only cracked.

2433. The Charade is a poetical or other composition founded upon a word, each syllable of which constitutes a noun, and the whole of which word constitutes another noun of a somewhat different meaning from those supplied by its separate syllables. Words which fully answer these conditions are the best for the purposes of charades; though many other words are employed. In writing, the first syllable is termed "My first," the second syllable, "My second" and the complete word, "My whole." The following is an example Of a Poetical Charade; -

The breath of the morning is sweet,

The earth is bespangled with flowers; And buds in a countless array

Have oped at the touch of the showers. The birds whose glad voices are ever

A music delightful to hear, Seem to welcome the joy of the morning As the hour of the bridal draws near. What is that which now steals on my first Like a sound from the dream-land of love, And seems wand'ring the valleys among -That they may the nuptials approve? 'Tis a sound which my second explains,

And it comes from a sacred abode, And it merrily trills as the villagers throng To greet the fair bride on her road. How meek is her dress, how befitting a bride So beautiful, spotless, and pure; When she weareth my second, oh, long may it be Ere her heart shall a sorrow endure. See the glittering gem that shines forth from her hair -'Tis my whole which a good father gave, 'Twas worn by her mother with honor before -But she sleeps in peace in her grave. 'Twas her earnest request as she bade them adieu, That when her dear daughter the altar drew near, She should wear the same gem that her mother had worn When she, as a bride, full of promise stood there.

2439. The answer is Ear-ring. The bells ring, the sound steals upon the ear, and the bride wears an ear-ring. Charades may be sentimental or humorous, in poetry or prose; they may also be acted, in which manner they afford considerable amusement.