Brain Teasers
A Historical Puzzle
The following lines were written by Arthur Connor, a prominent figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. He was arrested and wrote the verses while in prison. He made his escape to France in 1807, where he became a general in the army, and died at age 87.
"The pomps of Courts and pride of kings
I prize above all earthly things;
I love my country, but the king,
Above all men, his praise I sing.
The Royal banners are displayed,
And may success the standard aid."
"I fain would banish far from hence.
The 'Rights of Man' and 'Common Sense'
Confusion to his odious reign,
That foe to princes, Thomas Paine.
Defeat and ruin seize the cause.
Of France, its liberties and laws."
These two apparently loyal verses, if properly read, show a very different meaning. Can you discover it?
"The pomps of Courts and pride of kings
I prize above all earthly things;
I love my country, but the king,
Above all men, his praise I sing.
The Royal banners are displayed,
And may success the standard aid."
"I fain would banish far from hence.
The 'Rights of Man' and 'Common Sense'
Confusion to his odious reign,
That foe to princes, Thomas Paine.
Defeat and ruin seize the cause.
Of France, its liberties and laws."
These two apparently loyal verses, if properly read, show a very different meaning. Can you discover it?
Answer
Read the first line of the first verse, then the first line of the second verse. Next read the second line of the first verse, then the second line of the second verse, and so on. The treasonable character of the lines will become apparent."The pomps of Courts and pride of kings
I fain would banish far from hence.
I prize above all earthly things;
The 'Rights of Men' and 'Common Sense'.
I love my country, but the King,
Confusion to his odious reign.
Above all men, his praise I sing.
That foe to princes, Thomas Paine.
The Royal banners are displayed,
Defeat and ruin seize the cause.
And may success the standard aid
Of France, its liberties and laws."
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