name of a new species of composition or literary amusement. It owes its name to the idler who invented it. Its subject must be a word of two syllables, each forming a distinct word; and these two syllables are to be concealed in an enigmatical description, first separately, and then together. The exercise of charades, if not greatly instructive, is at least innocent and amusing. At all events, as it has made its way into every fashionable circle, and has employed even Garrick, it will scarcely be deemed unworthy of attention. The fillings indeed of most that have appeared in the papers under this title, are not only dilute of all pleasantry in the stating, but are formed in general of words utterly unfit for the purpose. They have therefore been treated with the contempt they deserved. In trifles of this nature, inaccuracy is without excuse. The following examples therefore are at least free from this blemish.

I.

My first, however here abused, Designs the sex alone; In Cambria, such is custom's pow'r, 'Tis Jenkin, John, or Joan. My second oft is loudly call'd, When men prepare to fit it: It's name delights the female ear; Its force, may none resist it! It binds the weak, it binds the strong, The wealthy and the poor; Still 'tis to joy a passport deem'd, For full'd fame a cure. It may infuse an age of bliss, Yet miseries oft attend it; To fingers, ears, and noses too, Its various lords commend it. My whole may chance to make one drink, Though vend'd in a fish-shop; 'Tis now the monarch of the seas, And has been an archbishop.

Her-ring. My II.

My first, when a Frenchman is learning English, serves him to swear by. My second, is either hay or corn. My whole, is the delight of the present age, and will be the admiration of posterity. Gar-rick.

III.

My first, is plowed for various reasons, and grain is frequently buried in it to little purpose. My second, is neither riches nor honours; yet the former would generally be given for it, and the latter is often tafted without it. My whole applies equally to spring, summer, autumn, and winter; and both fish and flesh, praise and censure, mirth and melancholy, are the better for being in it. Sea-son.

IV.

My first, with the most rooted antipathy to a Frenchman, prides himself, whenever they meet, upon sticking clove to his jacket. My second has many virtues, nor is it its least that it gives name to my first. My whole, may I never catch! Tar-tar.

V.

My first is one of England's prime boasts; it rejoices the ear of a horse, and anguishes the toe of a man. My second, when brick, is good, when stone, better; when wooden, best of all. My whole is famous alike for rottenness and tin. Corn-wall.

VI.

My first is called bad or good, May pleasure or offend ye; My second, in a thirsty mood, May very much befriend ye. My whole, tho' flyled "a cruel word," May yet appear a kind one; It often may with joy be heard, With tears may often blind one. Fare-well.

VII.

My first is equally friendly to the thief and the lover, the toper, and the student. My second is light's opposite: yet they are frequently seen hand in hand; and their union, if judicious, gives much pleasure. My whole, is tempting to the touch, grateful to the sight, fatal to the taste. Night-shade.