21 DECEMBER 1962, Page 20

Cross

1 am supple of body and sport with the wind, real I am clothed with finery, and the storm's Bre friend, Ready to travel, but troubled by fire, A glade in full bloom, and a burning flame' Friends often pass me from hand to hand, And I am kissed by ladies and courteous file But when I rise up, with reverence

Proud men must bow to me; I bring Man's happiness to full maturity.

NOTE: The word 'beam' in Old English had several different connotations, as revealed by this riddle. Its primary meaning was TREE, which c°51- prises lines 1-2 and 3b-4a of the riddle. It could MO mean SHIP, line 3a; or LOG, 4b; HARP, li" 5; CUP, line 6; and finally CROSS, lines 7-9 of the riddle. -