THE CANTERBURY PUZZLES
heraldry, explained that they were probably derived from the lions and
castles borne in the arms of Ferdinand III., the King of Castile and
Leon, whose daughter was the first wife of our Edward I. In this
he was undoubtedly correct. The puzzle that the Weaver proposed
was this. " Let us, for the nonce, see," saith he, "if there be any
of the company that can show how this piece of cloth may be cut
into four several pieces, each of the same size and shape, and each
piece bearing a lion and a castle." It is not recorded that anybody
mastered this puzzle, though it is quite possible of solution in a
satisfactory manner. No cut may pass through any part of a lion or
a castle.
15.—
The Cook's 'Puzzle.
We find that there was a cook among the company, and his
services were no doubt at times in great request, " For he could roast
and seethe, and broil and fry, And make a mortress and well bake a
pie." One night when the pilgrims were seated at a country hostelry,
about to begin their repast, the cook presented himself at the head
of the table that was presided over by the Franklin, and said,
" Listen awhile my masters, while that I do ask ye a riddle, and
by Saint Moden it is one that I cannot answer myself withal.
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