German poem

The following free translation of
a German poem, which appeared
during the last century in a
Heidelberg college paper, shows the high
estimation placed upon the study
of puzzles in that eminent seat of
learning:

Children must be busy,
Always something learning;
Toys and playthings for their secrets,
Inside-outward turning.
While the top is spinning
The scholars wonder all,
How it stands erect unaided,
Why it does not fall.
While the top is humming,
Still the wonder grows,
By what art the little spinner
Whistles as it goes.
Children learn while playing;
Joining sport with learning;
Pastimes, often more than lessons,
Into knowledge turning.
Puzzles, tricks and riddles,
Make the children clever,
Leading by the Royal road, where
Study is a pleasure.

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 18.