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To a fifth of the wind, that pierces us most (Posted on 2014-11-21) Difficulty: 3 of 5
To a fifth of the wind, that pierces us most,
Add the name of a beast by shepherds oft lost, 
The name of a river by Cambrians fam'd, 
With the third of a name by Britons oft blam’ d; 
Join the fifth of a name oft in pillory shown; --
These will instantly give you the name of my town.
Which American town is referred to in the riddle?

**** Originally contributed by 'Amelia' in "The American Magazine and Monthly Chronicle for the British Colonies" on December 1757.

No Solution Yet Submitted by K Sengupta    
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Hints/Tips Hints Comment 1 of 1
The most piercing wind is the north wind. One fifth of the word "north" is the letter "n".

The beast could be a lamb or sheep or ram or ewe.  If this last word, we'd have the beginning with the word New. It looks as if it were New England, but that's a region, not a town. 

Cambria is another name for Wales, and three most famous rivers in Wales are the Severn, the Wye and the Dee.  Wye or Dee could be interpreted as letters: Y or D.  Can't think of any New Ed.... Maybe New Ey...

A Google search for part of the text confirms how well or ill the above fits.  Perhaps it would have been easier for someone in 1757.

  Posted by Charlie on 2014-11-21 12:24:00
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