Ancient Riddle

[sidley]

This is from a very old magazine. Quote" In the morn when I rise,I open my eyes tho' I ne'er sleep a wink all night. If I wake e'er so soon,I still lie till noon,and pay no regard to the light.I have loss I have gain,I have pleasure and pain,and am punished with many a stripe.To diminish my woe,I burn friend and foe and my evenings I end with a pipe.I travel abroad,and ne'er miss my road unless I am met by a stranger.If you come in my way,which you very well may,you will always be subject to danger.I am chaste ,I am young I am lusty and strong and my habits oft change in a day.To court I ne'er go,am no lady nor beau yet as frail and fantastic as they. I live a short time,I die in my prime,lamented by all who possess me. If I add any more to what's said before ,I'm afraid you will easily guess me.

[tombrandy]

a candle

[shaun_04]

money?


care to tell us the correct answer?

[Katoninelive]

a match?

[sidley]

I am indebted to Tombrandy,Shaun,and Katoninelive for your response.I am afraid I do not have the answer to this riddle. Apparently,it appeared in the "Old Codgers" section of the Daily Mirror some thirty odd years ago and has been resurrected by a friend of mine. Surely,somebody,somewhere must have the correct answer?? However,some of the clues are quite contradictory and just maybe some ancient Wag was laughing up his sleeve at the frustration he would cause!!! Sidley.