# A Rebus, by I. B. explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

> Chapter companion for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

## What happens

A rebus poem that uses riddles and wordplay to encode a town name, referencing a bird, a horned creature, a green gem, a town of gaiety, a Dardan hero, and a peer, ultimately celebrating Britannia's fame.

## Character check-ins

### Britannia

Referenced in the final line as 'old Britannia’s fame', the poem's patriotic subject.

## Key lines

> A bird delicious to the taste, On which an army once did feast, Sent by an hand unseen;

A tasty bird that an army once ate, sent by an invisible hand.

_Likely refers to quail or a similar bird, possibly alluding to a biblical or historical feast._

> A creature of the horned race, Which Britain’s royal standards grace;

A horned animal that appears on Britain's royal coat of arms.

_Probably the unicorn, a symbol of Scotland and part of the British royal crest._

> A Dardan hero fam’d of old For youth and beauty, as we’re told, And by a monarch slain;

A Trojan hero known for his youth and beauty, killed by a king.

_Refers to the Trojan prince Troilus, slain by Achilles in Greek mythology._

> Th’ initials show a vanquish’d town, That adds fresh glory and renown To old Britannia’s fame.

The first letters spell out a conquered town that brings new honor to Britain.

_The rebus solution is likely a town name, possibly 'Bristol' or another location associated with British victory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/a-rebus-by-i-b
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters