Mr. Punch's Puzzles: The Riddle of the Week

Once, again, Mr. Punch, with my help, is offering up a true Victorian riddle.  The first person to answer correctly--by posting in the comments--will receive public congratulations.  

So, here's this week's riddle.  We ask that you don't Google the answer.  Mr. Punch would not find that sporting at all.  Give it a shot and see what you can come up with.  Here we go... No cheating...

For vigilance and courage true,
I've no superior, equals few:
Which makes me by the industrious priz'd,
But by the indolent despis'd;
Bold and alert I meet the foe,
In all engagements without valour show;
And if he proves too proud to yield,
One falls before we quite the field.

UPDATE:


And, the answer is...

A ROOSTER.

Didn't see that coming, did you?  Technically, the answer given in the 1828 book from which I steal these is "a cock," but we'll use rooster instead.  In that event, by sheer rhyming, Matt's cryptic and sensitive answer of "socks" is the closest.  Conceptually, a lot of you came close with answers related to keeping time.  Dashwood had several in fact.  And, of course, there's always Mighty Mouse and Gene's mother-in-law.  So, let's all say "Hey" to Angelo.  "Hey, Angelo."  And, carry on.  Everyone did a great job.  Thanks for playing and come back next Friday for another of Mr. Punch's Puzzles.  

Mr. Punch wants you to always know “the way to do it,” so why not check out our “That’s the way to do it!” products which are available only at our online store.