Cryptic Stuff

[not_for_sale]

While it was done some years ago I see, I thought I would try a cryptic crossword-like thread for fun and to try and boost a little more interest here. I made up the below question for anyone interested in such a challenge. I thought the first person to get it correct might come up with the next question. A clue though - if you copy one from a newspaper or magazine etc., the answer can often be found on the internet. I can explain the answer for anyone who asks. 🙂

The prisoner at the cave would not stand for the electrically charged droplets of water.

(12 letters)

[the_great_she_elephant]

The wayward gardener grew silver ones.

1 word 5 letters.

[twyngwyn]

agave?

[domino-710]

Hairs.........???

[twyngwyn]

bells?

[domino-710]

Oh thumbs up Twyn - AG.

[twyngwyn]

I think it's bells.....Mary, Mary, quite contrary......

[the_great_she_elephant]

Twyngwyn nailed it. 

Mary Mary quite contrary (wayward)

How does your garden grow?

with silver bells and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row.

Some say this rhyme started life as a satire on the fanatical Catholicism of Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary)

One theory suggests the silver bells refer to the bells rung during mass, the cockle shells to those worn in their  hats by pilgrims returning from the shrine of Sant Iago de Compostella in Spain, and the pretty maids to nuns.

Another says that the rhyme refers to her persecution of Protestants: the silver bells being thumbscrews and the cockle shells instruments of torture applied to male genitals.

[twyngwyn]

how do Persian fairies manage when they're either up or down?

(1 word - 9 letters)

[wide-world-of-stamps]

periscope

[domino-710]

Persian fairies - fair go - I'm still getting over the use of cockle shells. 🤣