On winter days so cold and dark, you'll be glad to see my mug. I came to you from the distant East, I'll stir you up or bring you peace. Even if you find me bland, you'll spill me to your friend.

A command when at war, a livelihood's end, a warning at home, a blacksmith's true friend It rules above clouds, it seethes beneath crust A terrible foe who, in shadows, we trust

Formerly left, and nothing more, But time’s long tongue made ill my core. My opposite, who too, was nothing grand, Now lends itself humbly to a helping hand.

In the past I was ten to the power of four, but now I can be less or I can be more. Some people would say that as a noun I'm improper, but noun before adjective, in that form I first prospered.

Unlike two of my cousins, i remain grounded Remove my first letter and i'm perfect for gardening i'm related to a famous corsair