I speak in ancient riddles and rhymes, a remnant of much older times, Though my quizzes be different my answers are always the same, life or death are the end of my game Solve this riddle and I may leave you alive, who am I?

You carry my weight, but not on your back. I’m a guest from the past many resist. I am what you gain when you have lack. If I am settled, I don’t exist.

Rows and beads I carry with ease, ancient tool to calculate with ease.

A part of something you can never quit, It’s all in your head, every part of it. Just thinking of it is the hidden cost So if you’ve solved this riddle, you have lost.

I rise and fall with hopes and fears, I shift with time, through months and years. I can make you rich or leave you poor, I’m fueled by numbers, but I’m never sure.