SPHINX was a monster that would eat Whatever stranger she could get; Unless his ready wit disclosed The subtle riddle she proposed. OEdipus was resolved to go, And try what strength of parts would do. Says Sphinx, On this depends your fate; Tell me what animal is that Which has four feet at morning bright, Has two at noon, and three at night? 'Tis man, said he, who, weak by nature, At first creeps, like his fellow creature, Upon all four; as years accrue, With sturdy steps he walks on two; In age, at length, grows weak and sick, For his third leg adopts a stick. Now, in your turn, 'tis just, methinks, You should resolve me, Madam Sphinx. What greater stranger yet is he, Who has four legs, then two, then three; Then loses one, then gets two more, And runs away at last on four? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMEDAY BOOK: JOHN CAMPBELL AND CARL EATON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS BUNKER HILL by GEORGE HENRY CALVERT OUR SUSSEX DOWNS by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE RHODORA: ON BEING ASKED, WHENCE IS THE FLOWER? by RALPH WALDO EMERSON THE SENSITIVE PLANT by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY |