Sphinx was a monster that would eat <br />Whatever stranger she could get, <br />Unless his ready wit disclosed <br />The subtile riddle she proposed. <br /> <br />OEdipus was resolved to go <br />And try what strength of parts would do; <br />Says Sphinx, on this depends your fate; <br />Tell me what animal is that <br />Which has four feet at morning bright, <br />Has two at noon, and three at night? <br />'Tis Man, said he, who, weak by nature, <br />At first creeps, like his fellow-creature, <br />Upon all four; as years accrue, <br />With sturdy steps he walks on two; <br />In age at length grows weak and sick, <br />For his third leg adopts the stick. <br /> <br />Now, in your turn, 'tis just, methinks, <br />You should resolve me, Madam Sphinx, <br />What greater stranger yet is he <br />Who has four legs, then two, then three; <br />Then loses one, then gets two more, <br />And runs away at last on four?<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/two-riddles-1710/
