Two Riddles. -- 1710 Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABCC DEFGHHIIEEJJ KKLLMM| Sphinx was a monster that would eat | A |
| Whatever stranger she could get | B |
| Unless his ready wit disclosed | C |
| The subtile riddle she proposed | C |
| - | |
| OEdipus was resolved to go | D |
| And try what strength of parts would do | E |
| Says Sphinx on this depends your fate | F |
| Tell me what animal is that | G |
| Which has four feet at morning bright | H |
| Has two at noon and three at night | H |
| 'Tis Man said he who weak by nature | I |
| At first creeps like his fellow creature | I |
| Upon all four as years accrue | E |
| With sturdy steps he walks on two | E |
| In age at length grows weak and sick | J |
| For his third leg adopts the stick | J |
| - | |
| Now in your turn 'tis just methinks | K |
| You should resolve me Madam Sphinx | K |
| What greater stranger yet is he | L |
| Who has four legs then two then three | L |
| Then loses one then gets two more | M |
| And runs away at last on four | M |
Matthew Prior
(1)
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