Mythology & Folklore
Book XIV, 64: The Sphinx’s Riddle on Man
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. V, 1918)
There is a thing on earth two-footed, and four-footed, and three-footed, whose name is one, and it changes its nature alone of all creatures that move creeping on earth or in the air and sea. But when it moves supported on most feet, the swiftness of its legs is at its weakest.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XIV, 64: The Sphinx’s Riddle on Man.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/864/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XIV, 64: The Sphinx’s Riddle on Man.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/864/.
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