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.