4071. Ancient Enigma.—The ancients fabled a monster whom they named the Sphinx, and whom they described as having the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a dog, the tail of a serpent, the wings of a bird, the paws of a lion, and a human voice.
4072. This monster, it was said, was sent into the neighborhood of Thebes by Juno, who wished to punish the family of Cadmus. It was further stated, that he laid this part of Bœotia under continual alarms, by proposing enigmas, and devouring the inhabitants if unable to explain them.
4073. Also, that as the calamity of this monster was become an object of public concern, and as the successful explanation of an enigma would end in the death of the Sphinx, Creon promised his crown and Jocasta to him who succeeded in the attempt.
4074. The enigma proposed was this:—
"What animal in the morning walks on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening on three?"