RIDDLE POSTS BY ARCHIVE DATE: SEP 2022

Symphosius Riddle 51: Mola

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Ambo sumus lapides, una sumus, ambo iacemus.
Quam piger est unus, tantum non est piger alter:
Hic manet inmotus, non desinit ille moveri.

Translation:

We are both rocks, we are one, we both lie together.
One is as lazy as the other is not lazy:
This one stays unmoving, that one does not stop being moved.

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Millstone


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 52: Farina

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Inter saxa fui quae me contrita premebant,    
Vix tamen effugi totis conlisa medullis;
Et iam forma mihi minor est, sed copia maior.

Translation:

I was between the stones, which pressed me, crushed,
And yet I, shattered, hardly escaped with all my marrow;
And now my shape is small, but my supply is bigger.

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Flour


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 53: Vitis

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Nolo toro iungi, quamvis placet esse maritam.
Nolo virum thalamo: per me mea nata propago est.
Nolo sepulcra pati: scio me submergere terrae.

Translation:

I do not want to be governed by a marriage-bed, although it would please me to be married.
I do not want a man in the bedroom: through me is my daughter born.
I do not suffer the grave: I know how to bury myself in the earth.

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Vine


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 54: Amus

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Exiguum corpus flexu mucronis adunci,
Fallaces escas medio circumfero fluctu.
Blandior, ut noceam; morti praemitto saginam.

Translation:

A small body with the curve of a bent edge,
I carry deceptive bait through the middle of the water.
I attract so that I may hurt; I send nourishment to its death.

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Hook


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 55: Acula

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Longa sed exilis, tenui producta metallo,
Mollia duco levi comitantia vincula ferro;
Et faciem laesis et nexum reddo solutis.

Translation:

Long but thin, formed of fine metal,
I guide pliant bonds with light iron;
And I return shape to the damaged and connection to the dissolved.

Click to show riddle solution?
Needle


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.

If you're researching/studying this collection, you should also consult this excellent new edition: T. J. Leary, ed. Symphosius: The Aenigmata, An Introduction, Text and Commentary. London: Bloomsbury, 2014. Textual differences in that edition include:

  • Title: Acula > acus


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Symphosius Riddle 56: Caliga

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Maior eram longe quondam, dum vita manebat;
Sed nunc exanimis lacerata ligata revulsa
Dedita sum terrae, tumulo sed condita non sum.

Translation:

I was once much bigger, when life remained;
But now lifeless, lacerated, bound, removed,
I am given to the earth, but I am not hidden in a grave.

Click to show riddle solution?
Boot


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 57: Clavus caligaris

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

In caput ingredior, quia de pede pendeo solo.
Vertice tango solum, capitis vestigia signo;
Sed multi comites casum patiuntur eundem.

Translation:

I walk on my head because I hang alone from the foot.
With my crown I touch the ground, I mark out traces with my head;
But many fellows suffer the same fate.

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Hobnail


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 58: Capillus

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Findere me nulli possunt, praecidere multi.
Sed sum versicolor, albus quandoque futurus.
Malo manere niger: minus ultima fata verebor.

Translation:

None can divide me, many cut me.
Though I am multicoloured, at some future time I will be white.
I prefer to remain black: I dread that last fate less.

Click to show riddle solution?
Hair


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 59: Pila

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Non sum compta comis et non sum calva capillis,
Intus enim crines mihi sunt quos non videt ullus.
Meque manus mittunt manibusque remittor in auras.

Translation:

I am not adorned with hair and I am not bald of hair,
For I have hair inside, which none see.
Hands send me and I am returned by hands through the air.

Click to show riddle solution?
Ball


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 60: Serra

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Dentibus innumeris sum toto corpore plena.
Frondicomam subolem morsu depascor acuto,
Mando tamen frustra, quia respuo praemia dentis.

Translation:

I am full of innumerable teeth along my whole body.
I feed upon a leafy shoot with sharp bite,
And yet I chew in vain, because I spit out the teeth’s reward.

Click to show riddle solution?
Saw


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 61: Ancora

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Mucro mihi geminus ferro coniungitur uno.
Cum vento luctor, cum gurgite pugno profundo.
Scrutor aquas medias, ipsas quoque mordeo terras.

Translation:

My twin points are joined by one iron.
When I struggle with the wind, when I fight with the deep water,
I search amid the waters, and I bite the ground itself.

Click to show riddle solution?
Anchor


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 62: Pons

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Stat nemus in lymphis, stat in alto gurgite silva,
Et manet in mediis undis inmobile robur;
Terra tamen mittit quod terrae munera praestat.

Translation:

A grove stands in the waters, a wood stands in the high stream,
And immobile oak abides in the middle of the waves;
And yet the earth sends that which supplies gifts to the earth.

Click to show riddle solution?
Bridge


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 63: Spongia

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Ipsa gravis non sum, sed aquae mihi pondus inhaeret.
Viscera tota tument patulis diffusa cavernis.
Intus lympha latet, sed non se sponte profundit.

Translation:

I am not myself heavy, but the weight of water clings to me;
All my insides swell in open diffuse caverns;
Inside the water lurks, but does not pour forth spontaneously.

Click to show riddle solution?
Sponge


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 64: Tridens

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Tres mihi sunt dentes, unus quos continet ordo;
Unus praeterea dens est et solus in imo;
Meque tenet numen, ventus timet, aequora curant.

Translation:

I have three teeth, which one row contains;
And one tooth besides is alone below;
And divinity holds me, the wind fears me, the seas take care of me.

Click to show riddle solution?
Trident


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.

If you're researching/studying this collection, you should also consult this excellent new edition: T. J. Leary, ed. Symphosius: The Aenigmata, An Introduction, Text and Commentary. London: Bloomsbury, 2014. Textual differences in that edition include:

  • line 1: unus quos > quos unus


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Symphosius Riddle 65: Sagitta

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Saepta gravi ferro, levibus circumdata pinnis,
Aera per medium volucri contendo meatu,
Missaque discedens nullo mittente revertor.

Translation:

Bound with heavy iron, surrounded by light feathers,
I shoot right through the air on a winged passage,
And sent, departing, I am turned back, with no one doing the sending.

Click to show riddle solution?
Arrow


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 66: Flagellum

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

De pecudis dorso pecudes ego terreo cunctas,
Obsequium reddens memorata lege doloris.
Nec volo contemni sed contra nolo nocere.

Translation:

From cattle’s backs, I frighten all cattle,
Restoring obedience through the remembered law of pain.
I do not want to be despised; on the contrary, I do not want to harm.

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Whip


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 67: Lanterna

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Cornibus apta cavis, tereti perlucida gyro,
Lumen habens intus divini sideris instar,
Noctibus in mediis faciem non perdo dierum.

Translation:

Fitted with hollow horns, transparent with a rounded circle,
I have light inside, the likeness of a divine star,
In the middle of the night I do not lose the look of day.

Click to show riddle solution?
Lantern


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 68: Specular

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Perspicior penitus nec luminis arceo visus,
Transmittens oculos ultra mea membra meantes;
Nec me transit hiems, sed sol tamen emicat in me.

Translation:

I am seen through from within and do not hinder the eye’s sight,
Transmitting the visions passing beyond my parts;
The cold does not pass through me, and yet the sun springs out in me.

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Window-pane


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 69: Speculum

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Original text:

Nulla mihi certa est, nulla est peregrina figura.
Fulgor inest intus radianti luce coruscus,
Qui nihil ostendit, nisi si quid viderit ante.

Translation:

No shape is sure for me, and none is unknown.
My brightness lies within, shining with radiant light,
Which reveals nothing except what was seen before.

Click to show riddle solution?
Mirror


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 70: Clepsydra

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Lex bona dicendi, lex sum quoque dura tacendi,
Ius avidae linguae, finis sine fine loquendi,
Ipsa fluens, dum verba fluunt, ut lingua quiescat.

Translation:

A good rule of speaking, I am also a hard rule of silence,
The law of a greedy tongue, an end to talking without end,
Flowing myself, while the words flow, so that the tongue may rest.

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Water-clock


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 71: Puteus

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Mersa procul terris in cespite lympha profundo
Non nisi perfossis possum procedere venis,
Et trahor ad superos alieno ducta labore.

Translation:

Water sunk deep in the earth, far down,
I am not able to appear except by channels dug out,
I am pulled and led to those above by another’s labour.

Click to show riddle solution?
Well


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 72: Tubus

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Truncum terra tegit, latitant in cespite lymphae;
Alveus est modicus, qui ripas non habet ullas;
In ligno vehitur medio, quae ligna vehebat.

Translation:

The earth covers a tree trunk, water lurks in the ground;
There is a moderately sized riverbed, which does not have any banks;
In the middle of the wood is borne that which bore wood.

Click to show riddle solution?
Tube


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 73: Uter

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Non ego continuo morior, dum spiritus exit;
Nam redit adsidue, quamvis et saepe recedit:
Et mihi nunc magna est animae, nunc nulla facultas.

Translation:

I do not immediately die when my breath leaves;
For it continually returns, although it often recedes again:
Now is my power of breath great, now is it nothing.

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Bellows


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 74: Lapis

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Deucalion ego sum crudeli sospes ab unda,
Affinis terrae sed longe durior illa.
Littera decedat: volucris quoque nomen habebo.

Translation:

I am Deucalion, unharmed by a cruel wave,
Associated with the earth, but far harder than it.
A letter falls away: I will also have the name of a winged creature.

Click to show riddle solution?
Stone


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.



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Symphosius Riddle 75: Calx

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Sat 10 Sep 2022
Original text:

Evasi flammas, ignis tormenta profugi.
Ipsa medella meo pugnat contraria fato:
Ardeo de lymphis: gelidis incendor ab undis.

Translation:

I have escaped the flames, I have fled the torments of fire.
The very cure fights against my fate:
I am burned by liquids: I am inflamed by icy waves.

Click to show riddle solution?
Lime


Notes:

This edition is based on Raymond T. Ohl, ed. The Enigmas of Symphosius. PhD dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1928.

If you're researching/studying this collection, you should also consult this excellent new edition: T. J. Leary, ed. Symphosius: The Aenigmata, An Introduction, Text and Commentary. London: Bloomsbury, 2014. Textual differences in that edition include:

  • line 3: incendor > accendor


Tags: riddles  solutions  latin  symphosius