Eusebius Riddle 44: De panthera
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Mon 27 Dec 2021Original text:
Foedera multigenis reddens animantibus orbis,
Trux ero valde draconi; sic erit aemulus ipse.
Me genitrix gestans alium generare nequibit,
Et “genitor” dicor si littera tertia cedat.
Translation:
Though I have treaties with the world’s many animals,
I am very cruel to the dragon; thus will it be my enemy.
After bearing me, my mother cannot bear another,
And I am called “father” should my third letter vanish. (1)
On the panther
Notes:
(1) Panthera, minus the “n,” (almost) spells pater, Latin for “father.”
Tags: riddles latin Eusebius