EPIGRAPH

Myth

by Muriel Rukeyser

Long afterward, Oedipus, old and blinded, walked the roads. He smelled a familiar smell. It was the Sphinx. Oedipus said, ‘‘I want to ask you one question. Why didn't I recognize my mother?'' ‘‘You gave the wrong answer,'' said the Sphinx. ‘‘But that was what made every­thing possible,'' said Oedipus. ‘‘No,'' she said. ‘‘When I asked, What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening, you answered, Man. You didn't say anything about woman.'' ‘‘When you say Man,'' said Oedipus, ‘‘you include women too. Every­one knows that.'' She said, ‘‘That's what you think.''