Enigmata Eusebii

An example of Eusebius's work is enigma 42, on the dragon:[1]: 252 Horridus horriferas speluncae cumbo latebras,Concitus aethereis uolitans miscebor et auris,Cristatusque uolans pulcher turbabitur aether.Corpore uipereas monstra uel cetera turmasReptile sum superans gestantia pondus inorme.Inmanisque ferus preparuo pascitur ore,Atque per angustas assumunt uiscera uenasAethereum flatum; nec dentibus austera uirtusEst mihi, sed mea uim uiolentem cauda tenebit.aroused, I fly fluttering into the lofty air and fly with my crest displayed, the fair air whirling.

My crawling body is stronger than that of all snakes or any monsters dragging their excessive weights.

Though uncouth and savage, I feed through a tiny mouth, my chest through narrow pipes is filled with breath, and not to my teeth do I owe my sinister power, nay, the seat of my impetuous strength is in my tail.

[2][3] However, the identification with Hwætberht has been questioned by several scholars, including Emily V Thornbury, who has suggested that a Kentish author might be likely.

[5][6] Many of Eusebius's riddles (and his predecessors') are based on the encyclopaedic writing of Isidore of Seville.