螣蛇

螣蛇

1. (mythology) teng snake, a kind of flying serpent or dragon

   • 螣蛇無足而飛。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     螣蛇无足而飞。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Xunzi, c. 3^rd century BCE

     Téngshé wú zú ér fēi. [Pinyin]

     The tengshe has no feet, yet it flies.

   • 螣蛇乘霧，終為土灰。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     螣蛇乘雾，终为土灰。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: 3rd century, Cao Cao, 《步出夏門行·龜雖壽》, based on the translation by Jean Elizabeth Ward.

     Téngshé chéng wù, zhōng wéi tǔ huī. [Pinyin]

     Though winged serpents ride high on the mist, they turn to dust and ashes at last.