Arts & Sciences

Riddle 43: Soul and Body

by Anonymous (Old English) c. 7th–11th century

Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry (Everyman’s Library, 1926) · From Exeter Book Riddles (selection)

Arts & Sciences

I know a noble guest cherished in his excellent dwelling, whom grim hunger cannot harm nor hot thirst, old age nor illness. If the servant tends him kindly, he who must ever go on the journey, they shall find in safety in their home food and gladness appointed for them, countless kindred; sorrow, if the servant obeys his lord badly, his master on the journey. Nor will one brother fear another; when, hasting away, they both leave the bosom of one kinswoman, mother and sister, they both suffer. Let the man who will, set forth in fitting words what the stranger is called or the servant of which I speak here.

This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.

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Gordon's riddle headed 'Soul and Body' (his selection gives headings, not numbers); ASPR Riddle 43.

MLA

Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 43: Soul and Body.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/247/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 43: Soul and Body.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/247/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Anonymous (Old English)