Arts & Sciences
Riddle 62
Translated by Benjamin Thorpe (1842) · From Exeter Book Riddles (selection)
I am hard and sharp,
of entrance strong,
of departure strenuous,
to my master faithful.
I go under the belly,
and for myself a way,
direct I clear.
The man is in haste
who urges me
lingering behind.
A man with his garment
sometimes draws me out
hot from a hole ;
sometimes retreats into
a narrow space, I know not where,
violently compels
the southern man.
Say what I am call'd.
Codex Note
Thorpe's Riddle II (third series, pp. 479–500, in his Codex Exoniensis, 1842); ASPR Riddle 62.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 62.” Translated by Benjamin Thorpe. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/280/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 62.” Translated by Benjamin Thorpe. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/280/.
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