Arts & Sciences
Riddle LIX. A Chalice
Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry (Everyman’s Library, 1926) · From Exeter Book Riddles (selection)
I heard of a bright ring interceding well before men, though tongueless, though it cried not with loud voice in strong words. The precious thing spoke before men, though holding its peace: "Save me, Helper of souls!" May men understand the mysterious saying of the red gold, the magic speech; may wise men entrust their salvation to God, as the ring said.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
One of roughly ninety riddles preserved in the Exeter Book; this is one of a further selection translated by R. K. Gordon. The manuscript gives no solutions — the title here follows the translator's own guess (numbering follows Tupper's edition, converted to this archive's Wyatt-based numbering). ASPR 48.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle LIX. A Chalice.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/47/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle LIX. A Chalice.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/47/.
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