Page:Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book (1963).djvu/23

 Ever mindful of melody, undiminished in voice. An old evening-scop, to earls I bring Solace in cities; when, skillful in music My voice I raise, restful at home ''They sit in silence. Say what is my name,'' That call so clearly and cleverly imitate The song of the scop, and sing unto men Words full of welcome with my wonderful voice.

The next by Charles W. Kennedy, from The Earliest English Poetry;

I carol my song in many a cadence, With modulation and change of note. Clearly I call, keeping the melody, An old evening-singer unceasing in song, To earls in their houses I bring great bliss; When I chant my carols in varying strains, Men sit in their dwellings silent and still. Say what I&rsquo;m called who mimic so clearly The songs of a jester, and sing to the world Many a melody welcome to men.

(Professor Kennedy accepts the solution of Jean Young (R.E.S., July, 1942), Song-thrush (Turdus Philomelos Clarkei).

Now an alternative rendering to that on p. 22 below:

Through my mouth I speak with many voices. I sing with cunning, alternate often high head-tones and loud deep shouts. I keep on the key but with restraint. Of old a nighttime singer I bring joy to the gentles who dwell in towns. When I raise my voice with many modulations ''they listen reverently. What am I called'' who cry out so clearly with bright imitation