Page:Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book (1963).djvu/24

 of professional entertainers and bring with my singing notes of welcome to mortal man?

Or if less literal versions are wanted:

I speak a various language. Loud I sing with notes ever changing with professional skill always at evening long familiar to all good men. ''They welcome my song. I bring them bliss'' as they sit listening at home with heads bowed in reverence. Can you guess what my name is?

or

I speak very many languages well And hold all good men under my spell I sing like a diva with coloratura Loud and long with bright bravura. They listen with joy and welcome my song As they sit at home the evening long. My notes are never twice the same. You know me, and now you may say my name.

or

My tongue is tuned to many changing songs With ever alternating shorts and longs; With loud and low my old accustomed note In cunning music issues from my throat. I sing at eventide, and all who hear Listen with eagerly attentive ear; In reverent silence bowed they sit at home Learning of many welcome things to come. Attend and answer; try if you can tell My name who mimic others&rsquo; songs so well.