Page:Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book (1963).djvu/41

 or a lump of lead  which is not small. I am much lighter than this little bug which walks on the water with dry feet; than the flint I am harder which drives this fire from this strong, this hard, steel. I am softer far than the downy feather that here in the wind flutters on the air. I am everywhere broader than all the earth and farther extend than this green meadow. I encircle &hellip; all round about wondrously woven with wonderful skill. Under me there is no other more powerful wight among living things. I am above the creatures all which our Lord did create who can me alone by His eternal power restrain by force from exceeding my bounds. I am greater and stronger than the large whale which looks on the bottom of the sea-deeps with dim vision; I am mightier than he even as I am less  in my own strength than the handworm which the sons of men in skilful manner dig out with a knife. I have on my head no white locks, cunningly curled, but I am quite bald; nor could I enjoy eyelids or eyebrows. But me the Creator deprived of them all. Now wondrously grow on my head so that they may shine on my shoulders, full wondrously, curly locks. I am bigger and fatter than the masty swine, the grunting boar in the beech forest that dark and rooting happy lives, so that he &hellip;. . ..