Page:Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book (1963).djvu/67

 Worms do not weave me with fatal wiles which fairly adorn the fine yellow web. Yet nevertheless the wide world over one will call me a joyful garment for heroes. Say now truly, you cunning sage, learned in language, what this garment may be.

In short, a Coat of Mail&mdash;woven, but not of wool or of silk. Weaving is suggested, yet with a series of exclusions to show that the thing is not what you would at first suppose.


 * 1) s51 ##

I&lsquo;m a wonderful thing shaped for fighting, beautifully dressed, dear to my master. Gay colored is my byrnie; bright wire that my wielder who guides me gave me, embraces the death-gem, who sometimes to strife directs my wanderings. Then I bring home treasure through the shining day, handiwork of smiths, gold to the dwellings. Often I slay living warriors with weapons of war. A king adorns me with jewels and silver and honors me in the hall, nor withholds my praise, publicly proclaims my merits before men, when they drink their mead; sometimes holds me back or frees me when weary with going into battle. I have often hurt another at the hands of his friend. I am far and wide hated, accursed among weapons. I must never hope that a son will avenge me on the life of my slayer if ever an enemy assails me in battle; nor will my kin be increased, the breed whence I sprang&mdash; unless bereft of my lord I might change to a new, turn from the owner who first rewarded me. Henceforth I am fated if I follow a (new) lord to do battle for him as I did for the other, for my prince&rsquo;s pleasure, that I must forego the wealth of children and know no woman;