Page:Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book (1963).djvu/88

 ## s84 ##

Often shall I prove to be a thing of value to the joys of the hall when I am brought forth, happy with gold, where men are drinking. Often in the bower the faithful servant kisses my mouth where we two are together &hellip;

There were eleven more lines, now fragmentary. The answer is probably Beaker, with suggestive undertones. Tupper quotes a modern riddle in which Gill is used punningly for liquid measure and a girl&rsquo;s name.


 * 1) s85 ##

I have heard of a splendid thing, of the Lord of peoples, a word of incantation &hellip;

Several defective lines and then the conclusion:

I have become a teacher of peoples, live an eternal life in many lands, while men inhabit the bosom of earth. I have often seen it adorned with gold where men were drinking, with treasures and silver. Say if you can, if you are wise enough, what this thing is.


 * 1) s86 ##

I am a strong man&rsquo;s property clothed in red [gold?]. My place was first the hard steep ground with fair bright herbs. Now I am the leavings of harsh things, the fire and the file. I am closely constrained and honored with wires. He sometimes weeps, the bearer of gold, because of my grasp when I shall ravage &hellip;


 * 1) s87 ##

Probably eight lines, from which some twenty words remain.