Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book/Annotated/15

15 (k-d 48)

I have heard of a ring     bright without tongue intercede for heroes.     Well it spoke with strong words     though not loud. This treasure for men     silently said: “Heal me     helper of souls.” May men understand     the magic meaning of the speech of the red gold.     May the wise entrust their salvation to God,     as the ring said.

Ic gefrægn fer hæleþum     hringende an · torhtne butan tungan     tila þeah he hlude stefne ne cirmde     strongum wordū sinc for secgum     swigende cwæð gehæle mec     helpend gæsta ryne ongietan     readan goldes guman galdorcwide     gleawe beþencan hyra hælo to gode     swa se hring gecwæð

The solution of this pious little piece is Chalice. The word “ring” (hring) may signify any circular object, as in the following riddle.