This translation of the first riddle for the Exeter Book is from Paull F. Baum.
What good man is
……… so learned and so cleverthat he can say who drives me
……… forth on my way?When I rise up strong
……… at times furious,I thunder mightily
……… and again with havocI sweep over the land,
……… burn the great hall,ravage the buildings.
……… Smoke mount on highdark over the rooftops.
……… Clamor is everywhere,sudden death among men.
……… When I shake the forest,the trees proud in their fruit,
……….I fell the boles.With my roof of water,
………. by the powers aboveI am driven far and wide
……… on my avenging path.I bear on my back
……… what once covered the formsof the earth-dwellers,
……… their body and soultogether in the waters.
……… Say what covers meor what I am called
……… who bear this burden.
Would you guess?