This translation of the fifty-fourth riddle for the Exeter Book is from Paull F. Baum.

 

A youth came along ……… to where he knew

she stood in a corner. ……… Forth he strode,

a vigorous young man, ……… lifted up her own

dress with his hands, ……… thrust under her girdle

something stiff ……… as she stood there;

worked his will; ……… both of them shook.

A thane hurried up, ……… useful at times,

a capable servant; ……… nonetheless he grew tired

from time to time, ……… though strong at first,

weary with work. ……… Beneath the girdle

there began to grow ……… what often good men

love heartily ……… and buy with money.

(The pronoun she gives some trouble to this poem. Don't let it mislead you.)

 

Would you guess?

 

A churn

A whore

An apple tree

A basket of grapes

Naaman's self-baptism in the Jordan River