THE SCENE: A Riddle.
THE TEXT: There is on earth a warrior
wonderfully engendered:
Between two dumb creatures it is drawn into brightness
For the use of men. Meaning harm, a foe
Bears it against a foe. Fierce is its strength,
A woman may tame it. Well will he heed
and meekly serve both men and women
if they have the trick of tending him,
and feed him properly. He promotes their happiness,
enhancing their lives. Allowed to become
proud, however, he proves ungrateful.
– The Exeter Book, 10th Century AD
