Cup/Chalice

Exeter Riddle #48

Before men I have heard    a ring give message,

Cleanly but tongueless,    and calling well

Although it chirmed not    with chant or loud words.

Before men the treasure    made silent speech ;

“O heal thou me    Helper of Souls!”

May men perceive   the red gold’s magic,

The secret mystery.   May the wise entrust

Their safety to God,    as the ring said.[1]

Expressly in this riddle, the chalice connotes the Mass and the Eucharist.[2] The chalice is perhaps a healer, or a trasmitter of healing, as well as mysterious and magical. 

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[1] Abbott, H. H. The Riddles of the Exeter Book. Cambridge: Golden Head P., 1968, 30.

[2] Ibid., 53.