Anglo-Saxon Riddles of the Exeter Book/Annotated/65

65 (k-d 52)

I saw two captives     carried in the house under the hall-roof;     sturdy were they both; companions they were,     fast bound together. Close to one of them     was a dark-skinned slave. She controlled them both     by fast fetters.

Ic seah ræpingas     In ræced fergan · under hrof sales     hearde twegen þa wæron genamne     nearwum bendum gefeterade     fæste togædre þara oþrum wæs     an getenge wonfah wale     seo weold hyra bega siþe     bendum fæstra

This at least invites guessing: for example, two Buckets from a well, or perhaps Flail (the two captives being handle and swingle).