7 Standout Old English Poems

Poems categorized as old English are those written in England, south and east Scotland, and parts of Wales. Old English was an early form of English spoken during the Early Middle Ages. Works created during this period are often attributed to anonymous authors.

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The Seafarer, Translated

by Ezra Pound

‘The Seafarer,’ translated by Ezra Pound, is an Anglo-Saxon poem in which the speaker discusses earthly and spiritual life on the sea.

May I for my own self song’s truth reckon,

Journey’s jargon, how I in harsh days

Hardship endured oft.

Bitter breast-cares have I abided,

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The Wife’s Lament

by Anonymous

‘The Wife’s Lament’ by Anonymous is a multi-layered poem in which a speaker expresses her deep sorrow over her husband’s departure.

I make this song of myself, deeply sorrowing,

my own life’s journey. I am able to tell

all the hardships I’ve suffered since I grew up,

but new or old, never worse than now –

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The Wanderer (Old English Poem)

by Anonymous

‘The Wanderer’ is a long Old English poem in which the speaker details the life and struggles of a wanderer.

The poem belongs to the genre of Old English poetry. This means it was written in the early form of the English language, used before the 12th century. The poem follows many features of that time, such as strong alliteration, deep reflections on fate, and a serious, formal tone. It also shows the warrior values, religious ideas, and harsh realities of that period. The style and content both reflect the mindset and culture of early medieval England.

Often the solitary one experiences mercy for himself,

the mercy of the Measurer, although he, troubled in spirit,

over the ocean must long

stir with his hands the rime-cold sea,

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The Merchant’s Prologue

by Geoffrey Chaucer

‘The Merchant’s Prologue’ is the introduction to ‘The Merchant’s Tale’ and serves to establish the Merchant as an unreliable narrator.

'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer was written in the latter half of the 14th century, and as such, is written in Middle English. This form of the English language differs from Old English and can be difficult to read as it is written in the way which the author thought the word should be pronounced. Consequently, spellings are not always consistent and may be difficult to recognise.

"Wepyng and waylyng, care and oother sorwe

"Weeping and wailing, grief and other sorrow

1214 I knowe ynogh, on even and a-morwe,"

I know enough, on evenings and mornings,"

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Cædmon’s Hymn

by Cædmon

‘Caedmon’s Hymn’ was sung by a lay worker, Caedmon, from the estate of the monastery of Whitby when the voice of God came to him.

Now we must praise heaven-kingdom's Guardian,

The Measurer’s might and his mind-plans,

The work of the Glory-Father, when he of wonders of every one

Eternal Lord, the beginning established

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The Dream of the Rood

by Undefined Poet

‘Dream of the Rood’ is a religious poem that presents a dream in which the cross talks about its journey from a tree to the crucifixion.

What I wish to say of the best of dreams,

what came to me in the middle of the night

after the speech-bearers lie biding their rest!

It seemed to me that I saw the greatest tree

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The Husband’s Message

by Anonymous

The poem ‘The Husband’s Message’ depicts a husband’s unwavering love for his wife in spite of their physical separation.

See I bring thee a secret message!

A sapling once in the woods I grew;

I was cut for a stave and covered with writing;

Skilled men cunningly carved upon me

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7 Standout Old English Poems

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7 Standout Old English Poems

The Seafarer, Translated

by Ezra Pound

The Wife’s Lament

by Anonymous

The Wanderer (Old English Poem)

by Anonymous

The Merchant’s Prologue

by Geoffrey Chaucer

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