A bit about Old English riddles...

The riddle below is taken from Maker of Riddles, a book of modern day riddles in the Old English style. It is inspired by the example of the Exeter Book, an Old English manuscript dating back to the 10th century.

I'm awoken at twilight to work until bedtime,
Drops of my sweat slowly dripping down.
A steady worker, my size wanes,
Dwindling down with my decomposing spine -
Blow on my face, free me from my fate!

Your guess:

illustration by Philippe Tauzin

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