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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:14 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/981-h.zip b/981-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5bab0b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/981-h.zip diff --git a/981-h/981-h.htm b/981-h/981-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c74436 --- /dev/null +++ b/981-h/981-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3754 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Beowulf, by Anonymous + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Beowulf, by Anonymous + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Beowulf + +Author: Anonymous + +Release Date: July 23, 2008 [EBook #981] +Last Updated: January 15, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEOWULF *** + + + + +Produced by Robin Katsuya-Corbet, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BEOWULF + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Anonymous + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by Gummere + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + BEOWULF<br /><br /> PRELUDE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE DANISH HOUSE + </h3> + <p> + LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings<br /> of spear-armed Danes, in + days long sped,<br /> we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!<br /> + Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,<br /> from many a tribe, the + mead-bench tore,<br /> awing the earls. Since erst he lay<br /> friendless, + a foundling, fate repaid him:<br /> for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he + throve,<br /> till before him the folk, both far and near,<br /> who house + by the whale-path, heard his mandate,<br /> gave him gifts: a good king he!<br /> + To him an heir was afterward born,<br /> a son in his halls, whom heaven + sent<br /> to favor the folk, feeling their woe<br /> that erst they had + lacked an earl for leader<br /> so long a while; the Lord endowed him,<br /> + the Wielder of Wonder, with world’s renown.<br /> Famed was this + Beowulf: <a name="linkcitation0a" id="linkcitation0a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote0a">{0a}</a> far flew the boast of him,<br /> son of + Scyld, in the Scandian lands.<br /> So becomes it a youth to quit him well<br /> + with his father’s friends, by fee and gift,<br /> that to aid him, + aged, in after days,<br /> come warriors willing, should war draw nigh,<br /> + liegemen loyal: by lauded deeds<br /> shall an earl have honor in every + clan. + </p> + <p> + Forth he fared at the fated moment,<br /> sturdy Scyld to the shelter of + God.<br /> Then they bore him over to ocean’s billow,<br /> loving + clansmen, as late he charged them,<br /> while wielded words the winsome + Scyld,<br /> the leader beloved who long had ruled....<br /> In the + roadstead rocked a ring-dight vessel,<br /> ice-flecked, outbound, atheling’s + barge:<br /> there laid they down their darling lord<br /> on the breast of + the boat, the breaker-of-rings, <a name="linkcitation0b" + id="linkcitation0b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote0b">{0b}</a><br /> by the + mast the mighty one. Many a treasure<br /> fetched from far was freighted + with him.<br /> No ship have I known so nobly dight<br /> with weapons of + war and weeds of battle,<br /> with breastplate and blade: on his bosom lay<br /> + a heaped hoard that hence should go<br /> far o’er the flood with him + floating away.<br /> No less these loaded the lordly gifts,<br /> thanes’ + huge treasure, than those had done<br /> who in former time forth had sent + him<br /> sole on the seas, a suckling child.<br /> High o’er his head + they hoist the standard,<br /> a gold-wove banner; let billows take him,<br /> + gave him to ocean. Grave were their spirits,<br /> mournful their mood. No + man is able<br /> to say in sooth, no son of the halls,<br /> no hero + ’neath heaven, -- who harbored that freight! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + I + </p> + <p> + Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings,<br /> leader beloved, and + long he ruled<br /> in fame with all folk, since his father had gone<br /> + away from the world, till awoke an heir,<br /> haughty Healfdene, who held + through life,<br /> sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad.<br /> Then, one + after one, there woke to him,<br /> to the chieftain of clansmen, children + four:<br /> Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave;<br /> and I heard + that -- was -- ’s queen,<br /> the Heathoscylfing’s helpmate + dear.<br /> To Hrothgar was given such glory of war,<br /> such honor of + combat, that all his kin<br /> obeyed him gladly till great grew his band<br /> + of youthful comrades. It came in his mind<br /> to bid his henchmen a hall + uprear,<br /> a master mead-house, mightier far<br /> than ever was seen by + the sons of earth,<br /> and within it, then, to old and young<br /> he + would all allot that the Lord had sent him,<br /> save only the land and + the lives of his men.<br /> Wide, I heard, was the work commanded,<br /> for + many a tribe this mid-earth round,<br /> to fashion the folkstead. It fell, + as he ordered,<br /> in rapid achievement that ready it stood there,<br /> + of halls the noblest: Heorot <a name="linkcitation1a" id="linkcitation1a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote1a">{1a}</a> he named it<br /> whose message had might + in many a land.<br /> Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt,<br /> + treasure at banquet: there towered the hall,<br /> high, gabled wide, the + hot surge waiting<br /> of furious flame. <a name="linkcitation1b" + id="linkcitation1b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote1b">{1b}</a> Nor far was + that day<br /> when father and son-in-law stood in feud<br /> for warfare + and hatred that woke again. <a name="linkcitation1c" id="linkcitation1c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote1c">{1c}</a><br /> With envy and anger an evil spirit<br /> + endured the dole in his dark abode,<br /> that he heard each day the din of + revel<br /> high in the hall: there harps rang out,<br /> clear song of the + singer. He sang who knew <a name="linkcitation1d" id="linkcitation1d"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote1d">{1d}</a><br /> tales of the early time of man,<br /> + how the Almighty made the earth,<br /> fairest fields enfolded by water,<br /> + set, triumphant, sun and moon<br /> for a light to lighten the + land-dwellers,<br /> and braided bright the breast of earth<br /> with limbs + and leaves, made life for all<br /> of mortal beings that breathe and move.<br /> + So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel<br /> a winsome life, till one + began<br /> to fashion evils, that field of hell.<br /> Grendel this monster + grim was called,<br /> march-riever <a name="linkcitation1e" + id="linkcitation1e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote1e">{1e}</a> mighty, in + moorland living,<br /> in fen and fastness; fief of the giants<br /> the + hapless wight a while had kept<br /> since the Creator his exile doomed.<br /> + On kin of Cain was the killing avenged<br /> by sovran God for slaughtered + Abel.<br /> Ill fared his feud, <a name="linkcitation1f" id="linkcitation1f"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote1f">{1f}</a> and far was he driven,<br /> for the + slaughter’s sake, from sight of men.<br /> Of Cain awoke all that + woful breed,<br /> Etins <a name="linkcitation1g" id="linkcitation1g"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote1g">{1g}</a> and elves and evil-spirits,<br /> as well + as the giants that warred with God<br /> weary while: but their wage was + paid them! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + II + </p> + <p> + WENT he forth to find at fall of night<br /> that haughty house, and heed + wherever<br /> the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone.<br /> Found + within it the atheling band<br /> asleep after feasting and fearless of + sorrow,<br /> of human hardship. Unhallowed wight,<br /> grim and greedy, he + grasped betimes,<br /> wrathful, reckless, from resting-places,<br /> thirty + of the thanes, and thence he rushed<br /> fain of his fell spoil, faring + homeward,<br /> laden with slaughter, his lair to seek.<br /> Then at the + dawning, as day was breaking,<br /> the might of Grendel to men was known;<br /> + then after wassail was wail uplifted,<br /> loud moan in the morn. The + mighty chief,<br /> atheling excellent, unblithe sat,<br /> labored in woe + for the loss of his thanes,<br /> when once had been traced the trail of + the fiend,<br /> spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow,<br /> too long, too + loathsome. Not late the respite;<br /> with night returning, anew began<br /> + ruthless murder; he recked no whit,<br /> firm in his guilt, of the feud + and crime.<br /> They were easy to find who elsewhere sought<br /> in room + remote their rest at night,<br /> bed in the bowers, <a + name="linkcitation2a" id="linkcitation2a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote2a">{2a}</a> + when that bale was shown,<br /> was seen in sooth, with surest token, --<br /> + the hall-thane’s <a name="linkcitation2b" id="linkcitation2b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote2b">{2b}</a> hate. Such held themselves<br /> far and + fast who the fiend outran!<br /> Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill<br /> + one against all; until empty stood<br /> that lordly building, and long it + bode so.<br /> Twelve years’ tide the trouble he bore,<br /> sovran of + Scyldings, sorrows in plenty,<br /> boundless cares. There came unhidden<br /> + tidings true to the tribes of men,<br /> in sorrowful songs, how + ceaselessly Grendel<br /> harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him,<br /> + what murder and massacre, many a year,<br /> feud unfading, -- refused + consent<br /> to deal with any of Daneland’s earls,<br /> make pact of + peace, or compound for gold:<br /> still less did the wise men ween to get<br /> + great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands.<br /> But the evil one + ambushed old and young<br /> death-shadow dark, and dogged them still,<br /> + lured, or lurked in the livelong night<br /> of misty moorlands: men may + say not<br /> where the haunts of these Hell-Runes <a name="linkcitation2c" + id="linkcitation2c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote2c">{2c}</a> be.<br /> Such + heaping of horrors the hater of men,<br /> lonely roamer, wrought + unceasing,<br /> harassings heavy. O’er Heorot he lorded,<br /> + gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights;<br /> and ne’er could the prince + <a name="linkcitation2d" id="linkcitation2d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote2d">{2d}</a> + approach his throne,<br /> -- ’twas judgment of God, -- or have joy + in his hall.<br /> Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings’-friend,<br /> + heart-rending misery. Many nobles<br /> sat assembled, and searched out + counsel<br /> how it were best for bold-hearted men<br /> against harassing + terror to try their hand.<br /> Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes<br /> + altar-offerings, asked with words <a name="linkcitation2e" + id="linkcitation2e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote2e">{2e}</a><br /> that the + slayer-of-souls would succor give them<br /> for the pain of their people. + Their practice this,<br /> their heathen hope; ’twas Hell they + thought of<br /> in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not,<br /> + Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord,<br /> nor Heaven’s-Helmet heeded + they ever,<br /> Wielder-of-Wonder. -- Woe for that man<br /> who in harm + and hatred hales his soul<br /> to fiery embraces; -- nor favor nor change<br /> + awaits he ever. But well for him<br /> that after death-day may draw to his + Lord,<br /> and friendship find in the Father’s arms! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + III + </p> + <p> + THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene<br /> with the woe of these + days; not wisest men<br /> assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish,<br /> + loathly and long, that lay on his folk,<br /> most baneful of burdens and + bales of the night. + </p> + <p> + This heard in his home Hygelac’s thane,<br /> great among Geats, of + Grendel’s doings.<br /> He was the mightiest man of valor<br /> in + that same day of this our life,<br /> stalwart and stately. A stout + wave-walker<br /> he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he,<br /> far o’er + the swan-road he fain would seek,<br /> the noble monarch who needed men!<br /> + The prince’s journey by prudent folk<br /> was little blamed, though + they loved him dear;<br /> they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens.<br /> + And now the bold one from bands of Geats<br /> comrades chose, the keenest + of warriors<br /> e’er he could find; with fourteen men<br /> the + sea-wood <a name="linkcitation3a" id="linkcitation3a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote3a">{3a}</a> he sought, and, sailor proved,<br /> led + them on to the land’s confines.<br /> Time had now flown; <a + name="linkcitation3b" id="linkcitation3b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote3b">{3b}</a> + afloat was the ship,<br /> boat under bluff. On board they climbed,<br /> + warriors ready; waves were churning<br /> sea with sand; the sailors bore<br /> + on the breast of the bark their bright array,<br /> their mail and weapons: + the men pushed off,<br /> on its willing way, the well-braced craft.<br /> + Then moved o’er the waters by might of the wind<br /> that bark like + a bird with breast of foam,<br /> till in season due, on the second day,<br /> + the curved prow such course had run<br /> that sailors now could see the + land,<br /> sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills,<br /> headlands broad. + Their haven was found,<br /> their journey ended. Up then quickly<br /> the + Weders’ <a name="linkcitation3c" id="linkcitation3c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote3c">{3c}</a> clansmen climbed ashore,<br /> anchored + their sea-wood, with armor clashing<br /> and gear of battle: God they + thanked<br /> or passing in peace o’er the paths of the sea.<br /> Now + saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman,<br /> a warden that watched the + water-side,<br /> how they bore o’er the gangway glittering shields,<br /> + war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him<br /> to know what manner of men + they were.<br /> Straight to the strand his steed he rode,<br /> Hrothgar’s + henchman; with hand of might<br /> he shook his spear, and spake in parley.<br /> + “Who are ye, then, ye armed men,<br /> mailed folk, that yon mighty + vessel<br /> have urged thus over the ocean ways,<br /> here o’er the + waters? A warden I,<br /> sentinel set o’er the sea-march here,<br /> + lest any foe to the folk of Danes<br /> with harrying fleet should harm the + land.<br /> No aliens ever at ease thus bore them,<br /> linden-wielders: + <a name="linkcitation3d" id="linkcitation3d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote3d">{3d}</a> + yet word-of-leave<br /> clearly ye lack from clansmen here,<br /> my folk’s + agreement. -- A greater ne’er saw I<br /> of warriors in world than + is one of you, --<br /> yon hero in harness! No henchman he<br /> worthied + by weapons, if witness his features,<br /> his peerless presence! I pray + you, though, tell<br /> your folk and home, lest hence ye fare<br /> suspect + to wander your way as spies<br /> in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar,<br /> + ocean-travellers, take from me<br /> simple advice: the sooner the better<br /> + I hear of the country whence ye came.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + IV + </p> + <p> + To him the stateliest spake in answer;<br /> the warriors’ leader his + word-hoard unlocked: --<br /> “We are by kin of the clan of Geats,<br /> + and Hygelac’s own hearth-fellows we.<br /> To folk afar was my father + known,<br /> noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.<br /> Full of winters, he fared + away<br /> aged from earth; he is honored still<br /> through width of the + world by wise men all.<br /> To thy lord and liege in loyal mood<br /> we + hasten hither, to Healfdene’s son,<br /> people-protector: be pleased + to advise us!<br /> To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand,<br /> to + the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right<br /> that aught be hidden. We hear + -- thou knowest<br /> if sooth it is -- the saying of men,<br /> that amid + the Scyldings a scathing monster,<br /> dark ill-doer, in dusky nights<br /> + shows terrific his rage unmatched,<br /> hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I<br /> + in greatness of soul would succor bring,<br /> so the Wise-and-Brave <a + name="linkcitation4a" id="linkcitation4a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote4a">{4a}</a> + may worst his foes, --<br /> if ever the end of ills is fated,<br /> of + cruel contest, if cure shall follow,<br /> and the boiling care-waves + cooler grow;<br /> else ever afterward anguish-days<br /> he shall suffer in + sorrow while stands in place<br /> high on its hill that house unpeered!”<br /> + Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered,<br /> clansman unquailing: + “The keen-souled thane<br /> must be skilled to sever and sunder duly<br /> + words and works, if he well intends.<br /> I gather, this band is + graciously bent<br /> to the Scyldings’ master. March, then, bearing<br /> + weapons and weeds the way I show you.<br /> I will bid my men your boat + meanwhile<br /> to guard for fear lest foemen come, --<br /> your new-tarred + ship by shore of ocean<br /> faithfully watching till once again<br /> it + waft o’er the waters those well-loved thanes,<br /> -- winding-neck’d + wood, -- to Weders’ bounds,<br /> heroes such as the hest of fate<br /> + shall succor and save from the shock of war.”<br /> They bent them to + march, -- the boat lay still,<br /> fettered by cable and fast at anchor,<br /> + broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars <a name="linkcitation4b" + id="linkcitation4b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote4b">{4b}</a><br /> over the + cheek-guard; chased with gold,<br /> keen and gleaming, guard it kept<br /> + o’er the man of war, as marched along<br /> heroes in haste, till the + hall they saw,<br /> broad of gable and bright with gold:<br /> that was the + fairest, ’mid folk of earth,<br /> of houses ’neath heaven, + where Hrothgar lived,<br /> and the gleam of it lightened o’er lands + afar.<br /> The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright<br /> + burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go<br /> straightway thither; his steed then + turned,<br /> hardy hero, and hailed them thus: --<br /> “’Tis + time that I fare from you. Father Almighty<br /> in grace and mercy guard + you well,<br /> safe in your seekings. Seaward I go,<br /> ’gainst + hostile warriors hold my watch.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + V + </p> + <p> + STONE-BRIGHT the street: <a name="linkcitation5a" id="linkcitation5a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote5a">{5a}</a> it showed the way<br /> to the crowd of + clansmen. Corselets glistened<br /> hand-forged, hard; on their harness + bright<br /> the steel ring sang, as they strode along<br /> in mail of + battle, and marched to the hall.<br /> There, weary of ocean, the wall + along<br /> they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down,<br /> and + bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged,<br /> war-gear of men; their + weapons stacked,<br /> spears of the seafarers stood together,<br /> + gray-tipped ash: that iron band<br /> was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior + proud<br /> asked of the heroes their home and kin.<br /> “Whence, + now, bear ye burnished shields,<br /> harness gray and helmets grim,<br /> + spears in multitude? Messenger, I,<br /> Hrothgar’s herald! Heroes so + many<br /> ne’er met I as strangers of mood so strong.<br /> ’Tis + plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile,<br /> for high-hearted + valor, Hrothgar ye seek!”<br /> Him the sturdy-in-war bespake with + words,<br /> proud earl of the Weders answer made,<br /> hardy ’neath + helmet: -- “Hygelac’s, we,<br /> fellows at board; I am Beowulf + named.<br /> I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene<br /> this mission + of mine, to thy master-lord,<br /> the doughty prince, if he deign at all<br /> + grace that we greet him, the good one, now.”<br /> Wulfgar spake, the + Wendles’ chieftain,<br /> whose might of mind to many was known,<br /> + his courage and counsel: “The king of Danes,<br /> the Scyldings’ + friend, I fain will tell,<br /> the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou + askest,<br /> the famed prince, of thy faring hither,<br /> and, swiftly + after, such answer bring<br /> as the doughty monarch may deign to give.”<br /> + Hied then in haste to where Hrothgar sat<br /> white-haired and old, his + earls about him,<br /> till the stout thane stood at the shoulder there<br /> + of the Danish king: good courtier he!<br /> Wulfgar spake to his winsome + lord: --<br /> “Hither have fared to thee far-come men<br /> o’er + the paths of ocean, people of Geatland;<br /> and the stateliest there by + his sturdy band<br /> is Beowulf named. This boon they seek,<br /> that + they, my master, may with thee<br /> have speech at will: nor spurn their + prayer<br /> to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar!<br /> In weeds of the + warrior worthy they,<br /> methinks, of our liking; their leader most + surely,<br /> a hero that hither his henchmen has led.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + VI + </p> + <p> + HROTHGAR answered, helmet of Scyldings: --<br /> “I knew him of yore + in his youthful days;<br /> his aged father was Ecgtheow named,<br /> to + whom, at home, gave Hrethel the Geat<br /> his only daughter. Their + offspring bold<br /> fares hither to seek the steadfast friend.<br /> And + seamen, too, have said me this, --<br /> who carried my gifts to the + Geatish court,<br /> thither for thanks, -- he has thirty men’s<br /> + heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand,<br /> the bold-in-battle. Blessed + God<br /> out of his mercy this man hath sent<br /> to Danes of the West, as + I ween indeed,<br /> against horror of Grendel. I hope to give<br /> the + good youth gold for his gallant thought.<br /> Be thou in haste, and bid + them hither,<br /> clan of kinsmen, to come before me;<br /> and add this + word, -- they are welcome guests<br /> to folk of the Danes.”<br /> + [To the door of the hall<br /> Wulfgar went] and the word declared: --<br /> + “To you this message my master sends,<br /> East-Danes’ king, + that your kin he knows,<br /> hardy heroes, and hails you all<br /> welcome + hither o’er waves of the sea!<br /> Ye may wend your way in + war-attire,<br /> and under helmets Hrothgar greet;<br /> but let here the + battle-shields bide your parley,<br /> and wooden war-shafts wait its end.”<br /> + Uprose the mighty one, ringed with his men,<br /> brave band of thanes: + some bode without,<br /> battle-gear guarding, as bade the chief.<br /> Then + hied that troop where the herald led them,<br /> under Heorot’s roof: + [the hero strode,]<br /> hardy ’neath helm, till the hearth he + neared.<br /> Beowulf spake, -- his breastplate gleamed,<br /> war-net woven + by wit of the smith: --<br /> “Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac’s + I,<br /> kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty<br /> have I gained in youth! + These Grendel-deeds<br /> I heard in my home-land heralded clear.<br /> + Seafarers say how stands this hall,<br /> of buildings best, for your band + of thanes<br /> empty and idle, when evening sun<br /> in the harbor of + heaven is hidden away.<br /> So my vassals advised me well, --<br /> brave + and wise, the best of men, --<br /> O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here,<br /> + for my nerve and my might they knew full well.<br /> Themselves had seen me + from slaughter come<br /> blood-flecked from foes, where five I bound,<br /> + and that wild brood worsted. I’ the waves I slew<br /> nicors <a + name="linkcitation6a" id="linkcitation6a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote6a">{6a}</a> + by night, in need and peril<br /> avenging the Weders, <a + name="linkcitation6b" id="linkcitation6b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote6b">{6b}</a> + whose woe they sought, --<br /> crushing the grim ones. Grendel now,<br /> + monster cruel, be mine to quell<br /> in single battle! So, from thee,<br /> + thou sovran of the Shining-Danes,<br /> Scyldings’-bulwark, a boon I + seek, --<br /> and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not,<br /> O Warriors’-shield, + now I’ve wandered far, --<br /> that I alone with my liegemen here,<br /> + this hardy band, may Heorot purge!<br /> More I hear, that the monster + dire,<br /> in his wanton mood, of weapons recks not;<br /> hence shall I + scorn -- so Hygelac stay,<br /> king of my kindred, kind to me! --<br /> + brand or buckler to bear in the fight,<br /> gold-colored targe: but with + gripe alone<br /> must I front the fiend and fight for life,<br /> foe + against foe. Then faith be his<br /> in the doom of the Lord whom death + shall take.<br /> Fain, I ween, if the fight he win,<br /> in this hall of + gold my Geatish band<br /> will he fearless eat, -- as oft before, --<br /> + my noblest thanes. Nor need’st thou then<br /> to hide my head; <a + name="linkcitation6c" id="linkcitation6c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote6c">{6c}</a> + for his shall I be,<br /> dyed in gore, if death must take me;<br /> and my + blood-covered body he’ll bear as prey,<br /> ruthless devour it, the + roamer-lonely,<br /> with my life-blood redden his lair in the fen:<br /> no + further for me need’st food prepare!<br /> To Hygelac send, if Hild + <a name="linkcitation6d" id="linkcitation6d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote6d">{6d}</a> + should take me,<br /> best of war-weeds, warding my breast,<br /> armor + excellent, heirloom of Hrethel<br /> and work of Wayland. <a + name="linkcitation6e" id="linkcitation6e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote6e">{6e}</a> + Fares Wyrd <a name="linkcitation6f" id="linkcitation6f"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote6f">{6f}</a> as she must.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + VII + </p> + <p> + HROTHGAR spake, the Scyldings’-helmet: --<br /> “For fight + defensive, Friend my Beowulf,<br /> to succor and save, thou hast sought us + here.<br /> Thy father’s combat <a name="linkcitation7a" + id="linkcitation7a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote7a">{7a}</a> a feud + enkindled<br /> when Heatholaf with hand he slew<br /> among the Wylfings; + his Weder kin<br /> for horror of fighting feared to hold him.<br /> + Fleeing, he sought our South-Dane folk,<br /> over surge of ocean the + Honor-Scyldings,<br /> when first I was ruling the folk of Danes,<br /> + wielded, youthful, this widespread realm,<br /> this hoard-hold of heroes. + Heorogar was dead,<br /> my elder brother, had breathed his last,<br /> + Healfdene’s bairn: he was better than I!<br /> Straightway the feud + with fee <a name="linkcitation7b" id="linkcitation7b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote7b">{7b}</a> I settled,<br /> to the Wylfings sent, o’er + watery ridges,<br /> treasures olden: oaths he <a name="linkcitation7c" + id="linkcitation7c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote7c">{7c}</a> swore me.<br /> + Sore is my soul to say to any<br /> of the race of man what ruth for me<br /> + in Heorot Grendel with hate hath wrought,<br /> what sudden harryings. + Hall-folk fail me,<br /> my warriors wane; for Wyrd hath swept them<br /> + into Grendel’s grasp. But God is able<br /> this deadly foe from his + deeds to turn!<br /> Boasted full oft, as my beer they drank,<br /> earls o’er + the ale-cup, armed men,<br /> that they would bide in the beer-hall here,<br /> + Grendel’s attack with terror of blades.<br /> Then was this + mead-house at morning tide<br /> dyed with gore, when the daylight broke,<br /> + all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled,<br /> gory the hall: I had + heroes the less,<br /> doughty dear-ones that death had reft.<br /> -- But + sit to the banquet, unbind thy words,<br /> hardy hero, as heart shall + prompt thee.” + </p> + <p> + Gathered together, the Geatish men<br /> in the banquet-hall on bench + assigned,<br /> sturdy-spirited, sat them down,<br /> hardy-hearted. A + henchman attended,<br /> carried the carven cup in hand,<br /> served the + clear mead. Oft minstrels sang<br /> blithe in Heorot. Heroes revelled,<br /> + no dearth of warriors, Weder and Dane. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + VIII + </p> + <p> + UNFERTH spake, the son of Ecglaf,<br /> who sat at the feet of the + Scyldings’ lord,<br /> unbound the battle-runes. <a + name="linkcitation8a" id="linkcitation8a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote8a">{8a}</a> + -- Beowulf’s quest,<br /> sturdy seafarer’s, sorely galled him;<br /> + ever he envied that other men<br /> should more achieve in middle-earth<br /> + of fame under heaven than he himself. --<br /> “Art thou that + Beowulf, Breca’s rival,<br /> who emulous swam on the open sea,<br /> + when for pride the pair of you proved the floods,<br /> and wantonly dared + in waters deep<br /> to risk your lives? No living man,<br /> or lief or + loath, from your labor dire<br /> could you dissuade, from swimming the + main.<br /> Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered,<br /> with strenuous + hands the sea-streets measured,<br /> swam o’er the waters. Winter’s + storm<br /> rolled the rough waves. In realm of sea<br /> a sennight strove + ye. In swimming he topped thee,<br /> had more of main! Him at morning-tide<br /> + billows bore to the Battling Reamas,<br /> whence he hied to his home so + dear<br /> beloved of his liegemen, to land of Brondings,<br /> fastness + fair, where his folk he ruled,<br /> town and treasure. In triumph o’er + thee<br /> Beanstan’s bairn <a name="linkcitation8b" + id="linkcitation8b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote8b">{8b}</a> his boast + achieved.<br /> So ween I for thee a worse adventure<br /> -- though in + buffet of battle thou brave hast been,<br /> in struggle grim, -- if + Grendel’s approach<br /> thou darst await through the watch of night!” + </p> + <p> + Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “What a deal hast uttered, + dear my Unferth,<br /> drunken with beer, of Breca now,<br /> told of his + triumph! Truth I claim it,<br /> that I had more of might in the sea<br /> + than any man else, more ocean-endurance.<br /> We twain had talked, in time + of youth,<br /> and made our boast, -- we were merely boys,<br /> striplings + still, -- to stake our lives<br /> far at sea: and so we performed it.<br /> + Naked swords, as we swam along,<br /> we held in hand, with hope to guard + us<br /> against the whales. Not a whit from me<br /> could he float afar o’er + the flood of waves,<br /> haste o’er the billows; nor him I + abandoned.<br /> Together we twain on the tides abode<br /> five nights full + till the flood divided us,<br /> churning waves and chillest weather,<br /> + darkling night, and the northern wind<br /> ruthless rushed on us: rough + was the surge.<br /> Now the wrath of the sea-fish rose apace;<br /> yet me + ’gainst the monsters my mailed coat,<br /> hard and hand-linked, help + afforded, --<br /> battle-sark braided my breast to ward,<br /> garnished + with gold. There grasped me firm<br /> and haled me to bottom the hated + foe,<br /> with grimmest gripe. ’Twas granted me, though,<br /> to + pierce the monster with point of sword,<br /> with blade of battle: huge + beast of the sea<br /> was whelmed by the hurly through hand of mine. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + IX + </p> + <p> + ME thus often the evil monsters<br /> thronging threatened. With thrust of + my sword,<br /> the darling, I dealt them due return!<br /> Nowise had they + bliss from their booty then<br /> to devour their victim, vengeful + creatures,<br /> seated to banquet at bottom of sea;<br /> but at break of + day, by my brand sore hurt,<br /> on the edge of ocean up they lay,<br /> + put to sleep by the sword. And since, by them<br /> on the fathomless + sea-ways sailor-folk<br /> are never molested. -- Light from east,<br /> + came bright God’s beacon; the billows sank,<br /> so that I saw the + sea-cliffs high,<br /> windy walls. For Wyrd oft saveth<br /> earl undoomed + if he doughty be!<br /> And so it came that I killed with my sword<br /> + nine of the nicors. Of night-fought battles<br /> ne’er heard I a + harder ’neath heaven’s dome,<br /> nor adrift on the deep a + more desolate man!<br /> Yet I came unharmed from that hostile clutch,<br /> + though spent with swimming. The sea upbore me,<br /> flood of the tide, on + Finnish land,<br /> the welling waters. No wise of thee<br /> have I heard + men tell such terror of falchions,<br /> bitter battle. Breca ne’er + yet,<br /> not one of you pair, in the play of war<br /> such daring deed + has done at all<br /> with bloody brand, -- I boast not of it! --<br /> + though thou wast the bane <a name="linkcitation9a" id="linkcitation9a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote9a">{9a}</a> of thy brethren dear,<br /> thy closest + kin, whence curse of hell<br /> awaits thee, well as thy wit may serve!<br /> + For I say in sooth, thou son of Ecglaf,<br /> never had Grendel these grim + deeds wrought,<br /> monster dire, on thy master dear,<br /> in Heorot such + havoc, if heart of thine<br /> were as battle-bold as thy boast is loud!<br /> + But he has found no feud will happen;<br /> from sword-clash dread of your + Danish clan<br /> he vaunts him safe, from the Victor-Scyldings.<br /> He + forces pledges, favors none<br /> of the land of Danes, but lustily + murders,<br /> fights and feasts, nor feud he dreads<br /> from Spear-Dane + men. But speedily now<br /> shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the + Geats,<br /> shall bid him battle. Blithe to mead<br /> go he that listeth, + when light of dawn<br /> this morrow morning o’er men of earth,<br /> + ether-robed sun from the south shall beam!”<br /> Joyous then was the + Jewel-giver,<br /> hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaited<br /> the + Bright-Danes’ prince, from Beowulf hearing,<br /> folk’s good + shepherd, such firm resolve.<br /> Then was laughter of liegemen loud + resounding<br /> with winsome words. Came Wealhtheow forth,<br /> queen of + Hrothgar, heedful of courtesy,<br /> gold-decked, greeting the guests in + hall;<br /> and the high-born lady handed the cup<br /> first to the + East-Danes’ heir and warden,<br /> bade him be blithe at the + beer-carouse,<br /> the land’s beloved one. Lustily took he<br /> + banquet and beaker, battle-famed king. + </p> + <p> + Through the hall then went the Helmings’ Lady,<br /> to younger and + older everywhere<br /> carried the cup, till come the moment<br /> when the + ring-graced queen, the royal-hearted,<br /> to Beowulf bore the beaker of + mead.<br /> She greeted the Geats’ lord, God she thanked,<br /> in + wisdom’s words, that her will was granted,<br /> that at last on a + hero her hope could lean<br /> for comfort in terrors. The cup he took,<br /> + hardy-in-war, from Wealhtheow’s hand,<br /> and answer uttered the + eager-for-combat.<br /> Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “This + was my thought, when my thanes and I<br /> bent to the ocean and entered + our boat,<br /> that I would work the will of your people<br /> fully, or + fighting fall in death,<br /> in fiend’s gripe fast. I am firm to do<br /> + an earl’s brave deed, or end the days<br /> of this life of mine in + the mead-hall here.”<br /> Well these words to the woman seemed,<br /> + Beowulf’s battle-boast. -- Bright with gold<br /> the stately dame by + her spouse sat down.<br /> Again, as erst, began in hall<br /> warriors’ + wassail and words of power,<br /> the proud-band’s revel, till + presently<br /> the son of Healfdene hastened to seek<br /> rest for the + night; he knew there waited<br /> fight for the fiend in that festal hall,<br /> + when the sheen of the sun they saw no more,<br /> and dusk of night sank + darkling nigh,<br /> and shadowy shapes came striding on,<br /> wan under + welkin. The warriors rose.<br /> Man to man, he made harangue,<br /> + Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail,<br /> let him wield the wine hall: a + word he added: --<br /> “Never to any man erst I trusted,<br /> since + I could heave up hand and shield,<br /> this noble Dane-Hall, till now to + thee.<br /> Have now and hold this house unpeered;<br /> remember thy glory; + thy might declare;<br /> watch for the foe! No wish shall fail thee<br /> if + thou bidest the battle with bold-won life.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + X + </p> + <p> + THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train,<br /> defence-of-Scyldings, forth + from hall;<br /> fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek,<br /> couch of his + queen. The King-of-Glory<br /> against this Grendel a guard had set,<br /> + so heroes heard, a hall-defender,<br /> who warded the monarch and watched + for the monster.<br /> In truth, the Geats’ prince gladly trusted<br /> + his mettle, his might, the mercy of God!<br /> Cast off then his corselet + of iron,<br /> helmet from head; to his henchman gave, --<br /> choicest of + weapons, -- the well-chased sword,<br /> bidding him guard the gear of + battle.<br /> Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man,<br /> Beowulf Geat, ere + the bed be sought: --<br /> “Of force in fight no feebler I count me,<br /> + in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him.<br /> Not with the sword, then, + to sleep of death<br /> his life will I give, though it lie in my power.<br /> + No skill is his to strike against me,<br /> my shield to hew though he + hardy be,<br /> bold in battle; we both, this night,<br /> shall spurn the + sword, if he seek me here,<br /> unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God,<br /> + sacred Lord, on which side soever<br /> doom decree as he deemeth right.”<br /> + Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held<br /> the head of the + earl, while all about him<br /> seamen hardy on hall-beds sank.<br /> None + of them thought that thence their steps<br /> to the folk and fastness that + fostered them,<br /> to the land they loved, would lead them back!<br /> + Full well they wist that on warriors many<br /> battle-death seized, in the + banquet-hall,<br /> of Danish clan. But comfort and help,<br /> war-weal + weaving, to Weder folk<br /> the Master gave, that, by might of one,<br /> + over their enemy all prevailed,<br /> by single strength. In sooth ’tis + told<br /> that highest God o’er human kind<br /> hath wielded ever! + -- Thro’ wan night striding,<br /> came the walker-in-shadow. + Warriors slept<br /> whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, --<br /> all + save one. ’Twas widely known<br /> that against God’s will the + ghostly ravager<br /> him <a name="linkcitation10a" id="linkcitation10a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote10a">{10a}</a> could not hurl to haunts of darkness;<br /> + wakeful, ready, with warrior’s wrath,<br /> bold he bided the battle’s + issue. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XI + </p> + <p> + THEN from the moorland, by misty crags,<br /> with God’s wrath laden, + Grendel came.<br /> The monster was minded of mankind now<br /> sundry to + seize in the stately house.<br /> Under welkin he walked, till the + wine-palace there,<br /> gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned,<br /> + flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this,<br /> that he the home of + Hrothgar sought, --<br /> yet ne’er in his life-day, late or early,<br /> + such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found!<br /> To the house the warrior + walked apace,<br /> parted from peace; <a name="linkcitation11a" + id="linkcitation11a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote11a">{11a}</a> the portal + opended,<br /> though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had<br /> + struck it,<br /> and baleful he burst in his blatant rage,<br /> the house’s + mouth. All hastily, then,<br /> o’er fair-paved floor the fiend trod + on,<br /> ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes<br /> fearful + flashes, like flame to see. + </p> + <p> + He spied in hall the hero-band,<br /> kin and clansmen clustered asleep,<br /> + hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart;<br /> for the monster was minded, + ere morn should dawn,<br /> savage, to sever the soul of each,<br /> life + from body, since lusty banquet<br /> waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him<br /> + to seize any more of men on earth<br /> after that evening. Eagerly watched<br /> + Hygelac’s kinsman his cursed foe,<br /> how he would fare in fell + attack.<br /> Not that the monster was minded to pause!<br /> Straightway he + seized a sleeping warrior<br /> for the first, and tore him fiercely + asunder,<br /> the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams,<br /> swallowed + him piecemeal: swiftly thus<br /> the lifeless corse was clear devoured,<br /> + e’en feet and hands. Then farther he hied;<br /> for the hardy hero + with hand he grasped,<br /> felt for the foe with fiendish claw,<br /> for + the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly,<br /> prompt to answer, + propped on his arm.<br /> Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils<br /> that + never he met in this middle-world,<br /> in the ways of earth, another + wight<br /> with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared,<br /> sorrowed in + soul, -- none the sooner escaped!<br /> Fain would he flee, his fastness + seek,<br /> the den of devils: no doings now<br /> such as oft he had done + in days of old!<br /> Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac-thane<br /> of + his boast at evening: up he bounded,<br /> grasped firm his foe, whose + fingers cracked.<br /> The fiend made off, but the earl close followed.<br /> + The monster meant -- if he might at all --<br /> to fling himself free, and + far away<br /> fly to the fens, -- knew his fingers’ power<br /> in + the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march<br /> to Heorot this monster of + harm had made!<br /> Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft,<br /> + castle-dwellers and clansmen all,<br /> earls, of their ale. Angry were + both<br /> those savage hall-guards: the house resounded.<br /> Wonder it + was the wine-hall firm<br /> in the strain of their struggle stood, to + earth<br /> the fair house fell not; too fast it was<br /> within and + without by its iron bands<br /> craftily clamped; though there crashed from + sill<br /> many a mead-bench -- men have told me --<br /> gay with gold, + where the grim foes wrestled.<br /> So well had weened the wisest Scyldings<br /> + that not ever at all might any man<br /> that bone-decked, brave house + break asunder,<br /> crush by craft, -- unless clasp of fire<br /> in smoke + engulfed it. -- Again uprose<br /> din redoubled. Danes of the North<br /> + with fear and frenzy were filled, each one,<br /> who from the wall that + wailing heard,<br /> God’s foe sounding his grisly song,<br /> cry of + the conquered, clamorous pain<br /> from captive of hell. Too closely held + him<br /> he who of men in might was strongest<br /> in that same day of + this our life. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XII + </p> + <p> + NOT in any wise would the earls’-defence <a name="linkcitation12a" + id="linkcitation12a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote12a">{12a}</a><br /> suffer + that slaughterous stranger to live,<br /> useless deeming his days and + years<br /> to men on earth. Now many an earl<br /> of Beowulf brandished + blade ancestral,<br /> fain the life of their lord to shield,<br /> their + praised prince, if power were theirs;<br /> never they knew, -- as they + neared the foe,<br /> hardy-hearted heroes of war,<br /> aiming their swords + on every side<br /> the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade,<br /> no + farest of falchions fashioned on earth,<br /> could harm or hurt that + hideous fiend!<br /> He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle,<br /> + from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting<br /> on that same day of this + our life<br /> woful should be, and his wandering soul<br /> far off flit to + the fiends’ domain.<br /> Soon he found, who in former days,<br /> + harmful in heart and hated of God,<br /> on many a man such murder wrought,<br /> + that the frame of his body failed him now.<br /> For him the keen-souled + kinsman of Hygelac<br /> held in hand; hateful alive<br /> was each to + other. The outlaw dire<br /> took mortal hurt; a mighty wound<br /> showed + on his shoulder, and sinews cracked,<br /> and the bone-frame burst. To + Beowulf now<br /> the glory was given, and Grendel thence<br /> death-sick + his den in the dark moor sought,<br /> noisome abode: he knew too well<br /> + that here was the last of life, an end<br /> of his days on earth. -- To + all the Danes<br /> by that bloody battle the boon had come.<br /> From + ravage had rescued the roving stranger<br /> Hrothgar’s hall; the + hardy and wise one<br /> had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him,<br /> + his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes<br /> had the valiant Geat his + vaunt made good,<br /> all their sorrow and ills assuaged,<br /> their bale + of battle borne so long,<br /> and all the dole they erst endured<br /> pain + a-plenty. -- ’Twas proof of this,<br /> when the hardy-in-fight a + hand laid down,<br /> arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed,<br /> of Grendel’s + gripe, -- ’neath the gabled roof. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XIII + </p> + <p> + MANY at morning, as men have told me,<br /> warriors gathered the gift-hall + round,<br /> folk-leaders faring from far and near,<br /> o’er + wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view,<br /> trace of the traitor. Not + troublous seemed<br /> the enemy’s end to any man<br /> who saw by the + gait of the graceless foe<br /> how the weary-hearted, away from thence,<br /> + baffled in battle and banned, his steps<br /> death-marked dragged to the + devils’ mere.<br /> Bloody the billows were boiling there,<br /> + turbid the tide of tumbling waves<br /> horribly seething, with sword-blood + hot,<br /> by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor<br /> laid + forlorn his life adown,<br /> his heathen soul, and hell received it.<br /> + Home then rode the hoary clansmen<br /> from that merry journey, and many a + youth,<br /> on horses white, the hardy warriors,<br /> back from the mere. + Then Beowulf’s glory<br /> eager they echoed, and all averred<br /> + that from sea to sea, or south or north,<br /> there was no other in earth’s + domain,<br /> under vault of heaven, more valiant found,<br /> of warriors + none more worthy to rule!<br /> (On their lord beloved they laid no slight,<br /> + gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!)<br /> From time to time, the + tried-in-battle<br /> their gray steeds set to gallop amain,<br /> and ran a + race when the road seemed fair.<br /> From time to time, a thane of the + king,<br /> who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses,<br /> + stored with sagas and songs of old,<br /> bound word to word in well-knit + rime,<br /> welded his lay; this warrior soon<br /> of Beowulf’s quest + right cleverly sang,<br /> and artfully added an excellent tale,<br /> in + well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds<br /> he had heard in saga of + Sigemund.<br /> Strange the story: he said it all, --<br /> the Waelsing’s + wanderings wide, his struggles,<br /> which never were told to tribes of + men,<br /> the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only,<br /> when of + these doings he deigned to speak,<br /> uncle to nephew; as ever the twain<br /> + stood side by side in stress of war,<br /> and multitude of the monster + kind<br /> they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew,<br /> when + he passed from life, no little praise;<br /> for the doughty-in-combat a + dragon killed<br /> that herded the hoard: <a name="linkcitation13a" + id="linkcitation13a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote13a">{13a}</a> under hoary + rock<br /> the atheling dared the deed alone<br /> fearful quest, nor was + Fitela there.<br /> Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced<br /> that + wondrous worm, -- on the wall it struck,<br /> best blade; the dragon died + in its blood.<br /> Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved<br /> over the + ring-hoard to rule at will,<br /> himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he + loaded,<br /> and bore on its bosom the beaming gold,<br /> son of Waels; + the worm was consumed.<br /> He had of all heroes the highest renown<br /> + among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors,<br /> for deeds of daring that + decked his name<br /> since the hand and heart of Heremod<br /> grew slack + in battle. He, swiftly banished<br /> to mingle with monsters at mercy of + foes,<br /> to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow<br /> had lamed + him too long; a load of care<br /> to earls and athelings all he proved.<br /> + Oft indeed, in earlier days,<br /> for the warrior’s wayfaring wise + men mourned,<br /> who had hoped of him help from harm and bale,<br /> and + had thought their sovran’s son would thrive,<br /> follow his father, + his folk protect,<br /> the hoard and the stronghold, heroes’ land,<br /> + home of Scyldings. -- But here, thanes said,<br /> the kinsman of Hygelac + kinder seemed<br /> to all: the other <a name="linkcitation13b" + id="linkcitation13b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote13b">{13b}</a> was urged to + crime!<br /> And afresh to the race, <a name="linkcitation13c" + id="linkcitation13c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote13c">{13c}</a> the fallow + roads<br /> by swift steeds measured! The morning sun<br /> was climbing + higher. Clansmen hastened<br /> to the high-built hall, those hardy-minded,<br /> + the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure,<br /> crowned with glory, the + king himself,<br /> with stately band from the bride-bower strode;<br /> and + with him the queen and her crowd of maidens<br /> measured the path to the + mead-house fair. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XIV + </p> + <p> + HROTHGAR spake, -- to the hall he went,<br /> stood by the steps, the steep + roof saw,<br /> garnished with gold, and Grendel’s hand: --<br /> + “For the sight I see to the Sovran Ruler<br /> be speedy thanks! A + throng of sorrows<br /> I have borne from Grendel; but God still works<br /> + wonder on wonder, the Warden-of-Glory.<br /> It was but now that I never + more<br /> for woes that weighed on me waited help<br /> long as I lived, + when, laved in blood,<br /> stood sword-gore-stained this stateliest house, + --<br /> widespread woe for wise men all,<br /> who had no hope to hinder + ever<br /> foes infernal and fiendish sprites<br /> from havoc in hall. This + hero now,<br /> by the Wielder’s might, a work has done<br /> that not + all of us erst could ever do<br /> by wile and wisdom. Lo, well can she say<br /> + whoso of women this warrior bore<br /> among sons of men, if still she + liveth,<br /> that the God of the ages was good to her<br /> in the birth of + her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee,<br /> of heroes best, I shall heartily love<br /> + as mine own, my son; preserve thou ever<br /> this kinship new: thou shalt + never lack<br /> wealth of the world that I wield as mine!<br /> Full oft + for less have I largess showered,<br /> my precious hoard, on a punier man,<br /> + less stout in struggle. Thyself hast now<br /> fulfilled such deeds, that + thy fame shall endure<br /> through all the ages. As ever he did,<br /> well + may the Wielder reward thee still!”<br /> Beowulf spake, bairn of + Ecgtheow: --<br /> “This work of war most willingly<br /> we have + fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared<br /> force of the foe. Fain, too, + were I<br /> hadst thou but seen himself, what time<br /> the fiend in his + trappings tottered to fall!<br /> Swiftly, I thought, in strongest gripe<br /> + on his bed of death to bind him down,<br /> that he in the hent of this + hand of mine<br /> should breathe his last: but he broke away.<br /> Him I + might not -- the Maker willed not --<br /> hinder from flight, and firm + enough hold<br /> the life-destroyer: too sturdy was he,<br /> the ruthless, + in running! For rescue, however,<br /> he left behind him his hand in + pledge,<br /> arm and shoulder; nor aught of help<br /> could the cursed one + thus procure at all.<br /> None the longer liveth he, loathsome fiend,<br /> + sunk in his sins, but sorrow holds him<br /> tightly grasped in gripe of + anguish,<br /> in baleful bonds, where bide he must,<br /> evil outlaw, such + awful doom<br /> as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out.” + </p> + <p> + More silent seemed the son of Ecglaf <a name="linkcitation14a" + id="linkcitation14a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote14a">{14a}</a><br /> in + boastful speech of his battle-deeds,<br /> since athelings all, through the + earl’s great prowess,<br /> beheld that hand, on the high roof + gazing,<br /> foeman’s fingers, -- the forepart of each<br /> of the + sturdy nails to steel was likest, --<br /> heathen’s “hand-spear,” + hostile warrior’s<br /> claw uncanny. ’Twas clear, they said,<br /> + that him no blade of the brave could touch,<br /> how keen soever, or cut + away<br /> that battle-hand bloody from baneful foe. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XV + </p> + <p> + THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now<br /> for hands to bedeck it, and + dense was the throng<br /> of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse,<br /> + the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings<br /> that were wove + on the wall, and wonders many<br /> to delight each mortal that looks upon + them.<br /> Though braced within by iron bands,<br /> that building bright + was broken sorely; <a name="linkcitation15a" id="linkcitation15a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote15a">{15a}</a><br /> rent were its hinges; the roof + alone<br /> held safe and sound, when, seared with crime,<br /> the fiendish + foe his flight essayed,<br /> of life despairing. -- No light thing that,<br /> + the flight for safety, -- essay it who will!<br /> Forced of fate, he shall + find his way<br /> to the refuge ready for race of man,<br /> for + soul-possessors, and sons of earth;<br /> and there his body on bed of + death<br /> shall rest after revel.<br /> Arrived was the hour<br /> when to + hall proceeded Healfdene’s son:<br /> the king himself would sit to + banquet.<br /> Ne’er heard I of host in haughtier throng<br /> more + graciously gathered round giver-of-rings!<br /> Bowed then to bench those + bearers-of-glory,<br /> fain of the feasting. Featly received<br /> many a + mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit,<br /> kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall,<br /> + Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now<br /> was filled with friends; the folk + of Scyldings<br /> ne’er yet had tried the traitor’s deed.<br /> + To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene<br /> a gold-wove banner, guerdon of + triumph,<br /> broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet;<br /> and a + splendid sword was seen of many<br /> borne to the brave one. Beowulf took<br /> + cup in hall: <a name="linkcitation15b" id="linkcitation15b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote15b">{15b}</a> for such costly gifts<br /> he suffered + no shame in that soldier throng.<br /> For I heard of few heroes, in + heartier mood,<br /> with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold,<br /> on + the ale-bench honoring others thus!<br /> O’er the roof of the helmet + high, a ridge,<br /> wound with wires, kept ward o’er the head,<br /> + lest the relict-of-files <a name="linkcitation15c" id="linkcitation15c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote15c">{15c}</a> should fierce invade,<br /> sharp in the + strife, when that shielded hero<br /> should go to grapple against his + foes.<br /> Then the earls’-defence <a name="linkcitation15d" + id="linkcitation15d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote15d">{15d}</a> on the floor + <a name="linkcitation15e" id="linkcitation15e"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote15e">{15e}</a> bade lead<br /> coursers eight, with + carven head-gear,<br /> adown the hall: one horse was decked<br /> with a + saddle all shining and set in jewels;<br /> ’twas the battle-seat of + the best of kings,<br /> when to play of swords the son of Healfdene<br /> + was fain to fare. Ne’er failed his valor<br /> in the crush of combat + when corpses fell.<br /> To Beowulf over them both then gave<br /> the + refuge-of-Ingwines right and power,<br /> o’er war-steeds and + weapons: wished him joy of them.<br /> Manfully thus the mighty prince,<br /> + hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid<br /> with steeds and + treasures contemned by none<br /> who is willing to say the sooth aright. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XVI + </p> + <p> + AND the lord of earls, to each that came<br /> with Beowulf over the briny + ways,<br /> an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave,<br /> precious gift; + and the price <a name="linkcitation16a" id="linkcitation16a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote16a">{16a}</a> bade pay<br /> in gold for him whom + Grendel erst<br /> murdered, -- and fain of them more had killed,<br /> had + not wisest God their Wyrd averted,<br /> and the man’s <a + name="linkcitation16b" id="linkcitation16b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16b">{16b}</a> + brave mood. The Maker then<br /> ruled human kind, as here and now.<br /> + Therefore is insight always best,<br /> and forethought of mind. How much + awaits him<br /> of lief and of loath, who long time here,<br /> through + days of warfare this world endures! + </p> + <p> + Then song and music mingled sounds<br /> in the presence of Healfdene’s + head-of-armies <a name="linkcitation16c" id="linkcitation16c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote16c">{16c}</a><br /> and harping was heard with the + hero-lay<br /> as Hrothgar’s singer the hall-joy woke<br /> along the + mead-seats, making his song<br /> of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn. + <a name="linkcitation16d" id="linkcitation16d"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote16d">{16d}</a><br /> Healfdene’s hero, Hnaef the + Scylding,<br /> was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter. <a + name="linkcitation16e" id="linkcitation16e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16e">{16e}</a><br /> + Hildeburh needed not hold in value<br /> her enemies’ honor! <a + name="linkcitation16f" id="linkcitation16f"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16f">{16f}</a> + Innocent both<br /> were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play,<br /> + bairn and brother, they bowed to fate,<br /> stricken by spears; ’twas + a sorrowful woman!<br /> None doubted why the daughter of Hoc<br /> bewailed + her doom when dawning came,<br /> and under the sky she saw them lying,<br /> + kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned<br /> of the sweets of the + world! By war were swept, too,<br /> Finn’s own liegemen, and few + were left;<br /> in the parleying-place <a name="linkcitation16g" + id="linkcitation16g"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16g">{16g}</a> he could ply + no longer<br /> weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest,<br /> and rescue + his remnant by right of arms<br /> from the prince’s thane. A pact he + offered:<br /> another dwelling the Danes should have,<br /> hall and + high-seat, and half the power<br /> should fall to them in Frisian land;<br /> + and at the fee-gifts, Folcwald’s son<br /> day by day the Danes + should honor,<br /> the folk of Hengest favor with rings,<br /> even as + truly, with treasure and jewels,<br /> with fretted gold, as his Frisian + kin<br /> he meant to honor in ale-hall there.<br /> Pact of peace they + plighted further<br /> on both sides firmly. Finn to Hengest<br /> with + oath, upon honor, openly promised<br /> that woful remnant, with wise-men’s + aid,<br /> nobly to govern, so none of the guests<br /> by word or work + should warp the treaty, <a name="linkcitation16h" id="linkcitation16h"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote16h">{16h}</a><br /> or with malice of mind bemoan + themselves<br /> as forced to follow their fee-giver’s slayer,<br /> + lordless men, as their lot ordained.<br /> Should Frisian, moreover, with + foeman’s taunt,<br /> that murderous hatred to mind recall,<br /> then + edge of the sword must seal his doom. + </p> + <p> + Oaths were given, and ancient gold<br /> heaped from hoard. -- The hardy + Scylding,<br /> battle-thane best, <a name="linkcitation16i" + id="linkcitation16i"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16i">{16i}</a> on his + balefire lay.<br /> All on the pyre were plain to see<br /> the gory sark, + the gilded swine-crest,<br /> boar of hard iron, and athelings many<br /> + slain by the sword: at the slaughter they fell.<br /> It was Hildeburh’s + hest, at Hnaef’s own pyre<br /> the bairn of her body on brands to + lay,<br /> his bones to burn, on the balefire placed,<br /> at his uncle’s + side. In sorrowful dirges<br /> bewept them the woman: great wailing + ascended.<br /> Then wound up to welkin the wildest of death-fires,<br /> + roared o’er the hillock: <a name="linkcitation16j" + id="linkcitation16j"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16j">{16j}</a> heads all + were melted,<br /> gashes burst, and blood gushed out<br /> from bites <a + name="linkcitation16k" id="linkcitation16k"></a><a href="#linkfootnote16k">{16k}</a> + of the body. Balefire devoured,<br /> greediest spirit, those spared not by + war<br /> out of either folk: their flower was gone. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XVII + </p> + <p> + THEN hastened those heroes their home to see,<br /> friendless, to find the + Frisian land,<br /> houses and high burg. Hengest still<br /> through the + death-dyed winter dwelt with Finn,<br /> holding pact, yet of home he + minded,<br /> though powerless his ring-decked prow to drive<br /> over the + waters, now waves rolled fierce<br /> lashed by the winds, or winter locked + them<br /> in icy fetters. Then fared another<br /> year to men’s + dwellings, as yet they do,<br /> the sunbright skies, that their season + ever<br /> duly await. Far off winter was driven;<br /> fair lay earth’s + breast; and fain was the rover,<br /> the guest, to depart, though more + gladly he pondered<br /> on wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep,<br /> + and how to hasten the hot encounter<br /> where sons of the Frisians were + sure to be.<br /> So he escaped not the common doom,<br /> when Hun with + “Lafing,” the light-of-battle,<br /> best of blades, his bosom + pierced:<br /> its edge was famed with the Frisian earls.<br /> On + fierce-heart Finn there fell likewise,<br /> on himself at home, the horrid + sword-death;<br /> for Guthlaf and Oslaf of grim attack<br /> had sorrowing + told, from sea-ways landed,<br /> mourning their woes. <a + name="linkcitation17a" id="linkcitation17a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote17a">{17a}</a> + Finn’s wavering spirit<br /> bode not in breast. The burg was + reddened<br /> with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain,<br /> king amid + clansmen; the queen was taken.<br /> To their ship the Scylding warriors + bore<br /> all the chattels the chieftain owned,<br /> whatever they found + in Finn’s domain<br /> of gems and jewels. The gentle wife<br /> o’er + paths of the deep to the Danes they bore,<br /> led to her land.<br /> The + lay was finished,<br /> the gleeman’s song. Then glad rose the revel;<br /> + bench-joy brightened. Bearers draw<br /> from their “wonder-vats” + wine. Comes Wealhtheow forth,<br /> under gold-crown goes where the good + pair sit,<br /> uncle and nephew, true each to the other one,<br /> kindred + in amity. Unferth the spokesman<br /> at the Scylding lord’s feet + sat: men had faith in his spirit,<br /> his keenness of courage, though + kinsmen had found him<br /> unsure at the sword-play. The Scylding queen + spoke:<br /> “Quaff of this cup, my king and lord,<br /> breaker of + rings, and blithe be thou,<br /> gold-friend of men; to the Geats here + speak<br /> such words of mildness as man should use.<br /> Be glad with thy + Geats; of those gifts be mindful,<br /> or near or far, which now thou + hast. + </p> + <p> + Men say to me, as son thou wishest<br /> yon hero to hold. Thy Heorot + purged,<br /> jewel-hall brightest, enjoy while thou canst,<br /> with many + a largess; and leave to thy kin<br /> folk and realm when forth thou goest<br /> + to greet thy doom. For gracious I deem<br /> my Hrothulf, <a + name="linkcitation17b" id="linkcitation17b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote17b">{17b}</a> + willing to hold and rule<br /> nobly our youths, if thou yield up first,<br /> + prince of Scyldings, thy part in the world.<br /> I ween with good he will + well requite<br /> offspring of ours, when all he minds<br /> that for him + we did in his helpless days<br /> of gift and grace to gain him honor!”<br /> + Then she turned to the seat where her sons wereplaced,<br /> Hrethric and + Hrothmund, with heroes’ bairns,<br /> young men together: the Geat, + too, sat there,<br /> Beowulf brave, the brothers between. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XVIII + </p> + <p> + A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting<br /> and winsome words. Of + wounden gold,<br /> she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain,<br /> + corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest<br /> that ever I knew the + earth around.<br /> Ne’er heard I so mighty, ’neath heaven’s + dome,<br /> a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore<br /> to his bright-built + burg the Brisings’ necklace,<br /> jewel and gem casket. -- Jealousy + fled he,<br /> Eormenric’s hate: chose help eternal.<br /> Hygelac + Geat, grandson of Swerting,<br /> on the last of his raids this ring bore + with him,<br /> under his banner the booty defending,<br /> the war-spoil + warding; but Wyrd o’erwhelmed him<br /> what time, in his daring, + dangers he sought,<br /> feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems<br /> he bore + with him over the beaker-of-waves,<br /> sovran strong: under shield he + died.<br /> Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks,<br /> gear + of the breast, and that gorgeous ring;<br /> weaker warriors won the spoil,<br /> + after gripe of battle, from Geatland’s lord,<br /> and held the + death-field.<br /> Din rose in hall.<br /> Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, + and said: --<br /> “This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth,<br /> + Beowulf lov’d, these battle-weeds wear,<br /> a royal treasure, and + richly thrive!<br /> Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here<br /> + counsel in kindness: requital be mine.<br /> Hast done such deeds, that for + days to come<br /> thou art famed among folk both far and near,<br /> so + wide as washeth the wave of Ocean<br /> his windy walls. Through the ways + of life<br /> prosper, O prince! I pray for thee<br /> rich possessions. To + son of mine<br /> be helpful in deed and uphold his joys!<br /> Here every + earl to the other is true,<br /> mild of mood, to the master loyal!<br /> + Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient,<br /> liegemen are revelling: + list and obey!”<br /> Went then to her place. -- That was proudest of + feasts;<br /> flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not,<br /> + destiny dire, and the doom to be seen<br /> by many an earl when eve should + come,<br /> and Hrothgar homeward hasten away,<br /> royal, to rest. The + room was guarded<br /> by an army of earls, as erst was done.<br /> They + bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread<br /> beds and bolsters. -- One + beer-carouser<br /> in danger of doom lay down in the hall. -- + </p> + <p> + At their heads they set their shields of war,<br /> bucklers bright; on the + bench were there<br /> over each atheling, easy to see,<br /> the high + battle-helmet, the haughty spear,<br /> the corselet of rings. ’Twas + their custom so<br /> ever to be for battle prepared,<br /> at home, or + harrying, which it were,<br /> even as oft as evil threatened<br /> their + sovran king. -- They were clansmen good. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XIX + </p> + <p> + THEN sank they to sleep. With sorrow one bought<br /> his rest of the + evening, -- as ofttime had happened<br /> when Grendel guarded that golden + hall,<br /> evil wrought, till his end drew nigh,<br /> slaughter for sins. + ’Twas seen and told<br /> how an avenger survived the fiend,<br /> as + was learned afar. The livelong time<br /> after that grim fight, Grendel’s + mother,<br /> monster of women, mourned her woe.<br /> She was doomed to + dwell in the dreary waters,<br /> cold sea-courses, since Cain cut down<br /> + with edge of the sword his only brother,<br /> his father’s + offspring: outlawed he fled,<br /> marked with murder, from men’s + delights<br /> warded the wilds. -- There woke from him<br /> such fate-sent + ghosts as Grendel, who,<br /> war-wolf horrid, at Heorot found<br /> a + warrior watching and waiting the fray,<br /> with whom the grisly one + grappled amain.<br /> But the man remembered his mighty power,<br /> the + glorious gift that God had sent him,<br /> in his Maker’s mercy put + his trust<br /> for comfort and help: so he conquered the foe,<br /> felled + the fiend, who fled abject,<br /> reft of joy, to the realms of death,<br /> + mankind’s foe. And his mother now,<br /> gloomy and grim, would go + that quest<br /> of sorrow, the death of her son to avenge.<br /> To Heorot + came she, where helmeted Danes<br /> slept in the hall. Too soon came back<br /> + old ills of the earls, when in she burst,<br /> the mother of Grendel. Less + grim, though, that terror,<br /> e’en as terror of woman in war is + less,<br /> might of maid, than of men in arms<br /> when, hammer-forged, + the falchion hard,<br /> sword gore-stained, through swine of the helm,<br /> + crested, with keen blade carves amain.<br /> Then was in hall the hard-edge + drawn,<br /> the swords on the settles, <a name="linkcitation19a" + id="linkcitation19a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote19a">{19a}</a> and shields + a-many<br /> firm held in hand: nor helmet minded<br /> nor harness of mail, + whom that horror seized.<br /> Haste was hers; she would hie afar<br /> and + save her life when the liegemen saw her.<br /> Yet a single atheling up she + seized<br /> fast and firm, as she fled to the moor.<br /> He was for + Hrothgar of heroes the dearest,<br /> of trusty vassals betwixt the seas,<br /> + whom she killed on his couch, a clansman famous,<br /> in battle brave. -- + Nor was Beowulf there;<br /> another house had been held apart,<br /> after + giving of gold, for the Geat renowned. --<br /> Uproar filled Heorot; the + hand all had viewed,<br /> blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was + returned,<br /> dole in the dwellings: ’twas dire exchange<br /> where + Dane and Geat were doomed to give<br /> the lives of loved ones. Long-tried + king,<br /> the hoary hero, at heart was sad<br /> when he knew his noble no + more lived,<br /> and dead indeed was his dearest thane.<br /> To his bower + was Beowulf brought in haste,<br /> dauntless victor. As daylight broke,<br /> + along with his earls the atheling lord,<br /> with his clansmen, came where + the king abode<br /> waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All<br /> would turn + this tale of trouble and woe.<br /> Strode o’er floor the + famed-in-strife,<br /> with his hand-companions, -- the hall resounded, --<br /> + wishing to greet the wise old king,<br /> Ingwines’ lord; he asked if + the night<br /> had passed in peace to the prince’s mind. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XX + </p> + <p> + HROTHGAR spake, helmet-of-Scyldings: --<br /> “Ask not of pleasure! + Pain is renewed<br /> to Danish folk. Dead is Aeschere,<br /> of Yrmenlaf + the elder brother,<br /> my sage adviser and stay in council,<br /> + shoulder-comrade in stress of fight<br /> when warriors clashed and we + warded our heads,<br /> hewed the helm-boars; hero famed<br /> should be + every earl as Aeschere was!<br /> But here in Heorot a hand hath slain him<br /> + of wandering death-sprite. I wot not whither, <a name="linkcitation20a" + id="linkcitation20a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote20a">{20a}</a><br /> proud + of the prey, her path she took,<br /> fain of her fill. The feud she + avenged<br /> that yesternight, unyieldingly,<br /> Grendel in grimmest + grasp thou killedst, --<br /> seeing how long these liegemen mine<br /> he + ruined and ravaged. Reft of life,<br /> in arms he fell. Now another comes,<br /> + keen and cruel, her kin to avenge,<br /> faring far in feud of blood:<br /> + so that many a thane shall think, who e’er<br /> sorrows in soul for + that sharer of rings,<br /> this is hardest of heart-bales. The hand lies + low<br /> that once was willing each wish to please.<br /> Land-dwellers + here <a name="linkcitation20b" id="linkcitation20b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote20b">{20b}</a> and liegemen mine,<br /> who house by + those parts, I have heard relate<br /> that such a pair they have sometimes + seen,<br /> march-stalkers mighty the moorland haunting,<br /> wandering + spirits: one of them seemed,<br /> so far as my folk could fairly judge,<br /> + of womankind; and one, accursed,<br /> in man’s guise trod the + misery-track<br /> of exile, though huger than human bulk.<br /> Grendel in + days long gone they named him,<br /> folk of the land; his father they knew + not,<br /> nor any brood that was born to him<br /> of treacherous spirits. + Untrod is their home;<br /> by wolf-cliffs haunt they and windy headlands,<br /> + fenways fearful, where flows the stream<br /> from mountains gliding to + gloom of the rocks,<br /> underground flood. Not far is it hence<br /> in + measure of miles that the mere expands,<br /> and o’er it the + frost-bound forest hanging,<br /> sturdily rooted, shadows the wave.<br /> + By night is a wonder weird to see,<br /> fire on the waters. So wise lived + none<br /> of the sons of men, to search those depths!<br /> Nay, though the + heath-rover, harried by dogs,<br /> the horn-proud hart, this holt should + seek,<br /> long distance driven, his dear life first<br /> on the brink he + yields ere he brave the plunge<br /> to hide his head: ’tis no happy + place!<br /> Thence the welter of waters washes up<br /> wan to welkin when + winds bestir<br /> evil storms, and air grows dusk,<br /> and the heavens + weep. Now is help once more<br /> with thee alone! The land thou knowst + not,<br /> place of fear, where thou findest out<br /> that sin-flecked + being. Seek if thou dare!<br /> I will reward thee, for waging this fight,<br /> + with ancient treasure, as erst I did,<br /> with winding gold, if thou + winnest back.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXI + </p> + <p> + BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow:<br /> “Sorrow not, sage! It beseems + us better<br /> friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them.<br /> Each of + us all must his end abide<br /> in the ways of the world; so win who may<br /> + glory ere death! When his days are told,<br /> that is the warrior’s + worthiest doom.<br /> Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon,<br /> and mark the + trail of the mother of Grendel.<br /> No harbor shall hide her -- heed my + promise! --<br /> enfolding of field or forested mountain<br /> or floor of + the flood, let her flee where she will!<br /> But thou this day endure in + patience,<br /> as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one.”<br /> Leaped + up the graybeard: God he thanked,<br /> mighty Lord, for the man’s + brave words.<br /> For Hrothgar soon a horse was saddled<br /> wave-maned + steed. The sovran wise<br /> stately rode on; his shield-armed men<br /> + followed in force. The footprints led<br /> along the woodland, widely + seen,<br /> a path o’er the plain, where she passed, and trod<br /> + the murky moor; of men-at-arms<br /> she bore the bravest and best one, + dead,<br /> him who with Hrothgar the homestead ruled.<br /> On then went + the atheling-born<br /> o’er stone-cliffs steep and strait defiles,<br /> + narrow passes and unknown ways,<br /> headlands sheer, and the haunts of + the Nicors.<br /> Foremost he <a name="linkcitation21a" id="linkcitation21a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote21a">{21a}</a> fared, a few at his side<br /> of the + wiser men, the ways to scan,<br /> till he found in a flash the forested + hill<br /> hanging over the hoary rock,<br /> a woful wood: the waves below<br /> + were dyed in blood. The Danish men<br /> had sorrow of soul, and for + Scyldings all,<br /> for many a hero, ’twas hard to bear,<br /> ill + for earls, when Aeschere’s head<br /> they found by the flood on the + foreland there.<br /> Waves were welling, the warriors saw,<br /> hot with + blood; but the horn sang oft<br /> battle-song bold. The band sat down,<br /> + and watched on the water worm-like things,<br /> sea-dragons strange that + sounded the deep,<br /> and nicors that lay on the ledge of the ness --<br /> + such as oft essay at hour of morn<br /> on the road-of-sails their ruthless + quest, --<br /> and sea-snakes and monsters. These started away,<br /> + swollen and savage that song to hear,<br /> that war-horn’s blast. + The warden of Geats,<br /> with bolt from bow, then balked of life,<br /> of + wave-work, one monster, amid its heart<br /> went the keen war-shaft; in + water it seemed<br /> less doughty in swimming whom death had seized.<br /> + Swift on the billows, with boar-spears well<br /> hooked and barbed, it was + hard beset,<br /> done to death and dragged on the headland,<br /> + wave-roamer wondrous. Warriors viewed<br /> the grisly guest.<br /> Then + girt him Beowulf<br /> in martial mail, nor mourned for his life.<br /> His + breastplate broad and bright of hues,<br /> woven by hand, should the + waters try;<br /> well could it ward the warrior’s body<br /> that + battle should break on his breast in vain<br /> nor harm his heart by the + hand of a foe.<br /> And the helmet white that his head protected<br /> was + destined to dare the deeps of the flood,<br /> through wave-whirl win: + ’twas wound with chains,<br /> decked with gold, as in days of yore<br /> + the weapon-smith worked it wondrously,<br /> with swine-forms set it, that + swords nowise,<br /> brandished in battle, could bite that helm.<br /> Nor + was that the meanest of mighty helps<br /> which Hrothgar’s orator + offered at need:<br /> “Hrunting” they named the hilted sword,<br /> + of old-time heirlooms easily first;<br /> iron was its edge, all etched + with poison,<br /> with battle-blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight<br /> + in hero’s hand who held it ever,<br /> on paths of peril prepared to + go<br /> to folkstead <a name="linkcitation21b" id="linkcitation21b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote21b">{21b}</a> of foes. Not first time this<br /> it was + destined to do a daring task.<br /> For he bore not in mind, the bairn of + Ecglaf<br /> sturdy and strong, that speech he had made,<br /> drunk with + wine, now this weapon he lent<br /> to a stouter swordsman. Himself, + though, durst not<br /> under welter of waters wager his life<br /> as loyal + liegeman. So lost he his glory,<br /> honor of earls. With the other not + so,<br /> who girded him now for the grim encounter. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXII + </p> + <p> + BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “Have mind, thou honored + offspring of Healfdene<br /> gold-friend of men, now I go on this quest,<br /> + sovran wise, what once was said:<br /> if in thy cause it came that I<br /> + should lose my life, thou wouldst loyal bide<br /> to me, though fallen, in + father’s place!<br /> Be guardian, thou, to this group of my thanes,<br /> + my warrior-friends, if War should seize me;<br /> and the goodly gifts thou + gavest me,<br /> Hrothgar beloved, to Hygelac send!<br /> Geatland’s + king may ken by the gold,<br /> Hrethel’s son see, when he stares at + the treasure,<br /> that I got me a friend for goodness famed,<br /> and + joyed while I could in my jewel-bestower.<br /> And let Unferth wield this + wondrous sword,<br /> earl far-honored, this heirloom precious,<br /> hard + of edge: with Hrunting I<br /> seek doom of glory, or Death shall take me.” + </p> + <p> + After these words the Weder-Geat lord<br /> boldly hastened, biding never<br /> + answer at all: the ocean floods<br /> closed o’er the hero. Long + while of the day<br /> fled ere he felt the floor of the sea. + </p> + <p> + Soon found the fiend who the flood-domain<br /> sword-hungry held these + hundred winters,<br /> greedy and grim, that some guest from above,<br /> + some man, was raiding her monster-realm.<br /> She grasped out for him with + grisly claws,<br /> and the warrior seized; yet scathed she not<br /> his + body hale; the breastplate hindered,<br /> as she strove to shatter the + sark of war,<br /> the linked harness, with loathsome hand.<br /> Then bore + this brine-wolf, when bottom she touched,<br /> the lord of rings to the + lair she haunted<br /> whiles vainly he strove, though his valor held,<br /> + weapon to wield against wondrous monsters<br /> that sore beset him; + sea-beasts many<br /> tried with fierce tusks to tear his mail,<br /> and + swarmed on the stranger. But soon he marked<br /> he was now in some hall, + he knew not which,<br /> where water never could work him harm,<br /> nor + through the roof could reach him ever<br /> fangs of the flood. Firelight + he saw,<br /> beams of a blaze that brightly shone.<br /> Then the warrior + was ware of that wolf-of-the-deep,<br /> mere-wife monstrous. For mighty + stroke<br /> he swung his blade, and the blow withheld not.<br /> Then sang + on her head that seemly blade<br /> its war-song wild. But the warrior + found<br /> the light-of-battle <a name="linkcitation22a" + id="linkcitation22a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote22a">{22a}</a> was loath to + bite,<br /> to harm the heart: its hard edge failed<br /> the noble at need, + yet had known of old<br /> strife hand to hand, and had helmets cloven,<br /> + doomed men’s fighting-gear. First time, this,<br /> for the gleaming + blade that its glory fell.<br /> Firm still stood, nor failed in valor,<br /> + heedful of high deeds, Hygelac’s kinsman;<br /> flung away fretted + sword, featly jewelled,<br /> the angry earl; on earth it lay<br /> + steel-edged and stiff. His strength he trusted,<br /> hand-gripe of might. + So man shall do<br /> whenever in war he weens to earn him<br /> lasting + fame, nor fears for his life!<br /> Seized then by shoulder, shrank not + from combat,<br /> the Geatish war-prince Grendel’s mother.<br /> + Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath,<br /> his deadly foe, that + she fell to ground.<br /> Swift on her part she paid him back<br /> with + grisly grasp, and grappled with him.<br /> Spent with struggle, stumbled + the warrior,<br /> fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown.<br /> On the + hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword,<br /> broad and + brown-edged, <a name="linkcitation22b" id="linkcitation22b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote22b">{22b}</a> the bairn to avenge,<br /> the sole-born + son. -- On his shoulder lay<br /> braided breast-mail, barring death,<br /> + withstanding entrance of edge or blade.<br /> Life would have ended for + Ecgtheow’s son,<br /> under wide earth for that earl of Geats,<br /> + had his armor of war not aided him,<br /> battle-net hard, and holy God<br /> + wielded the victory, wisest Maker.<br /> The Lord of Heaven allowed his + cause;<br /> and easily rose the earl erect. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines3"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXIII + </p> + <p> + ’MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant,<br /> old-sword of + Eotens, with edge of proof,<br /> warriors’ heirloom, weapon + unmatched,<br /> -- save only ’twas more than other men<br /> to + bandy-of-battle could bear at all --<br /> as the giants had wrought it, + ready and keen.<br /> Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings’ + chieftain,<br /> bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword,<br /> reckless + of life, and so wrathfully smote<br /> that it gripped her neck and grasped + her hard,<br /> her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced through<br /> + that fated-one’s flesh: to floor she sank.<br /> Bloody the blade: he + was blithe of his deed.<br /> Then blazed forth light. ’Twas bright + within<br /> as when from the sky there shines unclouded<br /> heaven’s + candle. The hall he scanned.<br /> By the wall then went he; his weapon + raised<br /> high by its hilts the Hygelac-thane,<br /> angry and eager. + That edge was not useless<br /> to the warrior now. He wished with speed<br /> + Grendel to guerdon for grim raids many,<br /> for the war he waged on + Western-Danes<br /> oftener far than an only time,<br /> when of Hrothgar’s + hearth-companions<br /> he slew in slumber, in sleep devoured,<br /> fifteen + men of the folk of Danes,<br /> and as many others outward bore,<br /> his + horrible prey. Well paid for that<br /> the wrathful prince! For now prone + he saw<br /> Grendel stretched there, spent with war,<br /> spoiled of life, + so scathed had left him<br /> Heorot’s battle. The body sprang far<br /> + when after death it endured the blow,<br /> sword-stroke savage, that + severed its head.<br /> Soon, <a name="linkcitation23a" id="linkcitation23a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote23a">{23a}</a> then, saw the sage companions<br /> who + waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood,<br /> that the tossing waters + turbid grew,<br /> blood-stained the mere. Old men together,<br /> + hoary-haired, of the hero spake;<br /> the warrior would not, they weened, + again,<br /> proud of conquest, come to seek<br /> their mighty master. To + many it seemed<br /> the wolf-of-the-waves had won his life.<br /> The ninth + hour came. The noble Scyldings<br /> left the headland; homeward went<br /> + the gold-friend of men. <a name="linkcitation23b" id="linkcitation23b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote23b">{23b}</a> But the guests sat on,<br /> stared at + the surges, sick in heart,<br /> and wished, yet weened not, their winsome + lord<br /> again to see. + </p> + <p> + Now that sword began,<br /> from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings, + <a name="linkcitation23c" id="linkcitation23c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote23c">{23c}</a><br /> war-blade, to wane: ’twas a + wondrous thing<br /> that all of it melted as ice is wont<br /> when frosty + fetters the Father loosens,<br /> unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding all<br /> + seasons and times: the true God he!<br /> Nor took from that dwelling the + duke of the Geats<br /> save only the head and that hilt withal<br /> + blazoned with jewels: the blade had melted,<br /> burned was the bright + sword, her blood was so hot,<br /> so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished + within there.<br /> Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combat<br /> + downfall of demons; up-dove through the flood.<br /> The clashing waters + were cleansed now,<br /> waste of waves, where the wandering fiend<br /> her + life-days left and this lapsing world.<br /> Swam then to strand the + sailors’-refuge,<br /> sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad,<br /> of + burden brave he bore with him.<br /> Went then to greet him, and God they + thanked,<br /> the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe,<br /> that + safe and sound they could see him again.<br /> Soon from the hardy one + helmet and armor<br /> deftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere,<br /> water + ’neath welkin, with war-blood stained.<br /> Forth they fared by the + footpaths thence,<br /> merry at heart the highways measured,<br /> + well-known roads. Courageous men<br /> carried the head from the cliff by + the sea,<br /> an arduous task for all the band,<br /> the firm in fight, + since four were needed<br /> on the shaft-of-slaughter <a + name="linkcitation23d" id="linkcitation23d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote23d">{23d}</a> + strenuously<br /> to bear to the gold-hall Grendel’s head.<br /> So + presently to the palace there<br /> foemen fearless, fourteen Geats,<br /> + marching came. Their master-of-clan<br /> mighty amid them the meadow-ways + trod.<br /> Strode then within the sovran thane<br /> fearless in fight, of + fame renowned,<br /> hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet.<br /> And next by the + hair into hall was borne<br /> Grendel’s head, where the henchmen + were drinking,<br /> an awe to clan and queen alike,<br /> a monster of + marvel: the men looked on. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXIV + </p> + <p> + BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “Lo, now, this sea-booty, + son of Healfdene,<br /> Lord of Scyldings, we’ve lustily brought + thee,<br /> sign of glory; thou seest it here.<br /> Not lightly did I with + my life escape!<br /> In war under water this work I essayed<br /> with + endless effort; and even so<br /> my strength had been lost had the Lord + not shielded me.<br /> Not a whit could I with Hrunting do<br /> in work of + war, though the weapon is good;<br /> yet a sword the Sovran of Men + vouchsafed me<br /> to spy on the wall there, in splendor hanging,<br /> + old, gigantic, -- how oft He guides<br /> the friendless wight! -- and I + fought with that brand,<br /> felling in fight, since fate was with me,<br /> + the house’s wardens. That war-sword then<br /> all burned, bright + blade, when the blood gushed o’er it,<br /> battle-sweat hot; but the + hilt I brought back<br /> from my foes. So avenged I their fiendish deeds<br /> + death-fall of Danes, as was due and right.<br /> And this is my hest, that + in Heorot now<br /> safe thou canst sleep with thy soldier band,<br /> and + every thane of all thy folk<br /> both old and young; no evil fear,<br /> + Scyldings’ lord, from that side again,<br /> aught ill for thy earls, + as erst thou must!”<br /> Then the golden hilt, for that gray-haired + leader,<br /> hoary hero, in hand was laid,<br /> giant-wrought, old. So + owned and enjoyed it<br /> after downfall of devils, the Danish lord,<br /> + wonder-smiths’ work, since the world was rid<br /> of that + grim-souled fiend, the foe of God,<br /> murder-marked, and his mother as + well.<br /> Now it passed into power of the people’s king,<br /> best + of all that the oceans bound<br /> who have scattered their gold o’er + Scandia’s isle.<br /> Hrothgar spake -- the hilt he viewed,<br /> + heirloom old, where was etched the rise<br /> of that far-off fight when + the floods o’erwhelmed,<br /> raging waves, the race of giants<br /> + (fearful their fate!), a folk estranged<br /> from God Eternal: whence + guerdon due<br /> in that waste of waters the Wielder paid them.<br /> So on + the guard of shining gold<br /> in runic staves it was rightly said<br /> + for whom the serpent-traced sword was wrought,<br /> best of blades, in + bygone days,<br /> and the hilt well wound. -- The wise-one spake,<br /> son + of Healfdene; silent were all: --<br /> “Lo, so may he say who sooth + and right<br /> follows ’mid folk, of far times mindful,<br /> a + land-warden old, <a name="linkcitation24a" id="linkcitation24a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote24a">{24a}</a> that this earl belongs<br /> to the + better breed! So, borne aloft,<br /> thy fame must fly, O friend my + Beowulf,<br /> far and wide o’er folksteads many. Firmly thou<br /> + shalt all maintain,<br /> mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of<br /> + mine will I assure thee,<br /> as, awhile ago, I promised; thou shalt prove + a stay<br /> in future,<br /> in far-off years, to folk of thine,<br /> to + the heroes a help. Was not Heremod thus<br /> to offspring of Ecgwela, + Honor-Scyldings,<br /> nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter,<br /> + for doom of death to the Danishmen. + </p> + <p> + He slew, wrath-swollen, his shoulder-comrades,<br /> companions at board! + So he passed alone,<br /> chieftain haughty, from human cheer.<br /> Though + him the Maker with might endowed,<br /> delights of power, and uplifted + high<br /> above all men, yet blood-fierce his mind,<br /> his breast-hoard, + grew, no bracelets gave he<br /> to Danes as was due; he endured all + joyless<br /> strain of struggle and stress of woe,<br /> long feud with his + folk. Here find thy lesson!<br /> Of virtue advise thee! This verse I have + said for thee,<br /> wise from lapsed winters. Wondrous seems<br /> how to + sons of men Almighty God<br /> in the strength of His spirit sendeth + wisdom,<br /> estate, high station: He swayeth all things.<br /> Whiles He + letteth right lustily fare<br /> the heart of the hero of high-born race, + --<br /> in seat ancestral assigns him bliss,<br /> his folk’s sure + fortress in fee to hold,<br /> puts in his power great parts of the earth,<br /> + empire so ample, that end of it<br /> this wanter-of-wisdom weeneth none.<br /> + So he waxes in wealth, nowise can harm him<br /> illness or age; no evil + cares<br /> shadow his spirit; no sword-hate threatens<br /> from ever an + enemy: all the world<br /> wends at his will, no worse he knoweth,<br /> + till all within him obstinate pride<br /> waxes and wakes while the warden + slumbers,<br /> the spirit’s sentry; sleep is too fast<br /> which + masters his might, and the murderer nears,<br /> stealthily shooting the + shafts from his bow! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXV + </p> + <p> + “UNDER harness his heart then is hit indeed<br /> by sharpest shafts; + and no shelter avails<br /> from foul behest of the hellish fiend. <a + name="linkcitation25a" id="linkcitation25a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote25a">{25a}</a><br /> + Him seems too little what long he possessed.<br /> Greedy and grim, no + golden rings<br /> he gives for his pride; the promised future<br /> forgets + he and spurns, with all God has sent him,<br /> Wonder-Wielder, of wealth + and fame.<br /> Yet in the end it ever comes<br /> that the frame of the + body fragile yields,<br /> fated falls; and there follows another<br /> who + joyously the jewels divides,<br /> the royal riches, nor recks of his + forebear.<br /> Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest,<br /> + best of men, and the better part choose,<br /> profit eternal; and temper + thy pride,<br /> warrior famous! The flower of thy might<br /> lasts now a + while: but erelong it shall be<br /> that sickness or sword thy strength + shall minish,<br /> or fang of fire, or flooding billow,<br /> or bite of + blade, or brandished spear,<br /> or odious age; or the eyes’ clear + beam<br /> wax dull and darken: Death even thee<br /> in haste shall o’erwhelm, + thou hero of war!<br /> So the Ring-Danes these half-years a hundred I + ruled,<br /> wielded ’neath welkin, and warded them bravely<br /> from + mighty-ones many o’er middle-earth,<br /> from spear and sword, till + it seemed for me<br /> no foe could be found under fold of the sky.<br /> + Lo, sudden the shift! To me seated secure<br /> came grief for joy when + Grendel began<br /> to harry my home, the hellish foe;<br /> for those + ruthless raids, unresting I suffered<br /> heart-sorrow heavy. Heaven be + thanked,<br /> Lord Eternal, for life extended<br /> that I on this head all + hewn and bloody,<br /> after long evil, with eyes may gaze!<br /> -- Go to + the bench now! Be glad at banquet,<br /> warrior worthy! A wealth of + treasure<br /> at dawn of day, be dealt between us!”<br /> Glad was + the Geats’ lord, going betimes<br /> to seek his seat, as the Sage + commanded.<br /> Afresh, as before, for the famed-in-battle,<br /> for the + band of the hall, was a banquet dight<br /> nobly anew. The Night-Helm + darkened<br /> dusk o’er the drinkers.<br /> The doughty ones rose:<br /> + for the hoary-headed would hasten to rest,<br /> aged Scylding; and eager + the Geat,<br /> shield-fighter sturdy, for sleeping yearned.<br /> Him + wander-weary, warrior-guest<br /> from far, a hall-thane heralded forth,<br /> + who by custom courtly cared for all<br /> needs of a thane as in those old + days<br /> warrior-wanderers wont to have.<br /> So slumbered the + stout-heart. Stately the hall<br /> rose gabled and gilt where the guest + slept on<br /> till a raven black the rapture-of-heaven <a + name="linkcitation25b" id="linkcitation25b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote25b">{25b}</a><br /> + blithe-heart boded. Bright came flying<br /> shine after shadow. The + swordsmen hastened,<br /> athelings all were eager homeward<br /> forth to + fare; and far from thence<br /> the great-hearted guest would guide his + keel.<br /> Bade then the hardy-one Hrunting be brought<br /> to the son of + Ecglaf, the sword bade him take,<br /> excellent iron, and uttered his + thanks for it,<br /> quoth that he counted it keen in battle,<br /> “war-friend” + winsome: with words he slandered not<br /> edge of the blade: ’twas a + big-hearted man!<br /> Now eager for parting and armed at point<br /> + warriors waited, while went to his host<br /> that Darling of Danes. The + doughty atheling<br /> to high-seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXVI + </p> + <p> + BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “Lo, we seafarers say our + will,<br /> far-come men, that we fain would seek<br /> Hygelac now. We here + have found<br /> hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well.<br /> If + ever on earth I am able to win me<br /> more of thy love, O lord of men,<br /> + aught anew, than I now have done,<br /> for work of war I am willing still!<br /> + If it come to me ever across the seas<br /> that neighbor foemen annoy and + fright thee, --<br /> as they that hate thee erewhile have used, --<br /> + thousands then of thanes I shall bring,<br /> heroes to help thee. Of + Hygelac I know,<br /> ward of his folk, that, though few his years,<br /> + the lord of the Geats will give me aid<br /> by word and by work, that well + I may serve thee,<br /> wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph<br /> and + lending thee might when thou lackest men.<br /> If thy Hrethric should come + to court of Geats,<br /> a sovran’s son, he will surely there<br /> + find his friends. A far-off land<br /> each man should visit who vaunts him + brave.”<br /> Him then answering, Hrothgar spake: --<br /> “These + words of thine the wisest God<br /> sent to thy soul! No sager counsel<br /> + from so young in years e’er yet have I heard.<br /> Thou art strong + of main and in mind art wary,<br /> art wise in words! I ween indeed<br /> + if ever it hap that Hrethel’s heir<br /> by spear be seized, by + sword-grim battle,<br /> by illness or iron, thine elder and lord,<br /> + people’s leader, -- and life be thine, --<br /> no seemlier man will + the Sea-Geats find<br /> at all to choose for their chief and king,<br /> + for hoard-guard of heroes, if hold thou wilt<br /> thy kinsman’s + kingdom! Thy keen mind pleases me<br /> the longer the better, Beowulf + loved! + </p> + <p> + Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples,<br /> sons of the Geat + and Spear-Dane folk,<br /> shall have mutual peace, and from murderous + strife,<br /> such as once they waged, from war refrain.<br /> Long as I + rule this realm so wide,<br /> let our hoards be common, let heroes with + gold<br /> each other greet o’er the gannet’s-bath,<br /> and + the ringed-prow bear o’er rolling waves<br /> tokens of love. I trow + my landfolk<br /> towards friend and foe are firmly joined,<br /> and honor + they keep in the olden way.”<br /> To him in the hall, then, + Healfdene’s son<br /> gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls<br /> + bade him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved,<br /> hale to his home, + and in haste return.<br /> Then kissed the king of kin renowned,<br /> + Scyldings’ chieftain, that choicest thane,<br /> and fell on his + neck. Fast flowed the tears<br /> of the hoary-headed. Heavy with winters,<br /> + he had chances twain, but he clung to this, <a name="linkcitation26a" + id="linkcitation26a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote26a">{26a}</a> --<br /> that + each should look on the other again,<br /> and hear him in hall. Was this + hero so dear to him.<br /> his breast’s wild billows he banned in + vain;<br /> safe in his soul a secret longing,<br /> locked in his mind, for + that loved man<br /> burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode,<br /> glad of + his gold-gifts, the grass-plot o’er,<br /> warrior blithe. The + wave-roamer bode<br /> riding at anchor, its owner awaiting.<br /> As they + hastened onward, Hrothgar’s gift<br /> they lauded at length. -- + ’Twas a lord unpeered,<br /> every way blameless, till age had broken<br /> + -- it spareth no mortal -- his splendid might. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXVII + </p> + <p> + CAME now to ocean the ever-courageous<br /> hardy henchmen, their harness + bearing,<br /> woven war-sarks. The warden marked,<br /> trusty as ever, the + earl’s return.<br /> From the height of the hill no hostile words<br /> + reached the guests as he rode to greet them;<br /> but “Welcome!” + he called to that Weder clan<br /> as the sheen-mailed spoilers to ship + marched on.<br /> Then on the strand, with steeds and treasure<br /> and + armor their roomy and ring-dight ship<br /> was heavily laden: high its + mast<br /> rose over Hrothgar’s hoarded gems.<br /> A sword to the + boat-guard Beowulf gave,<br /> mounted with gold; on the mead-bench since<br /> + he was better esteemed, that blade possessing,<br /> heirloom old. -- Their + ocean-keel boarding,<br /> they drove through the deep, and Daneland left.<br /> + A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes,<br /> firm to the mast; the + flood-timbers moaned; <a name="linkcitation27a" id="linkcitation27a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote27a">{27a}</a><br /> nor did wind over billows that + wave-swimmer blow<br /> across from her course. The craft sped on,<br /> + foam-necked it floated forth o’er the waves,<br /> keel firm-bound + over briny currents,<br /> till they got them sight of the Geatish cliffs,<br /> + home-known headlands. High the boat,<br /> stirred by winds, on the strand + updrove.<br /> Helpful at haven the harbor-guard stood,<br /> who long + already for loved companions<br /> by the water had waited and watched + afar.<br /> He bound to the beach the broad-bosomed ship<br /> with + anchor-bands, lest ocean-billows<br /> that trusty timber should tear away.<br /> + Then Beowulf bade them bear the treasure,<br /> gold and jewels; no journey + far<br /> was it thence to go to the giver of rings,<br /> Hygelac + Hrethling: at home he dwelt<br /> by the sea-wall close, himself and clan.<br /> + Haughty that house, a hero the king,<br /> high the hall, and Hygd <a + name="linkcitation27b" id="linkcitation27b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote27b">{27b}</a> + right young,<br /> wise and wary, though winters few<br /> in those fortress + walls she had found a home,<br /> Haereth’s daughter. Nor humble her + ways,<br /> nor grudged she gifts to the Geatish men,<br /> of precious + treasure. Not Thryth’s pride showed she,<br /> folk-queen famed, or + that fell deceit.<br /> Was none so daring that durst make bold<br /> (save + her lord alone) of the liegemen dear<br /> that lady full in the face to + look,<br /> but forged fetters he found his lot,<br /> bonds of death! And + brief the respite;<br /> soon as they seized him, his sword-doom was + spoken,<br /> and the burnished blade a baleful murder<br /> proclaimed and + closed. No queenly way<br /> for woman to practise, though peerless she,<br /> + that the weaver-of-peace <a name="linkcitation27c" id="linkcitation27c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote27c">{27c}</a> from warrior dear<br /> by wrath and + lying his life should reave!<br /> But Hemming’s kinsman hindered + this. --<br /> For over their ale men also told<br /> that of these + folk-horrors fewer she wrought,<br /> onslaughts of evil, after she went,<br /> + gold-decked bride, to the brave young prince,<br /> atheling haughty, and + Offa’s hall<br /> o’er the fallow flood at her father’s + bidding<br /> safely sought, where since she prospered,<br /> royal, + throned, rich in goods,<br /> fain of the fair life fate had sent her,<br /> + and leal in love to the lord of warriors.<br /> He, of all heroes I heard + of ever<br /> from sea to sea, of the sons of earth,<br /> most excellent + seemed. Hence Offa was praised<br /> for his fighting and feeing by far-off + men,<br /> the spear-bold warrior; wisely he ruled<br /> over his empire. + Eomer woke to him,<br /> help of heroes, Hemming’s kinsman,<br /> + Grandson of Garmund, grim in war. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXVIII + </p> + <p> + HASTENED the hardy one, henchmen with him,<br /> sandy strand of the sea to + tread<br /> and widespread ways. The world’s great candle,<br /> sun + shone from south. They strode along<br /> with sturdy steps to the spot + they knew<br /> where the battle-king young, his burg within,<br /> slayer + of Ongentheow, shared the rings,<br /> shelter-of-heroes. To Hygelac<br /> + Beowulf’s coming was quickly told, --<br /> that there in the court + the clansmen’s refuge,<br /> the shield-companion sound and alive,<br /> + hale from the hero-play homeward strode.<br /> With haste in the hall, by + highest order,<br /> room for the rovers was readily made.<br /> By his + sovran he sat, come safe from battle,<br /> kinsman by kinsman. His kindly + lord<br /> he first had greeted in gracious form,<br /> with manly words. + The mead dispensing,<br /> came through the high hall Haereth’s + daughter,<br /> winsome to warriors, wine-cup bore<br /> to the hands of the + heroes. Hygelac then<br /> his comrade fairly with question plied<br /> in + the lofty hall, sore longing to know<br /> what manner of sojourn the + Sea-Geats made.<br /> “What came of thy quest, my kinsman Beowulf,<br /> + when thy yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder<br /> battle to seek o’er + the briny sea,<br /> combat in Heorot? Hrothgar couldst thou<br /> aid at + all, the honored chief,<br /> in his wide-known woes? With waves of care<br /> + my sad heart seethed; I sore mistrusted<br /> my loved one’s venture: + long I begged thee<br /> by no means to seek that slaughtering monster,<br /> + but suffer the South-Danes to settle their feud<br /> themselves with + Grendel. Now God be thanked<br /> that safe and sound I can see thee now!”<br /> + Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> “’Tis known and + unhidden, Hygelac Lord,<br /> to many men, that meeting of ours,<br /> + struggle grim between Grendel and me,<br /> which we fought on the field + where full too many<br /> sorrows he wrought for the Scylding-Victors,<br /> + evils unending. These all I avenged.<br /> No boast can be from breed of + Grendel,<br /> any on earth, for that uproar at dawn,<br /> from the + longest-lived of the loathsome race<br /> in fleshly fold! -- But first I + went<br /> Hrothgar to greet in the hall of gifts,<br /> where Healfdene’s + kinsman high-renowned,<br /> soon as my purpose was plain to him,<br /> + assigned me a seat by his son and heir.<br /> The liegemen were lusty; my + life-days never<br /> such merry men over mead in hall<br /> have I heard + under heaven! The high-born queen,<br /> people’s peace-bringer, + passed through the hall,<br /> cheered the young clansmen, clasps of gold,<br /> + ere she sought her seat, to sundry gave.<br /> Oft to the heroes Hrothgar’s + daughter,<br /> to earls in turn, the ale-cup tendered, --<br /> she whom I + heard these hall-companions<br /> Freawaru name, when fretted gold<br /> she + proffered the warriors. Promised is she,<br /> gold-decked maid, to the + glad son of Froda.<br /> Sage this seems to the Scylding’s-friend,<br /> + kingdom’s-keeper: he counts it wise<br /> the woman to wed so and + ward off feud,<br /> store of slaughter. But seldom ever<br /> when men are + slain, does the murder-spear sink<br /> but briefest while, though the + bride be fair! <a name="linkcitation28a" id="linkcitation28a"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote28a">{28a}</a><br /> “Nor haply will like it the + Heathobard lord,<br /> and as little each of his liegemen all,<br /> when a + thane of the Danes, in that doughty throng,<br /> goes with the lady along + their hall,<br /> and on him the old-time heirlooms glisten<br /> hard and + ring-decked, Heathobard’s treasure,<br /> weapons that once they + wielded fair<br /> until they lost at the linden-play <a + name="linkcitation28b" id="linkcitation28b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote28b">{28b}</a><br /> + liegeman leal and their lives as well.<br /> Then, over the ale, on this + heirloom gazing,<br /> some ash-wielder old who has all in mind<br /> that + spear-death of men, <a name="linkcitation28c" id="linkcitation28c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote28c">{28c}</a> -- he is stern of mood,<br /> heavy at + heart, -- in the hero young<br /> tests the temper and tries the soul<br /> + and war-hate wakens, with words like these: --<br /> Canst thou not, + comrade, ken that sword<br /> which to the fray thy father carried<br /> in + his final feud, ’neath the fighting-mask,<br /> dearest of blades, + when the Danish slew him<br /> and wielded the war-place on Withergild’s + fall,<br /> after havoc of heroes, those hardy Scyldings?<br /> Now, the son + of a certain slaughtering Dane,<br /> proud of his treasure, paces this + hall,<br /> joys in the killing, and carries the jewel <a + name="linkcitation28d" id="linkcitation28d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote28d">{28d}</a><br /> + that rightfully ought to be owned by thee!_<br /> Thus he urges and eggs + him all the time<br /> with keenest words, till occasion offers<br /> that + Freawaru’s thane, for his father’s deed,<br /> after bite of + brand in his blood must slumber,<br /> losing his life; but that liegeman + flies<br /> living away, for the land he kens.<br /> And thus be broken on + both their sides<br /> oaths of the earls, when Ingeld’s breast<br /> + wells with war-hate, and wife-love now<br /> after the care-billows cooler + grows.<br /> “So <a name="linkcitation28e" id="linkcitation28e"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote28e">{28e}</a> I hold not high the Heathobards’ + faith<br /> due to the Danes, or their during love<br /> and pact of peace. + -- But I pass from that,<br /> turning to Grendel, O giver-of-treasure,<br /> + and saying in full how the fight resulted,<br /> hand-fray of heroes. When + heaven’s jewel<br /> had fled o’er far fields, that fierce + sprite came,<br /> night-foe savage, to seek us out<br /> where safe and + sound we sentried the hall.<br /> To Hondscio then was that harassing + deadly,<br /> his fall there was fated. He first was slain,<br /> girded + warrior. Grendel on him<br /> turned murderous mouth, on our mighty + kinsman,<br /> and all of the brave man’s body devoured.<br /> Yet + none the earlier, empty-handed,<br /> would the bloody-toothed murderer, + mindful of bale,<br /> outward go from the gold-decked hall:<br /> but me he + attacked in his terror of might,<br /> with greedy hand grasped me. A glove + hung by him <a name="linkcitation28f" id="linkcitation28f"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote28f">{28f}</a><br /> wide and wondrous, wound with + bands;<br /> and in artful wise it all was wrought,<br /> by devilish craft, + of dragon-skins.<br /> Me therein, an innocent man,<br /> the fiendish foe + was fain to thrust<br /> with many another. He might not so,<br /> when I + all angrily upright stood.<br /> ’Twere long to relate how that + land-destroyer<br /> I paid in kind for his cruel deeds;<br /> yet there, my + prince, this people of thine<br /> got fame by my fighting. He fled away,<br /> + and a little space his life preserved;<br /> but there staid behind him his + stronger hand<br /> left in Heorot; heartsick thence<br /> on the floor of + the ocean that outcast fell.<br /> Me for this struggle the Scyldings’-friend<br /> + paid in plenty with plates of gold,<br /> with many a treasure, when morn + had come<br /> and we all at the banquet-board sat down.<br /> Then was song + and glee. The gray-haired Scylding,<br /> much tested, told of the times of + yore.<br /> Whiles the hero his harp bestirred,<br /> wood-of-delight; now + lays he chanted<br /> of sooth and sadness, or said aright<br /> legends of + wonder, the wide-hearted king;<br /> or for years of his youth he would + yearn at times,<br /> for strength of old struggles, now stricken with age,<br /> + hoary hero: his heart surged full<br /> when, wise with winters, he wailed + their flight.<br /> Thus in the hall the whole of that day<br /> at ease we + feasted, till fell o’er earth<br /> another night. Anon full ready<br /> + in greed of vengeance, Grendel’s mother<br /> set forth all doleful. + Dead was her son<br /> through war-hate of Weders; now, woman monstrous<br /> + with fury fell a foeman she slew,<br /> avenged her offspring. From + Aeschere old,<br /> loyal councillor, life was gone;<br /> nor might they e’en, + when morning broke,<br /> those Danish people, their death-done comrade<br /> + burn with brands, on balefire lay<br /> the man they mourned. Under + mountain stream<br /> she had carried the corpse with cruel hands.<br /> For + Hrothgar that was the heaviest sorrow<br /> of all that had laden the lord + of his folk.<br /> The leader then, by thy life, besought me<br /> (sad was + his soul) in the sea-waves’ coil<br /> to play the hero and hazard my + being<br /> for glory of prowess: my guerdon he pledged.<br /> I then in the + waters -- ’tis widely known --<br /> that sea-floor-guardian savage + found.<br /> Hand-to-hand there a while we struggled;<br /> billows welled + blood; in the briny hall<br /> her head I hewed with a hardy blade<br /> + from Grendel’s mother, -- and gained my life,<br /> though not + without danger. My doom was not yet.<br /> Then the haven-of-heroes, + Healfdene’s son,<br /> gave me in guerdon great gifts of price. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXIX + </p> + <p> + “So held this king to the customs old,<br /> that I wanted for nought + in the wage I gained,<br /> the meed of my might; he made me gifts,<br /> + Healfdene’s heir, for my own disposal.<br /> Now to thee, my prince, + I proffer them all,<br /> gladly give them. Thy grace alone<br /> can find + me favor. Few indeed<br /> have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!”<br /> + Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard,<br /> the battle-helm + high, and breastplate gray,<br /> the splendid sword; then spake in form: + --<br /> “Me this war-gear the wise old prince,<br /> Hrothgar, gave, + and his hest he added,<br /> that its story be straightway said to thee. --<br /> + A while it was held by Heorogar king,<br /> for long time lord of the land + of Scyldings;<br /> yet not to his son the sovran left it,<br /> to daring + Heoroweard, -- dear as he was to him,<br /> his harness of battle. -- Well + hold thou it all!”<br /> And I heard that soon passed o’er the + path of this treasure,<br /> all apple-fallow, four good steeds,<br /> each + like the others, arms and horses<br /> he gave to the king. So should + kinsmen be,<br /> not weave one another the net of wiles,<br /> or with + deep-hid treachery death contrive<br /> for neighbor and comrade. His + nephew was ever<br /> by hardy Hygelac held full dear,<br /> and each kept + watch o’er the other’s weal.<br /> I heard, too, the necklace + to Hygd he presented,<br /> wonder-wrought treasure, which Wealhtheow gave + him<br /> sovran’s daughter: three steeds he added,<br /> slender and + saddle-gay. Since such gift<br /> the gem gleamed bright on the breast of + the queen.<br /> Thus showed his strain the son of Ecgtheow<br /> as a man + remarked for mighty deeds<br /> and acts of honor. At ale he slew not<br /> + comrade or kin; nor cruel his mood,<br /> though of sons of earth his + strength was greatest,<br /> a glorious gift that God had sent<br /> the + splendid leader. Long was he spurned,<br /> and worthless by Geatish + warriors held;<br /> him at mead the master-of-clans<br /> failed full oft + to favor at all.<br /> Slack and shiftless the strong men deemed him,<br /> + profitless prince; but payment came,<br /> to the warrior honored, for all + his woes. --<br /> Then the bulwark-of-earls <a name="linkcitation29a" + id="linkcitation29a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote29a">{29a}</a> bade bring + within,<br /> hardy chieftain, Hrethel’s heirloom<br /> garnished with + gold: no Geat e’er knew<br /> in shape of a sword a statelier prize.<br /> + The brand he laid in Beowulf’s lap;<br /> and of hides assigned him + seven thousand, <a name="linkcitation29b" id="linkcitation29b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote29b">{29b}</a><br /> with house and high-seat. They held + in common<br /> land alike by their line of birth,<br /> inheritance, home: + but higher the king<br /> because of his rule o’er the realm itself. + </p> + <p> + Now further it fell with the flight of years,<br /> with harryings horrid, + that Hygelac perished, <a name="linkcitation29c" id="linkcitation29c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote29c">{29c}</a><br /> and Heardred, too, by hewing of + swords<br /> under the shield-wall slaughtered lay,<br /> when him at the + van of his victor-folk<br /> sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings,<br /> in + arms o’erwhelming Hereric’s nephew.<br /> Then Beowulf came as + king this broad<br /> realm to wield; and he ruled it well<br /> fifty + winters, <a name="linkcitation29d" id="linkcitation29d"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote29d">{29d}</a> a wise old prince,<br /> warding his + land, until One began<br /> in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage.<br /> + In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded,<br /> in the stone-barrow + steep. A strait path reached it,<br /> unknown to mortals. Some man, + however,<br /> came by chance that cave within<br /> to the heathen hoard. + <a name="linkcitation29e" id="linkcitation29e"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote29e">{29e}</a> In hand he took<br /> a golden goblet, + nor gave he it back,<br /> stole with it away, while the watcher slept,<br /> + by thievish wiles: for the warden’s wrath<br /> prince and people + must pay betimes! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXX + </p> + <p> + THAT way he went with no will of his own,<br /> in danger of life, to the + dragon’s hoard,<br /> but for pressure of peril, some prince’s + thane.<br /> He fled in fear the fatal scourge,<br /> seeking shelter, a + sinful man,<br /> and entered in. At the awful sight<br /> tottered that + guest, and terror seized him;<br /> yet the wretched fugitive rallied anon<br /> + from fright and fear ere he fled away,<br /> and took the cup from that + treasure-hoard.<br /> Of such besides there was store enough,<br /> + heirlooms old, the earth below,<br /> which some earl forgotten, in ancient + years,<br /> left the last of his lofty race,<br /> heedfully there had + hidden away,<br /> dearest treasure. For death of yore<br /> had hurried all + hence; and he alone<br /> left to live, the last of the clan,<br /> weeping + his friends, yet wished to bide<br /> warding the treasure, his one + delight,<br /> though brief his respite. The barrow, new-ready,<br /> to + strand and sea-waves stood anear,<br /> hard by the headland, hidden and + closed;<br /> there laid within it his lordly heirlooms<br /> and heaped + hoard of heavy gold<br /> that warden of rings. Few words he spake:<br /> + “Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not,<br /> what earls have + owned! Lo, erst from thee<br /> brave men brought it! But battle-death + seized<br /> and cruel killing my clansmen all,<br /> robbed them of life + and a liegeman’s joys.<br /> None have I left to lift the sword,<br /> + or to cleanse the carven cup of price,<br /> beaker bright. My brave are + gone.<br /> And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold,<br /> shall part + from its plating. Polishers sleep<br /> who could brighten and burnish the + battle-mask;<br /> and those weeds of war that were wont to brave<br /> over + bicker of shields the bite of steel<br /> rust with their bearer. The + ringed mail<br /> fares not far with famous chieftain,<br /> at side of + hero! No harp’s delight,<br /> no glee-wood’s gladness! No good + hawk now<br /> flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet<br /> stamp in the + burgstead! Battle and death<br /> the flower of my race have reft away.”<br /> + Mournful of mood, thus he moaned his woe,<br /> alone, for them all, and + unblithe wept<br /> by day and by night, till death’s fell wave<br /> + o’erwhelmed his heart. His hoard-of-bliss<br /> that old ill-doer + open found,<br /> who, blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth,<br /> naked + foe-dragon flying by night<br /> folded in fire: the folk of earth<br /> + dread him sore. ’Tis his doom to seek<br /> hoard in the graves, and + heathen gold<br /> to watch, many-wintered: nor wins he thereby!<br /> + Powerful this plague-of-the-people thus<br /> held the house of the hoard + in earth<br /> three hundred winters; till One aroused<br /> wrath in his + breast, to the ruler bearing<br /> that costly cup, and the king implored<br /> + for bond of peace. So the barrow was plundered,<br /> borne off was booty. + His boon was granted<br /> that wretched man; and his ruler saw<br /> first + time what was fashioned in far-off days.<br /> When the dragon awoke, new + woe was kindled.<br /> O’er the stone he snuffed. The stark-heart + found<br /> footprint of foe who so far had gone<br /> in his hidden craft + by the creature’s head. --<br /> So may the undoomed easily flee<br /> + evils and exile, if only he gain<br /> the grace of The Wielder! -- That + warden of gold<br /> o’er the ground went seeking, greedy to find<br /> + the man who wrought him such wrong in sleep.<br /> Savage and burning, the + barrow he circled<br /> all without; nor was any there,<br /> none in the + waste.... Yet war he desired,<br /> was eager for battle. The barrow he + entered,<br /> sought the cup, and discovered soon<br /> that some one of + mortals had searched his treasure,<br /> his lordly gold. The guardian + waited<br /> ill-enduring till evening came;<br /> boiling with wrath was + the barrow’s keeper,<br /> and fain with flame the foe to pay<br /> + for the dear cup’s loss. -- Now day was fled<br /> as the worm had + wished. By its wall no more<br /> was it glad to bide, but burning flew<br /> + folded in flame: a fearful beginning<br /> for sons of the soil; and soon + it came,<br /> in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXI + </p> + <p> + THEN the baleful fiend its fire belched out,<br /> and bright homes burned. + The blaze stood high<br /> all landsfolk frighting. No living thing<br /> + would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew.<br /> Wide was the dragon’s + warring seen,<br /> its fiendish fury far and near,<br /> as the grim + destroyer those Geatish people<br /> hated and hounded. To hidden lair,<br /> + to its hoard it hastened at hint of dawn.<br /> Folk of the land it had + lapped in flame,<br /> with bale and brand. In its barrow it trusted,<br /> + its battling and bulwarks: that boast was vain! + </p> + <p> + To Beowulf then the bale was told<br /> quickly and truly: the king’s + own home,<br /> of buildings the best, in brand-waves melted,<br /> that + gift-throne of Geats. To the good old man<br /> sad in heart, ’twas + heaviest sorrow.<br /> The sage assumed that his sovran God<br /> he had + angered, breaking ancient law,<br /> and embittered the Lord. His breast + within<br /> with black thoughts welled, as his wont was never.<br /> The + folk’s own fastness that fiery dragon<br /> with flame had destroyed, + and the stronghold all<br /> washed by waves; but the warlike king,<br /> + prince of the Weders, plotted vengeance.<br /> Warriors’-bulwark, he + bade them work<br /> all of iron -- the earl’s commander --<br /> a + war-shield wondrous: well he knew<br /> that forest-wood against fire were + worthless,<br /> linden could aid not. -- Atheling brave,<br /> he was fated + to finish this fleeting life, <a name="linkcitation31a" + id="linkcitation31a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote31a">{31a}</a><br /> his + days on earth, and the dragon with him,<br /> though long it had watched o’er + the wealth of the hoard! --<br /> Shame he reckoned it, sharer-of-rings,<br /> + to follow the flyer-afar with a host,<br /> a broad-flung band; nor the + battle feared he,<br /> nor deemed he dreadful the dragon’s warring,<br /> + its vigor and valor: ventures desperate<br /> he had passed a-plenty, and + perils of war,<br /> contest-crash, since, conqueror proud,<br /> Hrothgar’s + hall he had wholly purged,<br /> and in grapple had killed the kin of + Grendel,<br /> loathsome breed! Not least was that<br /> of hand-to-hand + fights where Hygelac fell,<br /> when the ruler of Geats in rush of battle,<br /> + lord of his folk, in the Frisian land,<br /> son of Hrethel, by + sword-draughts died,<br /> by brands down-beaten. Thence Beowulf fled<br /> + through strength of himself and his swimming power,<br /> though alone, and + his arms were laden with thirty<br /> coats of mail, when he came to the + sea!<br /> Nor yet might Hetwaras <a name="linkcitation31b" + id="linkcitation31b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote31b">{31b}</a> haughtily + boast<br /> their craft of contest, who carried against him<br /> shields to + the fight: but few escaped<br /> from strife with the hero to seek their + homes!<br /> Then swam over ocean Ecgtheow’s son<br /> lonely and + sorrowful, seeking his land,<br /> where Hygd made him offer of hoard and + realm,<br /> rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught<br /> the strength of + her son to save their kingdom<br /> from hostile hordes, after Hygelac’s + death.<br /> No sooner for this could the stricken ones<br /> in any wise + move that atheling’s mind<br /> over young Heardred’s head as + lord<br /> and ruler of all the realm to be:<br /> yet the hero upheld him + with helpful words,<br /> aided in honor, till, older grown,<br /> he + wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles<br /> sought him o’er + seas, the sons of Ohtere,<br /> who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings’-helmet,<br /> + the bravest and best that broke the rings,<br /> in Swedish land, of the + sea-kings’ line,<br /> haughty hero. <a name="linkcitation31c" + id="linkcitation31c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote31c">{31c}</a> Hence + Heardred’s end.<br /> For shelter he gave them, sword-death came,<br /> + the blade’s fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac;<br /> but the son of + Ongentheow sought again<br /> house and home when Heardred fell,<br /> + leaving Beowulf lord of Geats<br /> and gift-seat’s master. -- A good + king he! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXII + </p> + <p> + THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite<br /> in after days; and to + Eadgils he proved<br /> friend to the friendless, and forces sent<br /> over + the sea to the son of Ohtere,<br /> weapons and warriors: well repaid he<br /> + those care-paths cold when the king he slew. <a name="linkcitation32a" + id="linkcitation32a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote32a">{32a}</a><br /> Thus + safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow<br /> had passed a plenty, + through perils dire,<br /> with daring deeds, till this day was come<br /> + that doomed him now with the dragon to strive.<br /> With comrades eleven + the lord of Geats<br /> swollen in rage went seeking the dragon.<br /> He + had heard whence all the harm arose<br /> and the killing of clansmen; that + cup of price<br /> on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder.<br /> + In the throng was this one thirteenth man,<br /> starter of all the strife + and ill,<br /> care-laden captive; cringing thence<br /> forced and + reluctant, he led them on<br /> till he came in ken of that cavern-hall,<br /> + the barrow delved near billowy surges,<br /> flood of ocean. Within ’twas + full<br /> of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden,<br /> warrior trusty, + the treasures held,<br /> lurked in his lair. Not light the task<br /> of + entrance for any of earth-born men!<br /> Sat on the headland the hero + king,<br /> spake words of hail to his hearth-companions,<br /> gold-friend + of Geats. All gloomy his soul,<br /> wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh<br /> + stood ready to greet the gray-haired man,<br /> to seize his soul-hoard, + sunder apart<br /> life and body. Not long would be<br /> the warrior’s + spirit enwound with flesh.<br /> Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> + “Through store of struggles I strove in youth,<br /> mighty feuds; I + mind them all.<br /> I was seven years old when the sovran of rings,<br /> + friend-of-his-folk, from my father took me,<br /> had me, and held me, + Hrethel the king,<br /> with food and fee, faithful in kinship.<br /> Ne’er, + while I lived there, he loathlier found me,<br /> bairn in the burg, than + his birthright sons,<br /> Herebeald and Haethcyn and Hygelac mine.<br /> + For the eldest of these, by unmeet chance,<br /> by kinsman’s deed, + was the death-bed strewn,<br /> when Haethcyn killed him with horny bow,<br /> + his own dear liege laid low with an arrow,<br /> missed the mark and his + mate shot down,<br /> one brother the other, with bloody shaft.<br /> A + feeless fight, <a name="linkcitation32b" id="linkcitation32b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote32b">{32b}</a> and a fearful sin,<br /> horror to + Hrethel; yet, hard as it was,<br /> unavenged must the atheling die!<br /> + Too awful it is for an aged man<br /> to bide and bear, that his bairn so + young<br /> rides on the gallows. A rime he makes,<br /> sorrow-song for his + son there hanging<br /> as rapture of ravens; no rescue now<br /> can come + from the old, disabled man!<br /> Still is he minded, as morning breaks,<br /> + of the heir gone elsewhere; <a name="linkcitation32c" id="linkcitation32c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote32c">{32c}</a> another he hopes not<br /> he will bide + to see his burg within<br /> as ward for his wealth, now the one has found<br /> + doom of death that the deed incurred.<br /> Forlorn he looks on the lodge + of his son,<br /> wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers<br /> reft of + revel. The rider sleepeth,<br /> the hero, far-hidden; <a + name="linkcitation32d" id="linkcitation32d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote32d">{32d}</a> + no harp resounds,<br /> in the courts no wassail, as once was heard. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXIII + </p> + <p> + “THEN he goes to his chamber, a grief-song chants<br /> alone for his + lost. Too large all seems,<br /> homestead and house. So the + helmet-of-Weders<br /> hid in his heart for Herebeald<br /> waves of woe. No + way could he take<br /> to avenge on the slayer slaughter so foul;<br /> nor + e’en could he harass that hero at all<br /> with loathing deed, + though he loved him not.<br /> And so for the sorrow his soul endured,<br /> + men’s gladness he gave up and God’s light chose.<br /> Lands + and cities he left his sons<br /> (as the wealthy do) when he went from + earth.<br /> There was strife and struggle ’twixt Swede and Geat<br /> + o’er the width of waters; war arose,<br /> hard battle-horror, when + Hrethel died,<br /> and Ongentheow’s offspring grew<br /> strife-keen, + bold, nor brooked o’er the seas<br /> pact of peace, but pushed their + hosts<br /> to harass in hatred by Hreosnabeorh.<br /> Men of my folk for + that feud had vengeance,<br /> for woful war (‘tis widely known),<br /> + though one of them bought it with blood of his heart,<br /> a bargain hard: + for Haethcyn proved<br /> fatal that fray, for the first-of-Geats.<br /> At + morn, I heard, was the murderer killed<br /> by kinsman for kinsman, <a + name="linkcitation33a" id="linkcitation33a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote33a">{33a}</a> + with clash of sword,<br /> when Ongentheow met Eofor there.<br /> Wide split + the war-helm: wan he fell,<br /> hoary Scylfing; the hand that smote him<br /> + of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the death-blow.<br /> -- “For + all that he <a name="linkcitation33b" id="linkcitation33b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote33b">{33b}</a> gave me, my gleaming sword<br /> repaid + him at war, -- such power I wielded, --<br /> for lordly treasure: with + land he entrusted me,<br /> homestead and house. He had no need<br /> from + Swedish realm, or from Spear-Dane folk,<br /> or from men of the Gifths, to + get him help, --<br /> some warrior worse for wage to buy!<br /> Ever I + fought in the front of all,<br /> sole to the fore; and so shall I fight<br /> + while I bide in life and this blade shall last<br /> that early and late + hath loyal proved<br /> since for my doughtiness Daeghrefn fell,<br /> slain + by my hand, the Hugas’ champion.<br /> Nor fared he thence to the + Frisian king<br /> with the booty back, and breast-adornments;<br /> but, + slain in struggle, that standard-bearer<br /> fell, atheling brave. Not + with blade was he slain,<br /> but his bones were broken by brawny gripe,<br /> + his heart-waves stilled. -- The sword-edge now,<br /> hard blade and my + hand, for the hoard shall strive.”<br /> Beowulf spake, and a + battle-vow made<br /> his last of all: “I have lived through many<br /> + wars in my youth; now once again,<br /> old folk-defender, feud will I + seek,<br /> do doughty deeds, if the dark destroyer<br /> forth from his + cavern come to fight me!”<br /> Then hailed he the helmeted heroes + all,<br /> for the last time greeting his liegemen dear,<br /> comrades of + war: “I should carry no weapon,<br /> no sword to the serpent, if + sure I knew<br /> how, with such enemy, else my vows<br /> I could gain as I + did in Grendel’s day.<br /> But fire in this fight I must fear me + now,<br /> and poisonous breath; so I bring with me<br /> breastplate and + board. <a name="linkcitation33c" id="linkcitation33c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote33c">{33c}</a> From the barrow’s keeper<br /> no + footbreadth flee I. One fight shall end<br /> our war by the wall, as Wyrd + allots,<br /> all mankind’s master. My mood is bold<br /> but forbears + to boast o’er this battling-flyer.<br /> -- Now abide by the barrow, + ye breastplate-mailed,<br /> ye heroes in harness, which of us twain<br /> + better from battle-rush bear his wounds.<br /> Wait ye the finish. The + fight is not yours,<br /> nor meet for any but me alone<br /> to measure + might with this monster here<br /> and play the hero. Hardily I<br /> shall + win that wealth, or war shall seize,<br /> cruel killing, your king and + lord!”<br /> Up stood then with shield the sturdy champion,<br /> + stayed by the strength of his single manhood,<br /> and hardy ’neath + helmet his harness bore<br /> under cleft of the cliffs: no coward’s + path!<br /> Soon spied by the wall that warrior chief,<br /> survivor of + many a victory-field<br /> where foemen fought with furious clashings,<br /> + an arch of stone; and within, a stream<br /> that broke from the barrow. + The brooklet’s wave<br /> was hot with fire. The hoard that way<br /> + he never could hope unharmed to near,<br /> or endure those deeps, <a + name="linkcitation33d" id="linkcitation33d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote33d">{33d}</a> + for the dragon’s flame.<br /> Then let from his breast, for he burst + with rage,<br /> the Weder-Geat prince a word outgo;<br /> stormed the + stark-heart; stern went ringing<br /> and clear his cry ’neath the + cliff-rocks gray.<br /> The hoard-guard heard a human voice;<br /> his rage + was enkindled. No respite now<br /> for pact of peace! The poison-breath<br /> + of that foul worm first came forth from the cave,<br /> hot reek-of-fight: + the rocks resounded.<br /> Stout by the stone-way his shield he raised,<br /> + lord of the Geats, against the loathed-one;<br /> while with courage keen + that coiled foe<br /> came seeking strife. The sturdy king<br /> had drawn + his sword, not dull of edge,<br /> heirloom old; and each of the two<br /> + felt fear of his foe, though fierce their mood.<br /> Stoutly stood with + his shield high-raised<br /> the warrior king, as the worm now coiled<br /> + together amain: the mailed-one waited.<br /> Now, spire by spire, fast sped + and glided<br /> that blazing serpent. The shield protected,<br /> soul and + body a shorter while<br /> for the hero-king than his heart desired,<br /> + could his will have wielded the welcome respite<br /> but once in his life! + But Wyrd denied it,<br /> and victory’s honors. -- His arm he lifted<br /> + lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote<br /> with atheling’s heirloom. + Its edge was turned<br /> brown blade, on the bone, and bit more feebly<br /> + than its noble master had need of then<br /> in his baleful stress. -- Then + the barrow’s keeper<br /> waxed full wild for that weighty blow,<br /> + cast deadly flames; wide drove and far<br /> those vicious fires. No victor’s + glory<br /> the Geats’ lord boasted; his brand had failed,<br /> naked + in battle, as never it should,<br /> excellent iron! -- ’Twas no easy + path<br /> that Ecgtheow’s honored heir must tread<br /> over the + plain to the place of the foe;<br /> for against his will he must win a + home<br /> elsewhere far, as must all men, leaving<br /> this lapsing life! + -- Not long it was<br /> ere those champions grimly closed again.<br /> The + hoard-guard was heartened; high heaved his breast<br /> once more; and by + peril was pressed again,<br /> enfolded in flames, the folk-commander!<br /> + Nor yet about him his band of comrades,<br /> sons of athelings, armed + stood<br /> with warlike front: to the woods they bent them,<br /> their + lives to save. But the soul of one<br /> with care was cumbered. Kinship + true<br /> can never be marred in a noble mind! + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXIV + </p> + <p> + WIGLAF his name was, Weohstan’s son,<br /> linden-thane loved, the + lord of Scylfings,<br /> Aelfhere’s kinsman. His king he now saw<br /> + with heat under helmet hard oppressed.<br /> He minded the prizes his + prince had given him,<br /> wealthy seat of the Waegmunding line,<br /> and + folk-rights that his father owned<br /> Not long he lingered. The linden + yellow,<br /> his shield, he seized; the old sword he drew: --<br /> as + heirloom of Eanmund earth-dwellers knew it,<br /> who was slain by the + sword-edge, son of Ohtere,<br /> friendless exile, erst in fray<br /> killed + by Weohstan, who won for his kin<br /> brown-bright helmet, breastplate + ringed,<br /> old sword of Eotens, Onela’s gift,<br /> weeds of war of + the warrior-thane,<br /> battle-gear brave: though a brother’s child<br /> + had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onela. <a name="linkcitation34a" + id="linkcitation34a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote34a">{34a}</a><br /> For + winters this war-gear Weohstan kept,<br /> breastplate and board, till his + bairn had grown<br /> earlship to earn as the old sire did:<br /> then he + gave him, mid Geats, the gear of battle,<br /> portion huge, when he passed + from life,<br /> fared aged forth. For the first time now<br /> with his + leader-lord the liegeman young<br /> was bidden to share the shock of + battle.<br /> Neither softened his soul, nor the sire’s bequest<br /> + weakened in war. <a name="linkcitation34b" id="linkcitation34b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote34b">{34b}</a> So the worm found out<br /> when once in + fight the foes had met!<br /> Wiglaf spake, -- and his words were sage;<br /> + sad in spirit, he said to his comrades: --<br /> “I remember the + time, when mead we took,<br /> what promise we made to this prince of ours<br /> + in the banquet-hall, to our breaker-of-rings,<br /> for gear of combat to + give him requital,<br /> for hard-sword and helmet, if hap should bring<br /> + stress of this sort! Himself who chose us<br /> from all his army to aid + him now,<br /> urged us to glory, and gave these treasures,<br /> because he + counted us keen with the spear<br /> and hardy ’neath helm, though + this hero-work<br /> our leader hoped unhelped and alone<br /> to finish for + us, -- folk-defender<br /> who hath got him glory greater than all men<br /> + for daring deeds! Now the day is come<br /> that our noble master has need + of the might<br /> of warriors stout. Let us stride along<br /> the hero to + help while the heat is about him<br /> glowing and grim! For God is my + witness<br /> I am far more fain the fire should seize<br /> along with my + lord these limbs of mine! <a name="linkcitation34c" id="linkcitation34c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote34c">{34c}</a><br /> Unsuiting it seems our shields to + bear<br /> homeward hence, save here we essay<br /> to fell the foe and + defend the life<br /> of the Weders’ lord. I wot ’twere shame<br /> + on the law of our land if alone the king<br /> out of Geatish warriors woe + endured<br /> and sank in the struggle! My sword and helmet,<br /> + breastplate and board, for us both shall serve!”<br /> Through + slaughter-reek strode he to succor his chieftain,<br /> his battle-helm + bore, and brief words spake: --<br /> “Beowulf dearest, do all + bravely,<br /> as in youthful days of yore thou vowedst<br /> that while + life should last thou wouldst let no wise<br /> thy glory droop! Now, great + in deeds,<br /> atheling steadfast, with all thy strength<br /> shield thy + life! I will stand to help thee.”<br /> At the words the worm came + once again,<br /> murderous monster mad with rage,<br /> with fire-billows + flaming, its foes to seek,<br /> the hated men. In heat-waves burned<br /> + that board <a name="linkcitation34d" id="linkcitation34d"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote34d">{34d}</a> to the boss, and the breastplate failed<br /> + to shelter at all the spear-thane young.<br /> Yet quickly under his + kinsman’s shield<br /> went eager the earl, since his own was now<br /> + all burned by the blaze. The bold king again<br /> had mind of his glory: + with might his glaive<br /> was driven into the dragon’s head, --<br /> + blow nerved by hate. But Naegling <a name="linkcitation34e" + id="linkcitation34e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote34e">{34e}</a> was + shivered,<br /> broken in battle was Beowulf’s sword,<br /> old and + gray. ’Twas granted him not<br /> that ever the edge of iron at all<br /> + could help him at strife: too strong was his hand,<br /> so the tale is + told, and he tried too far<br /> with strength of stroke all swords he + wielded,<br /> though sturdy their steel: they steaded him nought.<br /> + Then for the third time thought on its feud<br /> that folk-destroyer, + fire-dread dragon,<br /> and rushed on the hero, where room allowed,<br /> + battle-grim, burning; its bitter teeth<br /> closed on his neck, and + covered him<br /> with waves of blood from his breast that welled. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXV + </p> + <p> + ’TWAS now, men say, in his sovran’s need<br /> that the earl + made known his noble strain,<br /> craft and keenness and courage enduring.<br /> + Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned,<br /> hardy-hearted, he + helped his kinsman.<br /> A little lower the loathsome beast<br /> he smote + with sword; his steel drove in<br /> bright and burnished; that blaze began<br /> + to lose and lessen. At last the king<br /> wielded his wits again, + war-knife drew,<br /> a biting blade by his breastplate hanging,<br /> and + the Weders’-helm smote that worm asunder,<br /> felled the foe, flung + forth its life.<br /> So had they killed it, kinsmen both,<br /> athelings + twain: thus an earl should be<br /> in danger’s day! -- Of deeds of + valor<br /> this conqueror’s-hour of the king was last,<br /> of his + work in the world. The wound began,<br /> which that dragon-of-earth had + erst inflicted,<br /> to swell and smart; and soon he found<br /> in his + breast was boiling, baleful and deep,<br /> pain of poison. The prince + walked on,<br /> wise in his thought, to the wall of rock;<br /> then sat, + and stared at the structure of giants,<br /> where arch of stone and + steadfast column<br /> upheld forever that hall in earth.<br /> Yet here + must the hand of the henchman peerless<br /> lave with water his winsome + lord,<br /> the king and conqueror covered with blood,<br /> with struggle + spent, and unspan his helmet.<br /> Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt,<br /> + his mortal wound; full well he knew<br /> his portion now was past and gone<br /> + of earthly bliss, and all had fled<br /> of his file of days, and death was + near:<br /> “I would fain bestow on son of mine<br /> this gear of + war, were given me now<br /> that any heir should after me come<br /> of my + proper blood. This people I ruled<br /> fifty winters. No folk-king was + there,<br /> none at all, of the neighboring clans<br /> who war would wage + me with ’warriors’-friends’ <a name="linkcitation35a" + id="linkcitation35a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote35a">{35a}</a><br /> and + threat me with horrors. At home I bided<br /> what fate might come, and I + cared for mine own;<br /> feuds I sought not, nor falsely swore<br /> ever + on oath. For all these things,<br /> though fatally wounded, fain am I!<br /> + From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me,<br /> when life from my + frame must flee away,<br /> for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go<br /> and + gaze on that hoard ’neath the hoary rock,<br /> Wiglaf loved, now the + worm lies low,<br /> sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved.<br /> And + fare in haste. I would fain behold<br /> the gorgeous heirlooms, golden + store,<br /> have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down<br /> softlier for + sight of this splendid hoard<br /> my life and the lordship I long have + held.” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXVI + </p> + <p> + I HAVE heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan<br /> at wish and word of his + wounded king, --<br /> war-sick warrior, -- woven mail-coat,<br /> + battle-sark, bore ’neath the barrow’s roof.<br /> Then the + clansman keen, of conquest proud,<br /> passing the seat, <a + name="linkcitation36a" id="linkcitation36a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote36a">{36a}</a> + saw store of jewels<br /> and glistening gold the ground along;<br /> by the + wall were marvels, and many a vessel<br /> in the den of the dragon, the + dawn-flier old:<br /> unburnished bowls of bygone men<br /> reft of + richness; rusty helms<br /> of the olden age; and arm-rings many<br /> + wondrously woven. -- Such wealth of gold,<br /> booty from barrow, can + burden with pride<br /> each human wight: let him hide it who will! --<br /> + His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner<br /> high o’er the hoard, + of handiwork noblest,<br /> brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam,<br /> + all the earth-floor he easily saw<br /> and viewed all these vessels. No + vestige now<br /> was seen of the serpent: the sword had ta’en him.<br /> + Then, I heard, the hill of its hoard was reft,<br /> old work of giants, by + one alone;<br /> he burdened his bosom with beakers and plate<br /> at his + own good will, and the ensign took,<br /> brightest of beacons. -- The + blade of his lord<br /> -- its edge was iron -- had injured deep<br /> one + that guarded the golden hoard<br /> many a year and its murder-fire<br /> + spread hot round the barrow in horror-billows<br /> at midnight hour, till + it met its doom.<br /> Hasted the herald, the hoard so spurred him<br /> his + track to retrace; he was troubled by doubt,<br /> high-souled hero, if + haply he’d find<br /> alive, where he left him, the lord of Weders,<br /> + weakening fast by the wall of the cave.<br /> So he carried the load. His + lord and king<br /> he found all bleeding, famous chief<br /> at the lapse + of life. The liegeman again<br /> plashed him with water, till point of + word<br /> broke through the breast-hoard. Beowulf spake,<br /> sage and + sad, as he stared at the gold. --<br /> “For the gold and treasure, + to God my thanks,<br /> to the Wielder-of-Wonders, with words I say,<br /> + for what I behold, to Heaven’s Lord,<br /> for the grace that I give + such gifts to my folk<br /> or ever the day of my death be run!<br /> Now I’ve + bartered here for booty of treasure<br /> the last of my life, so look ye + well<br /> to the needs of my land! No longer I tarry.<br /> A barrow bid ye + the battle-fanned raise<br /> for my ashes. ’Twill shine by the shore + of the flood,<br /> to folk of mine memorial fair<br /> on Hrones Headland + high uplifted,<br /> that ocean-wanderers oft may hail<br /> Beowulf’s + Barrow, as back from far<br /> they drive their keels o’er the + darkling wave.”<br /> From his neck he unclasped the collar of gold,<br /> + valorous king, to his vassal gave it<br /> with bright-gold helmet, + breastplate, and ring,<br /> to the youthful thane: bade him use them in + joy.<br /> “Thou art end and remnant of all our race<br /> the + Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them,<br /> all my line, to the land + of doom,<br /> earls in their glory: I after them go.”<br /> This word + was the last which the wise old man<br /> harbored in heart ere hot + death-waves<br /> of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled<br /> his soul + to seek the saints’ reward. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXVII + </p> + <p> + IT was heavy hap for that hero young<br /> on his lord beloved to look and + find him<br /> lying on earth with life at end,<br /> sorrowful sight. But + the slayer too,<br /> awful earth-dragon, empty of breath,<br /> lay felled + in fight, nor, fain of its treasure,<br /> could the writhing monster rule + it more.<br /> For edges of iron had ended its days,<br /> hard and + battle-sharp, hammers’ leaving; <a name="linkcitation37a" + id="linkcitation37a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote37a">{37a}</a><br /> and + that flier-afar had fallen to ground<br /> hushed by its hurt, its hoard + all near,<br /> no longer lusty aloft to whirl<br /> at midnight, making its + merriment seen,<br /> proud of its prizes: prone it sank<br /> by the + handiwork of the hero-king.<br /> Forsooth among folk but few achieve,<br /> + -- though sturdy and strong, as stories tell me,<br /> and never so daring + in deed of valor, --<br /> the perilous breath of a poison-foe<br /> to + brave, and to rush on the ring-board hall,<br /> whenever his watch the + warden keeps<br /> bold in the barrow. Beowulf paid<br /> the price of death + for that precious hoard;<br /> and each of the foes had found the end<br /> + of this fleeting life.<br /> Befell erelong<br /> that the laggards in war + the wood had left,<br /> trothbreakers, cowards, ten together,<br /> fearing + before to flourish a spear<br /> in the sore distress of their sovran lord.<br /> + Now in their shame their shields they carried,<br /> armor of fight, where + the old man lay;<br /> and they gazed on Wiglaf. Wearied he sat<br /> at his + sovran’s shoulder, shieldsman good,<br /> to wake him with water. + <a name="linkcitation37b" id="linkcitation37b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote37b">{37b}</a> Nowise it availed.<br /> Though well he + wished it, in world no more<br /> could he barrier life for that + leader-of-battles<br /> nor baffle the will of all-wielding God.<br /> Doom + of the Lord was law o’er the deeds<br /> of every man, as it is + to-day.<br /> Grim was the answer, easy to get,<br /> from the youth for + those that had yielded to fear!<br /> Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan, --<br /> + mournful he looked on those men unloved: --<br /> “Who sooth will + speak, can say indeed<br /> that the ruler who gave you golden rings<br /> + and the harness of war in which ye stand<br /> -- for he at ale-bench + often-times<br /> bestowed on hall-folk helm and breastplate,<br /> lord to + liegemen, the likeliest gear<br /> which near of far he could find to give, + --<br /> threw away and wasted these weeds of battle,<br /> on men who + failed when the foemen came!<br /> Not at all could the king of his + comrades-in-arms<br /> venture to vaunt, though the Victory-Wielder,<br /> + God, gave him grace that he got revenge<br /> sole with his sword in stress + and need.<br /> To rescue his life, ’twas little that I<br /> could + serve him in struggle; yet shift I made<br /> (hopeless it seemed) to help + my kinsman.<br /> Its strength ever waned, when with weapon I struck<br /> + that fatal foe, and the fire less strongly<br /> flowed from its head. -- + Too few the heroes<br /> in throe of contest that thronged to our king!<br /> + Now gift of treasure and girding of sword,<br /> joy of the house and + home-delight<br /> shall fail your folk; his freehold-land<br /> every + clansman within your kin<br /> shall lose and leave, when lords high-born<br /> + hear afar of that flight of yours,<br /> a fameless deed. Yea, death is + better<br /> for liegemen all than a life of shame!” + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXVIII + </p> + <p> + THAT battle-toil bade he at burg to announce,<br /> at the fort on the + cliff, where, full of sorrow,<br /> all the morning earls had sat,<br /> + daring shieldsmen, in doubt of twain:<br /> would they wail as dead, or + welcome home,<br /> their lord beloved? Little <a name="linkcitation38a" + id="linkcitation38a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote38a">{38a}</a> kept back<br /> + of the tidings new, but told them all,<br /> the herald that up the + headland rode. --<br /> “Now the willing-giver to Weder folk<br /> in + death-bed lies; the Lord of Geats<br /> on the slaughter-bed sleeps by the + serpent’s deed!<br /> And beside him is stretched that slayer-of-men<br /> + with knife-wounds sick: <a name="linkcitation38b" id="linkcitation38b"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote38b">{38b}</a> no sword availed<br /> on the awesome + thing in any wise<br /> to work a wound. There Wiglaf sitteth,<br /> + Weohstan’s bairn, by Beowulf’s side,<br /> the living earl by + the other dead,<br /> and heavy of heart a head-watch <a + name="linkcitation38c" id="linkcitation38c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote38c">{38c}</a> + keeps<br /> o’er friend and foe. -- Now our folk may look<br /> for + waging of war when once unhidden<br /> to Frisian and Frank the fall of the + king<br /> is spread afar. -- The strife began<br /> when hot on the Hugas + <a name="linkcitation38d" id="linkcitation38d"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote38d">{38d}</a> Hygelac fell<br /> and fared with his + fleet to the Frisian land.<br /> Him there the Hetwaras humbled in war,<br /> + plied with such prowess their power o’erwhelming<br /> that the + bold-in-battle bowed beneath it<br /> and fell in fight. To his friends no + wise<br /> could that earl give treasure! And ever since<br /> the Merowings’ + favor has failed us wholly.<br /> Nor aught expect I of peace and faith<br /> + from Swedish folk. ’Twas spread afar<br /> how Ongentheow reft at + Ravenswood<br /> Haethcyn Hrethling of hope and life,<br /> when the folk of + Geats for the first time sought<br /> in wanton pride the + Warlike-Scylfings.<br /> Soon the sage old sire <a name="linkcitation38e" + id="linkcitation38e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote38e">{38e}</a> of Ohtere,<br /> + ancient and awful, gave answering blow;<br /> the sea-king <a + name="linkcitation38f" id="linkcitation38f"></a><a href="#linkfootnote38f">{38f}</a> + he slew, and his spouse redeemed,<br /> his good wife rescued, though + robbed of her gold,<br /> mother of Ohtere and Onela.<br /> Then he followed + his foes, who fled before him<br /> sore beset and stole their way,<br /> + bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. + </p> + <p> + With his host he besieged there what swords had left,<br /> the weary and + wounded; woes he threatened<br /> the whole night through to that + hard-pressed throng:<br /> some with the morrow his sword should kill,<br /> + some should go to the gallows-tree<br /> for rapture of ravens. But rescue + came<br /> with dawn of day for those desperate men<br /> when they heard + the horn of Hygelac sound,<br /> tones of his trumpet; the trusty king<br /> + had followed their trail with faithful band. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XXXIX + </p> + <p> + “THE bloody swath of Swedes and Geats<br /> and the storm of their + strife, were seen afar,<br /> how folk against folk the fight had wakened.<br /> + The ancient king with his atheling band<br /> sought his citadel, sorrowing + much:<br /> Ongentheow earl went up to his burg.<br /> He had tested Hygelac’s + hardihood,<br /> the proud one’s prowess, would prove it no longer,<br /> + defied no more those fighting-wanderers<br /> nor hoped from the seamen to + save his hoard,<br /> his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again,<br /> + old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came<br /> with slaughter for Swedes + the standards of Hygelac<br /> o’er peaceful plains in pride + advancing,<br /> till Hrethelings fought in the fenced town. <a + name="linkcitation39a" id="linkcitation39a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote39a">{39a}</a><br /> + Then Ongentheow with edge of sword,<br /> the hoary-bearded, was held at + bay,<br /> and the folk-king there was forced to suffer<br /> Eofor’s + anger. In ire, at the king<br /> Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck;<br /> + and the chieftain’s blood, for that blow, in streams<br /> flowed + ’neath his hair. No fear felt he,<br /> stout old Scylfing, but + straightway repaid<br /> in better bargain that bitter stroke<br /> and + faced his foe with fell intent.<br /> Nor swift enough was the son of + Wonred<br /> answer to render the aged chief;<br /> too soon on his head the + helm was cloven;<br /> blood-bedecked he bowed to earth,<br /> and fell + adown; not doomed was he yet,<br /> and well he waxed, though the wound was + sore.<br /> Then the hardy Hygelac-thane, <a name="linkcitation39b" + id="linkcitation39b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote39b">{39b}</a><br /> when + his brother fell, with broad brand smote,<br /> giants’ sword + crashing through giants’-helm<br /> across the shield-wall: sank the + king,<br /> his folk’s old herdsman, fatally hurt.<br /> There were + many to bind the brother’s wounds<br /> and lift him, fast as fate + allowed<br /> his people to wield the place-of-war.<br /> But Eofor took + from Ongentheow,<br /> earl from other, the iron-breastplate,<br /> hard + sword hilted, and helmet too,<br /> and the hoar-chief’s harness to + Hygelac carried,<br /> who took the trappings, and truly promised<br /> rich + fee ’mid folk, -- and fulfilled it so.<br /> For that grim strife + gave the Geatish lord,<br /> Hrethel’s offspring, when home he came,<br /> + to Eofor and Wulf a wealth of treasure,<br /> Each of them had a hundred + thousand <a name="linkcitation39c" id="linkcitation39c"></a><a + href="#linkfootnote39c">{39c}</a><br /> in land and linked rings; nor at + less price reckoned<br /> mid-earth men such mighty deeds!<br /> And to + Eofor he gave his only daughter<br /> in pledge of grace, the pride of his + home. + </p> + <p> + “Such is the feud, the foeman’s rage,<br /> death-hate of men: + so I deem it sure<br /> that the Swedish folk will seek us home<br /> for + this fall of their friends, the fighting-Scylfings,<br /> when once they + learn that our warrior leader<br /> lifeless lies, who land and hoard<br /> + ever defended from all his foes,<br /> furthered his folk’s weal, + finished his course<br /> a hardy hero. -- Now haste is best,<br /> that we + go to gaze on our Geatish lord,<br /> and bear the bountiful + breaker-of-rings<br /> to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely<br /> shall + burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels,<br /> gold untold and gained in + terror,<br /> treasure at last with his life obtained,<br /> all of that + booty the brands shall take,<br /> fire shall eat it. No earl must carry<br /> + memorial jewel. No maiden fair<br /> shall wreathe her neck with noble + ring:<br /> nay, sad in spirit and shorn of her gold,<br /> oft shall she + pass o’er paths of exile<br /> now our lord all laughter has laid + aside,<br /> all mirth and revel. Many a spear<br /> morning-cold shall be + clasped amain,<br /> lifted aloft; nor shall lilt of harp<br /> those + warriors wake; but the wan-hued raven,<br /> fain o’er the fallen, + his feast shall praise<br /> and boast to the eagle how bravely he ate<br /> + when he and the wolf were wasting the slain.” + </p> + <p> + So he told his sorrowful tidings,<br /> and little <a name="linkcitation39d" + id="linkcitation39d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote39d">{39d}</a> he lied, the + loyal man<br /> of word or of work. The warriors rose;<br /> sad, they + climbed to the Cliff-of-Eagles,<br /> went, welling with tears, the wonder + to view.<br /> Found on the sand there, stretched at rest,<br /> their + lifeless lord, who had lavished rings<br /> of old upon them. Ending-day<br /> + had dawned on the doughty-one; death had seized<br /> in woful slaughter + the Weders’ king.<br /> There saw they, besides, the strangest being,<br /> + loathsome, lying their leader near,<br /> prone on the field. The fiery + dragon,<br /> fearful fiend, with flame was scorched.<br /> Reckoned by + feet, it was fifty measures<br /> in length as it lay. Aloft erewhile<br /> + it had revelled by night, and anon come back,<br /> seeking its den; now in + death’s sure clutch<br /> it had come to the end of its earth-hall + joys.<br /> By it there stood the stoups and jars;<br /> dishes lay there, + and dear-decked swords<br /> eaten with rust, as, on earth’s lap + resting,<br /> a thousand winters they waited there.<br /> For all that + heritage huge, that gold<br /> of bygone men, was bound by a spell, <a + name="linkcitation39e" id="linkcitation39e"></a><a href="#linkfootnote39e">{39e}</a><br /> + so the treasure-hall could be touched by none<br /> of human kind, -- save + that Heaven’s King,<br /> God himself, might give whom he would,<br /> + Helper of Heroes, the hoard to open, --<br /> even such a man as seemed to + him meet. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XL + </p> + <p> + A PERILOUS path, it proved, he <a name="linkcitation40a" + id="linkcitation40a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote40a">{40a}</a> trod<br /> + who heinously hid, that hall within,<br /> wealth under wall! Its watcher + had killed<br /> one of a few, <a name="linkcitation40b" + id="linkcitation40b"></a><a href="#linkfootnote40b">{40b}</a> and the feud + was avenged<br /> in woful fashion. Wondrous seems it,<br /> what manner a + man of might and valor<br /> oft ends his life, when the earl no longer<br /> + in mead-hall may live with loving friends.<br /> So Beowulf, when that + barrow’s warden<br /> he sought, and the struggle; himself knew not<br /> + in what wise he should wend from the world at last.<br /> For <a + name="linkcitation40c" id="linkcitation40c"></a><a href="#linkfootnote40c">{40c}</a> + princes potent, who placed the gold,<br /> with a curse to doomsday covered + it deep,<br /> so that marked with sin the man should be,<br /> hedged with + horrors, in hell-bonds fast,<br /> racked with plagues, who should rob + their hoard.<br /> Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven,<br /> + ever the king had kept in view. <a name="linkcitation40d" + id="linkcitation40d"></a><a href="#linkfootnote40d">{40d}</a><br /> Wiglaf + spake, the son of Weohstan: --<br /> “At the mandate of one, oft + warriors many<br /> sorrow must suffer; and so must we.<br /> The people’s-shepherd + showed not aught<br /> of care for our counsel, king beloved!<br /> That + guardian of gold he should grapple not, urged we,<br /> but let him lie + where he long had been<br /> in his earth-hall waiting the end of the + world,<br /> the hest of heaven. -- This hoard is ours<br /> but grievously + gotten; too grim the fate<br /> which thither carried our king and lord.<br /> + I was within there, and all I viewed,<br /> the chambered treasure, when + chance allowed me<br /> (and my path was made in no pleasant wise)<br /> + under the earth-wall. Eager, I seized<br /> such heap from the hoard as + hands could bear<br /> and hurriedly carried it hither back<br /> to my + liege and lord. Alive was he still,<br /> still wielding his wits. The wise + old man<br /> spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings<br /> and + bade that ye build, when he breathed no more,<br /> on the place of his + balefire a barrow high,<br /> memorial mighty. Of men was he<br /> worthiest + warrior wide earth o’er<br /> the while he had joy of his jewels and + burg.<br /> Let us set out in haste now, the second time<br /> to see and + search this store of treasure,<br /> these wall-hid wonders, -- the way I + show you, --<br /> where, gathered near, ye may gaze your fill<br /> at + broad-gold and rings. Let the bier, soon made,<br /> be all in order when + out we come,<br /> our king and captain to carry thither<br /> -- man + beloved -- where long he shall bide<br /> safe in the shelter of sovran + God.”<br /> Then the bairn of Weohstan bade command,<br /> hardy + chief, to heroes many<br /> that owned their homesteads, hither to bring<br /> + firewood from far -- o’er the folk they ruled --<br /> for the + famed-one’s funeral. “ Fire shall devour<br /> and wan flames + feed on the fearless warrior<br /> who oft stood stout in the iron-shower,<br /> + when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows<br /> shot o’er the + shield-wall: the shaft held firm,<br /> featly feathered, followed the + barb.”<br /> And now the sage young son of Weohstan<br /> seven chose + of the chieftain’s thanes,<br /> the best he found that band within,<br /> + and went with these warriors, one of eight,<br /> under hostile roof. In + hand one bore<br /> a lighted torch and led the way.<br /> No lots they cast + for keeping the hoard<br /> when once the warriors saw it in hall,<br /> + altogether without a guardian,<br /> lying there lost. And little they + mourned<br /> when they had hastily haled it out,<br /> dear-bought + treasure! The dragon they cast,<br /> the worm, o’er the wall for the + wave to take,<br /> and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems.<br /> Then + the woven gold on a wain was laden --<br /> countless quite! -- and the + king was borne,<br /> hoary hero, to Hrones-Ness. + </p> + <div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"> + <br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + XLI + </p> + <p> + THEN fashioned for him the folk of Geats<br /> firm on the earth a + funeral-pile,<br /> and hung it with helmets and harness of war<br /> and + breastplates bright, as the boon he asked;<br /> and they laid amid it the + mighty chieftain,<br /> heroes mourning their master dear.<br /> Then on the + hill that hugest of balefires<br /> the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose<br /> + black over blaze, and blent was the roar<br /> of flame with weeping (the + wind was still),<br /> till the fire had broken the frame of bones,<br /> + hot at the heart. In heavy mood<br /> their misery moaned they, their + master’s death.<br /> Wailing her woe, the widow <a + name="linkcitation41a" id="linkcitation41a"></a><a href="#linkfootnote41a">{41a}</a> + old,<br /> her hair upbound, for Beowulf’s death<br /> sung in her + sorrow, and said full oft<br /> she dreaded the doleful days to come,<br /> + deaths enow, and doom of battle,<br /> and shame. -- The smoke by the sky + was devoured.<br /> The folk of the Weders fashioned there<br /> on the + headland a barrow broad and high,<br /> by ocean-farers far descried:<br /> + in ten days’ time their toil had raised it,<br /> the battle-brave’s + beacon. Round brands of the pyre<br /> a wall they built, the worthiest + ever<br /> that wit could prompt in their wisest men.<br /> They placed in + the barrow that precious booty,<br /> the rounds and the rings they had + reft erewhile,<br /> hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, --<br /> trusting the + ground with treasure of earls,<br /> gold in the earth, where ever it lies<br /> + useless to men as of yore it was.<br /> Then about that barrow the + battle-keen rode,<br /> atheling-born, a band of twelve,<br /> lament to + make, to mourn their king,<br /> chant their dirge, and their chieftain + honor.<br /> They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess<br /> worthily + witnessed: and well it is<br /> that men their master-friend mightily laud,<br /> + heartily love, when hence he goes<br /> from life in the body forlorn away. + </p> + <p> + Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland,<br /> for their hero’s + passing his hearth-companions:<br /> quoth that of all the kings of earth,<br /> + of men he was mildest and most beloved,<br /> to his kin the kindest, + keenest for praise. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Footnotes: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote0a" id="linkfootnote0a"></a><a href="#linkcitation0a">{0a}</a> + Not, of course, Beowulf the Great, hero of the epic. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote0b" id="linkfootnote0b"></a><a href="#linkcitation0b">{0b}</a> + Kenning for king or chieftain of a comitatus: he breaks off gold from the + spiral rings -- often worn on the arm -- and so rewards his followers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1a" id="linkfootnote1a"></a><a href="#linkcitation1a">{1a}</a> + That is, “The Hart,” or “Stag,” so called from + decorations in the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall + has been carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was + rectangular, with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a hearth + in the middle of th single room. A row of pillars down each side, at some + distance from the walls, made a space which was raised a little above the + main floor, and was furnished with two rows of seats. On one side, usually + south, was the high-seat midway between the doors. Opposite this, on the + other raised space, was another seat of honor. At the banquet soon to be + described, Hrothgar sat in the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf + opposite to him. The scene for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus very + effectively set. Planks on trestles -- the “board” of later + English literature -- formed the tables just in front of the long rows of + seats, and were taken away after banquets, when the retainers were ready + to stretch themselves out for sleep on the benches. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1b" id="linkfootnote1b"></a><a href="#linkcitation1b">{1b}</a> + Fire was the usual end of these halls. See v. 781 below. One thinks of the + splendid scene at the end of the Nibelungen, of the Nialssaga, of Saxo’s + story of Amlethus, and many a less famous instance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1c" id="linkfootnote1c"></a><a href="#linkcitation1c">{1c}</a> + It is to be supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how Hrothgar’s + hall was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack made on him by his + son-in-law Ingeld. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1d" id="linkfootnote1d"></a><a href="#linkcitation1d">{1d}</a> + A skilled minstrel. The Danes are heathens, as one is told presently; but + this lay of beginnings is taken from Genesis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1e" id="linkfootnote1e"></a><a href="#linkcitation1e">{1e}</a> + A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in the fen and + roams over the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance is now + furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, + so that all Christian Englishmen might read about him. “Grendel” + may mean one who grinds and crushes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1f" id="linkfootnote1f"></a><a href="#linkcitation1f">{1f}</a> + Cain’s. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote1g" id="linkfootnote1g"></a><a href="#linkcitation1g">{1g}</a> + Giants. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote2a" id="linkfootnote2a"></a><a href="#linkcitation2a">{2a}</a> + The smaller buildings within the main enclosure but separate from the + hall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote2b" id="linkfootnote2b"></a><a href="#linkcitation2b">{2b}</a> + Grendel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote2c" id="linkfootnote2c"></a><a href="#linkcitation2c">{2c}</a> + “Sorcerers-of-hell.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote2d" id="linkfootnote2d"></a><a href="#linkcitation2d">{2d}</a> + Hrothgar, who is the “Scyldings’-friend” of 170. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote2e" id="linkfootnote2e"></a><a href="#linkcitation2e">{2e}</a> + That is, in formal or prescribed phrase. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote3a" id="linkfootnote3a"></a><a href="#linkcitation3a">{3a}</a> + Ship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote3b" id="linkfootnote3b"></a><a href="#linkcitation3b">{3b}</a> + That is, since Beowulf selected his ship and led his men to the harbor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote3c" id="linkfootnote3c"></a><a href="#linkcitation3c">{3c}</a> + One of the auxiliary names of the Geats. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote3d" id="linkfootnote3d"></a><a href="#linkcitation3d">{3d}</a> + Or: Not thus openly ever came warriors hither; yet... + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote4a" id="linkfootnote4a"></a><a href="#linkcitation4a">{4a}</a> + Hrothgar. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote4b" id="linkfootnote4b"></a><a href="#linkcitation4b">{4b}</a> + Beowulf’s helmet has several boar-images on it; he is the “man + of war”; and the boar-helmet guards him as typical representative of + the marching party as a whole. The boar was sacred to Freyr, who was the + favorite god of the Germanic tribes about the North Sea and the Baltic. + Rude representations of warriors show the boar on the helmet quite as + large as the helmet itself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote5a" id="linkfootnote5a"></a><a href="#linkcitation5a">{5a}</a> + Either merely paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else thought of as a + sort of mosaic, an extravagant touch like the reckless waste of gold on + the walls and roofs of a hall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6a" id="linkfootnote6a"></a><a href="#linkcitation6a">{6a}</a> + The nicor, says Bugge, is a hippopotamus; a walrus, says Ten Brink. But + that water-goblin who covers the space from Old Nick of jest to the Neckan + and Nix of poetry and tale, is all one needs, and Nicor is a good name for + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6b" id="linkfootnote6b"></a><a href="#linkcitation6b">{6b}</a> + His own people, the Geats. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6c" id="linkfootnote6c"></a><a href="#linkcitation6c">{6c}</a> + That is, cover it as with a face-cloth. “There will be no need of + funeral rites.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6d" id="linkfootnote6d"></a><a href="#linkcitation6d">{6d}</a> + Personification of Battle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6e" id="linkfootnote6e"></a><a href="#linkcitation6e">{6e}</a> + The Germanic Vulcan. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote6f" id="linkfootnote6f"></a><a href="#linkcitation6f">{6f}</a> + This mighty power, whom the Christian poet can still revere, has here the + general force of “Destiny.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote7a" id="linkfootnote7a"></a><a href="#linkcitation7a">{7a}</a> + There is no irrelevance here. Hrothgar sees in Beowulf’s mission a + heritage of duty, a return of the good offices which the Danish king + rendered to Beowulf’s father in time of dire need. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote7b" id="linkfootnote7b"></a><a href="#linkcitation7b">{7b}</a> + Money, for wergild, or man-price. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote7c" id="linkfootnote7c"></a><a href="#linkcitation7c">{7c}</a> + Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s sire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote8a" id="linkfootnote8a"></a><a href="#linkcitation8a">{8a}</a> + “Began the fight.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote8b" id="linkfootnote8b"></a><a href="#linkcitation8b">{8b}</a> + Breca. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote9a" id="linkfootnote9a"></a><a href="#linkcitation9a">{9a}</a> + Murder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote10a" id="linkfootnote10a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation10a">{10a}</a> Beowulf, -- the “one.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote11a" id="linkfootnote11a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation11a">{11a}</a> That is, he was a “lost soul,” + doomed to hell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote12a" id="linkfootnote12a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation12a">{12a}</a> Kenning for Beowulf. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote13a" id="linkfootnote13a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation13a">{13a}</a> “Guarded the treasure.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote13b" id="linkfootnote13b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation13b">{13b}</a> Sc. Heremod. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote13c" id="linkfootnote13c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation13c">{13c}</a> The singer has sung his lays, and the + epic resumes its story. The time-relations are not altogether good in this + long passage which describes the rejoicings of “the day after”; + but the present shift from the riders on the road to the folk at the hall + is not very violent, and is of a piece with the general style. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote14a" id="linkfootnote14a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation14a">{14a}</a> Unferth, Beowulf’s sometime + opponent in the flyting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote15a" id="linkfootnote15a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation15a">{15a}</a> There is no horrible inconsistency here + such as the critics strive and cry about. In spite of the ruin that + Grendel and Beowulf had made within the hall, the framework and roof held + firm, and swift repairs made the interior habitable. Tapestries were hung + on the walls, and willing hands prepared the banquet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote15b" id="linkfootnote15b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation15b">{15b}</a> From its formal use in other places, + this phrase, to take cup in hall, or “on the floor,” would + seem to mean that Beowulf stood up to receive his gifts, drink to the + donor, and say thanks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote15c" id="linkfootnote15c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation15c">{15c}</a> Kenning for sword. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote15d" id="linkfootnote15d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation15d">{15d}</a> Hrothgar. He is also the “refuge + of the friends of Ing,” below. Ing belongs to myth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote15e" id="linkfootnote15e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation15e">{15e}</a> Horses are frequently led or ridden into + the hall where folk sit at banquet: so in Chaucer’s Squire’s + tale, in the ballad of King Estmere, and in the romances. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16a" id="linkfootnote16a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16a">{16a}</a> Man-price, wergild. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16b" id="linkfootnote16b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16b">{16b}</a> Beowulf’s. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16c" id="linkfootnote16c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16c">{16c}</a> Hrothgar. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16d" id="linkfootnote16d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16d">{16d}</a> There is no need to assume a gap in the + Ms. As before about Sigemund and Heremod, so now, though at greater + length, about Finn and his feud, a lay is chanted or recited; and the epic + poet, counting on his readers’ familiarity with the story, -- a + fragment of it still exists, -- simply gives the headings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16e" id="linkfootnote16e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16e">{16e}</a> The exact story to which this episode + refers in summary is not to be determined, but the following account of it + is reasonable and has good support among scholars. Finn, a Frisian + chieftain, who nevertheless has a “castle” outside the Frisian + border, marries Hildeburh, a Danish princess; and her brother, Hnaef, with + many other Danes, pays Finn a visit. Relations between the two peoples + have been strained before. Something starts the old feud anew; and the + visitors are attacked in their quarters. Hnaef is killed; so is a son of + Hildeburh. Many fall on both sides. Peace is patched up; a stately funeral + is held; and the surviving visitors become in a way vassals or liegemen of + Finn, going back with him to Frisia. So matters rest a while. Hengest is + now leader of the Danes; but he is set upon revenge for his former lord, + Hnaef. Probably he is killed in feud; but his clansmen, Guthlaf and Oslaf, + gather at their home a force of sturdy Danes, come back to Frisia, storm + Finn’s stronghold, kill him, and carry back their kinswoman + Hildeburh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16f" id="linkfootnote16f"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16f">{16f}</a> The “enemies” must be the + Frisians. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16g" id="linkfootnote16g"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16g">{16g}</a> Battlefield. -- Hengest is the “prince’s + thane,” companion of Hnaef. “Folcwald’s son” is + Finn. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16h" id="linkfootnote16h"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16h">{16h}</a> That is, Finn would govern in all honor + the few Danish warriors who were left, provided, of course, that none of + them tried to renew the quarrel or avenge Hnaef their fallen lord. If, + again, one of Finn’s Frisians began a quarrel, he should die by the + sword. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16i" id="linkfootnote16i"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16i">{16i}</a> Hnaef. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16j" id="linkfootnote16j"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16j">{16j}</a> The high place chosen for the funeral: + see description of Beowulf’s funeral-pile at the end of the poem. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote16k" id="linkfootnote16k"></a><a + href="#linkcitation16k">{16k}</a> Wounds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote17a" id="linkfootnote17a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation17a">{17a}</a> That is, these two Danes, escaping home, + had told the story of the attack on Hnaef, the slaying of Hengest, and all + the Danish woes. Collecting a force, they return to Frisia and kill Finn + in his home. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote17b" id="linkfootnote17b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation17b">{17b}</a> Nephew to Hrothgar, with whom he + subsequently quarrels, and elder cousin to the two young sons of Hrothgar + and Wealhtheow, -- their natural guardian in the event of the king’s + death. There is something finely feminine in this speech of Wealhtheow’s, + apart from its somewhat irregular and irrelevant sequence of topics. Both + she and her lord probably distrust Hrothulf; but she bids the king to be + of good cheer, and, turning to the suspect, heaps affectionate assurances + on his probity. “My own Hrothulf” will surely not forget these + favors and benefits of the past, but will repay them to the orphaned boy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote19a" id="linkfootnote19a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation19a">{19a}</a> They had laid their arms on the benches + near where they slept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote20a" id="linkfootnote20a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation20a">{20a}</a> He surmises presently where she is. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote20b" id="linkfootnote20b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation20b">{20b}</a> The connection is not difficult. The + words of mourning, of acute grief, are said; and according to Germanic + sequence of thought, inexorable here, the next and only topic is revenge. + But is it possible? Hrothgar leads up to his appeal and promise with a + skillful and often effective description of the horrors which surround the + monster’s home and await the attempt of an avenging foe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote21a" id="linkfootnote21a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation21a">{21a}</a> Hrothgar is probably meant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote21b" id="linkfootnote21b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation21b">{21b}</a> Meeting place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote22a" id="linkfootnote22a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation22a">{22a}</a> Kenning for “sword.” + Hrunting is bewitched, laid under a spell of uselessness, along with all + other swords. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote22b" id="linkfootnote22b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation22b">{22b}</a> This brown of swords, evidently meaning + burnished, bright, continues to be a favorite adjective in the popular + ballads. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote23a" id="linkfootnote23a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation23a">{23a}</a> After the killing of the monster and + Grendel’s decapitation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote23b" id="linkfootnote23b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation23b">{23b}</a> Hrothgar. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote23c" id="linkfootnote23c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation23c">{23c}</a> The blade slowly dissolves in + blood-stained drops like icicles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote23d" id="linkfootnote23d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation23d">{23d}</a> Spear. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote24a" id="linkfootnote24a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation24a">{24a}</a> That is, “whoever has as wide + authority as I have and can remember so far back so many instances of + heroism, may well say, as I say, that no better hero ever lived than + Beowulf.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote25a" id="linkfootnote25a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation25a">{25a}</a> That is, he is now undefended by + conscience from the temptations (shafts) of the devil. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote25b" id="linkfootnote25b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation25b">{25b}</a> Kenning for the sun. -- This is a + strange role for the raven. He is the warrior’s bird of battle, + exults in slaughter and carnage; his joy here is a compliment to the + sunrise. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote26a" id="linkfootnote26a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation26a">{26a}</a> That is, he might or might not see + Beowulf again. Old as he was, the latter chance was likely; but he clung + to the former, hoping to see his young friend again “and exchange + brave words in the hall.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote27a" id="linkfootnote27a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation27a">{27a}</a> With the speed of the boat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote27b" id="linkfootnote27b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation27b">{27b}</a> Queen to Hygelac. She is praised by + contrast with the antitype, Thryth, just as Beowulf was praised by + contrast with Heremod. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote27c" id="linkfootnote27c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation27c">{27c}</a> Kenning for “wife.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28a" id="linkfootnote28a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28a">{28a}</a> Beowulf gives his uncle the king not + mere gossip of his journey, but a statesmanlike forecast of the outcome of + certain policies at the Danish court. Talk of interpolation here is + absurd. As both Beowulf and Hygelac know, -- and the folk for whom the + Beowulf was put together also knew, -- Froda was king of the Heathobards + (probably the Langobards, once near neighbors of Angle and Saxon tribes on + the continent), and had fallen in fight with the Danes. Hrothgar will set + aside this feud by giving his daughter as “peace-weaver” and + wife to the young king Ingeld, son of the slain Froda. But Beowulf, on + general principles and from his observation of the particular case, + foretells trouble. Note: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28b" id="linkfootnote28b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28b">{28b}</a> Play of shields, battle. A Danish + warrior cuts down Froda in the fight, and takes his sword and armor, + leaving them to a son. This son is selected to accompany his mistress, the + young princess Freawaru, to her new home when she is Ingeld’s queen. + Heedlessly he wears the sword of Froda in hall. An old warrior points it + out to Ingeld, and eggs him on to vengeance. At his instigation the Dane + is killed; but the murderer, afraid of results, and knowing the land, + escapes. So the old feud must break out again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28c" id="linkfootnote28c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28c">{28c}</a> That is, their disastrous battle and the + slaying of their king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28d" id="linkfootnote28d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28d">{28d}</a> The sword. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28e" id="linkfootnote28e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28e">{28e}</a> Beowulf returns to his forecast. Things + might well go somewhat as follows, he says; sketches a little tragic + story; and with this prophecy by illustration returns to the tale of his + adventure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote28f" id="linkfootnote28f"></a><a + href="#linkcitation28f">{28f}</a> Not an actual glove, but a sort of bag. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote29a" id="linkfootnote29a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation29a">{29a}</a> Hygelac. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote29b" id="linkfootnote29b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation29b">{29b}</a> This is generally assumed to mean hides, + though the text simply says “seven thousand.” A hide in + England meant about 120 acres, though “the size of the acre varied.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote29c" id="linkfootnote29c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation29c">{29c}</a> On the historical raid into Frankish + territory between 512 and 520 A.D. The subsequent course of events, as + gathered from hints of this epic, is partly told in Scandinavian legend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote29d" id="linkfootnote29d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation29d">{29d}</a> The chronology of this epic, as scholars + have worked it out, would make Beowulf well over ninety years of age when + he fights the dragon. But the fifty years of his reign need not be taken + as historical fact. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote29e" id="linkfootnote29e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation29e">{29e}</a> The text is here hopelessly illegible, + and only the general drift of the meaning can be rescued. For one thing, + we have the old myth of a dragon who guards hidden treasure. But with this + runs the story of some noble, last of his race, who hides all his wealth + within this barrow and there chants his farewell to life’s glories. + After his death the dragon takes possession of the hoard and watches over + it. A condemned or banished man, desperate, hides in the barrow, discovers + the treasure, and while the dragon sleeps, makes off with a golden beaker + or the like, and carries it for propitiation to his master. The dragon + discovers the loss and exacts fearful penalty from the people round about. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote31a" id="linkfootnote31a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation31a">{31a}</a> Literally “loan-days,” days + loaned to man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote31b" id="linkfootnote31b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation31b">{31b}</a> Chattuarii, a tribe that dwelt along the + Rhine, and took part in repelling the raid of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote31c" id="linkfootnote31c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation31c">{31c}</a> Onla, son of Ongentheow, who pursues his + two nephews Eanmund and Eadgils to Heardred’s court, where they have + taken refuge after their unsuccessful rebellion. In the fighting Heardred + is killed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote32a" id="linkfootnote32a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation32a">{32a}</a> That is, Beowulf supports Eadgils + against Onela, who is slain by Eadgils in revenge for the “care-paths” + of exile into which Onela forced him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote32b" id="linkfootnote32b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation32b">{32b}</a> That is, the king could claim no + wergild, or man-price, from one son for the killing of the other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote32c" id="linkfootnote32c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation32c">{32c}</a> Usual euphemism for death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote32d" id="linkfootnote32d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation32d">{32d}</a> Sc. in the grave. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote33a" id="linkfootnote33a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation33a">{33a}</a> Eofor for Wulf. -- The immediate + provocation for Eofor in killing “the hoary Scylfing,” + Ongentheow, is that the latter has just struck Wulf down; but the king, + Haethcyn, is also avenged by the blow. See the detailed description below. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote33b" id="linkfootnote33b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation33b">{33b}</a> Hygelac. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote33c" id="linkfootnote33c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation33c">{33c}</a> Shield. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote33d" id="linkfootnote33d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation33d">{33d}</a> The hollow passage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote34a" id="linkfootnote34a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation34a">{34a}</a> That is, although Eanmund was brother’s + son to Onela, the slaying of the former by Weohstan is not felt as cause + of feud, and is rewarded by gift of the slain man’s weapons. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote34b" id="linkfootnote34b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation34b">{34b}</a> Both Wiglaf and the sword did their + duty. -- The following is one of the classic passages for illustrating the + comitatus as the most conspicuous Germanic institution, and its underlying + sense of duty, based partly on the idea of loyalty and partly on the + practical basis of benefits received and repaid. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote34c" id="linkfootnote34c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation34c">{34c}</a> Sc. “than to bide safely here,” + -- a common figure of incomplete comparison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote34d" id="linkfootnote34d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation34d">{34d}</a> Wiglaf’s wooden shield. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote34e" id="linkfootnote34e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation34e">{34e}</a> Gering would translate “kinsman of + the nail,” as both are made of iron. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote35a" id="linkfootnote35a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation35a">{35a}</a> That is, swords. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote36a" id="linkfootnote36a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation36a">{36a}</a> Where Beowulf lay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote37a" id="linkfootnote37a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation37a">{37a}</a> What had been left or made by the + hammer; well-forged. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote37b" id="linkfootnote37b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation37b">{37b}</a> Trying to revive him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38a" id="linkfootnote38a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38a">{38a}</a> Nothing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38b" id="linkfootnote38b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38b">{38b}</a> Dead. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38c" id="linkfootnote38c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38c">{38c}</a> Death-watch, guard of honor, “lyke-wake.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38d" id="linkfootnote38d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38d">{38d}</a> A name for the Franks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38e" id="linkfootnote38e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38e">{38e}</a> Ongentheow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote38f" id="linkfootnote38f"></a><a + href="#linkcitation38f">{38f}</a> Haethcyn. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote39a" id="linkfootnote39a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation39a">{39a}</a> The line may mean: till Hrethelings + stormed on the hedged shields, -- i.e. the shield-wall or hedge of + defensive war -- Hrethelings, of course, are Geats. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote39b" id="linkfootnote39b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation39b">{39b}</a> Eofor, brother to Wulf Wonreding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote39c" id="linkfootnote39c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation39c">{39c}</a> Sc. “value in” hides and the + weight of the gold. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote39d" id="linkfootnote39d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation39d">{39d}</a> Not at all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote39e" id="linkfootnote39e"></a><a + href="#linkcitation39e">{39e}</a> Laid on it when it was put in the + barrow. This spell, or in our days the “curse,” either + prevented discovery or brought dire ills on the finder and taker. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote40a" id="linkfootnote40a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation40a">{40a}</a> Probably the fugitive is meant who + discovered the hoard. Ten Brink and Gering assume that the dragon is + meant. “Hid” may well mean here “took while in hiding.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote40b" id="linkfootnote40b"></a><a + href="#linkcitation40b">{40b}</a> That is “one and a few others.” + But Beowulf seems to be indicated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote40c" id="linkfootnote40c"></a><a + href="#linkcitation40c">{40c}</a> Ten Brink points out the strongly + heathen character of this part of the epic. Beowulf’s end came, so + the old tradition ran, from his unwitting interference with spell-bound + treasure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote40d" id="linkfootnote40d"></a><a + href="#linkcitation40d">{40d}</a> A hard saying, variously interpreted. In + any case, it is the somewhat clumsy effort of the Christian poet to tone + down the heathenism of his material by an edifying observation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfootnote41a" id="linkfootnote41a"></a><a + href="#linkcitation41a">{41a}</a> Nothing is said of Beowulf’s wife + in the poem, but Bugge surmises that Beowulf finally accepted Hygd’s + offer of kingdom and hoard, and, as was usual, took her into the bargain. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Beowulf, by Anonymous + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEOWULF *** + +***** This file should be named 981-h.htm or 981-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/8/981/ + +Produced by Robin Katsuya-Corbet, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Beowulf + +Author: Anonymous + +Posting Date: July 23, 2008 [EBook #981] +Release Date: July, 1997 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEOWULF *** + + + + +Produced by Robin Katsuya-Corbet + + + + + +BEOWULF + +By Anonymous + +Translated by Gummere + + + + +BEOWULF + + + + +PRELUDE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE DANISH HOUSE + + + +LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings +of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, +we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! +Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes, +from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore, +awing the earls. Since erst he lay +friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him: +for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve, +till before him the folk, both far and near, +who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate, +gave him gifts: a good king he! +To him an heir was afterward born, +a son in his halls, whom heaven sent +to favor the folk, feeling their woe +that erst they had lacked an earl for leader +so long a while; the Lord endowed him, +the Wielder of Wonder, with world's renown. +Famed was this Beowulf: {0a} far flew the boast of him, +son of Scyld, in the Scandian lands. +So becomes it a youth to quit him well +with his father's friends, by fee and gift, +that to aid him, aged, in after days, +come warriors willing, should war draw nigh, +liegemen loyal: by lauded deeds +shall an earl have honor in every clan. + +Forth he fared at the fated moment, +sturdy Scyld to the shelter of God. +Then they bore him over to ocean's billow, +loving clansmen, as late he charged them, +while wielded words the winsome Scyld, +the leader beloved who long had ruled.... +In the roadstead rocked a ring-dight vessel, +ice-flecked, outbound, atheling's barge: +there laid they down their darling lord +on the breast of the boat, the breaker-of-rings, {0b} +by the mast the mighty one. Many a treasure +fetched from far was freighted with him. +No ship have I known so nobly dight +with weapons of war and weeds of battle, +with breastplate and blade: on his bosom lay +a heaped hoard that hence should go +far o'er the flood with him floating away. +No less these loaded the lordly gifts, +thanes' huge treasure, than those had done +who in former time forth had sent him +sole on the seas, a suckling child. +High o'er his head they hoist the standard, +a gold-wove banner; let billows take him, +gave him to ocean. Grave were their spirits, +mournful their mood. No man is able +to say in sooth, no son of the halls, +no hero 'neath heaven, -- who harbored that freight! + + + +I + +Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, +leader beloved, and long he ruled +in fame with all folk, since his father had gone +away from the world, till awoke an heir, +haughty Healfdene, who held through life, +sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. +Then, one after one, there woke to him, +to the chieftain of clansmen, children four: +Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave; +and I heard that -- was -- 's queen, +the Heathoscylfing's helpmate dear. +To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, +such honor of combat, that all his kin +obeyed him gladly till great grew his band +of youthful comrades. It came in his mind +to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, +a master mead-house, mightier far +than ever was seen by the sons of earth, +and within it, then, to old and young +he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, +save only the land and the lives of his men. +Wide, I heard, was the work commanded, +for many a tribe this mid-earth round, +to fashion the folkstead. It fell, as he ordered, +in rapid achievement that ready it stood there, +of halls the noblest: Heorot {1a} he named it +whose message had might in many a land. +Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt, +treasure at banquet: there towered the hall, +high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting +of furious flame. {1b} Nor far was that day +when father and son-in-law stood in feud +for warfare and hatred that woke again. {1c} +With envy and anger an evil spirit +endured the dole in his dark abode, +that he heard each day the din of revel +high in the hall: there harps rang out, +clear song of the singer. He sang who knew {1d} +tales of the early time of man, +how the Almighty made the earth, +fairest fields enfolded by water, +set, triumphant, sun and moon +for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, +and braided bright the breast of earth +with limbs and leaves, made life for all +of mortal beings that breathe and move. +So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel +a winsome life, till one began +to fashion evils, that field of hell. +Grendel this monster grim was called, +march-riever {1e} mighty, in moorland living, +in fen and fastness; fief of the giants +the hapless wight a while had kept +since the Creator his exile doomed. +On kin of Cain was the killing avenged +by sovran God for slaughtered Abel. +Ill fared his feud, {1f} and far was he driven, +for the slaughter's sake, from sight of men. +Of Cain awoke all that woful breed, +Etins {1g} and elves and evil-spirits, +as well as the giants that warred with God +weary while: but their wage was paid them! + + + +II + +WENT he forth to find at fall of night +that haughty house, and heed wherever +the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone. +Found within it the atheling band +asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow, +of human hardship. Unhallowed wight, +grim and greedy, he grasped betimes, +wrathful, reckless, from resting-places, +thirty of the thanes, and thence he rushed +fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward, +laden with slaughter, his lair to seek. +Then at the dawning, as day was breaking, +the might of Grendel to men was known; +then after wassail was wail uplifted, +loud moan in the morn. The mighty chief, +atheling excellent, unblithe sat, +labored in woe for the loss of his thanes, +when once had been traced the trail of the fiend, +spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow, +too long, too loathsome. Not late the respite; +with night returning, anew began +ruthless murder; he recked no whit, +firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime. +They were easy to find who elsewhere sought +in room remote their rest at night, +bed in the bowers, {2a} when that bale was shown, +was seen in sooth, with surest token, -- +the hall-thane's {2b} hate. Such held themselves +far and fast who the fiend outran! +Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill +one against all; until empty stood +that lordly building, and long it bode so. +Twelve years' tide the trouble he bore, +sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty, +boundless cares. There came unhidden +tidings true to the tribes of men, +in sorrowful songs, how ceaselessly Grendel +harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him, +what murder and massacre, many a year, +feud unfading, -- refused consent +to deal with any of Daneland's earls, +make pact of peace, or compound for gold: +still less did the wise men ween to get +great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands. +But the evil one ambushed old and young +death-shadow dark, and dogged them still, +lured, or lurked in the livelong night +of misty moorlands: men may say not +where the haunts of these Hell-Runes {2c} be. +Such heaping of horrors the hater of men, +lonely roamer, wrought unceasing, +harassings heavy. O'er Heorot he lorded, +gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights; +and ne'er could the prince {2d} approach his throne, +-- 'twas judgment of God, -- or have joy in his hall. +Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings'-friend, +heart-rending misery. Many nobles +sat assembled, and searched out counsel +how it were best for bold-hearted men +against harassing terror to try their hand. +Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes +altar-offerings, asked with words {2e} +that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them +for the pain of their people. Their practice this, +their heathen hope; 'twas Hell they thought of +in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not, +Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord, +nor Heaven's-Helmet heeded they ever, +Wielder-of-Wonder. -- Woe for that man +who in harm and hatred hales his soul +to fiery embraces; -- nor favor nor change +awaits he ever. But well for him +that after death-day may draw to his Lord, +and friendship find in the Father's arms! + + + +III + +THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene +with the woe of these days; not wisest men +assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish, +loathly and long, that lay on his folk, +most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. + +This heard in his home Hygelac's thane, +great among Geats, of Grendel's doings. +He was the mightiest man of valor +in that same day of this our life, +stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker +he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he, +far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek, +the noble monarch who needed men! +The prince's journey by prudent folk +was little blamed, though they loved him dear; +they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens. +And now the bold one from bands of Geats +comrades chose, the keenest of warriors +e'er he could find; with fourteen men +the sea-wood {3a} he sought, and, sailor proved, +led them on to the land's confines. +Time had now flown; {3b} afloat was the ship, +boat under bluff. On board they climbed, +warriors ready; waves were churning +sea with sand; the sailors bore +on the breast of the bark their bright array, +their mail and weapons: the men pushed off, +on its willing way, the well-braced craft. +Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind +that bark like a bird with breast of foam, +till in season due, on the second day, +the curved prow such course had run +that sailors now could see the land, +sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills, +headlands broad. Their haven was found, +their journey ended. Up then quickly +the Weders' {3c} clansmen climbed ashore, +anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing +and gear of battle: God they thanked +or passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea. +Now saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman, +a warden that watched the water-side, +how they bore o'er the gangway glittering shields, +war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him +to know what manner of men they were. +Straight to the strand his steed he rode, +Hrothgar's henchman; with hand of might +he shook his spear, and spake in parley. +"Who are ye, then, ye armed men, +mailed folk, that yon mighty vessel +have urged thus over the ocean ways, +here o'er the waters? A warden I, +sentinel set o'er the sea-march here, +lest any foe to the folk of Danes +with harrying fleet should harm the land. +No aliens ever at ease thus bore them, +linden-wielders: {3d} yet word-of-leave +clearly ye lack from clansmen here, +my folk's agreement. -- A greater ne'er saw I +of warriors in world than is one of you, -- +yon hero in harness! No henchman he +worthied by weapons, if witness his features, +his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell +your folk and home, lest hence ye fare +suspect to wander your way as spies +in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, +ocean-travellers, take from me +simple advice: the sooner the better +I hear of the country whence ye came." + + + +IV + +To him the stateliest spake in answer; +the warriors' leader his word-hoard unlocked: -- +"We are by kin of the clan of Geats, +and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we. +To folk afar was my father known, +noble atheling, Ecgtheow named. +Full of winters, he fared away +aged from earth; he is honored still +through width of the world by wise men all. +To thy lord and liege in loyal mood +we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son, +people-protector: be pleased to advise us! +To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, +to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right +that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest +if sooth it is -- the saying of men, +that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster, +dark ill-doer, in dusky nights +shows terrific his rage unmatched, +hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I +in greatness of soul would succor bring, +so the Wise-and-Brave {4a} may worst his foes, -- +if ever the end of ills is fated, +of cruel contest, if cure shall follow, +and the boiling care-waves cooler grow; +else ever afterward anguish-days +he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place +high on its hill that house unpeered!" +Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered, +clansman unquailing: "The keen-souled thane +must be skilled to sever and sunder duly +words and works, if he well intends. +I gather, this band is graciously bent +to the Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing +weapons and weeds the way I show you. +I will bid my men your boat meanwhile +to guard for fear lest foemen come, -- +your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean +faithfully watching till once again +it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes, +-- winding-neck'd wood, -- to Weders' bounds, +heroes such as the hest of fate +shall succor and save from the shock of war." +They bent them to march, -- the boat lay still, +fettered by cable and fast at anchor, +broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars {4b} +over the cheek-guard; chased with gold, +keen and gleaming, guard it kept +o'er the man of war, as marched along +heroes in haste, till the hall they saw, +broad of gable and bright with gold: +that was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth, +of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived, +and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar. +The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright +burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go +straightway thither; his steed then turned, +hardy hero, and hailed them thus: -- +"'Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty +in grace and mercy guard you well, +safe in your seekings. Seaward I go, +'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch." + + + +V + +STONE-BRIGHT the street: {5a} it showed the way +to the crowd of clansmen. Corselets glistened +hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright +the steel ring sang, as they strode along +in mail of battle, and marched to the hall. +There, weary of ocean, the wall along +they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down, +and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged, +war-gear of men; their weapons stacked, +spears of the seafarers stood together, +gray-tipped ash: that iron band +was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior proud +asked of the heroes their home and kin. +"Whence, now, bear ye burnished shields, +harness gray and helmets grim, +spears in multitude? Messenger, I, +Hrothgar's herald! Heroes so many +ne'er met I as strangers of mood so strong. +'Tis plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile, +for high-hearted valor, Hrothgar ye seek!" +Him the sturdy-in-war bespake with words, +proud earl of the Weders answer made, +hardy 'neath helmet: -- "Hygelac's, we, +fellows at board; I am Beowulf named. +I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene +this mission of mine, to thy master-lord, +the doughty prince, if he deign at all +grace that we greet him, the good one, now." +Wulfgar spake, the Wendles' chieftain, +whose might of mind to many was known, +his courage and counsel: "The king of Danes, +the Scyldings' friend, I fain will tell, +the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou askest, +the famed prince, of thy faring hither, +and, swiftly after, such answer bring +as the doughty monarch may deign to give." +Hied then in haste to where Hrothgar sat +white-haired and old, his earls about him, +till the stout thane stood at the shoulder there +of the Danish king: good courtier he! +Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord: -- +"Hither have fared to thee far-come men +o'er the paths of ocean, people of Geatland; +and the stateliest there by his sturdy band +is Beowulf named. This boon they seek, +that they, my master, may with thee +have speech at will: nor spurn their prayer +to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar! +In weeds of the warrior worthy they, +methinks, of our liking; their leader most surely, +a hero that hither his henchmen has led." + + + +VI + +HROTHGAR answered, helmet of Scyldings: -- +"I knew him of yore in his youthful days; +his aged father was Ecgtheow named, +to whom, at home, gave Hrethel the Geat +his only daughter. Their offspring bold +fares hither to seek the steadfast friend. +And seamen, too, have said me this, -- +who carried my gifts to the Geatish court, +thither for thanks, -- he has thirty men's +heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand, +the bold-in-battle. Blessed God +out of his mercy this man hath sent +to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed, +against horror of Grendel. I hope to give +the good youth gold for his gallant thought. +Be thou in haste, and bid them hither, +clan of kinsmen, to come before me; +and add this word, -- they are welcome guests +to folk of the Danes." +[To the door of the hall +Wulfgar went] and the word declared: -- +"To you this message my master sends, +East-Danes' king, that your kin he knows, +hardy heroes, and hails you all +welcome hither o'er waves of the sea! +Ye may wend your way in war-attire, +and under helmets Hrothgar greet; +but let here the battle-shields bide your parley, +and wooden war-shafts wait its end." +Uprose the mighty one, ringed with his men, +brave band of thanes: some bode without, +battle-gear guarding, as bade the chief. +Then hied that troop where the herald led them, +under Heorot's roof: [the hero strode,] +hardy 'neath helm, till the hearth he neared. +Beowulf spake, -- his breastplate gleamed, +war-net woven by wit of the smith: -- +"Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, +kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty +have I gained in youth! These Grendel-deeds +I heard in my home-land heralded clear. +Seafarers say how stands this hall, +of buildings best, for your band of thanes +empty and idle, when evening sun +in the harbor of heaven is hidden away. +So my vassals advised me well, -- +brave and wise, the best of men, -- +O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here, +for my nerve and my might they knew full well. +Themselves had seen me from slaughter come +blood-flecked from foes, where five I bound, +and that wild brood worsted. I' the waves I slew +nicors {6a} by night, in need and peril +avenging the Weders, {6b} whose woe they sought, -- +crushing the grim ones. Grendel now, +monster cruel, be mine to quell +in single battle! So, from thee, +thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, +Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, -- +and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, +O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, -- +that I alone with my liegemen here, +this hardy band, may Heorot purge! +More I hear, that the monster dire, +in his wanton mood, of weapons recks not; +hence shall I scorn -- so Hygelac stay, +king of my kindred, kind to me! -- +brand or buckler to bear in the fight, +gold-colored targe: but with gripe alone +must I front the fiend and fight for life, +foe against foe. Then faith be his +in the doom of the Lord whom death shall take. +Fain, I ween, if the fight he win, +in this hall of gold my Geatish band +will he fearless eat, -- as oft before, -- +my noblest thanes. Nor need'st thou then +to hide my head; {6c} for his shall I be, +dyed in gore, if death must take me; +and my blood-covered body he'll bear as prey, +ruthless devour it, the roamer-lonely, +with my life-blood redden his lair in the fen: +no further for me need'st food prepare! +To Hygelac send, if Hild {6d} should take me, +best of war-weeds, warding my breast, +armor excellent, heirloom of Hrethel +and work of Wayland. {6e} Fares Wyrd {6f} as she must." + + + +VII + +HROTHGAR spake, the Scyldings'-helmet: -- +"For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, +to succor and save, thou hast sought us here. +Thy father's combat {7a} a feud enkindled +when Heatholaf with hand he slew +among the Wylfings; his Weder kin +for horror of fighting feared to hold him. +Fleeing, he sought our South-Dane folk, +over surge of ocean the Honor-Scyldings, +when first I was ruling the folk of Danes, +wielded, youthful, this widespread realm, +this hoard-hold of heroes. Heorogar was dead, +my elder brother, had breathed his last, +Healfdene's bairn: he was better than I! +Straightway the feud with fee {7b} I settled, +to the Wylfings sent, o'er watery ridges, +treasures olden: oaths he {7c} swore me. +Sore is my soul to say to any +of the race of man what ruth for me +in Heorot Grendel with hate hath wrought, +what sudden harryings. Hall-folk fail me, +my warriors wane; for Wyrd hath swept them +into Grendel's grasp. But God is able +this deadly foe from his deeds to turn! +Boasted full oft, as my beer they drank, +earls o'er the ale-cup, armed men, +that they would bide in the beer-hall here, +Grendel's attack with terror of blades. +Then was this mead-house at morning tide +dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, +all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, +gory the hall: I had heroes the less, +doughty dear-ones that death had reft. +-- But sit to the banquet, unbind thy words, +hardy hero, as heart shall prompt thee." + +Gathered together, the Geatish men +in the banquet-hall on bench assigned, +sturdy-spirited, sat them down, +hardy-hearted. A henchman attended, +carried the carven cup in hand, +served the clear mead. Oft minstrels sang +blithe in Heorot. Heroes revelled, +no dearth of warriors, Weder and Dane. + + + +VIII + +UNFERTH spake, the son of Ecglaf, +who sat at the feet of the Scyldings' lord, +unbound the battle-runes. {8a} -- Beowulf's quest, +sturdy seafarer's, sorely galled him; +ever he envied that other men +should more achieve in middle-earth +of fame under heaven than he himself. -- +"Art thou that Beowulf, Breca's rival, +who emulous swam on the open sea, +when for pride the pair of you proved the floods, +and wantonly dared in waters deep +to risk your lives? No living man, +or lief or loath, from your labor dire +could you dissuade, from swimming the main. +Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered, +with strenuous hands the sea-streets measured, +swam o'er the waters. Winter's storm +rolled the rough waves. In realm of sea +a sennight strove ye. In swimming he topped thee, +had more of main! Him at morning-tide +billows bore to the Battling Reamas, +whence he hied to his home so dear +beloved of his liegemen, to land of Brondings, +fastness fair, where his folk he ruled, +town and treasure. In triumph o'er thee +Beanstan's bairn {8b} his boast achieved. +So ween I for thee a worse adventure +-- though in buffet of battle thou brave hast been, +in struggle grim, -- if Grendel's approach +thou darst await through the watch of night!" + +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"What a deal hast uttered, dear my Unferth, +drunken with beer, of Breca now, +told of his triumph! Truth I claim it, +that I had more of might in the sea +than any man else, more ocean-endurance. +We twain had talked, in time of youth, +and made our boast, -- we were merely boys, +striplings still, -- to stake our lives +far at sea: and so we performed it. +Naked swords, as we swam along, +we held in hand, with hope to guard us +against the whales. Not a whit from me +could he float afar o'er the flood of waves, +haste o'er the billows; nor him I abandoned. +Together we twain on the tides abode +five nights full till the flood divided us, +churning waves and chillest weather, +darkling night, and the northern wind +ruthless rushed on us: rough was the surge. +Now the wrath of the sea-fish rose apace; +yet me 'gainst the monsters my mailed coat, +hard and hand-linked, help afforded, -- +battle-sark braided my breast to ward, +garnished with gold. There grasped me firm +and haled me to bottom the hated foe, +with grimmest gripe. 'Twas granted me, though, +to pierce the monster with point of sword, +with blade of battle: huge beast of the sea +was whelmed by the hurly through hand of mine. + + + +IX + +ME thus often the evil monsters +thronging threatened. With thrust of my sword, +the darling, I dealt them due return! +Nowise had they bliss from their booty then +to devour their victim, vengeful creatures, +seated to banquet at bottom of sea; +but at break of day, by my brand sore hurt, +on the edge of ocean up they lay, +put to sleep by the sword. And since, by them +on the fathomless sea-ways sailor-folk +are never molested. -- Light from east, +came bright God's beacon; the billows sank, +so that I saw the sea-cliffs high, +windy walls. For Wyrd oft saveth +earl undoomed if he doughty be! +And so it came that I killed with my sword +nine of the nicors. Of night-fought battles +ne'er heard I a harder 'neath heaven's dome, +nor adrift on the deep a more desolate man! +Yet I came unharmed from that hostile clutch, +though spent with swimming. The sea upbore me, +flood of the tide, on Finnish land, +the welling waters. No wise of thee +have I heard men tell such terror of falchions, +bitter battle. Breca ne'er yet, +not one of you pair, in the play of war +such daring deed has done at all +with bloody brand, -- I boast not of it! -- +though thou wast the bane {9a} of thy brethren dear, +thy closest kin, whence curse of hell +awaits thee, well as thy wit may serve! +For I say in sooth, thou son of Ecglaf, +never had Grendel these grim deeds wrought, +monster dire, on thy master dear, +in Heorot such havoc, if heart of thine +were as battle-bold as thy boast is loud! +But he has found no feud will happen; +from sword-clash dread of your Danish clan +he vaunts him safe, from the Victor-Scyldings. +He forces pledges, favors none +of the land of Danes, but lustily murders, +fights and feasts, nor feud he dreads +from Spear-Dane men. But speedily now +shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats, +shall bid him battle. Blithe to mead +go he that listeth, when light of dawn +this morrow morning o'er men of earth, +ether-robed sun from the south shall beam!" +Joyous then was the Jewel-giver, +hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaited +the Bright-Danes' prince, from Beowulf hearing, +folk's good shepherd, such firm resolve. +Then was laughter of liegemen loud resounding +with winsome words. Came Wealhtheow forth, +queen of Hrothgar, heedful of courtesy, +gold-decked, greeting the guests in hall; +and the high-born lady handed the cup +first to the East-Danes' heir and warden, +bade him be blithe at the beer-carouse, +the land's beloved one. Lustily took he +banquet and beaker, battle-famed king. + +Through the hall then went the Helmings' Lady, +to younger and older everywhere +carried the cup, till come the moment +when the ring-graced queen, the royal-hearted, +to Beowulf bore the beaker of mead. +She greeted the Geats' lord, God she thanked, +in wisdom's words, that her will was granted, +that at last on a hero her hope could lean +for comfort in terrors. The cup he took, +hardy-in-war, from Wealhtheow's hand, +and answer uttered the eager-for-combat. +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This was my thought, when my thanes and I +bent to the ocean and entered our boat, +that I would work the will of your people +fully, or fighting fall in death, +in fiend's gripe fast. I am firm to do +an earl's brave deed, or end the days +of this life of mine in the mead-hall here." +Well these words to the woman seemed, +Beowulf's battle-boast. -- Bright with gold +the stately dame by her spouse sat down. +Again, as erst, began in hall +warriors' wassail and words of power, +the proud-band's revel, till presently +the son of Healfdene hastened to seek +rest for the night; he knew there waited +fight for the fiend in that festal hall, +when the sheen of the sun they saw no more, +and dusk of night sank darkling nigh, +and shadowy shapes came striding on, +wan under welkin. The warriors rose. +Man to man, he made harangue, +Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail, +let him wield the wine hall: a word he added: -- +"Never to any man erst I trusted, +since I could heave up hand and shield, +this noble Dane-Hall, till now to thee. +Have now and hold this house unpeered; +remember thy glory; thy might declare; +watch for the foe! No wish shall fail thee +if thou bidest the battle with bold-won life." + + + +X + +THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train, +defence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall; +fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek, +couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory +against this Grendel a guard had set, +so heroes heard, a hall-defender, +who warded the monarch and watched for the monster. +In truth, the Geats' prince gladly trusted +his mettle, his might, the mercy of God! +Cast off then his corselet of iron, +helmet from head; to his henchman gave, -- +choicest of weapons, -- the well-chased sword, +bidding him guard the gear of battle. +Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man, +Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought: -- +"Of force in fight no feebler I count me, +in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him. +Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death +his life will I give, though it lie in my power. +No skill is his to strike against me, +my shield to hew though he hardy be, +bold in battle; we both, this night, +shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here, +unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God, +sacred Lord, on which side soever +doom decree as he deemeth right." +Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held +the head of the earl, while all about him +seamen hardy on hall-beds sank. +None of them thought that thence their steps +to the folk and fastness that fostered them, +to the land they loved, would lead them back! +Full well they wist that on warriors many +battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall, +of Danish clan. But comfort and help, +war-weal weaving, to Weder folk +the Master gave, that, by might of one, +over their enemy all prevailed, +by single strength. In sooth 'tis told +that highest God o'er human kind +hath wielded ever! -- Thro' wan night striding, +came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept +whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, -- +all save one. 'Twas widely known +that against God's will the ghostly ravager +him {10a} could not hurl to haunts of darkness; +wakeful, ready, with warrior's wrath, +bold he bided the battle's issue. + + + +XI + +THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, +with God's wrath laden, Grendel came. +The monster was minded of mankind now +sundry to seize in the stately house. +Under welkin he walked, till the wine-palace there, +gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned, +flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this, +that he the home of Hrothgar sought, -- +yet ne'er in his life-day, late or early, +such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found! +To the house the warrior walked apace, +parted from peace; {11a} the portal opended, +though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had +struck it, +and baleful he burst in his blatant rage, +the house's mouth. All hastily, then, +o'er fair-paved floor the fiend trod on, +ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes +fearful flashes, like flame to see. + +He spied in hall the hero-band, +kin and clansmen clustered asleep, +hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart; +for the monster was minded, ere morn should dawn, +savage, to sever the soul of each, +life from body, since lusty banquet +waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him +to seize any more of men on earth +after that evening. Eagerly watched +Hygelac's kinsman his cursed foe, +how he would fare in fell attack. +Not that the monster was minded to pause! +Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior +for the first, and tore him fiercely asunder, +the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams, +swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus +the lifeless corse was clear devoured, +e'en feet and hands. Then farther he hied; +for the hardy hero with hand he grasped, +felt for the foe with fiendish claw, +for the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly, +prompt to answer, propped on his arm. +Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils +that never he met in this middle-world, +in the ways of earth, another wight +with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared, +sorrowed in soul, -- none the sooner escaped! +Fain would he flee, his fastness seek, +the den of devils: no doings now +such as oft he had done in days of old! +Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac-thane +of his boast at evening: up he bounded, +grasped firm his foe, whose fingers cracked. +The fiend made off, but the earl close followed. +The monster meant -- if he might at all -- +to fling himself free, and far away +fly to the fens, -- knew his fingers' power +in the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march +to Heorot this monster of harm had made! +Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft, +castle-dwellers and clansmen all, +earls, of their ale. Angry were both +those savage hall-guards: the house resounded. +Wonder it was the wine-hall firm +in the strain of their struggle stood, to earth +the fair house fell not; too fast it was +within and without by its iron bands +craftily clamped; though there crashed from sill +many a mead-bench -- men have told me -- +gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled. +So well had weened the wisest Scyldings +that not ever at all might any man +that bone-decked, brave house break asunder, +crush by craft, -- unless clasp of fire +in smoke engulfed it. -- Again uprose +din redoubled. Danes of the North +with fear and frenzy were filled, each one, +who from the wall that wailing heard, +God's foe sounding his grisly song, +cry of the conquered, clamorous pain +from captive of hell. Too closely held him +he who of men in might was strongest +in that same day of this our life. + + + +XII + +NOT in any wise would the earls'-defence {12a} +suffer that slaughterous stranger to live, +useless deeming his days and years +to men on earth. Now many an earl +of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral, +fain the life of their lord to shield, +their praised prince, if power were theirs; +never they knew, -- as they neared the foe, +hardy-hearted heroes of war, +aiming their swords on every side +the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade, +no farest of falchions fashioned on earth, +could harm or hurt that hideous fiend! +He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle, +from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting +on that same day of this our life +woful should be, and his wandering soul +far off flit to the fiends' domain. +Soon he found, who in former days, +harmful in heart and hated of God, +on many a man such murder wrought, +that the frame of his body failed him now. +For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac +held in hand; hateful alive +was each to other. The outlaw dire +took mortal hurt; a mighty wound +showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked, +and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now +the glory was given, and Grendel thence +death-sick his den in the dark moor sought, +noisome abode: he knew too well +that here was the last of life, an end +of his days on earth. -- To all the Danes +by that bloody battle the boon had come. +From ravage had rescued the roving stranger +Hrothgar's hall; the hardy and wise one +had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him, +his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes +had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good, +all their sorrow and ills assuaged, +their bale of battle borne so long, +and all the dole they erst endured +pain a-plenty. -- 'Twas proof of this, +when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down, +arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed, +of Grendel's gripe, -- 'neath the gabled roof. + + + +XIII + +MANY at morning, as men have told me, +warriors gathered the gift-hall round, +folk-leaders faring from far and near, +o'er wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view, +trace of the traitor. Not troublous seemed +the enemy's end to any man +who saw by the gait of the graceless foe +how the weary-hearted, away from thence, +baffled in battle and banned, his steps +death-marked dragged to the devils' mere. +Bloody the billows were boiling there, +turbid the tide of tumbling waves +horribly seething, with sword-blood hot, +by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor +laid forlorn his life adown, +his heathen soul, and hell received it. +Home then rode the hoary clansmen +from that merry journey, and many a youth, +on horses white, the hardy warriors, +back from the mere. Then Beowulf's glory +eager they echoed, and all averred +that from sea to sea, or south or north, +there was no other in earth's domain, +under vault of heaven, more valiant found, +of warriors none more worthy to rule! +(On their lord beloved they laid no slight, +gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!) +From time to time, the tried-in-battle +their gray steeds set to gallop amain, +and ran a race when the road seemed fair. +From time to time, a thane of the king, +who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses, +stored with sagas and songs of old, +bound word to word in well-knit rime, +welded his lay; this warrior soon +of Beowulf's quest right cleverly sang, +and artfully added an excellent tale, +in well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds +he had heard in saga of Sigemund. +Strange the story: he said it all, -- +the Waelsing's wanderings wide, his struggles, +which never were told to tribes of men, +the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only, +when of these doings he deigned to speak, +uncle to nephew; as ever the twain +stood side by side in stress of war, +and multitude of the monster kind +they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew, +when he passed from life, no little praise; +for the doughty-in-combat a dragon killed +that herded the hoard: {13a} under hoary rock +the atheling dared the deed alone +fearful quest, nor was Fitela there. +Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced +that wondrous worm, -- on the wall it struck, +best blade; the dragon died in its blood. +Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved +over the ring-hoard to rule at will, +himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he loaded, +and bore on its bosom the beaming gold, +son of Waels; the worm was consumed. +He had of all heroes the highest renown +among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors, +for deeds of daring that decked his name +since the hand and heart of Heremod +grew slack in battle. He, swiftly banished +to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes, +to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow +had lamed him too long; a load of care +to earls and athelings all he proved. +Oft indeed, in earlier days, +for the warrior's wayfaring wise men mourned, +who had hoped of him help from harm and bale, +and had thought their sovran's son would thrive, +follow his father, his folk protect, +the hoard and the stronghold, heroes' land, +home of Scyldings. -- But here, thanes said, +the kinsman of Hygelac kinder seemed +to all: the other {13b} was urged to crime! +And afresh to the race, {13c} the fallow roads +by swift steeds measured! The morning sun +was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened +to the high-built hall, those hardy-minded, +the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure, +crowned with glory, the king himself, +with stately band from the bride-bower strode; +and with him the queen and her crowd of maidens +measured the path to the mead-house fair. + + + +XIV + +HROTHGAR spake, -- to the hall he went, +stood by the steps, the steep roof saw, +garnished with gold, and Grendel's hand: -- +"For the sight I see to the Sovran Ruler +be speedy thanks! A throng of sorrows +I have borne from Grendel; but God still works +wonder on wonder, the Warden-of-Glory. +It was but now that I never more +for woes that weighed on me waited help +long as I lived, when, laved in blood, +stood sword-gore-stained this stateliest house, -- +widespread woe for wise men all, +who had no hope to hinder ever +foes infernal and fiendish sprites +from havoc in hall. This hero now, +by the Wielder's might, a work has done +that not all of us erst could ever do +by wile and wisdom. Lo, well can she say +whoso of women this warrior bore +among sons of men, if still she liveth, +that the God of the ages was good to her +in the birth of her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee, +of heroes best, I shall heartily love +as mine own, my son; preserve thou ever +this kinship new: thou shalt never lack +wealth of the world that I wield as mine! +Full oft for less have I largess showered, +my precious hoard, on a punier man, +less stout in struggle. Thyself hast now +fulfilled such deeds, that thy fame shall endure +through all the ages. As ever he did, +well may the Wielder reward thee still!" +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This work of war most willingly +we have fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared +force of the foe. Fain, too, were I +hadst thou but seen himself, what time +the fiend in his trappings tottered to fall! +Swiftly, I thought, in strongest gripe +on his bed of death to bind him down, +that he in the hent of this hand of mine +should breathe his last: but he broke away. +Him I might not -- the Maker willed not -- +hinder from flight, and firm enough hold +the life-destroyer: too sturdy was he, +the ruthless, in running! For rescue, however, +he left behind him his hand in pledge, +arm and shoulder; nor aught of help +could the cursed one thus procure at all. +None the longer liveth he, loathsome fiend, +sunk in his sins, but sorrow holds him +tightly grasped in gripe of anguish, +in baleful bonds, where bide he must, +evil outlaw, such awful doom +as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out." + +More silent seemed the son of Ecglaf {14a} +in boastful speech of his battle-deeds, +since athelings all, through the earl's great prowess, +beheld that hand, on the high roof gazing, +foeman's fingers, -- the forepart of each +of the sturdy nails to steel was likest, -- +heathen's "hand-spear," hostile warrior's +claw uncanny. 'Twas clear, they said, +that him no blade of the brave could touch, +how keen soever, or cut away +that battle-hand bloody from baneful foe. + + + +XV + +THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now +for hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng +of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse, +the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings +that were wove on the wall, and wonders many +to delight each mortal that looks upon them. +Though braced within by iron bands, +that building bright was broken sorely; {15a} +rent were its hinges; the roof alone +held safe and sound, when, seared with crime, +the fiendish foe his flight essayed, +of life despairing. -- No light thing that, +the flight for safety, -- essay it who will! +Forced of fate, he shall find his way +to the refuge ready for race of man, +for soul-possessors, and sons of earth; +and there his body on bed of death +shall rest after revel. +Arrived was the hour +when to hall proceeded Healfdene's son: +the king himself would sit to banquet. +Ne'er heard I of host in haughtier throng +more graciously gathered round giver-of-rings! +Bowed then to bench those bearers-of-glory, +fain of the feasting. Featly received +many a mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit, +kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall, +Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now +was filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings +ne'er yet had tried the traitor's deed. +To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene +a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph, +broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet; +and a splendid sword was seen of many +borne to the brave one. Beowulf took +cup in hall: {15b} for such costly gifts +he suffered no shame in that soldier throng. +For I heard of few heroes, in heartier mood, +with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold, +on the ale-bench honoring others thus! +O'er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge, +wound with wires, kept ward o'er the head, +lest the relict-of-files {15c} should fierce invade, +sharp in the strife, when that shielded hero +should go to grapple against his foes. +Then the earls'-defence {15d} on the floor {15e} bade lead +coursers eight, with carven head-gear, +adown the hall: one horse was decked +with a saddle all shining and set in jewels; +'twas the battle-seat of the best of kings, +when to play of swords the son of Healfdene +was fain to fare. Ne'er failed his valor +in the crush of combat when corpses fell. +To Beowulf over them both then gave +the refuge-of-Ingwines right and power, +o'er war-steeds and weapons: wished him joy of them. +Manfully thus the mighty prince, +hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid +with steeds and treasures contemned by none +who is willing to say the sooth aright. + + + +XVI + +AND the lord of earls, to each that came +with Beowulf over the briny ways, +an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave, +precious gift; and the price {16a} bade pay +in gold for him whom Grendel erst +murdered, -- and fain of them more had killed, +had not wisest God their Wyrd averted, +and the man's {16b} brave mood. The Maker then +ruled human kind, as here and now. +Therefore is insight always best, +and forethought of mind. How much awaits him +of lief and of loath, who long time here, +through days of warfare this world endures! + +Then song and music mingled sounds +in the presence of Healfdene's head-of-armies {16c} +and harping was heard with the hero-lay +as Hrothgar's singer the hall-joy woke +along the mead-seats, making his song +of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn. {16d} +Healfdene's hero, Hnaef the Scylding, +was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter. {16e} +Hildeburh needed not hold in value +her enemies' honor! {16f} Innocent both +were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play, +bairn and brother, they bowed to fate, +stricken by spears; 'twas a sorrowful woman! +None doubted why the daughter of Hoc +bewailed her doom when dawning came, +and under the sky she saw them lying, +kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned +of the sweets of the world! By war were swept, too, +Finn's own liegemen, and few were left; +in the parleying-place {16g} he could ply no longer +weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest, +and rescue his remnant by right of arms +from the prince's thane. A pact he offered: +another dwelling the Danes should have, +hall and high-seat, and half the power +should fall to them in Frisian land; +and at the fee-gifts, Folcwald's son +day by day the Danes should honor, +the folk of Hengest favor with rings, +even as truly, with treasure and jewels, +with fretted gold, as his Frisian kin +he meant to honor in ale-hall there. +Pact of peace they plighted further +on both sides firmly. Finn to Hengest +with oath, upon honor, openly promised +that woful remnant, with wise-men's aid, +nobly to govern, so none of the guests +by word or work should warp the treaty, {16h} +or with malice of mind bemoan themselves +as forced to follow their fee-giver's slayer, +lordless men, as their lot ordained. +Should Frisian, moreover, with foeman's taunt, +that murderous hatred to mind recall, +then edge of the sword must seal his doom. + +Oaths were given, and ancient gold +heaped from hoard. -- The hardy Scylding, +battle-thane best, {16i} on his balefire lay. +All on the pyre were plain to see +the gory sark, the gilded swine-crest, +boar of hard iron, and athelings many +slain by the sword: at the slaughter they fell. +It was Hildeburh's hest, at Hnaef's own pyre +the bairn of her body on brands to lay, +his bones to burn, on the balefire placed, +at his uncle's side. In sorrowful dirges +bewept them the woman: great wailing ascended. +Then wound up to welkin the wildest of death-fires, +roared o'er the hillock: {16j} heads all were melted, +gashes burst, and blood gushed out +from bites {16k} of the body. Balefire devoured, +greediest spirit, those spared not by war +out of either folk: their flower was gone. + + + +XVII + +THEN hastened those heroes their home to see, +friendless, to find the Frisian land, +houses and high burg. Hengest still +through the death-dyed winter dwelt with Finn, +holding pact, yet of home he minded, +though powerless his ring-decked prow to drive +over the waters, now waves rolled fierce +lashed by the winds, or winter locked them +in icy fetters. Then fared another +year to men's dwellings, as yet they do, +the sunbright skies, that their season ever +duly await. Far off winter was driven; +fair lay earth's breast; and fain was the rover, +the guest, to depart, though more gladly he pondered +on wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep, +and how to hasten the hot encounter +where sons of the Frisians were sure to be. +So he escaped not the common doom, +when Hun with "Lafing," the light-of-battle, +best of blades, his bosom pierced: +its edge was famed with the Frisian earls. +On fierce-heart Finn there fell likewise, +on himself at home, the horrid sword-death; +for Guthlaf and Oslaf of grim attack +had sorrowing told, from sea-ways landed, +mourning their woes. {17a} Finn's wavering spirit +bode not in breast. The burg was reddened +with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain, +king amid clansmen; the queen was taken. +To their ship the Scylding warriors bore +all the chattels the chieftain owned, +whatever they found in Finn's domain +of gems and jewels. The gentle wife +o'er paths of the deep to the Danes they bore, +led to her land. +The lay was finished, +the gleeman's song. Then glad rose the revel; +bench-joy brightened. Bearers draw +from their "wonder-vats" wine. Comes Wealhtheow forth, +under gold-crown goes where the good pair sit, +uncle and nephew, true each to the other one, +kindred in amity. Unferth the spokesman +at the Scylding lord's feet sat: men had faith in his spirit, +his keenness of courage, though kinsmen had found him +unsure at the sword-play. The Scylding queen spoke: +"Quaff of this cup, my king and lord, +breaker of rings, and blithe be thou, +gold-friend of men; to the Geats here speak +such words of mildness as man should use. +Be glad with thy Geats; of those gifts be mindful, +or near or far, which now thou hast. + +Men say to me, as son thou wishest +yon hero to hold. Thy Heorot purged, +jewel-hall brightest, enjoy while thou canst, +with many a largess; and leave to thy kin +folk and realm when forth thou goest +to greet thy doom. For gracious I deem +my Hrothulf, {17b} willing to hold and rule +nobly our youths, if thou yield up first, +prince of Scyldings, thy part in the world. +I ween with good he will well requite +offspring of ours, when all he minds +that for him we did in his helpless days +of gift and grace to gain him honor!" +Then she turned to the seat where her sons wereplaced, +Hrethric and Hrothmund, with heroes' bairns, +young men together: the Geat, too, sat there, +Beowulf brave, the brothers between. + + + +XVIII + +A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting +and winsome words. Of wounden gold, +she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain, +corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest +that ever I knew the earth around. +Ne'er heard I so mighty, 'neath heaven's dome, +a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore +to his bright-built burg the Brisings' necklace, +jewel and gem casket. -- Jealousy fled he, +Eormenric's hate: chose help eternal. +Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting, +on the last of his raids this ring bore with him, +under his banner the booty defending, +the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o'erwhelmed him +what time, in his daring, dangers he sought, +feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems +he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves, +sovran strong: under shield he died. +Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, +gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring; +weaker warriors won the spoil, +after gripe of battle, from Geatland's lord, +and held the death-field. +Din rose in hall. +Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said: -- +"This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth, +Beowulf lov'd, these battle-weeds wear, +a royal treasure, and richly thrive! +Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here +counsel in kindness: requital be mine. +Hast done such deeds, that for days to come +thou art famed among folk both far and near, +so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean +his windy walls. Through the ways of life +prosper, O prince! I pray for thee +rich possessions. To son of mine +be helpful in deed and uphold his joys! +Here every earl to the other is true, +mild of mood, to the master loyal! +Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient, +liegemen are revelling: list and obey!" +Went then to her place. -- That was proudest of feasts; +flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not, +destiny dire, and the doom to be seen +by many an earl when eve should come, +and Hrothgar homeward hasten away, +royal, to rest. The room was guarded +by an army of earls, as erst was done. +They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread +beds and bolsters. -- One beer-carouser +in danger of doom lay down in the hall. -- + +At their heads they set their shields of war, +bucklers bright; on the bench were there +over each atheling, easy to see, +the high battle-helmet, the haughty spear, +the corselet of rings. 'Twas their custom so +ever to be for battle prepared, +at home, or harrying, which it were, +even as oft as evil threatened +their sovran king. -- They were clansmen good. + + + +XIX + +THEN sank they to sleep. With sorrow one bought +his rest of the evening, -- as ofttime had happened +when Grendel guarded that golden hall, +evil wrought, till his end drew nigh, +slaughter for sins. 'Twas seen and told +how an avenger survived the fiend, +as was learned afar. The livelong time +after that grim fight, Grendel's mother, +monster of women, mourned her woe. +She was doomed to dwell in the dreary waters, +cold sea-courses, since Cain cut down +with edge of the sword his only brother, +his father's offspring: outlawed he fled, +marked with murder, from men's delights +warded the wilds. -- There woke from him +such fate-sent ghosts as Grendel, who, +war-wolf horrid, at Heorot found +a warrior watching and waiting the fray, +with whom the grisly one grappled amain. +But the man remembered his mighty power, +the glorious gift that God had sent him, +in his Maker's mercy put his trust +for comfort and help: so he conquered the foe, +felled the fiend, who fled abject, +reft of joy, to the realms of death, +mankind's foe. And his mother now, +gloomy and grim, would go that quest +of sorrow, the death of her son to avenge. +To Heorot came she, where helmeted Danes +slept in the hall. Too soon came back +old ills of the earls, when in she burst, +the mother of Grendel. Less grim, though, that terror, +e'en as terror of woman in war is less, +might of maid, than of men in arms +when, hammer-forged, the falchion hard, +sword gore-stained, through swine of the helm, +crested, with keen blade carves amain. +Then was in hall the hard-edge drawn, +the swords on the settles, {19a} and shields a-many +firm held in hand: nor helmet minded +nor harness of mail, whom that horror seized. +Haste was hers; she would hie afar +and save her life when the liegemen saw her. +Yet a single atheling up she seized +fast and firm, as she fled to the moor. +He was for Hrothgar of heroes the dearest, +of trusty vassals betwixt the seas, +whom she killed on his couch, a clansman famous, +in battle brave. -- Nor was Beowulf there; +another house had been held apart, +after giving of gold, for the Geat renowned. -- +Uproar filled Heorot; the hand all had viewed, +blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was returned, +dole in the dwellings: 'twas dire exchange +where Dane and Geat were doomed to give +the lives of loved ones. Long-tried king, +the hoary hero, at heart was sad +when he knew his noble no more lived, +and dead indeed was his dearest thane. +To his bower was Beowulf brought in haste, +dauntless victor. As daylight broke, +along with his earls the atheling lord, +with his clansmen, came where the king abode +waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All +would turn this tale of trouble and woe. +Strode o'er floor the famed-in-strife, +with his hand-companions, -- the hall resounded, -- +wishing to greet the wise old king, +Ingwines' lord; he asked if the night +had passed in peace to the prince's mind. + + + +XX + +HROTHGAR spake, helmet-of-Scyldings: -- +"Ask not of pleasure! Pain is renewed +to Danish folk. Dead is Aeschere, +of Yrmenlaf the elder brother, +my sage adviser and stay in council, +shoulder-comrade in stress of fight +when warriors clashed and we warded our heads, +hewed the helm-boars; hero famed +should be every earl as Aeschere was! +But here in Heorot a hand hath slain him +of wandering death-sprite. I wot not whither, {20a} +proud of the prey, her path she took, +fain of her fill. The feud she avenged +that yesternight, unyieldingly, +Grendel in grimmest grasp thou killedst, -- +seeing how long these liegemen mine +he ruined and ravaged. Reft of life, +in arms he fell. Now another comes, +keen and cruel, her kin to avenge, +faring far in feud of blood: +so that many a thane shall think, who e'er +sorrows in soul for that sharer of rings, +this is hardest of heart-bales. The hand lies low +that once was willing each wish to please. +Land-dwellers here {20b} and liegemen mine, +who house by those parts, I have heard relate +that such a pair they have sometimes seen, +march-stalkers mighty the moorland haunting, +wandering spirits: one of them seemed, +so far as my folk could fairly judge, +of womankind; and one, accursed, +in man's guise trod the misery-track +of exile, though huger than human bulk. +Grendel in days long gone they named him, +folk of the land; his father they knew not, +nor any brood that was born to him +of treacherous spirits. Untrod is their home; +by wolf-cliffs haunt they and windy headlands, +fenways fearful, where flows the stream +from mountains gliding to gloom of the rocks, +underground flood. Not far is it hence +in measure of miles that the mere expands, +and o'er it the frost-bound forest hanging, +sturdily rooted, shadows the wave. +By night is a wonder weird to see, +fire on the waters. So wise lived none +of the sons of men, to search those depths! +Nay, though the heath-rover, harried by dogs, +the horn-proud hart, this holt should seek, +long distance driven, his dear life first +on the brink he yields ere he brave the plunge +to hide his head: 'tis no happy place! +Thence the welter of waters washes up +wan to welkin when winds bestir +evil storms, and air grows dusk, +and the heavens weep. Now is help once more +with thee alone! The land thou knowst not, +place of fear, where thou findest out +that sin-flecked being. Seek if thou dare! +I will reward thee, for waging this fight, +with ancient treasure, as erst I did, +with winding gold, if thou winnest back." + + + +XXI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: +"Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better +friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them. +Each of us all must his end abide +in the ways of the world; so win who may +glory ere death! When his days are told, +that is the warrior's worthiest doom. +Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon, +and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel. +No harbor shall hide her -- heed my promise! -- +enfolding of field or forested mountain +or floor of the flood, let her flee where she will! +But thou this day endure in patience, +as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one." +Leaped up the graybeard: God he thanked, +mighty Lord, for the man's brave words. +For Hrothgar soon a horse was saddled +wave-maned steed. The sovran wise +stately rode on; his shield-armed men +followed in force. The footprints led +along the woodland, widely seen, +a path o'er the plain, where she passed, and trod +the murky moor; of men-at-arms +she bore the bravest and best one, dead, +him who with Hrothgar the homestead ruled. +On then went the atheling-born +o'er stone-cliffs steep and strait defiles, +narrow passes and unknown ways, +headlands sheer, and the haunts of the Nicors. +Foremost he {21a} fared, a few at his side +of the wiser men, the ways to scan, +till he found in a flash the forested hill +hanging over the hoary rock, +a woful wood: the waves below +were dyed in blood. The Danish men +had sorrow of soul, and for Scyldings all, +for many a hero, 'twas hard to bear, +ill for earls, when Aeschere's head +they found by the flood on the foreland there. +Waves were welling, the warriors saw, +hot with blood; but the horn sang oft +battle-song bold. The band sat down, +and watched on the water worm-like things, +sea-dragons strange that sounded the deep, +and nicors that lay on the ledge of the ness -- +such as oft essay at hour of morn +on the road-of-sails their ruthless quest, -- +and sea-snakes and monsters. These started away, +swollen and savage that song to hear, +that war-horn's blast. The warden of Geats, +with bolt from bow, then balked of life, +of wave-work, one monster, amid its heart +went the keen war-shaft; in water it seemed +less doughty in swimming whom death had seized. +Swift on the billows, with boar-spears well +hooked and barbed, it was hard beset, +done to death and dragged on the headland, +wave-roamer wondrous. Warriors viewed +the grisly guest. +Then girt him Beowulf +in martial mail, nor mourned for his life. +His breastplate broad and bright of hues, +woven by hand, should the waters try; +well could it ward the warrior's body +that battle should break on his breast in vain +nor harm his heart by the hand of a foe. +And the helmet white that his head protected +was destined to dare the deeps of the flood, +through wave-whirl win: 'twas wound with chains, +decked with gold, as in days of yore +the weapon-smith worked it wondrously, +with swine-forms set it, that swords nowise, +brandished in battle, could bite that helm. +Nor was that the meanest of mighty helps +which Hrothgar's orator offered at need: +"Hrunting" they named the hilted sword, +of old-time heirlooms easily first; +iron was its edge, all etched with poison, +with battle-blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight +in hero's hand who held it ever, +on paths of peril prepared to go +to folkstead {21b} of foes. Not first time this +it was destined to do a daring task. +For he bore not in mind, the bairn of Ecglaf +sturdy and strong, that speech he had made, +drunk with wine, now this weapon he lent +to a stouter swordsman. Himself, though, durst not +under welter of waters wager his life +as loyal liegeman. So lost he his glory, +honor of earls. With the other not so, +who girded him now for the grim encounter. + + + +XXII + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Have mind, thou honored offspring of Healfdene +gold-friend of men, now I go on this quest, +sovran wise, what once was said: +if in thy cause it came that I +should lose my life, thou wouldst loyal bide +to me, though fallen, in father's place! +Be guardian, thou, to this group of my thanes, +my warrior-friends, if War should seize me; +and the goodly gifts thou gavest me, +Hrothgar beloved, to Hygelac send! +Geatland's king may ken by the gold, +Hrethel's son see, when he stares at the treasure, +that I got me a friend for goodness famed, +and joyed while I could in my jewel-bestower. +And let Unferth wield this wondrous sword, +earl far-honored, this heirloom precious, +hard of edge: with Hrunting I +seek doom of glory, or Death shall take me." + +After these words the Weder-Geat lord +boldly hastened, biding never +answer at all: the ocean floods +closed o'er the hero. Long while of the day +fled ere he felt the floor of the sea. + +Soon found the fiend who the flood-domain +sword-hungry held these hundred winters, +greedy and grim, that some guest from above, +some man, was raiding her monster-realm. +She grasped out for him with grisly claws, +and the warrior seized; yet scathed she not +his body hale; the breastplate hindered, +as she strove to shatter the sark of war, +the linked harness, with loathsome hand. +Then bore this brine-wolf, when bottom she touched, +the lord of rings to the lair she haunted +whiles vainly he strove, though his valor held, +weapon to wield against wondrous monsters +that sore beset him; sea-beasts many +tried with fierce tusks to tear his mail, +and swarmed on the stranger. But soon he marked +he was now in some hall, he knew not which, +where water never could work him harm, +nor through the roof could reach him ever +fangs of the flood. Firelight he saw, +beams of a blaze that brightly shone. +Then the warrior was ware of that wolf-of-the-deep, +mere-wife monstrous. For mighty stroke +he swung his blade, and the blow withheld not. +Then sang on her head that seemly blade +its war-song wild. But the warrior found +the light-of-battle {22a} was loath to bite, +to harm the heart: its hard edge failed +the noble at need, yet had known of old +strife hand to hand, and had helmets cloven, +doomed men's fighting-gear. First time, this, +for the gleaming blade that its glory fell. +Firm still stood, nor failed in valor, +heedful of high deeds, Hygelac's kinsman; +flung away fretted sword, featly jewelled, +the angry earl; on earth it lay +steel-edged and stiff. His strength he trusted, +hand-gripe of might. So man shall do +whenever in war he weens to earn him +lasting fame, nor fears for his life! +Seized then by shoulder, shrank not from combat, +the Geatish war-prince Grendel's mother. +Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath, +his deadly foe, that she fell to ground. +Swift on her part she paid him back +with grisly grasp, and grappled with him. +Spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior, +fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown. +On the hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword, +broad and brown-edged, {22b} the bairn to avenge, +the sole-born son. -- On his shoulder lay +braided breast-mail, barring death, +withstanding entrance of edge or blade. +Life would have ended for Ecgtheow's son, +under wide earth for that earl of Geats, +had his armor of war not aided him, +battle-net hard, and holy God +wielded the victory, wisest Maker. +The Lord of Heaven allowed his cause; +and easily rose the earl erect. + + + + +XXIII + +'MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant, +old-sword of Eotens, with edge of proof, +warriors' heirloom, weapon unmatched, +-- save only 'twas more than other men +to bandy-of-battle could bear at all -- +as the giants had wrought it, ready and keen. +Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings' chieftain, +bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword, +reckless of life, and so wrathfully smote +that it gripped her neck and grasped her hard, +her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced through +that fated-one's flesh: to floor she sank. +Bloody the blade: he was blithe of his deed. +Then blazed forth light. 'Twas bright within +as when from the sky there shines unclouded +heaven's candle. The hall he scanned. +By the wall then went he; his weapon raised +high by its hilts the Hygelac-thane, +angry and eager. That edge was not useless +to the warrior now. He wished with speed +Grendel to guerdon for grim raids many, +for the war he waged on Western-Danes +oftener far than an only time, +when of Hrothgar's hearth-companions +he slew in slumber, in sleep devoured, +fifteen men of the folk of Danes, +and as many others outward bore, +his horrible prey. Well paid for that +the wrathful prince! For now prone he saw +Grendel stretched there, spent with war, +spoiled of life, so scathed had left him +Heorot's battle. The body sprang far +when after death it endured the blow, +sword-stroke savage, that severed its head. +Soon, {23a} then, saw the sage companions +who waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood, +that the tossing waters turbid grew, +blood-stained the mere. Old men together, +hoary-haired, of the hero spake; +the warrior would not, they weened, again, +proud of conquest, come to seek +their mighty master. To many it seemed +the wolf-of-the-waves had won his life. +The ninth hour came. The noble Scyldings +left the headland; homeward went +the gold-friend of men. {23b} But the guests sat on, +stared at the surges, sick in heart, +and wished, yet weened not, their winsome lord +again to see. + +Now that sword began, +from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings, {23c} +war-blade, to wane: 'twas a wondrous thing +that all of it melted as ice is wont +when frosty fetters the Father loosens, +unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding all +seasons and times: the true God he! +Nor took from that dwelling the duke of the Geats +save only the head and that hilt withal +blazoned with jewels: the blade had melted, +burned was the bright sword, her blood was so hot, +so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished within there. +Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combat +downfall of demons; up-dove through the flood. +The clashing waters were cleansed now, +waste of waves, where the wandering fiend +her life-days left and this lapsing world. +Swam then to strand the sailors'-refuge, +sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad, +of burden brave he bore with him. +Went then to greet him, and God they thanked, +the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe, +that safe and sound they could see him again. +Soon from the hardy one helmet and armor +deftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere, +water 'neath welkin, with war-blood stained. +Forth they fared by the footpaths thence, +merry at heart the highways measured, +well-known roads. Courageous men +carried the head from the cliff by the sea, +an arduous task for all the band, +the firm in fight, since four were needed +on the shaft-of-slaughter {23d} strenuously +to bear to the gold-hall Grendel's head. +So presently to the palace there +foemen fearless, fourteen Geats, +marching came. Their master-of-clan +mighty amid them the meadow-ways trod. +Strode then within the sovran thane +fearless in fight, of fame renowned, +hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet. +And next by the hair into hall was borne +Grendel's head, where the henchmen were drinking, +an awe to clan and queen alike, +a monster of marvel: the men looked on. + + + +XXIV + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, now, this sea-booty, son of Healfdene, +Lord of Scyldings, we've lustily brought thee, +sign of glory; thou seest it here. +Not lightly did I with my life escape! +In war under water this work I essayed +with endless effort; and even so +my strength had been lost had the Lord not shielded me. +Not a whit could I with Hrunting do +in work of war, though the weapon is good; +yet a sword the Sovran of Men vouchsafed me +to spy on the wall there, in splendor hanging, +old, gigantic, -- how oft He guides +the friendless wight! -- and I fought with that brand, +felling in fight, since fate was with me, +the house's wardens. That war-sword then +all burned, bright blade, when the blood gushed o'er it, +battle-sweat hot; but the hilt I brought back +from my foes. So avenged I their fiendish deeds +death-fall of Danes, as was due and right. +And this is my hest, that in Heorot now +safe thou canst sleep with thy soldier band, +and every thane of all thy folk +both old and young; no evil fear, +Scyldings' lord, from that side again, +aught ill for thy earls, as erst thou must!" +Then the golden hilt, for that gray-haired leader, +hoary hero, in hand was laid, +giant-wrought, old. So owned and enjoyed it +after downfall of devils, the Danish lord, +wonder-smiths' work, since the world was rid +of that grim-souled fiend, the foe of God, +murder-marked, and his mother as well. +Now it passed into power of the people's king, +best of all that the oceans bound +who have scattered their gold o'er Scandia's isle. +Hrothgar spake -- the hilt he viewed, +heirloom old, where was etched the rise +of that far-off fight when the floods o'erwhelmed, +raging waves, the race of giants +(fearful their fate!), a folk estranged +from God Eternal: whence guerdon due +in that waste of waters the Wielder paid them. +So on the guard of shining gold +in runic staves it was rightly said +for whom the serpent-traced sword was wrought, +best of blades, in bygone days, +and the hilt well wound. -- The wise-one spake, +son of Healfdene; silent were all: -- +"Lo, so may he say who sooth and right +follows 'mid folk, of far times mindful, +a land-warden old, {24a} that this earl belongs +to the better breed! So, borne aloft, +thy fame must fly, O friend my Beowulf, +far and wide o'er folksteads many. Firmly thou +shalt all maintain, +mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of +mine will I assure thee, +as, awhile ago, I promised; thou shalt prove a stay +in future, +in far-off years, to folk of thine, +to the heroes a help. Was not Heremod thus +to offspring of Ecgwela, Honor-Scyldings, +nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter, +for doom of death to the Danishmen. + +He slew, wrath-swollen, his shoulder-comrades, +companions at board! So he passed alone, +chieftain haughty, from human cheer. +Though him the Maker with might endowed, +delights of power, and uplifted high +above all men, yet blood-fierce his mind, +his breast-hoard, grew, no bracelets gave he +to Danes as was due; he endured all joyless +strain of struggle and stress of woe, +long feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson! +Of virtue advise thee! This verse I have said for thee, +wise from lapsed winters. Wondrous seems +how to sons of men Almighty God +in the strength of His spirit sendeth wisdom, +estate, high station: He swayeth all things. +Whiles He letteth right lustily fare +the heart of the hero of high-born race, -- +in seat ancestral assigns him bliss, +his folk's sure fortress in fee to hold, +puts in his power great parts of the earth, +empire so ample, that end of it +this wanter-of-wisdom weeneth none. +So he waxes in wealth, nowise can harm him +illness or age; no evil cares +shadow his spirit; no sword-hate threatens +from ever an enemy: all the world +wends at his will, no worse he knoweth, +till all within him obstinate pride +waxes and wakes while the warden slumbers, +the spirit's sentry; sleep is too fast +which masters his might, and the murderer nears, +stealthily shooting the shafts from his bow! + + + +XXV + +"UNDER harness his heart then is hit indeed +by sharpest shafts; and no shelter avails +from foul behest of the hellish fiend. {25a} +Him seems too little what long he possessed. +Greedy and grim, no golden rings +he gives for his pride; the promised future +forgets he and spurns, with all God has sent him, +Wonder-Wielder, of wealth and fame. +Yet in the end it ever comes +that the frame of the body fragile yields, +fated falls; and there follows another +who joyously the jewels divides, +the royal riches, nor recks of his forebear. +Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, +best of men, and the better part choose, +profit eternal; and temper thy pride, +warrior famous! The flower of thy might +lasts now a while: but erelong it shall be +that sickness or sword thy strength shall minish, +or fang of fire, or flooding billow, +or bite of blade, or brandished spear, +or odious age; or the eyes' clear beam +wax dull and darken: Death even thee +in haste shall o'erwhelm, thou hero of war! +So the Ring-Danes these half-years a hundred I ruled, +wielded 'neath welkin, and warded them bravely +from mighty-ones many o'er middle-earth, +from spear and sword, till it seemed for me +no foe could be found under fold of the sky. +Lo, sudden the shift! To me seated secure +came grief for joy when Grendel began +to harry my home, the hellish foe; +for those ruthless raids, unresting I suffered +heart-sorrow heavy. Heaven be thanked, +Lord Eternal, for life extended +that I on this head all hewn and bloody, +after long evil, with eyes may gaze! +-- Go to the bench now! Be glad at banquet, +warrior worthy! A wealth of treasure +at dawn of day, be dealt between us!" +Glad was the Geats' lord, going betimes +to seek his seat, as the Sage commanded. +Afresh, as before, for the famed-in-battle, +for the band of the hall, was a banquet dight +nobly anew. The Night-Helm darkened +dusk o'er the drinkers. +The doughty ones rose: +for the hoary-headed would hasten to rest, +aged Scylding; and eager the Geat, +shield-fighter sturdy, for sleeping yearned. +Him wander-weary, warrior-guest +from far, a hall-thane heralded forth, +who by custom courtly cared for all +needs of a thane as in those old days +warrior-wanderers wont to have. +So slumbered the stout-heart. Stately the hall +rose gabled and gilt where the guest slept on +till a raven black the rapture-of-heaven {25b} +blithe-heart boded. Bright came flying +shine after shadow. The swordsmen hastened, +athelings all were eager homeward +forth to fare; and far from thence +the great-hearted guest would guide his keel. +Bade then the hardy-one Hrunting be brought +to the son of Ecglaf, the sword bade him take, +excellent iron, and uttered his thanks for it, +quoth that he counted it keen in battle, +"war-friend" winsome: with words he slandered not +edge of the blade: 'twas a big-hearted man! +Now eager for parting and armed at point +warriors waited, while went to his host +that Darling of Danes. The doughty atheling +to high-seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted. + + + +XXVI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, we seafarers say our will, +far-come men, that we fain would seek +Hygelac now. We here have found +hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well. +If ever on earth I am able to win me +more of thy love, O lord of men, +aught anew, than I now have done, +for work of war I am willing still! +If it come to me ever across the seas +that neighbor foemen annoy and fright thee, -- +as they that hate thee erewhile have used, -- +thousands then of thanes I shall bring, +heroes to help thee. Of Hygelac I know, +ward of his folk, that, though few his years, +the lord of the Geats will give me aid +by word and by work, that well I may serve thee, +wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph +and lending thee might when thou lackest men. +If thy Hrethric should come to court of Geats, +a sovran's son, he will surely there +find his friends. A far-off land +each man should visit who vaunts him brave." +Him then answering, Hrothgar spake: -- +"These words of thine the wisest God +sent to thy soul! No sager counsel +from so young in years e'er yet have I heard. +Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary, +art wise in words! I ween indeed +if ever it hap that Hrethel's heir +by spear be seized, by sword-grim battle, +by illness or iron, thine elder and lord, +people's leader, -- and life be thine, -- +no seemlier man will the Sea-Geats find +at all to choose for their chief and king, +for hoard-guard of heroes, if hold thou wilt +thy kinsman's kingdom! Thy keen mind pleases me +the longer the better, Beowulf loved! + +Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples, +sons of the Geat and Spear-Dane folk, +shall have mutual peace, and from murderous strife, +such as once they waged, from war refrain. +Long as I rule this realm so wide, +let our hoards be common, let heroes with gold +each other greet o'er the gannet's-bath, +and the ringed-prow bear o'er rolling waves +tokens of love. I trow my landfolk +towards friend and foe are firmly joined, +and honor they keep in the olden way." +To him in the hall, then, Healfdene's son +gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls +bade him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved, +hale to his home, and in haste return. +Then kissed the king of kin renowned, +Scyldings' chieftain, that choicest thane, +and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the tears +of the hoary-headed. Heavy with winters, +he had chances twain, but he clung to this, {26a} -- +that each should look on the other again, +and hear him in hall. Was this hero so dear to him. +his breast's wild billows he banned in vain; +safe in his soul a secret longing, +locked in his mind, for that loved man +burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode, +glad of his gold-gifts, the grass-plot o'er, +warrior blithe. The wave-roamer bode +riding at anchor, its owner awaiting. +As they hastened onward, Hrothgar's gift +they lauded at length. -- 'Twas a lord unpeered, +every way blameless, till age had broken +-- it spareth no mortal -- his splendid might. + + + +XXVII + +CAME now to ocean the ever-courageous +hardy henchmen, their harness bearing, +woven war-sarks. The warden marked, +trusty as ever, the earl's return. +From the height of the hill no hostile words +reached the guests as he rode to greet them; +but "Welcome!" he called to that Weder clan +as the sheen-mailed spoilers to ship marched on. +Then on the strand, with steeds and treasure +and armor their roomy and ring-dight ship +was heavily laden: high its mast +rose over Hrothgar's hoarded gems. +A sword to the boat-guard Beowulf gave, +mounted with gold; on the mead-bench since +he was better esteemed, that blade possessing, +heirloom old. -- Their ocean-keel boarding, +they drove through the deep, and Daneland left. +A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes, +firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned; {27a} +nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow +across from her course. The craft sped on, +foam-necked it floated forth o'er the waves, +keel firm-bound over briny currents, +till they got them sight of the Geatish cliffs, +home-known headlands. High the boat, +stirred by winds, on the strand updrove. +Helpful at haven the harbor-guard stood, +who long already for loved companions +by the water had waited and watched afar. +He bound to the beach the broad-bosomed ship +with anchor-bands, lest ocean-billows +that trusty timber should tear away. +Then Beowulf bade them bear the treasure, +gold and jewels; no journey far +was it thence to go to the giver of rings, +Hygelac Hrethling: at home he dwelt +by the sea-wall close, himself and clan. +Haughty that house, a hero the king, +high the hall, and Hygd {27b} right young, +wise and wary, though winters few +in those fortress walls she had found a home, +Haereth's daughter. Nor humble her ways, +nor grudged she gifts to the Geatish men, +of precious treasure. Not Thryth's pride showed she, +folk-queen famed, or that fell deceit. +Was none so daring that durst make bold +(save her lord alone) of the liegemen dear +that lady full in the face to look, +but forged fetters he found his lot, +bonds of death! And brief the respite; +soon as they seized him, his sword-doom was spoken, +and the burnished blade a baleful murder +proclaimed and closed. No queenly way +for woman to practise, though peerless she, +that the weaver-of-peace {27c} from warrior dear +by wrath and lying his life should reave! +But Hemming's kinsman hindered this. -- +For over their ale men also told +that of these folk-horrors fewer she wrought, +onslaughts of evil, after she went, +gold-decked bride, to the brave young prince, +atheling haughty, and Offa's hall +o'er the fallow flood at her father's bidding +safely sought, where since she prospered, +royal, throned, rich in goods, +fain of the fair life fate had sent her, +and leal in love to the lord of warriors. +He, of all heroes I heard of ever +from sea to sea, of the sons of earth, +most excellent seemed. Hence Offa was praised +for his fighting and feeing by far-off men, +the spear-bold warrior; wisely he ruled +over his empire. Eomer woke to him, +help of heroes, Hemming's kinsman, +Grandson of Garmund, grim in war. + + + +XXVIII + +HASTENED the hardy one, henchmen with him, +sandy strand of the sea to tread +and widespread ways. The world's great candle, +sun shone from south. They strode along +with sturdy steps to the spot they knew +where the battle-king young, his burg within, +slayer of Ongentheow, shared the rings, +shelter-of-heroes. To Hygelac +Beowulf's coming was quickly told, -- +that there in the court the clansmen's refuge, +the shield-companion sound and alive, +hale from the hero-play homeward strode. +With haste in the hall, by highest order, +room for the rovers was readily made. +By his sovran he sat, come safe from battle, +kinsman by kinsman. His kindly lord +he first had greeted in gracious form, +with manly words. The mead dispensing, +came through the high hall Haereth's daughter, +winsome to warriors, wine-cup bore +to the hands of the heroes. Hygelac then +his comrade fairly with question plied +in the lofty hall, sore longing to know +what manner of sojourn the Sea-Geats made. +"What came of thy quest, my kinsman Beowulf, +when thy yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder +battle to seek o'er the briny sea, +combat in Heorot? Hrothgar couldst thou +aid at all, the honored chief, +in his wide-known woes? With waves of care +my sad heart seethed; I sore mistrusted +my loved one's venture: long I begged thee +by no means to seek that slaughtering monster, +but suffer the South-Danes to settle their feud +themselves with Grendel. Now God be thanked +that safe and sound I can see thee now!" +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"'Tis known and unhidden, Hygelac Lord, +to many men, that meeting of ours, +struggle grim between Grendel and me, +which we fought on the field where full too many +sorrows he wrought for the Scylding-Victors, +evils unending. These all I avenged. +No boast can be from breed of Grendel, +any on earth, for that uproar at dawn, +from the longest-lived of the loathsome race +in fleshly fold! -- But first I went +Hrothgar to greet in the hall of gifts, +where Healfdene's kinsman high-renowned, +soon as my purpose was plain to him, +assigned me a seat by his son and heir. +The liegemen were lusty; my life-days never +such merry men over mead in hall +have I heard under heaven! The high-born queen, +people's peace-bringer, passed through the hall, +cheered the young clansmen, clasps of gold, +ere she sought her seat, to sundry gave. +Oft to the heroes Hrothgar's daughter, +to earls in turn, the ale-cup tendered, -- +she whom I heard these hall-companions +Freawaru name, when fretted gold +she proffered the warriors. Promised is she, +gold-decked maid, to the glad son of Froda. +Sage this seems to the Scylding's-friend, +kingdom's-keeper: he counts it wise +the woman to wed so and ward off feud, +store of slaughter. But seldom ever +when men are slain, does the murder-spear sink +but briefest while, though the bride be fair! {28a} +"Nor haply will like it the Heathobard lord, +and as little each of his liegemen all, +when a thane of the Danes, in that doughty throng, +goes with the lady along their hall, +and on him the old-time heirlooms glisten +hard and ring-decked, Heathobard's treasure, +weapons that once they wielded fair +until they lost at the linden-play {28b} +liegeman leal and their lives as well. +Then, over the ale, on this heirloom gazing, +some ash-wielder old who has all in mind +that spear-death of men, {28c} -- he is stern of mood, +heavy at heart, -- in the hero young +tests the temper and tries the soul +and war-hate wakens, with words like these: -- +Canst thou not, comrade, ken that sword +which to the fray thy father carried +in his final feud, 'neath the fighting-mask, +dearest of blades, when the Danish slew him +and wielded the war-place on Withergild's fall, +after havoc of heroes, those hardy Scyldings? +Now, the son of a certain slaughtering Dane, +proud of his treasure, paces this hall, +joys in the killing, and carries the jewel {28d} +that rightfully ought to be owned by thee!_ +Thus he urges and eggs him all the time +with keenest words, till occasion offers +that Freawaru's thane, for his father's deed, +after bite of brand in his blood must slumber, +losing his life; but that liegeman flies +living away, for the land he kens. +And thus be broken on both their sides +oaths of the earls, when Ingeld's breast +wells with war-hate, and wife-love now +after the care-billows cooler grows. +"So {28e} I hold not high the Heathobards' faith +due to the Danes, or their during love +and pact of peace. -- But I pass from that, +turning to Grendel, O giver-of-treasure, +and saying in full how the fight resulted, +hand-fray of heroes. When heaven's jewel +had fled o'er far fields, that fierce sprite came, +night-foe savage, to seek us out +where safe and sound we sentried the hall. +To Hondscio then was that harassing deadly, +his fall there was fated. He first was slain, +girded warrior. Grendel on him +turned murderous mouth, on our mighty kinsman, +and all of the brave man's body devoured. +Yet none the earlier, empty-handed, +would the bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of bale, +outward go from the gold-decked hall: +but me he attacked in his terror of might, +with greedy hand grasped me. A glove hung by him {28f} +wide and wondrous, wound with bands; +and in artful wise it all was wrought, +by devilish craft, of dragon-skins. +Me therein, an innocent man, +the fiendish foe was fain to thrust +with many another. He might not so, +when I all angrily upright stood. +'Twere long to relate how that land-destroyer +I paid in kind for his cruel deeds; +yet there, my prince, this people of thine +got fame by my fighting. He fled away, +and a little space his life preserved; +but there staid behind him his stronger hand +left in Heorot; heartsick thence +on the floor of the ocean that outcast fell. +Me for this struggle the Scyldings'-friend +paid in plenty with plates of gold, +with many a treasure, when morn had come +and we all at the banquet-board sat down. +Then was song and glee. The gray-haired Scylding, +much tested, told of the times of yore. +Whiles the hero his harp bestirred, +wood-of-delight; now lays he chanted +of sooth and sadness, or said aright +legends of wonder, the wide-hearted king; +or for years of his youth he would yearn at times, +for strength of old struggles, now stricken with age, +hoary hero: his heart surged full +when, wise with winters, he wailed their flight. +Thus in the hall the whole of that day +at ease we feasted, till fell o'er earth +another night. Anon full ready +in greed of vengeance, Grendel's mother +set forth all doleful. Dead was her son +through war-hate of Weders; now, woman monstrous +with fury fell a foeman she slew, +avenged her offspring. From Aeschere old, +loyal councillor, life was gone; +nor might they e'en, when morning broke, +those Danish people, their death-done comrade +burn with brands, on balefire lay +the man they mourned. Under mountain stream +she had carried the corpse with cruel hands. +For Hrothgar that was the heaviest sorrow +of all that had laden the lord of his folk. +The leader then, by thy life, besought me +(sad was his soul) in the sea-waves' coil +to play the hero and hazard my being +for glory of prowess: my guerdon he pledged. +I then in the waters -- 'tis widely known -- +that sea-floor-guardian savage found. +Hand-to-hand there a while we struggled; +billows welled blood; in the briny hall +her head I hewed with a hardy blade +from Grendel's mother, -- and gained my life, +though not without danger. My doom was not yet. +Then the haven-of-heroes, Healfdene's son, +gave me in guerdon great gifts of price. + + + +XXIX + +"So held this king to the customs old, +that I wanted for nought in the wage I gained, +the meed of my might; he made me gifts, +Healfdene's heir, for my own disposal. +Now to thee, my prince, I proffer them all, +gladly give them. Thy grace alone +can find me favor. Few indeed +have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!" +Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard, +the battle-helm high, and breastplate gray, +the splendid sword; then spake in form: -- +"Me this war-gear the wise old prince, +Hrothgar, gave, and his hest he added, +that its story be straightway said to thee. -- +A while it was held by Heorogar king, +for long time lord of the land of Scyldings; +yet not to his son the sovran left it, +to daring Heoroweard, -- dear as he was to him, +his harness of battle. -- Well hold thou it all!" +And I heard that soon passed o'er the path of this treasure, +all apple-fallow, four good steeds, +each like the others, arms and horses +he gave to the king. So should kinsmen be, +not weave one another the net of wiles, +or with deep-hid treachery death contrive +for neighbor and comrade. His nephew was ever +by hardy Hygelac held full dear, +and each kept watch o'er the other's weal. +I heard, too, the necklace to Hygd he presented, +wonder-wrought treasure, which Wealhtheow gave him +sovran's daughter: three steeds he added, +slender and saddle-gay. Since such gift +the gem gleamed bright on the breast of the queen. +Thus showed his strain the son of Ecgtheow +as a man remarked for mighty deeds +and acts of honor. At ale he slew not +comrade or kin; nor cruel his mood, +though of sons of earth his strength was greatest, +a glorious gift that God had sent +the splendid leader. Long was he spurned, +and worthless by Geatish warriors held; +him at mead the master-of-clans +failed full oft to favor at all. +Slack and shiftless the strong men deemed him, +profitless prince; but payment came, +to the warrior honored, for all his woes. -- +Then the bulwark-of-earls {29a} bade bring within, +hardy chieftain, Hrethel's heirloom +garnished with gold: no Geat e'er knew +in shape of a sword a statelier prize. +The brand he laid in Beowulf's lap; +and of hides assigned him seven thousand, {29b} +with house and high-seat. They held in common +land alike by their line of birth, +inheritance, home: but higher the king +because of his rule o'er the realm itself. + +Now further it fell with the flight of years, +with harryings horrid, that Hygelac perished, {29c} +and Heardred, too, by hewing of swords +under the shield-wall slaughtered lay, +when him at the van of his victor-folk +sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings, +in arms o'erwhelming Hereric's nephew. +Then Beowulf came as king this broad +realm to wield; and he ruled it well +fifty winters, {29d} a wise old prince, +warding his land, until One began +in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage. +In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded, +in the stone-barrow steep. A strait path reached it, +unknown to mortals. Some man, however, +came by chance that cave within +to the heathen hoard. {29e} In hand he took +a golden goblet, nor gave he it back, +stole with it away, while the watcher slept, +by thievish wiles: for the warden's wrath +prince and people must pay betimes! + + + +XXX + +THAT way he went with no will of his own, +in danger of life, to the dragon's hoard, +but for pressure of peril, some prince's thane. +He fled in fear the fatal scourge, +seeking shelter, a sinful man, +and entered in. At the awful sight +tottered that guest, and terror seized him; +yet the wretched fugitive rallied anon +from fright and fear ere he fled away, +and took the cup from that treasure-hoard. +Of such besides there was store enough, +heirlooms old, the earth below, +which some earl forgotten, in ancient years, +left the last of his lofty race, +heedfully there had hidden away, +dearest treasure. For death of yore +had hurried all hence; and he alone +left to live, the last of the clan, +weeping his friends, yet wished to bide +warding the treasure, his one delight, +though brief his respite. The barrow, new-ready, +to strand and sea-waves stood anear, +hard by the headland, hidden and closed; +there laid within it his lordly heirlooms +and heaped hoard of heavy gold +that warden of rings. Few words he spake: +"Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not, +what earls have owned! Lo, erst from thee +brave men brought it! But battle-death seized +and cruel killing my clansmen all, +robbed them of life and a liegeman's joys. +None have I left to lift the sword, +or to cleanse the carven cup of price, +beaker bright. My brave are gone. +And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold, +shall part from its plating. Polishers sleep +who could brighten and burnish the battle-mask; +and those weeds of war that were wont to brave +over bicker of shields the bite of steel +rust with their bearer. The ringed mail +fares not far with famous chieftain, +at side of hero! No harp's delight, +no glee-wood's gladness! No good hawk now +flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet +stamp in the burgstead! Battle and death +the flower of my race have reft away." +Mournful of mood, thus he moaned his woe, +alone, for them all, and unblithe wept +by day and by night, till death's fell wave +o'erwhelmed his heart. His hoard-of-bliss +that old ill-doer open found, +who, blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth, +naked foe-dragon flying by night +folded in fire: the folk of earth +dread him sore. 'Tis his doom to seek +hoard in the graves, and heathen gold +to watch, many-wintered: nor wins he thereby! +Powerful this plague-of-the-people thus +held the house of the hoard in earth +three hundred winters; till One aroused +wrath in his breast, to the ruler bearing +that costly cup, and the king implored +for bond of peace. So the barrow was plundered, +borne off was booty. His boon was granted +that wretched man; and his ruler saw +first time what was fashioned in far-off days. +When the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled. +O'er the stone he snuffed. The stark-heart found +footprint of foe who so far had gone +in his hidden craft by the creature's head. -- +So may the undoomed easily flee +evils and exile, if only he gain +the grace of The Wielder! -- That warden of gold +o'er the ground went seeking, greedy to find +the man who wrought him such wrong in sleep. +Savage and burning, the barrow he circled +all without; nor was any there, +none in the waste.... Yet war he desired, +was eager for battle. The barrow he entered, +sought the cup, and discovered soon +that some one of mortals had searched his treasure, +his lordly gold. The guardian waited +ill-enduring till evening came; +boiling with wrath was the barrow's keeper, +and fain with flame the foe to pay +for the dear cup's loss. -- Now day was fled +as the worm had wished. By its wall no more +was it glad to bide, but burning flew +folded in flame: a fearful beginning +for sons of the soil; and soon it came, +in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end. + + + +XXXI + +THEN the baleful fiend its fire belched out, +and bright homes burned. The blaze stood high +all landsfolk frighting. No living thing +would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew. +Wide was the dragon's warring seen, +its fiendish fury far and near, +as the grim destroyer those Geatish people +hated and hounded. To hidden lair, +to its hoard it hastened at hint of dawn. +Folk of the land it had lapped in flame, +with bale and brand. In its barrow it trusted, +its battling and bulwarks: that boast was vain! + +To Beowulf then the bale was told +quickly and truly: the king's own home, +of buildings the best, in brand-waves melted, +that gift-throne of Geats. To the good old man +sad in heart, 'twas heaviest sorrow. +The sage assumed that his sovran God +he had angered, breaking ancient law, +and embittered the Lord. His breast within +with black thoughts welled, as his wont was never. +The folk's own fastness that fiery dragon +with flame had destroyed, and the stronghold all +washed by waves; but the warlike king, +prince of the Weders, plotted vengeance. +Warriors'-bulwark, he bade them work +all of iron -- the earl's commander -- +a war-shield wondrous: well he knew +that forest-wood against fire were worthless, +linden could aid not. -- Atheling brave, +he was fated to finish this fleeting life, {31a} +his days on earth, and the dragon with him, +though long it had watched o'er the wealth of the hoard! -- +Shame he reckoned it, sharer-of-rings, +to follow the flyer-afar with a host, +a broad-flung band; nor the battle feared he, +nor deemed he dreadful the dragon's warring, +its vigor and valor: ventures desperate +he had passed a-plenty, and perils of war, +contest-crash, since, conqueror proud, +Hrothgar's hall he had wholly purged, +and in grapple had killed the kin of Grendel, +loathsome breed! Not least was that +of hand-to-hand fights where Hygelac fell, +when the ruler of Geats in rush of battle, +lord of his folk, in the Frisian land, +son of Hrethel, by sword-draughts died, +by brands down-beaten. Thence Beowulf fled +through strength of himself and his swimming power, +though alone, and his arms were laden with thirty +coats of mail, when he came to the sea! +Nor yet might Hetwaras {31b} haughtily boast +their craft of contest, who carried against him +shields to the fight: but few escaped +from strife with the hero to seek their homes! +Then swam over ocean Ecgtheow's son +lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land, +where Hygd made him offer of hoard and realm, +rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught +the strength of her son to save their kingdom +from hostile hordes, after Hygelac's death. +No sooner for this could the stricken ones +in any wise move that atheling's mind +over young Heardred's head as lord +and ruler of all the realm to be: +yet the hero upheld him with helpful words, +aided in honor, till, older grown, +he wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles +sought him o'er seas, the sons of Ohtere, +who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings'-helmet, +the bravest and best that broke the rings, +in Swedish land, of the sea-kings' line, +haughty hero. {31c} Hence Heardred's end. +For shelter he gave them, sword-death came, +the blade's fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac; +but the son of Ongentheow sought again +house and home when Heardred fell, +leaving Beowulf lord of Geats +and gift-seat's master. -- A good king he! + + + +XXXII + +THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite +in after days; and to Eadgils he proved +friend to the friendless, and forces sent +over the sea to the son of Ohtere, +weapons and warriors: well repaid he +those care-paths cold when the king he slew. {32a} +Thus safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow +had passed a plenty, through perils dire, +with daring deeds, till this day was come +that doomed him now with the dragon to strive. +With comrades eleven the lord of Geats +swollen in rage went seeking the dragon. +He had heard whence all the harm arose +and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price +on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder. +In the throng was this one thirteenth man, +starter of all the strife and ill, +care-laden captive; cringing thence +forced and reluctant, he led them on +till he came in ken of that cavern-hall, +the barrow delved near billowy surges, +flood of ocean. Within 'twas full +of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden, +warrior trusty, the treasures held, +lurked in his lair. Not light the task +of entrance for any of earth-born men! +Sat on the headland the hero king, +spake words of hail to his hearth-companions, +gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul, +wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh +stood ready to greet the gray-haired man, +to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart +life and body. Not long would be +the warrior's spirit enwound with flesh. +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Through store of struggles I strove in youth, +mighty feuds; I mind them all. +I was seven years old when the sovran of rings, +friend-of-his-folk, from my father took me, +had me, and held me, Hrethel the king, +with food and fee, faithful in kinship. +Ne'er, while I lived there, he loathlier found me, +bairn in the burg, than his birthright sons, +Herebeald and Haethcyn and Hygelac mine. +For the eldest of these, by unmeet chance, +by kinsman's deed, was the death-bed strewn, +when Haethcyn killed him with horny bow, +his own dear liege laid low with an arrow, +missed the mark and his mate shot down, +one brother the other, with bloody shaft. +A feeless fight, {32b} and a fearful sin, +horror to Hrethel; yet, hard as it was, +unavenged must the atheling die! +Too awful it is for an aged man +to bide and bear, that his bairn so young +rides on the gallows. A rime he makes, +sorrow-song for his son there hanging +as rapture of ravens; no rescue now +can come from the old, disabled man! +Still is he minded, as morning breaks, +of the heir gone elsewhere; {32c} another he hopes not +he will bide to see his burg within +as ward for his wealth, now the one has found +doom of death that the deed incurred. +Forlorn he looks on the lodge of his son, +wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers +reft of revel. The rider sleepeth, +the hero, far-hidden; {32d} no harp resounds, +in the courts no wassail, as once was heard. + + + +XXXIII + +"THEN he goes to his chamber, a grief-song chants +alone for his lost. Too large all seems, +homestead and house. So the helmet-of-Weders +hid in his heart for Herebeald +waves of woe. No way could he take +to avenge on the slayer slaughter so foul; +nor e'en could he harass that hero at all +with loathing deed, though he loved him not. +And so for the sorrow his soul endured, +men's gladness he gave up and God's light chose. +Lands and cities he left his sons +(as the wealthy do) when he went from earth. +There was strife and struggle 'twixt Swede and Geat +o'er the width of waters; war arose, +hard battle-horror, when Hrethel died, +and Ongentheow's offspring grew +strife-keen, bold, nor brooked o'er the seas +pact of peace, but pushed their hosts +to harass in hatred by Hreosnabeorh. +Men of my folk for that feud had vengeance, +for woful war ('tis widely known), +though one of them bought it with blood of his heart, +a bargain hard: for Haethcyn proved +fatal that fray, for the first-of-Geats. +At morn, I heard, was the murderer killed +by kinsman for kinsman, {33a} with clash of sword, +when Ongentheow met Eofor there. +Wide split the war-helm: wan he fell, +hoary Scylfing; the hand that smote him +of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the death-blow. +-- "For all that he {33b} gave me, my gleaming sword +repaid him at war, -- such power I wielded, -- +for lordly treasure: with land he entrusted me, +homestead and house. He had no need +from Swedish realm, or from Spear-Dane folk, +or from men of the Gifths, to get him help, -- +some warrior worse for wage to buy! +Ever I fought in the front of all, +sole to the fore; and so shall I fight +while I bide in life and this blade shall last +that early and late hath loyal proved +since for my doughtiness Daeghrefn fell, +slain by my hand, the Hugas' champion. +Nor fared he thence to the Frisian king +with the booty back, and breast-adornments; +but, slain in struggle, that standard-bearer +fell, atheling brave. Not with blade was he slain, +but his bones were broken by brawny gripe, +his heart-waves stilled. -- The sword-edge now, +hard blade and my hand, for the hoard shall strive." +Beowulf spake, and a battle-vow made +his last of all: "I have lived through many +wars in my youth; now once again, +old folk-defender, feud will I seek, +do doughty deeds, if the dark destroyer +forth from his cavern come to fight me!" +Then hailed he the helmeted heroes all, +for the last time greeting his liegemen dear, +comrades of war: "I should carry no weapon, +no sword to the serpent, if sure I knew +how, with such enemy, else my vows +I could gain as I did in Grendel's day. +But fire in this fight I must fear me now, +and poisonous breath; so I bring with me +breastplate and board. {33c} From the barrow's keeper +no footbreadth flee I. One fight shall end +our war by the wall, as Wyrd allots, +all mankind's master. My mood is bold +but forbears to boast o'er this battling-flyer. +-- Now abide by the barrow, ye breastplate-mailed, +ye heroes in harness, which of us twain +better from battle-rush bear his wounds. +Wait ye the finish. The fight is not yours, +nor meet for any but me alone +to measure might with this monster here +and play the hero. Hardily I +shall win that wealth, or war shall seize, +cruel killing, your king and lord!" +Up stood then with shield the sturdy champion, +stayed by the strength of his single manhood, +and hardy 'neath helmet his harness bore +under cleft of the cliffs: no coward's path! +Soon spied by the wall that warrior chief, +survivor of many a victory-field +where foemen fought with furious clashings, +an arch of stone; and within, a stream +that broke from the barrow. The brooklet's wave +was hot with fire. The hoard that way +he never could hope unharmed to near, +or endure those deeps, {33d} for the dragon's flame. +Then let from his breast, for he burst with rage, +the Weder-Geat prince a word outgo; +stormed the stark-heart; stern went ringing +and clear his cry 'neath the cliff-rocks gray. +The hoard-guard heard a human voice; +his rage was enkindled. No respite now +for pact of peace! The poison-breath +of that foul worm first came forth from the cave, +hot reek-of-fight: the rocks resounded. +Stout by the stone-way his shield he raised, +lord of the Geats, against the loathed-one; +while with courage keen that coiled foe +came seeking strife. The sturdy king +had drawn his sword, not dull of edge, +heirloom old; and each of the two +felt fear of his foe, though fierce their mood. +Stoutly stood with his shield high-raised +the warrior king, as the worm now coiled +together amain: the mailed-one waited. +Now, spire by spire, fast sped and glided +that blazing serpent. The shield protected, +soul and body a shorter while +for the hero-king than his heart desired, +could his will have wielded the welcome respite +but once in his life! But Wyrd denied it, +and victory's honors. -- His arm he lifted +lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote +with atheling's heirloom. Its edge was turned +brown blade, on the bone, and bit more feebly +than its noble master had need of then +in his baleful stress. -- Then the barrow's keeper +waxed full wild for that weighty blow, +cast deadly flames; wide drove and far +those vicious fires. No victor's glory +the Geats' lord boasted; his brand had failed, +naked in battle, as never it should, +excellent iron! -- 'Twas no easy path +that Ecgtheow's honored heir must tread +over the plain to the place of the foe; +for against his will he must win a home +elsewhere far, as must all men, leaving +this lapsing life! -- Not long it was +ere those champions grimly closed again. +The hoard-guard was heartened; high heaved his breast +once more; and by peril was pressed again, +enfolded in flames, the folk-commander! +Nor yet about him his band of comrades, +sons of athelings, armed stood +with warlike front: to the woods they bent them, +their lives to save. But the soul of one +with care was cumbered. Kinship true +can never be marred in a noble mind! + + + +XXXIV + +WIGLAF his name was, Weohstan's son, +linden-thane loved, the lord of Scylfings, +Aelfhere's kinsman. His king he now saw +with heat under helmet hard oppressed. +He minded the prizes his prince had given him, +wealthy seat of the Waegmunding line, +and folk-rights that his father owned +Not long he lingered. The linden yellow, +his shield, he seized; the old sword he drew: -- +as heirloom of Eanmund earth-dwellers knew it, +who was slain by the sword-edge, son of Ohtere, +friendless exile, erst in fray +killed by Weohstan, who won for his kin +brown-bright helmet, breastplate ringed, +old sword of Eotens, Onela's gift, +weeds of war of the warrior-thane, +battle-gear brave: though a brother's child +had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onela. {34a} +For winters this war-gear Weohstan kept, +breastplate and board, till his bairn had grown +earlship to earn as the old sire did: +then he gave him, mid Geats, the gear of battle, +portion huge, when he passed from life, +fared aged forth. For the first time now +with his leader-lord the liegeman young +was bidden to share the shock of battle. +Neither softened his soul, nor the sire's bequest +weakened in war. {34b} So the worm found out +when once in fight the foes had met! +Wiglaf spake, -- and his words were sage; +sad in spirit, he said to his comrades: -- +"I remember the time, when mead we took, +what promise we made to this prince of ours +in the banquet-hall, to our breaker-of-rings, +for gear of combat to give him requital, +for hard-sword and helmet, if hap should bring +stress of this sort! Himself who chose us +from all his army to aid him now, +urged us to glory, and gave these treasures, +because he counted us keen with the spear +and hardy 'neath helm, though this hero-work +our leader hoped unhelped and alone +to finish for us, -- folk-defender +who hath got him glory greater than all men +for daring deeds! Now the day is come +that our noble master has need of the might +of warriors stout. Let us stride along +the hero to help while the heat is about him +glowing and grim! For God is my witness +I am far more fain the fire should seize +along with my lord these limbs of mine! {34c} +Unsuiting it seems our shields to bear +homeward hence, save here we essay +to fell the foe and defend the life +of the Weders' lord. I wot 'twere shame +on the law of our land if alone the king +out of Geatish warriors woe endured +and sank in the struggle! My sword and helmet, +breastplate and board, for us both shall serve!" +Through slaughter-reek strode he to succor his chieftain, +his battle-helm bore, and brief words spake: -- +"Beowulf dearest, do all bravely, +as in youthful days of yore thou vowedst +that while life should last thou wouldst let no wise +thy glory droop! Now, great in deeds, +atheling steadfast, with all thy strength +shield thy life! I will stand to help thee." +At the words the worm came once again, +murderous monster mad with rage, +with fire-billows flaming, its foes to seek, +the hated men. In heat-waves burned +that board {34d} to the boss, and the breastplate failed +to shelter at all the spear-thane young. +Yet quickly under his kinsman's shield +went eager the earl, since his own was now +all burned by the blaze. The bold king again +had mind of his glory: with might his glaive +was driven into the dragon's head, -- +blow nerved by hate. But Naegling {34e} was shivered, +broken in battle was Beowulf's sword, +old and gray. 'Twas granted him not +that ever the edge of iron at all +could help him at strife: too strong was his hand, +so the tale is told, and he tried too far +with strength of stroke all swords he wielded, +though sturdy their steel: they steaded him nought. +Then for the third time thought on its feud +that folk-destroyer, fire-dread dragon, +and rushed on the hero, where room allowed, +battle-grim, burning; its bitter teeth +closed on his neck, and covered him +with waves of blood from his breast that welled. + + + +XXXV + +'TWAS now, men say, in his sovran's need +that the earl made known his noble strain, +craft and keenness and courage enduring. +Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned, +hardy-hearted, he helped his kinsman. +A little lower the loathsome beast +he smote with sword; his steel drove in +bright and burnished; that blaze began +to lose and lessen. At last the king +wielded his wits again, war-knife drew, +a biting blade by his breastplate hanging, +and the Weders'-helm smote that worm asunder, +felled the foe, flung forth its life. +So had they killed it, kinsmen both, +athelings twain: thus an earl should be +in danger's day! -- Of deeds of valor +this conqueror's-hour of the king was last, +of his work in the world. The wound began, +which that dragon-of-earth had erst inflicted, +to swell and smart; and soon he found +in his breast was boiling, baleful and deep, +pain of poison. The prince walked on, +wise in his thought, to the wall of rock; +then sat, and stared at the structure of giants, +where arch of stone and steadfast column +upheld forever that hall in earth. +Yet here must the hand of the henchman peerless +lave with water his winsome lord, +the king and conqueror covered with blood, +with struggle spent, and unspan his helmet. +Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt, +his mortal wound; full well he knew +his portion now was past and gone +of earthly bliss, and all had fled +of his file of days, and death was near: +"I would fain bestow on son of mine +this gear of war, were given me now +that any heir should after me come +of my proper blood. This people I ruled +fifty winters. No folk-king was there, +none at all, of the neighboring clans +who war would wage me with 'warriors'-friends' {35a} +and threat me with horrors. At home I bided +what fate might come, and I cared for mine own; +feuds I sought not, nor falsely swore +ever on oath. For all these things, +though fatally wounded, fain am I! +From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me, +when life from my frame must flee away, +for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go +and gaze on that hoard 'neath the hoary rock, +Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low, +sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved. +And fare in haste. I would fain behold +the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, +have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down +softlier for sight of this splendid hoard +my life and the lordship I long have held." + + + +XXXVI + +I HAVE heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan +at wish and word of his wounded king, -- +war-sick warrior, -- woven mail-coat, +battle-sark, bore 'neath the barrow's roof. +Then the clansman keen, of conquest proud, +passing the seat, {36a} saw store of jewels +and glistening gold the ground along; +by the wall were marvels, and many a vessel +in the den of the dragon, the dawn-flier old: +unburnished bowls of bygone men +reft of richness; rusty helms +of the olden age; and arm-rings many +wondrously woven. -- Such wealth of gold, +booty from barrow, can burden with pride +each human wight: let him hide it who will! -- +His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner +high o'er the hoard, of handiwork noblest, +brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam, +all the earth-floor he easily saw +and viewed all these vessels. No vestige now +was seen of the serpent: the sword had ta'en him. +Then, I heard, the hill of its hoard was reft, +old work of giants, by one alone; +he burdened his bosom with beakers and plate +at his own good will, and the ensign took, +brightest of beacons. -- The blade of his lord +-- its edge was iron -- had injured deep +one that guarded the golden hoard +many a year and its murder-fire +spread hot round the barrow in horror-billows +at midnight hour, till it met its doom. +Hasted the herald, the hoard so spurred him +his track to retrace; he was troubled by doubt, +high-souled hero, if haply he'd find +alive, where he left him, the lord of Weders, +weakening fast by the wall of the cave. +So he carried the load. His lord and king +he found all bleeding, famous chief +at the lapse of life. The liegeman again +plashed him with water, till point of word +broke through the breast-hoard. Beowulf spake, +sage and sad, as he stared at the gold. -- +"For the gold and treasure, to God my thanks, +to the Wielder-of-Wonders, with words I say, +for what I behold, to Heaven's Lord, +for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk +or ever the day of my death be run! +Now I've bartered here for booty of treasure +the last of my life, so look ye well +to the needs of my land! No longer I tarry. +A barrow bid ye the battle-fanned raise +for my ashes. 'Twill shine by the shore of the flood, +to folk of mine memorial fair +on Hrones Headland high uplifted, +that ocean-wanderers oft may hail +Beowulf's Barrow, as back from far +they drive their keels o'er the darkling wave." +From his neck he unclasped the collar of gold, +valorous king, to his vassal gave it +with bright-gold helmet, breastplate, and ring, +to the youthful thane: bade him use them in joy. +"Thou art end and remnant of all our race +the Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them, +all my line, to the land of doom, +earls in their glory: I after them go." +This word was the last which the wise old man +harbored in heart ere hot death-waves +of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled +his soul to seek the saints' reward. + + + +XXXVII + +IT was heavy hap for that hero young +on his lord beloved to look and find him +lying on earth with life at end, +sorrowful sight. But the slayer too, +awful earth-dragon, empty of breath, +lay felled in fight, nor, fain of its treasure, +could the writhing monster rule it more. +For edges of iron had ended its days, +hard and battle-sharp, hammers' leaving; {37a} +and that flier-afar had fallen to ground +hushed by its hurt, its hoard all near, +no longer lusty aloft to whirl +at midnight, making its merriment seen, +proud of its prizes: prone it sank +by the handiwork of the hero-king. +Forsooth among folk but few achieve, +-- though sturdy and strong, as stories tell me, +and never so daring in deed of valor, -- +the perilous breath of a poison-foe +to brave, and to rush on the ring-board hall, +whenever his watch the warden keeps +bold in the barrow. Beowulf paid +the price of death for that precious hoard; +and each of the foes had found the end +of this fleeting life. +Befell erelong +that the laggards in war the wood had left, +trothbreakers, cowards, ten together, +fearing before to flourish a spear +in the sore distress of their sovran lord. +Now in their shame their shields they carried, +armor of fight, where the old man lay; +and they gazed on Wiglaf. Wearied he sat +at his sovran's shoulder, shieldsman good, +to wake him with water. {37b} Nowise it availed. +Though well he wished it, in world no more +could he barrier life for that leader-of-battles +nor baffle the will of all-wielding God. +Doom of the Lord was law o'er the deeds +of every man, as it is to-day. +Grim was the answer, easy to get, +from the youth for those that had yielded to fear! +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan, -- +mournful he looked on those men unloved: -- +"Who sooth will speak, can say indeed +that the ruler who gave you golden rings +and the harness of war in which ye stand +-- for he at ale-bench often-times +bestowed on hall-folk helm and breastplate, +lord to liegemen, the likeliest gear +which near of far he could find to give, -- +threw away and wasted these weeds of battle, +on men who failed when the foemen came! +Not at all could the king of his comrades-in-arms +venture to vaunt, though the Victory-Wielder, +God, gave him grace that he got revenge +sole with his sword in stress and need. +To rescue his life, 'twas little that I +could serve him in struggle; yet shift I made +(hopeless it seemed) to help my kinsman. +Its strength ever waned, when with weapon I struck +that fatal foe, and the fire less strongly +flowed from its head. -- Too few the heroes +in throe of contest that thronged to our king! +Now gift of treasure and girding of sword, +joy of the house and home-delight +shall fail your folk; his freehold-land +every clansman within your kin +shall lose and leave, when lords high-born +hear afar of that flight of yours, +a fameless deed. Yea, death is better +for liegemen all than a life of shame!" + + + +XXXVIII + +THAT battle-toil bade he at burg to announce, +at the fort on the cliff, where, full of sorrow, +all the morning earls had sat, +daring shieldsmen, in doubt of twain: +would they wail as dead, or welcome home, +their lord beloved? Little {38a} kept back +of the tidings new, but told them all, +the herald that up the headland rode. -- +"Now the willing-giver to Weder folk +in death-bed lies; the Lord of Geats +on the slaughter-bed sleeps by the serpent's deed! +And beside him is stretched that slayer-of-men +with knife-wounds sick: {38b} no sword availed +on the awesome thing in any wise +to work a wound. There Wiglaf sitteth, +Weohstan's bairn, by Beowulf's side, +the living earl by the other dead, +and heavy of heart a head-watch {38c} keeps +o'er friend and foe. -- Now our folk may look +for waging of war when once unhidden +to Frisian and Frank the fall of the king +is spread afar. -- The strife began +when hot on the Hugas {38d} Hygelac fell +and fared with his fleet to the Frisian land. +Him there the Hetwaras humbled in war, +plied with such prowess their power o'erwhelming +that the bold-in-battle bowed beneath it +and fell in fight. To his friends no wise +could that earl give treasure! And ever since +the Merowings' favor has failed us wholly. +Nor aught expect I of peace and faith +from Swedish folk. 'Twas spread afar +how Ongentheow reft at Ravenswood +Haethcyn Hrethling of hope and life, +when the folk of Geats for the first time sought +in wanton pride the Warlike-Scylfings. +Soon the sage old sire {38e} of Ohtere, +ancient and awful, gave answering blow; +the sea-king {38f} he slew, and his spouse redeemed, +his good wife rescued, though robbed of her gold, +mother of Ohtere and Onela. +Then he followed his foes, who fled before him +sore beset and stole their way, +bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. + +With his host he besieged there what swords had left, +the weary and wounded; woes he threatened +the whole night through to that hard-pressed throng: +some with the morrow his sword should kill, +some should go to the gallows-tree +for rapture of ravens. But rescue came +with dawn of day for those desperate men +when they heard the horn of Hygelac sound, +tones of his trumpet; the trusty king +had followed their trail with faithful band. + + + +XXXIX + +"THE bloody swath of Swedes and Geats +and the storm of their strife, were seen afar, +how folk against folk the fight had wakened. +The ancient king with his atheling band +sought his citadel, sorrowing much: +Ongentheow earl went up to his burg. +He had tested Hygelac's hardihood, +the proud one's prowess, would prove it no longer, +defied no more those fighting-wanderers +nor hoped from the seamen to save his hoard, +his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again, +old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came +with slaughter for Swedes the standards of Hygelac +o'er peaceful plains in pride advancing, +till Hrethelings fought in the fenced town. {39a} +Then Ongentheow with edge of sword, +the hoary-bearded, was held at bay, +and the folk-king there was forced to suffer +Eofor's anger. In ire, at the king +Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck; +and the chieftain's blood, for that blow, in streams +flowed 'neath his hair. No fear felt he, +stout old Scylfing, but straightway repaid +in better bargain that bitter stroke +and faced his foe with fell intent. +Nor swift enough was the son of Wonred +answer to render the aged chief; +too soon on his head the helm was cloven; +blood-bedecked he bowed to earth, +and fell adown; not doomed was he yet, +and well he waxed, though the wound was sore. +Then the hardy Hygelac-thane, {39b} +when his brother fell, with broad brand smote, +giants' sword crashing through giants'-helm +across the shield-wall: sank the king, +his folk's old herdsman, fatally hurt. +There were many to bind the brother's wounds +and lift him, fast as fate allowed +his people to wield the place-of-war. +But Eofor took from Ongentheow, +earl from other, the iron-breastplate, +hard sword hilted, and helmet too, +and the hoar-chief's harness to Hygelac carried, +who took the trappings, and truly promised +rich fee 'mid folk, -- and fulfilled it so. +For that grim strife gave the Geatish lord, +Hrethel's offspring, when home he came, +to Eofor and Wulf a wealth of treasure, +Each of them had a hundred thousand {39c} +in land and linked rings; nor at less price reckoned +mid-earth men such mighty deeds! +And to Eofor he gave his only daughter +in pledge of grace, the pride of his home. + +"Such is the feud, the foeman's rage, +death-hate of men: so I deem it sure +that the Swedish folk will seek us home +for this fall of their friends, the fighting-Scylfings, +when once they learn that our warrior leader +lifeless lies, who land and hoard +ever defended from all his foes, +furthered his folk's weal, finished his course +a hardy hero. -- Now haste is best, +that we go to gaze on our Geatish lord, +and bear the bountiful breaker-of-rings +to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely +shall burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels, +gold untold and gained in terror, +treasure at last with his life obtained, +all of that booty the brands shall take, +fire shall eat it. No earl must carry +memorial jewel. No maiden fair +shall wreathe her neck with noble ring: +nay, sad in spirit and shorn of her gold, +oft shall she pass o'er paths of exile +now our lord all laughter has laid aside, +all mirth and revel. Many a spear +morning-cold shall be clasped amain, +lifted aloft; nor shall lilt of harp +those warriors wake; but the wan-hued raven, +fain o'er the fallen, his feast shall praise +and boast to the eagle how bravely he ate +when he and the wolf were wasting the slain." + +So he told his sorrowful tidings, +and little {39d} he lied, the loyal man +of word or of work. The warriors rose; +sad, they climbed to the Cliff-of-Eagles, +went, welling with tears, the wonder to view. +Found on the sand there, stretched at rest, +their lifeless lord, who had lavished rings +of old upon them. Ending-day +had dawned on the doughty-one; death had seized +in woful slaughter the Weders' king. +There saw they, besides, the strangest being, +loathsome, lying their leader near, +prone on the field. The fiery dragon, +fearful fiend, with flame was scorched. +Reckoned by feet, it was fifty measures +in length as it lay. Aloft erewhile +it had revelled by night, and anon come back, +seeking its den; now in death's sure clutch +it had come to the end of its earth-hall joys. +By it there stood the stoups and jars; +dishes lay there, and dear-decked swords +eaten with rust, as, on earth's lap resting, +a thousand winters they waited there. +For all that heritage huge, that gold +of bygone men, was bound by a spell, {39e} +so the treasure-hall could be touched by none +of human kind, -- save that Heaven's King, +God himself, might give whom he would, +Helper of Heroes, the hoard to open, -- +even such a man as seemed to him meet. + + + +XL + +A PERILOUS path, it proved, he {40a} trod +who heinously hid, that hall within, +wealth under wall! Its watcher had killed +one of a few, {40b} and the feud was avenged +in woful fashion. Wondrous seems it, +what manner a man of might and valor +oft ends his life, when the earl no longer +in mead-hall may live with loving friends. +So Beowulf, when that barrow's warden +he sought, and the struggle; himself knew not +in what wise he should wend from the world at last. +For {40c} princes potent, who placed the gold, +with a curse to doomsday covered it deep, +so that marked with sin the man should be, +hedged with horrors, in hell-bonds fast, +racked with plagues, who should rob their hoard. +Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven, +ever the king had kept in view. {40d} +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: -- +"At the mandate of one, oft warriors many +sorrow must suffer; and so must we. +The people's-shepherd showed not aught +of care for our counsel, king beloved! +That guardian of gold he should grapple not, urged we, +but let him lie where he long had been +in his earth-hall waiting the end of the world, +the hest of heaven. -- This hoard is ours +but grievously gotten; too grim the fate +which thither carried our king and lord. +I was within there, and all I viewed, +the chambered treasure, when chance allowed me +(and my path was made in no pleasant wise) +under the earth-wall. Eager, I seized +such heap from the hoard as hands could bear +and hurriedly carried it hither back +to my liege and lord. Alive was he still, +still wielding his wits. The wise old man +spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings +and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more, +on the place of his balefire a barrow high, +memorial mighty. Of men was he +worthiest warrior wide earth o'er +the while he had joy of his jewels and burg. +Let us set out in haste now, the second time +to see and search this store of treasure, +these wall-hid wonders, -- the way I show you, -- +where, gathered near, ye may gaze your fill +at broad-gold and rings. Let the bier, soon made, +be all in order when out we come, +our king and captain to carry thither +-- man beloved -- where long he shall bide +safe in the shelter of sovran God." +Then the bairn of Weohstan bade command, +hardy chief, to heroes many +that owned their homesteads, hither to bring +firewood from far -- o'er the folk they ruled -- +for the famed-one's funeral. " Fire shall devour +and wan flames feed on the fearless warrior +who oft stood stout in the iron-shower, +when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows +shot o'er the shield-wall: the shaft held firm, +featly feathered, followed the barb." +And now the sage young son of Weohstan +seven chose of the chieftain's thanes, +the best he found that band within, +and went with these warriors, one of eight, +under hostile roof. In hand one bore +a lighted torch and led the way. +No lots they cast for keeping the hoard +when once the warriors saw it in hall, +altogether without a guardian, +lying there lost. And little they mourned +when they had hastily haled it out, +dear-bought treasure! The dragon they cast, +the worm, o'er the wall for the wave to take, +and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems. +Then the woven gold on a wain was laden -- +countless quite! -- and the king was borne, +hoary hero, to Hrones-Ness. + + + +XLI + +THEN fashioned for him the folk of Geats +firm on the earth a funeral-pile, +and hung it with helmets and harness of war +and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked; +and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, +heroes mourning their master dear. +Then on the hill that hugest of balefires +the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose +black over blaze, and blent was the roar +of flame with weeping (the wind was still), +till the fire had broken the frame of bones, +hot at the heart. In heavy mood +their misery moaned they, their master's death. +Wailing her woe, the widow {41a} old, +her hair upbound, for Beowulf's death +sung in her sorrow, and said full oft +she dreaded the doleful days to come, +deaths enow, and doom of battle, +and shame. -- The smoke by the sky was devoured. +The folk of the Weders fashioned there +on the headland a barrow broad and high, +by ocean-farers far descried: +in ten days' time their toil had raised it, +the battle-brave's beacon. Round brands of the pyre +a wall they built, the worthiest ever +that wit could prompt in their wisest men. +They placed in the barrow that precious booty, +the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile, +hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, -- +trusting the ground with treasure of earls, +gold in the earth, where ever it lies +useless to men as of yore it was. +Then about that barrow the battle-keen rode, +atheling-born, a band of twelve, +lament to make, to mourn their king, +chant their dirge, and their chieftain honor. +They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess +worthily witnessed: and well it is +that men their master-friend mightily laud, +heartily love, when hence he goes +from life in the body forlorn away. + +Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland, +for their hero's passing his hearth-companions: +quoth that of all the kings of earth, +of men he was mildest and most beloved, +to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise. + + + +Footnotes: + +{0a} Not, of course, Beowulf the Great, hero of the epic. + +{0b} Kenning for king or chieftain of a comitatus: he breaks off +gold from the spiral rings -- often worn on the arm -- and so +rewards his followers. + +{1a} That is, "The Hart," or "Stag," so called from decorations in +the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall has been +carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was +rectangular, with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a +hearth in the middle of th single room. A row of pillars down each +side, at some distance from the walls, made a space which was raised +a little above the main floor, and was furnished with two rows of +seats. On one side, usually south, was the high-seat midway between +the doors. Opposite this, on the other raised space, was another +seat of honor. At the banquet soon to be described, Hrothgar sat in +the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf opposite to him. The scene +for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus very effectively set. +Planks on trestles -- the "board" of later English literature -- +formed the tables just in front of the long rows of seats, and were +taken away after banquets, when the retainers were ready to stretch +themselves out for sleep on the benches. + +{1b} Fire was the usual end of these halls. See v. 781 below. One +thinks of the splendid scene at the end of the Nibelungen, of the +Nialssaga, of Saxo's story of Amlethus, and many a less famous +instance. + +{1c} It is to be supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how +Hrothgar's hall was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack +made on him by his son-in-law Ingeld. + +{1d} A skilled minstrel. The Danes are heathens, as one is told +presently; but this lay of beginnings is taken from Genesis. + +{1e} A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in +the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan +nuisance is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or +devil in good standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read +about him. "Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes. + +{1f} Cain's. + +{1g} Giants. + +{2a} The smaller buildings within the main enclosure but separate +from the hall. + +{2b} Grendel. + +{2c} "Sorcerers-of-hell." + +{2d} Hrothgar, who is the "Scyldings'-friend" of 170. + +{2e} That is, in formal or prescribed phrase. + +{3a} Ship. + +{3b} That is, since Beowulf selected his ship and led his men to the +harbor. + +{3c} One of the auxiliary names of the Geats. + +{3d} Or: Not thus openly ever came warriors hither; yet... + +{4a} Hrothgar. + +{4b} Beowulf's helmet has several boar-images on it; he is the "man +of war"; and the boar-helmet guards him as typical representative of +the marching party as a whole. The boar was sacred to Freyr, who was +the favorite god of the Germanic tribes about the North Sea and the +Baltic. Rude representations of warriors show the boar on the helmet +quite as large as the helmet itself. + +{5a} Either merely paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else +thought of as a sort of mosaic, an extravagant touch like the +reckless waste of gold on the walls and roofs of a hall. + +{6a} The nicor, says Bugge, is a hippopotamus; a walrus, says Ten +Brink. But that water-goblin who covers the space from Old Nick of +jest to the Neckan and Nix of poetry and tale, is all one needs, and +Nicor is a good name for him. + +{6b} His own people, the Geats. + +{6c} That is, cover it as with a face-cloth. "There will be no need +of funeral rites." + +{6d} Personification of Battle. + +{6e} The Germanic Vulcan. + +{6f} This mighty power, whom the Christian poet can still revere, +has here the general force of "Destiny." + +{7a} There is no irrelevance here. Hrothgar sees in Beowulf's +mission a heritage of duty, a return of the good offices which the +Danish king rendered to Beowulf's father in time of dire need. + +{7b} Money, for wergild, or man-price. + +{7c} Ecgtheow, Beowulf's sire. + +{8a} "Began the fight." + +{8b} Breca. + +{9a} Murder. + +{10a} Beowulf, -- the "one." + +{11a} That is, he was a "lost soul," doomed to hell. + +{12a} Kenning for Beowulf. + +{13a} "Guarded the treasure." + +{13b} Sc. Heremod. + +{13c} The singer has sung his lays, and the epic resumes its story. +The time-relations are not altogether good in this long passage +which describes the rejoicings of "the day after"; but the present +shift from the riders on the road to the folk at the hall is not +very violent, and is of a piece with the general style. + +{14a} Unferth, Beowulf's sometime opponent in the flyting. + +{15a} There is no horrible inconsistency here such as the critics +strive and cry about. In spite of the ruin that Grendel and Beowulf +had made within the hall, the framework and roof held firm, and +swift repairs made the interior habitable. Tapestries were hung on +the walls, and willing hands prepared the banquet. + +{15b} From its formal use in other places, this phrase, to take cup +in hall, or "on the floor," would seem to mean that Beowulf stood up +to receive his gifts, drink to the donor, and say thanks. + +{15c} Kenning for sword. + +{15d} Hrothgar. He is also the "refuge of the friends of Ing," +below. Ing belongs to myth. + +{15e} Horses are frequently led or ridden into the hall where folk +sit at banquet: so in Chaucer's Squire's tale, in the ballad of +King Estmere, and in the romances. + +{16a} Man-price, wergild. + +{16b} Beowulf's. + +{16c} Hrothgar. + +{16d} There is no need to assume a gap in the Ms. As before about +Sigemund and Heremod, so now, though at greater length, about Finn +and his feud, a lay is chanted or recited; and the epic poet, +counting on his readers' familiarity with the story, -- a fragment +of it still exists, -- simply gives the headings. + +{16e} The exact story to which this episode refers in summary is not +to be determined, but the following account of it is reasonable and +has good support among scholars. Finn, a Frisian chieftain, who +nevertheless has a "castle" outside the Frisian border, marries +Hildeburh, a Danish princess; and her brother, Hnaef, with many +other Danes, pays Finn a visit. Relations between the two peoples +have been strained before. Something starts the old feud anew; and +the visitors are attacked in their quarters. Hnaef is killed; so is +a son of Hildeburh. Many fall on both sides. Peace is patched up; a +stately funeral is held; and the surviving visitors become in a way +vassals or liegemen of Finn, going back with him to Frisia. So +matters rest a while. Hengest is now leader of the Danes; but he is +set upon revenge for his former lord, Hnaef. Probably he is killed +in feud; but his clansmen, Guthlaf and Oslaf, gather at their home a +force of sturdy Danes, come back to Frisia, storm Finn's stronghold, +kill him, and carry back their kinswoman Hildeburh. + +{16f} The "enemies" must be the Frisians. + +{16g} Battlefield. -- Hengest is the "prince's thane," companion of +Hnaef. "Folcwald's son" is Finn. + +{16h} That is, Finn would govern in all honor the few Danish +warriors who were left, provided, of course, that none of them tried +to renew the quarrel or avenge Hnaef their fallen lord. If, again, +one of Finn's Frisians began a quarrel, he should die by the sword. + +{16i} Hnaef. + +{16j} The high place chosen for the funeral: see description of +Beowulf's funeral-pile at the end of the poem. + +{16k} Wounds. + +{17a} That is, these two Danes, escaping home, had told the story of +the attack on Hnaef, the slaying of Hengest, and all the Danish +woes. Collecting a force, they return to Frisia and kill Finn in his +home. + +{17b} Nephew to Hrothgar, with whom he subsequently quarrels, and +elder cousin to the two young sons of Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, -- +their natural guardian in the event of the king's death. There is +something finely feminine in this speech of Wealhtheow's, apart from +its somewhat irregular and irrelevant sequence of topics. Both she +and her lord probably distrust Hrothulf; but she bids the king to be +of good cheer, and, turning to the suspect, heaps affectionate +assurances on his probity. "My own Hrothulf" will surely not forget +these favors and benefits of the past, but will repay them to the +orphaned boy. + +{19a} They had laid their arms on the benches near where they slept. + +{20a} He surmises presently where she is. + +{20b} The connection is not difficult. The words of mourning, of +acute grief, are said; and according to Germanic sequence of +thought, inexorable here, the next and only topic is revenge. But is +it possible? Hrothgar leads up to his appeal and promise with a +skillful and often effective description of the horrors which +surround the monster's home and await the attempt of an avenging +foe. + +{21a} Hrothgar is probably meant. + +{21b} Meeting place. + +{22a} Kenning for "sword." Hrunting is bewitched, laid under a spell +of uselessness, along with all other swords. + +{22b} This brown of swords, evidently meaning burnished, bright, +continues to be a favorite adjective in the popular ballads. + +{23a} After the killing of the monster and Grendel's decapitation. + +{23b} Hrothgar. + +{23c} The blade slowly dissolves in blood-stained drops like +icicles. + +{23d} Spear. + +{24a} That is, "whoever has as wide authority as I have and can +remember so far back so many instances of heroism, may well say, as +I say, that no better hero ever lived than Beowulf." + +{25a} That is, he is now undefended by conscience from the +temptations (shafts) of the devil. + +{25b} Kenning for the sun. -- This is a strange role for the raven. +He is the warrior's bird of battle, exults in slaughter and carnage; +his joy here is a compliment to the sunrise. + +{26a} That is, he might or might not see Beowulf again. Old as he +was, the latter chance was likely; but he clung to the former, +hoping to see his young friend again "and exchange brave words in +the hall." + +{27a} With the speed of the boat. + +{27b} Queen to Hygelac. She is praised by contrast with the +antitype, Thryth, just as Beowulf was praised by contrast with +Heremod. + +{27c} Kenning for "wife." + +{28a} Beowulf gives his uncle the king not mere gossip of his +journey, but a statesmanlike forecast of the outcome of certain +policies at the Danish court. Talk of interpolation here is absurd. +As both Beowulf and Hygelac know, -- and the folk for whom the +Beowulf was put together also knew, -- Froda was king of the +Heathobards (probably the Langobards, once near neighbors of Angle +and Saxon tribes on the continent), and had fallen in fight with the +Danes. Hrothgar will set aside this feud by giving his daughter as +"peace-weaver" and wife to the young king Ingeld, son of the slain +Froda. But Beowulf, on general principles and from his observation +of the particular case, foretells trouble. Note: + +{28b} Play of shields, battle. A Danish warrior cuts down Froda in +the fight, and takes his sword and armor, leaving them to a son. +This son is selected to accompany his mistress, the young princess +Freawaru, to her new home when she is Ingeld's queen. Heedlessly he +wears the sword of Froda in hall. An old warrior points it out to +Ingeld, and eggs him on to vengeance. At his instigation the Dane is +killed; but the murderer, afraid of results, and knowing the land, +escapes. So the old feud must break out again. + +{28c} That is, their disastrous battle and the slaying of their +king. + +{28d} The sword. + +{28e} Beowulf returns to his forecast. Things might well go somewhat +as follows, he says; sketches a little tragic story; and with this +prophecy by illustration returns to the tale of his adventure. + +{28f} Not an actual glove, but a sort of bag. + +{29a} Hygelac. + +{29b} This is generally assumed to mean hides, though the text +simply says "seven thousand." A hide in England meant about 120 +acres, though "the size of the acre varied." + +{29c} On the historical raid into Frankish territory between 512 and +520 A.D. The subsequent course of events, as gathered from hints of +this epic, is partly told in Scandinavian legend. + +{29d} The chronology of this epic, as scholars have worked it out, +would make Beowulf well over ninety years of age when he fights the +dragon. But the fifty years of his reign need not be taken as +historical fact. + +{29e} The text is here hopelessly illegible, and only the general +drift of the meaning can be rescued. For one thing, we have the old +myth of a dragon who guards hidden treasure. But with this runs the +story of some noble, last of his race, who hides all his wealth +within this barrow and there chants his farewell to life's glories. +After his death the dragon takes possession of the hoard and watches +over it. A condemned or banished man, desperate, hides in the +barrow, discovers the treasure, and while the dragon sleeps, makes +off with a golden beaker or the like, and carries it for +propitiation to his master. The dragon discovers the loss and exacts +fearful penalty from the people round about. + +{31a} Literally "loan-days," days loaned to man. + +{31b} Chattuarii, a tribe that dwelt along the Rhine, and took part +in repelling the raid of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus. + +{31c} Onla, son of Ongentheow, who pursues his two nephews Eanmund +and Eadgils to Heardred's court, where they have taken refuge after +their unsuccessful rebellion. In the fighting Heardred is killed. + +{32a} That is, Beowulf supports Eadgils against Onela, who is slain +by Eadgils in revenge for the "care-paths" of exile into which Onela +forced him. + +{32b} That is, the king could claim no wergild, or man-price, from +one son for the killing of the other. + +{32c} Usual euphemism for death. + +{32d} Sc. in the grave. + +{33a} Eofor for Wulf. -- The immediate provocation for Eofor in +killing "the hoary Scylfing," Ongentheow, is that the latter has +just struck Wulf down; but the king, Haethcyn, is also avenged by +the blow. See the detailed description below. + +{33b} Hygelac. + +{33c} Shield. + +{33d} The hollow passage. + +{34a} That is, although Eanmund was brother's son to Onela, the +slaying of the former by Weohstan is not felt as cause of feud, and +is rewarded by gift of the slain man's weapons. + +{34b} Both Wiglaf and the sword did their duty. -- The following is +one of the classic passages for illustrating the comitatus as the +most conspicuous Germanic institution, and its underlying sense of +duty, based partly on the idea of loyalty and partly on the +practical basis of benefits received and repaid. + +{34c} Sc. "than to bide safely here," -- a common figure of +incomplete comparison. + +{34d} Wiglaf's wooden shield. + +{34e} Gering would translate "kinsman of the nail," as both are made +of iron. + +{35a} That is, swords. + +{36a} Where Beowulf lay. + +{37a} What had been left or made by the hammer; well-forged. + +{37b} Trying to revive him. + +{38a} Nothing. + +{38b} Dead. + +{38c} Death-watch, guard of honor, "lyke-wake." + +{38d} A name for the Franks. + +{38e} Ongentheow. + +{38f} Haethcyn. + +{39a} The line may mean: till Hrethelings stormed on the hedged +shields, -- i.e. the shield-wall or hedge of defensive war -- +Hrethelings, of course, are Geats. + +{39b} Eofor, brother to Wulf Wonreding. + +{39c} Sc. "value in" hides and the weight of the gold. + +{39d} Not at all. + +{39e} Laid on it when it was put in the barrow. This spell, or in +our days the "curse," either prevented discovery or brought dire +ills on the finder and taker. + +{40a} Probably the fugitive is meant who discovered the hoard. Ten +Brink and Gering assume that the dragon is meant. "Hid" may well +mean here "took while in hiding." + +{40b} That is "one and a few others." But Beowulf seems to be +indicated. + +{40c} Ten Brink points out the strongly heathen character of this +part of the epic. Beowulf's end came, so the old tradition ran, from +his unwitting interference with spell-bound treasure. + +{40d} A hard saying, variously interpreted. In any case, it is the +somewhat clumsy effort of the Christian poet to tone down the +heathenism of his material by an edifying observation. + +{41a} Nothing is said of Beowulf's wife in the poem, but Bugge +surmises that Beowulf finally accepted Hygd's offer of kingdom and +hoard, and, as was usual, took her into the bargain. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Beowulf, by Anonymous + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEOWULF *** + +***** This file should be named 981.txt or 981.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/8/981/ + +Produced by Robin Katsuya-Corbet + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +Beowulf +Anonymous +Tranlated by Gummere + + + + + + +Prepared by Robin Katsuya-Corbet (corbet@astro.psu.edu) +from scanner output provided by Internet Wiretap. + + + + + +Beowulf +Anonymous + + + +BEOWULF +PRELUDE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE DANISH HOUSE + +LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings +of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, +we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! +Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes, +from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore, +awing the earls. Since erst he lay +friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him: +for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve, +till before him the folk, both far and near, +who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate, +gave him gifts: a good king he! +To him an heir was afterward born, +a son in his halls, whom heaven sent +to favor the folk, feeling their woe +that erst they had lacked an earl for leader +so long a while; the Lord endowed him, +the Wielder of Wonder, with world's renown. +Famed was this Beowulf:[1] far flew the boast of him, +son of Scyld, in the Scandian lands. +So becomes it a youth to quit him well +with his father's friends, by fee and gift, +that to aid him, aged, in after days, +come warriors willing, should war draw nigh, +liegemen loyal: by lauded deeds +shall an earl have honor in every clan. + +Forth he fared at the fated moment, +sturdy Scyld to the shelter of God. +Then they bore him over to ocean's billow, +loving clansmen, as late he charged them, +while wielded words the winsome Scyld, +the leader beloved who long had ruled.... +In the roadstead rocked a ring-dight vessel, +ice-flecked, outbound, atheling's barge: +there laid they down their darling lord +on the breast of the boat, the breaker-of-rings,[2] +by the mast the mighty one. Many a treasure +fetched from far was freighted with him. +No ship have I known so nobly dight +with weapons of war and weeds of battle, +with breastplate and blade: on his bosom lay +a heaped hoard that hence should go +far o'er the flood with him floating away. +No less these loaded the lordly gifts, +thanes' huge treasure, than those had done +who in former time forth had sent him +sole on the seas, a suckling child. +High o'er his head they hoist the standard, +a gold-wove banner; let billows take him, +gave him to ocean. Grave were their spirits, +mournful their mood. No man is able +to say in sooth, no son of the halls, +no hero 'neath heaven, -- who harbored that freight! + +[1] Not, of course, Beowulf the Great, hero of the epic. [2] +Kenning for king or chieftain of a comitatus: he breaks off gold +from the spiral rings -- often worn on the arm -- and so rewards +his followers. + + + +I + +Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, +leader beloved, and long he ruled +in fame with all folk, since his father had gone +away from the world, till awoke an heir, +haughty Healfdene, who held through life, +sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. +Then, one after one, there woke to him, +to the chieftain of clansmen, children four: +Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave; +and I heard that -- was -- 's queen, +the Heathoscylfing's helpmate dear. +To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, +such honor of combat, that all his kin +obeyed him gladly till great grew his band +of youthful comrades. It came in his mind +to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, +ia master mead-house, mightier far +than ever was seen by the sons of earth, +and within it, then, to old and young +he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, +save only the land and the lives of his men. +Wide, I heard, was the work commanded, +for many a tribe this mid-earth round, +to fashion the folkstead. It fell, as he ordered, +in rapid achievement that ready it stood there, +of halls the noblest: Heorot[1] he named it +whose message had might in many a land. +Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt, +treasure at banquet: there towered the hall, +high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting +of furious flame.[2] Nor far was that day +when father and son-in-law stood in feud +for warfare and hatred that woke again.[3] +With envy and anger an evil spirit +endured the dole in his dark abode, +that he heard each day the din of revel +high in the hall: there harps rang out, +clear song of the singer. He sang who knew[4] +tales of the early time of man, +how the Almighty made the earth, +fairest fields enfolded by water, +set, triumphant, sun and moon +for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, +and braided bright the breast of earth +with limbs and leaves, made life for all +of mortal beings that breathe and move. +So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel +a winsome life, till one began +to fashion evils, that field of hell. +Grendel this monster grim was called, +march-riever[5] mighty, in moorland living, +in fen and fastness; fief of the giants +the hapless wight a while had kept +since the Creator his exile doomed. +On kin of Cain was the killing avenged +by sovran God for slaughtered Abel. +Ill fared his feud,[6] and far was he driven, +for the slaughter's sake, from sight of men. +Of Cain awoke all that woful breed, +Etins[7] and elves and evil-spirits, +as well as the giants that warred with God +weary while: but their wage was paid them! + +[1] That is, "The Hart," or "Stag," so called from decorations in +the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall has +been carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was +rectangular, with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a +hearth in the middle of th single room. A row of pillars down +each side, at some distance from the walls, made a space which +was raised a little above the main floor, and was furnished with +two rows of seats. On one side, usually south, was the +high-seat midway between the doors. Opposite this, on the other +raised space, was another seat of honor. At the banquet soon to +be described, Hrothgar sat in the south or chief high-seat, and +Beowulf opposite to him. The scene for a flying (see below, +v.499) was thus very effectively set. Planks on trestles -- the +"board" of later English literature -- formed the tables just in +front of the long rows of seats, and were taken away after +banquets, when the retainers were ready to stretch them- selves +out for sleep on the benches. [2] Fire was the usual end of these +halls. See v. 781 below. One thinks of the splendid scene at the +end of the Nibelungen, of the Nialssaga, of Saxo's story of +Amlethus, and many a less famous instance. [3] It is to be +supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how Hrothgar's hall +was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack made on him by +his son-in-law Ingeld. [4] A skilled minstrel. The Danes are +heathens, as one is told presently; but this lay of beginnings is +taken from Genesis. [5] A disturber of the border, one who +sallies from his haunt in the fen and roams over the country near +by. This probably pagan nuisance is now furnished with biblical +credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, so that all +Christian Englishmen might read about him. "Grendel" may mean one +who grinds and crushes. [6] Cain's. [7] Giants. + + + +II + +WENT he forth to find at fall of night +that haughty house, and heed wherever +the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone. +Found within it the atheling band +asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow, +of human hardship. Unhallowed wight, +grim and greedy, he grasped betimes, +wrathful, reckless, from resting-places, +thirty of the thanes, and thence he rushed +fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward, +laden with slaughter, his lair to seek. +Then at the dawning, as day was breaking, +the might of Grendel to men was known; +then after wassail was wail uplifted, +loud moan in the morn. The mighty chief, +atheling excellent, unblithe sat, +labored in woe for the loss of his thanes, +when once had been traced the trail of the fiend, +spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow, +too long, too loathsome. Not late the respite; +with night returning, anew began +ruthless murder; he recked no whit, +firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime. +They were easy to find who elsewhere sought +in room remote their rest at night, +bed in the bowers,[1] when that bale was shown, +was seen in sooth, with surest token, -- +the hall-thane's[2] hate. Such held themselves +far and fast who the fiend outran! +Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill +one against all; until empty stood +that lordly building, and long it bode so. +Twelve years' tide the trouble he bore, +sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty, +boundless cares. There came unhidden +tidings true to the tribes of men, +in sorrowful songs, how ceaselessly Grendel +harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him, +what murder and massacre, many a year, +feud unfading, -- refused consent +to deal with any of Daneland's earls, +make pact of peace, or compound for gold: +still less did the wise men ween to get +great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands. +But the evil one ambushed old and young +death-shadow dark, and dogged them still, +lured, or lurked in the livelong night +of misty moorlands: men may say not +where the haunts of these Hell-Runes[3] be. +Such heaping of horrors the hater of men, +lonely roamer, wrought unceasing, +harassings heavy. O'er Heorot he lorded, +gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights; +and ne'er could the prince[4] approach his throne, +-- 'twas judgment of God, -- or have joy in his hall. +Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings'-friend, +heart-rending misery. Many nobles +sat assembled, and searched out counsel +how it were best for bold-hearted men +against harassing terror to try their hand. +Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes +altar-offerings, asked with words[5] +that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them +for the pain of their people. Their practice this, +their heathen hope; 'twas Hell they thought of +in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not, +Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord, +nor Heaven's-Helmet heeded they ever, +Wielder-of-Wonder. -- Woe for that man +who in harm and hatred hales his soul +to fiery embraces; -- nor favor nor change +awaits he ever. But well for him +that after death-day may draw to his Lord, +and friendship find in the Father's arms! + +[1] The smaller buildings within the main enclosure but separate +from the hall. [2] Grendel. [3] "Sorcerers-of-hell." [4] +Hrothgar, who is the "Scyldings'-friend" of 170. [5] That is, in +formal or prescribed phrase. + + + +III + +THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene +with the woe of these days; not wisest men +assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish, +loathly and long, that lay on his folk, +most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. + +This heard in his home Hygelac's thane, +great among Geats, of Grendel's doings. +He was the mightiest man of valor +in that same day of this our life, +stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker +he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he, +far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek, +the noble monarch who needed men! +The prince's journey by prudent folk +was little blamed, though they loved him dear; +they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens. +And now the bold one from bands of Geats +comrades chose, the keenest of warriors +e'er he could find; with fourteen men +the sea-wood[1] he sought, and, sailor proved, +led them on to the land's confines. +Time had now flown;[2] afloat was the ship, +boat under bluff. On board they climbed, +warriors ready; waves were churning +sea with sand; the sailors bore +on the breast of the bark their bright array, +their mail and weapons: the men pushed off, +on its willing way, the well-braced craft. +Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind +that bark like a bird with breast of foam, +till in season due, on the second day, +the curved prow such course had run +that sailors now could see the land, +sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills, +headlands broad. Their haven was found, +their journey ended. Up then quickly +the Weders'[3] clansmen climbed ashore, +anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing +and gear of battle: God they thanked +or passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea. +Now saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman, +a warden that watched the water-side, +how they bore o'er the gangway glittering shields, +war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him +to know what manner of men they were. +Straight to the strand his steed he rode, +Hrothgar's henchman; with hand of might +he shook his spear, and spake in parley. +"Who are ye, then, ye armed men, +mailed folk, that yon mighty vessel +have urged thus over the ocean ways, +here o'er the waters? A warden I, +sentinel set o'er the sea-march here, +lest any foe to the folk of Danes +with harrying fleet should harm the land. +No aliens ever at ease thus bore them, +linden-wielders:[4] yet word-of-leave +clearly ye lack from clansmen here, +my folk's agreement. -- A greater ne'er saw I +of warriors in world than is one of you, -- +yon hero in harness! No henchman he +worthied by weapons, if witness his features, +his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell +your folk and home, lest hence ye fare +suspect to wander your way as spies +in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, +ocean-travellers, take from me +simple advice: the sooner the better +I hear of the country whence ye came." + +[1] Ship. [2] That is, since Beowulf selected his ship and led +his men to the harbor. [3] One of the auxiliary names of the +Geats. [4] Or: Not thus openly ever came warriors hither; yet... + + + +IV + +To him the stateliest spake in answer; +the warriors' leader his word-hoard unlocked: -- +"We are by kin of the clan of Geats, +and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we. +To folk afar was my father known, +noble atheling, Ecgtheow named. +Full of winters, he fared away +aged from earth; he is honored still +through width of the world by wise men all. +To thy lord and liege in loyal mood +we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son, +people-protector: be pleased to advise us! +To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, +to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right +that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest +if sooth it is -- the saying of men, +that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster, +dark ill-doer, in dusky nights +shows terrific his rage unmatched, +hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I +in greatness of soul would succor bring, +so the Wise-and-Brave[1] may worst his foes, -- +if ever the end of ills is fated, +of cruel contest, if cure shall follow, +and the boiling care-waves cooler grow; +else ever afterward anguish-days +he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place +high on its hill that house unpeered!" +Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered, +clansman unquailing: "The keen-souled thane +must be skilled to sever and sunder duly +words and works, if he well intends. +I gather, this band is graciously bent +to the Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing +weapons and weeds the way I show you. +I will bid my men your boat meanwhile +to guard for fear lest foemen come, -- +your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean +faithfully watching till once again +it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes, +-- winding-neck'd wood, -- to Weders' bounds, +heroes such as the hest of fate +shall succor and save from the shock of war." +They bent them to march, -- the boat lay still, +fettered by cable and fast at anchor, +broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars[2] +over the cheek-guard; chased with gold, +keen and gleaming, guard it kept +o'er the man of war, as marched along +heroes in haste, till the hall they saw, +broad of gable and bright with gold: +that was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth, +of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived, +and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar. +The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright +burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go +straightway thither; his steed then turned, +hardy hero, and hailed them thus: -- +"Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty +in grace and mercy guard you well, +safe in your seekings. Seaward I go, +'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch." + +[1] Hrothgar. [2] Beowulf's helmet has several boar-images on it; +he is the "man of war"; and the boar-helmet guards him as typical +representative of the marching party as a whole. The boar was +sacred to Freyr, who was the favorite god of the Germanic tribes +about the North Sea and the Baltic. Rude representations of +warriors show the boar on the helmet quite as large as the helmet +itself. + + + +V + +STONE-BRIGHT the street:[1] it showed the way +to the crowd of clansmen. Corselets glistened +hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright +the steel ring sang, as they strode along +in mail of battle, and marched to the hall. +There, weary of ocean, the wall along +they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down, +and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged, +war-gear of men; their weapons stacked, +spears of the seafarers stood together, +gray-tipped ash: that iron band +was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior proud +asked of the heroes their home and kin. +"Whence, now, bear ye burnished shields, +harness gray and helmets grim, +spears in multitude? Messenger, I, +Hrothgar's herald! Heroes so many +ne'er met I as strangers of mood so strong. +'Tis plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile, +for high-hearted valor, Hrothgar ye seek!" +Him the sturdy-in-war bespake with words, +proud earl of the Weders answer made, +hardy 'neath helmet: -- "Hygelac's, we, +fellows at board; I am Beowulf named. +I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene +this mission of mine, to thy master-lord, +the doughty prince, if he deign at all +grace that we greet him, the good one, now." +Wulfgar spake, the Wendles' chieftain, +whose might of mind to many was known, +his courage and counsel: "The king of Danes, +the Scyldings' friend, I fain will tell, +the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou askest, +the famed prince, of thy faring hither, +and, swiftly after, such answer bring +as the doughty monarch may deign to give." +Hied then in haste to where Hrothgar sat +white-haired and old, his earls about him, +till the stout thane stood at the shoulder there +of the Danish king: good courtier he! +Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord: -- +"Hither have fared to thee far-come men +o'er the paths of ocean, people of Geatland; +and the stateliest there by his sturdy band +is Beowulf named. This boon they seek, +that they, my master, may with thee +have speech at will: nor spurn their prayer +to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar! +In weeds of the warrior worthy they, +methinks, of our liking; their leader most surely, +a hero that hither his henchmen has led." + +[1] Either merely paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else +thought of as a sort of mosaic, an extravagant touch like the +reckless waste of gold on the walls and roofs of a hall. + + + +VI + +HROTHGAR answered, helmet of Scyldings: -- +"I knew him of yore in his youthful days; +his aged father was Ecgtheow named, +to whom, at home, gave Hrethel the Geat +his only daughter. Their offspring bold +fares hither to seek the steadfast friend. +And seamen, too, have said me this, -- +who carried my gifts to the Geatish court, +thither for thanks, -- he has thirty men's +heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand, +the bold-in-battle. Blessed God +out of his mercy this man hath sent +to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed, +against horror of Grendel. I hope to give +the good youth gold for his gallant thought. +Be thou in haste, and bid them hither, +clan of kinsmen, to come before me; +and add this word, -- they are welcome guests +to folk of the Danes." +[To the door of the hall +Wulfgar went] and the word declared: -- +"To you this message my master sends, +East-Danes' king, that your kin he knows, +hardy heroes, and hails you all +welcome hither o'er waves of the sea! +Ye may wend your way in war-attire, +and under helmets Hrothgar greet; +but let here the battle-shields bide your parley, +and wooden war-shafts wait its end." +Uprose the mighty one, ringed with his men, +brave band of thanes: some bode without, +battle-gear guarding, as bade the chief. +Then hied that troop where the herald led them, +under Heorot's roof: [the hero strode,] +hardy 'neath helm, till the hearth he neared. +Beowulf spake, -- his breastplate gleamed, +war-net woven by wit of the smith: -- +"Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, +kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty +have I gained in youth! These Grendel-deeds +I heard in my home-land heralded clear. +Seafarers say how stands this hall, +of buildings best, for your band of thanes +empty and idle, when evening sun +in the harbor of heaven is hidden away. +So my vassals advised me well, -- +brave and wise, the best of men, -- +O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here, +for my nerve and my might they knew full well. +Themselves had seen me from slaughter come +blood-flecked from foes, where five I bound, +and that wild brood worsted. I' the waves I slew +nicors[1] by night, in need and peril +avenging the Weders,[2] whose woe they sought, -- +crushing the grim ones. Grendel now, +monster cruel, be mine to quell +in single battle! So, from thee, +thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, +Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, -- +and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, +O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, -- +that I alone with my liegemen here, +this hardy band, may Heorot purge! +More I hear, that the monster dire, +in his wanton mood, of weapons recks not; +hence shall I scorn -- so Hygelac stay, +king of my kindred, kind to me! -- +brand or buckler to bear in the fight, +gold-colored targe: but with gripe alone +must I front the fiend and fight for life, +foe against foe. Then faith be his +in the doom of the Lord whom death shall take. +Fain, I ween, if the fight he win, +in this hall of gold my Geatish band +will he fearless eat, -- as oft before, -- +my noblest thanes. Nor need'st thou then +to hide my head;[3] for his shall I be, +dyed in gore, if death must take me; +and my blood-covered body he'll bear as prey, +ruthless devour it, the roamer-lonely, +with my life-blood redden his lair in the fen: +no further for me need'st food prepare! +To Hygelac send, if Hild[4] should take me, +best of war-weeds, warding my breast, +armor excellent, heirloom of Hrethel +and work of Wayland.[5] Fares Wyrd[6] as she must." + +[1] The nicor, says Bugge, is a hippopotamus; a walrus, says ten +Brink. But that water-goblin who covers the space from Old Nick +of jest to the Neckan and Nix of poetry and tale, is all one +needs, and Nicor is a good name for him. [2] His own people, the +Geats. [3] That is, cover it as with a face-cloth. "There will be +no need of funeral rites." [4] Personification of Battle. [5] The +Germanic Vulcan. [6] This mighty power, whom the Christian poet +can still revere, has here the general force of "Destiny." + + + +VII + +HROTHGAR spake, the Scyldings'-helmet: -- +"For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, +to succor and save, thou hast sought us here. +Thy father's combat[1] a feud enkindled +when Heatholaf with hand he slew +among the Wylfings; his Weder kin +for horror of fighting feared to hold him. +Fleeing, he sought our South-Dane folk, +over surge of ocean the Honor-Scyldings, +when first I was ruling the folk of Danes, +wielded, youthful, this widespread realm, +this hoard-hold of heroes. Heorogar was dead, +my elder brother, had breathed his last, +Healfdene's bairn: he was better than I! +Straightway the feud with fee[2] I settled, +to the Wylfings sent, o'er watery ridges, +treasures olden: oaths he[3] swore me. +Sore is my soul to say to any +of the race of man what ruth for me +in Heorot Grendel with hate hath wrought, +what sudden harryings. Hall-folk fail me, +my warriors wane; for Wyrd hath swept them +into Grendel's grasp. But God is able +this deadly foe from his deeds to turn! +Boasted full oft, as my beer they drank, +earls o'er the ale-cup, armed men, +that they would bide in the beer-hall here, +Grendel's attack with terror of blades. +Then was this mead-house at morning tide +dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, +all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, +gory the hall: I had heroes the less, +doughty dear-ones that death had reft. +-- But sit to the banquet, unbind thy words, +hardy hero, as heart shall prompt thee." + +Gathered together, the Geatish men +in the banquet-hall on bench assigned, +sturdy-spirited, sat them down, +hardy-hearted. A henchman attended, +carried the carven cup in hand, +served the clear mead. Oft minstrels sang +blithe in Heorot. Heroes revelled, +no dearth of warriors, Weder and Dane. + +[1] There is no irrelevance here. Hrothgar sees in Beowulf's +mission a heritage of duty, a return of the good offices which +the Danish king rendered to Beowulf's father in time of dire +need. [2] Money, for wergild, or man-price. [3] Ecgtheow, +Beowulf's sire. + + + +VIII + +UNFERTH spake, the son of Ecglaf, +who sat at the feet of the Scyldings' lord, +unbound the battle-runes.[1] -- Beowulf's quest, +sturdy seafarer's, sorely galled him; +ever he envied that other men +should more achieve in middle-earth +of fame under heaven than he himself. -- +"Art thou that Beowulf, Breca's rival, +who emulous swam on the open sea, +when for pride the pair of you proved the floods, +and wantonly dared in waters deep +to risk your lives? No living man, +or lief or loath, from your labor dire +could you dissuade, from swimming the main. +Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered, +with strenuous hands the sea-streets measured, +swam o'er the waters. Winter's storm +rolled the rough waves. In realm of sea +a sennight strove ye. In swimming he topped thee, +had more of main! Him at morning-tide +billows bore to the Battling Reamas, +whence he hied to his home so dear +beloved of his liegemen, to land of Brondings, +fastness fair, where his folk he ruled, +town and treasure. In triumph o'er thee +Beanstan's bairn[2] his boast achieved. +So ween I for thee a worse adventure +-- though in buffet of battle thou brave hast been, +in struggle grim, -- if Grendel's approach +thou darst await through the watch of night!" + +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"What a deal hast uttered, dear my Unferth, +drunken with beer, of Breca now, +told of his triumph! Truth I claim it, +that I had more of might in the sea +than any man else, more ocean-endurance. +We twain had talked, in time of youth, +and made our boast, -- we were merely boys, +striplings still, -- to stake our lives +far at sea: and so we performed it. +Naked swords, as we swam along, +we held in hand, with hope to guard us +against the whales. Not a whit from me +could he float afar o'er the flood of waves, +haste o'er the billows; nor him I abandoned. +Together we twain on the tides abode +five nights full till the flood divided us, +churning waves and chillest weather, +darkling night, and the northern wind +ruthless rushed on us: rough was the surge. +Now the wrath of the sea-fish rose apace; +yet me 'gainst the monsters my mailed coat, +hard and hand-linked, help afforded, -- +battle-sark braided my breast to ward, +garnished with gold. There grasped me firm +and haled me to bottom the hated foe, +with grimmest gripe. 'Twas granted me, though, +to pierce the monster with point of sword, +with blade of battle: huge beast of the sea +was whelmed by the hurly through hand of mine. + +[1] "Began the fight." [2] Breca. + + + +IX + +ME thus often the evil monsters +thronging threatened. With thrust of my sword, +the darling, I dealt them due return! +Nowise had they bliss from their booty then +to devour their victim, vengeful creatures, +seated to banquet at bottom of sea; +but at break of day, by my brand sore hurt, +on the edge of ocean up they lay, +put to sleep by the sword. And since, by them +on the fathomless sea-ways sailor-folk +are never molested. -- Light from east, +came bright God's beacon; the billows sank, +so that I saw the sea-cliffs high, +windy walls. For Wyrd oft saveth +earl undoomed if he doughty be! +And so it came that I killed with my sword +nine of the nicors. Of night-fought battles +ne'er heard I a harder 'neath heaven's dome, +nor adrift on the deep a more desolate man! +Yet I came unharmed from that hostile clutch, +though spent with swimming. The sea upbore me, +flood of the tide, on Finnish land, +the welling waters. No wise of thee +have I heard men tell such terror of falchions, +bitter battle. Breca ne'er yet, +not one of you pair, in the play of war +such daring deed has done at all +with bloody brand, -- I boast not of it! -- +though thou wast the bane[1] of thy brethren dear, +thy closest kin, whence curse of hell +awaits thee, well as thy wit may serve! +For I say in sooth, thou son of Ecglaf, +never had Grendel these grim deeds wrought, +monster dire, on thy master dear, +in Heorot such havoc, if heart of thine +were as battle-bold as thy boast is loud! +But he has found no feud will happen; +from sword-clash dread of your Danish clan +he vaunts him safe, from the Victor-Scyldings. +He forces pledges, favors none +of the land of Danes, but lustily murders, +fights and feasts, nor feud he dreads +from Spear-Dane men. But speedily now +shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats, +shall bid him battle. Blithe to mead +go he that listeth, when light of dawn +this morrow morning o'er men of earth, +ether-robed sun from the south shall beam!" +Joyous then was the Jewel-giver, +hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaited +the Bright-Danes' prince, from Beowulf hearing, +folk's good shepherd, such firm resolve. +Then was laughter of liegemen loud resounding +with winsome words. Came Wealhtheow forth, +queen of Hrothgar, heedful of courtesy, +gold-decked, greeting the guests in hall; +and the high-born lady handed the cup +first to the East-Danes' heir and warden, +bade him be blithe at the beer-carouse, +the land's beloved one. Lustily took he +banquet and beaker, battle-famed king. + +Through the hall then went the Helmings' Lady, +to younger and older everywhere +carried the cup, till come the moment +when the ring-graced queen, the royal-hearted, +to Beowulf bore the beaker of mead. +She greeted the Geats' lord, God she thanked, +in wisdom's words, that her will was granted, +that at last on a hero her hope could lean +for comfort in terrors. The cup he took, +hardy-in-war, from Wealhtheow's hand, +and answer uttered the eager-for-combat. +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This was my thought, when my thanes and I +bent to the ocean and entered our boat, +that I would work the will of your people +fully, or fighting fall in death, +in fiend's gripe fast. I am firm to do +an earl's brave deed, or end the days +of this life of mine in the mead-hall here." +Well these words to the woman seemed, +Beowulf's battle-boast. -- Bright with gold +the stately dame by her spouse sat down. +Again, as erst, began in hall +warriors' wassail and words of power, +the proud-band's revel, till presently +the son of Healfdene hastened to seek +rest for the night; he knew there waited +fight for the fiend in that festal hall, +when the sheen of the sun they saw no more, +and dusk of night sank darkling nigh, +and shadowy shapes came striding on, +wan under welkin. The warriors rose. +Man to man, he made harangue, +Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail, +let him wield the wine hall: a word he added: -- +"Never to any man erst I trusted, +since I could heave up hand and shield, +this noble Dane-Hall, till now to thee. +Have now and hold this house unpeered; +remember thy glory; thy might declare; +watch for the foe! No wish shall fail thee +if thou bidest the battle with bold-won life." + +[1] Murder. + + + +X + +THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train, +defence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall; +fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek, +couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory +against this Grendel a guard had set, +so heroes heard, a hall-defender, +who warded the monarch and watched for the monster. +In truth, the Geats' prince gladly trusted +his mettle, his might, the mercy of God! +Cast off then his corselet of iron, +helmet from head; to his henchman gave, -- +choicest of weapons, -- the well-chased sword, +bidding him guard the gear of battle. +Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man, +Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought: -- +"Of force in fight no feebler I count me, +in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him. +Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death +his life will I give, though it lie in my power. +No skill is his to strike against me, +my shield to hew though he hardy be, +bold in battle; we both, this night, +shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here, +unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God, +sacred Lord, on which side soever +doom decree as he deemeth right." +Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held +the head of the earl, while all about him +seamen hardy on hall-beds sank. +None of them thought that thence their steps +to the folk and fastness that fostered them, +to the land they loved, would lead them back! +Full well they wist that on warriors many +battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall, +of Danish clan. But comfort and help, +war-weal weaving, to Weder folk +the Master gave, that, by might of one, +over their enemy all prevailed, +by single strength. In sooth 'tis told +that highest God o'er human kind +hath wielded ever! -- Thro' wan night striding, +came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept +whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, -- +all save one. 'Twas widely known +that against God's will the ghostly ravager +him[1] could not hurl to haunts of darkness; +wakeful, ready, with warrior's wrath, +bold he bided the battle's issue. + +[1] Beowulf, -- the "one." + + + +XI + +THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, +with God's wrath laden, Grendel came. +The monster was minded of mankind now +sundry to seize in the stately house. +Under welkin he walked, till the wine-palace there, +gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned, +flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this, +that he the home of Hrothgar sought, -- +yet ne'er in his life-day, late or early, +such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found! +To the house the warrior walked apace, +parted from peace;[1] the portal opended, +though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had +struck it, +and baleful he burst in his blatant rage, +the house's mouth. All hastily, then, +o'er fair-paved floor the fiend trod on, +ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes +fearful flashes, like flame to see. + +He spied in hall the hero-band, +kin and clansmen clustered asleep, +hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart; +for the monster was minded, ere morn should dawn, +savage, to sever the soul of each, +life from body, since lusty banquet +waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him +to seize any more of men on earth +after that evening. Eagerly watched +Hygelac's kinsman his cursed foe, +how he would fare in fell attack. +Not that the monster was minded to pause! +Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior +for the first, and tore him fiercely asunder, +the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams, +swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus +the lifeless corse was clear devoured, +e'en feet and hands. Then farther he hied; +for the hardy hero with hand he grasped, +felt for the foe with fiendish claw, +for the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly, +prompt to answer, propped on his arm. +Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils +that never he met in this middle-world, +in the ways of earth, another wight +with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared, +sorrowed in soul, -- none the sooner escaped! +Fain would he flee, his fastness seek, +the den of devils: no doings now +such as oft he had done in days of old! +Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac-thane +of his boast at evening: up he bounded, +grasped firm his foe, whose fingers cracked. +The fiend made off, but the earl close followed. +The monster meant -- if he might at all -- +to fling himself free, and far away +fly to the fens, -- knew his fingers' power +in the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march +to Heorot this monster of harm had made! +Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft, +castle-dwellers and clansmen all, +earls, of their ale. Angry were both +those savage hall-guards: the house resounded. +Wonder it was the wine-hall firm +in the strain of their struggle stood, to earth +the fair house fell not; too fast it was +within and without by its iron bands +craftily clamped; though there crashed from sill +many a mead-bench -- men have told me -- +gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled. +So well had weened the wisest Scyldings +that not ever at all might any man +that bone-decked, brave house break asunder, +crush by craft, -- unless clasp of fire +in smoke engulfed it. -- Again uprose +din redoubled. Danes of the North +with fear and frenzy were filled, each one, +who from the wall that wailing heard, +God's foe sounding his grisly song, +cry of the conquered, clamorous pain +from captive of hell. Too closely held him +he who of men in might was strongest +in that same day of this our life. + +[1] That is, he was a "lost soul," doomed to hell. + + + +XII + +NOT in any wise would the earls'-defence[1] +suffer that slaughterous stranger to live, +useless deeming his days and years +to men on earth. Now many an earl +of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral, +fain the life of their lord to shield, +their praised prince, if power were theirs; +never they knew, -- as they neared the foe, +hardy-hearted heroes of war, +aiming their swords on every side +the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade, +no farest of falchions fashioned on earth, +could harm or hurt that hideous fiend! +He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle, +from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting +on that same day of this our life +woful should be, and his wandering soul +far off flit to the fiends' domain. +Soon he found, who in former days, +harmful in heart and hated of God, +on many a man such murder wrought, +that the frame of his body failed him now. +For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac +held in hand; hateful alive +was each to other. The outlaw dire +took mortal hurt; a mighty wound +showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked, +and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now +the glory was given, and Grendel thence +death-sick his den in the dark moor sought, +noisome abode: he knew too well +that here was the last of life, an end +of his days on earth. -- To all the Danes +by that bloody battle the boon had come. +From ravage had rescued the roving stranger +Hrothgar's hall; the hardy and wise one +had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him, +his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes +had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good, +all their sorrow and ills assuaged, +their bale of battle borne so long, +and all the dole they erst endured +pain a-plenty. -- 'Twas proof of this, +when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down, +arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed, +of Grendel's gripe, -- 'neath the gabled roof. + +[1] Kenning for Beowulf. + + + +XIII + +MANY at morning, as men have told me, +warriors gathered the gift-hall round, +folk-leaders faring from far and near, +o'er wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view, +trace of the traitor. Not troublous seemed +the enemy's end to any man +who saw by the gait of the graceless foe +how the weary-hearted, away from thence, +baffled in battle and banned, his steps +death-marked dragged to the devils' mere. +Bloody the billows were boiling there, +turbid the tide of tumbling waves +horribly seething, with sword-blood hot, +by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor +laid forlorn his life adown, +his heathen soul, and hell received it. +Home then rode the hoary clansmen +from that merry journey, and many a youth, +on horses white, the hardy warriors, +back from the mere. Then Beowulf's glory +eager they echoed, and all averred +that from sea to sea, or south or north, +there was no other in earth's domain, +under vault of heaven, more valiant found, +of warriors none more worthy to rule! +(On their lord beloved they laid no slight, +gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!) +From time to time, the tried-in-battle +their gray steeds set to gallop amain, +and ran a race when the road seemed fair. +From time to time, a thane of the king, +who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses, +stored with sagas and songs of old, +bound word to word in well-knit rime, +welded his lay; this warrior soon +of Beowulf's quest right cleverly sang, +and artfully added an excellent tale, +in well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds +he had heard in saga of Sigemund. +Strange the story: he said it all, -- +the Waelsing's wanderings wide, his struggles, +which never were told to tribes of men, +the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only, +when of these doings he deigned to speak, +uncle to nephew; as ever the twain +stood side by side in stress of war, +and multitude of the monster kind +they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew, +when he passed from life, no little praise; +for the doughty-in-combat a dragon killed +that herded the hoard:[1] under hoary rock +the atheling dared the deed alone +fearful quest, nor was Fitela there. +Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced +that wondrous worm, -- on the wall it struck, +best blade; the dragon died in its blood. +Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved +over the ring-hoard to rule at will, +himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he loaded, +and bore on its bosom the beaming gold, +son of Waels; the worm was consumed. +He had of all heroes the highest renown +among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors, +for deeds of daring that decked his name +since the hand and heart of Heremod +grew slack in battle. He, swiftly banished +to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes, +to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow +had lamed him too long; a load of care +to earls and athelings all he proved. +Oft indeed, in earlier days, +for the warrior's wayfaring wise men mourned, +who had hoped of him help from harm and bale, +and had thought their sovran's son would thrive, +follow his father, his folk protect, +the hoard and the stronghold, heroes' land, +home of Scyldings. -- But here, thanes said, +the kinsman of Hygelac kinder seemed +to all: the other[2] was urged to crime! +And afresh to the race,[3] the fallow roads +by swift steeds measured! The morning sun +was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened +to the high-built hall, those hardy-minded, +the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure, +crowned with glory, the king himself, +with stately band from the bride-bower strode; +and with him the queen and her crowd of maidens +measured the path to the mead-house fair. + +[1] "Guarded the treasure." [2] Sc. Heremod. [3] The singer has +sung his lays, and the epic resumes its story. The time-relations +are not altogether good in this long passage which describes the +rejoicings of "the day after"; but the present shift from the +riders on the road to the folk at the hall is not very violent, +and is of a piece with the general style. + + + +XIV + +HROTHGAR spake, -- to the hall he went, +stood by the steps, the steep roof saw, +garnished with gold, and Grendel's hand: -- +"For the sight I see to the Sovran Ruler +be speedy thanks! A throng of sorrows +I have borne from Grendel; but God still works +wonder on wonder, the Warden-of-Glory. +It was but now that I never more +for woes that weighed on me waited help +long as I lived, when, laved in blood, +stood sword-gore-stained this stateliest house, -- +widespread woe for wise men all, +who had no hope to hinder ever +foes infernal and fiendish sprites +from havoc in hall. This hero now, +by the Wielder's might, a work has done +that not all of us erst could ever do +by wile and wisdom. Lo, well can she say +whoso of women this warrior bore +among sons of men, if still she liveth, +that the God of the ages was good to her +in the birth of her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee, +of heroes best, I shall heartily love +as mine own, my son; preserve thou ever +this kinship new: thou shalt never lack +wealth of the world that I wield as mine! +Full oft for less have I largess showered, +my precious hoard, on a punier man, +less stout in struggle. Thyself hast now +fulfilled such deeds, that thy fame shall endure +through all the ages. As ever he did, +well may the Wielder reward thee still!" +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This work of war most willingly +we have fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared +force of the foe. Fain, too, were I +hadst thou but seen himself, what time +the fiend in his trappings tottered to fall! +Swiftly, I thought, in strongest gripe +on his bed of death to bind him down, +that he in the hent of this hand of mine +should breathe his last: but he broke away. +Him I might not -- the Maker willed not -- +hinder from flight, and firm enough hold +the life-destroyer: too sturdy was he, +the ruthless, in running! For rescue, however, +he left behind him his hand in pledge, +arm and shoulder; nor aught of help +could the cursed one thus procure at all. +None the longer liveth he, loathsome fiend, +sunk in his sins, but sorrow holds him +tightly grasped in gripe of anguish, +in baleful bonds, where bide he must, +evil outlaw, such awful doom +as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out." + +More silent seemed the son of Ecglaf[1] +in boastful speech of his battle-deeds, +since athelings all, through the earl's great prowess, +beheld that hand, on the high roof gazing, +foeman's fingers, -- the forepart of each +of the sturdy nails to steel was likest, -- +heathen's "hand-spear," hostile warrior's +claw uncanny. 'Twas clear, they said, +that him no blade of the brave could touch, +how keen soever, or cut away +that battle-hand bloody from baneful foe. + +[1] Unferth, Beowulf's sometime opponent in the flyting. + + + +XV + +THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now +for hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng +of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse, +the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings +that were wove on the wall, and wonders many +to delight each mortal that looks upon them. +Though braced within by iron bands, +that building bright was broken sorely;[1] +rent were its hinges; the roof alone +held safe and sound, when, seared with crime, +the fiendish foe his flight essayed, +of life despairing. -- No light thing that, +the flight for safety, -- essay it who will! +Forced of fate, he shall find his way +to the refuge ready for race of man, +for soul-possessors, and sons of earth; +and there his body on bed of death +shall rest after revel. +Arrived was the hour +when to hall proceeded Healfdene's son: +the king himself would sit to banquet. +Ne'er heard I of host in haughtier throng +more graciously gathered round giver-of-rings! +Bowed then to bench those bearers-of-glory, +fain of the feasting. Featly received +many a mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit, +kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall, +Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now +was filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings +ne'er yet had tried the traitor's deed. +To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene +a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph, +broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet; +and a splendid sword was seen of many +borne to the brave one. Beowulf took +cup in hall:[2] for such costly gifts +he suffered no shame in that soldier throng. +For I heard of few heroes, in heartier mood, +with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold, +on the ale-bench honoring others thus! +O'er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge, +wound with wires, kept ward o'er the head, +lest the relict-of-files[3] should fierce invade, +sharp in the strife, when that shielded hero +should go to grapple against his foes. +Then the earls'-defence[4] on the floor[5] bade lead +coursers eight, with carven head-gear, +adown the hall: one horse was decked +with a saddle all shining and set in jewels; +'twas the battle-seat of the best of kings, +when to play of swords the son of Healfdene +was fain to fare. Ne'er failed his valor +in the crush of combat when corpses fell. +To Beowulf over them both then gave +the refuge-of-Ingwines right and power, +o'er war-steeds and weapons: wished him joy of them. +Manfully thus the mighty prince, +hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid +with steeds and treasures contemned by none +who is willing to say the sooth aright. + +[1] There is no horrible inconsistency here such as the critics +strive and cry about. In spite of the ruin that Grendel and +Beowulf had made within the hall, the framework and roof held +firm, and swift repairs made the interior habitable. Tapestries +were hung on the walls, and willing hands prepared the banquet. +[2] From its formal use in other places, this phrase, to take cup +in hall, or "on the floor," would seem to mean that Beowulf +stood up to receive his gifts, drink to the donor, and say +thanks. [3] Kenning for sword. [4] Hrothgar. He is also the +"refuge of the friends of Ing," below. Ing belongs to myth. [5] +Horses are frequently led or ridden into the hall where folk sit +at banquet: so in Chaucer's Squire's tale, in the ballad of King +Estmere, and in the romances. + + + +XVI + +AND the lord of earls, to each that came +with Beowulf over the briny ways, +an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave, +precious gift; and the price[1] bade pay +in gold for him whom Grendel erst +murdered, -- and fain of them more had killed, +had not wisest God their Wyrd averted, +and the man's[2] brave mood. The Maker then +ruled human kind, as here and now. +Therefore is insight always best, +and forethought of mind. How much awaits him +of lief and of loath, who long time here, +through days of warfare this world endures! + +Then song and music mingled sounds +in the presence of Healfdene's head-of-armies[3] +and harping was heard with the hero-lay +as Hrothgar's singer the hall-joy woke +along the mead-seats, making his song +of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn.[4] +Healfdene's hero, Hnaef the Scylding, +was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter.[5] +Hildeburh needed not hold in value +her enemies' honor![6] Innocent both +were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play, +bairn and brother, they bowed to fate, +stricken by spears; 'twas a sorrowful woman! +None doubted why the daughter of Hoc +bewailed her doom when dawning came, +and under the sky she saw them lying, +kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned +of the sweets of the world! By war were swept, too, +Finn's own liegemen, and few were left; +in the parleying-place[7] he could ply no longer +weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest, +and rescue his remnant by right of arms +from the prince's thane. A pact he offered: +another dwelling the Danes should have, +hall and high-seat, and half the power +should fall to them in Frisian land; +and at the fee-gifts, Folcwald's son +day by day the Danes should honor, +the folk of Hengest favor with rings, +even as truly, with treasure and jewels, +with fretted gold, as his Frisian kin +he meant to honor in ale-hall there. +Pact of peace they plighted further +on both sides firmly. Finn to Hengest +with oath, upon honor, openly promised +that woful remnant, with wise-men's aid, +nobly to govern, so none of the guests +by word or work should warp the treaty,[8] +or with malice of mind bemoan themselves +as forced to follow their fee-giver's slayer, +lordless men, as their lot ordained. +Should Frisian, moreover, with foeman's taunt, +that murderous hatred to mind recall, +then edge of the sword must seal his doom. + +Oaths were given, and ancient gold +heaped from hoard. -- The hardy Scylding, +battle-thane best,[9] on his balefire lay. +All on the pyre were plain to see +the gory sark, the gilded swine-crest, +boar of hard iron, and athelings many +slain by the sword: at the slaughter they fell. +It was Hildeburh's hest, at Hnaef's own pyre +the bairn of her body on brands to lay, +his bones to burn, on the balefire placed, +at his uncle's side. In sorrowful dirges +bewept them the woman: great wailing ascended. +Then wound up to welkin the wildest of death-fires, +roared o'er the hillock:[10] heads all were melted, +gashes burst, and blood gushed out +from bites[11] of the body. Balefire devoured, +greediest spirit, those spared not by war +out of either folk: their flower was gone. + +[1] Man-price, wergild. [2] Beowulf's. [3] Hrothgar. [4] There is +no need to assume a gap in the Ms. As before about Sigemund and +Heremod, so now, though at greater length, about Finn and his +feud, a lay is chanted or recited; and the epic poet, counting on +his readers' familiarity with the story, -- a fragment of it +still exists, -- simply gives the headings. [5] The exact story +to which this episode refers in summary is not to be determined, +but the following account of it is reasonable and has good +support among scholars. Finn, a Frisian chieftain, who +nevertheless has a "castle" outside the Frisian border, marries +Hildeburh, a Danish princess; and her brother, Hnaef, with many +other Danes, pays Finn a visit. Relations between the two peoples +have been strained before. Something starts the old feud anew; +and the visitors are attacked in their quarters. Hnaef is killed; +so is a son of Hildeburh. Many fall on both sides. Peace is +patched up; a stately funeral is held; and the surviving visitors +become in a way vassals or liegemen of Finn, going back with him +to Frisia. So matters rest a while. Hengest is now leader of the +Danes; but he is set upon revenge for his former lord, Hnaef. +Probably he is killed in feud; but his clansmen, Guthlaf and +Oslaf, gather at their home a force of sturdy Danes, come back to +Frisia, storm Finn's stronghold, kill him, and carry back their +kinswoman Hildeburh. [6] The "enemies" must be the Frisians. [7] +Battlefield. -- Hengest is the "prince's thane," companion of +Hnaef. "Folcwald's son" is Finn. [8] That is, Finn would govern +in all honor the few Danish warriors who were left, provided, of +course, that none of them tried to renew the quarrel or avenge +Hnaef their fallen lord. If, again, one of Finn's Frisians began +a quarrel, he should die by the sword. [9] Hnaef. [10] The high +place chosen for the funeral: see description of Beowulf's +funeral-pile at the end of the poem. [11] Wounds. + + + +XVII + +THEN hastened those heroes their home to see, +friendless, to find the Frisian land, +houses and high burg. Hengest still +through the death-dyed winter dwelt with Finn, +holding pact, yet of home he minded, +though powerless his ring-decked prow to drive +over the waters, now waves rolled fierce +lashed by the winds, or winter locked them +in icy fetters. Then fared another +year to men's dwellings, as yet they do, +the sunbright skies, that their season ever +duly await. Far off winter was driven; +fair lay earth's breast; and fain was the rover, +the guest, to depart, though more gladly he pondered +on wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep, +and how to hasten the hot encounter +where sons of the Frisians were sure to be. +So he escaped not the common doom, +when Hun with "Lafing," the light-of-battle, +best of blades, his bosom pierced: +its edge was famed with the Frisian earls. +On fierce-heart Finn there fell likewise, +on himself at home, the horrid sword-death; +for Guthlaf and Oslaf of grim attack +had sorrowing told, from sea-ways landed, +mourning their woes.[1] Finn's wavering spirit +bode not in breast. The burg was reddened +with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain, +king amid clansmen; the queen was taken. +To their ship the Scylding warriors bore +all the chattels the chieftain owned, +whatever they found in Finn's domain +of gems and jewels. The gentle wife +o'er paths of the deep to the Danes they bore, +led to her land. +The lay was finished, +the gleeman's song. Then glad rose the revel; +bench-joy brightened. Bearers draw +from their "wonder-vats" wine. Comes Wealhtheow forth, +under gold-crown goes where the good pair sit, +uncle and nephew, true each to the other one, +kindred in amity. Unferth the spokesman +at the Scylding lord's feet sat: men had faith in his spirit, +his keenness of courage, though kinsmen had found him +unsure at the sword-play. The Scylding queen spoke: +"Quaff of this cup, my king and lord, +breaker of rings, and blithe be thou, +gold-friend of men; to the Geats here speak +such words of mildness as man should use. +Be glad with thy Geats; of those gifts be mindful, +or near or far, which now thou hast. + +Men say to me, as son thou wishest +yon hero to hold. Thy Heorot purged, +jewel-hall brightest, enjoy while thou canst, +with many a largess; and leave to thy kin +folk and realm when forth thou goest +to greet thy doom. For gracious I deem +my Hrothulf,[2] willing to hold and rule +nobly our youths, if thou yield up first, +prince of Scyldings, thy part in the world. +I ween with good he will well requite +offspring of ours, when all he minds +that for him we did in his helpless days +of gift and grace to gain him honor!" +Then she turned to the seat where her sons wereplaced, +Hrethric and Hrothmund, with heroes' bairns, +young men together: the Geat, too, sat there, +Beowulf brave, the brothers between. + +[1] That is, these two Danes, escaping home, had told the story +of the attack on Hnaef, the slaying of Hengest, and all the +Danish woes. Collecting a force, they return to Frisia and kill +Finn in his home. [2] Nephew to Hrothgar, with whom he +subsequently quarrels, and elder cousin to the two young sons of +Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, -- their natural guardian in the event +of the king's death. There is something finely feminine in this +speech of Wealhtheow's, apart from its somewhat irregular and +irrelevant sequence of topics. Both she and her lord probably +distrust Hrothulf; but she bids the king to be of good cheer, +and, turning to the suspect, heaps affectionate assurances on his +probity. "My own Hrothulf" will surely not forget these favors +and benefits of the past, but will repay them to the orphaned +boy. + + + +XVIII + +A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting +and winsome words. Of wounden gold, +she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain, +corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest +that ever I knew the earth around. +Ne'er heard I so mighty, 'neath heaven's dome, +a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore +to his bright-built burg the Brisings' necklace, +jewel and gem casket. -- Jealousy fled he, +Eormenric's hate: chose help eternal. +Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting, +on the last of his raids this ring bore with him, +under his banner the booty defending, +the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o'erwhelmed him +what time, in his daring, dangers he sought, +feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems +he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves, +sovran strong: under shield he died. +Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, +gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring; +weaker warriors won the spoil, +after gripe of battle, from Geatland's lord, +and held the death-field. +Din rose in hall. +Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said: -- +"This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth, +Beowulf lov'd, these battle-weeds wear, +a royal treasure, and richly thrive! +Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here +counsel in kindness: requital be mine. +Hast done such deeds, that for days to come +thou art famed among folk both far and near, +so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean +his windy walls. Through the ways of life +prosper, O prince! I pray for thee +rich possessions. To son of mine +be helpful in deed and uphold his joys! +Here every earl to the other is true, +mild of mood, to the master loyal! +Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient, +liegemen are revelling: list and obey!" +Went then to her place. -- That was proudest of feasts; +flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not, +destiny dire, and the doom to be seen +by many an earl when eve should come, +and Hrothgar homeward hasten away, +royal, to rest. The room was guarded +by an army of earls, as erst was done. +They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread +beds and bolsters. -- One beer-carouser +in danger of doom lay down in the hall. -- + +At their heads they set their shields of war, +bucklers bright; on the bench were there +over each atheling, easy to see, +the high battle-helmet, the haughty spear, +the corselet of rings. 'Twas their custom so +ever to be for battle prepared, +at home, or harrying, which it were, +even as oft as evil threatened +their sovran king. -- They were clansmen good. + + + +XIX + +THEN sank they to sleep. With sorrow one bought +his rest of the evening, -- as ofttime had happened +when Grendel guarded that golden hall, +evil wrought, till his end drew nigh, +slaughter for sins. 'Twas seen and told +how an avenger survived the fiend, +as was learned afar. The livelong time +after that grim fight, Grendel's mother, +monster of women, mourned her woe. +She was doomed to dwell in the dreary waters, +cold sea-courses, since Cain cut down +with edge of the sword his only brother, +his father's offspring: outlawed he fled, +marked with murder, from men's delights +warded the wilds. -- There woke from him +such fate-sent ghosts as Grendel, who, +war-wolf horrid, at Heorot found +a warrior watching and waiting the fray, +with whom the grisly one grappled amain. +But the man remembered his mighty power, +the glorious gift that God had sent him, +in his Maker's mercy put his trust +for comfort and help: so he conquered the foe, +felled the fiend, who fled abject, +reft of joy, to the realms of death, +mankind's foe. And his mother now, +gloomy and grim, would go that quest +of sorrow, the death of her son to avenge. +To Heorot came she, where helmeted Danes +slept in the hall. Too soon came back +old ills of the earls, when in she burst, +the mother of Grendel. Less grim, though, that terror, +e'en as terror of woman in war is less, +might of maid, than of men in arms +when, hammer-forged, the falchion hard, +sword gore-stained, through swine of the helm, +crested, with keen blade carves amain. +Then was in hall the hard-edge drawn, +the swords on the settles,[1] and shields a-many +firm held in hand: nor helmet minded +nor harness of mail, whom that horror seized. +Haste was hers; she would hie afar +and save her life when the liegemen saw her. +Yet a single atheling up she seized +fast and firm, as she fled to the moor. +He was for Hrothgar of heroes the dearest, +of trusty vassals betwixt the seas, +whom she killed on his couch, a clansman famous, +in battle brave. -- Nor was Beowulf there; +another house had been held apart, +after giving of gold, for the Geat renowned. -- +Uproar filled Heorot; the hand all had viewed, +blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was returned, +dole in the dwellings: 'twas dire exchange +where Dane and Geat were doomed to give +the lives of loved ones. Long-tried king, +the hoary hero, at heart was sad +when he knew his noble no more lived, +and dead indeed was his dearest thane. +To his bower was Beowulf brought in haste, +dauntless victor. As daylight broke, +along with his earls the atheling lord, +with his clansmen, came where the king abode +waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All +would turn this tale of trouble and woe. +Strode o'er floor the famed-in-strife, +with his hand-companions, -- the hall resounded, -- +wishing to greet the wise old king, +Ingwines' lord; he asked if the night +had passed in peace to the prince's mind. + +[1] They had laid their arms on the benches near where they +slept. + + + +XX + +HROTHGAR spake, helmet-of-Scyldings: -- +"Ask not of pleasure! Pain is renewed +to Danish folk. Dead is Aeschere, +of Yrmenlaf the elder brother, +my sage adviser and stay in council, +shoulder-comrade in stress of fight +when warriors clashed and we warded our heads, +hewed the helm-boars; hero famed +should be every earl as Aeschere was! +But here in Heorot a hand hath slain him +of wandering death-sprite. I wot not whither,[1] +proud of the prey, her path she took, +fain of her fill. The feud she avenged +that yesternight, unyieldingly, +Grendel in grimmest grasp thou killedst, -- +seeing how long these liegemen mine +he ruined and ravaged. Reft of life, +in arms he fell. Now another comes, +keen and cruel, her kin to avenge, +faring far in feud of blood: +so that many a thane shall think, who e'er +sorrows in soul for that sharer of rings, +this is hardest of heart-bales. The hand lies low +that once was willing each wish to please. +Land-dwellers here[2] and liegemen mine, +who house by those parts, I have heard relate +that such a pair they have sometimes seen, +march-stalkers mighty the moorland haunting, +wandering spirits: one of them seemed, +so far as my folk could fairly judge, +of womankind; and one, accursed, +in man's guise trod the misery-track +of exile, though huger than human bulk. +Grendel in days long gone they named him, +folk of the land; his father they knew not, +nor any brood that was born to him +of treacherous spirits. Untrod is their home; +by wolf-cliffs haunt they and windy headlands, +fenways fearful, where flows the stream +from mountains gliding to gloom of the rocks, +underground flood. Not far is it hence +in measure of miles that the mere expands, +and o'er it the frost-bound forest hanging, +sturdily rooted, shadows the wave. +By night is a wonder weird to see, +fire on the waters. So wise lived none +of the sons of men, to search those depths! +Nay, though the heath-rover, harried by dogs, +the horn-proud hart, this holt should seek, +long distance driven, his dear life first +on the brink he yields ere he brave the plunge +to hide his head: 'tis no happy place! +Thence the welter of waters washes up +wan to welkin when winds bestir +evil storms, and air grows dusk, +and the heavens weep. Now is help once more +with thee alone! The land thou knowst not, +place of fear, where thou findest out +that sin-flecked being. Seek if thou dare! +I will reward thee, for waging this fight, +with ancient treasure, as erst I did, +with winding gold, if thou winnest back." + +[1] He surmises presently where she is. [2] The connection is not +difficult. The words of mourning, of acute grief, are said; and +according to Germanic sequence of thought, inexorable here, the +next and only topic is revenge. But is it possible? Hrothgar +leads up to his appeal and promise with a skillful and often +effective description of the horrors which surround the monster's +home and await the attempt of an avenging foe. + + + +XXI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: +"Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better +friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them. +Each of us all must his end abide +in the ways of the world; so win who may +glory ere death! When his days are told, +that is the warrior's worthiest doom. +Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon, +and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel. +No harbor shall hide her -- heed my promise! -- +enfolding of field or forested mountain +or floor of the flood, let her flee where she will! +But thou this day endure in patience, +as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one." +Leaped up the graybeard: God he thanked, +mighty Lord, for the man's brave words. +For Hrothgar soon a horse was saddled +wave-maned steed. The sovran wise +stately rode on; his shield-armed men +followed in force. The footprints led +along the woodland, widely seen, +a path o'er the plain, where she passed, and trod +the murky moor; of men-at-arms +she bore the bravest and best one, dead, +him who with Hrothgar the homestead ruled. +On then went the atheling-born +o'er stone-cliffs steep and strait defiles, +narrow passes and unknown ways, +headlands sheer, and the haunts of the Nicors. +Foremost he[1] fared, a few at his side +of the wiser men, the ways to scan, +till he found in a flash the forested hill +hanging over the hoary rock, +a woful wood: the waves below +were dyed in blood. The Danish men +had sorrow of soul, and for Scyldings all, +for many a hero, 'twas hard to bear, +ill for earls, when Aeschere's head +they found by the flood on the foreland there. +Waves were welling, the warriors saw, +hot with blood; but the horn sang oft +battle-song bold. The band sat down, +and watched on the water worm-like things, +sea-dragons strange that sounded the deep, +and nicors that lay on the ledge of the ness -- +such as oft essay at hour of morn +on the road-of-sails their ruthless quest, -- +and sea-snakes and monsters. These started away, +swollen and savage that song to hear, +that war-horn's blast. The warden of Geats, +with bolt from bow, then balked of life, +of wave-work, one monster, amid its heart +went the keen war-shaft; in water it seemed +less doughty in swimming whom death had seized. +Swift on the billows, with boar-spears well +hooked and barbed, it was hard beset, +done to death and dragged on the headland, +wave-roamer wondrous. Warriors viewed +the grisly guest. +Then girt him Beowulf +in martial mail, nor mourned for his life. +His breastplate broad and bright of hues, +woven by hand, should the waters try; +well could it ward the warrior's body +that battle should break on his breast in vain +nor harm his heart by the hand of a foe. +And the helmet white that his head protected +was destined to dare the deeps of the flood, +through wave-whirl win: 'twas wound with chains, +decked with gold, as in days of yore +the weapon-smith worked it wondrously, +with swine-forms set it, that swords nowise, +brandished in battle, could bite that helm. +Nor was that the meanest of mighty helps +which Hrothgar's orator offered at need: +"Hrunting" they named the hilted sword, +of old-time heirlooms easily first; +iron was its edge, all etched with poison, +with battle-blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight +in hero's hand who held it ever, +on paths of peril prepared to go +to folkstead[2] of foes. Not first time this +it was destined to do a daring task. +For he bore not in mind, the bairn of Ecglaf +sturdy and strong, that speech he had made, +drunk with wine, now this weapon he lent +to a stouter swordsman. Himself, though, durst not +under welter of waters wager his life +as loyal liegeman. So lost he his glory, +honor of earls. With the other not so, +who girded him now for the grim encounter. + +[1] Hrothgar is probably meant. [2] Meeting place. + + + +XXI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Have mind, thou honored offspring of Healfdene +gold-friend of men, now I go on this quest, +sovran wise, what once was said: +if in thy cause it came that I +should lose my life, thou wouldst loyal bide +to me, though fallen, in father's place! +Be guardian, thou, to this group of my thanes, +my warrior-friends, if War should seize me; +and the goodly gifts thou gavest me, +Hrothgar beloved, to Hygelac send! +Geatland's king may ken by the gold, +Hrethel's son see, when he stares at the treasure, +that I got me a friend for goodness famed, +and joyed while I could in my jewel-bestower. +And let Unferth wield this wondrous sword, +earl far-honored, this heirloom precious, +hard of edge: with Hrunting I +seek doom of glory, or Death shall take me." + +After these words the Weder-Geat lord +boldly hastened, biding never +answer at all: the ocean floods +closed o'er the hero. Long while of the day +fled ere he felt the floor of the sea. + +Soon found the fiend who the flood-domain +sword-hungry held these hundred winters, +greedy and grim, that some guest from above, +some man, was raiding her monster-realm. +She grasped out for him with grisly claws, +and the warrior seized; yet scathed she not +his body hale; the breastplate hindered, +as she strove to shatter the sark of war, +the linked harness, with loathsome hand. +Then bore this brine-wolf, when bottom she touched, +the lord of rings to the lair she haunted +whiles vainly he strove, though his valor held, +weapon to wield against wondrous monsters +that sore beset him; sea-beasts many +tried with fierce tusks to tear his mail, +and swarmed on the stranger. But soon he marked +he was now in some hall, he knew not which, +where water never could work him harm, +nor through the roof could reach him ever +fangs of the flood. Firelight he saw, +beams of a blaze that brightly shone. +Then the warrior was ware of that wolf-of-the-deep, +mere-wife monstrous. For mighty stroke +he swung his blade, and the blow withheld not. +Then sang on her head that seemly blade +its war-song wild. But the warrior found +the light-of-battle[1] was loath to bite, +to harm the heart: its hard edge failed +the noble at need, yet had known of old +strife hand to hand, and had helmets cloven, +doomed men's fighting-gear. First time, this, +for the gleaming blade that its glory fell. +Firm still stood, nor failed in valor, +heedful of high deeds, Hygelac's kinsman; +flung away fretted sword, featly jewelled, +the angry earl; on earth it lay +steel-edged and stiff. His strength he trusted, +hand-gripe of might. So man shall do +whenever in war he weens to earn him +lasting fame, nor fears for his life! +Seized then by shoulder, shrank not from combat, +the Geatish war-prince Grendel's mother. +Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath, +his deadly foe, that she fell to ground. +Swift on her part she paid him back +with grisly grasp, and grappled with him. +Spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior, +fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown. +On the hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword, +broad and brown-edged,[2] the bairn to avenge, +the sole-born son. -- On his shoulder lay +braided breast-mail, barring death, +withstanding entrance of edge or blade. +Life would have ended for Ecgtheow's son, +under wide earth for that earl of Geats, +had his armor of war not aided him, +battle-net hard, and holy God +wielded the victory, wisest Maker. +The Lord of Heaven allowed his cause; +and easily rose the earl erect. + +[1] Kenning for "sword." Hrunting is bewitched, laid under a +spell of uselessness, along with all other swords. [2] This brown +of swords, evidently meaning burnished, bright, continues to be a +favorite adjective in the popular ballads. + + + +XXIII + +'MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant, +old-sword of Eotens, with edge of proof, +warriors' heirloom, weapon unmatched, +-- save only 'twas more than other men +to bandy-of-battle could bear at all -- +as the giants had wrought it, ready and keen. +Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings' chieftain, +bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword, +reckless of life, and so wrathfully smote +that it gripped her neck and grasped her hard, +her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced through +that fated-one's flesh: to floor she sank. +Bloody the blade: he was blithe of his deed. +Then blazed forth light. 'Twas bright within +as when from the sky there shines unclouded +heaven's candle. The hall he scanned. +By the wall then went he; his weapon raised +high by its hilts the Hygelac-thane, +angry and eager. That edge was not useless +to the warrior now. He wished with speed +Grendel to guerdon for grim raids many, +for the war he waged on Western-Danes +oftener far than an only time, +when of Hrothgar's hearth-companions +he slew in slumber, in sleep devoured, +fifteen men of the folk of Danes, +and as many others outward bore, +his horrible prey. Well paid for that +the wrathful prince! For now prone he saw +Grendel stretched there, spent with war, +spoiled of life, so scathed had left him +Heorot's battle. The body sprang far +when after death it endured the blow, +sword-stroke savage, that severed its head. +Soon,[1] then, saw the sage companions +who waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood, +that the tossing waters turbid grew, +blood-stained the mere. Old men together, +hoary-haired, of the hero spake; +the warrior would not, they weened, again, +proud of conquest, come to seek +their mighty master. To many it seemed +the wolf-of-the-waves had won his life. +The ninth hour came. The noble Scyldings +left the headland; homeward went +the gold-friend of men.[2] But the guests sat on, +stared at the surges, sick in heart, +and wished, yet weened not, their winsome lord +again to see. + +Now that sword began, +from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings,[3] +war-blade, to wane: 'twas a wondrous thing +that all of it melted as ice is wont +when frosty fetters the Father loosens, +unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding all +seasons and times: the true God he! +Nor took from that dwelling the duke of the Geats +save only the head and that hilt withal +blazoned with jewels: the blade had melted, +burned was the bright sword, her blood was so hot, +so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished within there. +Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combat +downfall of demons; up-dove through the flood. +The clashing waters were cleansed now, +waste of waves, where the wandering fiend +her life-days left and this lapsing world. +Swam then to strand the sailors'-refuge, +sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad, +of burden brave he bore with him. +Went then to greet him, and God they thanked, +the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe, +that safe and sound they could see him again. +Soon from the hardy one helmet and armor +deftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere, +water 'neath welkin, with war-blood stained. +Forth they fared by the footpaths thence, +merry at heart the highways measured, +well-known roads. Courageous men +carried the head from the cliff by the sea, +an arduous task for all the band, +the firm in fight, since four were needed +on the shaft-of-slaughter[4] strenuously +to bear to the gold-hall Grendel's head. +So presently to the palace there +foemen fearless, fourteen Geats, +marching came. Their master-of-clan +mighty amid them the meadow-ways trod. +Strode then within the sovran thane +fearless in fight, of fame renowned, +hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet. +And next by the hair into hall was borne +Grendel's head, where the henchmen were drinking, +an awe to clan and queen alike, +a monster of marvel: the men looked on. + +[1] After the killing of the monster and Grendel's decapitation. +[2] Hrothgar. [3] The blade slowly dissolves in blood-stained +drops like icicles. [4] Spear. + + + +XXIV + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, now, this sea-booty, son of Healfdene, +Lord of Scyldings, we've lustily brought thee, +sign of glory; thou seest it here. +Not lightly did I with my life escape! +In war under water this work I essayed +with endless effort; and even so +my strength had been lost had the Lord not shielded me. +Not a whit could I with Hrunting do +in work of war, though the weapon is good; +yet a sword the Sovran of Men vouchsafed me +to spy on the wall there, in splendor hanging, +old, gigantic, -- how oft He guides +the friendless wight! -- and I fought with that brand, +felling in fight, since fate was with me, +the house's wardens. That war-sword then +all burned, bright blade, when the blood gushed o'er it, +battle-sweat hot; but the hilt I brought back +from my foes. So avenged I their fiendish deeds +death-fall of Danes, as was due and right. +And this is my hest, that in Heorot now +safe thou canst sleep with thy soldier band, +and every thane of all thy folk +both old and young; no evil fear, +Scyldings' lord, from that side again, +aught ill for thy earls, as erst thou must!" +Then the golden hilt, for that gray-haired leader, +hoary hero, in hand was laid, +giant-wrought, old. So owned and enjoyed it +after downfall of devils, the Danish lord, +wonder-smiths' work, since the world was rid +of that grim-souled fiend, the foe of God, +murder-marked, and his mother as well. +Now it passed into power of the people's king, +best of all that the oceans bound +who have scattered their gold o'er Scandia's isle. +Hrothgar spake -- the hilt he viewed, +heirloom old, where was etched the rise +of that far-off fight when the floods o'erwhelmed, +raging waves, the race of giants +(fearful their fate!), a folk estranged +from God Eternal: whence guerdon due +in that waste of waters the Wielder paid them. +So on the guard of shining gold +in runic staves it was rightly said +for whom the serpent-traced sword was wrought, +best of blades, in bygone days, +and the hilt well wound. -- The wise-one spake, +son of Healfdene; silent were all: -- +"Lo, so may he say who sooth and right +follows 'mid folk, of far times mindful, +a land-warden old,[1] that this earl belongs +to the better breed! So, borne aloft, +thy fame must fly, O friend my Beowulf, +far and wide o'er folksteads many. Firmly thou +shalt all maintain, +mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of +mine will I assure thee, +as, awhile ago, I promised; thou shalt prove a stay +in future, +in far-off years, to folk of thine, +to the heroes a help. Was not Heremod thus +to offspring of Ecgwela, Honor-Scyldings, +nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter, +for doom of death to the Danishmen. + +He slew, wrath-swollen, his shoulder-comrades, +companions at board! So he passed alone, +chieftain haughty, from human cheer. +Though him the Maker with might endowed, +delights of power, and uplifted high +above all men, yet blood-fierce his mind, +his breast-hoard, grew, no bracelets gave he +to Danes as was due; he endured all joyless +strain of struggle and stress of woe, +long feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson! +Of virtue advise thee! This verse I have said for thee, +wise from lapsed winters. Wondrous seems +how to sons of men Almighty God +in the strength of His spirit sendeth wisdom, +estate, high station: He swayeth all things. +Whiles He letteth right lustily fare +the heart of the hero of high-born race, -- +in seat ancestral assigns him bliss, +his folk's sure fortress in fee to hold, +puts in his power great parts of the earth, +empire so ample, that end of it +this wanter-of-wisdom weeneth none. +So he waxes in wealth, nowise can harm him +illness or age; no evil cares +shadow his spirit; no sword-hate threatens +from ever an enemy: all the world +wends at his will, no worse he knoweth, +till all within him obstinate pride +waxes and wakes while the warden slumbers, +the spirit's sentry; sleep is too fast +which masters his might, and the murderer nears, +stealthily shooting the shafts from his bow! + +[1] That is, "whoever has as wide authority as I have and can +remember so far back so many instances of heroism, may well say, +as I say, that no better hero ever lived than Beowulf." + + + +XXV + +"UNDER harness his heart then is hit indeed +by sharpest shafts; and no shelter avails +from foul behest of the hellish fiend.[1] +Him seems too little what long he possessed. +Greedy and grim, no golden rings +he gives for his pride; the promised future +forgets he and spurns, with all God has sent him, +Wonder-Wielder, of wealth and fame. +Yet in the end it ever comes +that the frame of the body fragile yields, +fated falls; and there follows another +who joyously the jewels divides, +the royal riches, nor recks of his forebear. +Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, +best of men, and the better part choose, +profit eternal; and temper thy pride, +warrior famous! The flower of thy might +lasts now a while: but erelong it shall be +that sickness or sword thy strength shall minish, +or fang of fire, or flooding billow, +or bite of blade, or brandished spear, +or odious age; or the eyes' clear beam +wax dull and darken: Death even thee +in haste shall o'erwhelm, thou hero of war! +So the Ring-Danes these half-years a hundred I ruled, +wielded 'neath welkin, and warded them bravely +from mighty-ones many o'er middle-earth, +from spear and sword, till it seemed for me +no foe could be found under fold of the sky. +Lo, sudden the shift! To me seated secure +came grief for joy when Grendel began +to harry my home, the hellish foe; +for those ruthless raids, unresting I suffered +heart-sorrow heavy. Heaven be thanked, +Lord Eternal, for life extended +that I on this head all hewn and bloody, +after long evil, with eyes may gaze! +-- Go to the bench now! Be glad at banquet, +warrior worthy! A wealth of treasure +at dawn of day, be dealt between us!" +Glad was the Geats' lord, going betimes +to seek his seat, as the Sage commanded. +Afresh, as before, for the famed-in-battle, +for the band of the hall, was a banquet dight +nobly anew. The Night-Helm darkened +dusk o'er the drinkers. +The doughty ones rose: +for the hoary-headed would hasten to rest, +aged Scylding; and eager the Geat, +shield-fighter sturdy, for sleeping yearned. +Him wander-weary, warrior-guest +from far, a hall-thane heralded forth, +who by custom courtly cared for all +needs of a thane as in those old days +warrior-wanderers wont to have. +So slumbered the stout-heart. Stately the hall +rose gabled and gilt where the guest slept on +till a raven black the rapture-of-heaven[2] +blithe-heart boded. Bright came flying +shine after shadow. The swordsmen hastened, +athelings all were eager homeward +forth to fare; and far from thence +the great-hearted guest would guide his keel. +Bade then the hardy-one Hrunting be brought +to the son of Ecglaf, the sword bade him take, +excellent iron, and uttered his thanks for it, +quoth that he counted it keen in battle, +"war-friend" winsome: with words he slandered not +edge of the blade: 'twas a big-hearted man! +Now eager for parting and armed at point +warriors waited, while went to his host +that Darling of Danes. The doughty atheling +to high-seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted. + +[1] That is, he is now undefended by conscience from the +temptations (shafts) of the devil. [2] Kenning for the sun. -- +This is a strange role for the raven. He is the warrior's bird of +battle, exults in slaughter and carnage; his joy here is a +compliment to the sunrise. + + + +XXVI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, we seafarers say our will, +far-come men, that we fain would seek +Hygelac now. We here have found +hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well. +If ever on earth I am able to win me +more of thy love, O lord of men, +aught anew, than I now have done, +for work of war I am willing still! +If it come to me ever across the seas +that neighbor foemen annoy and fright thee, -- +as they that hate thee erewhile have used, -- +thousands then of thanes I shall bring, +heroes to help thee. Of Hygelac I know, +ward of his folk, that, though few his years, +the lord of the Geats will give me aid +by word and by work, that well I may serve thee, +wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph +and lending thee might when thou lackest men. +If thy Hrethric should come to court of Geats, +a sovran's son, he will surely there +find his friends. A far-off land +each man should visit who vaunts him brave." +Him then answering, Hrothgar spake: -- +"These words of thine the wisest God +sent to thy soul! No sager counsel +from so young in years e'er yet have I heard. +Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary, +art wise in words! I ween indeed +if ever it hap that Hrethel's heir +by spear be seized, by sword-grim battle, +by illness or iron, thine elder and lord, +people's leader, -- and life be thine, -- +no seemlier man will the Sea-Geats find +at all to choose for their chief and king, +for hoard-guard of heroes, if hold thou wilt +thy kinsman's kingdom! Thy keen mind pleases me +the longer the better, Beowulf loved! + +Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples, +sons of the Geat and Spear-Dane folk, +shall have mutual peace, and from murderous strife, +such as once they waged, from war refrain. +Long as I rule this realm so wide, +let our hoards be common, let heroes with gold +each other greet o'er the gannet's-bath, +and the ringed-prow bear o'er rolling waves +tokens of love. I trow my landfolk +towards friend and foe are firmly joined, +and honor they keep in the olden way." +To him in the hall, then, Healfdene's son +gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls +bade him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved, +hale to his home, and in haste return. +Then kissed the king of kin renowned, +Scyldings' chieftain, that choicest thane, +and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the tears +of the hoary-headed. Heavy with winters, +he had chances twain, but he clung to this,[1] -- +that each should look on the other again, +and hear him in hall. Was this hero so dear to him. +his breast's wild billows he banned in vain; +safe in his soul a secret longing, +locked in his mind, for that loved man +burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode, +glad of his gold-gifts, the grass-plot o'er, +warrior blithe. The wave-roamer bode +riding at anchor, its owner awaiting. +As they hastened onward, Hrothgar's gift +they lauded at length. -- 'Twas a lord unpeered, +every way blameless, till age had broken +-- it spareth no mortal -- his splendid might. + +[1] That is, he might or might not see Beowulf again. Old as he +was, the latter chance was likely; but he clung to the former, +hoping to see his young friend again "and exchange brave words in +the hall." + + + +XXVII + +CAME now to ocean the ever-courageous +hardy henchmen, their harness bearing, +woven war-sarks. The warden marked, +trusty as ever, the earl's return. +From the height of the hill no hostile words +reached the guests as he rode to greet them; +but "Welcome!" he called to that Weder clan +as the sheen-mailed spoilers to ship marched on. +Then on the strand, with steeds and treasure +and armor their roomy and ring-dight ship +was heavily laden: high its mast +rose over Hrothgar's hoarded gems. +A sword to the boat-guard Beowulf gave, +mounted with gold; on the mead-bench since +he was better esteemed, that blade possessing, +heirloom old. -- Their ocean-keel boarding, +they drove through the deep, and Daneland left. +A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes, +firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned;[1] +nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow +across from her course. The craft sped on, +foam-necked it floated forth o'er the waves, +keel firm-bound over briny currents, +till they got them sight of the Geatish cliffs, +home-known headlands. High the boat, +stirred by winds, on the strand updrove. +Helpful at haven the harbor-guard stood, +who long already for loved companions +by the water had waited and watched afar. +He bound to the beach the broad-bosomed ship +with anchor-bands, lest ocean-billows +that trusty timber should tear away. +Then Beowulf bade them bear the treasure, +gold and jewels; no journey far +was it thence to go to the giver of rings, +Hygelac Hrethling: at home he dwelt +by the sea-wall close, himself and clan. +Haughty that house, a hero the king, +high the hall, and Hygd[2] right young, +wise and wary, though winters few +in those fortress walls she had found a home, +Haereth's daughter. Nor humble her ways, +nor grudged she gifts to the Geatish men, +of precious treasure. Not Thryth's pride showed she, +folk-queen famed, or that fell deceit. +Was none so daring that durst make bold +(save her lord alone) of the liegemen dear +that lady full in the face to look, +but forged fetters he found his lot, +bonds of death! And brief the respite; +soon as they seized him, his sword-doom was spoken, +and the burnished blade a baleful murder +proclaimed and closed. No queenly way +for woman to practise, though peerless she, +that the weaver-of-peace[3] from warrior dear +by wrath and lying his life should reave! +But Hemming's kinsman hindered this. -- +For over their ale men also told +that of these folk-horrors fewer she wrought, +onslaughts of evil, after she went, +gold-decked bride, to the brave young prince, +atheling haughty, and Offa's hall +o'er the fallow flood at her father's bidding +safely sought, where since she prospered, +royal, throned, rich in goods, +fain of the fair life fate had sent her, +and leal in love to the lord of warriors. +He, of all heroes I heard of ever +from sea to sea, of the sons of earth, +most excellent seemed. Hence Offa was praised +for his fighting and feeing by far-off men, +the spear-bold warrior; wisely he ruled +over his empire. Eomer woke to him, +help of heroes, Hemming's kinsman, +Grandson of Garmund, grim in war. + +[1] With the speed of the boat. [2] Queen to Hygelac. She is +praised by contrast with the antitype, Thryth, just as Beowulf +was praised by contrast with Heremod. [3] Kenning for "wife." + + + +XXVIII + +HASTENED the hardy one, henchmen with him, +sandy strand of the sea to tread +and widespread ways. The world's great candle, +sun shone from south. They strode along +with sturdy steps to the spot they knew +where the battle-king young, his burg within, +slayer of Ongentheow, shared the rings, +shelter-of-heroes. To Hygelac +Beowulf's coming was quickly told, -- +that there in the court the clansmen's refuge, +the shield-companion sound and alive, +hale from the hero-play homeward strode. +With haste in the hall, by highest order, +room for the rovers was readily made. +By his sovran he sat, come safe from battle, +kinsman by kinsman. His kindly lord +he first had greeted in gracious form, +with manly words. The mead dispensing, +came through the high hall Haereth's daughter, +winsome to warriors, wine-cup bore +to the hands of the heroes. Hygelac then +his comrade fairly with question plied +in the lofty hall, sore longing to know +what manner of sojourn the Sea-Geats made. +"What came of thy quest, my kinsman Beowulf, +when thy yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder +battle to seek o'er the briny sea, +combat in Heorot? Hrothgar couldst thou +aid at all, the honored chief, +in his wide-known woes? With waves of care +my sad heart seethed; I sore mistrusted +my loved one's venture: long I begged thee +by no means to seek that slaughtering monster, +but suffer the South-Danes to settle their feud +themselves with Grendel. Now God be thanked +that safe and sound I can see thee now!" +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"'Tis known and unhidden, Hygelac Lord, +to many men, that meeting of ours, +struggle grim between Grendel and me, +which we fought on the field where full too many +sorrows he wrought for the Scylding-Victors, +evils unending. These all I avenged. +No boast can be from breed of Grendel, +any on earth, for that uproar at dawn, +from the longest-lived of the loathsome race +in fleshly fold! -- But first I went +Hrothgar to greet in the hall of gifts, +where Healfdene's kinsman high-renowned, +soon as my purpose was plain to him, +assigned me a seat by his son and heir. +The liegemen were lusty; my life-days never +such merry men over mead in hall +have I heard under heaven! The high-born queen, +people's peace-bringer, passed through the hall, +cheered the young clansmen, clasps of gold, +ere she sought her seat, to sundry gave. +Oft to the heroes Hrothgar's daughter, +to earls in turn, the ale-cup tendered, -- +she whom I heard these hall-companions +Freawaru name, when fretted gold +she proffered the warriors. Promised is she, +gold-decked maid, to the glad son of Froda. +Sage this seems to the Scylding's-friend, +kingdom's-keeper: he counts it wise +the woman to wed so and ward off feud, +store of slaughter. But seldom ever +when men are slain, does the murder-spear sink +but briefest while, though the bride be fair![1] +"Nor haply will like it the Heathobard lord, +and as little each of his liegemen all, +when a thane of the Danes, in that doughty throng, +goes with the lady along their hall, +and on him the old-time heirlooms glisten +hard and ring-decked, Heathobard's treasure, +weapons that once they wielded fair +until they lost at the linden-play[2] +liegeman leal and their lives as well. +Then, over the ale, on this heirloom gazing, +some ash-wielder old who has all in mind +that spear-death of men,[3] -- he is stern of mood, +heavy at heart, -- in the hero young +tests the temper and tries the soul +and war-hate wakens, with words like these: -- +Canst thou not, comrade, ken that sword +which to the fray thy father carried +in his final feud, 'neath the fighting-mask, +dearest of blades, when the Danish slew him +and wielded the war-place on Withergild's fall, +after havoc of heroes, those hardy Scyldings? +Now, the son of a certain slaughtering Dane, +proud of his treasure, paces this hall, +joys in the killing, and carries the jewel[4] +that rightfully ought to be owned by thee!_ +Thus he urges and eggs him all the time +with keenest words, till occasion offers +that Freawaru's thane, for his father's deed, +after bite of brand in his blood must slumber, +losing his life; but that liegeman flies +living away, for the land he kens. +And thus be broken on both their sides +oaths of the earls, when Ingeld's breast +wells with war-hate, and wife-love now +after the care-billows cooler grows. +"So[5] I hold not high the Heathobards' faith +due to the Danes, or their during love +and pact of peace. -- But I pass from that, +turning to Grendel, O giver-of-treasure, +and saying in full how the fight resulted, +hand-fray of heroes. When heaven's jewel +had fled o'er far fields, that fierce sprite came, +night-foe savage, to seek us out +where safe and sound we sentried the hall. +To Hondscio then was that harassing deadly, +his fall there was fated. He first was slain, +girded warrior. Grendel on him +turned murderous mouth, on our mighty kinsman, +and all of the brave man's body devoured. +Yet none the earlier, empty-handed, +would the bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of bale, +outward go from the gold-decked hall: +but me he attacked in his terror of might, +with greedy hand grasped me. A glove hung by him[6] +wide and wondrous, wound with bands; +and in artful wise it all was wrought, +by devilish craft, of dragon-skins. +Me therein, an innocent man, +the fiendish foe was fain to thrust +with many another. He might not so, +when I all angrily upright stood. +'Twere long to relate how that land-destroyer +I paid in kind for his cruel deeds; +yet there, my prince, this people of thine +got fame by my fighting. He fled away, +and a little space his life preserved; +but there staid behind him his stronger hand +left in Heorot; heartsick thence +on the floor of the ocean that outcast fell. +Me for this struggle the Scyldings'-friend +paid in plenty with plates of gold, +with many a treasure, when morn had come +and we all at the banquet-board sat down. +Then was song and glee. The gray-haired Scylding, +much tested, told of the times of yore. +Whiles the hero his harp bestirred, +wood-of-delight; now lays he chanted +of sooth and sadness, or said aright +legends of wonder, the wide-hearted king; +or for years of his youth he would yearn at times, +for strength of old struggles, now stricken with age, +hoary hero: his heart surged full +when, wise with winters, he wailed their flight. +Thus in the hall the whole of that day +at ease we feasted, till fell o'er earth +another night. Anon full ready +in greed of vengeance, Grendel's mother +set forth all doleful. Dead was her son +through war-hate of Weders; now, woman monstrous +with fury fell a foeman she slew, +avenged her offspring. From Aeschere old, +loyal councillor, life was gone; +nor might they e'en, when morning broke, +those Danish people, their death-done comrade +burn with brands, on balefire lay +the man they mourned. Under mountain stream +she had carried the corpse with cruel hands. +For Hrothgar that was the heaviest sorrow +of all that had laden the lord of his folk. +The leader then, by thy life, besought me +(sad was his soul) in the sea-waves' coil +to play the hero and hazard my being +for glory of prowess: my guerdon he pledged. +I then in the waters -- 'tis widely known -- +that sea-floor-guardian savage found. +Hand-to-hand there a while we struggled; +billows welled blood; in the briny hall +her head I hewed with a hardy blade +from Grendel's mother, -- and gained my life, +though not without danger. My doom was not yet. +Then the haven-of-heroes, Healfdene's son, +gave me in guerdon great gifts of price. + +Note: [1] Beowulf gives his uncle the king not mere gossip of his +journey, but a statesmanlike forecast of the outcome of certain +policies at the Danish court. Talk of interpolation here is +absurd. As both Beowulf and Hygelac know, -- and the folk for +whom the Beowulf was put together also knew, -- Froda was king of +the Heathobards (probably the Langobards, once near neighbors of +Angle and Saxon tribes on the continent), and had fallen +in fight with the Danes. Hrothgar will set aside this feud by +giving his daughter as "peace-weaver" and wife to the young king +Ingeld, son of the slain Froda. But Beowulf, on general +principles and from his observation of the particular case, +foretells trouble. Note: [2] Play of shields, battle. A Danish +warrior cuts down Froda in the fight, and takes his sword and +armor, leaving them to a son. This son is selected to accompany +his mistress, the young princess Freawaru, to her new home when +she is Ingeld's queen. Heedlessly he wears the sword of Froda in +hall. An old warrior points it out to Ingeld, and eggs him on to +vengeance. At his instigation the Dane is killed; but the +murderer, afraid of results, and knowing the land, escapes. So +the old feud must break out again. [3] That is, their disastrous +battle and the slaying of their king. [4] The sword. [5] Beowulf +returns to his forecast. Things might well go somewhat as +follows, he says; sketches a little tragic story; and with this +prophecy by illustration returns to the tale of his adventure. +[6] Not an actual glove, but a sort of bag. + + + +XXXI + +"So held this king to the customs old, +that I wanted for nought in the wage I gained, +the meed of my might; he made me gifts, +Healfdene's heir, for my own disposal. +Now to thee, my prince, I proffer them all, +gladly give them. Thy grace alone +can find me favor. Few indeed +have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!" +Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard, +the battle-helm high, and breastplate gray, +the splendid sword; then spake in form: -- +"Me this war-gear the wise old prince, +Hrothgar, gave, and his hest he added, +that its story be straightway said to thee. -- +A while it was held by Heorogar king, +for long time lord of the land of Scyldings; +yet not to his son the sovran left it, +to daring Heoroweard, -- dear as he was to him, +his harness of battle. -- Well hold thou it all!" +And I heard that soon passed o'er the path of this treasure, +all apple-fallow, four good steeds, +each like the others, arms and horses +he gave to the king. So should kinsmen be, +not weave one another the net of wiles, +or with deep-hid treachery death contrive +for neighbor and comrade. His nephew was ever +by hardy Hygelac held full dear, +and each kept watch o'er the other's weal. +I heard, too, the necklace to Hygd he presented, +wonder-wrought treasure, which Wealhtheow gave him +sovran's daughter: three steeds he added, +slender and saddle-gay. Since such gift +the gem gleamed bright on the breast of the queen. +Thus showed his strain the son of Ecgtheow +as a man remarked for mighty deeds +and acts of honor. At ale he slew not +comrade or kin; nor cruel his mood, +though of sons of earth his strength was greatest, +a glorious gift that God had sent +the splendid leader. Long was he spurned, +and worthless by Geatish warriors held; +him at mead the master-of-clans +failed full oft to favor at all. +Slack and shiftless the strong men deemed him, +profitless prince; but payment came, +to the warrior honored, for all his woes. -- +Then the bulwark-of-earls[1] bade bring within, +hardy chieftain, Hrethel's heirloom +garnished with gold: no Geat e'er knew +in shape of a sword a statelier prize. +The brand he laid in Beowulf's lap; +and of hides assigned him seven thousand,[2] +with house and high-seat. They held in common +land alike by their line of birth, +inheritance, home: but higher the king +because of his rule o'er the realm itself. + +Now further it fell with the flight of years, +with harryings horrid, that Hygelac perished,[3] +and Heardred, too, by hewing of swords +under the shield-wall slaughtered lay, +when him at the van of his victor-folk +sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings, +in arms o'erwhelming Hereric's nephew. +Then Beowulf came as king this broad +realm to wield; and he ruled it well +fifty winters,[4] a wise old prince, +warding his land, until One began +in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage. +In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded, +in the stone-barrow steep. A strait path reached it, +unknown to mortals. Some man, however, +came by chance that cave within +to the heathen hoard.[5] In hand he took +a golden goblet, nor gave he it back, +stole with it away, while the watcher slept, +by thievish wiles: for the warden's wrath +prince and people must pay betimes! + +[1] Hygelac. [2] This is generally assumed to mean hides, though +the text simply says "seven thousand." A hide in England meant +about 120 acres, though "the size of the acre varied." [3] On the +historical raid into Frankish territory between 512 and 520 A.D. +The subsequent course of events, as gathered from hints of this +epic, is partly told in Scandinavian legend. [4] The chronology +of this epic, as scholars have worked it out, would make Beowulf +well over ninety years of age when he fights the dragon. But the +fifty years of his reign need not be taken as historical fact. +[5] The text is here hopelessly illegible, and only the general +drift of the meaning can be rescued. For one thing, we have the +old myth of a dragon who guards hidden treasure. But with this +runs the story of some noble, last of his race, who hides all his +wealth within this barrow and there chants his farewell to life's +glories. After his death the dragon takes possession of the hoard +and watches over it. A condemned or banished man, desperate, +hides in the barrow, discovers the treasure, and while the dragon +sleeps, makes off with a golden beaker or the like, and carries +it for propitiation to his master. The dragon discovers the loss +and exacts fearful penalty from the people round about. + + + +XXXII + +THAT way he went with no will of his own, +in danger of life, to the dragon's hoard, +but for pressure of peril, some prince's thane. +He fled in fear the fatal scourge, +seeking shelter, a sinful man, +and entered in. At the awful sight +tottered that guest, and terror seized him; +yet the wretched fugitive rallied anon +from fright and fear ere he fled away, +and took the cup from that treasure-hoard. +Of such besides there was store enough, +heirlooms old, the earth below, +which some earl forgotten, in ancient years, +left the last of his lofty race, +heedfully there had hidden away, +dearest treasure. For death of yore +had hurried all hence; and he alone +left to live, the last of the clan, +weeping his friends, yet wished to bide +warding the treasure, his one delight, +though brief his respite. The barrow, new-ready, +to strand and sea-waves stood anear, +hard by the headland, hidden and closed; +there laid within it his lordly heirlooms +and heaped hoard of heavy gold +that warden of rings. Few words he spake: +"Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not, +what earls have owned! Lo, erst from thee +brave men brought it! But battle-death seized +and cruel killing my clansmen all, +robbed them of life and a liegeman's joys. +None have I left to lift the sword, +or to cleanse the carven cup of price, +beaker bright. My brave are gone. +And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold, +shall part from its plating. Polishers sleep +who could brighten and burnish the battle-mask; +and those weeds of war that were wont to brave +over bicker of shields the bite of steel +rust with their bearer. The ringed mail +fares not far with famous chieftain, +at side of hero! No harp's delight, +no glee-wood's gladness! No good hawk now +flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet +stamp in the burgstead! Battle and death +the flower of my race have reft away." +Mournful of mood, thus he moaned his woe, +alone, for them all, and unblithe wept +by day and by night, till death's fell wave +o'erwhelmed his heart. His hoard-of-bliss +that old ill-doer open found, +who, blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth, +naked foe-dragon flying by night +folded in fire: the folk of earth +dread him sore. 'Tis his doom to seek +hoard in the graves, and heathen gold +to watch, many-wintered: nor wins he thereby! +Powerful this plague-of-the-people thus +held the house of the hoard in earth +three hundred winters; till One aroused +wrath in his breast, to the ruler bearing +that costly cup, and the king implored +for bond of peace. So the barrow was plundered, +borne off was booty. His boon was granted +that wretched man; and his ruler saw +first time what was fashioned in far-off days. +When the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled. +O'er the stone he snuffed. The stark-heart found +footprint of foe who so far had gone +in his hidden craft by the creature's head. -- +So may the undoomed easily flee +evils and exile, if only he gain +the grace of The Wielder! -- That warden of gold +o'er the ground went seeking, greedy to find +the man who wrought him such wrong in sleep. +Savage and burning, the barrow he circled +all without; nor was any there, +none in the waste.... Yet war he desired, +was eager for battle. The barrow he entered, +sought the cup, and discovered soon +that some one of mortals had searched his treasure, +his lordly gold. The guardian waited +ill-enduring till evening came; +boiling with wrath was the barrow's keeper, +and fain with flame the foe to pay +for the dear cup's loss. -- Now day was fled +as the worm had wished. By its wall no more +was it glad to bide, but burning flew +folded in flame: a fearful beginning +for sons of the soil; and soon it came, +in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end. + + + +XXXIII + +THEN the baleful fiend its fire belched out, +and bright homes burned. The blaze stood high +all landsfolk frighting. No living thing +would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew. +Wide was the dragon's warring seen, +its fiendish fury far and near, +as the grim destroyer those Geatish people +hated and hounded. To hidden lair, +to its hoard it hastened at hint of dawn. +Folk of the land it had lapped in flame, +with bale and brand. In its barrow it trusted, +its battling and bulwarks: that boast was vain! + +To Beowulf then the bale was told +quickly and truly: the king's own home, +of buildings the best, in brand-waves melted, +that gift-throne of Geats. To the good old man +sad in heart, 'twas heaviest sorrow. +The sage assumed that his sovran God +he had angered, breaking ancient law, +and embittered the Lord. His breast within +with black thoughts welled, as his wont was never. +The folk's own fastness that fiery dragon +with flame had destroyed, and the stronghold all +washed by waves; but the warlike king, +prince of the Weders, plotted vengeance. +Warriors'-bulwark, he bade them work +all of iron -- the earl's commander -- +a war-shield wondrous: well he knew +that forest-wood against fire were worthless, +linden could aid not. -- Atheling brave, +he was fated to finish this fleeting life,[1] +his days on earth, and the dragon with him, +though long it had watched o'er the wealth of thehoard! -- +Shame he reckoned it, sharer-of-rings, +to follow the flyer-afar with a host, +a broad-flung band; nor the battle feared he, +nor deemed he dreadful the dragon's warring, +its vigor and valor: ventures desperate +he had passed a-plenty, and perils of war, +contest-crash, since, conqueror proud, +Hrothgar's hall he had wholly purged, +and in grapple had killed the kin of Grendel, +loathsome breed! Not least was that +of hand-to-hand fights where Hygelac fell, +when the ruler of Geats in rush of battle, +lord of his folk, in the Frisian land, +son of Hrethel, by sword-draughts died, +by brands down-beaten. Thence Beowulf fled +through strength of himself and his swimming power, +though alone, and his arms were laden with thirty +coats of mail, when he came to the sea! +Nor yet might Hetwaras[2] haughtily boast +their craft of contest, who carried against him +shields to the fight: but few escaped +from strife with the hero to seek their homes! +Then swam over ocean Ecgtheow's son +lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land, +where Hygd made him offer of hoard and realm, +rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught +the strength of her son to save their kingdom +from hostile hordes, after Hygelac's death. +No sooner for this could the stricken ones +in any wise move that atheling's mind +over young Heardred's head as lord +and ruler of all the realm to be: +yet the hero upheld him with helpful words, +aided in honor, till, older grown, +he wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles +sought him o'er seas, the sons of Ohtere, +who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings'-helmet, +the bravest and best that broke the rings, +in Swedish land, of the sea-kings' line, +haughty hero.[3] Hence Heardred's end. +For shelter he gave them, sword-death came, +the blade's fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac; +but the son of Ongentheow sought again +house and home when Heardred fell, +leaving Beowulf lord of Geats +and gift-seat's master. -- A good king he! + +[1] Literally "loan-days," days loaned to man. [2] Chattuarii, a +tribe that dwelt along the Rhine, and took part in repelling the +raid of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus. [3] Onla, son of Ongentheow, who +pursues his two nephews Eanmund and Eadgils to Heardred's court, +where they have taken refuge after their unsuccessful rebellion. +In the fighting Heardred is killed. + + + +XXXIV + +THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite +in after days; and to Eadgils he proved +friend to the friendless, and forces sent +over the sea to the son of Ohtere, +weapons and warriors: well repaid he +those care-paths cold when the king he slew.[1] +Thus safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow +had passed a plenty, through perils dire, +with daring deeds, till this day was come +that doomed him now with the dragon to strive. +With comrades eleven the lord of Geats +swollen in rage went seeking the dragon. +He had heard whence all the harm arose +and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price +on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder. +In the throng was this one thirteenth man, +starter of all the strife and ill, +care-laden captive; cringing thence +forced and reluctant, he led them on +till he came in ken of that cavern-hall, +the barrow delved near billowy surges, +flood of ocean. Within 'twas full +of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden, +warrior trusty, the treasures held, +lurked in his lair. Not light the task +of entrance for any of earth-born men! +Sat on the headland the hero king, +spake words of hail to his hearth-companions, +gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul, +wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh +stood ready to greet the gray-haired man, +to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart +life and body. Not long would be +the warrior's spirit enwound with flesh. +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Through store of struggles I strove in youth, +mighty feuds; I mind them all. +I was seven years old when the sovran of rings, +friend-of-his-folk, from my father took me, +had me, and held me, Hrethel the king, +with food and fee, faithful in kinship. +Ne'er, while I lived there, he loathlier found me, +bairn in the burg, than his birthright sons, +Herebeald and Haethcyn and Hygelac mine. +For the eldest of these, by unmeet chance, +by kinsman's deed, was the death-bed strewn, +when Haethcyn killed him with horny bow, +his own dear liege laid low with an arrow, +missed the mark and his mate shot down, +one brother the other, with bloody shaft. +A feeless fight,[2] and a fearful sin, +horror to Hrethel; yet, hard as it was, +unavenged must the atheling die! +Too awful it is for an aged man +to bide and bear, that his bairn so young +rides on the gallows. A rime he makes, +sorrow-song for his son there hanging +as rapture of ravens; no rescue now +can come from the old, disabled man! +Still is he minded, as morning breaks, +of the heir gone elsewhere;[3] another he hopes not +he will bide to see his burg within +as ward for his wealth, now the one has found +doom of death that the deed incurred. +Forlorn he looks on the lodge of his son, +wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers +reft of revel. The rider sleepeth, +the hero, far-hidden;[4] no harp resounds, +in the courts no wassail, as once was heard. + +[1] That is, Beowulf supports Eadgils against Onela, who is slain +by Eadgils in revenge for the "care-paths" of exile into which +Onela forced him. [2] That is, the king could claim no wergild, +or man-price, from one son for the killing of the other. [3] +Usual euphemism for death. [4] Sc. in the grave. + + + +XXXV + +"THEN he goes to his chamber, a grief-song chants +alone for his lost. Too large all seems, +homestead and house. So the helmet-of-Weders +hid in his heart for Herebeald +waves of woe. No way could he take +to avenge on the slayer slaughter so foul; +nor e'en could he harass that hero at all +with loathing deed, though he loved him not. +And so for the sorrow his soul endured, +men's gladness he gave up and God's light chose. +Lands and cities he left his sons +(as the wealthy do) when he went from earth. +There was strife and struggle 'twixt Swede and Geat +o'er the width of waters; war arose, +hard battle-horror, when Hrethel died, +and Ongentheow's offspring grew +strife-keen, bold, nor brooked o'er the seas +pact of peace, but pushed their hosts +to harass in hatred by Hreosnabeorh. +Men of my folk for that feud had vengeance, +for woful war ('tis widely known), +though one of them bought it with blood of his heart, +a bargain hard: for Haethcyn proved +fatal that fray, for the first-of-Geats. +At morn, I heard, was the murderer killed +by kinsman for kinsman,[1] with clash of sword, +when Ongentheow met Eofor there. +Wide split the war-helm: wan he fell, +hoary Scylfing; the hand that smote him +of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the death-blow. +-- "For all that he[2] gave me, my gleaming sword +repaid him at war, -- such power I wielded, -- +for lordly treasure: with land he entrusted me, +homestead and house. He had no need +from Swedish realm, or from Spear-Dane folk, +or from men of the Gifths, to get him help, -- +some warrior worse for wage to buy! +Ever I fought in the front of all, +sole to the fore; and so shall I fight +while I bide in life and this blade shall last +that early and late hath loyal proved +since for my doughtiness Daeghrefn fell, +slain by my hand, the Hugas' champion. +Nor fared he thence to the Frisian king +with the booty back, and breast-adornments; +but, slain in struggle, that standard-bearer +fell, atheling brave. Not with blade was he slain, +but his bones were broken by brawny gripe, +his heart-waves stilled. -- The sword-edge now, +hard blade and my hand, for the hoard shall strive." +Beowulf spake, and a battle-vow made +his last of all: "I have lived through many +wars in my youth; now once again, +old folk-defender, feud will I seek, +do doughty deeds, if the dark destroyer +forth from his cavern come to fight me!" +Then hailed he the helmeted heroes all, +for the last time greeting his liegemen dear, +comrades of war: "I should carry no weapon, +no sword to the serpent, if sure I knew +how, with such enemy, else my vows +I could gain as I did in Grendel's day. +But fire in this fight I must fear me now, +and poisonous breath; so I bring with me +breastplate and board.[3] From the barrow's keeper +no footbreadth flee I. One fight shall end +our war by the wall, as Wyrd allots, +all mankind's master. My mood is bold +but forbears to boast o'er this battling-flyer. +-- Now abide by the barrow, ye breastplate-mailed, +ye heroes in harness, which of us twain +better from battle-rush bear his wounds. +Wait ye the finish. The fight is not yours, +nor meet for any but me alone +to measure might with this monster here +and play the hero. Hardily I +shall win that wealth, or war shall seize, +cruel killing, your king and lord!" +Up stood then with shield the sturdy champion, +stayed by the strength of his single manhood, +and hardy 'neath helmet his harness bore +under cleft of the cliffs: no coward's path! +Soon spied by the wall that warrior chief, +survivor of many a victory-field +where foemen fought with furious clashings, +an arch of stone; and within, a stream +that broke from the barrow. The brooklet's wave +was hot with fire. The hoard that way +he never could hope unharmed to near, +or endure those deeps,[4] for the dragon's flame. +Then let from his breast, for he burst with rage, +the Weder-Geat prince a word outgo; +stormed the stark-heart; stern went ringing +and clear his cry 'neath the cliff-rocks gray. +The hoard-guard heard a human voice; +his rage was enkindled. No respite now +for pact of peace! The poison-breath +of that foul worm first came forth from the cave, +hot reek-of-fight: the rocks resounded. +Stout by the stone-way his shield he raised, +lord of the Geats, against the loathed-one; +while with courage keen that coiled foe +came seeking strife. The sturdy king +had drawn his sword, not dull of edge, +heirloom old; and each of the two +felt fear of his foe, though fierce their mood. +Stoutly stood with his shield high-raised +the warrior king, as the worm now coiled +together amain: the mailed-one waited. +Now, spire by spire, fast sped and glided +that blazing serpent. The shield protected, +soul and body a shorter while +for the hero-king than his heart desired, +could his will have wielded the welcome respite +but once in his life! But Wyrd denied it, +and victory's honors. -- His arm he lifted +lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote +with atheling's heirloom. Its edge was turned +brown blade, on the bone, and bit more feebly +than its noble master had need of then +in his baleful stress. -- Then the barrow's keeper +waxed full wild for that weighty blow, +cast deadly flames; wide drove and far +those vicious fires. No victor's glory +the Geats' lord boasted; his brand had failed, +naked in battle, as never it should, +excellent iron! -- 'Twas no easy path +that Ecgtheow's honored heir must tread +over the plain to the place of the foe; +for against his will he must win a home +elsewhere far, as must all men, leaving +this lapsing life! -- Not long it was +ere those champions grimly closed again. +The hoard-guard was heartened; high heaved hisbreast +once more; and by peril was pressed again, +enfolded in flames, the folk-commander! +Nor yet about him his band of comrades, +sons of athelings, armed stood +with warlike front: to the woods they bent them, +their lives to save. But the soul of one +with care was cumbered. Kinship true +can never be marred in a noble mind! + +[1] Eofor for Wulf. -- The immediate provocation for Eofor in +killing "the hoary Scylfing," Ongentheow, is that the latter has +just struck Wulf down; but the king, Haethcyn, is also avenged by +the blow. See the detailed description below. [2] Hygelac. [3] +Shield. [4] The hollow passage. + + + +XXXVI + +WIGLAF his name was, Weohstan's son, +linden-thane loved, the lord of Scylfings, +Aelfhere's kinsman. His king he now saw +with heat under helmet hard oppressed. +He minded the prizes his prince had given him, +wealthy seat of the Waegmunding line, +and folk-rights that his father owned +Not long he lingered. The linden yellow, +his shield, he seized; the old sword he drew: -- +as heirloom of Eanmund earth-dwellers knew it, +who was slain by the sword-edge, son of Ohtere, +friendless exile, erst in fray +killed by Weohstan, who won for his kin +brown-bright helmet, breastplate ringed, +old sword of Eotens, Onela's gift, +weeds of war of the warrior-thane, +battle-gear brave: though a brother's child +had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onela.[1] +For winters this war-gear Weohstan kept, +breastplate and board, till his bairn had grown +earlship to earn as the old sire did: +then he gave him, mid Geats, the gear of battle, +portion huge, when he passed from life, +fared aged forth. For the first time now +with his leader-lord the liegeman young +was bidden to share the shock of battle. +Neither softened his soul, nor the sire's bequest +weakened in war.[2] So the worm found out +when once in fight the foes had met! +Wiglaf spake, -- and his words were sage; +sad in spirit, he said to his comrades: -- +"I remember the time, when mead we took, +what promise we made to this prince of ours +in the banquet-hall, to our breaker-of-rings, +for gear of combat to give him requital, +for hard-sword and helmet, if hap should bring +stress of this sort! Himself who chose us +from all his army to aid him now, +urged us to glory, and gave these treasures, +because he counted us keen with the spear +and hardy 'neath helm, though this hero-work +our leader hoped unhelped and alone +to finish for us, -- folk-defender +who hath got him glory greater than all men +for daring deeds! Now the day is come +that our noble master has need of the might +of warriors stout. Let us stride along +the hero to help while the heat is about him +glowing and grim! For God is my witness +I am far more fain the fire should seize +along with my lord these limbs of mine![3] +Unsuiting it seems our shields to bear +homeward hence, save here we essay +to fell the foe and defend the life +of the Weders' lord. I wot 'twere shame +on the law of our land if alone the king +out of Geatish warriors woe endured +and sank in the struggle! My sword and helmet, +breastplate and board, for us both shall serve!" +Through slaughter-reek strode he to succor his chieftain, +his battle-helm bore, and brief words spake: -- +"Beowulf dearest, do all bravely, +as in youthful days of yore thou vowedst +that while life should last thou wouldst let no wise +thy glory droop! Now, great in deeds, +atheling steadfast, with all thy strength +shield thy life! I will stand to help thee." +At the words the worm came once again, +murderous monster mad with rage, +with fire-billows flaming, its foes to seek, +the hated men. In heat-waves burned +that board[4] to the boss, and the breastplate failed +to shelter at all the spear-thane young. +Yet quickly under his kinsman's shield +went eager the earl, since his own was now +all burned by the blaze. The bold king again +had mind of his glory: with might his glaive +was driven into the dragon's head, -- +blow nerved by hate. But Naegling[5] was shivered, +broken in battle was Beowulf's sword, +old and gray. 'Twas granted him not +that ever the edge of iron at all +could help him at strife: too strong was his hand, +so the tale is told, and he tried too far +with strength of stroke all swords he wielded, +though sturdy their steel: they steaded him nought. +Then for the third time thought on its feud +that folk-destroyer, fire-dread dragon, +and rushed on the hero, where room allowed, +battle-grim, burning; its bitter teeth +closed on his neck, and covered him +with waves of blood from his breast that welled. + +[1] That is, although Eanmund was brother's son to Onela, the +slaying of the former by Weohstan is not felt as cause of feud, +and is rewarded by gift of the slain man's weapons. [2] Both +Wiglaf and the sword did their duty. -- The following is one of +the classic passages for illustrating the comitatus as the most +conspicuous Germanic institution, and its underlying sense of +duty, based partly on the idea of loyalty and partly on the +practical basis of benefits received and repaid. [3] Sc. "than to +bide safely here," -- a common figure of incomplete comparison. +[4] Wiglaf's wooden shield. [5] Gering would translate "kinsman +of the nail," as both are made of iron. + + + +XXXVII + +'TWAS now, men say, in his sovran's need +that the earl made known his noble strain, +craft and keenness and courage enduring. +Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned, +hardy-hearted, he helped his kinsman. +A little lower the loathsome beast +he smote with sword; his steel drove in +bright and burnished; that blaze began +to lose and lessen. At last the king +wielded his wits again, war-knife drew, +a biting blade by his breastplate hanging, +and the Weders'-helm smote that worm asunder, +felled the foe, flung forth its life. +So had they killed it, kinsmen both, +athelings twain: thus an earl should be +in danger's day! -- Of deeds of valor +this conqueror's-hour of the king was last, +of his work in the world. The wound began, +which that dragon-of-earth had erst inflicted, +to swell and smart; and soon he found +in his breast was boiling, baleful and deep, +pain of poison. The prince walked on, +wise in his thought, to the wall of rock; +then sat, and stared at the structure of giants, +where arch of stone and steadfast column +upheld forever that hall in earth. +Yet here must the hand of the henchman peerless +lave with water his winsome lord, +the king and conqueror covered with blood, +with struggle spent, and unspan his helmet. +Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt, +his mortal wound; full well he knew +his portion now was past and gone +of earthly bliss, and all had fled +of his file of days, and death was near: +"I would fain bestow on son of mine +this gear of war, were given me now +that any heir should after me come +of my proper blood. This people I ruled +fifty winters. No folk-king was there, +none at all, of the neighboring clans +who war would wage me with 'warriors'-friends'[1] +and threat me with horrors. At home I bided +what fate might come, and I cared for mine own; +feuds I sought not, nor falsely swore +ever on oath. For all these things, +though fatally wounded, fain am I! +From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me, +when life from my frame must flee away, +for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go +and gaze on that hoard 'neath the hoary rock, +Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low, +sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved. +And fare in haste. I would fain behold +the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, +have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down +softlier for sight of this splendid hoard +my life and the lordship I long have held." + +[1] That is, swords. + + + +XXXVIII + +I HAVE heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan +at wish and word of his wounded king, -- +war-sick warrior, -- woven mail-coat, +battle-sark, bore 'neath the barrow's roof. +Then the clansman keen, of conquest proud, +passing the seat,[1] saw store of jewels +and glistening gold the ground along; +by the wall were marvels, and many a vessel +in the den of the dragon, the dawn-flier old: +unburnished bowls of bygone men +reft of richness; rusty helms +of the olden age; and arm-rings many +wondrously woven. -- Such wealth of gold, +booty from barrow, can burden with pride +each human wight: let him hide it who will! -- +His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner +high o'er the hoard, of handiwork noblest, +brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam, +all the earth-floor he easily saw +and viewed all these vessels. No vestige now +was seen of the serpent: the sword had ta'en him. +Then, I heard, the hill of its hoard was reft, +old work of giants, by one alone; +he burdened his bosom with beakers and plate +at his own good will, and the ensign took, +brightest of beacons. -- The blade of his lord +-- its edge was iron -- had injured deep +one that guarded the golden hoard +many a year and its murder-fire +spread hot round the barrow in horror-billows +at midnight hour, till it met its doom. +Hasted the herald, the hoard so spurred him +his track to retrace; he was troubled by doubt, +high-souled hero, if haply he'd find +alive, where he left him, the lord of Weders, +weakening fast by the wall of the cave. +So he carried the load. His lord and king +he found all bleeding, famous chief +at the lapse of life. The liegeman again +plashed him with water, till point of word +broke through the breast-hoard. Beowulf spake, +sage and sad, as he stared at the gold. -- +"For the gold and treasure, to God my thanks, +to the Wielder-of-Wonders, with words I say, +for what I behold, to Heaven's Lord, +for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk +or ever the day of my death be run! +Now I've bartered here for booty of treasure +the last of my life, so look ye well +to the needs of my land! No longer I tarry. +A barrow bid ye the battle-fanned raise +for my ashes. 'Twill shine by the shore of the flood, +to folk of mine memorial fair +on Hrones Headland high uplifted, +that ocean-wanderers oft may hail +Beowulf's Barrow, as back from far +they drive their keels o'er the darkling wave." +From his neck he unclasped the collar of gold, +valorous king, to his vassal gave it +with bright-gold helmet, breastplate, and ring, +to the youthful thane: bade him use them in joy. +"Thou art end and remnant of all our race +the Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them, +all my line, to the land of doom, +earls in their glory: I after them go." +This word was the last which the wise old man +harbored in heart ere hot death-waves +of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled +his soul to seek the saints' reward. + +[1] Where Beowulf lay. + + + +XXXIX + +IT was heavy hap for that hero young +on his lord beloved to look and find him +lying on earth with life at end, +sorrowful sight. But the slayer too, +awful earth-dragon, empty of breath, +lay felled in fight, nor, fain of its treasure, +could the writhing monster rule it more. +For edges of iron had ended its days, +hard and battle-sharp, hammers' leaving;[1] +and that flier-afar had fallen to ground +hushed by its hurt, its hoard all near, +no longer lusty aloft to whirl +at midnight, making its merriment seen, +proud of its prizes: prone it sank +by the handiwork of the hero-king. +Forsooth among folk but few achieve, +-- though sturdy and strong, as stories tell me, +and never so daring in deed of valor, -- +the perilous breath of a poison-foe +to brave, and to rush on the ring-board hall, +whenever his watch the warden keeps +bold in the barrow. Beowulf paid +the price of death for that precious hoard; +and each of the foes had found the end +of this fleeting life. +Befell erelong +that the laggards in war the wood had left, +trothbreakers, cowards, ten together, +fearing before to flourish a spear +in the sore distress of their sovran lord. +Now in their shame their shields they carried, +armor of fight, where the old man lay; +and they gazed on Wiglaf. Wearied he sat +at his sovran's shoulder, shieldsman good, +to wake him with water.[2] Nowise it availed. +Though well he wished it, in world no more +could he barrier life for that leader-of-battles +nor baffle the will of all-wielding God. +Doom of the Lord was law o'er the deeds +of every man, as it is to-day. +Grim was the answer, easy to get, +from the youth for those that had yielded to fear! +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan, -- +mournful he looked on those men unloved: -- +"Who sooth will speak, can say indeed +that the ruler who gave you golden rings +and the harness of war in which ye stand +-- for he at ale-bench often-times +bestowed on hall-folk helm and breastplate, +lord to liegemen, the likeliest gear +which near of far he could find to give, -- +threw away and wasted these weeds of battle, +on men who failed when the foemen came! +Not at all could the king of his comrades-in-arms +venture to vaunt, though the Victory-Wielder, +God, gave him grace that he got revenge +sole with his sword in stress and need. +To rescue his life, 'twas little that I +could serve him in struggle; yet shift I made +(hopeless it seemed) to help my kinsman. +Its strength ever waned, when with weapon I struck +that fatal foe, and the fire less strongly +flowed from its head. -- Too few the heroes +in throe of contest that thronged to our king! +Now gift of treasure and girding of sword, +joy of the house and home-delight +shall fail your folk; his freehold-land +every clansman within your kin +shall lose and leave, when lords highborn +hear afar of that flight of yours, +a fameless deed. Yea, death is better +for liegemen all than a life of shame!" + +[1] What had been left or made by the hammer; well-forged. [2] +Trying to revive him. + + + +XL + +THAT battle-toil bade he at burg to announce, +at the fort on the cliff, where, full of sorrow, +all the morning earls had sat, +daring shieldsmen, in doubt of twain: +would they wail as dead, or welcome home, +their lord beloved? Little[1] kept back +of the tidings new, but told them all, +the herald that up the headland rode. -- +"Now the willing-giver to Weder folk +in death-bed lies; the Lord of Geats +on the slaughter-bed sleeps by the serpent's deed! +And beside him is stretched that slayer-of-men +with knife-wounds sick:[2] no sword availed +on the awesome thing in any wise +to work a wound. There Wiglaf sitteth, +Weohstan's bairn, by Beowulf's side, +the living earl by the other dead, +and heavy of heart a head-watch[3] keeps +o'er friend and foe. -- Now our folk may look +for waging of war when once unhidden +to Frisian and Frank the fall of the king +is spread afar. -- The strife began +when hot on the Hugas[4] Hygelac fell +and fared with his fleet to the Frisian land. +Him there the Hetwaras humbled in war, +plied with such prowess their power o'erwhelming +that the bold-in-battle bowed beneath it +and fell in fight. To his friends no wise +could that earl give treasure! And ever since +the Merowings' favor has failed us wholly. +Nor aught expect I of peace and faith +from Swedish folk. 'Twas spread afar +how Ongentheow reft at Ravenswood +Haethcyn Hrethling of hope and life, +when the folk of Geats for the first time sought +in wanton pride the Warlike-Scylfings. +Soon the sage old sire[5] of Ohtere, +ancient and awful, gave answering blow; +the sea-king[6] he slew, and his spouse redeemed, +his good wife rescued, though robbed of her gold, +mother of Ohtere and Onela. +Then he followed his foes, who fled before him +sore beset and stole their way, +bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. + +With his host he besieged there what swords had left, +the weary and wounded; woes he threatened +the whole night through to that hard-pressed throng: +some with the morrow his sword should kill, +some should go to the gallows-tree +for rapture of ravens. But rescue came +with dawn of day for those desperate men +when they heard the horn of Hygelac sound, +tones of his trumpet; the trusty king +had followed their trail with faithful band. + +[1] Nothing. [2] Dead. [3] Death-watch, guard of honor, +"lyke-wake." [4] A name for the Franks. [5] Ongentheow. [6] +Haethcyn. + + + +XLI + +"THE bloody swath of Swedes and Geats +and the storm of their strife, were seen afar, +how folk against folk the fight had wakened. +The ancient king with his atheling band +sought his citadel, sorrowing much: +Ongentheow earl went up to his burg. +He had tested Hygelac's hardihood, +the proud one's prowess, would prove it no longer, +defied no more those fighting-wanderers +nor hoped from the seamen to save his hoard, +his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again, +old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came +with slaughter for Swedes the standards of Hygelac +o'er peaceful plains in pride advancing, +till Hrethelings fought in the fenced town.[1] +Then Ongentheow with edge of sword, +the hoary-bearded, was held at bay, +and the folk-king there was forced to suffer +Eofor's anger. In ire, at the king +Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck; +and the chieftain's blood, for that blow, in streams +flowed 'neath his hair. No fear felt he, +stout old Scylfing, but straightway repaid +in better bargain that bitter stroke +and faced his foe with fell intent. +Nor swift enough was the son of Wonred +answer to render the aged chief; +too soon on his head the helm was cloven; +blood-bedecked he bowed to earth, +and fell adown; not doomed was he yet, +and well he waxed, though the wound was sore. +Then the hardy Hygelac-thane,[2] +when his brother fell, with broad brand smote, +giants' sword crashing through giants'-helm +across the shield-wall: sank the king, +his folk's old herdsman, fatally hurt. +There were many to bind the brother's wounds +and lift him, fast as fate allowed +his people to wield the place-of-war. +But Eofor took from Ongentheow, +earl from other, the iron-breastplate, +hard sword hilted, and helmet too, +and the hoar-chief's harness to Hygelac carried, +who took the trappings, and truly promised +rich fee 'mid folk, -- and fulfilled it so. +For that grim strife gave the Geatish lord, +Hrethel's offspring, when home he came, +to Eofor and Wulf a wealth of treasure, +Each of them had a hundred thousand[3] +in land and linked rings; nor at less price reckoned +mid-earth men such mighty deeds! +And to Eofor he gave his only daughter +in pledge of grace, the pride of his home. + +"Such is the feud, the foeman's rage, +death-hate of men: so I deem it sure +that the Swedish folk will seek us home +for this fall of their friends, the fighting-Scylfings, +when once they learn that our warrior leader +lifeless lies, who land and hoard +ever defended from all his foes, +furthered his folk's weal, finished his course +a hardy hero. -- Now haste is best, +that we go to gaze on our Geatish lord, +and bear the bountiful breaker-of-rings +to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely +shall burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels, +gold untold and gained in terror, +treasure at last with his life obtained, +all of that booty the brands shall take, +fire shall eat it. No earl must carry +memorial jewel. No maiden fair +shall wreathe her neck with noble ring: +nay, sad in spirit and shorn of her gold, +oft shall she pass o'er paths of exile +now our lord all laughter has laid aside, +all mirth and revel. Many a spear +morning-cold shall be clasped amain, +lifted aloft; nor shall lilt of harp +those warriors wake; but the wan-hued raven, +fain o'er the fallen, his feast shall praise +and boast to the eagle how bravely he ate +when he and the wolf were wasting the slain." + +So he told his sorrowful tidings, +and little[4] he lied, the loyal man +of word or of work. The warriors rose; +sad, they climbed to the Cliff-of-Eagles, +went, welling with tears, the wonder to view. +Found on the sand there, stretched at rest, +their lifeless lord, who had lavished rings +of old upon them. Ending-day +had dawned on the doughty-one; death had seized +in woful slaughter the Weders' king. +There saw they, besides, the strangest being, +loathsome, lying their leader near, +prone on the field. The fiery dragon, +fearful fiend, with flame was scorched. +Reckoned by feet, it was fifty measures +in length as it lay. Aloft erewhile +it had revelled by night, and anon come back, +seeking its den; now in death's sure clutch +it had come to the end of its earth-hall joys. +By it there stood the stoups and jars; +dishes lay there, and dear-decked swords +eaten with rust, as, on earth's lap resting, +a thousand winters they waited there. +For all that heritage huge, that gold +of bygone men, was bound by a spell,[5] +so the treasure-hall could be touched by none +of human kind, -- save that Heaven's King, +God himself, might give whom he would, +Helper of Heroes, the hoard to open, -- +even such a man as seemed to him meet. + +[1] The line may mean: till Hrethelings stormed on the hedged +shields, -- i.e. the shield-wall or hedge of defensive war -- +Hrethelings, of course, are Geats. [2] Eofor, brother to Wulf +Wonreding. [3] Sc. "value in" hides and the weight of the gold. +[4] Not at all. [5] Laid on it when it was put in the barrow. +This spell, or in our days the "curse," either prevented +discovery or brought dire ills on the finder and taker. + + + +XLII + +A PERILOUS path, it proved, he[1] trod +who heinously hid, that hall within, +wealth under wall! Its watcher had killed +one of a few,[2] and the feud was avenged +in woful fashion. Wondrous seems it, +what manner a man of might and valor +oft ends his life, when the earl no longer +in mead-hall may live with loving friends. +So Beowulf, when that barrow's warden +he sought, and the struggle; himself knew not +in what wise he should wend from the world at last. +For[3] princes potent, who placed the gold, +with a curse to doomsday covered it deep, +so that marked with sin the man should be, +hedged with horrors, in hell-bonds fast, +racked with plagues, who should rob their hoard. +Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven, +ever the king had kept in view.[4] +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: -- +"At the mandate of one, oft warriors many +sorrow must suffer; and so must we. +The people's-shepherd showed not aught +of care for our counsel, king beloved! +That guardian of gold he should grapple not, urged we, +but let him lie where he long had been +in his earth-hall waiting the end of the world, +the hest of heaven. -- This hoard is ours +but grievously gotten; too grim the fate +which thither carried our king and lord. +I was within there, and all I viewed, +the chambered treasure, when chance allowed me +(and my path was made in no pleasant wise) +under the earth-wall. Eager, I seized +such heap from the hoard as hands could bear +and hurriedly carried it hither back +to my liege and lord. Alive was he still, +still wielding his wits. The wise old man +spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings +and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more, +on the place of his balefire a barrow high, +memorial mighty. Of men was he +worthiest warrior wide earth o'er +the while he had joy of his jewels and burg. +Let us set out in haste now, the second time +to see and search this store of treasure, +these wall-hid wonders, -- the way I show you, -- +where, gathered near, ye may gaze your fill +at broad-gold and rings. Let the bier, soon made, +be all in order when out we come, +our king and captain to carry thither +-- man beloved -- where long he shall bide +safe in the shelter of sovran God." +Then the bairn of Weohstan bade command, +hardy chief, to heroes many +that owned their homesteads, hither to bring +firewood from far -- o'er the folk they ruled -- +for the famed-one's funeral. " Fire shall devour +and wan flames feed on the fearless warrior +who oft stood stout in the iron-shower, +when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows +shot o'er the shield-wall: the shaft held firm, +featly feathered, followed the barb." +And now the sage young son of Weohstan +seven chose of the chieftain's thanes, +the best he found that band within, +and went with these warriors, one of eight, +under hostile roof. In hand one bore +a lighted torch and led the way. +No lots they cast for keeping the hoard +when once the warriors saw it in hall, +altogether without a guardian, +lying there lost. And little they mourned +when they had hastily haled it out, +dear-bought treasure! The dragon they cast, +the worm, o'er the wall for the wave to take, +and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems. +Then the woven gold on a wain was laden -- +countless quite! -- and the king was borne, +hoary hero, to Hrones-Ness. + +[1] Probably the fugitive is meant who discovered the hoard. Ten +Brink and Gering assume that the dragon is meant. "Hid" may well +mean here "took while in hiding." [2] That is "one and a few +others." But Beowulf seems to be indicated. [3] Ten Brink points +out the strongly heathen character of this part of the epic. +Beowulf's end came, so the old tradition ran, from his unwitting +interference with spell-bound treasure. [4] A hard saying, +variously interpreted. In any case, it is the somewhat clumsy +effort of the Christian poet to tone down the heathenism of his +material by an edifying observation. + + + +XLIII + +THEN fashioned for him the folk of Geats +firm on the earth a funeral-pile, +and hung it with helmets and harness of war +and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked; +and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, +heroes mourning their master dear. +Then on the hill that hugest of balefires +the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose +black over blaze, and blent was the roar +of flame with weeping (the wind was still), +till the fire had broken the frame of bones, +hot at the heart. In heavy mood +their misery moaned they, their master's death. +Wailing her woe, the widow[1] old, +her hair upbound, for Beowulf's death +sung in her sorrow, and said full oft +she dreaded the doleful days to come, +deaths enow, and doom of battle, +and shame. -- The smoke by the sky was devoured. +The folk of the Weders fashioned there +on the headland a barrow broad and high, +by ocean-farers far descried: +in ten days' time their toil had raised it, +the battle-brave's beacon. Round brands of the pyre +a wall they built, the worthiest ever +that wit could prompt in their wisest men. +They placed in the barrow that precious booty, +the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile, +hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, -- +trusting the ground with treasure of earls, +gold in the earth, where ever it lies +useless to men as of yore it was. +Then about that barrow the battle-keen rode, +atheling-born, a band of twelve, +lament to make, to mourn their king, +chant their dirge, and their chieftain honor. +They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess +worthily witnessed: and well it is +that men their master-friend mightily laud, +heartily love, when hence he goes +from life in the body forlorn away. + +Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland, +for their hero's passing his hearth-companions: +quoth that of all the kings of earth, +of men he was mildest and most beloved, +to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise. + +[1] Nothing is said of Beowulf's wife in the poem, but Bugge +surmises that Beowulf finally accepted Hygd's offer of kingdom +and hoard, and, as was usual, took her into the bargain. + + + + + +End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Beowulf, Translated by Gummere + diff --git a/old/bwulf10.zip b/old/bwulf10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0565b7e --- /dev/null +++ b/old/bwulf10.zip diff --git a/old/bwulf11.txt b/old/bwulf11.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f860664 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/bwulf11.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4230 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Beowulf + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Beowulf + +Author: Anonymous + +Release Date: July, 1997 [EBook #981] +[This file was first posted on March 12, 2003] +[Most recently updated: June 29, 2004] + +Edition: 11 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, BEOWULF *** + + + + +Prepared by Robin Katsuya-Corbet (corbet@astro.psu.edu) from scanner +output provided by Internet Wiretap. + + + + +BEOWULF +Translated by Gummere + + + + +BEOWULF +PRELUDE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE DANISH HOUSE + + + +LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings +of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, +we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! +Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes, +from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore, +awing the earls. Since erst he lay +friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him: +for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve, +till before him the folk, both far and near, +who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate, +gave him gifts: a good king he! +To him an heir was afterward born, +a son in his halls, whom heaven sent +to favor the folk, feeling their woe +that erst they had lacked an earl for leader +so long a while; the Lord endowed him, +the Wielder of Wonder, with world's renown. +Famed was this Beowulf: {0a} far flew the boast of him, +son of Scyld, in the Scandian lands. +So becomes it a youth to quit him well +with his father's friends, by fee and gift, +that to aid him, aged, in after days, +come warriors willing, should war draw nigh, +liegemen loyal: by lauded deeds +shall an earl have honor in every clan. + +Forth he fared at the fated moment, +sturdy Scyld to the shelter of God. +Then they bore him over to ocean's billow, +loving clansmen, as late he charged them, +while wielded words the winsome Scyld, +the leader beloved who long had ruled.... +In the roadstead rocked a ring-dight vessel, +ice-flecked, outbound, atheling's barge: +there laid they down their darling lord +on the breast of the boat, the breaker-of-rings, {0b} +by the mast the mighty one. Many a treasure +fetched from far was freighted with him. +No ship have I known so nobly dight +with weapons of war and weeds of battle, +with breastplate and blade: on his bosom lay +a heaped hoard that hence should go +far o'er the flood with him floating away. +No less these loaded the lordly gifts, +thanes' huge treasure, than those had done +who in former time forth had sent him +sole on the seas, a suckling child. +High o'er his head they hoist the standard, +a gold-wove banner; let billows take him, +gave him to ocean. Grave were their spirits, +mournful their mood. No man is able +to say in sooth, no son of the halls, +no hero 'neath heaven, -- who harbored that freight! + + + +I + +Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, +leader beloved, and long he ruled +in fame with all folk, since his father had gone +away from the world, till awoke an heir, +haughty Healfdene, who held through life, +sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. +Then, one after one, there woke to him, +to the chieftain of clansmen, children four: +Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave; +and I heard that -- was -- 's queen, +the Heathoscylfing's helpmate dear. +To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, +such honor of combat, that all his kin +obeyed him gladly till great grew his band +of youthful comrades. It came in his mind +to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, +a master mead-house, mightier far +than ever was seen by the sons of earth, +and within it, then, to old and young +he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, +save only the land and the lives of his men. +Wide, I heard, was the work commanded, +for many a tribe this mid-earth round, +to fashion the folkstead. It fell, as he ordered, +in rapid achievement that ready it stood there, +of halls the noblest: Heorot {1a} he named it +whose message had might in many a land. +Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt, +treasure at banquet: there towered the hall, +high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting +of furious flame. {1b} Nor far was that day +when father and son-in-law stood in feud +for warfare and hatred that woke again. {1c} +With envy and anger an evil spirit +endured the dole in his dark abode, +that he heard each day the din of revel +high in the hall: there harps rang out, +clear song of the singer. He sang who knew {1d} +tales of the early time of man, +how the Almighty made the earth, +fairest fields enfolded by water, +set, triumphant, sun and moon +for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, +and braided bright the breast of earth +with limbs and leaves, made life for all +of mortal beings that breathe and move. +So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel +a winsome life, till one began +to fashion evils, that field of hell. +Grendel this monster grim was called, +march-riever {1e} mighty, in moorland living, +in fen and fastness; fief of the giants +the hapless wight a while had kept +since the Creator his exile doomed. +On kin of Cain was the killing avenged +by sovran God for slaughtered Abel. +Ill fared his feud, {1f} and far was he driven, +for the slaughter's sake, from sight of men. +Of Cain awoke all that woful breed, +Etins {1g} and elves and evil-spirits, +as well as the giants that warred with God +weary while: but their wage was paid them! + + + +II + +WENT he forth to find at fall of night +that haughty house, and heed wherever +the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone. +Found within it the atheling band +asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow, +of human hardship. Unhallowed wight, +grim and greedy, he grasped betimes, +wrathful, reckless, from resting-places, +thirty of the thanes, and thence he rushed +fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward, +laden with slaughter, his lair to seek. +Then at the dawning, as day was breaking, +the might of Grendel to men was known; +then after wassail was wail uplifted, +loud moan in the morn. The mighty chief, +atheling excellent, unblithe sat, +labored in woe for the loss of his thanes, +when once had been traced the trail of the fiend, +spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow, +too long, too loathsome. Not late the respite; +with night returning, anew began +ruthless murder; he recked no whit, +firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime. +They were easy to find who elsewhere sought +in room remote their rest at night, +bed in the bowers, {2a} when that bale was shown, +was seen in sooth, with surest token, -- +the hall-thane's {2b} hate. Such held themselves +far and fast who the fiend outran! +Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill +one against all; until empty stood +that lordly building, and long it bode so. +Twelve years' tide the trouble he bore, +sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty, +boundless cares. There came unhidden +tidings true to the tribes of men, +in sorrowful songs, how ceaselessly Grendel +harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him, +what murder and massacre, many a year, +feud unfading, -- refused consent +to deal with any of Daneland's earls, +make pact of peace, or compound for gold: +still less did the wise men ween to get +great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands. +But the evil one ambushed old and young +death-shadow dark, and dogged them still, +lured, or lurked in the livelong night +of misty moorlands: men may say not +where the haunts of these Hell-Runes {2c} be. +Such heaping of horrors the hater of men, +lonely roamer, wrought unceasing, +harassings heavy. O'er Heorot he lorded, +gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights; +and ne'er could the prince {2d} approach his throne, +-- 'twas judgment of God, -- or have joy in his hall. +Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings'-friend, +heart-rending misery. Many nobles +sat assembled, and searched out counsel +how it were best for bold-hearted men +against harassing terror to try their hand. +Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes +altar-offerings, asked with words {2e} +that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them +for the pain of their people. Their practice this, +their heathen hope; 'twas Hell they thought of +in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not, +Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord, +nor Heaven's-Helmet heeded they ever, +Wielder-of-Wonder. -- Woe for that man +who in harm and hatred hales his soul +to fiery embraces; -- nor favor nor change +awaits he ever. But well for him +that after death-day may draw to his Lord, +and friendship find in the Father's arms! + + + +III + +THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene +with the woe of these days; not wisest men +assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish, +loathly and long, that lay on his folk, +most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. + +This heard in his home Hygelac's thane, +great among Geats, of Grendel's doings. +He was the mightiest man of valor +in that same day of this our life, +stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker +he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he, +far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek, +the noble monarch who needed men! +The prince's journey by prudent folk +was little blamed, though they loved him dear; +they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens. +And now the bold one from bands of Geats +comrades chose, the keenest of warriors +e'er he could find; with fourteen men +the sea-wood {3a} he sought, and, sailor proved, +led them on to the land's confines. +Time had now flown; {3b} afloat was the ship, +boat under bluff. On board they climbed, +warriors ready; waves were churning +sea with sand; the sailors bore +on the breast of the bark their bright array, +their mail and weapons: the men pushed off, +on its willing way, the well-braced craft. +Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind +that bark like a bird with breast of foam, +till in season due, on the second day, +the curved prow such course had run +that sailors now could see the land, +sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills, +headlands broad. Their haven was found, +their journey ended. Up then quickly +the Weders' {3c} clansmen climbed ashore, +anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing +and gear of battle: God they thanked +or passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea. +Now saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman, +a warden that watched the water-side, +how they bore o'er the gangway glittering shields, +war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him +to know what manner of men they were. +Straight to the strand his steed he rode, +Hrothgar's henchman; with hand of might +he shook his spear, and spake in parley. +"Who are ye, then, ye armed men, +mailed folk, that yon mighty vessel +have urged thus over the ocean ways, +here o'er the waters? A warden I, +sentinel set o'er the sea-march here, +lest any foe to the folk of Danes +with harrying fleet should harm the land. +No aliens ever at ease thus bore them, +linden-wielders: {3d} yet word-of-leave +clearly ye lack from clansmen here, +my folk's agreement. -- A greater ne'er saw I +of warriors in world than is one of you, -- +yon hero in harness! No henchman he +worthied by weapons, if witness his features, +his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell +your folk and home, lest hence ye fare +suspect to wander your way as spies +in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, +ocean-travellers, take from me +simple advice: the sooner the better +I hear of the country whence ye came." + + + +IV + +To him the stateliest spake in answer; +the warriors' leader his word-hoard unlocked: -- +"We are by kin of the clan of Geats, +and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we. +To folk afar was my father known, +noble atheling, Ecgtheow named. +Full of winters, he fared away +aged from earth; he is honored still +through width of the world by wise men all. +To thy lord and liege in loyal mood +we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son, +people-protector: be pleased to advise us! +To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, +to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right +that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest +if sooth it is -- the saying of men, +that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster, +dark ill-doer, in dusky nights +shows terrific his rage unmatched, +hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I +in greatness of soul would succor bring, +so the Wise-and-Brave {4a} may worst his foes, -- +if ever the end of ills is fated, +of cruel contest, if cure shall follow, +and the boiling care-waves cooler grow; +else ever afterward anguish-days +he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place +high on its hill that house unpeered!" +Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered, +clansman unquailing: "The keen-souled thane +must be skilled to sever and sunder duly +words and works, if he well intends. +I gather, this band is graciously bent +to the Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing +weapons and weeds the way I show you. +I will bid my men your boat meanwhile +to guard for fear lest foemen come, -- +your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean +faithfully watching till once again +it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes, +-- winding-neck'd wood, -- to Weders' bounds, +heroes such as the hest of fate +shall succor and save from the shock of war." +They bent them to march, -- the boat lay still, +fettered by cable and fast at anchor, +broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars {4b} +over the cheek-guard; chased with gold, +keen and gleaming, guard it kept +o'er the man of war, as marched along +heroes in haste, till the hall they saw, +broad of gable and bright with gold: +that was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth, +of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived, +and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar. +The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright +burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go +straightway thither; his steed then turned, +hardy hero, and hailed them thus: -- +"'Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty +in grace and mercy guard you well, +safe in your seekings. Seaward I go, +'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch." + + + +V + +STONE-BRIGHT the street: {5a} it showed the way +to the crowd of clansmen. Corselets glistened +hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright +the steel ring sang, as they strode along +in mail of battle, and marched to the hall. +There, weary of ocean, the wall along +they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down, +and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged, +war-gear of men; their weapons stacked, +spears of the seafarers stood together, +gray-tipped ash: that iron band +was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior proud +asked of the heroes their home and kin. +"Whence, now, bear ye burnished shields, +harness gray and helmets grim, +spears in multitude? Messenger, I, +Hrothgar's herald! Heroes so many +ne'er met I as strangers of mood so strong. +'Tis plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile, +for high-hearted valor, Hrothgar ye seek!" +Him the sturdy-in-war bespake with words, +proud earl of the Weders answer made, +hardy 'neath helmet: -- "Hygelac's, we, +fellows at board; I am Beowulf named. +I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene +this mission of mine, to thy master-lord, +the doughty prince, if he deign at all +grace that we greet him, the good one, now." +Wulfgar spake, the Wendles' chieftain, +whose might of mind to many was known, +his courage and counsel: "The king of Danes, +the Scyldings' friend, I fain will tell, +the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou askest, +the famed prince, of thy faring hither, +and, swiftly after, such answer bring +as the doughty monarch may deign to give." +Hied then in haste to where Hrothgar sat +white-haired and old, his earls about him, +till the stout thane stood at the shoulder there +of the Danish king: good courtier he! +Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord: -- +"Hither have fared to thee far-come men +o'er the paths of ocean, people of Geatland; +and the stateliest there by his sturdy band +is Beowulf named. This boon they seek, +that they, my master, may with thee +have speech at will: nor spurn their prayer +to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar! +In weeds of the warrior worthy they, +methinks, of our liking; their leader most surely, +a hero that hither his henchmen has led." + + + +VI + +HROTHGAR answered, helmet of Scyldings: -- +"I knew him of yore in his youthful days; +his aged father was Ecgtheow named, +to whom, at home, gave Hrethel the Geat +his only daughter. Their offspring bold +fares hither to seek the steadfast friend. +And seamen, too, have said me this, -- +who carried my gifts to the Geatish court, +thither for thanks, -- he has thirty men's +heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand, +the bold-in-battle. Blessed God +out of his mercy this man hath sent +to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed, +against horror of Grendel. I hope to give +the good youth gold for his gallant thought. +Be thou in haste, and bid them hither, +clan of kinsmen, to come before me; +and add this word, -- they are welcome guests +to folk of the Danes." +[To the door of the hall +Wulfgar went] and the word declared: -- +"To you this message my master sends, +East-Danes' king, that your kin he knows, +hardy heroes, and hails you all +welcome hither o'er waves of the sea! +Ye may wend your way in war-attire, +and under helmets Hrothgar greet; +but let here the battle-shields bide your parley, +and wooden war-shafts wait its end." +Uprose the mighty one, ringed with his men, +brave band of thanes: some bode without, +battle-gear guarding, as bade the chief. +Then hied that troop where the herald led them, +under Heorot's roof: [the hero strode,] +hardy 'neath helm, till the hearth he neared. +Beowulf spake, -- his breastplate gleamed, +war-net woven by wit of the smith: -- +"Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, +kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty +have I gained in youth! These Grendel-deeds +I heard in my home-land heralded clear. +Seafarers say how stands this hall, +of buildings best, for your band of thanes +empty and idle, when evening sun +in the harbor of heaven is hidden away. +So my vassals advised me well, -- +brave and wise, the best of men, -- +O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here, +for my nerve and my might they knew full well. +Themselves had seen me from slaughter come +blood-flecked from foes, where five I bound, +and that wild brood worsted. I' the waves I slew +nicors {6a} by night, in need and peril +avenging the Weders, {6b} whose woe they sought, -- +crushing the grim ones. Grendel now, +monster cruel, be mine to quell +in single battle! So, from thee, +thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, +Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, -- +and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, +O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, -- +that I alone with my liegemen here, +this hardy band, may Heorot purge! +More I hear, that the monster dire, +in his wanton mood, of weapons recks not; +hence shall I scorn -- so Hygelac stay, +king of my kindred, kind to me! -- +brand or buckler to bear in the fight, +gold-colored targe: but with gripe alone +must I front the fiend and fight for life, +foe against foe. Then faith be his +in the doom of the Lord whom death shall take. +Fain, I ween, if the fight he win, +in this hall of gold my Geatish band +will he fearless eat, -- as oft before, -- +my noblest thanes. Nor need'st thou then +to hide my head; {6c} for his shall I be, +dyed in gore, if death must take me; +and my blood-covered body he'll bear as prey, +ruthless devour it, the roamer-lonely, +with my life-blood redden his lair in the fen: +no further for me need'st food prepare! +To Hygelac send, if Hild {6d} should take me, +best of war-weeds, warding my breast, +armor excellent, heirloom of Hrethel +and work of Wayland. {6e} Fares Wyrd {6f} as she must." + + + +VII + +HROTHGAR spake, the Scyldings'-helmet: -- +"For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, +to succor and save, thou hast sought us here. +Thy father's combat {7a} a feud enkindled +when Heatholaf with hand he slew +among the Wylfings; his Weder kin +for horror of fighting feared to hold him. +Fleeing, he sought our South-Dane folk, +over surge of ocean the Honor-Scyldings, +when first I was ruling the folk of Danes, +wielded, youthful, this widespread realm, +this hoard-hold of heroes. Heorogar was dead, +my elder brother, had breathed his last, +Healfdene's bairn: he was better than I! +Straightway the feud with fee {7b} I settled, +to the Wylfings sent, o'er watery ridges, +treasures olden: oaths he {7c} swore me. +Sore is my soul to say to any +of the race of man what ruth for me +in Heorot Grendel with hate hath wrought, +what sudden harryings. Hall-folk fail me, +my warriors wane; for Wyrd hath swept them +into Grendel's grasp. But God is able +this deadly foe from his deeds to turn! +Boasted full oft, as my beer they drank, +earls o'er the ale-cup, armed men, +that they would bide in the beer-hall here, +Grendel's attack with terror of blades. +Then was this mead-house at morning tide +dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, +all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, +gory the hall: I had heroes the less, +doughty dear-ones that death had reft. +-- But sit to the banquet, unbind thy words, +hardy hero, as heart shall prompt thee." + +Gathered together, the Geatish men +in the banquet-hall on bench assigned, +sturdy-spirited, sat them down, +hardy-hearted. A henchman attended, +carried the carven cup in hand, +served the clear mead. Oft minstrels sang +blithe in Heorot. Heroes revelled, +no dearth of warriors, Weder and Dane. + + + +VIII + +UNFERTH spake, the son of Ecglaf, +who sat at the feet of the Scyldings' lord, +unbound the battle-runes. {8a} -- Beowulf's quest, +sturdy seafarer's, sorely galled him; +ever he envied that other men +should more achieve in middle-earth +of fame under heaven than he himself. -- +"Art thou that Beowulf, Breca's rival, +who emulous swam on the open sea, +when for pride the pair of you proved the floods, +and wantonly dared in waters deep +to risk your lives? No living man, +or lief or loath, from your labor dire +could you dissuade, from swimming the main. +Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered, +with strenuous hands the sea-streets measured, +swam o'er the waters. Winter's storm +rolled the rough waves. In realm of sea +a sennight strove ye. In swimming he topped thee, +had more of main! Him at morning-tide +billows bore to the Battling Reamas, +whence he hied to his home so dear +beloved of his liegemen, to land of Brondings, +fastness fair, where his folk he ruled, +town and treasure. In triumph o'er thee +Beanstan's bairn {8b} his boast achieved. +So ween I for thee a worse adventure +-- though in buffet of battle thou brave hast been, +in struggle grim, -- if Grendel's approach +thou darst await through the watch of night!" + +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"What a deal hast uttered, dear my Unferth, +drunken with beer, of Breca now, +told of his triumph! Truth I claim it, +that I had more of might in the sea +than any man else, more ocean-endurance. +We twain had talked, in time of youth, +and made our boast, -- we were merely boys, +striplings still, -- to stake our lives +far at sea: and so we performed it. +Naked swords, as we swam along, +we held in hand, with hope to guard us +against the whales. Not a whit from me +could he float afar o'er the flood of waves, +haste o'er the billows; nor him I abandoned. +Together we twain on the tides abode +five nights full till the flood divided us, +churning waves and chillest weather, +darkling night, and the northern wind +ruthless rushed on us: rough was the surge. +Now the wrath of the sea-fish rose apace; +yet me 'gainst the monsters my mailed coat, +hard and hand-linked, help afforded, -- +battle-sark braided my breast to ward, +garnished with gold. There grasped me firm +and haled me to bottom the hated foe, +with grimmest gripe. 'Twas granted me, though, +to pierce the monster with point of sword, +with blade of battle: huge beast of the sea +was whelmed by the hurly through hand of mine. + + + +IX + +ME thus often the evil monsters +thronging threatened. With thrust of my sword, +the darling, I dealt them due return! +Nowise had they bliss from their booty then +to devour their victim, vengeful creatures, +seated to banquet at bottom of sea; +but at break of day, by my brand sore hurt, +on the edge of ocean up they lay, +put to sleep by the sword. And since, by them +on the fathomless sea-ways sailor-folk +are never molested. -- Light from east, +came bright God's beacon; the billows sank, +so that I saw the sea-cliffs high, +windy walls. For Wyrd oft saveth +earl undoomed if he doughty be! +And so it came that I killed with my sword +nine of the nicors. Of night-fought battles +ne'er heard I a harder 'neath heaven's dome, +nor adrift on the deep a more desolate man! +Yet I came unharmed from that hostile clutch, +though spent with swimming. The sea upbore me, +flood of the tide, on Finnish land, +the welling waters. No wise of thee +have I heard men tell such terror of falchions, +bitter battle. Breca ne'er yet, +not one of you pair, in the play of war +such daring deed has done at all +with bloody brand, -- I boast not of it! -- +though thou wast the bane {9a} of thy brethren dear, +thy closest kin, whence curse of hell +awaits thee, well as thy wit may serve! +For I say in sooth, thou son of Ecglaf, +never had Grendel these grim deeds wrought, +monster dire, on thy master dear, +in Heorot such havoc, if heart of thine +were as battle-bold as thy boast is loud! +But he has found no feud will happen; +from sword-clash dread of your Danish clan +he vaunts him safe, from the Victor-Scyldings. +He forces pledges, favors none +of the land of Danes, but lustily murders, +fights and feasts, nor feud he dreads +from Spear-Dane men. But speedily now +shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats, +shall bid him battle. Blithe to mead +go he that listeth, when light of dawn +this morrow morning o'er men of earth, +ether-robed sun from the south shall beam!" +Joyous then was the Jewel-giver, +hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaited +the Bright-Danes' prince, from Beowulf hearing, +folk's good shepherd, such firm resolve. +Then was laughter of liegemen loud resounding +with winsome words. Came Wealhtheow forth, +queen of Hrothgar, heedful of courtesy, +gold-decked, greeting the guests in hall; +and the high-born lady handed the cup +first to the East-Danes' heir and warden, +bade him be blithe at the beer-carouse, +the land's beloved one. Lustily took he +banquet and beaker, battle-famed king. + +Through the hall then went the Helmings' Lady, +to younger and older everywhere +carried the cup, till come the moment +when the ring-graced queen, the royal-hearted, +to Beowulf bore the beaker of mead. +She greeted the Geats' lord, God she thanked, +in wisdom's words, that her will was granted, +that at last on a hero her hope could lean +for comfort in terrors. The cup he took, +hardy-in-war, from Wealhtheow's hand, +and answer uttered the eager-for-combat. +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This was my thought, when my thanes and I +bent to the ocean and entered our boat, +that I would work the will of your people +fully, or fighting fall in death, +in fiend's gripe fast. I am firm to do +an earl's brave deed, or end the days +of this life of mine in the mead-hall here." +Well these words to the woman seemed, +Beowulf's battle-boast. -- Bright with gold +the stately dame by her spouse sat down. +Again, as erst, began in hall +warriors' wassail and words of power, +the proud-band's revel, till presently +the son of Healfdene hastened to seek +rest for the night; he knew there waited +fight for the fiend in that festal hall, +when the sheen of the sun they saw no more, +and dusk of night sank darkling nigh, +and shadowy shapes came striding on, +wan under welkin. The warriors rose. +Man to man, he made harangue, +Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail, +let him wield the wine hall: a word he added: -- +"Never to any man erst I trusted, +since I could heave up hand and shield, +this noble Dane-Hall, till now to thee. +Have now and hold this house unpeered; +remember thy glory; thy might declare; +watch for the foe! No wish shall fail thee +if thou bidest the battle with bold-won life." + + + +X + +THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train, +defence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall; +fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek, +couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory +against this Grendel a guard had set, +so heroes heard, a hall-defender, +who warded the monarch and watched for the monster. +In truth, the Geats' prince gladly trusted +his mettle, his might, the mercy of God! +Cast off then his corselet of iron, +helmet from head; to his henchman gave, -- +choicest of weapons, -- the well-chased sword, +bidding him guard the gear of battle. +Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man, +Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought: -- +"Of force in fight no feebler I count me, +in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him. +Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death +his life will I give, though it lie in my power. +No skill is his to strike against me, +my shield to hew though he hardy be, +bold in battle; we both, this night, +shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here, +unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God, +sacred Lord, on which side soever +doom decree as he deemeth right." +Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held +the head of the earl, while all about him +seamen hardy on hall-beds sank. +None of them thought that thence their steps +to the folk and fastness that fostered them, +to the land they loved, would lead them back! +Full well they wist that on warriors many +battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall, +of Danish clan. But comfort and help, +war-weal weaving, to Weder folk +the Master gave, that, by might of one, +over their enemy all prevailed, +by single strength. In sooth 'tis told +that highest God o'er human kind +hath wielded ever! -- Thro' wan night striding, +came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept +whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, -- +all save one. 'Twas widely known +that against God's will the ghostly ravager +him {10a} could not hurl to haunts of darkness; +wakeful, ready, with warrior's wrath, +bold he bided the battle's issue. + + + +XI + +THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, +with God's wrath laden, Grendel came. +The monster was minded of mankind now +sundry to seize in the stately house. +Under welkin he walked, till the wine-palace there, +gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned, +flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this, +that he the home of Hrothgar sought, -- +yet ne'er in his life-day, late or early, +such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found! +To the house the warrior walked apace, +parted from peace; {11a} the portal opended, +though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had +struck it, +and baleful he burst in his blatant rage, +the house's mouth. All hastily, then, +o'er fair-paved floor the fiend trod on, +ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes +fearful flashes, like flame to see. + +He spied in hall the hero-band, +kin and clansmen clustered asleep, +hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart; +for the monster was minded, ere morn should dawn, +savage, to sever the soul of each, +life from body, since lusty banquet +waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him +to seize any more of men on earth +after that evening. Eagerly watched +Hygelac's kinsman his cursed foe, +how he would fare in fell attack. +Not that the monster was minded to pause! +Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior +for the first, and tore him fiercely asunder, +the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams, +swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus +the lifeless corse was clear devoured, +e'en feet and hands. Then farther he hied; +for the hardy hero with hand he grasped, +felt for the foe with fiendish claw, +for the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly, +prompt to answer, propped on his arm. +Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils +that never he met in this middle-world, +in the ways of earth, another wight +with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared, +sorrowed in soul, -- none the sooner escaped! +Fain would he flee, his fastness seek, +the den of devils: no doings now +such as oft he had done in days of old! +Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac-thane +of his boast at evening: up he bounded, +grasped firm his foe, whose fingers cracked. +The fiend made off, but the earl close followed. +The monster meant -- if he might at all -- +to fling himself free, and far away +fly to the fens, -- knew his fingers' power +in the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march +to Heorot this monster of harm had made! +Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft, +castle-dwellers and clansmen all, +earls, of their ale. Angry were both +those savage hall-guards: the house resounded. +Wonder it was the wine-hall firm +in the strain of their struggle stood, to earth +the fair house fell not; too fast it was +within and without by its iron bands +craftily clamped; though there crashed from sill +many a mead-bench -- men have told me -- +gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled. +So well had weened the wisest Scyldings +that not ever at all might any man +that bone-decked, brave house break asunder, +crush by craft, -- unless clasp of fire +in smoke engulfed it. -- Again uprose +din redoubled. Danes of the North +with fear and frenzy were filled, each one, +who from the wall that wailing heard, +God's foe sounding his grisly song, +cry of the conquered, clamorous pain +from captive of hell. Too closely held him +he who of men in might was strongest +in that same day of this our life. + + + +XII + +NOT in any wise would the earls'-defence {12a} +suffer that slaughterous stranger to live, +useless deeming his days and years +to men on earth. Now many an earl +of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral, +fain the life of their lord to shield, +their praised prince, if power were theirs; +never they knew, -- as they neared the foe, +hardy-hearted heroes of war, +aiming their swords on every side +the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade, +no farest of falchions fashioned on earth, +could harm or hurt that hideous fiend! +He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle, +from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting +on that same day of this our life +woful should be, and his wandering soul +far off flit to the fiends' domain. +Soon he found, who in former days, +harmful in heart and hated of God, +on many a man such murder wrought, +that the frame of his body failed him now. +For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac +held in hand; hateful alive +was each to other. The outlaw dire +took mortal hurt; a mighty wound +showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked, +and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now +the glory was given, and Grendel thence +death-sick his den in the dark moor sought, +noisome abode: he knew too well +that here was the last of life, an end +of his days on earth. -- To all the Danes +by that bloody battle the boon had come. +From ravage had rescued the roving stranger +Hrothgar's hall; the hardy and wise one +had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him, +his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes +had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good, +all their sorrow and ills assuaged, +their bale of battle borne so long, +and all the dole they erst endured +pain a-plenty. -- 'Twas proof of this, +when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down, +arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed, +of Grendel's gripe, -- 'neath the gabled roof. + + + +XIII + +MANY at morning, as men have told me, +warriors gathered the gift-hall round, +folk-leaders faring from far and near, +o'er wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view, +trace of the traitor. Not troublous seemed +the enemy's end to any man +who saw by the gait of the graceless foe +how the weary-hearted, away from thence, +baffled in battle and banned, his steps +death-marked dragged to the devils' mere. +Bloody the billows were boiling there, +turbid the tide of tumbling waves +horribly seething, with sword-blood hot, +by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor +laid forlorn his life adown, +his heathen soul, and hell received it. +Home then rode the hoary clansmen +from that merry journey, and many a youth, +on horses white, the hardy warriors, +back from the mere. Then Beowulf's glory +eager they echoed, and all averred +that from sea to sea, or south or north, +there was no other in earth's domain, +under vault of heaven, more valiant found, +of warriors none more worthy to rule! +(On their lord beloved they laid no slight, +gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!) +From time to time, the tried-in-battle +their gray steeds set to gallop amain, +and ran a race when the road seemed fair. +From time to time, a thane of the king, +who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses, +stored with sagas and songs of old, +bound word to word in well-knit rime, +welded his lay; this warrior soon +of Beowulf's quest right cleverly sang, +and artfully added an excellent tale, +in well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds +he had heard in saga of Sigemund. +Strange the story: he said it all, -- +the Waelsing's wanderings wide, his struggles, +which never were told to tribes of men, +the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only, +when of these doings he deigned to speak, +uncle to nephew; as ever the twain +stood side by side in stress of war, +and multitude of the monster kind +they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew, +when he passed from life, no little praise; +for the doughty-in-combat a dragon killed +that herded the hoard: {13a} under hoary rock +the atheling dared the deed alone +fearful quest, nor was Fitela there. +Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced +that wondrous worm, -- on the wall it struck, +best blade; the dragon died in its blood. +Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved +over the ring-hoard to rule at will, +himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he loaded, +and bore on its bosom the beaming gold, +son of Waels; the worm was consumed. +He had of all heroes the highest renown +among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors, +for deeds of daring that decked his name +since the hand and heart of Heremod +grew slack in battle. He, swiftly banished +to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes, +to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow +had lamed him too long; a load of care +to earls and athelings all he proved. +Oft indeed, in earlier days, +for the warrior's wayfaring wise men mourned, +who had hoped of him help from harm and bale, +and had thought their sovran's son would thrive, +follow his father, his folk protect, +the hoard and the stronghold, heroes' land, +home of Scyldings. -- But here, thanes said, +the kinsman of Hygelac kinder seemed +to all: the other {13b} was urged to crime! +And afresh to the race, {13c} the fallow roads +by swift steeds measured! The morning sun +was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened +to the high-built hall, those hardy-minded, +the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure, +crowned with glory, the king himself, +with stately band from the bride-bower strode; +and with him the queen and her crowd of maidens +measured the path to the mead-house fair. + + + +XIV + +HROTHGAR spake, -- to the hall he went, +stood by the steps, the steep roof saw, +garnished with gold, and Grendel's hand: -- +"For the sight I see to the Sovran Ruler +be speedy thanks! A throng of sorrows +I have borne from Grendel; but God still works +wonder on wonder, the Warden-of-Glory. +It was but now that I never more +for woes that weighed on me waited help +long as I lived, when, laved in blood, +stood sword-gore-stained this stateliest house, -- +widespread woe for wise men all, +who had no hope to hinder ever +foes infernal and fiendish sprites +from havoc in hall. This hero now, +by the Wielder's might, a work has done +that not all of us erst could ever do +by wile and wisdom. Lo, well can she say +whoso of women this warrior bore +among sons of men, if still she liveth, +that the God of the ages was good to her +in the birth of her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee, +of heroes best, I shall heartily love +as mine own, my son; preserve thou ever +this kinship new: thou shalt never lack +wealth of the world that I wield as mine! +Full oft for less have I largess showered, +my precious hoard, on a punier man, +less stout in struggle. Thyself hast now +fulfilled such deeds, that thy fame shall endure +through all the ages. As ever he did, +well may the Wielder reward thee still!" +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"This work of war most willingly +we have fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared +force of the foe. Fain, too, were I +hadst thou but seen himself, what time +the fiend in his trappings tottered to fall! +Swiftly, I thought, in strongest gripe +on his bed of death to bind him down, +that he in the hent of this hand of mine +should breathe his last: but he broke away. +Him I might not -- the Maker willed not -- +hinder from flight, and firm enough hold +the life-destroyer: too sturdy was he, +the ruthless, in running! For rescue, however, +he left behind him his hand in pledge, +arm and shoulder; nor aught of help +could the cursed one thus procure at all. +None the longer liveth he, loathsome fiend, +sunk in his sins, but sorrow holds him +tightly grasped in gripe of anguish, +in baleful bonds, where bide he must, +evil outlaw, such awful doom +as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out." + +More silent seemed the son of Ecglaf {14a} +in boastful speech of his battle-deeds, +since athelings all, through the earl's great prowess, +beheld that hand, on the high roof gazing, +foeman's fingers, -- the forepart of each +of the sturdy nails to steel was likest, -- +heathen's "hand-spear," hostile warrior's +claw uncanny. 'Twas clear, they said, +that him no blade of the brave could touch, +how keen soever, or cut away +that battle-hand bloody from baneful foe. + + + +XV + +THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now +for hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng +of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse, +the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings +that were wove on the wall, and wonders many +to delight each mortal that looks upon them. +Though braced within by iron bands, +that building bright was broken sorely; {15a} +rent were its hinges; the roof alone +held safe and sound, when, seared with crime, +the fiendish foe his flight essayed, +of life despairing. -- No light thing that, +the flight for safety, -- essay it who will! +Forced of fate, he shall find his way +to the refuge ready for race of man, +for soul-possessors, and sons of earth; +and there his body on bed of death +shall rest after revel. +Arrived was the hour +when to hall proceeded Healfdene's son: +the king himself would sit to banquet. +Ne'er heard I of host in haughtier throng +more graciously gathered round giver-of-rings! +Bowed then to bench those bearers-of-glory, +fain of the feasting. Featly received +many a mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit, +kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall, +Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now +was filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings +ne'er yet had tried the traitor's deed. +To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene +a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph, +broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet; +and a splendid sword was seen of many +borne to the brave one. Beowulf took +cup in hall: {15b} for such costly gifts +he suffered no shame in that soldier throng. +For I heard of few heroes, in heartier mood, +with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold, +on the ale-bench honoring others thus! +O'er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge, +wound with wires, kept ward o'er the head, +lest the relict-of-files {15c} should fierce invade, +sharp in the strife, when that shielded hero +should go to grapple against his foes. +Then the earls'-defence {15d} on the floor {15e} bade lead +coursers eight, with carven head-gear, +adown the hall: one horse was decked +with a saddle all shining and set in jewels; +'twas the battle-seat of the best of kings, +when to play of swords the son of Healfdene +was fain to fare. Ne'er failed his valor +in the crush of combat when corpses fell. +To Beowulf over them both then gave +the refuge-of-Ingwines right and power, +o'er war-steeds and weapons: wished him joy of them. +Manfully thus the mighty prince, +hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid +with steeds and treasures contemned by none +who is willing to say the sooth aright. + + + +XVI + +AND the lord of earls, to each that came +with Beowulf over the briny ways, +an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave, +precious gift; and the price {16a} bade pay +in gold for him whom Grendel erst +murdered, -- and fain of them more had killed, +had not wisest God their Wyrd averted, +and the man's {16b} brave mood. The Maker then +ruled human kind, as here and now. +Therefore is insight always best, +and forethought of mind. How much awaits him +of lief and of loath, who long time here, +through days of warfare this world endures! + +Then song and music mingled sounds +in the presence of Healfdene's head-of-armies {16c} +and harping was heard with the hero-lay +as Hrothgar's singer the hall-joy woke +along the mead-seats, making his song +of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn. {16d} +Healfdene's hero, Hnaef the Scylding, +was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter. {16e} +Hildeburh needed not hold in value +her enemies' honor! {16f} Innocent both +were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play, +bairn and brother, they bowed to fate, +stricken by spears; 'twas a sorrowful woman! +None doubted why the daughter of Hoc +bewailed her doom when dawning came, +and under the sky she saw them lying, +kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned +of the sweets of the world! By war were swept, too, +Finn's own liegemen, and few were left; +in the parleying-place {16g} he could ply no longer +weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest, +and rescue his remnant by right of arms +from the prince's thane. A pact he offered: +another dwelling the Danes should have, +hall and high-seat, and half the power +should fall to them in Frisian land; +and at the fee-gifts, Folcwald's son +day by day the Danes should honor, +the folk of Hengest favor with rings, +even as truly, with treasure and jewels, +with fretted gold, as his Frisian kin +he meant to honor in ale-hall there. +Pact of peace they plighted further +on both sides firmly. Finn to Hengest +with oath, upon honor, openly promised +that woful remnant, with wise-men's aid, +nobly to govern, so none of the guests +by word or work should warp the treaty, {16h} +or with malice of mind bemoan themselves +as forced to follow their fee-giver's slayer, +lordless men, as their lot ordained. +Should Frisian, moreover, with foeman's taunt, +that murderous hatred to mind recall, +then edge of the sword must seal his doom. + +Oaths were given, and ancient gold +heaped from hoard. -- The hardy Scylding, +battle-thane best, {16i} on his balefire lay. +All on the pyre were plain to see +the gory sark, the gilded swine-crest, +boar of hard iron, and athelings many +slain by the sword: at the slaughter they fell. +It was Hildeburh's hest, at Hnaef's own pyre +the bairn of her body on brands to lay, +his bones to burn, on the balefire placed, +at his uncle's side. In sorrowful dirges +bewept them the woman: great wailing ascended. +Then wound up to welkin the wildest of death-fires, +roared o'er the hillock: {16j} heads all were melted, +gashes burst, and blood gushed out +from bites {16k} of the body. Balefire devoured, +greediest spirit, those spared not by war +out of either folk: their flower was gone. + + + +XVII + +THEN hastened those heroes their home to see, +friendless, to find the Frisian land, +houses and high burg. Hengest still +through the death-dyed winter dwelt with Finn, +holding pact, yet of home he minded, +though powerless his ring-decked prow to drive +over the waters, now waves rolled fierce +lashed by the winds, or winter locked them +in icy fetters. Then fared another +year to men's dwellings, as yet they do, +the sunbright skies, that their season ever +duly await. Far off winter was driven; +fair lay earth's breast; and fain was the rover, +the guest, to depart, though more gladly he pondered +on wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep, +and how to hasten the hot encounter +where sons of the Frisians were sure to be. +So he escaped not the common doom, +when Hun with "Lafing," the light-of-battle, +best of blades, his bosom pierced: +its edge was famed with the Frisian earls. +On fierce-heart Finn there fell likewise, +on himself at home, the horrid sword-death; +for Guthlaf and Oslaf of grim attack +had sorrowing told, from sea-ways landed, +mourning their woes. {17a} Finn's wavering spirit +bode not in breast. The burg was reddened +with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain, +king amid clansmen; the queen was taken. +To their ship the Scylding warriors bore +all the chattels the chieftain owned, +whatever they found in Finn's domain +of gems and jewels. The gentle wife +o'er paths of the deep to the Danes they bore, +led to her land. +The lay was finished, +the gleeman's song. Then glad rose the revel; +bench-joy brightened. Bearers draw +from their "wonder-vats" wine. Comes Wealhtheow forth, +under gold-crown goes where the good pair sit, +uncle and nephew, true each to the other one, +kindred in amity. Unferth the spokesman +at the Scylding lord's feet sat: men had faith in his spirit, +his keenness of courage, though kinsmen had found him +unsure at the sword-play. The Scylding queen spoke: +"Quaff of this cup, my king and lord, +breaker of rings, and blithe be thou, +gold-friend of men; to the Geats here speak +such words of mildness as man should use. +Be glad with thy Geats; of those gifts be mindful, +or near or far, which now thou hast. + +Men say to me, as son thou wishest +yon hero to hold. Thy Heorot purged, +jewel-hall brightest, enjoy while thou canst, +with many a largess; and leave to thy kin +folk and realm when forth thou goest +to greet thy doom. For gracious I deem +my Hrothulf, {17b} willing to hold and rule +nobly our youths, if thou yield up first, +prince of Scyldings, thy part in the world. +I ween with good he will well requite +offspring of ours, when all he minds +that for him we did in his helpless days +of gift and grace to gain him honor!" +Then she turned to the seat where her sons wereplaced, +Hrethric and Hrothmund, with heroes' bairns, +young men together: the Geat, too, sat there, +Beowulf brave, the brothers between. + + + +XVIII + +A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting +and winsome words. Of wounden gold, +she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain, +corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest +that ever I knew the earth around. +Ne'er heard I so mighty, 'neath heaven's dome, +a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore +to his bright-built burg the Brisings' necklace, +jewel and gem casket. -- Jealousy fled he, +Eormenric's hate: chose help eternal. +Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting, +on the last of his raids this ring bore with him, +under his banner the booty defending, +the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o'erwhelmed him +what time, in his daring, dangers he sought, +feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems +he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves, +sovran strong: under shield he died. +Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, +gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring; +weaker warriors won the spoil, +after gripe of battle, from Geatland's lord, +and held the death-field. +Din rose in hall. +Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said: -- +"This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth, +Beowulf lov'd, these battle-weeds wear, +a royal treasure, and richly thrive! +Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here +counsel in kindness: requital be mine. +Hast done such deeds, that for days to come +thou art famed among folk both far and near, +so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean +his windy walls. Through the ways of life +prosper, O prince! I pray for thee +rich possessions. To son of mine +be helpful in deed and uphold his joys! +Here every earl to the other is true, +mild of mood, to the master loyal! +Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient, +liegemen are revelling: list and obey!" +Went then to her place. -- That was proudest of feasts; +flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not, +destiny dire, and the doom to be seen +by many an earl when eve should come, +and Hrothgar homeward hasten away, +royal, to rest. The room was guarded +by an army of earls, as erst was done. +They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread +beds and bolsters. -- One beer-carouser +in danger of doom lay down in the hall. -- + +At their heads they set their shields of war, +bucklers bright; on the bench were there +over each atheling, easy to see, +the high battle-helmet, the haughty spear, +the corselet of rings. 'Twas their custom so +ever to be for battle prepared, +at home, or harrying, which it were, +even as oft as evil threatened +their sovran king. -- They were clansmen good. + + + +XIX + +THEN sank they to sleep. With sorrow one bought +his rest of the evening, -- as ofttime had happened +when Grendel guarded that golden hall, +evil wrought, till his end drew nigh, +slaughter for sins. 'Twas seen and told +how an avenger survived the fiend, +as was learned afar. The livelong time +after that grim fight, Grendel's mother, +monster of women, mourned her woe. +She was doomed to dwell in the dreary waters, +cold sea-courses, since Cain cut down +with edge of the sword his only brother, +his father's offspring: outlawed he fled, +marked with murder, from men's delights +warded the wilds. -- There woke from him +such fate-sent ghosts as Grendel, who, +war-wolf horrid, at Heorot found +a warrior watching and waiting the fray, +with whom the grisly one grappled amain. +But the man remembered his mighty power, +the glorious gift that God had sent him, +in his Maker's mercy put his trust +for comfort and help: so he conquered the foe, +felled the fiend, who fled abject, +reft of joy, to the realms of death, +mankind's foe. And his mother now, +gloomy and grim, would go that quest +of sorrow, the death of her son to avenge. +To Heorot came she, where helmeted Danes +slept in the hall. Too soon came back +old ills of the earls, when in she burst, +the mother of Grendel. Less grim, though, that terror, +e'en as terror of woman in war is less, +might of maid, than of men in arms +when, hammer-forged, the falchion hard, +sword gore-stained, through swine of the helm, +crested, with keen blade carves amain. +Then was in hall the hard-edge drawn, +the swords on the settles, {19a} and shields a-many +firm held in hand: nor helmet minded +nor harness of mail, whom that horror seized. +Haste was hers; she would hie afar +and save her life when the liegemen saw her. +Yet a single atheling up she seized +fast and firm, as she fled to the moor. +He was for Hrothgar of heroes the dearest, +of trusty vassals betwixt the seas, +whom she killed on his couch, a clansman famous, +in battle brave. -- Nor was Beowulf there; +another house had been held apart, +after giving of gold, for the Geat renowned. -- +Uproar filled Heorot; the hand all had viewed, +blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was returned, +dole in the dwellings: 'twas dire exchange +where Dane and Geat were doomed to give +the lives of loved ones. Long-tried king, +the hoary hero, at heart was sad +when he knew his noble no more lived, +and dead indeed was his dearest thane. +To his bower was Beowulf brought in haste, +dauntless victor. As daylight broke, +along with his earls the atheling lord, +with his clansmen, came where the king abode +waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All +would turn this tale of trouble and woe. +Strode o'er floor the famed-in-strife, +with his hand-companions, -- the hall resounded, -- +wishing to greet the wise old king, +Ingwines' lord; he asked if the night +had passed in peace to the prince's mind. + + + +XX + +HROTHGAR spake, helmet-of-Scyldings: -- +"Ask not of pleasure! Pain is renewed +to Danish folk. Dead is Aeschere, +of Yrmenlaf the elder brother, +my sage adviser and stay in council, +shoulder-comrade in stress of fight +when warriors clashed and we warded our heads, +hewed the helm-boars; hero famed +should be every earl as Aeschere was! +But here in Heorot a hand hath slain him +of wandering death-sprite. I wot not whither, {20a} +proud of the prey, her path she took, +fain of her fill. The feud she avenged +that yesternight, unyieldingly, +Grendel in grimmest grasp thou killedst, -- +seeing how long these liegemen mine +he ruined and ravaged. Reft of life, +in arms he fell. Now another comes, +keen and cruel, her kin to avenge, +faring far in feud of blood: +so that many a thane shall think, who e'er +sorrows in soul for that sharer of rings, +this is hardest of heart-bales. The hand lies low +that once was willing each wish to please. +Land-dwellers here {20b} and liegemen mine, +who house by those parts, I have heard relate +that such a pair they have sometimes seen, +march-stalkers mighty the moorland haunting, +wandering spirits: one of them seemed, +so far as my folk could fairly judge, +of womankind; and one, accursed, +in man's guise trod the misery-track +of exile, though huger than human bulk. +Grendel in days long gone they named him, +folk of the land; his father they knew not, +nor any brood that was born to him +of treacherous spirits. Untrod is their home; +by wolf-cliffs haunt they and windy headlands, +fenways fearful, where flows the stream +from mountains gliding to gloom of the rocks, +underground flood. Not far is it hence +in measure of miles that the mere expands, +and o'er it the frost-bound forest hanging, +sturdily rooted, shadows the wave. +By night is a wonder weird to see, +fire on the waters. So wise lived none +of the sons of men, to search those depths! +Nay, though the heath-rover, harried by dogs, +the horn-proud hart, this holt should seek, +long distance driven, his dear life first +on the brink he yields ere he brave the plunge +to hide his head: 'tis no happy place! +Thence the welter of waters washes up +wan to welkin when winds bestir +evil storms, and air grows dusk, +and the heavens weep. Now is help once more +with thee alone! The land thou knowst not, +place of fear, where thou findest out +that sin-flecked being. Seek if thou dare! +I will reward thee, for waging this fight, +with ancient treasure, as erst I did, +with winding gold, if thou winnest back." + + + +XXI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: +"Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better +friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them. +Each of us all must his end abide +in the ways of the world; so win who may +glory ere death! When his days are told, +that is the warrior's worthiest doom. +Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon, +and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel. +No harbor shall hide her -- heed my promise! -- +enfolding of field or forested mountain +or floor of the flood, let her flee where she will! +But thou this day endure in patience, +as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one." +Leaped up the graybeard: God he thanked, +mighty Lord, for the man's brave words. +For Hrothgar soon a horse was saddled +wave-maned steed. The sovran wise +stately rode on; his shield-armed men +followed in force. The footprints led +along the woodland, widely seen, +a path o'er the plain, where she passed, and trod +the murky moor; of men-at-arms +she bore the bravest and best one, dead, +him who with Hrothgar the homestead ruled. +On then went the atheling-born +o'er stone-cliffs steep and strait defiles, +narrow passes and unknown ways, +headlands sheer, and the haunts of the Nicors. +Foremost he {21a} fared, a few at his side +of the wiser men, the ways to scan, +till he found in a flash the forested hill +hanging over the hoary rock, +a woful wood: the waves below +were dyed in blood. The Danish men +had sorrow of soul, and for Scyldings all, +for many a hero, 'twas hard to bear, +ill for earls, when Aeschere's head +they found by the flood on the foreland there. +Waves were welling, the warriors saw, +hot with blood; but the horn sang oft +battle-song bold. The band sat down, +and watched on the water worm-like things, +sea-dragons strange that sounded the deep, +and nicors that lay on the ledge of the ness -- +such as oft essay at hour of morn +on the road-of-sails their ruthless quest, -- +and sea-snakes and monsters. These started away, +swollen and savage that song to hear, +that war-horn's blast. The warden of Geats, +with bolt from bow, then balked of life, +of wave-work, one monster, amid its heart +went the keen war-shaft; in water it seemed +less doughty in swimming whom death had seized. +Swift on the billows, with boar-spears well +hooked and barbed, it was hard beset, +done to death and dragged on the headland, +wave-roamer wondrous. Warriors viewed +the grisly guest. +Then girt him Beowulf +in martial mail, nor mourned for his life. +His breastplate broad and bright of hues, +woven by hand, should the waters try; +well could it ward the warrior's body +that battle should break on his breast in vain +nor harm his heart by the hand of a foe. +And the helmet white that his head protected +was destined to dare the deeps of the flood, +through wave-whirl win: 'twas wound with chains, +decked with gold, as in days of yore +the weapon-smith worked it wondrously, +with swine-forms set it, that swords nowise, +brandished in battle, could bite that helm. +Nor was that the meanest of mighty helps +which Hrothgar's orator offered at need: +"Hrunting" they named the hilted sword, +of old-time heirlooms easily first; +iron was its edge, all etched with poison, +with battle-blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight +in hero's hand who held it ever, +on paths of peril prepared to go +to folkstead {21b} of foes. Not first time this +it was destined to do a daring task. +For he bore not in mind, the bairn of Ecglaf +sturdy and strong, that speech he had made, +drunk with wine, now this weapon he lent +to a stouter swordsman. Himself, though, durst not +under welter of waters wager his life +as loyal liegeman. So lost he his glory, +honor of earls. With the other not so, +who girded him now for the grim encounter. + + + +XXII + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Have mind, thou honored offspring of Healfdene +gold-friend of men, now I go on this quest, +sovran wise, what once was said: +if in thy cause it came that I +should lose my life, thou wouldst loyal bide +to me, though fallen, in father's place! +Be guardian, thou, to this group of my thanes, +my warrior-friends, if War should seize me; +and the goodly gifts thou gavest me, +Hrothgar beloved, to Hygelac send! +Geatland's king may ken by the gold, +Hrethel's son see, when he stares at the treasure, +that I got me a friend for goodness famed, +and joyed while I could in my jewel-bestower. +And let Unferth wield this wondrous sword, +earl far-honored, this heirloom precious, +hard of edge: with Hrunting I +seek doom of glory, or Death shall take me." + +After these words the Weder-Geat lord +boldly hastened, biding never +answer at all: the ocean floods +closed o'er the hero. Long while of the day +fled ere he felt the floor of the sea. + +Soon found the fiend who the flood-domain +sword-hungry held these hundred winters, +greedy and grim, that some guest from above, +some man, was raiding her monster-realm. +She grasped out for him with grisly claws, +and the warrior seized; yet scathed she not +his body hale; the breastplate hindered, +as she strove to shatter the sark of war, +the linked harness, with loathsome hand. +Then bore this brine-wolf, when bottom she touched, +the lord of rings to the lair she haunted +whiles vainly he strove, though his valor held, +weapon to wield against wondrous monsters +that sore beset him; sea-beasts many +tried with fierce tusks to tear his mail, +and swarmed on the stranger. But soon he marked +he was now in some hall, he knew not which, +where water never could work him harm, +nor through the roof could reach him ever +fangs of the flood. Firelight he saw, +beams of a blaze that brightly shone. +Then the warrior was ware of that wolf-of-the-deep, +mere-wife monstrous. For mighty stroke +he swung his blade, and the blow withheld not. +Then sang on her head that seemly blade +its war-song wild. But the warrior found +the light-of-battle {22a} was loath to bite, +to harm the heart: its hard edge failed +the noble at need, yet had known of old +strife hand to hand, and had helmets cloven, +doomed men's fighting-gear. First time, this, +for the gleaming blade that its glory fell. +Firm still stood, nor failed in valor, +heedful of high deeds, Hygelac's kinsman; +flung away fretted sword, featly jewelled, +the angry earl; on earth it lay +steel-edged and stiff. His strength he trusted, +hand-gripe of might. So man shall do +whenever in war he weens to earn him +lasting fame, nor fears for his life! +Seized then by shoulder, shrank not from combat, +the Geatish war-prince Grendel's mother. +Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath, +his deadly foe, that she fell to ground. +Swift on her part she paid him back +with grisly grasp, and grappled with him. +Spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior, +fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown. +On the hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword, +broad and brown-edged, {22b} the bairn to avenge, +the sole-born son. -- On his shoulder lay +braided breast-mail, barring death, +withstanding entrance of edge or blade. +Life would have ended for Ecgtheow's son, +under wide earth for that earl of Geats, +had his armor of war not aided him, +battle-net hard, and holy God +wielded the victory, wisest Maker. +The Lord of Heaven allowed his cause; +and easily rose the earl erect. + + + + +XXIII + +'MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant, +old-sword of Eotens, with edge of proof, +warriors' heirloom, weapon unmatched, +-- save only 'twas more than other men +to bandy-of-battle could bear at all -- +as the giants had wrought it, ready and keen. +Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings' chieftain, +bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword, +reckless of life, and so wrathfully smote +that it gripped her neck and grasped her hard, +her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced through +that fated-one's flesh: to floor she sank. +Bloody the blade: he was blithe of his deed. +Then blazed forth light. 'Twas bright within +as when from the sky there shines unclouded +heaven's candle. The hall he scanned. +By the wall then went he; his weapon raised +high by its hilts the Hygelac-thane, +angry and eager. That edge was not useless +to the warrior now. He wished with speed +Grendel to guerdon for grim raids many, +for the war he waged on Western-Danes +oftener far than an only time, +when of Hrothgar's hearth-companions +he slew in slumber, in sleep devoured, +fifteen men of the folk of Danes, +and as many others outward bore, +his horrible prey. Well paid for that +the wrathful prince! For now prone he saw +Grendel stretched there, spent with war, +spoiled of life, so scathed had left him +Heorot's battle. The body sprang far +when after death it endured the blow, +sword-stroke savage, that severed its head. +Soon, {23a} then, saw the sage companions +who waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood, +that the tossing waters turbid grew, +blood-stained the mere. Old men together, +hoary-haired, of the hero spake; +the warrior would not, they weened, again, +proud of conquest, come to seek +their mighty master. To many it seemed +the wolf-of-the-waves had won his life. +The ninth hour came. The noble Scyldings +left the headland; homeward went +the gold-friend of men. {23b} But the guests sat on, +stared at the surges, sick in heart, +and wished, yet weened not, their winsome lord +again to see. + +Now that sword began, +from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings, {23c} +war-blade, to wane: 'twas a wondrous thing +that all of it melted as ice is wont +when frosty fetters the Father loosens, +unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding all +seasons and times: the true God he! +Nor took from that dwelling the duke of the Geats +save only the head and that hilt withal +blazoned with jewels: the blade had melted, +burned was the bright sword, her blood was so hot, +so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished within there. +Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combat +downfall of demons; up-dove through the flood. +The clashing waters were cleansed now, +waste of waves, where the wandering fiend +her life-days left and this lapsing world. +Swam then to strand the sailors'-refuge, +sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad, +of burden brave he bore with him. +Went then to greet him, and God they thanked, +the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe, +that safe and sound they could see him again. +Soon from the hardy one helmet and armor +deftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere, +water 'neath welkin, with war-blood stained. +Forth they fared by the footpaths thence, +merry at heart the highways measured, +well-known roads. Courageous men +carried the head from the cliff by the sea, +an arduous task for all the band, +the firm in fight, since four were needed +on the shaft-of-slaughter {23d} strenuously +to bear to the gold-hall Grendel's head. +So presently to the palace there +foemen fearless, fourteen Geats, +marching came. Their master-of-clan +mighty amid them the meadow-ways trod. +Strode then within the sovran thane +fearless in fight, of fame renowned, +hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet. +And next by the hair into hall was borne +Grendel's head, where the henchmen were drinking, +an awe to clan and queen alike, +a monster of marvel: the men looked on. + + + +XXIV + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, now, this sea-booty, son of Healfdene, +Lord of Scyldings, we've lustily brought thee, +sign of glory; thou seest it here. +Not lightly did I with my life escape! +In war under water this work I essayed +with endless effort; and even so +my strength had been lost had the Lord not shielded me. +Not a whit could I with Hrunting do +in work of war, though the weapon is good; +yet a sword the Sovran of Men vouchsafed me +to spy on the wall there, in splendor hanging, +old, gigantic, -- how oft He guides +the friendless wight! -- and I fought with that brand, +felling in fight, since fate was with me, +the house's wardens. That war-sword then +all burned, bright blade, when the blood gushed o'er it, +battle-sweat hot; but the hilt I brought back +from my foes. So avenged I their fiendish deeds +death-fall of Danes, as was due and right. +And this is my hest, that in Heorot now +safe thou canst sleep with thy soldier band, +and every thane of all thy folk +both old and young; no evil fear, +Scyldings' lord, from that side again, +aught ill for thy earls, as erst thou must!" +Then the golden hilt, for that gray-haired leader, +hoary hero, in hand was laid, +giant-wrought, old. So owned and enjoyed it +after downfall of devils, the Danish lord, +wonder-smiths' work, since the world was rid +of that grim-souled fiend, the foe of God, +murder-marked, and his mother as well. +Now it passed into power of the people's king, +best of all that the oceans bound +who have scattered their gold o'er Scandia's isle. +Hrothgar spake -- the hilt he viewed, +heirloom old, where was etched the rise +of that far-off fight when the floods o'erwhelmed, +raging waves, the race of giants +(fearful their fate!), a folk estranged +from God Eternal: whence guerdon due +in that waste of waters the Wielder paid them. +So on the guard of shining gold +in runic staves it was rightly said +for whom the serpent-traced sword was wrought, +best of blades, in bygone days, +and the hilt well wound. -- The wise-one spake, +son of Healfdene; silent were all: -- +"Lo, so may he say who sooth and right +follows 'mid folk, of far times mindful, +a land-warden old, {24a} that this earl belongs +to the better breed! So, borne aloft, +thy fame must fly, O friend my Beowulf, +far and wide o'er folksteads many. Firmly thou +shalt all maintain, +mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of +mine will I assure thee, +as, awhile ago, I promised; thou shalt prove a stay +in future, +in far-off years, to folk of thine, +to the heroes a help. Was not Heremod thus +to offspring of Ecgwela, Honor-Scyldings, +nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter, +for doom of death to the Danishmen. + +He slew, wrath-swollen, his shoulder-comrades, +companions at board! So he passed alone, +chieftain haughty, from human cheer. +Though him the Maker with might endowed, +delights of power, and uplifted high +above all men, yet blood-fierce his mind, +his breast-hoard, grew, no bracelets gave he +to Danes as was due; he endured all joyless +strain of struggle and stress of woe, +long feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson! +Of virtue advise thee! This verse I have said for thee, +wise from lapsed winters. Wondrous seems +how to sons of men Almighty God +in the strength of His spirit sendeth wisdom, +estate, high station: He swayeth all things. +Whiles He letteth right lustily fare +the heart of the hero of high-born race, -- +in seat ancestral assigns him bliss, +his folk's sure fortress in fee to hold, +puts in his power great parts of the earth, +empire so ample, that end of it +this wanter-of-wisdom weeneth none. +So he waxes in wealth, nowise can harm him +illness or age; no evil cares +shadow his spirit; no sword-hate threatens +from ever an enemy: all the world +wends at his will, no worse he knoweth, +till all within him obstinate pride +waxes and wakes while the warden slumbers, +the spirit's sentry; sleep is too fast +which masters his might, and the murderer nears, +stealthily shooting the shafts from his bow! + + + +XXV + +"UNDER harness his heart then is hit indeed +by sharpest shafts; and no shelter avails +from foul behest of the hellish fiend. {25a} +Him seems too little what long he possessed. +Greedy and grim, no golden rings +he gives for his pride; the promised future +forgets he and spurns, with all God has sent him, +Wonder-Wielder, of wealth and fame. +Yet in the end it ever comes +that the frame of the body fragile yields, +fated falls; and there follows another +who joyously the jewels divides, +the royal riches, nor recks of his forebear. +Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, +best of men, and the better part choose, +profit eternal; and temper thy pride, +warrior famous! The flower of thy might +lasts now a while: but erelong it shall be +that sickness or sword thy strength shall minish, +or fang of fire, or flooding billow, +or bite of blade, or brandished spear, +or odious age; or the eyes' clear beam +wax dull and darken: Death even thee +in haste shall o'erwhelm, thou hero of war! +So the Ring-Danes these half-years a hundred I ruled, +wielded 'neath welkin, and warded them bravely +from mighty-ones many o'er middle-earth, +from spear and sword, till it seemed for me +no foe could be found under fold of the sky. +Lo, sudden the shift! To me seated secure +came grief for joy when Grendel began +to harry my home, the hellish foe; +for those ruthless raids, unresting I suffered +heart-sorrow heavy. Heaven be thanked, +Lord Eternal, for life extended +that I on this head all hewn and bloody, +after long evil, with eyes may gaze! +-- Go to the bench now! Be glad at banquet, +warrior worthy! A wealth of treasure +at dawn of day, be dealt between us!" +Glad was the Geats' lord, going betimes +to seek his seat, as the Sage commanded. +Afresh, as before, for the famed-in-battle, +for the band of the hall, was a banquet dight +nobly anew. The Night-Helm darkened +dusk o'er the drinkers. +The doughty ones rose: +for the hoary-headed would hasten to rest, +aged Scylding; and eager the Geat, +shield-fighter sturdy, for sleeping yearned. +Him wander-weary, warrior-guest +from far, a hall-thane heralded forth, +who by custom courtly cared for all +needs of a thane as in those old days +warrior-wanderers wont to have. +So slumbered the stout-heart. Stately the hall +rose gabled and gilt where the guest slept on +till a raven black the rapture-of-heaven {25b} +blithe-heart boded. Bright came flying +shine after shadow. The swordsmen hastened, +athelings all were eager homeward +forth to fare; and far from thence +the great-hearted guest would guide his keel. +Bade then the hardy-one Hrunting be brought +to the son of Ecglaf, the sword bade him take, +excellent iron, and uttered his thanks for it, +quoth that he counted it keen in battle, +"war-friend" winsome: with words he slandered not +edge of the blade: 'twas a big-hearted man! +Now eager for parting and armed at point +warriors waited, while went to his host +that Darling of Danes. The doughty atheling +to high-seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted. + + + +XXVI + +BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Lo, we seafarers say our will, +far-come men, that we fain would seek +Hygelac now. We here have found +hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well. +If ever on earth I am able to win me +more of thy love, O lord of men, +aught anew, than I now have done, +for work of war I am willing still! +If it come to me ever across the seas +that neighbor foemen annoy and fright thee, -- +as they that hate thee erewhile have used, -- +thousands then of thanes I shall bring, +heroes to help thee. Of Hygelac I know, +ward of his folk, that, though few his years, +the lord of the Geats will give me aid +by word and by work, that well I may serve thee, +wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph +and lending thee might when thou lackest men. +If thy Hrethric should come to court of Geats, +a sovran's son, he will surely there +find his friends. A far-off land +each man should visit who vaunts him brave." +Him then answering, Hrothgar spake: -- +"These words of thine the wisest God +sent to thy soul! No sager counsel +from so young in years e'er yet have I heard. +Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary, +art wise in words! I ween indeed +if ever it hap that Hrethel's heir +by spear be seized, by sword-grim battle, +by illness or iron, thine elder and lord, +people's leader, -- and life be thine, -- +no seemlier man will the Sea-Geats find +at all to choose for their chief and king, +for hoard-guard of heroes, if hold thou wilt +thy kinsman's kingdom! Thy keen mind pleases me +the longer the better, Beowulf loved! + +Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples, +sons of the Geat and Spear-Dane folk, +shall have mutual peace, and from murderous strife, +such as once they waged, from war refrain. +Long as I rule this realm so wide, +let our hoards be common, let heroes with gold +each other greet o'er the gannet's-bath, +and the ringed-prow bear o'er rolling waves +tokens of love. I trow my landfolk +towards friend and foe are firmly joined, +and honor they keep in the olden way." +To him in the hall, then, Healfdene's son +gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls +bade him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved, +hale to his home, and in haste return. +Then kissed the king of kin renowned, +Scyldings' chieftain, that choicest thane, +and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the tears +of the hoary-headed. Heavy with winters, +he had chances twain, but he clung to this, {26a} -- +that each should look on the other again, +and hear him in hall. Was this hero so dear to him. +his breast's wild billows he banned in vain; +safe in his soul a secret longing, +locked in his mind, for that loved man +burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode, +glad of his gold-gifts, the grass-plot o'er, +warrior blithe. The wave-roamer bode +riding at anchor, its owner awaiting. +As they hastened onward, Hrothgar's gift +they lauded at length. -- 'Twas a lord unpeered, +every way blameless, till age had broken +-- it spareth no mortal -- his splendid might. + + + +XXVII + +CAME now to ocean the ever-courageous +hardy henchmen, their harness bearing, +woven war-sarks. The warden marked, +trusty as ever, the earl's return. +From the height of the hill no hostile words +reached the guests as he rode to greet them; +but "Welcome!" he called to that Weder clan +as the sheen-mailed spoilers to ship marched on. +Then on the strand, with steeds and treasure +and armor their roomy and ring-dight ship +was heavily laden: high its mast +rose over Hrothgar's hoarded gems. +A sword to the boat-guard Beowulf gave, +mounted with gold; on the mead-bench since +he was better esteemed, that blade possessing, +heirloom old. -- Their ocean-keel boarding, +they drove through the deep, and Daneland left. +A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes, +firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned; {27a} +nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow +across from her course. The craft sped on, +foam-necked it floated forth o'er the waves, +keel firm-bound over briny currents, +till they got them sight of the Geatish cliffs, +home-known headlands. High the boat, +stirred by winds, on the strand updrove. +Helpful at haven the harbor-guard stood, +who long already for loved companions +by the water had waited and watched afar. +He bound to the beach the broad-bosomed ship +with anchor-bands, lest ocean-billows +that trusty timber should tear away. +Then Beowulf bade them bear the treasure, +gold and jewels; no journey far +was it thence to go to the giver of rings, +Hygelac Hrethling: at home he dwelt +by the sea-wall close, himself and clan. +Haughty that house, a hero the king, +high the hall, and Hygd {27b} right young, +wise and wary, though winters few +in those fortress walls she had found a home, +Haereth's daughter. Nor humble her ways, +nor grudged she gifts to the Geatish men, +of precious treasure. Not Thryth's pride showed she, +folk-queen famed, or that fell deceit. +Was none so daring that durst make bold +(save her lord alone) of the liegemen dear +that lady full in the face to look, +but forged fetters he found his lot, +bonds of death! And brief the respite; +soon as they seized him, his sword-doom was spoken, +and the burnished blade a baleful murder +proclaimed and closed. No queenly way +for woman to practise, though peerless she, +that the weaver-of-peace {27c} from warrior dear +by wrath and lying his life should reave! +But Hemming's kinsman hindered this. -- +For over their ale men also told +that of these folk-horrors fewer she wrought, +onslaughts of evil, after she went, +gold-decked bride, to the brave young prince, +atheling haughty, and Offa's hall +o'er the fallow flood at her father's bidding +safely sought, where since she prospered, +royal, throned, rich in goods, +fain of the fair life fate had sent her, +and leal in love to the lord of warriors. +He, of all heroes I heard of ever +from sea to sea, of the sons of earth, +most excellent seemed. Hence Offa was praised +for his fighting and feeing by far-off men, +the spear-bold warrior; wisely he ruled +over his empire. Eomer woke to him, +help of heroes, Hemming's kinsman, +Grandson of Garmund, grim in war. + + + +XXVIII + +HASTENED the hardy one, henchmen with him, +sandy strand of the sea to tread +and widespread ways. The world's great candle, +sun shone from south. They strode along +with sturdy steps to the spot they knew +where the battle-king young, his burg within, +slayer of Ongentheow, shared the rings, +shelter-of-heroes. To Hygelac +Beowulf's coming was quickly told, -- +that there in the court the clansmen's refuge, +the shield-companion sound and alive, +hale from the hero-play homeward strode. +With haste in the hall, by highest order, +room for the rovers was readily made. +By his sovran he sat, come safe from battle, +kinsman by kinsman. His kindly lord +he first had greeted in gracious form, +with manly words. The mead dispensing, +came through the high hall Haereth's daughter, +winsome to warriors, wine-cup bore +to the hands of the heroes. Hygelac then +his comrade fairly with question plied +in the lofty hall, sore longing to know +what manner of sojourn the Sea-Geats made. +"What came of thy quest, my kinsman Beowulf, +when thy yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder +battle to seek o'er the briny sea, +combat in Heorot? Hrothgar couldst thou +aid at all, the honored chief, +in his wide-known woes? With waves of care +my sad heart seethed; I sore mistrusted +my loved one's venture: long I begged thee +by no means to seek that slaughtering monster, +but suffer the South-Danes to settle their feud +themselves with Grendel. Now God be thanked +that safe and sound I can see thee now!" +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"'Tis known and unhidden, Hygelac Lord, +to many men, that meeting of ours, +struggle grim between Grendel and me, +which we fought on the field where full too many +sorrows he wrought for the Scylding-Victors, +evils unending. These all I avenged. +No boast can be from breed of Grendel, +any on earth, for that uproar at dawn, +from the longest-lived of the loathsome race +in fleshly fold! -- But first I went +Hrothgar to greet in the hall of gifts, +where Healfdene's kinsman high-renowned, +soon as my purpose was plain to him, +assigned me a seat by his son and heir. +The liegemen were lusty; my life-days never +such merry men over mead in hall +have I heard under heaven! The high-born queen, +people's peace-bringer, passed through the hall, +cheered the young clansmen, clasps of gold, +ere she sought her seat, to sundry gave. +Oft to the heroes Hrothgar's daughter, +to earls in turn, the ale-cup tendered, -- +she whom I heard these hall-companions +Freawaru name, when fretted gold +she proffered the warriors. Promised is she, +gold-decked maid, to the glad son of Froda. +Sage this seems to the Scylding's-friend, +kingdom's-keeper: he counts it wise +the woman to wed so and ward off feud, +store of slaughter. But seldom ever +when men are slain, does the murder-spear sink +but briefest while, though the bride be fair! {28a} +"Nor haply will like it the Heathobard lord, +and as little each of his liegemen all, +when a thane of the Danes, in that doughty throng, +goes with the lady along their hall, +and on him the old-time heirlooms glisten +hard and ring-decked, Heathobard's treasure, +weapons that once they wielded fair +until they lost at the linden-play {28b} +liegeman leal and their lives as well. +Then, over the ale, on this heirloom gazing, +some ash-wielder old who has all in mind +that spear-death of men, {28c} -- he is stern of mood, +heavy at heart, -- in the hero young +tests the temper and tries the soul +and war-hate wakens, with words like these: -- +Canst thou not, comrade, ken that sword +which to the fray thy father carried +in his final feud, 'neath the fighting-mask, +dearest of blades, when the Danish slew him +and wielded the war-place on Withergild's fall, +after havoc of heroes, those hardy Scyldings? +Now, the son of a certain slaughtering Dane, +proud of his treasure, paces this hall, +joys in the killing, and carries the jewel {28d} +that rightfully ought to be owned by thee!_ +Thus he urges and eggs him all the time +with keenest words, till occasion offers +that Freawaru's thane, for his father's deed, +after bite of brand in his blood must slumber, +losing his life; but that liegeman flies +living away, for the land he kens. +And thus be broken on both their sides +oaths of the earls, when Ingeld's breast +wells with war-hate, and wife-love now +after the care-billows cooler grows. +"So {28e} I hold not high the Heathobards' faith +due to the Danes, or their during love +and pact of peace. -- But I pass from that, +turning to Grendel, O giver-of-treasure, +and saying in full how the fight resulted, +hand-fray of heroes. When heaven's jewel +had fled o'er far fields, that fierce sprite came, +night-foe savage, to seek us out +where safe and sound we sentried the hall. +To Hondscio then was that harassing deadly, +his fall there was fated. He first was slain, +girded warrior. Grendel on him +turned murderous mouth, on our mighty kinsman, +and all of the brave man's body devoured. +Yet none the earlier, empty-handed, +would the bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of bale, +outward go from the gold-decked hall: +but me he attacked in his terror of might, +with greedy hand grasped me. A glove hung by him {28f} +wide and wondrous, wound with bands; +and in artful wise it all was wrought, +by devilish craft, of dragon-skins. +Me therein, an innocent man, +the fiendish foe was fain to thrust +with many another. He might not so, +when I all angrily upright stood. +'Twere long to relate how that land-destroyer +I paid in kind for his cruel deeds; +yet there, my prince, this people of thine +got fame by my fighting. He fled away, +and a little space his life preserved; +but there staid behind him his stronger hand +left in Heorot; heartsick thence +on the floor of the ocean that outcast fell. +Me for this struggle the Scyldings'-friend +paid in plenty with plates of gold, +with many a treasure, when morn had come +and we all at the banquet-board sat down. +Then was song and glee. The gray-haired Scylding, +much tested, told of the times of yore. +Whiles the hero his harp bestirred, +wood-of-delight; now lays he chanted +of sooth and sadness, or said aright +legends of wonder, the wide-hearted king; +or for years of his youth he would yearn at times, +for strength of old struggles, now stricken with age, +hoary hero: his heart surged full +when, wise with winters, he wailed their flight. +Thus in the hall the whole of that day +at ease we feasted, till fell o'er earth +another night. Anon full ready +in greed of vengeance, Grendel's mother +set forth all doleful. Dead was her son +through war-hate of Weders; now, woman monstrous +with fury fell a foeman she slew, +avenged her offspring. From Aeschere old, +loyal councillor, life was gone; +nor might they e'en, when morning broke, +those Danish people, their death-done comrade +burn with brands, on balefire lay +the man they mourned. Under mountain stream +she had carried the corpse with cruel hands. +For Hrothgar that was the heaviest sorrow +of all that had laden the lord of his folk. +The leader then, by thy life, besought me +(sad was his soul) in the sea-waves' coil +to play the hero and hazard my being +for glory of prowess: my guerdon he pledged. +I then in the waters -- 'tis widely known -- +that sea-floor-guardian savage found. +Hand-to-hand there a while we struggled; +billows welled blood; in the briny hall +her head I hewed with a hardy blade +from Grendel's mother, -- and gained my life, +though not without danger. My doom was not yet. +Then the haven-of-heroes, Healfdene's son, +gave me in guerdon great gifts of price. + + + +XXIX + +"So held this king to the customs old, +that I wanted for nought in the wage I gained, +the meed of my might; he made me gifts, +Healfdene's heir, for my own disposal. +Now to thee, my prince, I proffer them all, +gladly give them. Thy grace alone +can find me favor. Few indeed +have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!" +Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard, +the battle-helm high, and breastplate gray, +the splendid sword; then spake in form: -- +"Me this war-gear the wise old prince, +Hrothgar, gave, and his hest he added, +that its story be straightway said to thee. -- +A while it was held by Heorogar king, +for long time lord of the land of Scyldings; +yet not to his son the sovran left it, +to daring Heoroweard, -- dear as he was to him, +his harness of battle. -- Well hold thou it all!" +And I heard that soon passed o'er the path of this treasure, +all apple-fallow, four good steeds, +each like the others, arms and horses +he gave to the king. So should kinsmen be, +not weave one another the net of wiles, +or with deep-hid treachery death contrive +for neighbor and comrade. His nephew was ever +by hardy Hygelac held full dear, +and each kept watch o'er the other's weal. +I heard, too, the necklace to Hygd he presented, +wonder-wrought treasure, which Wealhtheow gave him +sovran's daughter: three steeds he added, +slender and saddle-gay. Since such gift +the gem gleamed bright on the breast of the queen. +Thus showed his strain the son of Ecgtheow +as a man remarked for mighty deeds +and acts of honor. At ale he slew not +comrade or kin; nor cruel his mood, +though of sons of earth his strength was greatest, +a glorious gift that God had sent +the splendid leader. Long was he spurned, +and worthless by Geatish warriors held; +him at mead the master-of-clans +failed full oft to favor at all. +Slack and shiftless the strong men deemed him, +profitless prince; but payment came, +to the warrior honored, for all his woes. -- +Then the bulwark-of-earls {29a} bade bring within, +hardy chieftain, Hrethel's heirloom +garnished with gold: no Geat e'er knew +in shape of a sword a statelier prize. +The brand he laid in Beowulf's lap; +and of hides assigned him seven thousand, {29b} +with house and high-seat. They held in common +land alike by their line of birth, +inheritance, home: but higher the king +because of his rule o'er the realm itself. + +Now further it fell with the flight of years, +with harryings horrid, that Hygelac perished, {29c} +and Heardred, too, by hewing of swords +under the shield-wall slaughtered lay, +when him at the van of his victor-folk +sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings, +in arms o'erwhelming Hereric's nephew. +Then Beowulf came as king this broad +realm to wield; and he ruled it well +fifty winters, {29d} a wise old prince, +warding his land, until One began +in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage. +In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded, +in the stone-barrow steep. A strait path reached it, +unknown to mortals. Some man, however, +came by chance that cave within +to the heathen hoard. {29e} In hand he took +a golden goblet, nor gave he it back, +stole with it away, while the watcher slept, +by thievish wiles: for the warden's wrath +prince and people must pay betimes! + + + +XXX + +THAT way he went with no will of his own, +in danger of life, to the dragon's hoard, +but for pressure of peril, some prince's thane. +He fled in fear the fatal scourge, +seeking shelter, a sinful man, +and entered in. At the awful sight +tottered that guest, and terror seized him; +yet the wretched fugitive rallied anon +from fright and fear ere he fled away, +and took the cup from that treasure-hoard. +Of such besides there was store enough, +heirlooms old, the earth below, +which some earl forgotten, in ancient years, +left the last of his lofty race, +heedfully there had hidden away, +dearest treasure. For death of yore +had hurried all hence; and he alone +left to live, the last of the clan, +weeping his friends, yet wished to bide +warding the treasure, his one delight, +though brief his respite. The barrow, new-ready, +to strand and sea-waves stood anear, +hard by the headland, hidden and closed; +there laid within it his lordly heirlooms +and heaped hoard of heavy gold +that warden of rings. Few words he spake: +"Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not, +what earls have owned! Lo, erst from thee +brave men brought it! But battle-death seized +and cruel killing my clansmen all, +robbed them of life and a liegeman's joys. +None have I left to lift the sword, +or to cleanse the carven cup of price, +beaker bright. My brave are gone. +And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold, +shall part from its plating. Polishers sleep +who could brighten and burnish the battle-mask; +and those weeds of war that were wont to brave +over bicker of shields the bite of steel +rust with their bearer. The ringed mail +fares not far with famous chieftain, +at side of hero! No harp's delight, +no glee-wood's gladness! No good hawk now +flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet +stamp in the burgstead! Battle and death +the flower of my race have reft away." +Mournful of mood, thus he moaned his woe, +alone, for them all, and unblithe wept +by day and by night, till death's fell wave +o'erwhelmed his heart. His hoard-of-bliss +that old ill-doer open found, +who, blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth, +naked foe-dragon flying by night +folded in fire: the folk of earth +dread him sore. 'Tis his doom to seek +hoard in the graves, and heathen gold +to watch, many-wintered: nor wins he thereby! +Powerful this plague-of-the-people thus +held the house of the hoard in earth +three hundred winters; till One aroused +wrath in his breast, to the ruler bearing +that costly cup, and the king implored +for bond of peace. So the barrow was plundered, +borne off was booty. His boon was granted +that wretched man; and his ruler saw +first time what was fashioned in far-off days. +When the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled. +O'er the stone he snuffed. The stark-heart found +footprint of foe who so far had gone +in his hidden craft by the creature's head. -- +So may the undoomed easily flee +evils and exile, if only he gain +the grace of The Wielder! -- That warden of gold +o'er the ground went seeking, greedy to find +the man who wrought him such wrong in sleep. +Savage and burning, the barrow he circled +all without; nor was any there, +none in the waste.... Yet war he desired, +was eager for battle. The barrow he entered, +sought the cup, and discovered soon +that some one of mortals had searched his treasure, +his lordly gold. The guardian waited +ill-enduring till evening came; +boiling with wrath was the barrow's keeper, +and fain with flame the foe to pay +for the dear cup's loss. -- Now day was fled +as the worm had wished. By its wall no more +was it glad to bide, but burning flew +folded in flame: a fearful beginning +for sons of the soil; and soon it came, +in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end. + + + +XXXI + +THEN the baleful fiend its fire belched out, +and bright homes burned. The blaze stood high +all landsfolk frighting. No living thing +would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew. +Wide was the dragon's warring seen, +its fiendish fury far and near, +as the grim destroyer those Geatish people +hated and hounded. To hidden lair, +to its hoard it hastened at hint of dawn. +Folk of the land it had lapped in flame, +with bale and brand. In its barrow it trusted, +its battling and bulwarks: that boast was vain! + +To Beowulf then the bale was told +quickly and truly: the king's own home, +of buildings the best, in brand-waves melted, +that gift-throne of Geats. To the good old man +sad in heart, 'twas heaviest sorrow. +The sage assumed that his sovran God +he had angered, breaking ancient law, +and embittered the Lord. His breast within +with black thoughts welled, as his wont was never. +The folk's own fastness that fiery dragon +with flame had destroyed, and the stronghold all +washed by waves; but the warlike king, +prince of the Weders, plotted vengeance. +Warriors'-bulwark, he bade them work +all of iron -- the earl's commander -- +a war-shield wondrous: well he knew +that forest-wood against fire were worthless, +linden could aid not. -- Atheling brave, +he was fated to finish this fleeting life, {31a} +his days on earth, and the dragon with him, +though long it had watched o'er the wealth of the hoard! -- +Shame he reckoned it, sharer-of-rings, +to follow the flyer-afar with a host, +a broad-flung band; nor the battle feared he, +nor deemed he dreadful the dragon's warring, +its vigor and valor: ventures desperate +he had passed a-plenty, and perils of war, +contest-crash, since, conqueror proud, +Hrothgar's hall he had wholly purged, +and in grapple had killed the kin of Grendel, +loathsome breed! Not least was that +of hand-to-hand fights where Hygelac fell, +when the ruler of Geats in rush of battle, +lord of his folk, in the Frisian land, +son of Hrethel, by sword-draughts died, +by brands down-beaten. Thence Beowulf fled +through strength of himself and his swimming power, +though alone, and his arms were laden with thirty +coats of mail, when he came to the sea! +Nor yet might Hetwaras {31b} haughtily boast +their craft of contest, who carried against him +shields to the fight: but few escaped +from strife with the hero to seek their homes! +Then swam over ocean Ecgtheow's son +lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land, +where Hygd made him offer of hoard and realm, +rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught +the strength of her son to save their kingdom +from hostile hordes, after Hygelac's death. +No sooner for this could the stricken ones +in any wise move that atheling's mind +over young Heardred's head as lord +and ruler of all the realm to be: +yet the hero upheld him with helpful words, +aided in honor, till, older grown, +he wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles +sought him o'er seas, the sons of Ohtere, +who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings'-helmet, +the bravest and best that broke the rings, +in Swedish land, of the sea-kings' line, +haughty hero. {31c} Hence Heardred's end. +For shelter he gave them, sword-death came, +the blade's fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac; +but the son of Ongentheow sought again +house and home when Heardred fell, +leaving Beowulf lord of Geats +and gift-seat's master. -- A good king he! + + + +XXXII + +THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite +in after days; and to Eadgils he proved +friend to the friendless, and forces sent +over the sea to the son of Ohtere, +weapons and warriors: well repaid he +those care-paths cold when the king he slew. {32a} +Thus safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow +had passed a plenty, through perils dire, +with daring deeds, till this day was come +that doomed him now with the dragon to strive. +With comrades eleven the lord of Geats +swollen in rage went seeking the dragon. +He had heard whence all the harm arose +and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price +on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder. +In the throng was this one thirteenth man, +starter of all the strife and ill, +care-laden captive; cringing thence +forced and reluctant, he led them on +till he came in ken of that cavern-hall, +the barrow delved near billowy surges, +flood of ocean. Within 'twas full +of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden, +warrior trusty, the treasures held, +lurked in his lair. Not light the task +of entrance for any of earth-born men! +Sat on the headland the hero king, +spake words of hail to his hearth-companions, +gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul, +wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh +stood ready to greet the gray-haired man, +to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart +life and body. Not long would be +the warrior's spirit enwound with flesh. +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: -- +"Through store of struggles I strove in youth, +mighty feuds; I mind them all. +I was seven years old when the sovran of rings, +friend-of-his-folk, from my father took me, +had me, and held me, Hrethel the king, +with food and fee, faithful in kinship. +Ne'er, while I lived there, he loathlier found me, +bairn in the burg, than his birthright sons, +Herebeald and Haethcyn and Hygelac mine. +For the eldest of these, by unmeet chance, +by kinsman's deed, was the death-bed strewn, +when Haethcyn killed him with horny bow, +his own dear liege laid low with an arrow, +missed the mark and his mate shot down, +one brother the other, with bloody shaft. +A feeless fight, {32b} and a fearful sin, +horror to Hrethel; yet, hard as it was, +unavenged must the atheling die! +Too awful it is for an aged man +to bide and bear, that his bairn so young +rides on the gallows. A rime he makes, +sorrow-song for his son there hanging +as rapture of ravens; no rescue now +can come from the old, disabled man! +Still is he minded, as morning breaks, +of the heir gone elsewhere; {32c} another he hopes not +he will bide to see his burg within +as ward for his wealth, now the one has found +doom of death that the deed incurred. +Forlorn he looks on the lodge of his son, +wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers +reft of revel. The rider sleepeth, +the hero, far-hidden; {32d} no harp resounds, +in the courts no wassail, as once was heard. + + + +XXXIII + +"THEN he goes to his chamber, a grief-song chants +alone for his lost. Too large all seems, +homestead and house. So the helmet-of-Weders +hid in his heart for Herebeald +waves of woe. No way could he take +to avenge on the slayer slaughter so foul; +nor e'en could he harass that hero at all +with loathing deed, though he loved him not. +And so for the sorrow his soul endured, +men's gladness he gave up and God's light chose. +Lands and cities he left his sons +(as the wealthy do) when he went from earth. +There was strife and struggle 'twixt Swede and Geat +o'er the width of waters; war arose, +hard battle-horror, when Hrethel died, +and Ongentheow's offspring grew +strife-keen, bold, nor brooked o'er the seas +pact of peace, but pushed their hosts +to harass in hatred by Hreosnabeorh. +Men of my folk for that feud had vengeance, +for woful war ('tis widely known), +though one of them bought it with blood of his heart, +a bargain hard: for Haethcyn proved +fatal that fray, for the first-of-Geats. +At morn, I heard, was the murderer killed +by kinsman for kinsman, {33a} with clash of sword, +when Ongentheow met Eofor there. +Wide split the war-helm: wan he fell, +hoary Scylfing; the hand that smote him +of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the death-blow. +-- "For all that he {33b} gave me, my gleaming sword +repaid him at war, -- such power I wielded, -- +for lordly treasure: with land he entrusted me, +homestead and house. He had no need +from Swedish realm, or from Spear-Dane folk, +or from men of the Gifths, to get him help, -- +some warrior worse for wage to buy! +Ever I fought in the front of all, +sole to the fore; and so shall I fight +while I bide in life and this blade shall last +that early and late hath loyal proved +since for my doughtiness Daeghrefn fell, +slain by my hand, the Hugas' champion. +Nor fared he thence to the Frisian king +with the booty back, and breast-adornments; +but, slain in struggle, that standard-bearer +fell, atheling brave. Not with blade was he slain, +but his bones were broken by brawny gripe, +his heart-waves stilled. -- The sword-edge now, +hard blade and my hand, for the hoard shall strive." +Beowulf spake, and a battle-vow made +his last of all: "I have lived through many +wars in my youth; now once again, +old folk-defender, feud will I seek, +do doughty deeds, if the dark destroyer +forth from his cavern come to fight me!" +Then hailed he the helmeted heroes all, +for the last time greeting his liegemen dear, +comrades of war: "I should carry no weapon, +no sword to the serpent, if sure I knew +how, with such enemy, else my vows +I could gain as I did in Grendel's day. +But fire in this fight I must fear me now, +and poisonous breath; so I bring with me +breastplate and board. {33c} From the barrow's keeper +no footbreadth flee I. One fight shall end +our war by the wall, as Wyrd allots, +all mankind's master. My mood is bold +but forbears to boast o'er this battling-flyer. +-- Now abide by the barrow, ye breastplate-mailed, +ye heroes in harness, which of us twain +better from battle-rush bear his wounds. +Wait ye the finish. The fight is not yours, +nor meet for any but me alone +to measure might with this monster here +and play the hero. Hardily I +shall win that wealth, or war shall seize, +cruel killing, your king and lord!" +Up stood then with shield the sturdy champion, +stayed by the strength of his single manhood, +and hardy 'neath helmet his harness bore +under cleft of the cliffs: no coward's path! +Soon spied by the wall that warrior chief, +survivor of many a victory-field +where foemen fought with furious clashings, +an arch of stone; and within, a stream +that broke from the barrow. The brooklet's wave +was hot with fire. The hoard that way +he never could hope unharmed to near, +or endure those deeps, {33d} for the dragon's flame. +Then let from his breast, for he burst with rage, +the Weder-Geat prince a word outgo; +stormed the stark-heart; stern went ringing +and clear his cry 'neath the cliff-rocks gray. +The hoard-guard heard a human voice; +his rage was enkindled. No respite now +for pact of peace! The poison-breath +of that foul worm first came forth from the cave, +hot reek-of-fight: the rocks resounded. +Stout by the stone-way his shield he raised, +lord of the Geats, against the loathed-one; +while with courage keen that coiled foe +came seeking strife. The sturdy king +had drawn his sword, not dull of edge, +heirloom old; and each of the two +felt fear of his foe, though fierce their mood. +Stoutly stood with his shield high-raised +the warrior king, as the worm now coiled +together amain: the mailed-one waited. +Now, spire by spire, fast sped and glided +that blazing serpent. The shield protected, +soul and body a shorter while +for the hero-king than his heart desired, +could his will have wielded the welcome respite +but once in his life! But Wyrd denied it, +and victory's honors. -- His arm he lifted +lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote +with atheling's heirloom. Its edge was turned +brown blade, on the bone, and bit more feebly +than its noble master had need of then +in his baleful stress. -- Then the barrow's keeper +waxed full wild for that weighty blow, +cast deadly flames; wide drove and far +those vicious fires. No victor's glory +the Geats' lord boasted; his brand had failed, +naked in battle, as never it should, +excellent iron! -- 'Twas no easy path +that Ecgtheow's honored heir must tread +over the plain to the place of the foe; +for against his will he must win a home +elsewhere far, as must all men, leaving +this lapsing life! -- Not long it was +ere those champions grimly closed again. +The hoard-guard was heartened; high heaved his breast +once more; and by peril was pressed again, +enfolded in flames, the folk-commander! +Nor yet about him his band of comrades, +sons of athelings, armed stood +with warlike front: to the woods they bent them, +their lives to save. But the soul of one +with care was cumbered. Kinship true +can never be marred in a noble mind! + + + +XXXIV + +WIGLAF his name was, Weohstan's son, +linden-thane loved, the lord of Scylfings, +Aelfhere's kinsman. His king he now saw +with heat under helmet hard oppressed. +He minded the prizes his prince had given him, +wealthy seat of the Waegmunding line, +and folk-rights that his father owned +Not long he lingered. The linden yellow, +his shield, he seized; the old sword he drew: -- +as heirloom of Eanmund earth-dwellers knew it, +who was slain by the sword-edge, son of Ohtere, +friendless exile, erst in fray +killed by Weohstan, who won for his kin +brown-bright helmet, breastplate ringed, +old sword of Eotens, Onela's gift, +weeds of war of the warrior-thane, +battle-gear brave: though a brother's child +had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onela. {34a} +For winters this war-gear Weohstan kept, +breastplate and board, till his bairn had grown +earlship to earn as the old sire did: +then he gave him, mid Geats, the gear of battle, +portion huge, when he passed from life, +fared aged forth. For the first time now +with his leader-lord the liegeman young +was bidden to share the shock of battle. +Neither softened his soul, nor the sire's bequest +weakened in war. {34b} So the worm found out +when once in fight the foes had met! +Wiglaf spake, -- and his words were sage; +sad in spirit, he said to his comrades: -- +"I remember the time, when mead we took, +what promise we made to this prince of ours +in the banquet-hall, to our breaker-of-rings, +for gear of combat to give him requital, +for hard-sword and helmet, if hap should bring +stress of this sort! Himself who chose us +from all his army to aid him now, +urged us to glory, and gave these treasures, +because he counted us keen with the spear +and hardy 'neath helm, though this hero-work +our leader hoped unhelped and alone +to finish for us, -- folk-defender +who hath got him glory greater than all men +for daring deeds! Now the day is come +that our noble master has need of the might +of warriors stout. Let us stride along +the hero to help while the heat is about him +glowing and grim! For God is my witness +I am far more fain the fire should seize +along with my lord these limbs of mine! {34c} +Unsuiting it seems our shields to bear +homeward hence, save here we essay +to fell the foe and defend the life +of the Weders' lord. I wot 'twere shame +on the law of our land if alone the king +out of Geatish warriors woe endured +and sank in the struggle! My sword and helmet, +breastplate and board, for us both shall serve!" +Through slaughter-reek strode he to succor his chieftain, +his battle-helm bore, and brief words spake: -- +"Beowulf dearest, do all bravely, +as in youthful days of yore thou vowedst +that while life should last thou wouldst let no wise +thy glory droop! Now, great in deeds, +atheling steadfast, with all thy strength +shield thy life! I will stand to help thee." +At the words the worm came once again, +murderous monster mad with rage, +with fire-billows flaming, its foes to seek, +the hated men. In heat-waves burned +that board {34d} to the boss, and the breastplate failed +to shelter at all the spear-thane young. +Yet quickly under his kinsman's shield +went eager the earl, since his own was now +all burned by the blaze. The bold king again +had mind of his glory: with might his glaive +was driven into the dragon's head, -- +blow nerved by hate. But Naegling {34e} was shivered, +broken in battle was Beowulf's sword, +old and gray. 'Twas granted him not +that ever the edge of iron at all +could help him at strife: too strong was his hand, +so the tale is told, and he tried too far +with strength of stroke all swords he wielded, +though sturdy their steel: they steaded him nought. +Then for the third time thought on its feud +that folk-destroyer, fire-dread dragon, +and rushed on the hero, where room allowed, +battle-grim, burning; its bitter teeth +closed on his neck, and covered him +with waves of blood from his breast that welled. + + + +XXXV + +'TWAS now, men say, in his sovran's need +that the earl made known his noble strain, +craft and keenness and courage enduring. +Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned, +hardy-hearted, he helped his kinsman. +A little lower the loathsome beast +he smote with sword; his steel drove in +bright and burnished; that blaze began +to lose and lessen. At last the king +wielded his wits again, war-knife drew, +a biting blade by his breastplate hanging, +and the Weders'-helm smote that worm asunder, +felled the foe, flung forth its life. +So had they killed it, kinsmen both, +athelings twain: thus an earl should be +in danger's day! -- Of deeds of valor +this conqueror's-hour of the king was last, +of his work in the world. The wound began, +which that dragon-of-earth had erst inflicted, +to swell and smart; and soon he found +in his breast was boiling, baleful and deep, +pain of poison. The prince walked on, +wise in his thought, to the wall of rock; +then sat, and stared at the structure of giants, +where arch of stone and steadfast column +upheld forever that hall in earth. +Yet here must the hand of the henchman peerless +lave with water his winsome lord, +the king and conqueror covered with blood, +with struggle spent, and unspan his helmet. +Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt, +his mortal wound; full well he knew +his portion now was past and gone +of earthly bliss, and all had fled +of his file of days, and death was near: +"I would fain bestow on son of mine +this gear of war, were given me now +that any heir should after me come +of my proper blood. This people I ruled +fifty winters. No folk-king was there, +none at all, of the neighboring clans +who war would wage me with 'warriors'-friends' {35a} +and threat me with horrors. At home I bided +what fate might come, and I cared for mine own; +feuds I sought not, nor falsely swore +ever on oath. For all these things, +though fatally wounded, fain am I! +From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me, +when life from my frame must flee away, +for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go +and gaze on that hoard 'neath the hoary rock, +Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low, +sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved. +And fare in haste. I would fain behold +the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, +have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down +softlier for sight of this splendid hoard +my life and the lordship I long have held." + + + +XXXVI + +I HAVE heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan +at wish and word of his wounded king, -- +war-sick warrior, -- woven mail-coat, +battle-sark, bore 'neath the barrow's roof. +Then the clansman keen, of conquest proud, +passing the seat, {36a} saw store of jewels +and glistening gold the ground along; +by the wall were marvels, and many a vessel +in the den of the dragon, the dawn-flier old: +unburnished bowls of bygone men +reft of richness; rusty helms +of the olden age; and arm-rings many +wondrously woven. -- Such wealth of gold, +booty from barrow, can burden with pride +each human wight: let him hide it who will! -- +His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner +high o'er the hoard, of handiwork noblest, +brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam, +all the earth-floor he easily saw +and viewed all these vessels. No vestige now +was seen of the serpent: the sword had ta'en him. +Then, I heard, the hill of its hoard was reft, +old work of giants, by one alone; +he burdened his bosom with beakers and plate +at his own good will, and the ensign took, +brightest of beacons. -- The blade of his lord +-- its edge was iron -- had injured deep +one that guarded the golden hoard +many a year and its murder-fire +spread hot round the barrow in horror-billows +at midnight hour, till it met its doom. +Hasted the herald, the hoard so spurred him +his track to retrace; he was troubled by doubt, +high-souled hero, if haply he'd find +alive, where he left him, the lord of Weders, +weakening fast by the wall of the cave. +So he carried the load. His lord and king +he found all bleeding, famous chief +at the lapse of life. The liegeman again +plashed him with water, till point of word +broke through the breast-hoard. Beowulf spake, +sage and sad, as he stared at the gold. -- +"For the gold and treasure, to God my thanks, +to the Wielder-of-Wonders, with words I say, +for what I behold, to Heaven's Lord, +for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk +or ever the day of my death be run! +Now I've bartered here for booty of treasure +the last of my life, so look ye well +to the needs of my land! No longer I tarry. +A barrow bid ye the battle-fanned raise +for my ashes. 'Twill shine by the shore of the flood, +to folk of mine memorial fair +on Hrones Headland high uplifted, +that ocean-wanderers oft may hail +Beowulf's Barrow, as back from far +they drive their keels o'er the darkling wave." +From his neck he unclasped the collar of gold, +valorous king, to his vassal gave it +with bright-gold helmet, breastplate, and ring, +to the youthful thane: bade him use them in joy. +"Thou art end and remnant of all our race +the Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them, +all my line, to the land of doom, +earls in their glory: I after them go." +This word was the last which the wise old man +harbored in heart ere hot death-waves +of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled +his soul to seek the saints' reward. + + + +XXXVII + +IT was heavy hap for that hero young +on his lord beloved to look and find him +lying on earth with life at end, +sorrowful sight. But the slayer too, +awful earth-dragon, empty of breath, +lay felled in fight, nor, fain of its treasure, +could the writhing monster rule it more. +For edges of iron had ended its days, +hard and battle-sharp, hammers' leaving; {37a} +and that flier-afar had fallen to ground +hushed by its hurt, its hoard all near, +no longer lusty aloft to whirl +at midnight, making its merriment seen, +proud of its prizes: prone it sank +by the handiwork of the hero-king. +Forsooth among folk but few achieve, +-- though sturdy and strong, as stories tell me, +and never so daring in deed of valor, -- +the perilous breath of a poison-foe +to brave, and to rush on the ring-board hall, +whenever his watch the warden keeps +bold in the barrow. Beowulf paid +the price of death for that precious hoard; +and each of the foes had found the end +of this fleeting life. +Befell erelong +that the laggards in war the wood had left, +trothbreakers, cowards, ten together, +fearing before to flourish a spear +in the sore distress of their sovran lord. +Now in their shame their shields they carried, +armor of fight, where the old man lay; +and they gazed on Wiglaf. Wearied he sat +at his sovran's shoulder, shieldsman good, +to wake him with water. {37b} Nowise it availed. +Though well he wished it, in world no more +could he barrier life for that leader-of-battles +nor baffle the will of all-wielding God. +Doom of the Lord was law o'er the deeds +of every man, as it is to-day. +Grim was the answer, easy to get, +from the youth for those that had yielded to fear! +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan, -- +mournful he looked on those men unloved: -- +"Who sooth will speak, can say indeed +that the ruler who gave you golden rings +and the harness of war in which ye stand +-- for he at ale-bench often-times +bestowed on hall-folk helm and breastplate, +lord to liegemen, the likeliest gear +which near of far he could find to give, -- +threw away and wasted these weeds of battle, +on men who failed when the foemen came! +Not at all could the king of his comrades-in-arms +venture to vaunt, though the Victory-Wielder, +God, gave him grace that he got revenge +sole with his sword in stress and need. +To rescue his life, 'twas little that I +could serve him in struggle; yet shift I made +(hopeless it seemed) to help my kinsman. +Its strength ever waned, when with weapon I struck +that fatal foe, and the fire less strongly +flowed from its head. -- Too few the heroes +in throe of contest that thronged to our king! +Now gift of treasure and girding of sword, +joy of the house and home-delight +shall fail your folk; his freehold-land +every clansman within your kin +shall lose and leave, when lords high-born +hear afar of that flight of yours, +a fameless deed. Yea, death is better +for liegemen all than a life of shame!" + + + +XXXVIII + +THAT battle-toil bade he at burg to announce, +at the fort on the cliff, where, full of sorrow, +all the morning earls had sat, +daring shieldsmen, in doubt of twain: +would they wail as dead, or welcome home, +their lord beloved? Little {38a} kept back +of the tidings new, but told them all, +the herald that up the headland rode. -- +"Now the willing-giver to Weder folk +in death-bed lies; the Lord of Geats +on the slaughter-bed sleeps by the serpent's deed! +And beside him is stretched that slayer-of-men +with knife-wounds sick: {38b} no sword availed +on the awesome thing in any wise +to work a wound. There Wiglaf sitteth, +Weohstan's bairn, by Beowulf's side, +the living earl by the other dead, +and heavy of heart a head-watch {38c} keeps +o'er friend and foe. -- Now our folk may look +for waging of war when once unhidden +to Frisian and Frank the fall of the king +is spread afar. -- The strife began +when hot on the Hugas {38d} Hygelac fell +and fared with his fleet to the Frisian land. +Him there the Hetwaras humbled in war, +plied with such prowess their power o'erwhelming +that the bold-in-battle bowed beneath it +and fell in fight. To his friends no wise +could that earl give treasure! And ever since +the Merowings' favor has failed us wholly. +Nor aught expect I of peace and faith +from Swedish folk. 'Twas spread afar +how Ongentheow reft at Ravenswood +Haethcyn Hrethling of hope and life, +when the folk of Geats for the first time sought +in wanton pride the Warlike-Scylfings. +Soon the sage old sire {38e} of Ohtere, +ancient and awful, gave answering blow; +the sea-king {38f} he slew, and his spouse redeemed, +his good wife rescued, though robbed of her gold, +mother of Ohtere and Onela. +Then he followed his foes, who fled before him +sore beset and stole their way, +bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. + +With his host he besieged there what swords had left, +the weary and wounded; woes he threatened +the whole night through to that hard-pressed throng: +some with the morrow his sword should kill, +some should go to the gallows-tree +for rapture of ravens. But rescue came +with dawn of day for those desperate men +when they heard the horn of Hygelac sound, +tones of his trumpet; the trusty king +had followed their trail with faithful band. + + + +XXXIX + +"THE bloody swath of Swedes and Geats +and the storm of their strife, were seen afar, +how folk against folk the fight had wakened. +The ancient king with his atheling band +sought his citadel, sorrowing much: +Ongentheow earl went up to his burg. +He had tested Hygelac's hardihood, +the proud one's prowess, would prove it no longer, +defied no more those fighting-wanderers +nor hoped from the seamen to save his hoard, +his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again, +old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came +with slaughter for Swedes the standards of Hygelac +o'er peaceful plains in pride advancing, +till Hrethelings fought in the fenced town. {39a} +Then Ongentheow with edge of sword, +the hoary-bearded, was held at bay, +and the folk-king there was forced to suffer +Eofor's anger. In ire, at the king +Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck; +and the chieftain's blood, for that blow, in streams +flowed 'neath his hair. No fear felt he, +stout old Scylfing, but straightway repaid +in better bargain that bitter stroke +and faced his foe with fell intent. +Nor swift enough was the son of Wonred +answer to render the aged chief; +too soon on his head the helm was cloven; +blood-bedecked he bowed to earth, +and fell adown; not doomed was he yet, +and well he waxed, though the wound was sore. +Then the hardy Hygelac-thane, {39b} +when his brother fell, with broad brand smote, +giants' sword crashing through giants'-helm +across the shield-wall: sank the king, +his folk's old herdsman, fatally hurt. +There were many to bind the brother's wounds +and lift him, fast as fate allowed +his people to wield the place-of-war. +But Eofor took from Ongentheow, +earl from other, the iron-breastplate, +hard sword hilted, and helmet too, +and the hoar-chief's harness to Hygelac carried, +who took the trappings, and truly promised +rich fee 'mid folk, -- and fulfilled it so. +For that grim strife gave the Geatish lord, +Hrethel's offspring, when home he came, +to Eofor and Wulf a wealth of treasure, +Each of them had a hundred thousand {39c} +in land and linked rings; nor at less price reckoned +mid-earth men such mighty deeds! +And to Eofor he gave his only daughter +in pledge of grace, the pride of his home. + +"Such is the feud, the foeman's rage, +death-hate of men: so I deem it sure +that the Swedish folk will seek us home +for this fall of their friends, the fighting-Scylfings, +when once they learn that our warrior leader +lifeless lies, who land and hoard +ever defended from all his foes, +furthered his folk's weal, finished his course +a hardy hero. -- Now haste is best, +that we go to gaze on our Geatish lord, +and bear the bountiful breaker-of-rings +to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely +shall burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels, +gold untold and gained in terror, +treasure at last with his life obtained, +all of that booty the brands shall take, +fire shall eat it. No earl must carry +memorial jewel. No maiden fair +shall wreathe her neck with noble ring: +nay, sad in spirit and shorn of her gold, +oft shall she pass o'er paths of exile +now our lord all laughter has laid aside, +all mirth and revel. Many a spear +morning-cold shall be clasped amain, +lifted aloft; nor shall lilt of harp +those warriors wake; but the wan-hued raven, +fain o'er the fallen, his feast shall praise +and boast to the eagle how bravely he ate +when he and the wolf were wasting the slain." + +So he told his sorrowful tidings, +and little {39d} he lied, the loyal man +of word or of work. The warriors rose; +sad, they climbed to the Cliff-of-Eagles, +went, welling with tears, the wonder to view. +Found on the sand there, stretched at rest, +their lifeless lord, who had lavished rings +of old upon them. Ending-day +had dawned on the doughty-one; death had seized +in woful slaughter the Weders' king. +There saw they, besides, the strangest being, +loathsome, lying their leader near, +prone on the field. The fiery dragon, +fearful fiend, with flame was scorched. +Reckoned by feet, it was fifty measures +in length as it lay. Aloft erewhile +it had revelled by night, and anon come back, +seeking its den; now in death's sure clutch +it had come to the end of its earth-hall joys. +By it there stood the stoups and jars; +dishes lay there, and dear-decked swords +eaten with rust, as, on earth's lap resting, +a thousand winters they waited there. +For all that heritage huge, that gold +of bygone men, was bound by a spell, {39e} +so the treasure-hall could be touched by none +of human kind, -- save that Heaven's King, +God himself, might give whom he would, +Helper of Heroes, the hoard to open, -- +even such a man as seemed to him meet. + + + +XL + +A PERILOUS path, it proved, he {40a} trod +who heinously hid, that hall within, +wealth under wall! Its watcher had killed +one of a few, {40b} and the feud was avenged +in woful fashion. Wondrous seems it, +what manner a man of might and valor +oft ends his life, when the earl no longer +in mead-hall may live with loving friends. +So Beowulf, when that barrow's warden +he sought, and the struggle; himself knew not +in what wise he should wend from the world at last. +For {40c} princes potent, who placed the gold, +with a curse to doomsday covered it deep, +so that marked with sin the man should be, +hedged with horrors, in hell-bonds fast, +racked with plagues, who should rob their hoard. +Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven, +ever the king had kept in view. {40d} +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: -- +"At the mandate of one, oft warriors many +sorrow must suffer; and so must we. +The people's-shepherd showed not aught +of care for our counsel, king beloved! +That guardian of gold he should grapple not, urged we, +but let him lie where he long had been +in his earth-hall waiting the end of the world, +the hest of heaven. -- This hoard is ours +but grievously gotten; too grim the fate +which thither carried our king and lord. +I was within there, and all I viewed, +the chambered treasure, when chance allowed me +(and my path was made in no pleasant wise) +under the earth-wall. Eager, I seized +such heap from the hoard as hands could bear +and hurriedly carried it hither back +to my liege and lord. Alive was he still, +still wielding his wits. The wise old man +spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings +and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more, +on the place of his balefire a barrow high, +memorial mighty. Of men was he +worthiest warrior wide earth o'er +the while he had joy of his jewels and burg. +Let us set out in haste now, the second time +to see and search this store of treasure, +these wall-hid wonders, -- the way I show you, -- +where, gathered near, ye may gaze your fill +at broad-gold and rings. Let the bier, soon made, +be all in order when out we come, +our king and captain to carry thither +-- man beloved -- where long he shall bide +safe in the shelter of sovran God." +Then the bairn of Weohstan bade command, +hardy chief, to heroes many +that owned their homesteads, hither to bring +firewood from far -- o'er the folk they ruled -- +for the famed-one's funeral. " Fire shall devour +and wan flames feed on the fearless warrior +who oft stood stout in the iron-shower, +when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows +shot o'er the shield-wall: the shaft held firm, +featly feathered, followed the barb." +And now the sage young son of Weohstan +seven chose of the chieftain's thanes, +the best he found that band within, +and went with these warriors, one of eight, +under hostile roof. In hand one bore +a lighted torch and led the way. +No lots they cast for keeping the hoard +when once the warriors saw it in hall, +altogether without a guardian, +lying there lost. And little they mourned +when they had hastily haled it out, +dear-bought treasure! The dragon they cast, +the worm, o'er the wall for the wave to take, +and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems. +Then the woven gold on a wain was laden -- +countless quite! -- and the king was borne, +hoary hero, to Hrones-Ness. + + + +XLI + +THEN fashioned for him the folk of Geats +firm on the earth a funeral-pile, +and hung it with helmets and harness of war +and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked; +and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, +heroes mourning their master dear. +Then on the hill that hugest of balefires +the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose +black over blaze, and blent was the roar +of flame with weeping (the wind was still), +till the fire had broken the frame of bones, +hot at the heart. In heavy mood +their misery moaned they, their master's death. +Wailing her woe, the widow {41a} old, +her hair upbound, for Beowulf's death +sung in her sorrow, and said full oft +she dreaded the doleful days to come, +deaths enow, and doom of battle, +and shame. -- The smoke by the sky was devoured. +The folk of the Weders fashioned there +on the headland a barrow broad and high, +by ocean-farers far descried: +in ten days' time their toil had raised it, +the battle-brave's beacon. Round brands of the pyre +a wall they built, the worthiest ever +that wit could prompt in their wisest men. +They placed in the barrow that precious booty, +the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile, +hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, -- +trusting the ground with treasure of earls, +gold in the earth, where ever it lies +useless to men as of yore it was. +Then about that barrow the battle-keen rode, +atheling-born, a band of twelve, +lament to make, to mourn their king, +chant their dirge, and their chieftain honor. +They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess +worthily witnessed: and well it is +that men their master-friend mightily laud, +heartily love, when hence he goes +from life in the body forlorn away. + +Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland, +for their hero's passing his hearth-companions: +quoth that of all the kings of earth, +of men he was mildest and most beloved, +to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise. + + + +Footnotes: + +{0a} Not, of course, Beowulf the Great, hero of the epic. + +{0b} Kenning for king or chieftain of a comitatus: he breaks off +gold from the spiral rings -- often worn on the arm -- and so +rewards his followers. + +{1a} That is, "The Hart," or "Stag," so called from decorations in +the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall has been +carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was +rectangular, with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a +hearth in the middle of th single room. A row of pillars down each +side, at some distance from the walls, made a space which was raised +a little above the main floor, and was furnished with two rows of +seats. On one side, usually south, was the high-seat midway between +the doors. Opposite this, on the other raised space, was another +seat of honor. At the banquet soon to be described, Hrothgar sat in +the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf opposite to him. The scene +for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus very effectively set. +Planks on trestles -- the "board" of later English literature -- +formed the tables just in front of the long rows of seats, and were +taken away after banquets, when the retainers were ready to stretch +themselves out for sleep on the benches. + +{1b} Fire was the usual end of these halls. See v. 781 below. One +thinks of the splendid scene at the end of the Nibelungen, of the +Nialssaga, of Saxo's story of Amlethus, and many a less famous +instance. + +{1c} It is to be supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how +Hrothgar's hall was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack +made on him by his son-in-law Ingeld. + +{1d} A skilled minstrel. The Danes are heathens, as one is told +presently; but this lay of beginnings is taken from Genesis. + +{1e} A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in +the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan +nuisance is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or +devil in good standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read +about him. "Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes. + +{1f} Cain's. + +{1g} Giants. + +{2a} The smaller buildings within the main enclosure but separate +from the hall. + +{2b} Grendel. + +{2c} "Sorcerers-of-hell." + +{2d} Hrothgar, who is the "Scyldings'-friend" of 170. + +{2e} That is, in formal or prescribed phrase. + +{3a} Ship. + +{3b} That is, since Beowulf selected his ship and led his men to the +harbor. + +{3c} One of the auxiliary names of the Geats. + +{3d} Or: Not thus openly ever came warriors hither; yet... + +{4a} Hrothgar. + +{4b} Beowulf's helmet has several boar-images on it; he is the "man +of war"; and the boar-helmet guards him as typical representative of +the marching party as a whole. The boar was sacred to Freyr, who was +the favorite god of the Germanic tribes about the North Sea and the +Baltic. Rude representations of warriors show the boar on the helmet +quite as large as the helmet itself. + +{5a} Either merely paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else +thought of as a sort of mosaic, an extravagant touch like the +reckless waste of gold on the walls and roofs of a hall. + +{6a} The nicor, says Bugge, is a hippopotamus; a walrus, says Ten +Brink. But that water-goblin who covers the space from Old Nick of +jest to the Neckan and Nix of poetry and tale, is all one needs, and +Nicor is a good name for him. + +{6b} His own people, the Geats. + +{6c} That is, cover it as with a face-cloth. "There will be no need +of funeral rites." + +{6d} Personification of Battle. + +{6e} The Germanic Vulcan. + +{6f} This mighty power, whom the Christian poet can still revere, +has here the general force of "Destiny." + +{7a} There is no irrelevance here. Hrothgar sees in Beowulf's +mission a heritage of duty, a return of the good offices which the +Danish king rendered to Beowulf's father in time of dire need. + +{7b} Money, for wergild, or man-price. + +{7c} Ecgtheow, Beowulf's sire. + +{8a} "Began the fight." + +{8b} Breca. + +{9a} Murder. + +{10a} Beowulf, -- the "one." + +{11a} That is, he was a "lost soul," doomed to hell. + +{12a} Kenning for Beowulf. + +{13a} "Guarded the treasure." + +{13b} Sc. Heremod. + +{13c} The singer has sung his lays, and the epic resumes its story. +The time-relations are not altogether good in this long passage +which describes the rejoicings of "the day after"; but the present +shift from the riders on the road to the folk at the hall is not +very violent, and is of a piece with the general style. + +{14a} Unferth, Beowulf's sometime opponent in the flyting. + +{15a} There is no horrible inconsistency here such as the critics +strive and cry about. In spite of the ruin that Grendel and Beowulf +had made within the hall, the framework and roof held firm, and +swift repairs made the interior habitable. Tapestries were hung on +the walls, and willing hands prepared the banquet. + +{15b} From its formal use in other places, this phrase, to take cup +in hall, or "on the floor," would seem to mean that Beowulf stood up +to receive his gifts, drink to the donor, and say thanks. + +{15c} Kenning for sword. + +{15d} Hrothgar. He is also the "refuge of the friends of Ing," +below. Ing belongs to myth. + +{15e} Horses are frequently led or ridden into the hall where folk +sit at banquet: so in Chaucer's Squire's tale, in the ballad of +King Estmere, and in the romances. + +{16a} Man-price, wergild. + +{16b} Beowulf's. + +{16c} Hrothgar. + +{16d} There is no need to assume a gap in the Ms. As before about +Sigemund and Heremod, so now, though at greater length, about Finn +and his feud, a lay is chanted or recited; and the epic poet, +counting on his readers' familiarity with the story, -- a fragment +of it still exists, -- simply gives the headings. + +{16e} The exact story to which this episode refers in summary is not +to be determined, but the following account of it is reasonable and +has good support among scholars. Finn, a Frisian chieftain, who +nevertheless has a "castle" outside the Frisian border, marries +Hildeburh, a Danish princess; and her brother, Hnaef, with many +other Danes, pays Finn a visit. Relations between the two peoples +have been strained before. Something starts the old feud anew; and +the visitors are attacked in their quarters. Hnaef is killed; so is +a son of Hildeburh. Many fall on both sides. Peace is patched up; a +stately funeral is held; and the surviving visitors become in a way +vassals or liegemen of Finn, going back with him to Frisia. So +matters rest a while. Hengest is now leader of the Danes; but he is +set upon revenge for his former lord, Hnaef. Probably he is killed +in feud; but his clansmen, Guthlaf and Oslaf, gather at their home a +force of sturdy Danes, come back to Frisia, storm Finn's stronghold, +kill him, and carry back their kinswoman Hildeburh. + +{16f} The "enemies" must be the Frisians. + +{16g} Battlefield. -- Hengest is the "prince's thane," companion of +Hnaef. "Folcwald's son" is Finn. + +{16h} That is, Finn would govern in all honor the few Danish +warriors who were left, provided, of course, that none of them tried +to renew the quarrel or avenge Hnaef their fallen lord. If, again, +one of Finn's Frisians began a quarrel, he should die by the sword. + +{16i} Hnaef. + +{16j} The high place chosen for the funeral: see description of +Beowulf's funeral-pile at the end of the poem. + +{16k} Wounds. + +{17a} That is, these two Danes, escaping home, had told the story of +the attack on Hnaef, the slaying of Hengest, and all the Danish +woes. Collecting a force, they return to Frisia and kill Finn in his +home. + +{17b} Nephew to Hrothgar, with whom he subsequently quarrels, and +elder cousin to the two young sons of Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, -- +their natural guardian in the event of the king's death. There is +something finely feminine in this speech of Wealhtheow's, apart from +its somewhat irregular and irrelevant sequence of topics. Both she +and her lord probably distrust Hrothulf; but she bids the king to be +of good cheer, and, turning to the suspect, heaps affectionate +assurances on his probity. "My own Hrothulf" will surely not forget +these favors and benefits of the past, but will repay them to the +orphaned boy. + +{19a} They had laid their arms on the benches near where they slept. + +{20a} He surmises presently where she is. + +{20b} The connection is not difficult. The words of mourning, of +acute grief, are said; and according to Germanic sequence of +thought, inexorable here, the next and only topic is revenge. But is +it possible? Hrothgar leads up to his appeal and promise with a +skillful and often effective description of the horrors which +surround the monster's home and await the attempt of an avenging +foe. + +{21a} Hrothgar is probably meant. + +{21b} Meeting place. + +{22a} Kenning for "sword." Hrunting is bewitched, laid under a spell +of uselessness, along with all other swords. + +{22b} This brown of swords, evidently meaning burnished, bright, +continues to be a favorite adjective in the popular ballads. + +{23a} After the killing of the monster and Grendel's decapitation. + +{23b} Hrothgar. + +{23c} The blade slowly dissolves in blood-stained drops like +icicles. + +{23d} Spear. + +{24a} That is, "whoever has as wide authority as I have and can +remember so far back so many instances of heroism, may well say, as +I say, that no better hero ever lived than Beowulf." + +{25a} That is, he is now undefended by conscience from the +temptations (shafts) of the devil. + +{25b} Kenning for the sun. -- This is a strange role for the raven. +He is the warrior's bird of battle, exults in slaughter and carnage; +his joy here is a compliment to the sunrise. + +{26a} That is, he might or might not see Beowulf again. Old as he +was, the latter chance was likely; but he clung to the former, +hoping to see his young friend again "and exchange brave words in +the hall." + +{27a} With the speed of the boat. + +{27b} Queen to Hygelac. She is praised by contrast with the +antitype, Thryth, just as Beowulf was praised by contrast with +Heremod. + +{27c} Kenning for "wife." + +{28a} Beowulf gives his uncle the king not mere gossip of his +journey, but a statesmanlike forecast of the outcome of certain +policies at the Danish court. Talk of interpolation here is absurd. +As both Beowulf and Hygelac know, -- and the folk for whom the +Beowulf was put together also knew, -- Froda was king of the +Heathobards (probably the Langobards, once near neighbors of Angle +and Saxon tribes on the continent), and had fallen in fight with the +Danes. Hrothgar will set aside this feud by giving his daughter as +"peace-weaver" and wife to the young king Ingeld, son of the slain +Froda. But Beowulf, on general principles and from his observation +of the particular case, foretells trouble. Note: + +{28b} Play of shields, battle. A Danish warrior cuts down Froda in +the fight, and takes his sword and armor, leaving them to a son. +This son is selected to accompany his mistress, the young princess +Freawaru, to her new home when she is Ingeld's queen. Heedlessly he +wears the sword of Froda in hall. An old warrior points it out to +Ingeld, and eggs him on to vengeance. At his instigation the Dane is +killed; but the murderer, afraid of results, and knowing the land, +escapes. So the old feud must break out again. + +{28c} That is, their disastrous battle and the slaying of their +king. + +{28d} The sword. + +{28e} Beowulf returns to his forecast. Things might well go somewhat +as follows, he says; sketches a little tragic story; and with this +prophecy by illustration returns to the tale of his adventure. + +{28f} Not an actual glove, but a sort of bag. + +{29a} Hygelac. + +{29b} This is generally assumed to mean hides, though the text +simply says "seven thousand." A hide in England meant about 120 +acres, though "the size of the acre varied." + +{29c} On the historical raid into Frankish territory between 512 and +520 A.D. The subsequent course of events, as gathered from hints of +this epic, is partly told in Scandinavian legend. + +{29d} The chronology of this epic, as scholars have worked it out, +would make Beowulf well over ninety years of age when he fights the +dragon. But the fifty years of his reign need not be taken as +historical fact. + +{29e} The text is here hopelessly illegible, and only the general +drift of the meaning can be rescued. For one thing, we have the old +myth of a dragon who guards hidden treasure. But with this runs the +story of some noble, last of his race, who hides all his wealth +within this barrow and there chants his farewell to life's glories. +After his death the dragon takes possession of the hoard and watches +over it. A condemned or banished man, desperate, hides in the +barrow, discovers the treasure, and while the dragon sleeps, makes +off with a golden beaker or the like, and carries it for +propitiation to his master. The dragon discovers the loss and exacts +fearful penalty from the people round about. + +{31a} Literally "loan-days," days loaned to man. + +{31b} Chattuarii, a tribe that dwelt along the Rhine, and took part +in repelling the raid of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus. + +{31c} Onla, son of Ongentheow, who pursues his two nephews Eanmund +and Eadgils to Heardred's court, where they have taken refuge after +their unsuccessful rebellion. In the fighting Heardred is killed. + +{32a} That is, Beowulf supports Eadgils against Onela, who is slain +by Eadgils in revenge for the "care-paths" of exile into which Onela +forced him. + +{32b} That is, the king could claim no wergild, or man-price, from +one son for the killing of the other. + +{32c} Usual euphemism for death. + +{32d} Sc. in the grave. + +{33a} Eofor for Wulf. -- The immediate provocation for Eofor in +killing "the hoary Scylfing," Ongentheow, is that the latter has +just struck Wulf down; but the king, Haethcyn, is also avenged by +the blow. See the detailed description below. + +{33b} Hygelac. + +{33c} Shield. + +{33d} The hollow passage. + +{34a} That is, although Eanmund was brother's son to Onela, the +slaying of the former by Weohstan is not felt as cause of feud, and +is rewarded by gift of the slain man's weapons. + +{34b} Both Wiglaf and the sword did their duty. -- The following is +one of the classic passages for illustrating the comitatus as the +most conspicuous Germanic institution, and its underlying sense of +duty, based partly on the idea of loyalty and partly on the +practical basis of benefits received and repaid. + +{34c} Sc. "than to bide safely here," -- a common figure of +incomplete comparison. + +{34d} Wiglaf's wooden shield. + +{34e} Gering would translate "kinsman of the nail," as both are made +of iron. + +{35a} That is, swords. + +{36a} Where Beowulf lay. + +{37a} What had been left or made by the hammer; well-forged. + +{37b} Trying to revive him. + +{38a} Nothing. + +{38b} Dead. + +{38c} Death-watch, guard of honor, "lyke-wake." + +{38d} A name for the Franks. + +{38e} Ongentheow. + +{38f} Haethcyn. + +{39a} The line may mean: till Hrethelings stormed on the hedged +shields, -- i.e. the shield-wall or hedge of defensive war -- +Hrethelings, of course, are Geats. + +{39b} Eofor, brother to Wulf Wonreding. + +{39c} Sc. "value in" hides and the weight of the gold. + +{39d} Not at all. + +{39e} Laid on it when it was put in the barrow. This spell, or in +our days the "curse," either prevented discovery or brought dire +ills on the finder and taker. + +{40a} Probably the fugitive is meant who discovered the hoard. Ten +Brink and Gering assume that the dragon is meant. "Hid" may well +mean here "took while in hiding." + +{40b} That is "one and a few others." But Beowulf seems to be +indicated. + +{40c} Ten Brink points out the strongly heathen character of this +part of the epic. Beowulf's end came, so the old tradition ran, from +his unwitting interference with spell-bound treasure. + +{40d} A hard saying, variously interpreted. In any case, it is the +somewhat clumsy effort of the Christian poet to tone down the +heathenism of his material by an edifying observation. + +{41a} Nothing is said of Beowulf's wife in the poem, but Bugge +surmises that Beowulf finally accepted Hygd's offer of kingdom and +hoard, and, as was usual, took her into the bargain. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, BEOWULF *** + +This file should be named bwulf11.txt or bwulf11.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, bwulf12.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, bwulf11a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Beowulf + +Author: Anonymous + +Release Date: July, 1997 [EBook #981] +[This file was first posted on March 12, 2003] +[Most recently updated: June 29, 2004] + +Edition: 11 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII +</pre> +<p><a name="startoftext"></a></p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines1"><br /></div> + +<p>Prepared by Robin Katsuya-Corbet (corbet@astro.psu.edu) from scanner +output provided by Internet Wiretap.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines3"><br /><br /><br /></div> + +<p>BEOWULF<br />Translated by Gummere</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines3"><br /><br /><br /></div> + +<p>BEOWULF<br />PRELUDE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE DANISH HOUSE</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings<br /> +of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped,<br /> +we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!<br /> +Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,<br /> +from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore,<br /> +awing the earls. Since erst he lay<br /> +friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him:<br /> +for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve,<br /> +till before him the folk, both far and near,<br /> +who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate,<br /> +gave him gifts: a good king he!<br /> +To him an heir was afterward born,<br /> +a son in his halls, whom heaven sent<br /> +to favor the folk, feeling their woe<br /> +that erst they had lacked an earl for leader<br /> +so long a while; the Lord endowed him,<br /> +the Wielder of Wonder, with world’s renown.<br /> +Famed was this Beowulf: <a name="citation0a"></a><a href="#footnote0a">{0a}</a> +far flew the boast of him,<br /> +son of Scyld, in the Scandian lands.<br /> +So becomes it a youth to quit him well<br /> +with his father’s friends, by fee and gift,<br /> +that to aid him, aged, in after days,<br /> +come warriors willing, should war draw nigh,<br /> +liegemen loyal: by lauded deeds<br /> +shall an earl have honor in every clan.</p> <p>Forth he fared at the fated moment,<br /> +sturdy Scyld to the shelter of God.<br /> +Then they bore him over to ocean’s billow,<br /> +loving clansmen, as late he charged them,<br /> +while wielded words the winsome Scyld,<br /> +the leader beloved who long had ruled....<br /> +In the roadstead rocked a ring-dight vessel,<br /> +ice-flecked, outbound, atheling’s barge:<br /> +there laid they down their darling lord<br /> +on the breast of the boat, the breaker-of-rings, <a name="citation0b"></a><a href="#footnote0b">{0b}</a><br /> +by the mast the mighty one. Many a treasure<br /> +fetched from far was freighted with him.<br /> +No ship have I known so nobly dight<br /> +with weapons of war and weeds of battle,<br /> +with breastplate and blade: on his bosom lay<br /> +a heaped hoard that hence should go<br /> +far o’er the flood with him floating away.<br /> +No less these loaded the lordly gifts,<br /> +thanes’ huge treasure, than those had done<br /> +who in former time forth had sent him<br /> +sole on the seas, a suckling child.<br /> +High o’er his head they hoist the standard,<br /> +a gold-wove banner; let billows take him,<br /> +gave him to ocean. Grave were their spirits,<br /> +mournful their mood. No man is able<br /> +to say in sooth, no son of the halls,<br /> +no hero ’neath heaven, -- who harbored that freight!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>I</p> +<p>Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings,<br /> +leader beloved, and long he ruled<br /> +in fame with all folk, since his father had gone<br /> +away from the world, till awoke an heir,<br /> +haughty Healfdene, who held through life,<br /> +sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad.<br /> +Then, one after one, there woke to him,<br /> +to the chieftain of clansmen, children four:<br /> +Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave;<br /> +and I heard that -- was -- ’s queen,<br /> +the Heathoscylfing’s helpmate dear.<br /> +To Hrothgar was given such glory of war,<br /> +such honor of combat, that all his kin<br /> +obeyed him gladly till great grew his band<br /> +of youthful comrades. It came in his mind<br /> +to bid his henchmen a hall uprear,<br /> +a master mead-house, mightier far<br /> +than ever was seen by the sons of earth,<br /> +and within it, then, to old and young<br /> +he would all allot that the Lord had sent him,<br /> +save only the land and the lives of his men.<br /> +Wide, I heard, was the work commanded,<br /> +for many a tribe this mid-earth round,<br /> +to fashion the folkstead. It fell, as he ordered,<br /> +in rapid achievement that ready it stood there,<br /> +of halls the noblest: Heorot <a name="citation1a"></a><a href="#footnote1a">{1a}</a> he named it<br /> +whose message had might in many a land.<br /> +Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt,<br /> +treasure at banquet: there towered the hall,<br /> +high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting<br /> +of furious flame. <a name="citation1b"></a><a href="#footnote1b">{1b}</a> Nor far was that day<br /> +when father and son-in-law stood in feud<br /> +for warfare and hatred that woke again. <a name="citation1c"></a><a href="#footnote1c">{1c}</a><br /> +With envy and anger an evil spirit<br /> +endured the dole in his dark abode,<br /> +that he heard each day the din of revel<br /> +high in the hall: there harps rang out,<br /> +clear song of the singer. He sang who knew <a name="citation1d"></a><a href="#footnote1d">{1d}</a><br /> +tales of the early time of man,<br /> +how the Almighty made the earth,<br /> +fairest fields enfolded by water,<br /> +set, triumphant, sun and moon<br /> +for a light to lighten the land-dwellers,<br /> +and braided bright the breast of earth<br /> +with limbs and leaves, made life for all<br /> +of mortal beings that breathe and move.<br /> +So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel<br /> +a winsome life, till one began<br /> +to fashion evils, that field of hell.<br /> +Grendel this monster grim was called,<br /> +march-riever <a name="citation1e"></a><a href="#footnote1e">{1e}</a> mighty, in moorland living,<br /> +in fen and fastness; fief of the giants<br /> +the hapless wight a while had kept<br /> +since the Creator his exile doomed.<br /> +On kin of Cain was the killing avenged<br /> +by sovran God for slaughtered Abel.<br /> +Ill fared his feud, <a name="citation1f"></a><a href="#footnote1f">{1f}</a> and far was he driven,<br /> +for the slaughter’s sake, from sight of men.<br /> +Of Cain awoke all that woful breed,<br /> +Etins <a name="citation1g"></a><a href="#footnote1g">{1g}</a> and elves and evil-spirits,<br /> +as well as the giants that warred with God<br /> +weary while: but their wage was paid them!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>II</p> +<p>WENT he forth to find at fall of night<br /> +that haughty house, and heed wherever<br /> +the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone.<br /> +Found within it the atheling band<br /> +asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow,<br /> +of human hardship. Unhallowed wight,<br /> +grim and greedy, he grasped betimes,<br /> +wrathful, reckless, from resting-places,<br /> +thirty of the thanes, and thence he rushed<br /> +fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward,<br /> +laden with slaughter, his lair to seek.<br /> +Then at the dawning, as day was breaking,<br /> +the might of Grendel to men was known;<br /> +then after wassail was wail uplifted,<br /> +loud moan in the morn. The mighty chief,<br /> +atheling excellent, unblithe sat,<br /> +labored in woe for the loss of his thanes,<br /> +when once had been traced the trail of the fiend,<br /> +spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow,<br /> +too long, too loathsome. Not late the respite;<br /> +with night returning, anew began<br /> +ruthless murder; he recked no whit,<br /> +firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime.<br /> +They were easy to find who elsewhere sought<br /> +in room remote their rest at night,<br /> +bed in the bowers, <a name="citation2a"></a><a href="#footnote2a">{2a}</a> when that bale was shown,<br /> +was seen in sooth, with surest token, --<br /> +the hall-thane’s <a name="citation2b"></a><a href="#footnote2b">{2b}</a> hate. Such held themselves<br /> +far and fast who the fiend outran!<br /> +Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill<br /> +one against all; until empty stood<br /> +that lordly building, and long it bode so.<br /> +Twelve years’ tide the trouble he bore,<br /> +sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty,<br /> +boundless cares. There came unhidden<br /> +tidings true to the tribes of men,<br /> +in sorrowful songs, how ceaselessly Grendel<br /> +harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him,<br /> +what murder and massacre, many a year,<br /> +feud unfading, -- refused consent<br /> +to deal with any of Daneland’s earls,<br /> +make pact of peace, or compound for gold:<br /> +still less did the wise men ween to get<br /> +great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands.<br /> +But the evil one ambushed old and young<br /> +death-shadow dark, and dogged them still,<br /> +lured, or lurked in the livelong night<br /> +of misty moorlands: men may say not<br /> +where the haunts of these Hell-Runes <a name="citation2c"></a><a href="#footnote2c">{2c}</a> be.<br /> +Such heaping of horrors the hater of men,<br /> +lonely roamer, wrought unceasing,<br /> +harassings heavy. O’er Heorot he lorded,<br /> +gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights;<br /> +and ne’er could the prince <a name="citation2d"></a><a href="#footnote2d">{2d}</a> approach his throne,<br /> +-- ’twas judgment of God, -- or have joy in his hall.<br /> +Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings’-friend,<br /> +heart-rending misery. Many nobles<br /> +sat assembled, and searched out counsel<br /> +how it were best for bold-hearted men<br /> +against harassing terror to try their hand.<br /> +Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes<br /> +altar-offerings, asked with words <a name="citation2e"></a><a href="#footnote2e">{2e}</a><br /> +that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them<br /> +for the pain of their people. Their practice this,<br /> +their heathen hope; ’twas Hell they thought of<br /> +in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not,<br /> +Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord,<br /> +nor Heaven’s-Helmet heeded they ever,<br /> +Wielder-of-Wonder. -- Woe for that man<br /> +who in harm and hatred hales his soul<br /> +to fiery embraces; -- nor favor nor change<br /> +awaits he ever. But well for him<br /> +that after death-day may draw to his Lord,<br /> +and friendship find in the Father’s arms!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>III</p> +<p>THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene<br /> +with the woe of these days; not wisest men<br /> +assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish,<br /> +loathly and long, that lay on his folk,<br /> +most baneful of burdens and bales of the night.</p> +<p>This heard in his home Hygelac’s thane,<br /> +great among Geats, of Grendel’s doings.<br /> +He was the mightiest man of valor<br /> +in that same day of this our life,<br /> +stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker<br /> +he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he,<br /> +far o’er the swan-road he fain would seek,<br /> +the noble monarch who needed men!<br /> +The prince’s journey by prudent folk<br /> +was little blamed, though they loved him dear;<br /> +they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens.<br /> +And now the bold one from bands of Geats<br /> +comrades chose, the keenest of warriors<br /> +e’er he could find; with fourteen men<br /> +the sea-wood <a name="citation3a"></a><a href="#footnote3a">{3a}</a> he sought, and, sailor proved,<br /> +led them on to the land’s confines.<br /> +Time had now flown; <a name="citation3b"></a><a href="#footnote3b">{3b}</a> +afloat was the ship,<br /> +boat under bluff. On board they climbed,<br /> +warriors ready; waves were churning<br /> +sea with sand; the sailors bore<br /> +on the breast of the bark their bright array,<br /> +their mail and weapons: the men pushed off,<br /> +on its willing way, the well-braced craft.<br /> +Then moved o’er the waters by might of the wind<br /> +that bark like a bird with breast of foam,<br /> +till in season due, on the second day,<br /> +the curved prow such course had run<br /> +that sailors now could see the land,<br /> +sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills,<br /> +headlands broad. Their haven was found,<br /> +their journey ended. Up then quickly<br /> +the Weders’ <a name="citation3c"></a><a href="#footnote3c">{3c}</a> +clansmen climbed ashore,<br /> +anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing<br /> +and gear of battle: God they thanked<br /> +or passing in peace o’er the paths of the sea.<br /> +Now saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman,<br /> +a warden that watched the water-side,<br /> +how they bore o’er the gangway glittering shields,<br /> +war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him<br /> +to know what manner of men they were.<br /> +Straight to the strand his steed he rode,<br /> +Hrothgar’s henchman; with hand of might<br /> +he shook his spear, and spake in parley.<br /> +“Who are ye, then, ye armed men,<br /> +mailed folk, that yon mighty vessel<br /> +have urged thus over the ocean ways,<br /> +here o’er the waters? A warden I,<br /> +sentinel set o’er the sea-march here,<br /> +lest any foe to the folk of Danes<br /> +with harrying fleet should harm the land.<br /> +No aliens ever at ease thus bore them,<br /> +linden-wielders: <a name="citation3d"></a><a href="#footnote3d">{3d}</a> yet word-of-leave<br /> +clearly ye lack from clansmen here,<br /> +my folk’s agreement. -- A greater ne’er saw I<br /> +of warriors in world than is one of you, --<br /> +yon hero in harness! No henchman he<br /> +worthied by weapons, if witness his features,<br /> +his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell<br /> +your folk and home, lest hence ye fare<br /> +suspect to wander your way as spies<br /> +in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar,<br /> +ocean-travellers, take from me<br /> +simple advice: the sooner the better<br /> +I hear of the country whence ye came.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>IV</p> +<p>To him the stateliest spake in answer;<br /> +the warriors’ leader his word-hoard unlocked: --<br /> +“We are by kin of the clan of Geats,<br /> +and Hygelac’s own hearth-fellows we.<br /> +To folk afar was my father known,<br /> +noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.<br /> +Full of winters, he fared away<br /> +aged from earth; he is honored still<br /> +through width of the world by wise men all.<br /> +To thy lord and liege in loyal mood<br /> +we hasten hither, to Healfdene’s son,<br /> +people-protector: be pleased to advise us!<br /> +To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand,<br /> +to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right<br /> +that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest<br /> +if sooth it is -- the saying of men,<br /> +that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster,<br /> +dark ill-doer, in dusky nights<br /> +shows terrific his rage unmatched,<br /> +hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I<br /> +in greatness of soul would succor bring,<br /> +so the Wise-and-Brave <a name="citation4a"></a><a href="#footnote4a">{4a}</a> +may worst his foes, --<br /> +if ever the end of ills is fated,<br /> +of cruel contest, if cure shall follow,<br /> +and the boiling care-waves cooler grow;<br /> +else ever afterward anguish-days<br /> +he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place<br /> +high on its hill that house unpeered!”<br /> +Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered,<br /> +clansman unquailing: “The keen-souled thane<br /> +must be skilled to sever and sunder duly<br /> +words and works, if he well intends.<br /> +I gather, this band is graciously bent<br /> +to the Scyldings’ master. March, then, bearing<br /> +weapons and weeds the way I show you.<br /> +I will bid my men your boat meanwhile<br /> +to guard for fear lest foemen come, --<br /> +your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean<br /> +faithfully watching till once again<br /> +it waft o’er the waters those well-loved thanes,<br /> +-- winding-neck’d wood, -- to Weders’ bounds,<br /> +heroes such as the hest of fate<br /> +shall succor and save from the shock of war.”<br /> +They bent them to march, -- the boat lay still,<br /> +fettered by cable and fast at anchor,<br /> +broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars <a name="citation4b"></a><a href="#footnote4b">{4b}</a><br /> +over the cheek-guard; chased with gold,<br /> +keen and gleaming, guard it kept<br /> +o’er the man of war, as marched along<br /> +heroes in haste, till the hall they saw,<br /> +broad of gable and bright with gold:<br /> +that was the fairest, ’mid folk of earth,<br /> +of houses ’neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived,<br /> +and the gleam of it lightened o’er lands afar.<br /> +The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright<br /> +burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go<br /> +straightway thither; his steed then turned,<br /> +hardy hero, and hailed them thus: --<br /> +“’Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty<br /> +in grace and mercy guard you well,<br /> +safe in your seekings. Seaward I go,<br /> +’gainst hostile warriors hold my watch.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>V</p> +<p>STONE-BRIGHT the street: <a name="citation5a"></a><a href="#footnote5a">{5a}</a> +it showed the way<br /> +to the crowd of clansmen. Corselets glistened<br /> +hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright<br /> +the steel ring sang, as they strode along<br /> +in mail of battle, and marched to the hall.<br /> +There, weary of ocean, the wall along<br /> +they set their bucklers, their broad shields, down,<br /> +and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged,<br /> +war-gear of men; their weapons stacked,<br /> +spears of the seafarers stood together,<br /> +gray-tipped ash: that iron band<br /> +was worthily weaponed! -- A warrior proud<br /> +asked of the heroes their home and kin.<br /> +“Whence, now, bear ye burnished shields,<br /> +harness gray and helmets grim,<br /> +spears in multitude? Messenger, I,<br /> +Hrothgar’s herald! Heroes so many<br /> +ne’er met I as strangers of mood so strong.<br /> +’Tis plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile,<br /> +for high-hearted valor, Hrothgar ye seek!”<br /> +Him the sturdy-in-war bespake with words,<br /> +proud earl of the Weders answer made,<br /> +hardy ’neath helmet: -- “Hygelac’s, we,<br /> +fellows at board; I am Beowulf named.<br /> +I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene<br /> +this mission of mine, to thy master-lord,<br /> +the doughty prince, if he deign at all<br /> +grace that we greet him, the good one, now.”<br /> +Wulfgar spake, the Wendles’ chieftain,<br /> +whose might of mind to many was known,<br /> +his courage and counsel: “The king of Danes,<br /> +the Scyldings’ friend, I fain will tell,<br /> +the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou askest,<br /> +the famed prince, of thy faring hither,<br /> +and, swiftly after, such answer bring<br /> +as the doughty monarch may deign to give.”<br /> +Hied then in haste to where Hrothgar sat<br /> +white-haired and old, his earls about him,<br /> +till the stout thane stood at the shoulder there<br /> +of the Danish king: good courtier he!<br /> +Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord: --<br /> +“Hither have fared to thee far-come men<br /> +o’er the paths of ocean, people of Geatland;<br /> +and the stateliest there by his sturdy band<br /> +is Beowulf named. This boon they seek,<br /> +that they, my master, may with thee<br /> +have speech at will: nor spurn their prayer<br /> +to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar!<br /> +In weeds of the warrior worthy they,<br /> +methinks, of our liking; their leader most surely,<br /> +a hero that hither his henchmen has led.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>VI</p> +<p>HROTHGAR answered, helmet of Scyldings: --<br /> +“I knew him of yore in his youthful days;<br /> +his aged father was Ecgtheow named,<br /> +to whom, at home, gave Hrethel the Geat<br /> +his only daughter. Their offspring bold<br /> +fares hither to seek the steadfast friend.<br /> +And seamen, too, have said me this, --<br /> +who carried my gifts to the Geatish court,<br /> +thither for thanks, -- he has thirty men’s<br /> +heft of grasp in the gripe of his hand,<br /> +the bold-in-battle. Blessed God<br /> +out of his mercy this man hath sent<br /> +to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed,<br /> +against horror of Grendel. I hope to give<br /> +the good youth gold for his gallant thought.<br /> +Be thou in haste, and bid them hither,<br /> +clan of kinsmen, to come before me;<br /> +and add this word, -- they are welcome guests<br /> +to folk of the Danes.”<br /> +[To the door of the hall<br /> +Wulfgar went] and the word declared: --<br /> +“To you this message my master sends,<br /> +East-Danes’ king, that your kin he knows,<br /> +hardy heroes, and hails you all<br /> +welcome hither o’er waves of the sea!<br /> +Ye may wend your way in war-attire,<br /> +and under helmets Hrothgar greet;<br /> +but let here the battle-shields bide your parley,<br /> +and wooden war-shafts wait its end.”<br /> +Uprose the mighty one, ringed with his men,<br /> +brave band of thanes: some bode without,<br /> +battle-gear guarding, as bade the chief.<br /> +Then hied that troop where the herald led them,<br /> +under Heorot’s roof: [the hero strode,]<br /> +hardy ’neath helm, till the hearth he neared.<br /> +Beowulf spake, -- his breastplate gleamed,<br /> +war-net woven by wit of the smith: --<br /> +“Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac’s I,<br /> +kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty<br /> +have I gained in youth! These Grendel-deeds<br /> +I heard in my home-land heralded clear.<br /> +Seafarers say how stands this hall,<br /> +of buildings best, for your band of thanes<br /> +empty and idle, when evening sun<br /> +in the harbor of heaven is hidden away.<br /> +So my vassals advised me well, --<br /> +brave and wise, the best of men, --<br /> +O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here,<br /> +for my nerve and my might they knew full well.<br /> +Themselves had seen me from slaughter come<br /> +blood-flecked from foes, where five I bound,<br /> +and that wild brood worsted. I’ the waves I slew<br /> +nicors <a name="citation6a"></a><a href="#footnote6a">{6a}</a> by night, in need and peril<br /> +avenging the Weders, <a name="citation6b"></a><a href="#footnote6b">{6b}</a> whose woe they sought, --<br /> +crushing the grim ones. Grendel now,<br /> +monster cruel, be mine to quell<br /> +in single battle! So, from thee,<br /> +thou sovran of the Shining-Danes,<br /> +Scyldings’-bulwark, a boon I seek, --<br /> +and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not,<br /> +O Warriors’-shield, now I’ve wandered far, --<br /> +that I alone with my liegemen here,<br /> +this hardy band, may Heorot purge!<br /> +More I hear, that the monster dire,<br /> +in his wanton mood, of weapons recks not;<br /> +hence shall I scorn -- so Hygelac stay,<br /> +king of my kindred, kind to me! --<br /> +brand or buckler to bear in the fight,<br /> +gold-colored targe: but with gripe alone<br /> +must I front the fiend and fight for life,<br /> +foe against foe. Then faith be his<br /> +in the doom of the Lord whom death shall take.<br /> +Fain, I ween, if the fight he win,<br /> +in this hall of gold my Geatish band<br /> +will he fearless eat, -- as oft before, --<br /> +my noblest thanes. Nor need’st thou then<br /> +to hide my head; <a name="citation6c"></a><a href="#footnote6c">{6c}</a> for his shall I be,<br /> +dyed in gore, if death must take me;<br /> +and my blood-covered body he’ll bear as prey,<br /> +ruthless devour it, the roamer-lonely,<br /> +with my life-blood redden his lair in the fen:<br /> +no further for me need’st food prepare!<br /> +To Hygelac send, if Hild <a name="citation6d"></a><a href="#footnote6d">{6d}</a> +should take me,<br /> +best of war-weeds, warding my breast,<br /> +armor excellent, heirloom of Hrethel<br /> +and work of Wayland. <a name="citation6e"></a><a href="#footnote6e">{6e}</a> Fares Wyrd <a name="citation6f"></a><a href="#footnote6f">{6f}</a> as she must.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>VII</p> +<p>HROTHGAR spake, the Scyldings’-helmet: --<br /> +“For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf,<br /> +to succor and save, thou hast sought us here.<br /> +Thy father’s combat <a name="citation7a"></a><a href="#footnote7a">{7a}</a> a feud enkindled<br /> +when Heatholaf with hand he slew<br /> +among the Wylfings; his Weder kin<br /> +for horror of fighting feared to hold him.<br /> +Fleeing, he sought our South-Dane folk,<br /> +over surge of ocean the Honor-Scyldings,<br /> +when first I was ruling the folk of Danes,<br /> +wielded, youthful, this widespread realm,<br /> +this hoard-hold of heroes. Heorogar was dead,<br /> +my elder brother, had breathed his last,<br /> +Healfdene’s bairn: he was better than I!<br /> +Straightway the feud with fee <a name="citation7b"></a><a href="#footnote7b">{7b}</a> I settled,<br /> +to the Wylfings sent, o’er watery ridges,<br /> +treasures olden: oaths he <a name="citation7c"></a><a href="#footnote7c">{7c}</a> +swore me.<br /> +Sore is my soul to say to any<br /> +of the race of man what ruth for me<br /> +in Heorot Grendel with hate hath wrought,<br /> +what sudden harryings. Hall-folk fail me,<br /> +my warriors wane; for Wyrd hath swept them<br /> +into Grendel’s grasp. But God is able<br /> +this deadly foe from his deeds to turn!<br /> +Boasted full oft, as my beer they drank,<br /> +earls o’er the ale-cup, armed men,<br /> +that they would bide in the beer-hall here,<br /> +Grendel’s attack with terror of blades.<br /> +Then was this mead-house at morning tide<br /> +dyed with gore, when the daylight broke,<br /> +all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled,<br /> +gory the hall: I had heroes the less,<br /> +doughty dear-ones that death had reft.<br /> +-- But sit to the banquet, unbind thy words,<br /> +hardy hero, as heart shall prompt thee.”</p> <p>Gathered together, the Geatish men<br /> +in the banquet-hall on bench assigned,<br /> +sturdy-spirited, sat them down,<br /> +hardy-hearted. A henchman attended,<br /> +carried the carven cup in hand,<br /> +served the clear mead. Oft minstrels sang<br /> +blithe in Heorot. Heroes revelled,<br /> +no dearth of warriors, Weder and Dane.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>VIII</p> +<p>UNFERTH spake, the son of Ecglaf,<br /> +who sat at the feet of the Scyldings’ lord,<br /> +unbound the battle-runes. <a name="citation8a"></a><a href="#footnote8a">{8a}</a> -- Beowulf’s quest,<br /> +sturdy seafarer’s, sorely galled him;<br /> +ever he envied that other men<br /> +should more achieve in middle-earth<br /> +of fame under heaven than he himself. --<br /> +“Art thou that Beowulf, Breca’s rival,<br /> +who emulous swam on the open sea,<br /> +when for pride the pair of you proved the floods,<br /> +and wantonly dared in waters deep<br /> +to risk your lives? No living man,<br /> +or lief or loath, from your labor dire<br /> +could you dissuade, from swimming the main.<br /> +Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered,<br /> +with strenuous hands the sea-streets measured,<br /> +swam o’er the waters. Winter’s storm<br /> +rolled the rough waves. In realm of sea<br /> +a sennight strove ye. In swimming he topped thee,<br /> +had more of main! Him at morning-tide<br /> +billows bore to the Battling Reamas,<br /> +whence he hied to his home so dear<br /> +beloved of his liegemen, to land of Brondings,<br /> +fastness fair, where his folk he ruled,<br /> +town and treasure. In triumph o’er thee<br /> +Beanstan’s bairn <a name="citation8b"></a><a href="#footnote8b">{8b}</a> his boast achieved.<br /> +So ween I for thee a worse adventure<br /> +-- though in buffet of battle thou brave hast been,<br /> +in struggle grim, -- if Grendel’s approach<br /> +thou darst await through the watch of night!”</p> +<p>Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“What a deal hast uttered, dear my Unferth,<br /> +drunken with beer, of Breca now,<br /> +told of his triumph! Truth I claim it,<br /> +that I had more of might in the sea<br /> +than any man else, more ocean-endurance.<br /> +We twain had talked, in time of youth,<br /> +and made our boast, -- we were merely boys,<br /> +striplings still, -- to stake our lives<br /> +far at sea: and so we performed it.<br /> +Naked swords, as we swam along,<br /> +we held in hand, with hope to guard us<br /> +against the whales. Not a whit from me<br /> +could he float afar o’er the flood of waves,<br /> +haste o’er the billows; nor him I abandoned.<br /> +Together we twain on the tides abode<br /> +five nights full till the flood divided us,<br /> +churning waves and chillest weather,<br /> +darkling night, and the northern wind<br /> +ruthless rushed on us: rough was the surge.<br /> +Now the wrath of the sea-fish rose apace;<br /> +yet me ’gainst the monsters my mailed coat,<br /> +hard and hand-linked, help afforded, --<br /> +battle-sark braided my breast to ward,<br /> +garnished with gold. There grasped me firm<br /> +and haled me to bottom the hated foe,<br /> +with grimmest gripe. ’Twas granted me, though,<br /> +to pierce the monster with point of sword,<br /> +with blade of battle: huge beast of the sea<br /> +was whelmed by the hurly through hand of mine.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>IX</p> +<p>ME thus often the evil monsters<br /> +thronging threatened. With thrust of my sword,<br /> +the darling, I dealt them due return!<br /> +Nowise had they bliss from their booty then<br /> +to devour their victim, vengeful creatures,<br /> +seated to banquet at bottom of sea;<br /> +but at break of day, by my brand sore hurt,<br /> +on the edge of ocean up they lay,<br /> +put to sleep by the sword. And since, by them<br /> +on the fathomless sea-ways sailor-folk<br /> +are never molested. -- Light from east,<br /> +came bright God’s beacon; the billows sank,<br /> +so that I saw the sea-cliffs high,<br /> +windy walls. For Wyrd oft saveth<br /> +earl undoomed if he doughty be!<br /> +And so it came that I killed with my sword<br /> +nine of the nicors. Of night-fought battles<br /> +ne’er heard I a harder ’neath heaven’s dome,<br /> +nor adrift on the deep a more desolate man!<br /> +Yet I came unharmed from that hostile clutch,<br /> +though spent with swimming. The sea upbore me,<br /> +flood of the tide, on Finnish land,<br /> +the welling waters. No wise of thee<br /> +have I heard men tell such terror of falchions,<br /> +bitter battle. Breca ne’er yet,<br /> +not one of you pair, in the play of war<br /> +such daring deed has done at all<br /> +with bloody brand, -- I boast not of it! --<br /> +though thou wast the bane <a name="citation9a"></a><a href="#footnote9a">{9a}</a> +of thy brethren dear,<br /> +thy closest kin, whence curse of hell<br /> +awaits thee, well as thy wit may serve!<br /> +For I say in sooth, thou son of Ecglaf,<br /> +never had Grendel these grim deeds wrought,<br /> +monster dire, on thy master dear,<br /> +in Heorot such havoc, if heart of thine<br /> +were as battle-bold as thy boast is loud!<br /> +But he has found no feud will happen;<br /> +from sword-clash dread of your Danish clan<br /> +he vaunts him safe, from the Victor-Scyldings.<br /> +He forces pledges, favors none<br /> +of the land of Danes, but lustily murders,<br /> +fights and feasts, nor feud he dreads<br /> +from Spear-Dane men. But speedily now<br /> +shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats,<br /> +shall bid him battle. Blithe to mead<br /> +go he that listeth, when light of dawn<br /> +this morrow morning o’er men of earth,<br /> +ether-robed sun from the south shall beam!”<br /> +Joyous then was the Jewel-giver,<br /> +hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaited<br /> +the Bright-Danes’ prince, from Beowulf hearing,<br /> +folk’s good shepherd, such firm resolve.<br /> +Then was laughter of liegemen loud resounding<br /> +with winsome words. Came Wealhtheow forth,<br /> +queen of Hrothgar, heedful of courtesy,<br /> +gold-decked, greeting the guests in hall;<br /> +and the high-born lady handed the cup<br /> +first to the East-Danes’ heir and warden,<br /> +bade him be blithe at the beer-carouse,<br /> +the land’s beloved one. Lustily took he<br /> +banquet and beaker, battle-famed king.</p> <p>Through the hall then went the Helmings’ Lady,<br /> +to younger and older everywhere<br /> +carried the cup, till come the moment<br /> +when the ring-graced queen, the royal-hearted,<br /> +to Beowulf bore the beaker of mead.<br /> +She greeted the Geats’ lord, God she thanked,<br /> +in wisdom’s words, that her will was granted,<br /> +that at last on a hero her hope could lean<br /> +for comfort in terrors. The cup he took,<br /> +hardy-in-war, from Wealhtheow’s hand,<br /> +and answer uttered the eager-for-combat.<br /> +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“This was my thought, when my thanes and I<br /> +bent to the ocean and entered our boat,<br /> +that I would work the will of your people<br /> +fully, or fighting fall in death,<br /> +in fiend’s gripe fast. I am firm to do<br /> +an earl’s brave deed, or end the days<br /> +of this life of mine in the mead-hall here.”<br /> +Well these words to the woman seemed,<br /> +Beowulf’s battle-boast. -- Bright with gold<br /> +the stately dame by her spouse sat down.<br /> +Again, as erst, began in hall<br /> +warriors’ wassail and words of power,<br /> +the proud-band’s revel, till presently<br /> +the son of Healfdene hastened to seek<br /> +rest for the night; he knew there waited<br /> +fight for the fiend in that festal hall,<br /> +when the sheen of the sun they saw no more,<br /> +and dusk of night sank darkling nigh,<br /> +and shadowy shapes came striding on,<br /> +wan under welkin. The warriors rose.<br /> +Man to man, he made harangue,<br /> +Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail,<br /> +let him wield the wine hall: a word he added: --<br /> +“Never to any man erst I trusted,<br /> +since I could heave up hand and shield,<br /> +this noble Dane-Hall, till now to thee.<br /> +Have now and hold this house unpeered;<br /> +remember thy glory; thy might declare;<br /> +watch for the foe! No wish shall fail thee<br /> +if thou bidest the battle with bold-won life.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>X</p> +<p>THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train,<br /> +defence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall;<br /> +fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek,<br /> +couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory<br /> +against this Grendel a guard had set,<br /> +so heroes heard, a hall-defender,<br /> +who warded the monarch and watched for the monster.<br /> +In truth, the Geats’ prince gladly trusted<br /> +his mettle, his might, the mercy of God!<br /> +Cast off then his corselet of iron,<br /> +helmet from head; to his henchman gave, --<br /> +choicest of weapons, -- the well-chased sword,<br /> +bidding him guard the gear of battle.<br /> +Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man,<br /> +Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought: --<br /> +“Of force in fight no feebler I count me,<br /> +in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him.<br /> +Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death<br /> +his life will I give, though it lie in my power.<br /> +No skill is his to strike against me,<br /> +my shield to hew though he hardy be,<br /> +bold in battle; we both, this night,<br /> +shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here,<br /> +unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God,<br /> +sacred Lord, on which side soever<br /> +doom decree as he deemeth right.”<br /> +Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held<br /> +the head of the earl, while all about him<br /> +seamen hardy on hall-beds sank.<br /> +None of them thought that thence their steps<br /> +to the folk and fastness that fostered them,<br /> +to the land they loved, would lead them back!<br /> +Full well they wist that on warriors many<br /> +battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall,<br /> +of Danish clan. But comfort and help,<br /> +war-weal weaving, to Weder folk<br /> +the Master gave, that, by might of one,<br /> +over their enemy all prevailed,<br /> +by single strength. In sooth ’tis told<br /> +that highest God o’er human kind<br /> +hath wielded ever! -- Thro’ wan night striding,<br /> +came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept<br /> +whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, --<br /> +all save one. ’Twas widely known<br /> +that against God’s will the ghostly ravager<br /> +him <a name="citation10a"></a><a href="#footnote10a">{10a}</a> could not hurl to haunts of darkness;<br /> +wakeful, ready, with warrior’s wrath,<br /> +bold he bided the battle’s issue.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XI</p> +<p>THEN from the moorland, by misty crags,<br /> +with God’s wrath laden, Grendel came.<br /> +The monster was minded of mankind now<br /> +sundry to seize in the stately house.<br /> +Under welkin he walked, till the wine-palace there,<br /> +gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned,<br /> +flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this,<br /> +that he the home of Hrothgar sought, --<br /> +yet ne’er in his life-day, late or early,<br /> +such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found!<br /> +To the house the warrior walked apace,<br /> +parted from peace; <a name="citation11a"></a><a href="#footnote11a">{11a}</a> the portal opended,<br /> +though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had<br /> +struck it,<br /> +and baleful he burst in his blatant rage,<br /> +the house’s mouth. All hastily, then,<br /> +o’er fair-paved floor the fiend trod on,<br /> +ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes<br /> +fearful flashes, like flame to see.</p> +<p>He spied in hall the hero-band,<br /> +kin and clansmen clustered asleep,<br /> +hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart;<br /> +for the monster was minded, ere morn should dawn,<br /> +savage, to sever the soul of each,<br /> +life from body, since lusty banquet<br /> +waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him<br /> +to seize any more of men on earth<br /> +after that evening. Eagerly watched<br /> +Hygelac’s kinsman his cursed foe,<br /> +how he would fare in fell attack.<br /> +Not that the monster was minded to pause!<br /> +Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior<br /> +for the first, and tore him fiercely asunder,<br /> +the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams,<br /> +swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus<br /> +the lifeless corse was clear devoured,<br /> +e’en feet and hands. Then farther he hied;<br /> +for the hardy hero with hand he grasped,<br /> +felt for the foe with fiendish claw,<br /> +for the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly,<br /> +prompt to answer, propped on his arm.<br /> +Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils<br /> +that never he met in this middle-world,<br /> +in the ways of earth, another wight<br /> +with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared,<br /> +sorrowed in soul, -- none the sooner escaped!<br /> +Fain would he flee, his fastness seek,<br /> +the den of devils: no doings now<br /> +such as oft he had done in days of old!<br /> +Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac-thane<br /> +of his boast at evening: up he bounded,<br /> +grasped firm his foe, whose fingers cracked.<br /> +The fiend made off, but the earl close followed.<br /> +The monster meant -- if he might at all --<br /> +to fling himself free, and far away<br /> +fly to the fens, -- knew his fingers’ power<br /> +in the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march<br /> +to Heorot this monster of harm had made!<br /> +Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft,<br /> +castle-dwellers and clansmen all,<br /> +earls, of their ale. Angry were both<br /> +those savage hall-guards: the house resounded.<br /> +Wonder it was the wine-hall firm<br /> +in the strain of their struggle stood, to earth<br /> +the fair house fell not; too fast it was<br /> +within and without by its iron bands<br /> +craftily clamped; though there crashed from sill<br /> +many a mead-bench -- men have told me --<br /> +gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled.<br /> +So well had weened the wisest Scyldings<br /> +that not ever at all might any man<br /> +that bone-decked, brave house break asunder,<br /> +crush by craft, -- unless clasp of fire<br /> +in smoke engulfed it. -- Again uprose<br /> +din redoubled. Danes of the North<br /> +with fear and frenzy were filled, each one,<br /> +who from the wall that wailing heard,<br /> +God’s foe sounding his grisly song,<br /> +cry of the conquered, clamorous pain<br /> +from captive of hell. Too closely held him<br /> +he who of men in might was strongest<br /> +in that same day of this our life.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XII</p> +<p>NOT in any wise would the earls’-defence <a name="citation12a"></a><a href="#footnote12a">{12a}</a><br /> +suffer that slaughterous stranger to live,<br /> +useless deeming his days and years<br /> +to men on earth. Now many an earl<br /> +of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral,<br /> +fain the life of their lord to shield,<br /> +their praised prince, if power were theirs;<br /> +never they knew, -- as they neared the foe,<br /> +hardy-hearted heroes of war,<br /> +aiming their swords on every side<br /> +the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade,<br /> +no farest of falchions fashioned on earth,<br /> +could harm or hurt that hideous fiend!<br /> +He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle,<br /> +from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting<br /> +on that same day of this our life<br /> +woful should be, and his wandering soul<br /> +far off flit to the fiends’ domain.<br /> +Soon he found, who in former days,<br /> +harmful in heart and hated of God,<br /> +on many a man such murder wrought,<br /> +that the frame of his body failed him now.<br /> +For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac<br /> +held in hand; hateful alive<br /> +was each to other. The outlaw dire<br /> +took mortal hurt; a mighty wound<br /> +showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked,<br /> +and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now<br /> +the glory was given, and Grendel thence<br /> +death-sick his den in the dark moor sought,<br /> +noisome abode: he knew too well<br /> +that here was the last of life, an end<br /> +of his days on earth. -- To all the Danes<br /> +by that bloody battle the boon had come.<br /> +From ravage had rescued the roving stranger<br /> +Hrothgar’s hall; the hardy and wise one<br /> +had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him,<br /> +his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes<br /> +had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good,<br /> +all their sorrow and ills assuaged,<br /> +their bale of battle borne so long,<br /> +and all the dole they erst endured<br /> +pain a-plenty. -- ’Twas proof of this,<br /> +when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down,<br /> +arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed,<br /> +of Grendel’s gripe, -- ’neath the gabled roof.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XIII</p> +<p>MANY at morning, as men have told me,<br /> +warriors gathered the gift-hall round,<br /> +folk-leaders faring from far and near,<br /> +o’er wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view,<br /> +trace of the traitor. Not troublous seemed<br /> +the enemy’s end to any man<br /> +who saw by the gait of the graceless foe<br /> +how the weary-hearted, away from thence,<br /> +baffled in battle and banned, his steps<br /> +death-marked dragged to the devils’ mere.<br /> +Bloody the billows were boiling there,<br /> +turbid the tide of tumbling waves<br /> +horribly seething, with sword-blood hot,<br /> +by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor<br /> +laid forlorn his life adown,<br /> +his heathen soul, and hell received it.<br /> +Home then rode the hoary clansmen<br /> +from that merry journey, and many a youth,<br /> +on horses white, the hardy warriors,<br /> +back from the mere. Then Beowulf’s glory<br /> +eager they echoed, and all averred<br /> +that from sea to sea, or south or north,<br /> +there was no other in earth’s domain,<br /> +under vault of heaven, more valiant found,<br /> +of warriors none more worthy to rule!<br /> +(On their lord beloved they laid no slight,<br /> +gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!)<br /> +From time to time, the tried-in-battle<br /> +their gray steeds set to gallop amain,<br /> +and ran a race when the road seemed fair.<br /> +From time to time, a thane of the king,<br /> +who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses,<br /> +stored with sagas and songs of old,<br /> +bound word to word in well-knit rime,<br /> +welded his lay; this warrior soon<br /> +of Beowulf’s quest right cleverly sang,<br /> +and artfully added an excellent tale,<br /> +in well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds<br /> +he had heard in saga of Sigemund.<br /> +Strange the story: he said it all, --<br /> +the Waelsing’s wanderings wide, his struggles,<br /> +which never were told to tribes of men,<br /> +the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only,<br /> +when of these doings he deigned to speak,<br /> +uncle to nephew; as ever the twain<br /> +stood side by side in stress of war,<br /> +and multitude of the monster kind<br /> +they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew,<br /> +when he passed from life, no little praise;<br /> +for the doughty-in-combat a dragon killed<br /> +that herded the hoard: <a name="citation13a"></a><a href="#footnote13a">{13a}</a> under hoary rock<br /> +the atheling dared the deed alone<br /> +fearful quest, nor was Fitela there.<br /> +Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced<br /> +that wondrous worm, -- on the wall it struck,<br /> +best blade; the dragon died in its blood.<br /> +Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved<br /> +over the ring-hoard to rule at will,<br /> +himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he loaded,<br /> +and bore on its bosom the beaming gold,<br /> +son of Waels; the worm was consumed.<br /> +He had of all heroes the highest renown<br /> +among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors,<br /> +for deeds of daring that decked his name<br /> +since the hand and heart of Heremod<br /> +grew slack in battle. He, swiftly banished<br /> +to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes,<br /> +to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow<br /> +had lamed him too long; a load of care<br /> +to earls and athelings all he proved.<br /> +Oft indeed, in earlier days,<br /> +for the warrior’s wayfaring wise men mourned,<br /> +who had hoped of him help from harm and bale,<br /> +and had thought their sovran’s son would thrive,<br /> +follow his father, his folk protect,<br /> +the hoard and the stronghold, heroes’ land,<br /> +home of Scyldings. -- But here, thanes said,<br /> +the kinsman of Hygelac kinder seemed<br /> +to all: the other <a name="citation13b"></a><a href="#footnote13b">{13b}</a> was urged to crime!<br /> +And afresh to the race, <a name="citation13c"></a><a href="#footnote13c">{13c}</a> the fallow roads<br /> +by swift steeds measured! The morning sun<br /> +was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened<br /> +to the high-built hall, those hardy-minded,<br /> +the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure,<br /> +crowned with glory, the king himself,<br /> +with stately band from the bride-bower strode;<br /> +and with him the queen and her crowd of maidens<br /> +measured the path to the mead-house fair.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XIV</p> +<p>HROTHGAR spake, -- to the hall he went,<br /> +stood by the steps, the steep roof saw,<br /> +garnished with gold, and Grendel’s hand: --<br /> +“For the sight I see to the Sovran Ruler<br /> +be speedy thanks! A throng of sorrows<br /> +I have borne from Grendel; but God still works<br /> +wonder on wonder, the Warden-of-Glory.<br /> +It was but now that I never more<br /> +for woes that weighed on me waited help<br /> +long as I lived, when, laved in blood,<br /> +stood sword-gore-stained this stateliest house, --<br /> +widespread woe for wise men all,<br /> +who had no hope to hinder ever<br /> +foes infernal and fiendish sprites<br /> +from havoc in hall. This hero now,<br /> +by the Wielder’s might, a work has done<br /> +that not all of us erst could ever do<br /> +by wile and wisdom. Lo, well can she say<br /> +whoso of women this warrior bore<br /> +among sons of men, if still she liveth,<br /> +that the God of the ages was good to her<br /> +in the birth of her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee,<br /> +of heroes best, I shall heartily love<br /> +as mine own, my son; preserve thou ever<br /> +this kinship new: thou shalt never lack<br /> +wealth of the world that I wield as mine!<br /> +Full oft for less have I largess showered,<br /> +my precious hoard, on a punier man,<br /> +less stout in struggle. Thyself hast now<br /> +fulfilled such deeds, that thy fame shall endure<br /> +through all the ages. As ever he did,<br /> +well may the Wielder reward thee still!”<br /> +Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“This work of war most willingly<br /> +we have fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared<br /> +force of the foe. Fain, too, were I<br /> +hadst thou but seen himself, what time<br /> +the fiend in his trappings tottered to fall!<br /> +Swiftly, I thought, in strongest gripe<br /> +on his bed of death to bind him down,<br /> +that he in the hent of this hand of mine<br /> +should breathe his last: but he broke away.<br /> +Him I might not -- the Maker willed not --<br /> +hinder from flight, and firm enough hold<br /> +the life-destroyer: too sturdy was he,<br /> +the ruthless, in running! For rescue, however,<br /> +he left behind him his hand in pledge,<br /> +arm and shoulder; nor aught of help<br /> +could the cursed one thus procure at all.<br /> +None the longer liveth he, loathsome fiend,<br /> +sunk in his sins, but sorrow holds him<br /> +tightly grasped in gripe of anguish,<br /> +in baleful bonds, where bide he must,<br /> +evil outlaw, such awful doom<br /> +as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out.”</p> <p>More silent seemed the son of Ecglaf <a name="citation14a"></a><a href="#footnote14a">{14a}</a><br /> +in boastful speech of his battle-deeds,<br /> +since athelings all, through the earl’s great prowess,<br /> +beheld that hand, on the high roof gazing,<br /> +foeman’s fingers, -- the forepart of each<br /> +of the sturdy nails to steel was likest, --<br /> +heathen’s “hand-spear,” hostile warrior’s<br /> +claw uncanny. ’Twas clear, they said,<br /> +that him no blade of the brave could touch,<br /> +how keen soever, or cut away<br /> +that battle-hand bloody from baneful foe.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XV</p> +<p>THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now<br /> +for hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng<br /> +of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse,<br /> +the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings<br /> +that were wove on the wall, and wonders many<br /> +to delight each mortal that looks upon them.<br /> +Though braced within by iron bands,<br /> +that building bright was broken sorely; <a name="citation15a"></a><a href="#footnote15a">{15a}</a><br /> +rent were its hinges; the roof alone<br /> +held safe and sound, when, seared with crime,<br /> +the fiendish foe his flight essayed,<br /> +of life despairing. -- No light thing that,<br /> +the flight for safety, -- essay it who will!<br /> +Forced of fate, he shall find his way<br /> +to the refuge ready for race of man,<br /> +for soul-possessors, and sons of earth;<br /> +and there his body on bed of death<br /> +shall rest after revel.<br /> +Arrived was the hour<br /> +when to hall proceeded Healfdene’s son:<br /> +the king himself would sit to banquet.<br /> +Ne’er heard I of host in haughtier throng<br /> +more graciously gathered round giver-of-rings!<br /> +Bowed then to bench those bearers-of-glory,<br /> +fain of the feasting. Featly received<br /> +many a mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit,<br /> +kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall,<br /> +Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now<br /> +was filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings<br /> +ne’er yet had tried the traitor’s deed.<br /> +To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene<br /> +a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph,<br /> +broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet;<br /> +and a splendid sword was seen of many<br /> +borne to the brave one. Beowulf took<br /> +cup in hall: <a name="citation15b"></a><a href="#footnote15b">{15b}</a> for such costly gifts<br /> +he suffered no shame in that soldier throng.<br /> +For I heard of few heroes, in heartier mood,<br /> +with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold,<br /> +on the ale-bench honoring others thus!<br /> +O’er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge,<br /> +wound with wires, kept ward o’er the head,<br /> +lest the relict-of-files <a name="citation15c"></a><a href="#footnote15c">{15c}</a> should fierce invade,<br /> +sharp in the strife, when that shielded hero<br /> +should go to grapple against his foes.<br /> +Then the earls’-defence <a name="citation15d"></a><a href="#footnote15d">{15d}</a> on the floor <a name="citation15e"></a><a href="#footnote15e">{15e}</a> +bade lead<br /> +coursers eight, with carven head-gear,<br /> +adown the hall: one horse was decked<br /> +with a saddle all shining and set in jewels;<br /> +’twas the battle-seat of the best of kings,<br /> +when to play of swords the son of Healfdene<br /> +was fain to fare. Ne’er failed his valor<br /> +in the crush of combat when corpses fell.<br /> +To Beowulf over them both then gave<br /> +the refuge-of-Ingwines right and power,<br /> +o’er war-steeds and weapons: wished him joy of them.<br /> +Manfully thus the mighty prince,<br /> +hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid<br /> +with steeds and treasures contemned by none<br /> +who is willing to say the sooth aright.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XVI</p> +<p>AND the lord of earls, to each that came<br /> +with Beowulf over the briny ways,<br /> +an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave,<br /> +precious gift; and the price <a name="citation16a"></a><a href="#footnote16a">{16a}</a> +bade pay<br /> +in gold for him whom Grendel erst<br /> +murdered, -- and fain of them more had killed,<br /> +had not wisest God their Wyrd averted,<br /> +and the man’s <a name="citation16b"></a><a href="#footnote16b">{16b}</a> +brave mood. The Maker then<br /> +ruled human kind, as here and now.<br /> +Therefore is insight always best,<br /> +and forethought of mind. How much awaits him<br /> +of lief and of loath, who long time here,<br /> +through days of warfare this world endures!</p> +<p>Then song and music mingled sounds<br /> +in the presence of Healfdene’s head-of-armies <a name="citation16c"></a><a href="#footnote16c">{16c}</a><br /> +and harping was heard with the hero-lay<br /> +as Hrothgar’s singer the hall-joy woke<br /> +along the mead-seats, making his song<br /> +of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn. <a name="citation16d"></a><a href="#footnote16d">{16d}</a><br /> +Healfdene’s hero, Hnaef the Scylding,<br /> +was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter. <a name="citation16e"></a><a href="#footnote16e">{16e}</a><br /> +Hildeburh needed not hold in value<br /> +her enemies’ honor! <a name="citation16f"></a><a href="#footnote16f">{16f}</a> Innocent both<br /> +were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play,<br /> +bairn and brother, they bowed to fate,<br /> +stricken by spears; ’twas a sorrowful woman!<br /> +None doubted why the daughter of Hoc<br /> +bewailed her doom when dawning came,<br /> +and under the sky she saw them lying,<br /> +kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned<br /> +of the sweets of the world! By war were swept, too,<br /> +Finn’s own liegemen, and few were left;<br /> +in the parleying-place <a name="citation16g"></a><a href="#footnote16g">{16g}</a> he could ply no longer<br /> +weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest,<br /> +and rescue his remnant by right of arms<br /> +from the prince’s thane. A pact he offered:<br /> +another dwelling the Danes should have,<br /> +hall and high-seat, and half the power<br /> +should fall to them in Frisian land;<br /> +and at the fee-gifts, Folcwald’s son<br /> +day by day the Danes should honor,<br /> +the folk of Hengest favor with rings,<br /> +even as truly, with treasure and jewels,<br /> +with fretted gold, as his Frisian kin<br /> +he meant to honor in ale-hall there.<br /> +Pact of peace they plighted further<br /> +on both sides firmly. Finn to Hengest<br /> +with oath, upon honor, openly promised<br /> +that woful remnant, with wise-men’s aid,<br /> +nobly to govern, so none of the guests<br /> +by word or work should warp the treaty, <a name="citation16h"></a><a href="#footnote16h">{16h}</a><br /> +or with malice of mind bemoan themselves<br /> +as forced to follow their fee-giver’s slayer,<br /> +lordless men, as their lot ordained.<br /> +Should Frisian, moreover, with foeman’s taunt,<br /> +that murderous hatred to mind recall,<br /> +then edge of the sword must seal his doom.</p> <p>Oaths were given, and ancient gold<br /> +heaped from hoard. -- The hardy Scylding,<br /> +battle-thane best, <a name="citation16i"></a><a href="#footnote16i">{16i}</a> on his balefire lay.<br /> +All on the pyre were plain to see<br /> +the gory sark, the gilded swine-crest,<br /> +boar of hard iron, and athelings many<br /> +slain by the sword: at the slaughter they fell.<br /> +It was Hildeburh’s hest, at Hnaef’s own pyre<br /> +the bairn of her body on brands to lay,<br /> +his bones to burn, on the balefire placed,<br /> +at his uncle’s side. In sorrowful dirges<br /> +bewept them the woman: great wailing ascended.<br /> +Then wound up to welkin the wildest of death-fires,<br /> +roared o’er the hillock: <a name="citation16j"></a><a href="#footnote16j">{16j}</a> heads all were melted,<br /> +gashes burst, and blood gushed out<br /> +from bites <a name="citation16k"></a><a href="#footnote16k">{16k}</a> of the body. Balefire devoured,<br /> +greediest spirit, those spared not by war<br /> +out of either folk: their flower was gone.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XVII</p> +<p>THEN hastened those heroes their home to see,<br /> +friendless, to find the Frisian land,<br /> +houses and high burg. Hengest still<br /> +through the death-dyed winter dwelt with Finn,<br /> +holding pact, yet of home he minded,<br /> +though powerless his ring-decked prow to drive<br /> +over the waters, now waves rolled fierce<br /> +lashed by the winds, or winter locked them<br /> +in icy fetters. Then fared another<br /> +year to men’s dwellings, as yet they do,<br /> +the sunbright skies, that their season ever<br /> +duly await. Far off winter was driven;<br /> +fair lay earth’s breast; and fain was the rover,<br /> +the guest, to depart, though more gladly he pondered<br /> +on wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep,<br /> +and how to hasten the hot encounter<br /> +where sons of the Frisians were sure to be.<br /> +So he escaped not the common doom,<br /> +when Hun with “Lafing,” the light-of-battle,<br /> +best of blades, his bosom pierced:<br /> +its edge was famed with the Frisian earls.<br /> +On fierce-heart Finn there fell likewise,<br /> +on himself at home, the horrid sword-death;<br /> +for Guthlaf and Oslaf of grim attack<br /> +had sorrowing told, from sea-ways landed,<br /> +mourning their woes. <a name="citation17a"></a><a href="#footnote17a">{17a}</a> Finn’s wavering spirit<br /> +bode not in breast. The burg was reddened<br /> +with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain,<br /> +king amid clansmen; the queen was taken.<br /> +To their ship the Scylding warriors bore<br /> +all the chattels the chieftain owned,<br /> +whatever they found in Finn’s domain<br /> +of gems and jewels. The gentle wife<br /> +o’er paths of the deep to the Danes they bore,<br /> +led to her land.<br /> +The lay was finished,<br /> +the gleeman’s song. Then glad rose the revel;<br /> +bench-joy brightened. Bearers draw<br /> +from their “wonder-vats” wine. Comes Wealhtheow forth,<br /> +under gold-crown goes where the good pair sit,<br /> +uncle and nephew, true each to the other one,<br /> +kindred in amity. Unferth the spokesman<br /> +at the Scylding lord’s feet sat: men had faith in his spirit,<br /> +his keenness of courage, though kinsmen had found him<br /> +unsure at the sword-play. The Scylding queen spoke:<br /> +“Quaff of this cup, my king and lord,<br /> +breaker of rings, and blithe be thou,<br /> +gold-friend of men; to the Geats here speak<br /> +such words of mildness as man should use.<br /> +Be glad with thy Geats; of those gifts be mindful,<br /> +or near or far, which now thou hast.</p> +<p>Men say to me, as son thou wishest<br /> +yon hero to hold. Thy Heorot purged,<br /> +jewel-hall brightest, enjoy while thou canst,<br /> +with many a largess; and leave to thy kin<br /> +folk and realm when forth thou goest<br /> +to greet thy doom. For gracious I deem<br /> +my Hrothulf, <a name="citation17b"></a><a href="#footnote17b">{17b}</a> willing to hold and rule<br /> +nobly our youths, if thou yield up first,<br /> +prince of Scyldings, thy part in the world.<br /> +I ween with good he will well requite<br /> +offspring of ours, when all he minds<br /> +that for him we did in his helpless days<br /> +of gift and grace to gain him honor!”<br /> +Then she turned to the seat where her sons wereplaced,<br /> +Hrethric and Hrothmund, with heroes’ bairns,<br /> +young men together: the Geat, too, sat there,<br /> +Beowulf brave, the brothers between.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XVIII</p> +<p>A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting<br /> +and winsome words. Of wounden gold,<br /> +she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain,<br /> +corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest<br /> +that ever I knew the earth around.<br /> +Ne’er heard I so mighty, ’neath heaven’s dome,<br /> +a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore<br /> +to his bright-built burg the Brisings’ necklace,<br /> +jewel and gem casket. -- Jealousy fled he,<br /> +Eormenric’s hate: chose help eternal.<br /> +Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting,<br /> +on the last of his raids this ring bore with him,<br /> +under his banner the booty defending,<br /> +the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o’erwhelmed him<br /> +what time, in his daring, dangers he sought,<br /> +feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems<br /> +he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves,<br /> +sovran strong: under shield he died.<br /> +Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks,<br /> +gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring;<br /> +weaker warriors won the spoil,<br /> +after gripe of battle, from Geatland’s lord,<br /> +and held the death-field.<br /> +Din rose in hall.<br /> +Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said: --<br /> +“This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth,<br /> +Beowulf lov’d, these battle-weeds wear,<br /> +a royal treasure, and richly thrive!<br /> +Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here<br /> +counsel in kindness: requital be mine.<br /> +Hast done such deeds, that for days to come<br /> +thou art famed among folk both far and near,<br /> +so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean<br /> +his windy walls. Through the ways of life<br /> +prosper, O prince! I pray for thee<br /> +rich possessions. To son of mine<br /> +be helpful in deed and uphold his joys!<br /> +Here every earl to the other is true,<br /> +mild of mood, to the master loyal!<br /> +Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient,<br /> +liegemen are revelling: list and obey!”<br /> +Went then to her place. -- That was proudest of feasts;<br /> +flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not,<br /> +destiny dire, and the doom to be seen<br /> +by many an earl when eve should come,<br /> +and Hrothgar homeward hasten away,<br /> +royal, to rest. The room was guarded<br /> +by an army of earls, as erst was done.<br /> +They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread<br /> +beds and bolsters. -- One beer-carouser<br /> +in danger of doom lay down in the hall. --</p> +<p>At their heads they set their shields of war,<br /> +bucklers bright; on the bench were there<br /> +over each atheling, easy to see,<br /> +the high battle-helmet, the haughty spear,<br /> +the corselet of rings. ’Twas their custom so<br /> +ever to be for battle prepared,<br /> +at home, or harrying, which it were,<br /> +even as oft as evil threatened<br /> +their sovran king. -- They were clansmen good.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XIX</p> +<p>THEN sank they to sleep. With sorrow one bought<br /> +his rest of the evening, -- as ofttime had happened<br /> +when Grendel guarded that golden hall,<br /> +evil wrought, till his end drew nigh,<br /> +slaughter for sins. ’Twas seen and told<br /> +how an avenger survived the fiend,<br /> +as was learned afar. The livelong time<br /> +after that grim fight, Grendel’s mother,<br /> +monster of women, mourned her woe.<br /> +She was doomed to dwell in the dreary waters,<br /> +cold sea-courses, since Cain cut down<br /> +with edge of the sword his only brother,<br /> +his father’s offspring: outlawed he fled,<br /> +marked with murder, from men’s delights<br /> +warded the wilds. -- There woke from him<br /> +such fate-sent ghosts as Grendel, who,<br /> +war-wolf horrid, at Heorot found<br /> +a warrior watching and waiting the fray,<br /> +with whom the grisly one grappled amain.<br /> +But the man remembered his mighty power,<br /> +the glorious gift that God had sent him,<br /> +in his Maker’s mercy put his trust<br /> +for comfort and help: so he conquered the foe,<br /> +felled the fiend, who fled abject,<br /> +reft of joy, to the realms of death,<br /> +mankind’s foe. And his mother now,<br /> +gloomy and grim, would go that quest<br /> +of sorrow, the death of her son to avenge.<br /> +To Heorot came she, where helmeted Danes<br /> +slept in the hall. Too soon came back<br /> +old ills of the earls, when in she burst,<br /> +the mother of Grendel. Less grim, though, that terror,<br /> +e’en as terror of woman in war is less,<br /> +might of maid, than of men in arms<br /> +when, hammer-forged, the falchion hard,<br /> +sword gore-stained, through swine of the helm,<br /> +crested, with keen blade carves amain.<br /> +Then was in hall the hard-edge drawn,<br /> +the swords on the settles, <a name="citation19a"></a><a href="#footnote19a">{19a}</a> and shields a-many<br /> +firm held in hand: nor helmet minded<br /> +nor harness of mail, whom that horror seized.<br /> +Haste was hers; she would hie afar<br /> +and save her life when the liegemen saw her.<br /> +Yet a single atheling up she seized<br /> +fast and firm, as she fled to the moor.<br /> +He was for Hrothgar of heroes the dearest,<br /> +of trusty vassals betwixt the seas,<br /> +whom she killed on his couch, a clansman famous,<br /> +in battle brave. -- Nor was Beowulf there;<br /> +another house had been held apart,<br /> +after giving of gold, for the Geat renowned. --<br /> +Uproar filled Heorot; the hand all had viewed,<br /> +blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was returned,<br /> +dole in the dwellings: ’twas dire exchange<br /> +where Dane and Geat were doomed to give<br /> +the lives of loved ones. Long-tried king,<br /> +the hoary hero, at heart was sad<br /> +when he knew his noble no more lived,<br /> +and dead indeed was his dearest thane.<br /> +To his bower was Beowulf brought in haste,<br /> +dauntless victor. As daylight broke,<br /> +along with his earls the atheling lord,<br /> +with his clansmen, came where the king abode<br /> +waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All<br /> +would turn this tale of trouble and woe.<br /> +Strode o’er floor the famed-in-strife,<br /> +with his hand-companions, -- the hall resounded, --<br /> +wishing to greet the wise old king,<br /> +Ingwines’ lord; he asked if the night<br /> +had passed in peace to the prince’s mind.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XX</p> +<p>HROTHGAR spake, helmet-of-Scyldings: --<br /> +“Ask not of pleasure! Pain is renewed<br /> +to Danish folk. Dead is Aeschere,<br /> +of Yrmenlaf the elder brother,<br /> +my sage adviser and stay in council,<br /> +shoulder-comrade in stress of fight<br /> +when warriors clashed and we warded our heads,<br /> +hewed the helm-boars; hero famed<br /> +should be every earl as Aeschere was!<br /> +But here in Heorot a hand hath slain him<br /> +of wandering death-sprite. I wot not whither, <a name="citation20a"></a><a href="#footnote20a">{20a}</a><br /> +proud of the prey, her path she took,<br /> +fain of her fill. The feud she avenged<br /> +that yesternight, unyieldingly,<br /> +Grendel in grimmest grasp thou killedst, --<br /> +seeing how long these liegemen mine<br /> +he ruined and ravaged. Reft of life,<br /> +in arms he fell. Now another comes,<br /> +keen and cruel, her kin to avenge,<br /> +faring far in feud of blood:<br /> +so that many a thane shall think, who e’er<br /> +sorrows in soul for that sharer of rings,<br /> +this is hardest of heart-bales. The hand lies low<br /> +that once was willing each wish to please.<br /> +Land-dwellers here <a name="citation20b"></a><a href="#footnote20b">{20b}</a> and liegemen mine,<br /> +who house by those parts, I have heard relate<br /> +that such a pair they have sometimes seen,<br /> +march-stalkers mighty the moorland haunting,<br /> +wandering spirits: one of them seemed,<br /> +so far as my folk could fairly judge,<br /> +of womankind; and one, accursed,<br /> +in man’s guise trod the misery-track<br /> +of exile, though huger than human bulk.<br /> +Grendel in days long gone they named him,<br /> +folk of the land; his father they knew not,<br /> +nor any brood that was born to him<br /> +of treacherous spirits. Untrod is their home;<br /> +by wolf-cliffs haunt they and windy headlands,<br /> +fenways fearful, where flows the stream<br /> +from mountains gliding to gloom of the rocks,<br /> +underground flood. Not far is it hence<br /> +in measure of miles that the mere expands,<br /> +and o’er it the frost-bound forest hanging,<br /> +sturdily rooted, shadows the wave.<br /> +By night is a wonder weird to see,<br /> +fire on the waters. So wise lived none<br /> +of the sons of men, to search those depths!<br /> +Nay, though the heath-rover, harried by dogs,<br /> +the horn-proud hart, this holt should seek,<br /> +long distance driven, his dear life first<br /> +on the brink he yields ere he brave the plunge<br /> +to hide his head: ’tis no happy place!<br /> +Thence the welter of waters washes up<br /> +wan to welkin when winds bestir<br /> +evil storms, and air grows dusk,<br /> +and the heavens weep. Now is help once more<br /> +with thee alone! The land thou knowst not,<br /> +place of fear, where thou findest out<br /> +that sin-flecked being. Seek if thou dare!<br /> +I will reward thee, for waging this fight,<br /> +with ancient treasure, as erst I did,<br /> +with winding gold, if thou winnest back.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXI</p> +<p>BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow:<br /> +“Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better<br /> +friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them.<br /> +Each of us all must his end abide<br /> +in the ways of the world; so win who may<br /> +glory ere death! When his days are told,<br /> +that is the warrior’s worthiest doom.<br /> +Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon,<br /> +and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel.<br /> +No harbor shall hide her -- heed my promise! --<br /> +enfolding of field or forested mountain<br /> +or floor of the flood, let her flee where she will!<br /> +But thou this day endure in patience,<br /> +as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one.”<br /> +Leaped up the graybeard: God he thanked,<br /> +mighty Lord, for the man’s brave words.<br /> +For Hrothgar soon a horse was saddled<br /> +wave-maned steed. The sovran wise<br /> +stately rode on; his shield-armed men<br /> +followed in force. The footprints led<br /> +along the woodland, widely seen,<br /> +a path o’er the plain, where she passed, and trod<br /> +the murky moor; of men-at-arms<br /> +she bore the bravest and best one, dead,<br /> +him who with Hrothgar the homestead ruled.<br /> +On then went the atheling-born<br /> +o’er stone-cliffs steep and strait defiles,<br /> +narrow passes and unknown ways,<br /> +headlands sheer, and the haunts of the Nicors.<br /> +Foremost he <a name="citation21a"></a><a href="#footnote21a">{21a}</a> fared, +a few at his side<br /> +of the wiser men, the ways to scan,<br /> +till he found in a flash the forested hill<br /> +hanging over the hoary rock,<br /> +a woful wood: the waves below<br /> +were dyed in blood. The Danish men<br /> +had sorrow of soul, and for Scyldings all,<br /> +for many a hero, ’twas hard to bear,<br /> +ill for earls, when Aeschere’s head<br /> +they found by the flood on the foreland there.<br /> +Waves were welling, the warriors saw,<br /> +hot with blood; but the horn sang oft<br /> +battle-song bold. The band sat down,<br /> +and watched on the water worm-like things,<br /> +sea-dragons strange that sounded the deep,<br /> +and nicors that lay on the ledge of the ness --<br /> +such as oft essay at hour of morn<br /> +on the road-of-sails their ruthless quest, --<br /> +and sea-snakes and monsters. These started away,<br /> +swollen and savage that song to hear,<br /> +that war-horn’s blast. The warden of Geats,<br /> +with bolt from bow, then balked of life,<br /> +of wave-work, one monster, amid its heart<br /> +went the keen war-shaft; in water it seemed<br /> +less doughty in swimming whom death had seized.<br /> +Swift on the billows, with boar-spears well<br /> +hooked and barbed, it was hard beset,<br /> +done to death and dragged on the headland,<br /> +wave-roamer wondrous. Warriors viewed<br /> +the grisly guest.<br /> +Then girt him Beowulf<br /> +in martial mail, nor mourned for his life.<br /> +His breastplate broad and bright of hues,<br /> +woven by hand, should the waters try;<br /> +well could it ward the warrior’s body<br /> +that battle should break on his breast in vain<br /> +nor harm his heart by the hand of a foe.<br /> +And the helmet white that his head protected<br /> +was destined to dare the deeps of the flood,<br /> +through wave-whirl win: ’twas wound with chains,<br /> +decked with gold, as in days of yore<br /> +the weapon-smith worked it wondrously,<br /> +with swine-forms set it, that swords nowise,<br /> +brandished in battle, could bite that helm.<br /> +Nor was that the meanest of mighty helps<br /> +which Hrothgar’s orator offered at need:<br /> +“Hrunting” they named the hilted sword,<br /> +of old-time heirlooms easily first;<br /> +iron was its edge, all etched with poison,<br /> +with battle-blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight<br /> +in hero’s hand who held it ever,<br /> +on paths of peril prepared to go<br /> +to folkstead <a name="citation21b"></a><a href="#footnote21b">{21b}</a> of foes. Not first time this<br /> +it was destined to do a daring task.<br /> +For he bore not in mind, the bairn of Ecglaf<br /> +sturdy and strong, that speech he had made,<br /> +drunk with wine, now this weapon he lent<br /> +to a stouter swordsman. Himself, though, durst not<br /> +under welter of waters wager his life<br /> +as loyal liegeman. So lost he his glory,<br /> +honor of earls. With the other not so,<br /> +who girded him now for the grim encounter.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXII</p> +<p>BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“Have mind, thou honored offspring of Healfdene<br /> +gold-friend of men, now I go on this quest,<br /> +sovran wise, what once was said:<br /> +if in thy cause it came that I<br /> +should lose my life, thou wouldst loyal bide<br /> +to me, though fallen, in father’s place!<br /> +Be guardian, thou, to this group of my thanes,<br /> +my warrior-friends, if War should seize me;<br /> +and the goodly gifts thou gavest me,<br /> +Hrothgar beloved, to Hygelac send!<br /> +Geatland’s king may ken by the gold,<br /> +Hrethel’s son see, when he stares at the treasure,<br /> +that I got me a friend for goodness famed,<br /> +and joyed while I could in my jewel-bestower.<br /> +And let Unferth wield this wondrous sword,<br /> +earl far-honored, this heirloom precious,<br /> +hard of edge: with Hrunting I<br /> +seek doom of glory, or Death shall take me.”</p> +<p>After these words the Weder-Geat lord<br /> +boldly hastened, biding never<br /> +answer at all: the ocean floods<br /> +closed o’er the hero. Long while of the day<br /> +fled ere he felt the floor of the sea.</p> <p>Soon found the fiend who the flood-domain<br /> +sword-hungry held these hundred winters,<br /> +greedy and grim, that some guest from above,<br /> +some man, was raiding her monster-realm.<br /> +She grasped out for him with grisly claws,<br /> +and the warrior seized; yet scathed she not<br /> +his body hale; the breastplate hindered,<br /> +as she strove to shatter the sark of war,<br /> +the linked harness, with loathsome hand.<br /> +Then bore this brine-wolf, when bottom she touched,<br /> +the lord of rings to the lair she haunted<br /> +whiles vainly he strove, though his valor held,<br /> +weapon to wield against wondrous monsters<br /> +that sore beset him; sea-beasts many<br /> +tried with fierce tusks to tear his mail,<br /> +and swarmed on the stranger. But soon he marked<br /> +he was now in some hall, he knew not which,<br /> +where water never could work him harm,<br /> +nor through the roof could reach him ever<br /> +fangs of the flood. Firelight he saw,<br /> +beams of a blaze that brightly shone.<br /> +Then the warrior was ware of that wolf-of-the-deep,<br /> +mere-wife monstrous. For mighty stroke<br /> +he swung his blade, and the blow withheld not.<br /> +Then sang on her head that seemly blade<br /> +its war-song wild. But the warrior found<br /> +the light-of-battle <a name="citation22a"></a><a href="#footnote22a">{22a}</a> was loath to bite,<br /> +to harm the heart: its hard edge failed<br /> +the noble at need, yet had known of old<br /> +strife hand to hand, and had helmets cloven,<br /> +doomed men’s fighting-gear. First time, this,<br /> +for the gleaming blade that its glory fell.<br /> +Firm still stood, nor failed in valor,<br /> +heedful of high deeds, Hygelac’s kinsman;<br /> +flung away fretted sword, featly jewelled,<br /> +the angry earl; on earth it lay<br /> +steel-edged and stiff. His strength he trusted,<br /> +hand-gripe of might. So man shall do<br /> +whenever in war he weens to earn him<br /> +lasting fame, nor fears for his life!<br /> +Seized then by shoulder, shrank not from combat,<br /> +the Geatish war-prince Grendel’s mother.<br /> +Flung then the fierce one, filled with wrath,<br /> +his deadly foe, that she fell to ground.<br /> +Swift on her part she paid him back<br /> +with grisly grasp, and grappled with him.<br /> +Spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior,<br /> +fiercest of fighting-men, fell adown.<br /> +On the hall-guest she hurled herself, hent her short sword,<br /> +broad and brown-edged, <a name="citation22b"></a><a href="#footnote22b">{22b}</a> the bairn to avenge,<br /> +the sole-born son. -- On his shoulder lay<br /> +braided breast-mail, barring death,<br /> +withstanding entrance of edge or blade.<br /> +Life would have ended for Ecgtheow’s son,<br /> +under wide earth for that earl of Geats,<br /> +had his armor of war not aided him,<br /> +battle-net hard, and holy God<br /> +wielded the victory, wisest Maker.<br /> +The Lord of Heaven allowed his cause;<br /> +and easily rose the earl erect.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines3"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXIII</p> +<p>’MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant,<br /> +old-sword of Eotens, with edge of proof,<br /> +warriors’ heirloom, weapon unmatched,<br /> +-- save only ’twas more than other men<br /> +to bandy-of-battle could bear at all --<br /> +as the giants had wrought it, ready and keen.<br /> +Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings’ chieftain,<br /> +bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword,<br /> +reckless of life, and so wrathfully smote<br /> +that it gripped her neck and grasped her hard,<br /> +her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced through<br /> +that fated-one’s flesh: to floor she sank.<br /> +Bloody the blade: he was blithe of his deed.<br /> +Then blazed forth light. ’Twas bright within<br /> +as when from the sky there shines unclouded<br /> +heaven’s candle. The hall he scanned.<br /> +By the wall then went he; his weapon raised<br /> +high by its hilts the Hygelac-thane,<br /> +angry and eager. That edge was not useless<br /> +to the warrior now. He wished with speed<br /> +Grendel to guerdon for grim raids many,<br /> +for the war he waged on Western-Danes<br /> +oftener far than an only time,<br /> +when of Hrothgar’s hearth-companions<br /> +he slew in slumber, in sleep devoured,<br /> +fifteen men of the folk of Danes,<br /> +and as many others outward bore,<br /> +his horrible prey. Well paid for that<br /> +the wrathful prince! For now prone he saw<br /> +Grendel stretched there, spent with war,<br /> +spoiled of life, so scathed had left him<br /> +Heorot’s battle. The body sprang far<br /> +when after death it endured the blow,<br /> +sword-stroke savage, that severed its head.<br /> +Soon, <a name="citation23a"></a><a href="#footnote23a">{23a}</a> then, saw the sage companions<br /> +who waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood,<br /> +that the tossing waters turbid grew,<br /> +blood-stained the mere. Old men together,<br /> +hoary-haired, of the hero spake;<br /> +the warrior would not, they weened, again,<br /> +proud of conquest, come to seek<br /> +their mighty master. To many it seemed<br /> +the wolf-of-the-waves had won his life.<br /> +The ninth hour came. The noble Scyldings<br /> +left the headland; homeward went<br /> +the gold-friend of men. <a name="citation23b"></a><a href="#footnote23b">{23b}</a> But the guests sat on,<br /> +stared at the surges, sick in heart,<br /> +and wished, yet weened not, their winsome lord<br /> +again to see.</p> <p>Now that sword began,<br /> +from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings, <a name="citation23c"></a><a href="#footnote23c">{23c}</a><br /> +war-blade, to wane: ’twas a wondrous thing<br /> +that all of it melted as ice is wont<br /> +when frosty fetters the Father loosens,<br /> +unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding all<br /> +seasons and times: the true God he!<br /> +Nor took from that dwelling the duke of the Geats<br /> +save only the head and that hilt withal<br /> +blazoned with jewels: the blade had melted,<br /> +burned was the bright sword, her blood was so hot,<br /> +so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished within there.<br /> +Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combat<br /> +downfall of demons; up-dove through the flood.<br /> +The clashing waters were cleansed now,<br /> +waste of waves, where the wandering fiend<br /> +her life-days left and this lapsing world.<br /> +Swam then to strand the sailors’-refuge,<br /> +sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad,<br /> +of burden brave he bore with him.<br /> +Went then to greet him, and God they thanked,<br /> +the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe,<br /> +that safe and sound they could see him again.<br /> +Soon from the hardy one helmet and armor<br /> +deftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere,<br /> +water ’neath welkin, with war-blood stained.<br /> +Forth they fared by the footpaths thence,<br /> +merry at heart the highways measured,<br /> +well-known roads. Courageous men<br /> +carried the head from the cliff by the sea,<br /> +an arduous task for all the band,<br /> +the firm in fight, since four were needed<br /> +on the shaft-of-slaughter <a name="citation23d"></a><a href="#footnote23d">{23d}</a> strenuously<br /> +to bear to the gold-hall Grendel’s head.<br /> +So presently to the palace there<br /> +foemen fearless, fourteen Geats,<br /> +marching came. Their master-of-clan<br /> +mighty amid them the meadow-ways trod.<br /> +Strode then within the sovran thane<br /> +fearless in fight, of fame renowned,<br /> +hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet.<br /> +And next by the hair into hall was borne<br /> +Grendel’s head, where the henchmen were drinking,<br /> +an awe to clan and queen alike,<br /> +a monster of marvel: the men looked on.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXIV</p> +<p>BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“Lo, now, this sea-booty, son of Healfdene,<br /> +Lord of Scyldings, we’ve lustily brought thee,<br /> +sign of glory; thou seest it here.<br /> +Not lightly did I with my life escape!<br /> +In war under water this work I essayed<br /> +with endless effort; and even so<br /> +my strength had been lost had the Lord not shielded me.<br /> +Not a whit could I with Hrunting do<br /> +in work of war, though the weapon is good;<br /> +yet a sword the Sovran of Men vouchsafed me<br /> +to spy on the wall there, in splendor hanging,<br /> +old, gigantic, -- how oft He guides<br /> +the friendless wight! -- and I fought with that brand,<br /> +felling in fight, since fate was with me,<br /> +the house’s wardens. That war-sword then<br /> +all burned, bright blade, when the blood gushed o’er it,<br /> +battle-sweat hot; but the hilt I brought back<br /> +from my foes. So avenged I their fiendish deeds<br /> +death-fall of Danes, as was due and right.<br /> +And this is my hest, that in Heorot now<br /> +safe thou canst sleep with thy soldier band,<br /> +and every thane of all thy folk<br /> +both old and young; no evil fear,<br /> +Scyldings’ lord, from that side again,<br /> +aught ill for thy earls, as erst thou must!”<br /> +Then the golden hilt, for that gray-haired leader,<br /> +hoary hero, in hand was laid,<br /> +giant-wrought, old. So owned and enjoyed it<br /> +after downfall of devils, the Danish lord,<br /> +wonder-smiths’ work, since the world was rid<br /> +of that grim-souled fiend, the foe of God,<br /> +murder-marked, and his mother as well.<br /> +Now it passed into power of the people’s king,<br /> +best of all that the oceans bound<br /> +who have scattered their gold o’er Scandia’s isle.<br /> +Hrothgar spake -- the hilt he viewed,<br /> +heirloom old, where was etched the rise<br /> +of that far-off fight when the floods o’erwhelmed,<br /> +raging waves, the race of giants<br /> +(fearful their fate!), a folk estranged<br /> +from God Eternal: whence guerdon due<br /> +in that waste of waters the Wielder paid them.<br /> +So on the guard of shining gold<br /> +in runic staves it was rightly said<br /> +for whom the serpent-traced sword was wrought,<br /> +best of blades, in bygone days,<br /> +and the hilt well wound. -- The wise-one spake,<br /> +son of Healfdene; silent were all: --<br /> +“Lo, so may he say who sooth and right<br /> +follows ’mid folk, of far times mindful,<br /> +a land-warden old, <a name="citation24a"></a><a href="#footnote24a">{24a}</a> +that this earl belongs<br /> +to the better breed! So, borne aloft,<br /> +thy fame must fly, O friend my Beowulf,<br /> +far and wide o’er folksteads many. Firmly thou<br /> +shalt all maintain,<br /> +mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of<br /> +mine will I assure thee,<br /> +as, awhile ago, I promised; thou shalt prove a stay<br /> +in future,<br /> +in far-off years, to folk of thine,<br /> +to the heroes a help. Was not Heremod thus<br /> +to offspring of Ecgwela, Honor-Scyldings,<br /> +nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter,<br /> +for doom of death to the Danishmen.</p> +<p>He slew, wrath-swollen, his shoulder-comrades,<br /> +companions at board! So he passed alone,<br /> +chieftain haughty, from human cheer.<br /> +Though him the Maker with might endowed,<br /> +delights of power, and uplifted high<br /> +above all men, yet blood-fierce his mind,<br /> +his breast-hoard, grew, no bracelets gave he<br /> +to Danes as was due; he endured all joyless<br /> +strain of struggle and stress of woe,<br /> +long feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson!<br /> +Of virtue advise thee! This verse I have said for thee,<br /> +wise from lapsed winters. Wondrous seems<br /> +how to sons of men Almighty God<br /> +in the strength of His spirit sendeth wisdom,<br /> +estate, high station: He swayeth all things.<br /> +Whiles He letteth right lustily fare<br /> +the heart of the hero of high-born race, --<br /> +in seat ancestral assigns him bliss,<br /> +his folk’s sure fortress in fee to hold,<br /> +puts in his power great parts of the earth,<br /> +empire so ample, that end of it<br /> +this wanter-of-wisdom weeneth none.<br /> +So he waxes in wealth, nowise can harm him<br /> +illness or age; no evil cares<br /> +shadow his spirit; no sword-hate threatens<br /> +from ever an enemy: all the world<br /> +wends at his will, no worse he knoweth,<br /> +till all within him obstinate pride<br /> +waxes and wakes while the warden slumbers,<br /> +the spirit’s sentry; sleep is too fast<br /> +which masters his might, and the murderer nears,<br /> +stealthily shooting the shafts from his bow!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXV</p> +<p>“UNDER harness his heart then is hit indeed<br /> +by sharpest shafts; and no shelter avails<br /> +from foul behest of the hellish fiend. <a name="citation25a"></a><a href="#footnote25a">{25a}</a><br /> +Him seems too little what long he possessed.<br /> +Greedy and grim, no golden rings<br /> +he gives for his pride; the promised future<br /> +forgets he and spurns, with all God has sent him,<br /> +Wonder-Wielder, of wealth and fame.<br /> +Yet in the end it ever comes<br /> +that the frame of the body fragile yields,<br /> +fated falls; and there follows another<br /> +who joyously the jewels divides,<br /> +the royal riches, nor recks of his forebear.<br /> +Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest,<br /> +best of men, and the better part choose,<br /> +profit eternal; and temper thy pride,<br /> +warrior famous! The flower of thy might<br /> +lasts now a while: but erelong it shall be<br /> +that sickness or sword thy strength shall minish,<br /> +or fang of fire, or flooding billow,<br /> +or bite of blade, or brandished spear,<br /> +or odious age; or the eyes’ clear beam<br /> +wax dull and darken: Death even thee<br /> +in haste shall o’erwhelm, thou hero of war!<br /> +So the Ring-Danes these half-years a hundred I ruled,<br /> +wielded ’neath welkin, and warded them bravely<br /> +from mighty-ones many o’er middle-earth,<br /> +from spear and sword, till it seemed for me<br /> +no foe could be found under fold of the sky.<br /> +Lo, sudden the shift! To me seated secure<br /> +came grief for joy when Grendel began<br /> +to harry my home, the hellish foe;<br /> +for those ruthless raids, unresting I suffered<br /> +heart-sorrow heavy. Heaven be thanked,<br /> +Lord Eternal, for life extended<br /> +that I on this head all hewn and bloody,<br /> +after long evil, with eyes may gaze!<br /> +-- Go to the bench now! Be glad at banquet,<br /> +warrior worthy! A wealth of treasure<br /> +at dawn of day, be dealt between us!”<br /> +Glad was the Geats’ lord, going betimes<br /> +to seek his seat, as the Sage commanded.<br /> +Afresh, as before, for the famed-in-battle,<br /> +for the band of the hall, was a banquet dight<br /> +nobly anew. The Night-Helm darkened<br /> +dusk o’er the drinkers.<br /> +The doughty ones rose:<br /> +for the hoary-headed would hasten to rest,<br /> +aged Scylding; and eager the Geat,<br /> +shield-fighter sturdy, for sleeping yearned.<br /> +Him wander-weary, warrior-guest<br /> +from far, a hall-thane heralded forth,<br /> +who by custom courtly cared for all<br /> +needs of a thane as in those old days<br /> +warrior-wanderers wont to have.<br /> +So slumbered the stout-heart. Stately the hall<br /> +rose gabled and gilt where the guest slept on<br /> +till a raven black the rapture-of-heaven <a name="citation25b"></a><a href="#footnote25b">{25b}</a><br /> +blithe-heart boded. Bright came flying<br /> +shine after shadow. The swordsmen hastened,<br /> +athelings all were eager homeward<br /> +forth to fare; and far from thence<br /> +the great-hearted guest would guide his keel.<br /> +Bade then the hardy-one Hrunting be brought<br /> +to the son of Ecglaf, the sword bade him take,<br /> +excellent iron, and uttered his thanks for it,<br /> +quoth that he counted it keen in battle,<br /> +“war-friend” winsome: with words he slandered not<br /> +edge of the blade: ’twas a big-hearted man!<br /> +Now eager for parting and armed at point<br /> +warriors waited, while went to his host<br /> +that Darling of Danes. The doughty atheling<br /> +to high-seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXVI</p> +<p>BEOWULF spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“Lo, we seafarers say our will,<br /> +far-come men, that we fain would seek<br /> +Hygelac now. We here have found<br /> +hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well.<br /> +If ever on earth I am able to win me<br /> +more of thy love, O lord of men,<br /> +aught anew, than I now have done,<br /> +for work of war I am willing still!<br /> +If it come to me ever across the seas<br /> +that neighbor foemen annoy and fright thee, --<br /> +as they that hate thee erewhile have used, --<br /> +thousands then of thanes I shall bring,<br /> +heroes to help thee. Of Hygelac I know,<br /> +ward of his folk, that, though few his years,<br /> +the lord of the Geats will give me aid<br /> +by word and by work, that well I may serve thee,<br /> +wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph<br /> +and lending thee might when thou lackest men.<br /> +If thy Hrethric should come to court of Geats,<br /> +a sovran’s son, he will surely there<br /> +find his friends. A far-off land<br /> +each man should visit who vaunts him brave.”<br /> +Him then answering, Hrothgar spake: --<br /> +“These words of thine the wisest God<br /> +sent to thy soul! No sager counsel<br /> +from so young in years e’er yet have I heard.<br /> +Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary,<br /> +art wise in words! I ween indeed<br /> +if ever it hap that Hrethel’s heir<br /> +by spear be seized, by sword-grim battle,<br /> +by illness or iron, thine elder and lord,<br /> +people’s leader, -- and life be thine, --<br /> +no seemlier man will the Sea-Geats find<br /> +at all to choose for their chief and king,<br /> +for hoard-guard of heroes, if hold thou wilt<br /> +thy kinsman’s kingdom! Thy keen mind pleases me<br /> +the longer the better, Beowulf loved!</p> <p>Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples,<br /> +sons of the Geat and Spear-Dane folk,<br /> +shall have mutual peace, and from murderous strife,<br /> +such as once they waged, from war refrain.<br /> +Long as I rule this realm so wide,<br /> +let our hoards be common, let heroes with gold<br /> +each other greet o’er the gannet’s-bath,<br /> +and the ringed-prow bear o’er rolling waves<br /> +tokens of love. I trow my landfolk<br /> +towards friend and foe are firmly joined,<br /> +and honor they keep in the olden way.”<br /> +To him in the hall, then, Healfdene’s son<br /> +gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls<br /> +bade him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved,<br /> +hale to his home, and in haste return.<br /> +Then kissed the king of kin renowned,<br /> +Scyldings’ chieftain, that choicest thane,<br /> +and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the tears<br /> +of the hoary-headed. Heavy with winters,<br /> +he had chances twain, but he clung to this, <a name="citation26a"></a><a href="#footnote26a">{26a}</a> +--<br /> +that each should look on the other again,<br /> +and hear him in hall. Was this hero so dear to him.<br /> +his breast’s wild billows he banned in vain;<br /> +safe in his soul a secret longing,<br /> +locked in his mind, for that loved man<br /> +burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode,<br /> +glad of his gold-gifts, the grass-plot o’er,<br /> +warrior blithe. The wave-roamer bode<br /> +riding at anchor, its owner awaiting.<br /> +As they hastened onward, Hrothgar’s gift<br /> +they lauded at length. -- ’Twas a lord unpeered,<br /> +every way blameless, till age had broken<br /> +-- it spareth no mortal -- his splendid might.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXVII</p> +<p>CAME now to ocean the ever-courageous<br /> +hardy henchmen, their harness bearing,<br /> +woven war-sarks. The warden marked,<br /> +trusty as ever, the earl’s return.<br /> +From the height of the hill no hostile words<br /> +reached the guests as he rode to greet them;<br /> +but “Welcome!” he called to that Weder clan<br /> +as the sheen-mailed spoilers to ship marched on.<br /> +Then on the strand, with steeds and treasure<br /> +and armor their roomy and ring-dight ship<br /> +was heavily laden: high its mast<br /> +rose over Hrothgar’s hoarded gems.<br /> +A sword to the boat-guard Beowulf gave,<br /> +mounted with gold; on the mead-bench since<br /> +he was better esteemed, that blade possessing,<br /> +heirloom old. -- Their ocean-keel boarding,<br /> +they drove through the deep, and Daneland left.<br /> +A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes,<br /> +firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned; <a name="citation27a"></a><a href="#footnote27a">{27a}</a><br /> +nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow<br /> +across from her course. The craft sped on,<br /> +foam-necked it floated forth o’er the waves,<br /> +keel firm-bound over briny currents,<br /> +till they got them sight of the Geatish cliffs,<br /> +home-known headlands. High the boat,<br /> +stirred by winds, on the strand updrove.<br /> +Helpful at haven the harbor-guard stood,<br /> +who long already for loved companions<br /> +by the water had waited and watched afar.<br /> +He bound to the beach the broad-bosomed ship<br /> +with anchor-bands, lest ocean-billows<br /> +that trusty timber should tear away.<br /> +Then Beowulf bade them bear the treasure,<br /> +gold and jewels; no journey far<br /> +was it thence to go to the giver of rings,<br /> +Hygelac Hrethling: at home he dwelt<br /> +by the sea-wall close, himself and clan.<br /> +Haughty that house, a hero the king,<br /> +high the hall, and Hygd <a name="citation27b"></a><a href="#footnote27b">{27b}</a> right young,<br /> +wise and wary, though winters few<br /> +in those fortress walls she had found a home,<br /> +Haereth’s daughter. Nor humble her ways,<br /> +nor grudged she gifts to the Geatish men,<br /> +of precious treasure. Not Thryth’s pride showed she,<br /> +folk-queen famed, or that fell deceit.<br /> +Was none so daring that durst make bold<br /> +(save her lord alone) of the liegemen dear<br /> +that lady full in the face to look,<br /> +but forged fetters he found his lot,<br /> +bonds of death! And brief the respite;<br /> +soon as they seized him, his sword-doom was spoken,<br /> +and the burnished blade a baleful murder<br /> +proclaimed and closed. No queenly way<br /> +for woman to practise, though peerless she,<br /> +that the weaver-of-peace <a name="citation27c"></a><a href="#footnote27c">{27c}</a> from warrior dear<br /> +by wrath and lying his life should reave!<br /> +But Hemming’s kinsman hindered this. --<br /> +For over their ale men also told<br /> +that of these folk-horrors fewer she wrought,<br /> +onslaughts of evil, after she went,<br /> +gold-decked bride, to the brave young prince,<br /> +atheling haughty, and Offa’s hall<br /> +o’er the fallow flood at her father’s bidding<br /> +safely sought, where since she prospered,<br /> +royal, throned, rich in goods,<br /> +fain of the fair life fate had sent her,<br /> +and leal in love to the lord of warriors.<br /> +He, of all heroes I heard of ever<br /> +from sea to sea, of the sons of earth,<br /> +most excellent seemed. Hence Offa was praised<br /> +for his fighting and feeing by far-off men,<br /> +the spear-bold warrior; wisely he ruled<br /> +over his empire. Eomer woke to him,<br /> +help of heroes, Hemming’s kinsman,<br /> +Grandson of Garmund, grim in war.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXVIII</p> +<p>HASTENED the hardy one, henchmen with him,<br /> +sandy strand of the sea to tread<br /> +and widespread ways. The world’s great candle,<br /> +sun shone from south. They strode along<br /> +with sturdy steps to the spot they knew<br /> +where the battle-king young, his burg within,<br /> +slayer of Ongentheow, shared the rings,<br /> +shelter-of-heroes. To Hygelac<br /> +Beowulf’s coming was quickly told, --<br /> +that there in the court the clansmen’s refuge,<br /> +the shield-companion sound and alive,<br /> +hale from the hero-play homeward strode.<br /> +With haste in the hall, by highest order,<br /> +room for the rovers was readily made.<br /> +By his sovran he sat, come safe from battle,<br /> +kinsman by kinsman. His kindly lord<br /> +he first had greeted in gracious form,<br /> +with manly words. The mead dispensing,<br /> +came through the high hall Haereth’s daughter,<br /> +winsome to warriors, wine-cup bore<br /> +to the hands of the heroes. Hygelac then<br /> +his comrade fairly with question plied<br /> +in the lofty hall, sore longing to know<br /> +what manner of sojourn the Sea-Geats made.<br /> +“What came of thy quest, my kinsman Beowulf,<br /> +when thy yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder<br /> +battle to seek o’er the briny sea,<br /> +combat in Heorot? Hrothgar couldst thou<br /> +aid at all, the honored chief,<br /> +in his wide-known woes? With waves of care<br /> +my sad heart seethed; I sore mistrusted<br /> +my loved one’s venture: long I begged thee<br /> +by no means to seek that slaughtering monster,<br /> +but suffer the South-Danes to settle their feud<br /> +themselves with Grendel. Now God be thanked<br /> +that safe and sound I can see thee now!”<br /> +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“’Tis known and unhidden, Hygelac Lord,<br /> +to many men, that meeting of ours,<br /> +struggle grim between Grendel and me,<br /> +which we fought on the field where full too many<br /> +sorrows he wrought for the Scylding-Victors,<br /> +evils unending. These all I avenged.<br /> +No boast can be from breed of Grendel,<br /> +any on earth, for that uproar at dawn,<br /> +from the longest-lived of the loathsome race<br /> +in fleshly fold! -- But first I went<br /> +Hrothgar to greet in the hall of gifts,<br /> +where Healfdene’s kinsman high-renowned,<br /> +soon as my purpose was plain to him,<br /> +assigned me a seat by his son and heir.<br /> +The liegemen were lusty; my life-days never<br /> +such merry men over mead in hall<br /> +have I heard under heaven! The high-born queen,<br /> +people’s peace-bringer, passed through the hall,<br /> +cheered the young clansmen, clasps of gold,<br /> +ere she sought her seat, to sundry gave.<br /> +Oft to the heroes Hrothgar’s daughter,<br /> +to earls in turn, the ale-cup tendered, --<br /> +she whom I heard these hall-companions<br /> +Freawaru name, when fretted gold<br /> +she proffered the warriors. Promised is she,<br /> +gold-decked maid, to the glad son of Froda.<br /> +Sage this seems to the Scylding’s-friend,<br /> +kingdom’s-keeper: he counts it wise<br /> +the woman to wed so and ward off feud,<br /> +store of slaughter. But seldom ever<br /> +when men are slain, does the murder-spear sink<br /> +but briefest while, though the bride be fair! <a name="citation28a"></a><a href="#footnote28a">{28a}</a><br /> +“Nor haply will like it the Heathobard lord,<br /> +and as little each of his liegemen all,<br /> +when a thane of the Danes, in that doughty throng,<br /> +goes with the lady along their hall,<br /> +and on him the old-time heirlooms glisten<br /> +hard and ring-decked, Heathobard’s treasure,<br /> +weapons that once they wielded fair<br /> +until they lost at the linden-play <a name="citation28b"></a><a href="#footnote28b">{28b}</a><br /> +liegeman leal and their lives as well.<br /> +Then, over the ale, on this heirloom gazing,<br /> +some ash-wielder old who has all in mind<br /> +that spear-death of men, <a name="citation28c"></a><a href="#footnote28c">{28c}</a> -- +he is stern of mood,<br /> +heavy at heart, -- in the hero young<br /> +tests the temper and tries the soul<br /> +and war-hate wakens, with words like these: --<br /> +Canst thou not, comrade, ken that sword<br /> +which to the fray thy father carried<br /> +in his final feud, ’neath the fighting-mask,<br /> +dearest of blades, when the Danish slew him<br /> +and wielded the war-place on Withergild’s fall,<br /> +after havoc of heroes, those hardy Scyldings?<br /> +Now, the son of a certain slaughtering Dane,<br /> +proud of his treasure, paces this hall,<br /> +joys in the killing, and carries the jewel <a name="citation28d"></a><a href="#footnote28d">{28d}</a><br /> +that rightfully ought to be owned by thee!_<br /> +Thus he urges and eggs him all the time<br /> +with keenest words, till occasion offers<br /> +that Freawaru’s thane, for his father’s deed,<br /> +after bite of brand in his blood must slumber,<br /> +losing his life; but that liegeman flies<br /> +living away, for the land he kens.<br /> +And thus be broken on both their sides<br /> +oaths of the earls, when Ingeld’s breast<br /> +wells with war-hate, and wife-love now<br /> +after the care-billows cooler grows.<br /> +“So <a name="citation28e"></a><a href="#footnote28e">{28e}</a> I hold not high the Heathobards’ faith<br /> +due to the Danes, or their during love<br /> +and pact of peace. -- But I pass from that,<br /> +turning to Grendel, O giver-of-treasure,<br /> +and saying in full how the fight resulted,<br /> +hand-fray of heroes. When heaven’s jewel<br /> +had fled o’er far fields, that fierce sprite came,<br /> +night-foe savage, to seek us out<br /> +where safe and sound we sentried the hall.<br /> +To Hondscio then was that harassing deadly,<br /> +his fall there was fated. He first was slain,<br /> +girded warrior. Grendel on him<br /> +turned murderous mouth, on our mighty kinsman,<br /> +and all of the brave man’s body devoured.<br /> +Yet none the earlier, empty-handed,<br /> +would the bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of bale,<br /> +outward go from the gold-decked hall:<br /> +but me he attacked in his terror of might,<br /> +with greedy hand grasped me. A glove hung by him <a name="citation28f"></a><a href="#footnote28f">{28f}</a><br /> +wide and wondrous, wound with bands;<br /> +and in artful wise it all was wrought,<br /> +by devilish craft, of dragon-skins.<br /> +Me therein, an innocent man,<br /> +the fiendish foe was fain to thrust<br /> +with many another. He might not so,<br /> +when I all angrily upright stood.<br /> +’Twere long to relate how that land-destroyer<br /> +I paid in kind for his cruel deeds;<br /> +yet there, my prince, this people of thine<br /> +got fame by my fighting. He fled away,<br /> +and a little space his life preserved;<br /> +but there staid behind him his stronger hand<br /> +left in Heorot; heartsick thence<br /> +on the floor of the ocean that outcast fell.<br /> +Me for this struggle the Scyldings’-friend<br /> +paid in plenty with plates of gold,<br /> +with many a treasure, when morn had come<br /> +and we all at the banquet-board sat down.<br /> +Then was song and glee. The gray-haired Scylding,<br /> +much tested, told of the times of yore.<br /> +Whiles the hero his harp bestirred,<br /> +wood-of-delight; now lays he chanted<br /> +of sooth and sadness, or said aright<br /> +legends of wonder, the wide-hearted king;<br /> +or for years of his youth he would yearn at times,<br /> +for strength of old struggles, now stricken with age,<br /> +hoary hero: his heart surged full<br /> +when, wise with winters, he wailed their flight.<br /> +Thus in the hall the whole of that day<br /> +at ease we feasted, till fell o’er earth<br /> +another night. Anon full ready<br /> +in greed of vengeance, Grendel’s mother<br /> +set forth all doleful. Dead was her son<br /> +through war-hate of Weders; now, woman monstrous<br /> +with fury fell a foeman she slew,<br /> +avenged her offspring. From Aeschere old,<br /> +loyal councillor, life was gone;<br /> +nor might they e’en, when morning broke,<br /> +those Danish people, their death-done comrade<br /> +burn with brands, on balefire lay<br /> +the man they mourned. Under mountain stream<br /> +she had carried the corpse with cruel hands.<br /> +For Hrothgar that was the heaviest sorrow<br /> +of all that had laden the lord of his folk.<br /> +The leader then, by thy life, besought me<br /> +(sad was his soul) in the sea-waves’ coil<br /> +to play the hero and hazard my being<br /> +for glory of prowess: my guerdon he pledged.<br /> +I then in the waters -- ’tis widely known --<br /> +that sea-floor-guardian savage found.<br /> +Hand-to-hand there a while we struggled;<br /> +billows welled blood; in the briny hall<br /> +her head I hewed with a hardy blade<br /> +from Grendel’s mother, -- and gained my life,<br /> +though not without danger. My doom was not yet.<br /> +Then the haven-of-heroes, Healfdene’s son,<br /> +gave me in guerdon great gifts of price.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXIX</p> +<p>“So held this king to the customs old,<br /> +that I wanted for nought in the wage I gained,<br /> +the meed of my might; he made me gifts,<br /> +Healfdene’s heir, for my own disposal.<br /> +Now to thee, my prince, I proffer them all,<br /> +gladly give them. Thy grace alone<br /> +can find me favor. Few indeed<br /> +have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!”<br /> +Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard,<br /> +the battle-helm high, and breastplate gray,<br /> +the splendid sword; then spake in form: --<br /> +“Me this war-gear the wise old prince,<br /> +Hrothgar, gave, and his hest he added,<br /> +that its story be straightway said to thee. --<br /> +A while it was held by Heorogar king,<br /> +for long time lord of the land of Scyldings;<br /> +yet not to his son the sovran left it,<br /> +to daring Heoroweard, -- dear as he was to him,<br /> +his harness of battle. -- Well hold thou it all!”<br /> +And I heard that soon passed o’er the path of this treasure,<br /> +all apple-fallow, four good steeds,<br /> +each like the others, arms and horses<br /> +he gave to the king. So should kinsmen be,<br /> +not weave one another the net of wiles,<br /> +or with deep-hid treachery death contrive<br /> +for neighbor and comrade. His nephew was ever<br /> +by hardy Hygelac held full dear,<br /> +and each kept watch o’er the other’s weal.<br /> +I heard, too, the necklace to Hygd he presented,<br /> +wonder-wrought treasure, which Wealhtheow gave him<br /> +sovran’s daughter: three steeds he added,<br /> +slender and saddle-gay. Since such gift<br /> +the gem gleamed bright on the breast of the queen.<br /> +Thus showed his strain the son of Ecgtheow<br /> +as a man remarked for mighty deeds<br /> +and acts of honor. At ale he slew not<br /> +comrade or kin; nor cruel his mood,<br /> +though of sons of earth his strength was greatest,<br /> +a glorious gift that God had sent<br /> +the splendid leader. Long was he spurned,<br /> +and worthless by Geatish warriors held;<br /> +him at mead the master-of-clans<br /> +failed full oft to favor at all.<br /> +Slack and shiftless the strong men deemed him,<br /> +profitless prince; but payment came,<br /> +to the warrior honored, for all his woes. --<br /> +Then the bulwark-of-earls <a name="citation29a"></a><a href="#footnote29a">{29a}</a> bade bring within,<br /> +hardy chieftain, Hrethel’s heirloom<br /> +garnished with gold: no Geat e’er knew<br /> +in shape of a sword a statelier prize.<br /> +The brand he laid in Beowulf’s lap;<br /> +and of hides assigned him seven thousand, <a name="citation29b"></a><a href="#footnote29b">{29b}</a><br /> +with house and high-seat. They held in common<br /> +land alike by their line of birth,<br /> +inheritance, home: but higher the king<br /> +because of his rule o’er the realm itself.</p> +<p>Now further it fell with the flight of years,<br /> +with harryings horrid, that Hygelac perished, <a name="citation29c"></a><a href="#footnote29c">{29c}</a><br /> +and Heardred, too, by hewing of swords<br /> +under the shield-wall slaughtered lay,<br /> +when him at the van of his victor-folk<br /> +sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings,<br /> +in arms o’erwhelming Hereric’s nephew.<br /> +Then Beowulf came as king this broad<br /> +realm to wield; and he ruled it well<br /> +fifty winters, <a name="citation29d"></a><a href="#footnote29d">{29d}</a> a wise old prince,<br /> +warding his land, until One began<br /> +in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage.<br /> +In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded,<br /> +in the stone-barrow steep. A strait path reached it,<br /> +unknown to mortals. Some man, however,<br /> +came by chance that cave within<br /> +to the heathen hoard. <a name="citation29e"></a><a href="#footnote29e">{29e}</a> +In hand he took<br /> +a golden goblet, nor gave he it back,<br /> +stole with it away, while the watcher slept,<br /> +by thievish wiles: for the warden’s wrath<br /> +prince and people must pay betimes!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXX</p> +<p>THAT way he went with no will of his own,<br /> +in danger of life, to the dragon’s hoard,<br /> +but for pressure of peril, some prince’s thane.<br /> +He fled in fear the fatal scourge,<br /> +seeking shelter, a sinful man,<br /> +and entered in. At the awful sight<br /> +tottered that guest, and terror seized him;<br /> +yet the wretched fugitive rallied anon<br /> +from fright and fear ere he fled away,<br /> +and took the cup from that treasure-hoard.<br /> +Of such besides there was store enough,<br /> +heirlooms old, the earth below,<br /> +which some earl forgotten, in ancient years,<br /> +left the last of his lofty race,<br /> +heedfully there had hidden away,<br /> +dearest treasure. For death of yore<br /> +had hurried all hence; and he alone<br /> +left to live, the last of the clan,<br /> +weeping his friends, yet wished to bide<br /> +warding the treasure, his one delight,<br /> +though brief his respite. The barrow, new-ready,<br /> +to strand and sea-waves stood anear,<br /> +hard by the headland, hidden and closed;<br /> +there laid within it his lordly heirlooms<br /> +and heaped hoard of heavy gold<br /> +that warden of rings. Few words he spake:<br /> +“Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not,<br /> +what earls have owned! Lo, erst from thee<br /> +brave men brought it! But battle-death seized<br /> +and cruel killing my clansmen all,<br /> +robbed them of life and a liegeman’s joys.<br /> +None have I left to lift the sword,<br /> +or to cleanse the carven cup of price,<br /> +beaker bright. My brave are gone.<br /> +And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold,<br /> +shall part from its plating. Polishers sleep<br /> +who could brighten and burnish the battle-mask;<br /> +and those weeds of war that were wont to brave<br /> +over bicker of shields the bite of steel<br /> +rust with their bearer. The ringed mail<br /> +fares not far with famous chieftain,<br /> +at side of hero! No harp’s delight,<br /> +no glee-wood’s gladness! No good hawk now<br /> +flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet<br /> +stamp in the burgstead! Battle and death<br /> +the flower of my race have reft away.”<br /> +Mournful of mood, thus he moaned his woe,<br /> +alone, for them all, and unblithe wept<br /> +by day and by night, till death’s fell wave<br /> +o’erwhelmed his heart. His hoard-of-bliss<br /> +that old ill-doer open found,<br /> +who, blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth,<br /> +naked foe-dragon flying by night<br /> +folded in fire: the folk of earth<br /> +dread him sore. ’Tis his doom to seek<br /> +hoard in the graves, and heathen gold<br /> +to watch, many-wintered: nor wins he thereby!<br /> +Powerful this plague-of-the-people thus<br /> +held the house of the hoard in earth<br /> +three hundred winters; till One aroused<br /> +wrath in his breast, to the ruler bearing<br /> +that costly cup, and the king implored<br /> +for bond of peace. So the barrow was plundered,<br /> +borne off was booty. His boon was granted<br /> +that wretched man; and his ruler saw<br /> +first time what was fashioned in far-off days.<br /> +When the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled.<br /> +O’er the stone he snuffed. The stark-heart found<br /> +footprint of foe who so far had gone<br /> +in his hidden craft by the creature’s head. --<br /> +So may the undoomed easily flee<br /> +evils and exile, if only he gain<br /> +the grace of The Wielder! -- That warden of gold<br /> +o’er the ground went seeking, greedy to find<br /> +the man who wrought him such wrong in sleep.<br /> +Savage and burning, the barrow he circled<br /> +all without; nor was any there,<br /> +none in the waste.... Yet war he desired,<br /> +was eager for battle. The barrow he entered,<br /> +sought the cup, and discovered soon<br /> +that some one of mortals had searched his treasure,<br /> +his lordly gold. The guardian waited<br /> +ill-enduring till evening came;<br /> +boiling with wrath was the barrow’s keeper,<br /> +and fain with flame the foe to pay<br /> +for the dear cup’s loss. -- Now day was fled<br /> +as the worm had wished. By its wall no more<br /> +was it glad to bide, but burning flew<br /> +folded in flame: a fearful beginning<br /> +for sons of the soil; and soon it came,<br /> +in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXI</p> +<p>THEN the baleful fiend its fire belched out,<br /> +and bright homes burned. The blaze stood high<br /> +all landsfolk frighting. No living thing<br /> +would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew.<br /> +Wide was the dragon’s warring seen,<br /> +its fiendish fury far and near,<br /> +as the grim destroyer those Geatish people<br /> +hated and hounded. To hidden lair,<br /> +to its hoard it hastened at hint of dawn.<br /> +Folk of the land it had lapped in flame,<br /> +with bale and brand. In its barrow it trusted,<br /> +its battling and bulwarks: that boast was vain!</p> <p>To Beowulf then the bale was told<br /> +quickly and truly: the king’s own home,<br /> +of buildings the best, in brand-waves melted,<br /> +that gift-throne of Geats. To the good old man<br /> +sad in heart, ’twas heaviest sorrow.<br /> +The sage assumed that his sovran God<br /> +he had angered, breaking ancient law,<br /> +and embittered the Lord. His breast within<br /> +with black thoughts welled, as his wont was never.<br /> +The folk’s own fastness that fiery dragon<br /> +with flame had destroyed, and the stronghold all<br /> +washed by waves; but the warlike king,<br /> +prince of the Weders, plotted vengeance.<br /> +Warriors’-bulwark, he bade them work<br /> +all of iron -- the earl’s commander --<br /> +a war-shield wondrous: well he knew<br /> +that forest-wood against fire were worthless,<br /> +linden could aid not. -- Atheling brave,<br /> +he was fated to finish this fleeting life, <a name="citation31a"></a><a href="#footnote31a">{31a}</a><br /> +his days on earth, and the dragon with him,<br /> +though long it had watched o’er the wealth of the hoard! --<br /> +Shame he reckoned it, sharer-of-rings,<br /> +to follow the flyer-afar with a host,<br /> +a broad-flung band; nor the battle feared he,<br /> +nor deemed he dreadful the dragon’s warring,<br /> +its vigor and valor: ventures desperate<br /> +he had passed a-plenty, and perils of war,<br /> +contest-crash, since, conqueror proud,<br /> +Hrothgar’s hall he had wholly purged,<br /> +and in grapple had killed the kin of Grendel,<br /> +loathsome breed! Not least was that<br /> +of hand-to-hand fights where Hygelac fell,<br /> +when the ruler of Geats in rush of battle,<br /> +lord of his folk, in the Frisian land,<br /> +son of Hrethel, by sword-draughts died,<br /> +by brands down-beaten. Thence Beowulf fled<br /> +through strength of himself and his swimming power,<br /> +though alone, and his arms were laden with thirty<br /> +coats of mail, when he came to the sea!<br /> +Nor yet might Hetwaras <a name="citation31b"></a><a href="#footnote31b">{31b}</a> +haughtily boast<br /> +their craft of contest, who carried against him<br /> +shields to the fight: but few escaped<br /> +from strife with the hero to seek their homes!<br /> +Then swam over ocean Ecgtheow’s son<br /> +lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land,<br /> +where Hygd made him offer of hoard and realm,<br /> +rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught<br /> +the strength of her son to save their kingdom<br /> +from hostile hordes, after Hygelac’s death.<br /> +No sooner for this could the stricken ones<br /> +in any wise move that atheling’s mind<br /> +over young Heardred’s head as lord<br /> +and ruler of all the realm to be:<br /> +yet the hero upheld him with helpful words,<br /> +aided in honor, till, older grown,<br /> +he wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles<br /> +sought him o’er seas, the sons of Ohtere,<br /> +who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings’-helmet,<br /> +the bravest and best that broke the rings,<br /> +in Swedish land, of the sea-kings’ line,<br /> +haughty hero. <a name="citation31c"></a><a href="#footnote31c">{31c}</a> Hence Heardred’s end.<br /> +For shelter he gave them, sword-death came,<br /> +the blade’s fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac;<br /> +but the son of Ongentheow sought again<br /> +house and home when Heardred fell,<br /> +leaving Beowulf lord of Geats<br /> +and gift-seat’s master. -- A good king he!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXII</p> +<p>THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite<br /> +in after days; and to Eadgils he proved<br /> +friend to the friendless, and forces sent<br /> +over the sea to the son of Ohtere,<br /> +weapons and warriors: well repaid he<br /> +those care-paths cold when the king he slew. <a name="citation32a"></a><a href="#footnote32a">{32a}</a><br /> +Thus safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow<br /> +had passed a plenty, through perils dire,<br /> +with daring deeds, till this day was come<br /> +that doomed him now with the dragon to strive.<br /> +With comrades eleven the lord of Geats<br /> +swollen in rage went seeking the dragon.<br /> +He had heard whence all the harm arose<br /> +and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price<br /> +on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder.<br /> +In the throng was this one thirteenth man,<br /> +starter of all the strife and ill,<br /> +care-laden captive; cringing thence<br /> +forced and reluctant, he led them on<br /> +till he came in ken of that cavern-hall,<br /> +the barrow delved near billowy surges,<br /> +flood of ocean. Within ’twas full<br /> +of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden,<br /> +warrior trusty, the treasures held,<br /> +lurked in his lair. Not light the task<br /> +of entrance for any of earth-born men!<br /> +Sat on the headland the hero king,<br /> +spake words of hail to his hearth-companions,<br /> +gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul,<br /> +wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh<br /> +stood ready to greet the gray-haired man,<br /> +to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart<br /> +life and body. Not long would be<br /> +the warrior’s spirit enwound with flesh.<br /> +Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow: --<br /> +“Through store of struggles I strove in youth,<br /> +mighty feuds; I mind them all.<br /> +I was seven years old when the sovran of rings,<br /> +friend-of-his-folk, from my father took me,<br /> +had me, and held me, Hrethel the king,<br /> +with food and fee, faithful in kinship.<br /> +Ne’er, while I lived there, he loathlier found me,<br /> +bairn in the burg, than his birthright sons,<br /> +Herebeald and Haethcyn and Hygelac mine.<br /> +For the eldest of these, by unmeet chance,<br /> +by kinsman’s deed, was the death-bed strewn,<br /> +when Haethcyn killed him with horny bow,<br /> +his own dear liege laid low with an arrow,<br /> +missed the mark and his mate shot down,<br /> +one brother the other, with bloody shaft.<br /> +A feeless fight, <a name="citation32b"></a><a href="#footnote32b">{32b}</a> +and a fearful sin,<br /> +horror to Hrethel; yet, hard as it was,<br /> +unavenged must the atheling die!<br /> +Too awful it is for an aged man<br /> +to bide and bear, that his bairn so young<br /> +rides on the gallows. A rime he makes,<br /> +sorrow-song for his son there hanging<br /> +as rapture of ravens; no rescue now<br /> +can come from the old, disabled man!<br /> +Still is he minded, as morning breaks,<br /> +of the heir gone elsewhere; <a name="citation32c"></a><a href="#footnote32c">{32c}</a> another he hopes not<br /> +he will bide to see his burg within<br /> +as ward for his wealth, now the one has found<br /> +doom of death that the deed incurred.<br /> +Forlorn he looks on the lodge of his son,<br /> +wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers<br /> +reft of revel. The rider sleepeth,<br /> +the hero, far-hidden; <a name="citation32d"></a><a href="#footnote32d">{32d}</a> +no harp resounds,<br /> +in the courts no wassail, as once was heard.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXIII</p> +<p>“THEN he goes to his chamber, a grief-song chants<br /> +alone for his lost. Too large all seems,<br /> +homestead and house. So the helmet-of-Weders<br /> +hid in his heart for Herebeald<br /> +waves of woe. No way could he take<br /> +to avenge on the slayer slaughter so foul;<br /> +nor e’en could he harass that hero at all<br /> +with loathing deed, though he loved him not.<br /> +And so for the sorrow his soul endured,<br /> +men’s gladness he gave up and God’s light chose.<br /> +Lands and cities he left his sons<br /> +(as the wealthy do) when he went from earth.<br /> +There was strife and struggle ’twixt Swede and Geat<br /> +o’er the width of waters; war arose,<br /> +hard battle-horror, when Hrethel died,<br /> +and Ongentheow’s offspring grew<br /> +strife-keen, bold, nor brooked o’er the seas<br /> +pact of peace, but pushed their hosts<br /> +to harass in hatred by Hreosnabeorh.<br /> +Men of my folk for that feud had vengeance,<br /> +for woful war (‘tis widely known),<br /> +though one of them bought it with blood of his heart,<br /> +a bargain hard: for Haethcyn proved<br /> +fatal that fray, for the first-of-Geats.<br /> +At morn, I heard, was the murderer killed<br /> +by kinsman for kinsman, <a name="citation33a"></a><a href="#footnote33a">{33a}</a> with clash of sword,<br /> +when Ongentheow met Eofor there.<br /> +Wide split the war-helm: wan he fell,<br /> +hoary Scylfing; the hand that smote him<br /> +of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the death-blow.<br /> +-- “For all that he <a name="citation33b"></a><a href="#footnote33b">{33b}</a> +gave me, my gleaming sword<br /> +repaid him at war, -- such power I wielded, --<br /> +for lordly treasure: with land he entrusted me,<br /> +homestead and house. He had no need<br /> +from Swedish realm, or from Spear-Dane folk,<br /> +or from men of the Gifths, to get him help, --<br /> +some warrior worse for wage to buy!<br /> +Ever I fought in the front of all,<br /> +sole to the fore; and so shall I fight<br /> +while I bide in life and this blade shall last<br /> +that early and late hath loyal proved<br /> +since for my doughtiness Daeghrefn fell,<br /> +slain by my hand, the Hugas’ champion.<br /> +Nor fared he thence to the Frisian king<br /> +with the booty back, and breast-adornments;<br /> +but, slain in struggle, that standard-bearer<br /> +fell, atheling brave. Not with blade was he slain,<br /> +but his bones were broken by brawny gripe,<br /> +his heart-waves stilled. -- The sword-edge now,<br /> +hard blade and my hand, for the hoard shall strive.”<br /> +Beowulf spake, and a battle-vow made<br /> +his last of all: “I have lived through many<br /> +wars in my youth; now once again,<br /> +old folk-defender, feud will I seek,<br /> +do doughty deeds, if the dark destroyer<br /> +forth from his cavern come to fight me!”<br /> +Then hailed he the helmeted heroes all,<br /> +for the last time greeting his liegemen dear,<br /> +comrades of war: “I should carry no weapon,<br /> +no sword to the serpent, if sure I knew<br /> +how, with such enemy, else my vows<br /> +I could gain as I did in Grendel’s day.<br /> +But fire in this fight I must fear me now,<br /> +and poisonous breath; so I bring with me<br /> +breastplate and board. <a name="citation33c"></a><a href="#footnote33c">{33c}</a> From the barrow’s keeper<br /> +no footbreadth flee I. One fight shall end<br /> +our war by the wall, as Wyrd allots,<br /> +all mankind’s master. My mood is bold<br /> +but forbears to boast o’er this battling-flyer.<br /> +-- Now abide by the barrow, ye breastplate-mailed,<br /> +ye heroes in harness, which of us twain<br /> +better from battle-rush bear his wounds.<br /> +Wait ye the finish. The fight is not yours,<br /> +nor meet for any but me alone<br /> +to measure might with this monster here<br /> +and play the hero. Hardily I<br /> +shall win that wealth, or war shall seize,<br /> +cruel killing, your king and lord!”<br /> +Up stood then with shield the sturdy champion,<br /> +stayed by the strength of his single manhood,<br /> +and hardy ’neath helmet his harness bore<br /> +under cleft of the cliffs: no coward’s path!<br /> +Soon spied by the wall that warrior chief,<br /> +survivor of many a victory-field<br /> +where foemen fought with furious clashings,<br /> +an arch of stone; and within, a stream<br /> +that broke from the barrow. The brooklet’s wave<br /> +was hot with fire. The hoard that way<br /> +he never could hope unharmed to near,<br /> +or endure those deeps, <a name="citation33d"></a><a href="#footnote33d">{33d}</a> for the dragon’s flame.<br /> +Then let from his breast, for he burst with rage,<br /> +the Weder-Geat prince a word outgo;<br /> +stormed the stark-heart; stern went ringing<br /> +and clear his cry ’neath the cliff-rocks gray.<br /> +The hoard-guard heard a human voice;<br /> +his rage was enkindled. No respite now<br /> +for pact of peace! The poison-breath<br /> +of that foul worm first came forth from the cave,<br /> +hot reek-of-fight: the rocks resounded.<br /> +Stout by the stone-way his shield he raised,<br /> +lord of the Geats, against the loathed-one;<br /> +while with courage keen that coiled foe<br /> +came seeking strife. The sturdy king<br /> +had drawn his sword, not dull of edge,<br /> +heirloom old; and each of the two<br /> +felt fear of his foe, though fierce their mood.<br /> +Stoutly stood with his shield high-raised<br /> +the warrior king, as the worm now coiled<br /> +together amain: the mailed-one waited.<br /> +Now, spire by spire, fast sped and glided<br /> +that blazing serpent. The shield protected,<br /> +soul and body a shorter while<br /> +for the hero-king than his heart desired,<br /> +could his will have wielded the welcome respite<br /> +but once in his life! But Wyrd denied it,<br /> +and victory’s honors. -- His arm he lifted<br /> +lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote<br /> +with atheling’s heirloom. Its edge was turned<br /> +brown blade, on the bone, and bit more feebly<br /> +than its noble master had need of then<br /> +in his baleful stress. -- Then the barrow’s keeper<br /> +waxed full wild for that weighty blow,<br /> +cast deadly flames; wide drove and far<br /> +those vicious fires. No victor’s glory<br /> +the Geats’ lord boasted; his brand had failed,<br /> +naked in battle, as never it should,<br /> +excellent iron! -- ’Twas no easy path<br /> +that Ecgtheow’s honored heir must tread<br /> +over the plain to the place of the foe;<br /> +for against his will he must win a home<br /> +elsewhere far, as must all men, leaving<br /> +this lapsing life! -- Not long it was<br /> +ere those champions grimly closed again.<br /> +The hoard-guard was heartened; high heaved his breast<br /> +once more; and by peril was pressed again,<br /> +enfolded in flames, the folk-commander!<br /> +Nor yet about him his band of comrades,<br /> +sons of athelings, armed stood<br /> +with warlike front: to the woods they bent them,<br /> +their lives to save. But the soul of one<br /> +with care was cumbered. Kinship true<br /> +can never be marred in a noble mind!</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXIV</p> +<p>WIGLAF his name was, Weohstan’s son,<br /> +linden-thane loved, the lord of Scylfings,<br /> +Aelfhere’s kinsman. His king he now saw<br /> +with heat under helmet hard oppressed.<br /> +He minded the prizes his prince had given him,<br /> +wealthy seat of the Waegmunding line,<br /> +and folk-rights that his father owned<br /> +Not long he lingered. The linden yellow,<br /> +his shield, he seized; the old sword he drew: --<br /> +as heirloom of Eanmund earth-dwellers knew it,<br /> +who was slain by the sword-edge, son of Ohtere,<br /> +friendless exile, erst in fray<br /> +killed by Weohstan, who won for his kin<br /> +brown-bright helmet, breastplate ringed,<br /> +old sword of Eotens, Onela’s gift,<br /> +weeds of war of the warrior-thane,<br /> +battle-gear brave: though a brother’s child<br /> +had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onela. <a name="citation34a"></a><a href="#footnote34a">{34a}</a><br /> +For winters this war-gear Weohstan kept,<br /> +breastplate and board, till his bairn had grown<br /> +earlship to earn as the old sire did:<br /> +then he gave him, mid Geats, the gear of battle,<br /> +portion huge, when he passed from life,<br /> +fared aged forth. For the first time now<br /> +with his leader-lord the liegeman young<br /> +was bidden to share the shock of battle.<br /> +Neither softened his soul, nor the sire’s bequest<br /> +weakened in war. <a name="citation34b"></a><a href="#footnote34b">{34b}</a> So the worm found out<br /> +when once in fight the foes had met!<br /> +Wiglaf spake, -- and his words were sage;<br /> +sad in spirit, he said to his comrades: --<br /> +“I remember the time, when mead we took,<br /> +what promise we made to this prince of ours<br /> +in the banquet-hall, to our breaker-of-rings,<br /> +for gear of combat to give him requital,<br /> +for hard-sword and helmet, if hap should bring<br /> +stress of this sort! Himself who chose us<br /> +from all his army to aid him now,<br /> +urged us to glory, and gave these treasures,<br /> +because he counted us keen with the spear<br /> +and hardy ’neath helm, though this hero-work<br /> +our leader hoped unhelped and alone<br /> +to finish for us, -- folk-defender<br /> +who hath got him glory greater than all men<br /> +for daring deeds! Now the day is come<br /> +that our noble master has need of the might<br /> +of warriors stout. Let us stride along<br /> +the hero to help while the heat is about him<br /> +glowing and grim! For God is my witness<br /> +I am far more fain the fire should seize<br /> +along with my lord these limbs of mine! <a name="citation34c"></a><a href="#footnote34c">{34c}</a><br /> +Unsuiting it seems our shields to bear<br /> +homeward hence, save here we essay<br /> +to fell the foe and defend the life<br /> +of the Weders’ lord. I wot ’twere shame<br /> +on the law of our land if alone the king<br /> +out of Geatish warriors woe endured<br /> +and sank in the struggle! My sword and helmet,<br /> +breastplate and board, for us both shall serve!”<br /> +Through slaughter-reek strode he to succor his chieftain,<br /> +his battle-helm bore, and brief words spake: --<br /> +“Beowulf dearest, do all bravely,<br /> +as in youthful days of yore thou vowedst<br /> +that while life should last thou wouldst let no wise<br /> +thy glory droop! Now, great in deeds,<br /> +atheling steadfast, with all thy strength<br /> +shield thy life! I will stand to help thee.”<br /> +At the words the worm came once again,<br /> +murderous monster mad with rage,<br /> +with fire-billows flaming, its foes to seek,<br /> +the hated men. In heat-waves burned<br /> +that board <a name="citation34d"></a><a href="#footnote34d">{34d}</a> to the boss, and the breastplate failed<br /> +to shelter at all the spear-thane young.<br /> +Yet quickly under his kinsman’s shield<br /> +went eager the earl, since his own was now<br /> +all burned by the blaze. The bold king again<br /> +had mind of his glory: with might his glaive<br /> +was driven into the dragon’s head, --<br /> +blow nerved by hate. But Naegling <a name="citation34e"></a><a href="#footnote34e">{34e}</a> +was shivered,<br /> +broken in battle was Beowulf’s sword,<br /> +old and gray. ’Twas granted him not<br /> +that ever the edge of iron at all<br /> +could help him at strife: too strong was his hand,<br /> +so the tale is told, and he tried too far<br /> +with strength of stroke all swords he wielded,<br /> +though sturdy their steel: they steaded him nought.<br /> +Then for the third time thought on its feud<br /> +that folk-destroyer, fire-dread dragon,<br /> +and rushed on the hero, where room allowed,<br /> +battle-grim, burning; its bitter teeth<br /> +closed on his neck, and covered him<br /> +with waves of blood from his breast that welled.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXV</p> +<p>’TWAS now, men say, in his sovran’s need<br /> +that the earl made known his noble strain,<br /> +craft and keenness and courage enduring.<br /> +Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned,<br /> +hardy-hearted, he helped his kinsman.<br /> +A little lower the loathsome beast<br /> +he smote with sword; his steel drove in<br /> +bright and burnished; that blaze began<br /> +to lose and lessen. At last the king<br /> +wielded his wits again, war-knife drew,<br /> +a biting blade by his breastplate hanging,<br /> +and the Weders’-helm smote that worm asunder,<br /> +felled the foe, flung forth its life.<br /> +So had they killed it, kinsmen both,<br /> +athelings twain: thus an earl should be<br /> +in danger’s day! -- Of deeds of valor<br /> +this conqueror’s-hour of the king was last,<br /> +of his work in the world. The wound began,<br /> +which that dragon-of-earth had erst inflicted,<br /> +to swell and smart; and soon he found<br /> +in his breast was boiling, baleful and deep,<br /> +pain of poison. The prince walked on,<br /> +wise in his thought, to the wall of rock;<br /> +then sat, and stared at the structure of giants,<br /> +where arch of stone and steadfast column<br /> +upheld forever that hall in earth.<br /> +Yet here must the hand of the henchman peerless<br /> +lave with water his winsome lord,<br /> +the king and conqueror covered with blood,<br /> +with struggle spent, and unspan his helmet.<br /> +Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt,<br /> +his mortal wound; full well he knew<br /> +his portion now was past and gone<br /> +of earthly bliss, and all had fled<br /> +of his file of days, and death was near:<br /> +“I would fain bestow on son of mine<br /> +this gear of war, were given me now<br /> +that any heir should after me come<br /> +of my proper blood. This people I ruled<br /> +fifty winters. No folk-king was there,<br /> +none at all, of the neighboring clans<br /> +who war would wage me with ’warriors’-friends’ <a name="citation35a"></a><a href="#footnote35a">{35a}</a><br /> +and threat me with horrors. At home I bided<br /> +what fate might come, and I cared for mine own;<br /> +feuds I sought not, nor falsely swore<br /> +ever on oath. For all these things,<br /> +though fatally wounded, fain am I!<br /> +From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me,<br /> +when life from my frame must flee away,<br /> +for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go<br /> +and gaze on that hoard ’neath the hoary rock,<br /> +Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low,<br /> +sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved.<br /> +And fare in haste. I would fain behold<br /> +the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store,<br /> +have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down<br /> +softlier for sight of this splendid hoard<br /> +my life and the lordship I long have held.”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXVI</p> +<p>I HAVE heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan<br /> +at wish and word of his wounded king, --<br /> +war-sick warrior, -- woven mail-coat,<br /> +battle-sark, bore ’neath the barrow’s roof.<br /> +Then the clansman keen, of conquest proud,<br /> +passing the seat, <a name="citation36a"></a><a href="#footnote36a">{36a}</a> saw store of jewels<br /> +and glistening gold the ground along;<br /> +by the wall were marvels, and many a vessel<br /> +in the den of the dragon, the dawn-flier old:<br /> +unburnished bowls of bygone men<br /> +reft of richness; rusty helms<br /> +of the olden age; and arm-rings many<br /> +wondrously woven. -- Such wealth of gold,<br /> +booty from barrow, can burden with pride<br /> +each human wight: let him hide it who will! --<br /> +His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner<br /> +high o’er the hoard, of handiwork noblest,<br /> +brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam,<br /> +all the earth-floor he easily saw<br /> +and viewed all these vessels. No vestige now<br /> +was seen of the serpent: the sword had ta’en him.<br /> +Then, I heard, the hill of its hoard was reft,<br /> +old work of giants, by one alone;<br /> +he burdened his bosom with beakers and plate<br /> +at his own good will, and the ensign took,<br /> +brightest of beacons. -- The blade of his lord<br /> +-- its edge was iron -- had injured deep<br /> +one that guarded the golden hoard<br /> +many a year and its murder-fire<br /> +spread hot round the barrow in horror-billows<br /> +at midnight hour, till it met its doom.<br /> +Hasted the herald, the hoard so spurred him<br /> +his track to retrace; he was troubled by doubt,<br /> +high-souled hero, if haply he’d find<br /> +alive, where he left him, the lord of Weders,<br /> +weakening fast by the wall of the cave.<br /> +So he carried the load. His lord and king<br /> +he found all bleeding, famous chief<br /> +at the lapse of life. The liegeman again<br /> +plashed him with water, till point of word<br /> +broke through the breast-hoard. Beowulf spake,<br /> +sage and sad, as he stared at the gold. --<br /> +“For the gold and treasure, to God my thanks,<br /> +to the Wielder-of-Wonders, with words I say,<br /> +for what I behold, to Heaven’s Lord,<br /> +for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk<br /> +or ever the day of my death be run!<br /> +Now I’ve bartered here for booty of treasure<br /> +the last of my life, so look ye well<br /> +to the needs of my land! No longer I tarry.<br /> +A barrow bid ye the battle-fanned raise<br /> +for my ashes. ’Twill shine by the shore of the flood,<br /> +to folk of mine memorial fair<br /> +on Hrones Headland high uplifted,<br /> +that ocean-wanderers oft may hail<br /> +Beowulf’s Barrow, as back from far<br /> +they drive their keels o’er the darkling wave.”<br /> +From his neck he unclasped the collar of gold,<br /> +valorous king, to his vassal gave it<br /> +with bright-gold helmet, breastplate, and ring,<br /> +to the youthful thane: bade him use them in joy.<br /> +“Thou art end and remnant of all our race<br /> +the Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them,<br /> +all my line, to the land of doom,<br /> +earls in their glory: I after them go.”<br /> +This word was the last which the wise old man<br /> +harbored in heart ere hot death-waves<br /> +of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled<br /> +his soul to seek the saints’ reward.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXVII</p> +<p>IT was heavy hap for that hero young<br /> +on his lord beloved to look and find him<br /> +lying on earth with life at end,<br /> +sorrowful sight. But the slayer too,<br /> +awful earth-dragon, empty of breath,<br /> +lay felled in fight, nor, fain of its treasure,<br /> +could the writhing monster rule it more.<br /> +For edges of iron had ended its days,<br /> +hard and battle-sharp, hammers’ leaving; <a name="citation37a"></a><a href="#footnote37a">{37a}</a><br /> +and that flier-afar had fallen to ground<br /> +hushed by its hurt, its hoard all near,<br /> +no longer lusty aloft to whirl<br /> +at midnight, making its merriment seen,<br /> +proud of its prizes: prone it sank<br /> +by the handiwork of the hero-king.<br /> +Forsooth among folk but few achieve,<br /> +-- though sturdy and strong, as stories tell me,<br /> +and never so daring in deed of valor, --<br /> +the perilous breath of a poison-foe<br /> +to brave, and to rush on the ring-board hall,<br /> +whenever his watch the warden keeps<br /> +bold in the barrow. Beowulf paid<br /> +the price of death for that precious hoard;<br /> +and each of the foes had found the end<br /> +of this fleeting life.<br /> +Befell erelong<br /> +that the laggards in war the wood had left,<br /> +trothbreakers, cowards, ten together,<br /> +fearing before to flourish a spear<br /> +in the sore distress of their sovran lord.<br /> +Now in their shame their shields they carried,<br /> +armor of fight, where the old man lay;<br /> +and they gazed on Wiglaf. Wearied he sat<br /> +at his sovran’s shoulder, shieldsman good,<br /> +to wake him with water. <a name="citation37b"></a><a href="#footnote37b">{37b}</a> +Nowise it availed.<br /> +Though well he wished it, in world no more<br /> +could he barrier life for that leader-of-battles<br /> +nor baffle the will of all-wielding God.<br /> +Doom of the Lord was law o’er the deeds<br /> +of every man, as it is to-day.<br /> +Grim was the answer, easy to get,<br /> +from the youth for those that had yielded to fear!<br /> +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan, --<br /> +mournful he looked on those men unloved: --<br /> +“Who sooth will speak, can say indeed<br /> +that the ruler who gave you golden rings<br /> +and the harness of war in which ye stand<br /> +-- for he at ale-bench often-times<br /> +bestowed on hall-folk helm and breastplate,<br /> +lord to liegemen, the likeliest gear<br /> +which near of far he could find to give, --<br /> +threw away and wasted these weeds of battle,<br /> +on men who failed when the foemen came!<br /> +Not at all could the king of his comrades-in-arms<br /> +venture to vaunt, though the Victory-Wielder,<br /> +God, gave him grace that he got revenge<br /> +sole with his sword in stress and need.<br /> +To rescue his life, ’twas little that I<br /> +could serve him in struggle; yet shift I made<br /> +(hopeless it seemed) to help my kinsman.<br /> +Its strength ever waned, when with weapon I struck<br /> +that fatal foe, and the fire less strongly<br /> +flowed from its head. -- Too few the heroes<br /> +in throe of contest that thronged to our king!<br /> +Now gift of treasure and girding of sword,<br /> +joy of the house and home-delight<br /> +shall fail your folk; his freehold-land<br /> +every clansman within your kin<br /> +shall lose and leave, when lords high-born<br /> +hear afar of that flight of yours,<br /> +a fameless deed. Yea, death is better<br /> +for liegemen all than a life of shame!”</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXVIII</p> +<p>THAT battle-toil bade he at burg to announce,<br /> +at the fort on the cliff, where, full of sorrow,<br /> +all the morning earls had sat,<br /> +daring shieldsmen, in doubt of twain:<br /> +would they wail as dead, or welcome home,<br /> +their lord beloved? Little <a name="citation38a"></a><a href="#footnote38a">{38a}</a> kept back<br /> +of the tidings new, but told them all,<br /> +the herald that up the headland rode. --<br /> +“Now the willing-giver to Weder folk<br /> +in death-bed lies; the Lord of Geats<br /> +on the slaughter-bed sleeps by the serpent’s deed!<br /> +And beside him is stretched that slayer-of-men<br /> +with knife-wounds sick: <a name="citation38b"></a><a href="#footnote38b">{38b}</a> no sword availed<br /> +on the awesome thing in any wise<br /> +to work a wound. There Wiglaf sitteth,<br /> +Weohstan’s bairn, by Beowulf’s side,<br /> +the living earl by the other dead,<br /> +and heavy of heart a head-watch <a name="citation38c"></a><a href="#footnote38c">{38c}</a> +keeps<br /> +o’er friend and foe. -- Now our folk may look<br /> +for waging of war when once unhidden<br /> +to Frisian and Frank the fall of the king<br /> +is spread afar. -- The strife began<br /> +when hot on the Hugas <a name="citation38d"></a><a href="#footnote38d">{38d}</a> +Hygelac fell<br /> +and fared with his fleet to the Frisian land.<br /> +Him there the Hetwaras humbled in war,<br /> +plied with such prowess their power o’erwhelming<br /> +that the bold-in-battle bowed beneath it<br /> +and fell in fight. To his friends no wise<br /> +could that earl give treasure! And ever since<br /> +the Merowings’ favor has failed us wholly.<br /> +Nor aught expect I of peace and faith<br /> +from Swedish folk. ’Twas spread afar<br /> +how Ongentheow reft at Ravenswood<br /> +Haethcyn Hrethling of hope and life,<br /> +when the folk of Geats for the first time sought<br /> +in wanton pride the Warlike-Scylfings.<br /> +Soon the sage old sire <a name="citation38e"></a><a href="#footnote38e">{38e}</a> +of Ohtere,<br /> +ancient and awful, gave answering blow;<br /> +the sea-king <a name="citation38f"></a><a href="#footnote38f">{38f}</a> he slew, +and his spouse redeemed,<br /> +his good wife rescued, though robbed of her gold,<br /> +mother of Ohtere and Onela.<br /> +Then he followed his foes, who fled before him<br /> +sore beset and stole their way,<br /> +bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood.</p> +<p>With his host he besieged there what swords had left,<br /> +the weary and wounded; woes he threatened<br /> +the whole night through to that hard-pressed throng:<br /> +some with the morrow his sword should kill,<br /> +some should go to the gallows-tree<br /> +for rapture of ravens. But rescue came<br /> +with dawn of day for those desperate men<br /> +when they heard the horn of Hygelac sound,<br /> +tones of his trumpet; the trusty king<br /> +had followed their trail with faithful band.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XXXIX</p> +<p>“THE bloody swath of Swedes and Geats<br /> +and the storm of their strife, were seen afar,<br /> +how folk against folk the fight had wakened.<br /> +The ancient king with his atheling band<br /> +sought his citadel, sorrowing much:<br /> +Ongentheow earl went up to his burg.<br /> +He had tested Hygelac’s hardihood,<br /> +the proud one’s prowess, would prove it no longer,<br /> +defied no more those fighting-wanderers<br /> +nor hoped from the seamen to save his hoard,<br /> +his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again,<br /> +old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came<br /> +with slaughter for Swedes the standards of Hygelac<br /> +o’er peaceful plains in pride advancing,<br /> +till Hrethelings fought in the fenced town. <a name="citation39a"></a><a href="#footnote39a">{39a}</a><br /> +Then Ongentheow with edge of sword,<br /> +the hoary-bearded, was held at bay,<br /> +and the folk-king there was forced to suffer<br /> +Eofor’s anger. In ire, at the king<br /> +Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck;<br /> +and the chieftain’s blood, for that blow, in streams<br /> +flowed ’neath his hair. No fear felt he,<br /> +stout old Scylfing, but straightway repaid<br /> +in better bargain that bitter stroke<br /> +and faced his foe with fell intent.<br /> +Nor swift enough was the son of Wonred<br /> +answer to render the aged chief;<br /> +too soon on his head the helm was cloven;<br /> +blood-bedecked he bowed to earth,<br /> +and fell adown; not doomed was he yet,<br /> +and well he waxed, though the wound was sore.<br /> +Then the hardy Hygelac-thane, <a name="citation39b"></a><a href="#footnote39b">{39b}</a><br /> +when his brother fell, with broad brand smote,<br /> +giants’ sword crashing through giants’-helm<br /> +across the shield-wall: sank the king,<br /> +his folk’s old herdsman, fatally hurt.<br /> +There were many to bind the brother’s wounds<br /> +and lift him, fast as fate allowed<br /> +his people to wield the place-of-war.<br /> +But Eofor took from Ongentheow,<br /> +earl from other, the iron-breastplate,<br /> +hard sword hilted, and helmet too,<br /> +and the hoar-chief’s harness to Hygelac carried,<br /> +who took the trappings, and truly promised<br /> +rich fee ’mid folk, -- and fulfilled it so.<br /> +For that grim strife gave the Geatish lord,<br /> +Hrethel’s offspring, when home he came,<br /> +to Eofor and Wulf a wealth of treasure,<br /> +Each of them had a hundred thousand <a name="citation39c"></a><a href="#footnote39c">{39c}</a><br /> +in land and linked rings; nor at less price reckoned<br /> +mid-earth men such mighty deeds!<br /> +And to Eofor he gave his only daughter<br /> +in pledge of grace, the pride of his home.</p> +<p>“Such is the feud, the foeman’s rage,<br /> +death-hate of men: so I deem it sure<br /> +that the Swedish folk will seek us home<br /> +for this fall of their friends, the fighting-Scylfings,<br /> +when once they learn that our warrior leader<br /> +lifeless lies, who land and hoard<br /> +ever defended from all his foes,<br /> +furthered his folk’s weal, finished his course<br /> +a hardy hero. -- Now haste is best,<br /> +that we go to gaze on our Geatish lord,<br /> +and bear the bountiful breaker-of-rings<br /> +to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely<br /> +shall burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels,<br /> +gold untold and gained in terror,<br /> +treasure at last with his life obtained,<br /> +all of that booty the brands shall take,<br /> +fire shall eat it. No earl must carry<br /> +memorial jewel. No maiden fair<br /> +shall wreathe her neck with noble ring:<br /> +nay, sad in spirit and shorn of her gold,<br /> +oft shall she pass o’er paths of exile<br /> +now our lord all laughter has laid aside,<br /> +all mirth and revel. Many a spear<br /> +morning-cold shall be clasped amain,<br /> +lifted aloft; nor shall lilt of harp<br /> +those warriors wake; but the wan-hued raven,<br /> +fain o’er the fallen, his feast shall praise<br /> +and boast to the eagle how bravely he ate<br /> +when he and the wolf were wasting the slain.”</p> +<p>So he told his sorrowful tidings,<br /> +and little <a name="citation39d"></a><a href="#footnote39d">{39d}</a> he lied, the loyal man<br /> +of word or of work. The warriors rose;<br /> +sad, they climbed to the Cliff-of-Eagles,<br /> +went, welling with tears, the wonder to view.<br /> +Found on the sand there, stretched at rest,<br /> +their lifeless lord, who had lavished rings<br /> +of old upon them. Ending-day<br /> +had dawned on the doughty-one; death had seized<br /> +in woful slaughter the Weders’ king.<br /> +There saw they, besides, the strangest being,<br /> +loathsome, lying their leader near,<br /> +prone on the field. The fiery dragon,<br /> +fearful fiend, with flame was scorched.<br /> +Reckoned by feet, it was fifty measures<br /> +in length as it lay. Aloft erewhile<br /> +it had revelled by night, and anon come back,<br /> +seeking its den; now in death’s sure clutch<br /> +it had come to the end of its earth-hall joys.<br /> +By it there stood the stoups and jars;<br /> +dishes lay there, and dear-decked swords<br /> +eaten with rust, as, on earth’s lap resting,<br /> +a thousand winters they waited there.<br /> +For all that heritage huge, that gold<br /> +of bygone men, was bound by a spell, <a name="citation39e"></a><a href="#footnote39e">{39e}</a><br /> +so the treasure-hall could be touched by none<br /> +of human kind, -- save that Heaven’s King,<br /> +God himself, might give whom he would,<br /> +Helper of Heroes, the hoard to open, --<br /> +even such a man as seemed to him meet.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XL</p> +<p>A PERILOUS path, it proved, he <a name="citation40a"></a><a href="#footnote40a">{40a}</a> +trod<br /> +who heinously hid, that hall within,<br /> +wealth under wall! Its watcher had killed<br /> +one of a few, <a name="citation40b"></a><a href="#footnote40b">{40b}</a> and the feud was avenged<br /> +in woful fashion. Wondrous seems it,<br /> +what manner a man of might and valor<br /> +oft ends his life, when the earl no longer<br /> +in mead-hall may live with loving friends.<br /> +So Beowulf, when that barrow’s warden<br /> +he sought, and the struggle; himself knew not<br /> +in what wise he should wend from the world at last.<br /> +For <a name="citation40c"></a><a href="#footnote40c">{40c}</a> princes potent, +who placed the gold,<br /> +with a curse to doomsday covered it deep,<br /> +so that marked with sin the man should be,<br /> +hedged with horrors, in hell-bonds fast,<br /> +racked with plagues, who should rob their hoard.<br /> +Yet no greed for gold, but the grace of heaven,<br /> +ever the king had kept in view. <a name="citation40d"></a><a href="#footnote40d">{40d}</a><br /> +Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: --<br /> +“At the mandate of one, oft warriors many<br /> +sorrow must suffer; and so must we.<br /> +The people’s-shepherd showed not aught<br /> +of care for our counsel, king beloved!<br /> +That guardian of gold he should grapple not, urged we,<br /> +but let him lie where he long had been<br /> +in his earth-hall waiting the end of the world,<br /> +the hest of heaven. -- This hoard is ours<br /> +but grievously gotten; too grim the fate<br /> +which thither carried our king and lord.<br /> +I was within there, and all I viewed,<br /> +the chambered treasure, when chance allowed me<br /> +(and my path was made in no pleasant wise)<br /> +under the earth-wall. Eager, I seized<br /> +such heap from the hoard as hands could bear<br /> +and hurriedly carried it hither back<br /> +to my liege and lord. Alive was he still,<br /> +still wielding his wits. The wise old man<br /> +spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings<br /> +and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more,<br /> +on the place of his balefire a barrow high,<br /> +memorial mighty. Of men was he<br /> +worthiest warrior wide earth o’er<br /> +the while he had joy of his jewels and burg.<br /> +Let us set out in haste now, the second time<br /> +to see and search this store of treasure,<br /> +these wall-hid wonders, -- the way I show you, --<br /> +where, gathered near, ye may gaze your fill<br /> +at broad-gold and rings. Let the bier, soon made,<br /> +be all in order when out we come,<br /> +our king and captain to carry thither<br /> +-- man beloved -- where long he shall bide<br /> +safe in the shelter of sovran God.”<br /> +Then the bairn of Weohstan bade command,<br /> +hardy chief, to heroes many<br /> +that owned their homesteads, hither to bring<br /> +firewood from far -- o’er the folk they ruled --<br /> +for the famed-one’s funeral. “ Fire shall devour<br /> +and wan flames feed on the fearless warrior<br /> +who oft stood stout in the iron-shower,<br /> +when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows<br /> +shot o’er the shield-wall: the shaft held firm,<br /> +featly feathered, followed the barb.”<br /> +And now the sage young son of Weohstan<br /> +seven chose of the chieftain’s thanes,<br /> +the best he found that band within,<br /> +and went with these warriors, one of eight,<br /> +under hostile roof. In hand one bore<br /> +a lighted torch and led the way.<br /> +No lots they cast for keeping the hoard<br /> +when once the warriors saw it in hall,<br /> +altogether without a guardian,<br /> +lying there lost. And little they mourned<br /> +when they had hastily haled it out,<br /> +dear-bought treasure! The dragon they cast,<br /> +the worm, o’er the wall for the wave to take,<br /> +and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems.<br /> +Then the woven gold on a wain was laden --<br /> +countless quite! -- and the king was borne,<br /> +hoary hero, to Hrones-Ness.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>XLI</p> +<p>THEN fashioned for him the folk of Geats<br /> +firm on the earth a funeral-pile,<br /> +and hung it with helmets and harness of war<br /> +and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked;<br /> +and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain,<br /> +heroes mourning their master dear.<br /> +Then on the hill that hugest of balefires<br /> +the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose<br /> +black over blaze, and blent was the roar<br /> +of flame with weeping (the wind was still),<br /> +till the fire had broken the frame of bones,<br /> +hot at the heart. In heavy mood<br /> +their misery moaned they, their master’s death.<br /> +Wailing her woe, the widow <a name="citation41a"></a><a href="#footnote41a">{41a}</a> old,<br /> +her hair upbound, for Beowulf’s death<br /> +sung in her sorrow, and said full oft<br /> +she dreaded the doleful days to come,<br /> +deaths enow, and doom of battle,<br /> +and shame. -- The smoke by the sky was devoured.<br /> +The folk of the Weders fashioned there<br /> +on the headland a barrow broad and high,<br /> +by ocean-farers far descried:<br /> +in ten days’ time their toil had raised it,<br /> +the battle-brave’s beacon. Round brands of the pyre<br /> +a wall they built, the worthiest ever<br /> +that wit could prompt in their wisest men.<br /> +They placed in the barrow that precious booty,<br /> +the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile,<br /> +hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, --<br /> +trusting the ground with treasure of earls,<br /> +gold in the earth, where ever it lies<br /> +useless to men as of yore it was.<br /> +Then about that barrow the battle-keen rode,<br /> +atheling-born, a band of twelve,<br /> +lament to make, to mourn their king,<br /> +chant their dirge, and their chieftain honor.<br /> +They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess<br /> +worthily witnessed: and well it is<br /> +that men their master-friend mightily laud,<br /> +heartily love, when hence he goes<br /> +from life in the body forlorn away.</p> +<p>Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland,<br /> +for their hero’s passing his hearth-companions:<br /> +quoth that of all the kings of earth,<br /> +of men he was mildest and most beloved,<br /> +to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise.</p> +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines2"><br /><br /></div> + +<p>Footnotes:</p> +<p><a name="footnote0a"></a><a href="#citation0a">{0a}</a> Not, of course, +Beowulf the Great, hero of the epic.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote0b"></a><a href="#citation0b">{0b}</a> Kenning for +king or chieftain of a comitatus: he breaks off gold from the spiral +rings -- often worn on the arm -- and so rewards his followers.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1a"></a><a href="#citation1a">{1a}</a> That is, +“The Hart,” or “Stag,” so called from decorations +in the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall has been +carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was rectangular, +with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a hearth in the middle +of th single room. A row of pillars down each side, at some distance +from the walls, made a space which was raised a little above the main +floor, and was furnished with two rows of seats. On one side, usually +south, was the high-seat midway between the doors. Opposite this, on +the other raised space, was another seat of honor. At the banquet soon +to be described, Hrothgar sat in the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf +opposite to him. The scene for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus +very effectively set. Planks on trestles -- the “board” +of later English literature -- formed the tables just in front of the +long rows of seats, and were taken away after banquets, when the retainers +were ready to stretch themselves out for sleep on the benches.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1b"></a><a href="#citation1b">{1b}</a> Fire was +the usual end of these halls. See v. 781 below. One thinks of the splendid +scene at the end of the Nibelungen, of the Nialssaga, of Saxo’s +story of Amlethus, and many a less famous instance.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1c"></a><a href="#citation1c">{1c}</a> It is to +be supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how Hrothgar’s +hall was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack made on him by +his son-in-law Ingeld.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1d"></a><a href="#citation1d">{1d}</a> A skilled +minstrel. The Danes are heathens, as one is told presently; but this +lay of beginnings is taken from Genesis.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1e"></a><a href="#citation1e">{1e}</a> A disturber +of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in the fen and roams over +the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance is now furnished with +biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, so that all +Christian Englishmen might read about him. “Grendel” may +mean one who grinds and crushes.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1f"></a><a href="#citation1f">{1f}</a> Cain’s.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote1g"></a><a href="#citation1g">{1g}</a> Giants.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote2a"></a><a href="#citation2a">{2a}</a> The smaller +buildings within the main enclosure but separate from the hall.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote2b"></a><a href="#citation2b">{2b}</a> Grendel.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote2c"></a><a href="#citation2c">{2c}</a> “Sorcerers-of-hell.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote2d"></a><a href="#citation2d">{2d}</a> Hrothgar, +who is the “Scyldings’-friend” of 170.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote2e"></a><a href="#citation2e">{2e}</a> That is, +in formal or prescribed phrase.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote3a"></a><a href="#citation3a">{3a}</a> Ship.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote3b"></a><a href="#citation3b">{3b}</a> That is, +since Beowulf selected his ship and led his men to the harbor.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote3c"></a><a href="#citation3c">{3c}</a> One of the +auxiliary names of the Geats.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote3d"></a><a href="#citation3d">{3d}</a> Or: Not thus +openly ever came warriors hither; yet...</p> + +<p><a name="footnote4a"></a><a href="#citation4a">{4a}</a> Hrothgar.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote4b"></a><a href="#citation4b">{4b}</a> Beowulf’s +helmet has several boar-images on it; he is the “man of war”; +and the boar-helmet guards him as typical representative of the marching +party as a whole. The boar was sacred to Freyr, who was the favorite +god of the Germanic tribes about the North Sea and the Baltic. Rude +representations of warriors show the boar on the helmet quite as large +as the helmet itself.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote5a"></a><a href="#citation5a">{5a}</a> Either merely +paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else thought of as a sort of +mosaic, an extravagant touch like the reckless waste of gold on the +walls and roofs of a hall.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6a"></a><a href="#citation6a">{6a}</a> The nicor, +says Bugge, is a hippopotamus; a walrus, says Ten Brink. But that water-goblin +who covers the space from Old Nick of jest to the Neckan and Nix of +poetry and tale, is all one needs, and Nicor is a good name for him.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6b"></a><a href="#citation6b">{6b}</a> His own people, +the Geats.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6c"></a><a href="#citation6c">{6c}</a> That is, +cover it as with a face-cloth. “There will be no need of funeral +rites.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6d"></a><a href="#citation6d">{6d}</a> Personification +of Battle.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6e"></a><a href="#citation6e">{6e}</a> The Germanic +Vulcan.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote6f"></a><a href="#citation6f">{6f}</a> This mighty +power, whom the Christian poet can still revere, has here the general +force of “Destiny.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote7a"></a><a href="#citation7a">{7a}</a> There is +no irrelevance here. Hrothgar sees in Beowulf’s mission a heritage +of duty, a return of the good offices which the Danish king rendered +to Beowulf’s father in time of dire need.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote7b"></a><a href="#citation7b">{7b}</a> Money, for +wergild, or man-price.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote7c"></a><a href="#citation7c">{7c}</a> Ecgtheow, +Beowulf’s sire.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote8a"></a><a href="#citation8a">{8a}</a> “Began +the fight.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote8b"></a><a href="#citation8b">{8b}</a> Breca.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote9a"></a><a href="#citation9a">{9a}</a> Murder.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote10a"></a><a href="#citation10a">{10a}</a> Beowulf, +-- the “one.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote11a"></a><a href="#citation11a">{11a}</a> That is, +he was a “lost soul,” doomed to hell.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote12a"></a><a href="#citation12a">{12a}</a> Kenning +for Beowulf.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote13a"></a><a href="#citation13a">{13a}</a> “Guarded +the treasure.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote13b"></a><a href="#citation13b">{13b}</a> Sc. Heremod.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote13c"></a><a href="#citation13c">{13c}</a> The singer +has sung his lays, and the epic resumes its story. The time-relations +are not altogether good in this long passage which describes the rejoicings +of “the day after”; but the present shift from the riders +on the road to the folk at the hall is not very violent, and is of a +piece with the general style.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote14a"></a><a href="#citation14a">{14a}</a> Unferth, +Beowulf’s sometime opponent in the flyting.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote15a"></a><a href="#citation15a">{15a}</a> There +is no horrible inconsistency here such as the critics strive and cry +about. In spite of the ruin that Grendel and Beowulf had made within +the hall, the framework and roof held firm, and swift repairs made the +interior habitable. Tapestries were hung on the walls, and willing hands +prepared the banquet.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote15b"></a><a href="#citation15b">{15b}</a> From its +formal use in other places, this phrase, to take cup in hall, or “on +the floor,” would seem to mean that Beowulf stood up to receive +his gifts, drink to the donor, and say thanks.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote15c"></a><a href="#citation15c">{15c}</a> Kenning +for sword.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote15d"></a><a href="#citation15d">{15d}</a> Hrothgar. +He is also the “refuge of the friends of Ing,” below. Ing +belongs to myth.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote15e"></a><a href="#citation15e">{15e}</a> Horses +are frequently led or ridden into the hall where folk sit at banquet: +so in Chaucer’s Squire’s tale, in the ballad of King Estmere, +and in the romances.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16a"></a><a href="#citation16a">{16a}</a> Man-price, +wergild.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16b"></a><a href="#citation16b">{16b}</a> Beowulf’s.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16c"></a><a href="#citation16c">{16c}</a> Hrothgar.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16d"></a><a href="#citation16d">{16d}</a> There +is no need to assume a gap in the Ms. As before about Sigemund and Heremod, +so now, though at greater length, about Finn and his feud, a lay is +chanted or recited; and the epic poet, counting on his readers’ +familiarity with the story, -- a fragment of it still exists, -- simply +gives the headings.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16e"></a><a href="#citation16e">{16e}</a> The exact +story to which this episode refers in summary is not to be determined, +but the following account of it is reasonable and has good support among +scholars. Finn, a Frisian chieftain, who nevertheless has a “castle” +outside the Frisian border, marries Hildeburh, a Danish princess; and +her brother, Hnaef, with many other Danes, pays Finn a visit. Relations +between the two peoples have been strained before. Something starts +the old feud anew; and the visitors are attacked in their quarters. +Hnaef is killed; so is a son of Hildeburh. Many fall on both sides. +Peace is patched up; a stately funeral is held; and the surviving visitors +become in a way vassals or liegemen of Finn, going back with him to +Frisia. So matters rest a while. Hengest is now leader of the Danes; +but he is set upon revenge for his former lord, Hnaef. Probably he is +killed in feud; but his clansmen, Guthlaf and Oslaf, gather at their +home a force of sturdy Danes, come back to Frisia, storm Finn’s +stronghold, kill him, and carry back their kinswoman Hildeburh.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16f"></a><a href="#citation16f">{16f}</a> The “enemies” +must be the Frisians.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16g"></a><a href="#citation16g">{16g}</a> Battlefield. +-- Hengest is the “prince’s thane,” companion of Hnaef. +“Folcwald’s son” is Finn.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16h"></a><a href="#citation16h">{16h}</a> That is, +Finn would govern in all honor the few Danish warriors who were left, +provided, of course, that none of them tried to renew the quarrel or +avenge Hnaef their fallen lord. If, again, one of Finn’s Frisians +began a quarrel, he should die by the sword.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16i"></a><a href="#citation16i">{16i}</a> Hnaef.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16j"></a><a href="#citation16j">{16j}</a> The high +place chosen for the funeral: see description of Beowulf’s funeral-pile +at the end of the poem.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote16k"></a><a href="#citation16k">{16k}</a> Wounds.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote17a"></a><a href="#citation17a">{17a}</a> That is, +these two Danes, escaping home, had told the story of the attack on +Hnaef, the slaying of Hengest, and all the Danish woes. Collecting a +force, they return to Frisia and kill Finn in his home.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote17b"></a><a href="#citation17b">{17b}</a> Nephew +to Hrothgar, with whom he subsequently quarrels, and elder cousin to +the two young sons of Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, -- their natural guardian +in the event of the king’s death. There is something finely feminine +in this speech of Wealhtheow’s, apart from its somewhat irregular +and irrelevant sequence of topics. Both she and her lord probably distrust +Hrothulf; but she bids the king to be of good cheer, and, turning to +the suspect, heaps affectionate assurances on his probity. “My +own Hrothulf” will surely not forget these favors and benefits +of the past, but will repay them to the orphaned boy.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote19a"></a><a href="#citation19a">{19a}</a> They had +laid their arms on the benches near where they slept.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote20a"></a><a href="#citation20a">{20a}</a> He surmises +presently where she is.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote20b"></a><a href="#citation20b">{20b}</a> The connection +is not difficult. The words of mourning, of acute grief, are said; and +according to Germanic sequence of thought, inexorable here, the next +and only topic is revenge. But is it possible? Hrothgar leads up to +his appeal and promise with a skillful and often effective description +of the horrors which surround the monster’s home and await the +attempt of an avenging foe.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote21a"></a><a href="#citation21a">{21a}</a> Hrothgar +is probably meant.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote21b"></a><a href="#citation21b">{21b}</a> Meeting +place.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote22a"></a><a href="#citation22a">{22a}</a> Kenning +for “sword.” Hrunting is bewitched, laid under a spell of +uselessness, along with all other swords.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote22b"></a><a href="#citation22b">{22b}</a> This brown +of swords, evidently meaning burnished, bright, continues to be a favorite +adjective in the popular ballads.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote23a"></a><a href="#citation23a">{23a}</a> After +the killing of the monster and Grendel’s decapitation.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote23b"></a><a href="#citation23b">{23b}</a> Hrothgar.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote23c"></a><a href="#citation23c">{23c}</a> The blade +slowly dissolves in blood-stained drops like icicles.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote23d"></a><a href="#citation23d">{23d}</a> Spear.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote24a"></a><a href="#citation24a">{24a}</a> That is, +“whoever has as wide authority as I have and can remember so far +back so many instances of heroism, may well say, as I say, that no better +hero ever lived than Beowulf.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote25a"></a><a href="#citation25a">{25a}</a> That is, +he is now undefended by conscience from the temptations (shafts) of +the devil.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote25b"></a><a href="#citation25b">{25b}</a> Kenning +for the sun. -- This is a strange role for the raven. He is the warrior’s +bird of battle, exults in slaughter and carnage; his joy here is a compliment +to the sunrise.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote26a"></a><a href="#citation26a">{26a}</a> That is, +he might or might not see Beowulf again. Old as he was, the latter chance +was likely; but he clung to the former, hoping to see his young friend +again “and exchange brave words in the hall.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote27a"></a><a href="#citation27a">{27a}</a> With the +speed of the boat.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote27b"></a><a href="#citation27b">{27b}</a> Queen +to Hygelac. She is praised by contrast with the antitype, Thryth, just +as Beowulf was praised by contrast with Heremod.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote27c"></a><a href="#citation27c">{27c}</a> Kenning +for “wife.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28a"></a><a href="#citation28a">{28a}</a> Beowulf +gives his uncle the king not mere gossip of his journey, but a statesmanlike +forecast of the outcome of certain policies at the Danish court. Talk +of interpolation here is absurd. As both Beowulf and Hygelac know, -- +and the folk for whom the Beowulf was put together also knew, -- Froda +was king of the Heathobards (probably the Langobards, once near neighbors +of Angle and Saxon tribes on the continent), and had fallen in fight +with the Danes. Hrothgar will set aside this feud by giving his daughter +as “peace-weaver” and wife to the young king Ingeld, son +of the slain Froda. But Beowulf, on general principles and from his +observation of the particular case, foretells trouble. Note:</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28b"></a><a href="#citation28b">{28b}</a> Play of +shields, battle. A Danish warrior cuts down Froda in the fight, and +takes his sword and armor, leaving them to a son. This son is selected +to accompany his mistress, the young princess Freawaru, to her new home +when she is Ingeld’s queen. Heedlessly he wears the sword of Froda +in hall. An old warrior points it out to Ingeld, and eggs him on to +vengeance. At his instigation the Dane is killed; but the murderer, +afraid of results, and knowing the land, escapes. So the old feud must +break out again.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28c"></a><a href="#citation28c">{28c}</a> That is, +their disastrous battle and the slaying of their king.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28d"></a><a href="#citation28d">{28d}</a> The sword.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28e"></a><a href="#citation28e">{28e}</a> Beowulf +returns to his forecast. Things might well go somewhat as follows, he +says; sketches a little tragic story; and with this prophecy by illustration +returns to the tale of his adventure.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote28f"></a><a href="#citation28f">{28f}</a> Not an +actual glove, but a sort of bag.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote29a"></a><a href="#citation29a">{29a}</a> Hygelac.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote29b"></a><a href="#citation29b">{29b}</a> This is +generally assumed to mean hides, though the text simply says “seven +thousand.” A hide in England meant about 120 acres, though “the +size of the acre varied.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote29c"></a><a href="#citation29c">{29c}</a> On the +historical raid into Frankish territory between 512 and 520 A.D. The +subsequent course of events, as gathered from hints of this epic, is +partly told in Scandinavian legend.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote29d"></a><a href="#citation29d">{29d}</a> The chronology +of this epic, as scholars have worked it out, would make Beowulf well +over ninety years of age when he fights the dragon. But the fifty years +of his reign need not be taken as historical fact.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote29e"></a><a href="#citation29e">{29e}</a> The text +is here hopelessly illegible, and only the general drift of the meaning +can be rescued. For one thing, we have the old myth of a dragon who +guards hidden treasure. But with this runs the story of some noble, +last of his race, who hides all his wealth within this barrow and there +chants his farewell to life’s glories. After his death the dragon +takes possession of the hoard and watches over it. A condemned or banished +man, desperate, hides in the barrow, discovers the treasure, and while +the dragon sleeps, makes off with a golden beaker or the like, and carries +it for propitiation to his master. The dragon discovers the loss and +exacts fearful penalty from the people round about.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote31a"></a><a href="#citation31a">{31a}</a> Literally +“loan-days,” days loaned to man.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote31b"></a><a href="#citation31b">{31b}</a> Chattuarii, +a tribe that dwelt along the Rhine, and took part in repelling the raid +of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote31c"></a><a href="#citation31c">{31c}</a> Onla, +son of Ongentheow, who pursues his two nephews Eanmund and Eadgils to +Heardred’s court, where they have taken refuge after their unsuccessful +rebellion. In the fighting Heardred is killed.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote32a"></a><a href="#citation32a">{32a}</a> That is, +Beowulf supports Eadgils against Onela, who is slain by Eadgils in revenge +for the “care-paths” of exile into which Onela forced him.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote32b"></a><a href="#citation32b">{32b}</a> That is, +the king could claim no wergild, or man-price, from one son for the +killing of the other.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote32c"></a><a href="#citation32c">{32c}</a> Usual +euphemism for death.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote32d"></a><a href="#citation32d">{32d}</a> Sc. in +the grave.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote33a"></a><a href="#citation33a">{33a}</a> Eofor +for Wulf. -- The immediate provocation for Eofor in killing “the +hoary Scylfing,” Ongentheow, is that the latter has just struck +Wulf down; but the king, Haethcyn, is also avenged by the blow. See +the detailed description below.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote33b"></a><a href="#citation33b">{33b}</a> Hygelac.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote33c"></a><a href="#citation33c">{33c}</a> Shield.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote33d"></a><a href="#citation33d">{33d}</a> The hollow +passage.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote34a"></a><a href="#citation34a">{34a}</a> That is, +although Eanmund was brother’s son to Onela, the slaying of the +former by Weohstan is not felt as cause of feud, and is rewarded by +gift of the slain man’s weapons.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote34b"></a><a href="#citation34b">{34b}</a> Both Wiglaf +and the sword did their duty. -- The following is one of the classic +passages for illustrating the comitatus as the most conspicuous Germanic +institution, and its underlying sense of duty, based partly on the idea +of loyalty and partly on the practical basis of benefits received and +repaid.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote34c"></a><a href="#citation34c">{34c}</a> Sc. “than +to bide safely here,” -- a common figure of incomplete comparison.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote34d"></a><a href="#citation34d">{34d}</a> Wiglaf’s +wooden shield.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote34e"></a><a href="#citation34e">{34e}</a> Gering +would translate “kinsman of the nail,” as both are made +of iron.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote35a"></a><a href="#citation35a">{35a}</a> That is, +swords.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote36a"></a><a href="#citation36a">{36a}</a> Where +Beowulf lay.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote37a"></a><a href="#citation37a">{37a}</a> What had +been left or made by the hammer; well-forged.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote37b"></a><a href="#citation37b">{37b}</a> Trying +to revive him.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38a"></a><a href="#citation38a">{38a}</a> Nothing.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38b"></a><a href="#citation38b">{38b}</a> Dead.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38c"></a><a href="#citation38c">{38c}</a> Death-watch, +guard of honor, “lyke-wake.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38d"></a><a href="#citation38d">{38d}</a> A name +for the Franks.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38e"></a><a href="#citation38e">{38e}</a> Ongentheow.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote38f"></a><a href="#citation38f">{38f}</a> Haethcyn.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote39a"></a><a href="#citation39a">{39a}</a> The line +may mean: till Hrethelings stormed on the hedged shields, -- i.e. the +shield-wall or hedge of defensive war -- Hrethelings, of course, are +Geats.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote39b"></a><a href="#citation39b">{39b}</a> Eofor, +brother to Wulf Wonreding.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote39c"></a><a href="#citation39c">{39c}</a> Sc. “value +in” hides and the weight of the gold.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote39d"></a><a href="#citation39d">{39d}</a> Not at +all.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote39e"></a><a href="#citation39e">{39e}</a> Laid on +it when it was put in the barrow. This spell, or in our days the “curse,” +either prevented discovery or brought dire ills on the finder and taker.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote40a"></a><a href="#citation40a">{40a}</a> Probably +the fugitive is meant who discovered the hoard. Ten Brink and Gering +assume that the dragon is meant. “Hid” may well mean here +“took while in hiding.”</p> + +<p><a name="footnote40b"></a><a href="#citation40b">{40b}</a> That is +“one and a few others.” But Beowulf seems to be indicated.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote40c"></a><a href="#citation40c">{40c}</a> Ten Brink +points out the strongly heathen character of this part of the epic. +Beowulf’s end came, so the old tradition ran, from his unwitting +interference with spell-bound treasure.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote40d"></a><a href="#citation40d">{40d}</a> A hard +saying, variously interpreted. In any case, it is the somewhat clumsy +effort of the Christian poet to tone down the heathenism of his material +by an edifying observation.</p> + +<p><a name="footnote41a"></a><a href="#citation41a">{41a}</a> Nothing +is said of Beowulf’s wife in the poem, but Bugge surmises that +Beowulf finally accepted Hygd’s offer of kingdom and hoard, and, +as was usual, took her into the bargain.</p> + +<div class="GutenbergBlankLines3"><br /><br /><br /></div> + +<p>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, BEOWULF ***</p> + +<pre> + +******This file should be named bwulf11h.htm or bwulf11h.zip****** +Corrected EDITIONS of our EBooks get a new NUMBER, bwulf12h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, bwulf10ah.htm + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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