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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 + +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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