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Beowulf (Hall translation)

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class="titlePage"> <div class="title-main">BEOWULF</div> <div class="title-main" style="font-size: 210%">AN ANGLO-SAXON EPIC POEM</div> <div class="byline" style="font-style: italic"> TRANSLATED<br/>FROM THE HEYNE-SOCIN TEXT</div> <div class="byline"> BY</div> <div class="byline"> <div class="docAuthor">JNO: LESSLIE HALL, Ph. D. (J.H.U.)</div> </div> <div class="byline" style="font-variant:small-caps"> Professor of English and History in The College of William and Mary</div> <div class="docImprint">D.C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS<br/> <span class="small">BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO</span></div> <div class="title-LIC"> Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1892, by<br/> JNO: LESSLIE HALL,<br/> in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</div> <div class="title-dedication"> TO<br/> <span class="gothic">My Wife</span></div> </div> <div class="contents" id="contents"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_v">[v]</span> <p class="contents">CONTENTS.</p> <ul><li><span class="tocpagehdr">page</span></li> <li><SPAN name="C.PREFACE" href="#PREFACE">Preface </SPAN><SPAN href="#page_vii" class="tocpagenum">vii</SPAN></li> <li><SPAN name="C.BIBLIOGRAPHY" href="#BIBLIOGRAPHY">Bibliography of Translations </SPAN><SPAN href="#page_xi" class="tocpagenum">xi</SPAN></li> <li><SPAN name="C.GLOSSARY" href="#GLOSSARY">Glossary of Proper Names </SPAN><SPAN href="#page_xiii" class="tocpagenum">xiii</SPAN></li> <li><SPAN name="C.LISTOFWORDS" href="#LISTOFWORDS">List of Words and Phrases not in General Use </SPAN><SPAN href="#page_xviii" class="tocpagenum">xviii</SPAN></li> <li>The Life and Death of Scyld <SPAN name="C.I" href="#I"> (I.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_1" class="tocpagenum">1</SPAN></li> <li>Scyld’s Successors <SPAN name="C.II" href="#II"> (II.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_3" class="tocpagenum">3</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar’s Great Mead-Hall</li> <li>Grendel, the Murderer <SPAN name="C.III" href="#III"> (III.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_5" class="tocpagenum">5</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf Goes to Hrothgar’s Assistance <SPAN name="C.IV" href="#IV"> (IV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_8" class="tocpagenum">8</SPAN></li> <li>The Geats Reach Heorot <SPAN name="C.V" href="#V"> (V.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_10" class="tocpagenum">10</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf Introduces Himself at the Palace <SPAN name="C.VI" href="#VI"> (VI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_12" class="tocpagenum">12</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar and Beowulf <SPAN name="C.VII" href="#VII"> (VII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_14" class="tocpagenum">14</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar and Beowulf (continued) <SPAN name="C.VIII" href="#VIII"> (VIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_17" class="tocpagenum">17</SPAN></li> <li>Unferth Taunts Beowulf <SPAN name="C.IX" href="#IX"> (IX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_19" class="tocpagenum">19</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf Silences Unferth <SPAN name="C.X" href="#X"> (X.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_21" class="tocpagenum">21</SPAN></li> <li>Glee is High</li> <li>All Sleep save One <SPAN name="C.XI" href="#XI"> (XI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_24" class="tocpagenum">24</SPAN></li> <li>Grendel and Beowulf <SPAN name="C.XII" href="#XII"> (XII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_26" class="tocpagenum">26</SPAN></li> <li>Grendel is Vanquished <SPAN name="C.XIII" href="#XIII"> (XIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_28" class="tocpagenum">28</SPAN></li> <li>Rejoicing of the Danes <SPAN name="C.XIV" href="#XIV"> (XIV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_30" class="tocpagenum">30</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar’s Gratitude <SPAN name="C.XV" href="#XV"> (XV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_33" class="tocpagenum">33</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar Lavishes Gifts upon his Deliverer <SPAN name="C.XVI" href="#XVI"> (XVI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_35" class="tocpagenum">35</SPAN></li> <li>Banquet (continued) <SPAN name="C.XVII" href="#XVII"> (XVII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_37" class="tocpagenum">37</SPAN></li> <li>The Scop’s Song of Finn and Hnæf</li> <li>The Finn Episode (continued) <SPAN name="C.XVIII" href="#XVIII"> (XVIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_39" class="tocpagenum">39</SPAN></li> <li>The Banquet Continues</li> <li>Beowulf Receives Further Honor <SPAN name="C.XIX" href="#XIX"> (XIX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_41" class="tocpagenum">41</SPAN></li> <li>The Mother of Grendel <SPAN name="C.XX" href="#XX"> (XX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_44" class="tocpagenum">44</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar’s Account of the Monsters <SPAN name="C.XXI" href="#XXI"> (XXI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_46" class="tocpagenum">46</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf Seeks Grendel’s Mother <SPAN name="C.XXII" href="#XXII"> (XXII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_48" class="tocpagenum">48</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother <SPAN name="C.XXIII" href="#XXIII"> (XXIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_51" class="tocpagenum">51</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf is Double-Conqueror <SPAN name="C.XXIV" href="#XXIV"> (XXIV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_53" class="tocpagenum">53</SPAN></li> <li> <span class="pagenum" id="page_vi">[vi]</span> Beowulf Brings his Trophies <SPAN name="C.XXV" href="#XXV"> (XXV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_57" class="tocpagenum">57</SPAN></li> <li>Hrothgar’s Gratitude</li> <li>Hrothgar Moralizes <SPAN name="C.XXVI" href="#XXVI"> (XXVI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_60" class="tocpagenum">60</SPAN></li> <li>Rest after Labor</li> <li>Sorrow at Parting <SPAN name="C.XXVII" href="#XXVII"> (XXVII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_62" class="tocpagenum">62</SPAN></li> <li>The Homeward Journey <SPAN name="C.XXVIII" href="#XXVIII"> (XXVIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_64" class="tocpagenum">64</SPAN></li> <li>The Two Queens</li> <li>Beowulf and Higelac <SPAN name="C.XXIX" href="#XXIX"> (XXIX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_67" class="tocpagenum">67</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf Narrates his Adventures to Higelac <SPAN name="C.XXX" href="#XXX"> (XXX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_69" class="tocpagenum">69</SPAN></li> <li>Gift-Giving is Mutual <SPAN name="C.XXXI" href="#XXXI"> (XXXI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_73" class="tocpagenum">73</SPAN></li> <li>The Hoard and the Dragon <SPAN name="C.XXXII" href="#XXXII"> (XXXII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_75" class="tocpagenum">75</SPAN></li> <li>Brave Though Aged <SPAN name="C.XXXIII" href="#XXXIII"> (XXXIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_78" class="tocpagenum">78</SPAN></li> <li>Reminiscences</li> <li>Beowulf Seeks the Dragon <SPAN name="C.XXXIV" href="#XXXIV"> (XXXIV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_81" class="tocpagenum">81</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf’s Reminiscences</li> <li>Reminiscences (continued) <SPAN name="C.XXXV" href="#XXXV"> (XXXV.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_83" class="tocpagenum">83</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf’s Last Battle</li> <li>Wiglaf the Trusty <SPAN name="C.XXXVI" href="#XXXVI"> (XXXVI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_88" class="tocpagenum">88</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf is Deserted by Friends and by Sword</li> <li>The Fatal Struggle <SPAN name="C.XXXVII" href="#XXXVII"> (XXXVII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_91" class="tocpagenum">91</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf’s Last Moments</li> <li>Wiglaf Plunders the Dragon’s Den <SPAN name="C.XXXVIII" href="#XXXVIII"> (XXXVIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_93" class="tocpagenum">93</SPAN></li> <li>Beowulf’s Death</li> <li>The Dead Foes <SPAN name="C.XXXIX" href="#XXXIX"> (XXXIX.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_95" class="tocpagenum">95</SPAN></li> <li>Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts</li> <li>The Messenger of Death <SPAN name="C.XL" href="#XL"> (XL.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_97" class="tocpagenum">97</SPAN></li> <li>The Messenger’s Retrospect <SPAN name="C.XLI" href="#XLI"> (XLI.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_99" class="tocpagenum">99</SPAN></li> <li>Wiglaf’s Sad Story <SPAN name="C.XLII" href="#XLII"> (XLII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_103" class="tocpagenum">103</SPAN></li> <li>The Hoard Carried Off</li> <li>The Burning of Beowulf <SPAN name="C.XLIII" href="#XLIII"> (XLIII.)</SPAN><SPAN href="#page_106" class="tocpagenum">106</SPAN></li> <li><SPAN name="C.ADDENDA" href="#ADDENDA">Addenda </SPAN><SPAN href="#page_109" class="tocpagenum">109</SPAN></li> </ul></div> <div id="PREFACE" class="div1"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_vii">[vii]</span> <h2><SPAN href="#C.PREFACE">PREFACE.</SPAN></h2> <div class="div2"> <p><span class="sc">The</span> present work is a modest effort to reproduce approximately, in modern measures, the venerable epic, Beowulf. <i>Approximately</i>, I repeat; for a very close reproduction of Anglo-Saxon verse would, to a large extent, be prose to a modern ear.</p> <p>The Heyne-Socin text and glossary have been closely followed. Occasionally a deviation has been made, but always for what seemed good and sufficient reason. The translator does not aim to be an editor. Once in a while, however, he has added a conjecture of his own to the emendations quoted from the criticisms of other students of the poem.</p> <p>This work is addressed to two classes of readers. From both of these alike the translator begs sympathy and co-operation. The Anglo-Saxon scholar he hopes to please by adhering faithfully to the original. The student of English literature he aims to interest by giving him, in modern garb, the most ancient epic of our race. This is a bold and venturesome undertaking; and yet there must be some students of the Teutonic past willing to follow even a daring guide, if they may read in modern phrases of the sorrows of Hrothgar, of the prowess of Beowulf, and of the feelings that stirred the hearts of our forefathers in their primeval homes.</p> <p>In order to please the larger class of readers, a regular cadence has been used, a measure which, while retaining the essential characteristics of the original, permits the reader to see ahead of him in reading.</p> <p>Perhaps every Anglo-Saxon scholar has his own theory as to how Beowulf should be translated. Some have given us prose versions of what we believe to be a great poem. Is it any reflection on our honored Kemble and Arnold to say that their translations fail to show a layman that Beowulf is justly called our first <i>epic</i>? Of those translators who have used verse, several have written <span class="pagenum" id="page_viii">[viii]</span> from what would seem a mistaken point of view. Is it proper, for instance, that the grave and solemn speeches of Beowulf and Hrothgar be put in ballad measures, tripping lightly and airily along? Or, again, is it fitting that the rough martial music of Anglo-Saxon verse be interpreted to us in the smooth measures of modern blank verse? Do we hear what has been beautifully called “the clanging tread of a warrior in mail”?</p> <p>Of all English translations of Beowulf, that of Professor Garnett alone gives any adequate idea of the chief characteristics of this great Teutonic epic.</p> <p>The measure used in the present translation is believed to be as near a reproduction of the original as modern English affords. The cadences closely resemble those used by Browning in some of his most striking poems. The four stresses of the Anglo-Saxon verse are retained, and as much thesis and anacrusis is allowed as is consistent with a regular cadence. Alliteration has been used to a large extent; but it was thought that modern ears would hardly tolerate it on every line. End-rhyme has been used occasionally; internal rhyme, sporadically. Both have some warrant in Anglo-Saxon poetry. (For end-rhyme, see <SPAN href="#L.I.53">1 <span class="smaller">53</span></SPAN>, <SPAN href="#L.I.54">1 <span class="smaller">54</span></SPAN>; for internal rhyme, <SPAN href="#L.II.21">2 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>, <SPAN href="#L.VI.40">6 <span class="smaller">40</span></SPAN>.)</p> <p>What Gummere<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#PREFACE.FNDEF.1" title="Handbook of Poetics, page 175, 1st edition." id="PREFACE.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> calls the “rime-giver” has been studiously kept; <i>viz.</i>, the first accented syllable in the second half-verse always carries the alliteration; and the last accented syllable alliterates only sporadically. Alternate alliteration is occasionally used as in the original. (See <SPAN href="#L.VII.61">7 <span class="smaller">61</span></SPAN>, <SPAN href="#L.VIII.5">8 <span class="smaller">5</span></SPAN>.)</p> <p>No two accented syllables have been brought together, except occasionally after a cæsural pause. (See <SPAN href="#L.II.19">2 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN> and <SPAN href="#L.XII.1">12 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>.) Or, scientifically speaking, Sievers’s C type has been avoided as not consonant with the plan of translation. Several of his types, however, constantly occur; <i>e.g.</i> A and a variant (/ x | / x) (/ x x | / x); B and a variant (x / | x / ) (x x / | x / ); a variant of D (/ x | / x x); E (/ x x | / ). Anacrusis gives further variety to the types used in the translation.</p> <p>The parallelisms of the original have been faithfully preserved. (<i>E.g.</i>, <SPAN href="#L.I.16">1 <span class="smaller">16</span></SPAN> and <SPAN href="#L.I.17">1 <span class="smaller">17</span></SPAN>: “Lord” and “Wielder of Glory”; <SPAN href="#L.I.30">1 <span class="smaller">30</span></SPAN>, <SPAN href="#L.I.31">1 <span class="smaller">31</span></SPAN>, <SPAN href="#L.I.32">1 <span class="smaller">32</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.II.12">2 <span class="smaller">12</span></SPAN> and <SPAN href="#L.II.13">2 <span class="smaller">13</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.II.27">2 <span class="smaller">27</span></SPAN> and <SPAN href="#L.II.28">2 <span class="smaller">28</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.5">3 <span class="smaller">5</span></SPAN> and <SPAN href="#L.III.6">3 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>.) Occasionally, some loss has been sustained; but, on the other hand, a gain has here and there been made.</p> <p>The effort has been made to give a decided flavor of archaism to the translation. All words not in keeping with the spirit of the poem have been <span class="pagenum" id="page_ix">[ix]</span> avoided. Again, though many archaic words have been used, there are none, it is believed, which are not found in standard modern poetry.</p> <p>With these preliminary remarks, it will not be amiss to give an outline of the story of the poem.</p> </div> <div class="div2"> <h2><i>THE STORY.</i></h2> <p><i>Hrothgar, king of the Danes, or Scyldings, builds a great mead-hall, or palace, in which he hopes to feast his liegemen and to give them presents. The joy of king and retainers is, however, of short duration. Grendel, the monster, is seized with hateful jealousy. He cannot brook the sounds of joyance that reach him down in his fen-dwelling near the hall. Oft and anon he goes to the joyous building, bent on direful mischief. Thane after thane is ruthlessly carried off and devoured, while no one is found strong enough and bold enough to cope with the monster. For twelve years he persecutes Hrothgar and his vassals.</i></p> <p><i>Over sea, a day’s voyage off, Beowulf, of the Geats, nephew of Higelac, king of the Geats, hears of Grendel’s doings and of Hrothgar’s misery. He resolves to crush the fell monster and relieve the aged king. With fourteen chosen companions, he sets sail for Dane-land. Reaching that country, he soon persuades Hrothgar of his ability to help him. The hours that elapse before night are spent in beer-drinking and conversation. When Hrothgar’s bedtime comes he leaves the hall in charge of Beowulf, telling him that never before has he given to another the absolute wardship of his palace. All retire to rest, Beowulf, as it were, sleeping upon his arms.</i></p> <p><i>Grendel comes, the great march-stepper, bearing God’s anger. He seizes and kills one of the sleeping warriors. Then he advances towards Beowulf. A fierce and desperate hand-to-hand struggle ensues. No arms are used, both combatants trusting to strength and hand-grip. Beowulf tears Grendel’s shoulder from its socket, and the monster retreats to his den, howling and yelling with agony and fury. The wound is fatal.</i></p> <p><i>The next morning, at early dawn, warriors in numbers flock to the hall Heorot, to hear the news. Joy is boundless. Glee runs high. Hrothgar and his retainers are lavish of gratitude and of gifts.</i></p> <p><i>Grendel’s mother, however, comes the next night to avenge his death. She is furious and raging. While Beowulf is sleeping in a room somewhat apart <span class="pagenum" id="page_x">[x]</span> from the quarters of the other warriors, she seizes one of Hrothgar’s favorite counsellors, and carries him off and devours him. Beowulf is called. Determined to leave Heorot entirely purified, he arms himself, and goes down to look for the female monster. After traveling through the waters many hours, he meets her near the sea-bottom. She drags him to her den. There he sees Grendel lying dead. After a desperate and almost fatal struggle with the woman, he slays her, and swims upward in triumph, taking with him Grendel’s head.</i></p> <p><i>Joy is renewed at Heorot. Congratulations crowd upon the victor. Hrothgar literally pours treasures into the lap of Beowulf; and it is agreed among the vassals of the king that Beowulf will be their next liegelord.</i></p> <p><i>Beowulf leaves Dane-land. Hrothgar weeps and laments at his departure.</i></p> <p><i>When the hero arrives in his own land, Higelac treats him as a distinguished guest. He is the hero of the hour.</i></p> <p><i>Beowulf subsequently becomes king of his own people, the Geats. After he has been ruling for fifty years, his own neighborhood is wofully harried by a fire-spewing dragon. Beowulf determines to kill him. In the ensuing struggle both Beowulf and the dragon are slain. The grief of the Geats is inexpressible. They determine, however, to leave nothing undone to honor the memory of their lord. A great funeral-pyre is built, and his body is burnt. Then a memorial-barrow is made, visible from a great distance, that sailors afar may be constantly reminded of the prowess of the national hero of Geatland.</i></p> <p><i>The poem closes with a glowing tribute to his bravery, his gentleness, his goodness of heart, and his generosity.</i></p> </div> <div class="div2"> <hr /> <p>It is the devout desire of this translator to hasten the day when the story of Beowulf shall be as familiar to English-speaking peoples as that of the Iliad. Beowulf is our first great epic. It is an epitomized history of the life of the Teutonic races. It brings vividly before us our forefathers of pre-Alfredian eras, in their love of war, of sea, and of adventure.</p> <p>My special thanks are due to Professors Francis A. March and James A. Harrison, for advice, sympathy, and assistance.</p> <p class="signature"> J.L. HALL.</p> </div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="PREFACE.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#PREFACE.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Handbook of Poetics, page 175, 1st edition.</div> </div></div> <div id="ABBREVIATIONS" class="div1"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xi">[xi]</span> <h2>ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE NOTES.</h2> <p>B. = Bugge. C. = Cosijn. Gr. = Grein. Grdvtg. = Grundtvig. H. = Heyne. H. and S. = Harrison and Sharp. H.-So. = Heyne-Socin. K.= Kemble. Kl. = Kluge. M.= Müllenhoff. R. = Rieger. S. = Sievers. Sw. = Sweet. t.B. = ten Brink. Th. = Thorpe. W. = Wülcker.</p> <hr /></div> <div id="BIBLIOGRAPHY" class="div1"> <h2><SPAN href="#C.BIBLIOGRAPHY">BIBLIOGRAPHY OF TRANSLATIONS.</SPAN></h2> <p><b>Arnold, Thomas.</b>—Beowulf. A heroic poem of the eighth century. London, 1876. With English translation. Prose.</p> <p><b>Botkine, L.</b>—<span class="fr" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Beowulf. Epopée Anglo-Saxonne.</span> Havre, 1877. First French translation. Passages occasionally omitted.</p> <p><b>Conybeare, J.J.</b>—Illustrations of Anglo-Saxon Poetry. London, 1826. Full Latin translation, and some passages translated into English blank-verse.</p> <p><b>Ettmuller, L.</b>—<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">Beowulf, stabreimend übersetzt. Zürich, 1840.</span></p> <p><b>Garnett, J.M.</b>—Beowulf: an Anglo-Saxon Poem, and the Fight at Finnsburg. Boston, 1882. An accurate line-for-line translation, using alliteration occasionally, and sometimes assuming a metrical cadence.</p> <p><b>Grein, C.W.M.</b>—<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">Dichtungen der Angelsachsen, stabreimend übersetzt. 2 Bde.</span> Göttingen, 1857-59.</p> <p><b>Grion, Giusto.</b>—<span class="it" lang="it" xml:lang="it">Beovulf, poema epico anglo-sassone del VII. secolo, tradotto e illustrato. Lucca, 1883. First Italian translation.</span></p> <p><b>Grundtvig, N.F.S.</b>—<span class="da" lang="da" xml:lang="da">Bjowulfs Drape. Copenhagen, 1820.</span></p> <p><b>Heyne, M.</b>—A translation in iambic measures. Paderborn, 1863.</p> <p><b>Kemble, J.M.</b>—The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Traveller’s Song, and the Battle of Finnsburg. London, 1833. The second edition contains a prose translation of Beowulf.</p> <p><b>Leo, H.</b>—<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">Ueber Beowulf.</span> Halle, 1839. Translations of extracts.</p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xii">[xii]</span> <p><b>Lumsden, H.W.</b>—Beowulf, translated into modern rhymes. London, 1881. Ballad measures. Passages occasionally omitted.</p> <p><b>Sandras, G.S.</b>—<span class="la" lang="la" xml:lang="la">De carminibus Cædmoni adjudicatis.</span> Paris, 1859. An extract from Beowulf, with Latin translation.</p> <p><b>Schaldmose, F.</b>—<span class="da" lang="da" xml:lang="da">Beowulf og Scopes Widsith, to Angelsaxiske Digte.</span> Copenhagen, 1847.</p> <p><b>Simrock, K.</b>—<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">Beowulf. Uebersetzt und erläutert. Stuttgart und Augsburg, 1859.</span> Alliterative measures.</p> <p><b>Thorkelin, G.J.</b>—<span class="la" lang="la" xml:lang="la">De Danorum rebus gestis secul. III. et IV. poema Danicum dialecto Anglosaxonica. Havniæ, 1815.</span> Latin translation.</p> <p><b>Thorpe, B.</b>—The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Scôp or Gleeman’s Tale, and the Fight at Finnsburg. Oxford, 1855. English translation in short lines, generally containing two stresses.</p> <p><b>Wackerbarth, A.D.</b>—Beowulf, translated into English verse. London, 1849.</p> <p><b>Wickberg, R.</b>—<span class="se" lang="se" xml:lang="se">Beowulf, en <span class="corr" title="original: fornengelek">fornengelsk</span> hjeltedikt, öfersatt. <span class="corr" title="original: Westevvik">Westervik</span>.</span> First Swedish translation.</p> <p><b>von Wolzogen, H.</b>—Beowulf, in alliterative measures. Leipzig.</p> <p><b>Zinsser, G.</b>—<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">Der Kampf Beowulfs mit Grendel.</span> Jahresbericht of the Realschule at Forbach, 1881.</p> </div> <div id="GLOSSARY" class="div1"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xiii">[xiii]</span> <h2><SPAN href="#C.GLOSSARY">GLOSSARY OF PROPER NAMES.</SPAN></h2> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center"> [The figures refer to the divisions of the poem in which the respective names occur. The large figures refer to fitts, the small, to lines in the fitts.]</p> <hr /> <p><b>Ælfhere</b>.—A kinsman of Wiglaf.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.3">36 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Æschere</b>.—Confidential friend of King Hrothgar. Elder brother of Yrmenlaf. Killed by Grendel.—<SPAN href="#L.XXI.3">21 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXX.89">30 <span class="smaller">89</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Beanstan</b>.—Father of Breca.—<SPAN href="#L.IX.26">9 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Beowulf</b>.—Son of Scyld, the founder of the dynasty of Scyldings. Father of Healfdene, and grandfather of Hrothgar.—<SPAN href="#L.I.18">1 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.II.1">2 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Beowulf</b>.—The hero of the poem. Sprung from the stock of Geats, son of Ecgtheow. Brought up by his maternal grandfather Hrethel, and figuring in manhood as a devoted liegeman of his uncle Higelac. A hero from his youth. Has the strength of thirty men. Engages in a swimming-match with Breca. Goes to the help of Hrothgar against the monster Grendel. Vanquishes Grendel and his mother. Afterwards becomes king of the Geats. Late in life attempts to kill a fire-spewing dragon, and is slain. Is buried with great honors. His memorial mound.—<SPAN href="#L.VI.26">6 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VII.2">7 <span class="smaller">2</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VII.9">7 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IX.3">9 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IX.8">9 <span class="smaller">8</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XII.28">12 <span class="smaller">28</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XII.43">12 <span class="smaller">43</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXIII.1">23 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>, etc.</p> <p><b>Breca</b>.—Beowulf’s opponent in the famous swimming-match.—<SPAN href="#L.IX.8">9 <span class="smaller">8</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IX.19">9 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IX.21">9 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IX.22">9 <span class="smaller">22</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Brondings</b>.—A people ruled by Breca.—<SPAN href="#L.IX.23">9 <span class="smaller">23</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Brosinga mene</b>.—A famous collar once owned by the Brosings.—<SPAN href="#L.XIX.7">19 <span class="smaller">7</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Cain</b>.—Progenitor of Grendel and other monsters.—<SPAN href="#L.II.56">2 <span class="smaller">56</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XX.11">20 <span class="smaller">11</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Dæghrefn</b>.—A warrior of the Hugs, killed by Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.40">35 <span class="smaller">40</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Danes</b>.—Subjects of Scyld and his descendants, and hence often called Scyldings. Other names for them are Victory-Scyldings, Honor-Scyldings, Armor-Danes, Bright-Danes, East-Danes, West-Danes, North-Danes, South-Danes, Ingwins, Hrethmen.—<SPAN href="#L.I.1">1 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.II.1">2 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.2">3 <span class="smaller">2</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.V.14">5 <span class="smaller">14</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VII.1">7 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>, etc.</p> <p><b>Ecglaf</b>.—Father of Unferth, who taunts Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.IX.1">9 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ecgtheow</b>.—Father of Beowulf, the hero of the poem. A widely-known Wægmunding warrior. Marries Hrethel’s daughter. After slaying Heatholaf, a Wylfing, he flees his country.—<SPAN href="#L.VII.3">7 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.V.6">5 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.4">8 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ecgwela</b>.—A king of the Danes before Scyld.—<SPAN href="#L.XXV.60">25 <span class="smaller">60</span></SPAN>.</p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xiv">[xiv]</span> <p><b>Elan</b>.—Sister of Hrothgar, and probably wife of Ongentheow, king of the Swedes.—<SPAN href="#L.II.10">2 <span class="smaller">10</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eagle Cape</b>.—A promontory in Geat-land, under which took place Beowulf’s last encounter.—<SPAN href="#L.XLI.87">41 <span class="smaller">87</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eadgils</b>.—Son of Ohthere and brother of Eanmund.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.2">34 <span class="smaller">2</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eanmund</b>.—Son of Ohthere and brother of Eadgils. The reference to these brothers is vague, and variously understood. Heyne supposes as follows: Raising a revolt against their father, they are obliged to leave Sweden. They go to the land of the Geats; with what intention, is not known, but probably to conquer and plunder. The Geatish king, Heardred, is slain by one of the brothers, probably Eanmund.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.10">36 <span class="smaller">10</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXI.54">31 <span class="smaller">54</span></SPAN> to <SPAN href="#L.XXXI.60">31 <span class="smaller">60</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXIII.66">33 <span class="smaller">66</span></SPAN> to <SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.6">34 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eofor</b>.—A Geatish hero who slays Ongentheow in war, and is rewarded by Hygelac with the hand of his only daughter.—<SPAN href="#L.XLI.18">41 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XLI.48">41 <span class="smaller">48</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eormenric</b>.—A Gothic king, from whom Hama took away the famous Brosinga mene.—<SPAN href="#L.XIX.9">19 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Eomær</b>.—Son of Offa and Thrytho, king and queen of the Angles.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.69">28 <span class="smaller">69</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Finn</b>.—King of the North-Frisians and the Jutes. Marries Hildeburg. At his court takes place the horrible slaughter in which the Danish general, Hnæf, fell. Later on, Finn himself is slain by Danish warriors.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.18">17 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.30">17 <span class="smaller">30</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.44">17 <span class="smaller">44</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.4">18 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.23">18 <span class="smaller">23</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Fin-land</b>.—The country to which Beowulf was driven by the currents in his swimming-match.—<SPAN href="#L.X.22">10 <span class="smaller">22</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Fitela</b>.—Son and nephew of King Sigemund, whose praises are sung in XIV.—<SPAN href="#L.XIV.42">14 <span class="smaller">42</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XIV.53">14 <span class="smaller">53</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Folcwalda</b>.—Father of Finn.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.38">17 <span class="smaller">38</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Franks</b>.—Introduced occasionally in referring to the death of Higelac.—<SPAN href="#L.XIX.19">19 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.21">40 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.24">40 <span class="smaller">24</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Frisians</b>.—A part of them are ruled by Finn. Some of them were engaged in the struggle in which Higelac was slain.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.20">17 <span class="smaller">20</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.42">17 <span class="smaller">42</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.52">17 <span class="smaller">52</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.21">40 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Freaware</b>.—Daughter of King Hrothgar. Married to Ingeld, a Heathobard prince.—<SPAN href="#L.XXIX.60">29 <span class="smaller">60</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXX.32">30 <span class="smaller">32</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Froda</b>.—King of the Heathobards, and father of Ingeld.—<SPAN href="#L.XXIX.62">29 <span class="smaller">62</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Garmund</b>.—Father of Offa.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.71">28 <span class="smaller">71</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Geats, Geatmen</b>.—The race to which the hero of the poem belongs. Also called Weder-Geats, or Weders, War-Geats, Sea-Geats. They are ruled by Hrethel, Hæthcyn, Higelac, and Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.IV.7">4 <span class="smaller">7</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VII.4">7 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.X.45">10 <span class="smaller">45</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XI.8">11 <span class="smaller">8</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVII.14">27 <span class="smaller">14</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.8">28 <span class="smaller">8</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Gepids</b>.—Named in connection with the Danes and Swedes.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.34">35 <span class="smaller">34</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Grendel</b>.—A monster of the race of Cain. Dwells in the fens and moors. Is furiously envious when he hears sounds of joy in Hrothgar’s palace. Causes the king untold agony for years. Is finally conquered by Beowulf, and dies of his wound. His hand and arm are hung up in Hrothgar’s hall Heorot. His head is cut off by Beowulf when he goes down to fight with Grendel’s mother.—<SPAN href="#L.II.50">2 <span class="smaller">50</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.1">3 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.13">3 <span class="smaller">13</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.19">8 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XI.17">11 <span class="smaller">17</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XII.2">12 <span class="smaller">2</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XIII.27">13 <span class="smaller">27</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XV.3">15 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Guthlaf</b>.—A Dane of Hnæf’s party.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.24">18 <span class="smaller">24</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Half-Danes</b>.—Branch of the Danes to which Hnæf belonged.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.19">17 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>.</p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xv">[xv]</span> <p><b>Halga</b>.—Surnamed the Good. Younger brother of Hrothgar.—<SPAN href="#L.II.9">2 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hama</b>.—Takes the Brosinga mene from Eormenric.—<SPAN href="#L.XIX.7">19 <span class="smaller">7</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hæreth</b>.—Father of Higelac’s queen, Hygd.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.39">28 <span class="smaller">39</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXIX.18">29 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hæthcyn</b>.—Son of Hrethel and brother of Higelac. Kills his brother Herebeald accidentally. Is slain at Ravenswood, fighting against Ongentheow.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.43">34 <span class="smaller">43</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXV.23">35 <span class="smaller">23</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.32">40 <span class="smaller">32</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Helmings</b>.—The race to which Queen Wealhtheow belonged.—<SPAN href="#L.X.63">10 <span class="smaller">63</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heming</b>.—A kinsman of Garmund, perhaps nephew.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.54">28 <span class="smaller">54</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.70">28 <span class="smaller">70</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hengest</b>.—A Danish leader. Takes command on the fall of Hnæf.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.33">17 <span class="smaller">33</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.41">17 <span class="smaller">41</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Herebeald</b>.—Eldest son of Hrethel, the Geatish king, and brother of Higelac. Killed by his younger brother Hæthcyn.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.43">34 <span class="smaller">43</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.47">34 <span class="smaller">47</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heremod</b>.—A Danish king of a dynasty before the Scylding line. Was a source of great sorrow to his people.—<SPAN href="#L.XIV.64">14 <span class="smaller">64</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXV.59">25 <span class="smaller">59</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hereric</b>.—Referred to as uncle of Heardred, but otherwise unknown.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXI.60">31 <span class="smaller">60</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hetwars</b>.—Another name for the Franks.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXIII.51">33 <span class="smaller">51</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Healfdene</b>.—Grandson of Scyld and father of Hrothgar. Ruled the Danes long and well.—<SPAN href="#L.II.5">2 <span class="smaller">5</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IV.1">4 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.14">8 <span class="smaller">14</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heardred</b>.—Son of Higelac and Hygd, king and queen of the Geats. Succeeds his father, with Beowulf as regent. Is slain by the sons of Ohthere.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXI.56">31 <span class="smaller">56</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXIII.63">33 <span class="smaller">63</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXIII.75">33 <span class="smaller">75</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heathobards</b>.—Race of Lombards, of which Froda is king. After Froda falls in battle with the Danes, Ingeld, his son, marries Hrothgar’s daughter, Freaware, in order to heal the feud.—<SPAN href="#L.XXX.1">30 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXX.6">30 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heatholaf</b>.—A Wylfing warrior slain by Beowulf’s father.—<SPAN href="#L.VIII.5">8 <span class="smaller">5</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heathoremes</b>.—The people on whose shores Breca is cast by the waves during his contest with Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.IX.21">9 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heorogar</b>.—Elder brother of Hrothgar, and surnamed ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Weoroda Ræswa</span>,’ Prince of the Troopers.—<SPAN href="#L.II.9">2 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.12">8 <span class="smaller">12</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hereward</b>.—Son of the above.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXI.17">31 <span class="smaller">17</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Heort</b>, <b>Heorot</b>.—The great mead-hall which King Hrothgar builds. It is invaded by Grendel for twelve years. Finally cleansed by Beowulf, the Geat. It is called Heort on account of the hart-antlers which decorate it.—<SPAN href="#L.II.25">2 <span class="smaller">25</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.32">3 <span class="smaller">32</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.III.52">3 <span class="smaller">52</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hildeburg</b>.—Wife of Finn, daughter of Hoce, and related to Hnæf,—probably his sister.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.21">17 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.34">18 <span class="smaller">34</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hnæf</b>.—Leader of a branch of the Danes called Half-Danes. Killed in the struggle at Finn’s castle.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.19">17 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.61">17 <span class="smaller">61</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hondscio</b>.—One of Beowulf’s companions. Killed by Grendel just before Beowulf grappled with that monster.—<SPAN href="#L.XXX.43">30 <span class="smaller">43</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hoce</b>.—Father of Hildeburg and probably of Hnæf.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.26">17 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrethel</b>.—King of the Geats, father of Higelac, and grandfather of Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.VII.4">7 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXIV.39">34 <span class="smaller">39</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrethla</b>.—Once used for Hrethel.—<SPAN href="#L.VII.82">7 <span class="smaller">82</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrethmen</b>.—Another name for the Danes.—<SPAN href="#L.VII.73">7 <span class="smaller">73</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrethric</b>.—Son of Hrothgar.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.65">18 <span class="smaller">65</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVII.19">27 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>.</p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xvi">[xvi]</span> <p><b>Hreosna-beorh</b>.—A promontory in Geat-land, near which Ohthere’s sons made plundering raids.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.18">35 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrothgar</b>.—The Danish king who built the hall Heort, but was long unable to enjoy it on account of Grendel’s persecutions. Marries Wealhtheow, a Helming lady. Has two sons and a daughter. Is a typical Teutonic king, lavish of gifts. A devoted liegelord, as his lamentations over slain liegemen prove. Also very appreciative of kindness, as is shown by his loving gratitude to Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.II.9">2 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.II.12">2 <span class="smaller">12</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.IV.1">4 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.10">8 <span class="smaller">10</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XV.1">15 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; etc., etc.</p> <p><b>Hrothmund</b>.—Son of Hrothgar.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.65">18 <span class="smaller">65</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrothulf</b>.—Probably a son of Halga, younger brother of Hrothgar. Certainly on terms of close intimacy in Hrothgar’s palace.—<SPAN href="#L.XVI.26">16 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.57">18 <span class="smaller">57</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hrunting</b>.—Unferth’s sword, lent to Beowulf.—<SPAN href="#L.XXII.71">22 <span class="smaller">71</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXV.9">25 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hugs</b>.—A race in alliance with the Franks and Frisians at the time of Higelac’s fall.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.41">35 <span class="smaller">41</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hun</b>.—A Frisian warrior, probably general of the Hetwars. Gives Hengest a beautiful sword.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.19">18 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hunferth</b>.—Sometimes used for Unferth.</p> <p><b>Hygelac</b>, <b>Higelac</b>.—King of the Geats, uncle and liegelord of Beowulf, the hero of the poem.—His second wife is the lovely Hygd, daughter of Hæreth. The son of their union is Heardred. Is slain in a war with the Hugs, Franks, and Frisians combined. Beowulf is regent, and afterwards king of the Geats.—<SPAN href="#L.IV.6">4 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.V.4">5 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.34">28 <span class="smaller">34</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXIX.9">29 <span class="smaller">9</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXIX.21">29 <span class="smaller">21</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXI.56">31 <span class="smaller">56</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Hygd</b>.—Wife of Higelac, and daughter of Hæreth. There are some indications that she married Beowulf after she became a widow.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.37">28 <span class="smaller">37</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ingeld</b>.—Son of the Heathobard king, Froda. Marries Hrothgar’s daughter, Freaware, in order to reconcile the two peoples.—<SPAN href="#L.XXIX.62">29 <span class="smaller">62</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXX.32">30 <span class="smaller">32</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ingwins</b>.—Another name for the Danes.—<SPAN href="#L.XVI.52">16 <span class="smaller">52</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XX.69">20 <span class="smaller">69</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Jutes</b>.—Name sometimes applied to Finn’s people.—<SPAN href="#L.XVII.22">17 <span class="smaller">22</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVII.38">17 <span class="smaller">38</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.17">18 <span class="smaller">17</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Lafing</b>.—Name of a famous sword presented to Hengest by Hun.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.19">18 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Merewing</b>.—A Frankish king, probably engaged in the war in which Higelac was slain.—<SPAN href="#L.XL.29">40 <span class="smaller">29</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Nægling</b>.—Beowulf’s sword.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.76">36 <span class="smaller">76</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Offa</b>.—King of the Angles, and son of Garmund. Marries the terrible Thrytho who is so strongly contrasted with Hygd.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.59">28 <span class="smaller">59</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.66">28 <span class="smaller">66</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ohthere</b>.—Son of Ongentheow, king of the Swedes. He is father of Eanmund and Eadgils.—<SPAN href="#L.XL.35">40 <span class="smaller">35</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.39">40 <span class="smaller">39</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Onela</b>.—Brother of Ohthere.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.15">36 <span class="smaller">15</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.39">40 <span class="smaller">39</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ongentheow</b>.—King of Sweden, of the Scylfing dynasty. Married, perhaps, Elan, daughter of Healfdene.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.26">35 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XLI.16">41 <span class="smaller">16</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Oslaf</b>.—A Dane of Hnæf’s party.—<SPAN href="#L.XVIII.24">18 <span class="smaller">24</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Ravenswood</b>.—The forest near which Hæthcyn was slain.—<SPAN href="#L.XL.31">40 <span class="smaller">31</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XL.41">40 <span class="smaller">41</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Scefing</b>.—Applied (<SPAN href="#L.I.4">1 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>) to Scyld, and meaning ‘son of Scef.’</p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xvii">[xvii]</span> <p><b>Scyld</b>.—Founder of the dynasty to which Hrothgar, his father, and grandfather belonged. He dies, and his body is put on a vessel, and set adrift. He goes from Daneland just as he had come to it—in a bark.—<SPAN href="#L.I.4">1 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.I.19">1 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.I.27">1 <span class="smaller">27</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Scyldings</b>.—The descendants of Scyld. They are also called Honor-Scyldings, Victory-Scyldings, War-Scyldings, etc. (See ‘Danes,’ above.)—<SPAN href="#L.II.1">2 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VII.1">7 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.1">8 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Scylfings</b>.—A Swedish royal line to which Wiglaf belonged.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.2">36 <span class="smaller">2</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Sigemund</b>.—Son of Wæls, and uncle and father of Fitela. His struggle with a dragon is related in connection with Beowulf’s deeds of prowess.—<SPAN href="#L.XIV.38">14 <span class="smaller">38</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XIV.47">14 <span class="smaller">47</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Swerting</b>.—Grandfather of Higelac, and father of Hrethel.—<SPAN href="#L.XIX.11">19 <span class="smaller">11</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Swedes</b>.—People of Sweden, ruled by the Scylfings.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXV.13">35 <span class="smaller">13</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Thrytho</b>.—Wife of Offa, king of the Angles. Known for her fierce and unwomanly disposition. She is introduced as a contrast to the gentle Hygd, queen of Higelac.—<SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.42">28 <span class="smaller">42</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.56">28 <span class="smaller">56</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Unferth</b>.—Son of Ecglaf, and seemingly a confidential courtier of Hrothgar. Taunts Beowulf for having taken part in the swimming-match. Lends Beowulf his sword when he goes to look for Grendel’s mother. In the MS. sometimes written <i>Hunferth</i>. <SPAN href="#L.IX.1">9 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XVIII.41">18 <span class="smaller">41</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wæls</b>.—Father of Sigemund.—<SPAN href="#L.XIV.60">14 <span class="smaller">60</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wægmunding</b>.—A name occasionally applied to Wiglaf and Beowulf, and perhaps derived from a common ancestor, Wægmund.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.6">36 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXVIII.61">38 <span class="smaller">61</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Weders</b>.—Another name for Geats or Wedergeats.</p> <p><b>Wayland</b>.—A fabulous smith mentioned in this poem and in other old Teutonic literature.—<SPAN href="#L.VII.83">7 <span class="smaller">83</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wendels</b>.—The people of Wulfgar, Hrothgar’s messenger and retainer. (Perhaps = Vandals.)—<SPAN href="#L.VI.30">6 <span class="smaller">30</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wealhtheow</b>.—Wife of Hrothgar. Her queenly courtesy is well shown in the poem.—<SPAN href="#L.X.55">10 <span class="smaller">55</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Weohstan</b>, or <b>Wihstan</b>.—A Wægmunding, and father of Wiglaf.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.1">36 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Whale’s Ness</b>.—A prominent promontory, on which Beowulf’s mound was built.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVIII.52">38 <span class="smaller">52</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XLII.76">42 <span class="smaller">76</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wiglaf</b>.—Son of Wihstan, and related to Beowulf. He remains faithful to Beowulf in the fatal struggle with the fire-drake. Would rather die than leave his lord in his dire emergency.—<SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.1">36 <span class="smaller">1</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.3">36 <span class="smaller">3</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XXXVI.28">36 <span class="smaller">28</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wonred</b>.—Father of Wulf and Eofor.—<SPAN href="#L.XLI.20">41 <span class="smaller">20</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XLI.26">41 <span class="smaller">26</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wulf</b>.—Son of Wonred. Engaged in the battle between Higelac’s and Ongentheow’s forces, and had a hand-to-hand fight with Ongentheow himself. Ongentheow disables him, and is thereupon slain by Eofor.—<SPAN href="#L.XLI.19">41 <span class="smaller">19</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.XLI.29">41 <span class="smaller">29</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wulfgar</b>.—Lord of the Wendels, and retainer of Hrothgar.—<SPAN href="#L.VI.18">6 <span class="smaller">18</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VI.30">6 <span class="smaller">30</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Wylfings</b>.—A people to whom belonged Heatholaf, who was slain by Ecgtheow.—<SPAN href="#L.VIII.6">8 <span class="smaller">6</span></SPAN>; <SPAN href="#L.VIII.16">8 <span class="smaller">16</span></SPAN>.</p> <p><b>Yrmenlaf</b>.—Younger brother of Æschere, the hero whose death grieved Hrothgar so deeply.—<SPAN href="#L.XXI.4">21 <span class="smaller">4</span></SPAN>.</p> </div> <div id="LISTOFWORDS" class="div1"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_xviii">[xviii]</span> <h2><SPAN href="#C.LISTOFWORDS">LIST OF WORDS AND PHRASES NOT IN GENERAL USE.</SPAN></h2> <p>ATHELING.—Prince, nobleman.</p> <p>BAIRN.—Son, child.</p> <p>BARROW.—Mound, rounded hill, funeral-mound.</p> <p>BATTLE-SARK.—Armor.</p> <p>BEAKER.—Cup, drinking-vessel.</p> <p>BEGEAR.—Prepare.</p> <p>BIGHT.—Bay, sea.</p> <p>BILL.—Sword.</p> <p>BOSS.—Ornamental projection.</p> <p>BRACTEATE.—A round ornament on a necklace.</p> <p>BRAND.—Sword.</p> <p>BURN.—Stream.</p> <p>BURNIE.—Armor.</p> <p>CARLE.—Man, hero.</p> <p>EARL.—Nobleman, any brave man.</p> <p>EKE.—Also.</p> <p>EMPRISE.—Enterprise, undertaking.</p> <p>ERST.—Formerly.</p> <p>ERST-WORTHY.—Worthy for a long time past.</p> <p>FAIN.—Glad.</p> <p>FERRY.—Bear, carry.</p> <p>FEY.—Fated, doomed.</p> <p>FLOAT.—Vessel, ship.</p> <p>FOIN.—To lunge (Shaks.).</p> <p>GLORY OF KINGS.—God.</p> <p>GREWSOME.—Cruel, fierce.</p> <p>HEFT.—Handle, hilt; used by synecdoche for ‘sword.’</p> <p>HELM.—Helmet, protector.</p> <p>HENCHMAN.—Retainer, vassal.</p> <p>HIGHT.—Am (was) named.</p> <p>HOLM.—Ocean, curved surface of the sea.</p> <p>HIMSEEMED.—(It) seemed to him.</p> <p>LIEF.—Dear, valued.</p> <p>MERE.—Sea; in compounds, ‘mere-ways,’ ‘mere-currents,’ etc.</p> <p>MICKLE.—Much.</p> <p>NATHLESS.—Nevertheless.</p> <p>NAZE.—Edge (nose).</p> <p>NESS.—Edge.</p> <p>NICKER.—Sea-beast.</p> <p>QUIT, QUITE.—Requite.</p> <p>RATHE.—Quickly.</p> <p>REAVE.—Bereave, deprive.</p> <p>SAIL-ROAD.—Sea.</p> <p>SETTLE.—Seat, bench.</p> <p>SKINKER.—One who pours.</p> <p>SOOTHLY.—Truly.</p> <p>SWINGE.—Stroke, blow.</p> <p>TARGE, TARGET.—Shield.</p> <p>THROUGHLY.—Thoroughly.</p> <p>TOLD.—Counted.</p> <p>UNCANNY.—Ill-featured, grizzly.</p> <p>UNNETHE.—Difficult.</p> <p>WAR-SPEED.—Success in war.</p> <p>WEB.—Tapestry (that which is ‘woven’).</p> <p>WEEDED.—Clad (cf. widow’s weeds).</p> <p>WEEN.—Suppose, imagine.</p> <p>WEIRD.—Fate, Providence.</p> <p>WHILOM.—At times, formerly, often.</p> <p>WIELDER.—Ruler. Often used of God; also in compounds, as ‘Wielder of Glory,’ ‘Wielder of Worship.’</p> <p>WIGHT.—Creature.</p> <p>WOLD.—Plane, extended surface.</p> <p>WOT.—Knows.</p> <p>YOUNKER.—Youth.</p> </div> <div id="MAIN" class="div1" style="page-break-before:always"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_1">[1]</span> <h1>BEOWULF.</h1> <div class="fit" id="I"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.I">I.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SCYLD.</h2> <span class="sidenote">The famous race of Spear-Danes.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.1">Lo! the Spear-Danes’ glory through splendid achievements</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.2">The folk-kings’ former fame we have heard of,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.3">How princes displayed then their prowess-in-battle.</div> <span class="sidenote">Scyld, their mighty king, in honor of whom they are often called Scyldings. He is the great-grandfather of Hrothgar, so prominent in the poem.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.4">Oft Scyld the Scefing from scathers in numbers</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.5">From many a people their mead-benches tore.</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.6">Since first he found him friendless and wretched,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.7">The earl had had terror: comfort he got for it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.8">Waxed ’neath the welkin, world-honor gained,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.9">Till all his neighbors o’er sea were compelled to</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.10">Bow to his bidding and bring him their tribute:</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.11">An excellent atheling! After was borne him</div> <span class="sidenote">A son is born to him, who receives the name of Beowulf—a name afterwards made so famous by the hero of the poem.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.12">A son and heir, young in his dwelling,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.13">Whom God-Father sent to solace the people.</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.14">He had marked the misery malice had caused them,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.15"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#I.FNDEF.1" id="I.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup>That reaved of their rulers they wretched had erstwhile<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#I.FNDEF.2" id="I.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.I.16">Long been afflicted. The Lord, in requital,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.17">Wielder of Glory, with world-honor blessed him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.18">Famed was Beowulf, far spread the glory</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.19">Of Scyld’s great son in the lands of the Danemen.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_2">[2]</span> <span class="sidenote">The ideal Teutonic king lavishes gifts on his vassals.</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.20">So the carle that is young, by kindnesses rendered</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.21">The friends of his father, with fees in abundance</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.22">Must be able to earn that when age approacheth</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.23">Eager companions aid him requitingly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.24">When war assaults him serve him as liegemen:</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.25">By praise-worthy actions must honor be got</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.26">’Mong all of the races. At the hour that was fated</div> <span class="sidenote">Scyld dies at the hour appointed by Fate.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.27">Scyld then departed to the All-Father’s keeping</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.28">Warlike to wend him; away then they bare him</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.29">To the flood of the current, his fond-loving comrades,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.30">As himself he had bidden, while the friend of the Scyldings</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.31">Word-sway wielded, and the well-lovèd land-prince</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.32">Long did rule them.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#I.FNDEF.3" id="I.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> The ring-stemmèd vessel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.33">Bark of the atheling, lay there at anchor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.34">Icy in glimmer and eager for sailing;</div> <span class="sidenote">By his own request, his body is laid on a vessel and wafted seaward.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.35">The belovèd leader laid they down there,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.36">Giver of rings, on the breast of the vessel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.37">The famed by the mainmast. A many of jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.38">Of fretted embossings, from far-lands brought over,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.39">Was placed near at hand then; and heard I not ever</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.40">That a folk ever furnished a float more superbly</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.41">With weapons of warfare, weeds for the battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.42">Bills and burnies; on his bosom sparkled</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.43">Many a jewel that with him must travel</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.44">On the flush of the flood afar on the current.</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.45">And favors no fewer they furnished him soothly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.46">Excellent folk-gems, than others had given him</div> <span class="sidenote">He leaves Daneland on the breast of a bark.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.47">Who when first he was born outward did send him</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.48">Lone on the main, the merest of infants:</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.49">And a gold-fashioned standard they stretched under heaven</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_3">[3]</span> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.50">High o’er his head, let the holm-currents bear him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.51">Seaward consigned him: sad was their spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.I.52">Their mood very mournful. Men are not able</div> <span class="sidenote">No one knows whither the boat drifted.</span> <div class="l" id="L.I.53">Soothly to tell us, they in halls who reside,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#I.FNDEF.4" id="I.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.I.54">Heroes under heaven, to what haven he hied.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="I.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#I.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For the ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þæt</span>’ of verse 15, Sievers suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þá</span>’ (= which). If this be accepted, the sentence ‘He had … afflicted’ will read: <i>He</i> (<i>i.e.</i> God) <i>had perceived the malice-caused sorrow which they, lordless, had formerly long endured</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="I.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#I.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">aldor-léase</span>’ (15) Gr. suggested ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">aldor-ceare</span>’: <i>He perceived their distress, that they formerly had suffered life-sorrow a long while</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="I.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#I.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> A very difficult passage. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Áhte</span>’ (31) has no object. H. supplies ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">geweald</span>’ from the context; and our translation is based upon this assumption, though it is far from satisfactory. Kl. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">lændagas</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">lange</span>’: <i>And the beloved land-prince enjoyed (had) his transitory days (i.e. lived)</i>. B. suggests a dislocation; but this is a dangerous doctrine, pushed rather far by that eminent scholar.</div> <div class="footnote" id="I.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#I.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> The reading of the H.-So. text has been quite closely followed; but some eminent scholars read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">séle-rædenne</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sele-rædende</span>.’ If that be adopted, the passage will read: <i>Men cannot tell us, indeed, the order of Fate, etc.</i> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Sele-rædende</span>’ has two things to support it: (1) v. 1347; (2) it affords a parallel to ‘men’ in <SPAN href="#L.I.50">v. 50</SPAN>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="II"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.II">II.</SPAN></h2><h2>SCYLD’S SUCCESSORS.—HROTHGAR’S GREAT MEAD-HALL.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf succeeds his father Scyld</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.1">In the boroughs then Beowulf, bairn of the Scyldings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.2">Belovèd land-prince, for long-lasting season</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.3">Was famed mid the folk (his father departed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.4">The prince from his dwelling), till afterward sprang</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.5">Great-minded Healfdene; the Danes in his lifetime</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.6">He graciously governed, grim-mooded, agèd.</div> <span class="sidenote">Healfdene’s birth.</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.7">Four bairns of his body born in succession</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.8">Woke in the world, war-troopers’ leader</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.9">Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga the good;</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.10">Heard I that Elan was Ongentheow’s consort,</div> <span class="sidenote">He has three sons—one of them, Hrothgar—and a daughter named Elan. Hrothgar becomes a mighty king. </span> <div class="l" id="L.II.11">The well-beloved bedmate of the War-Scylfing leader.</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.12">Then glory in battle to Hrothgar was given,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.13">Waxing of war-fame, that willingly kinsmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.14">Obeyed his bidding, till the boys grew to manhood,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.15">A numerous band. It burned in his spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.16">To urge his folk to found a great building,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.17">A mead-hall grander than men of the era</div> <span class="sidenote">He is eager to build a great hall in which he may feast his retainers</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.18">Ever had heard of, and in it to share</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.19">With young and old all of the blessings</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.20">The Lord had allowed him, save life and retainers.</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.21">Then the work I find afar was assigned</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_4">[4]</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.22">To many races in middle-earth’s regions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.23">To adorn the great folk-hall. In due time it happened</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.24">Early ’mong men, that ’twas finished entirely,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.25">The greatest of hall-buildings; Heorot he named it</div> <span class="sidenote">The hall is completed, and is called Heort, or Heorot.</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.26">Who wide-reaching word-sway wielded ’mong earlmen.</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.27">His promise he brake not, rings he lavished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.28">Treasure at banquet. Towered the hall up</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.29">High and horn-crested, huge between antlers:</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.30">It battle-waves bided, the blasting fire-demon;</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.31">Ere long then from hottest hatred must sword-wrath</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.32">Arise for a woman’s husband and father.</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.33">Then the mighty war-spirit<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#II.FNDEF.1" id="II.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> endured for a season,</div> <span class="sidenote">The Monster Grendel is madly envious of the Danemen’s joy.</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.34">Bore it bitterly, he who bided in darkness,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.35">That light-hearted laughter loud in the building</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.36">Greeted him daily; there was dulcet harp-music,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.37">Clear song of the singer. He said that was able</div> <span class="sidenote">[The course of the story is interrupted by a short reference to some old account of the creation.]</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.38">To tell from of old earthmen’s beginnings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.39">That Father Almighty earth had created,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.40">The winsome wold that the water encircleth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.41">Set exultingly the sun’s and the moon’s beams</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.42">To lavish their lustre on land-folk and races,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.43">And earth He embellished in all her regions</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.44">With limbs and leaves; life He bestowed too</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.45">On all the kindreds that live under heaven.</div> <span class="sidenote">The glee of the warriors is overcast by a horrible dread.</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.46">So blessed with abundance, brimming with joyance,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.47">The warriors abided, till a certain one gan to</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.48">Dog them with deeds of direfullest malice,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.49">A foe in the hall-building: this horrible stranger<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#II.FNDEF.2" title="Some authorities would translate ‘demon’ instead of ‘stranger.’ " id="II.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.50">Was Grendel entitled, the march-stepper famous</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.51">Who<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#II.FNDEF.3" id="II.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> dwelt in the moor-fens, the marsh and the fastness;</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.52">The wan-mooded being abode for a season</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_5">[5]</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.53">In the land of the giants, when the Lord and Creator</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.54">Had banned him and branded. For that bitter murder,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.55">The killing of Abel, all-ruling Father</div> <span class="sidenote">Cain is referred to as a progenitor of Grendel, and of monsters in general.</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.56">The kindred of Cain crushed with His vengeance;</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.57">In the feud He rejoiced not, but far away drove him</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.58">From kindred and kind, that crime to atone for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.59">Meter of Justice. Thence ill-favored creatures,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.II.60">Elves and giants, monsters of ocean,</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.61">Came into being, and the giants that longtime</div> <div class="l" id="L.II.62">Grappled with God; He gave them requital.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="II.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#II.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> R. and t. B. prefer ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ellor-gæst</span>’ to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ellen-gæst</span>’ (86): <i>Then the stranger from afar endured, etc.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="II.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#II.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Some authorities would translate ‘<i>demon</i>’ instead of ‘<i>stranger</i>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="II.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#II.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> Some authorities arrange differently, and render: <i>Who dwelt in the moor-fens, the marsh and the fastness, the land of the giant-race.</i></div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="III"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.III">III.</SPAN></h2><h2>GRENDEL THE MURDERER.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Grendel attacks the sleeping heroes</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.1">When the sun was sunken, he set out to visit</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.2">The lofty hall-building, how the Ring-Danes had used it</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.3">For beds and benches when the banquet was over.</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.4">Then he found there reposing many a noble</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.5">Asleep after supper; sorrow the heroes,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#III.FNDEF.1" id="III.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.III.6">Misery knew not. The monster of evil</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.7">Greedy and cruel tarried but little,</div> <span class="sidenote">He drags off thirty of them, and devours them</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.8">Fell and frantic, and forced from their slumbers</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.9">Thirty of thanemen; thence he departed</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.10">Leaping and laughing, his lair to return to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.11">With surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward.</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.12">In the dusk of the dawning, as the day was just breaking,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.13">Was Grendel’s prowess revealed to the warriors:</div> <span class="sidenote">A cry of agony goes up, when Grendel’s horrible deed is fully realized.</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.14">Then, his meal-taking finished, a moan was uplifted,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.15">Morning-cry mighty. The man-ruler famous,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.16">The long-worthy atheling, sat very woful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.17">Suffered great sorrow, sighed for his liegemen,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_6">[6]</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.18">When they had seen the track of the hateful pursuer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.19">The spirit accursèd: too crushing that sorrow,</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster returns the next night.</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.20">Too loathsome and lasting. Not longer he tarried,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.21">But one night after continued his slaughter</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.22">Shameless and shocking, shrinking but little</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.23">From malice and murder; they mastered him fully.</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.24">He was easy to find then who otherwhere looked for</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.25">A pleasanter place of repose in the lodges,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.26">A bed in the bowers. Then was brought to his notice</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.27">Told him truly by token apparent</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.28">The hall-thane’s hatred: he held himself after</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.29">Further and faster who the foeman did baffle.</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.30"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#III.FNDEF.2" id="III.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>So ruled he and strongly strove against justice</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.31">Lone against all men, till empty uptowered</div> <span class="sidenote">King Hrothgar’s agony and suspense last twelve years.</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.32">The choicest of houses. Long was the season:</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.33">Twelve-winters’ time torture suffered</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.34">The friend of the Scyldings, every affliction,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.35">Endless agony; hence it after<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#III.FNDEF.3" id="III.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> became</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.36">Certainly known to the children of men</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.37">Sadly in measures, that long against Hrothgar</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.38">Grendel struggled:—his grudges he cherished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.39">Murderous malice, many a winter,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.40">Strife unremitting, and peacefully wished he</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.41"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#III.FNDEF.4" id="III.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup>Life-woe to lift from no liegeman at all of</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.42">The men of the Dane-folk, for money to settle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.43">No counsellor needed count for a moment</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_7">[7]</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.44">On handsome amends at the hands of the murderer;</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel is unremitting in his persecutions.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.45">The monster of evil fiercely did harass,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.46">The ill-planning death-shade, both elder and younger,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.47">Trapping and tricking them. He trod every night then</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.48">The mist-covered moor-fens; men do not know where</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.49">Witches and wizards wander and ramble.</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.50">So the foe of mankind many of evils</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.51">Grievous injuries, often accomplished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.52">Horrible hermit; Heort he frequented,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.53">Gem-bedecked palace, when night-shades had fallen</div> <span class="sidenote">God is against the monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.54">(Since God did oppose him, not the throne could he touch,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#III.FNDEF.5" id="III.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.55">The light-flashing jewel, love of Him knew not).</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.56">’Twas a fearful affliction to the friend of the Scyldings</div> <span class="sidenote">The king and his council deliberate in vain.</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.57">Soul-crushing sorrow. Not seldom in private</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.58">Sat the king in his council; conference held they</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.59">What the braves should determine ’gainst terrors unlooked for.</div> <span class="sidenote">They invoke the aid of their gods.</span> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.60">At the shrines of their idols often they promised</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.61">Gifts and offerings, earnestly prayed they</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.62">The devil from hell would help them to lighten</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.63">Their people’s oppression. Such practice they used then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.64">Hope of the heathen; hell they remembered</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.65">In innermost spirit, God they knew not,</div> <span class="sidenote">The true God they do not know.</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.66">Judge of their actions, All-wielding Ruler,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.67">No praise could they give the Guardian of Heaven,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.68">The Wielder of Glory. Woe will be his who</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.69">Through furious hatred his spirit shall drive to</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.III.70">The clutch of the fire, no comfort shall look for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.71">Wax no wiser; well for the man who,</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.72">Living his life-days, his Lord may face</div> <div class="l" id="L.III.73">And find defence in his Father’s embrace!</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="III.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#III.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> The translation is based on ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">weras</span>,’ adopted by H.-So.—K. and Th. read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wera</span>’ and, arranging differently, render 119(2)-120: <i>They knew not sorrow, the wretchedness of man, aught of misfortune</i>.—For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unhælo</span>’ (120) R. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unfælo</span>’: <i>The uncanny creature, greedy and cruel, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="III.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#III.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> S. rearranges and translates: <i>So he ruled and struggled unjustly, one against all, till the noblest of buildings stood useless (it was a long while) twelve years’ time: the friend of the Scyldings suffered distress, every woe, great sorrows, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="III.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#III.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">syððan</span>,’ B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sárcwidum</span>’: <i>Hence in mournful words it became well known, etc</i>. Various other words beginning with ‘s’ have been conjectured.</div> <div class="footnote" id="III.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#III.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> The H.-So. glossary is very inconsistent in referring to this passage.—‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Sibbe</span>’ (154), which H.-So. regards as an instr., B. takes as accus., obj. of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wolde</span>.’ Putting a comma after <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Deniga</span>, he renders: <i>He did not desire peace with any of the Danes, nor did he wish to remove their life-woe, nor to settle for money</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="III.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#III.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> Of this difficult passage the following interpretations among others are given: (1) Though Grendel has frequented Heorot as a demon, he could not become ruler of the Danes, on account of his hostility to God. (2) Hrothgar was much grieved that Grendel had not appeared before his throne to receive presents. (3) He was not permitted to devastate the hall, on account of the Creator; <i>i.e.</i> God wished to make his visit fatal to him.—<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Ne … wisse</span> (169) W. renders: <i>Nor had he any desire to do so</i>; ‘his’ being obj. gen. = <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">danach</span>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="IV"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_8">[8]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.IV">IV.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF GOES TO HROTHGAR’S ASSISTANCE.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar sees no way of escape from the persecutions of Grendel.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.1">So Healfdene’s kinsman constantly mused on</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.2">His long-lasting sorrow; the battle-thane clever</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.3">Was not anywise able evils to ’scape from:</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.4">Too crushing the sorrow that came to the people,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.5">Loathsome and lasting the life-grinding torture,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf, the Geat, hero of the poem, hears of Hrothgar’s sorrow, and resolves to go to his assistance.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.6">Greatest of night-woes. So Higelac’s liegeman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.7">Good amid Geatmen, of Grendel’s achievements</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.8">Heard in his home:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#IV.FNDEF.1" id="IV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> of heroes then living</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.9">He was stoutest and strongest, sturdy and noble.</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.10">He bade them prepare him a bark that was trusty;</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.11">He said he the war-king would seek o’er the ocean,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.12">The folk-leader noble, since he needed retainers.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.13">For the perilous project prudent companions</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.14">Chided him little, though loving him dearly;</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.15">They egged the brave atheling, augured him glory.</div> <span class="sidenote">With fourteen carefully chosen companions, he sets out for Dane-land.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.16">The excellent knight from the folk of the Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.17">Had liegemen selected, likest to prove them</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.18">Trustworthy warriors; with fourteen companions</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.19">The vessel he looked for; a liegeman then showed them,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.20">A sea-crafty man, the bounds of the country.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.21">Fast the days fleeted; the float was a-water,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.22">The craft by the cliff. Clomb to the prow then</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.23">Well-equipped warriors: the wave-currents twisted</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.24">The sea on the sand; soldiers then carried</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.25">On the breast of the vessel bright-shining jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.26">Handsome war-armor; heroes outshoved then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.27">Warmen the wood-ship, on its wished-for adventure.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_9">[9]</span> <span class="sidenote">The vessel sails like a bird</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.28">The foamy-necked floater fanned by the breeze,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.29">Likest a bird, glided the waters,</div> <span class="sidenote">In twenty four hours they reach the shores of Hrothgar’s dominions</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.30">Till twenty and four hours thereafter</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.31">The twist-stemmed vessel had traveled such distance</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.32">That the sailing-men saw the sloping embankments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.33">The sea cliffs gleaming, precipitous mountains,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.34">Nesses enormous<span class="add" title="Added">:</span> they were nearing the limits</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.35">At the end of the ocean.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#IV.FNDEF.2" id="IV.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> Up thence quickly</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.36">The men of the Weders clomb to the mainland,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.37">Fastened their vessel (battle weeds rattled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.38">War burnies clattered), the Wielder they thanked</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.39">That the ways o’er the waters had waxen so gentle.</div> <span class="sidenote">They are hailed by the Danish coast guard</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.40">Then well from the cliff edge the guard of the Scyldings</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.41">Who the sea-cliffs should see to, saw o’er the gangway</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.42">Brave ones bearing beauteous targets,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.43">Armor all ready, anxiously thought he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.44">Musing and wondering what men were approaching.</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.45">High on his horse then Hrothgar’s retainer</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.46">Turned him to coastward, mightily brandished</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.47">His lance in his hands, questioned with boldness.</div> <span class="sidenote">His challenge</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.48">“Who are ye men here, mail-covered warriors</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.49">Clad in your corslets, come thus a-driving</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.50">A high riding ship o’er the shoals of the waters,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.51"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#IV.FNDEF.3" id="IV.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup>And hither ’neath helmets have hied o’er the ocean?</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_10">[10]</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.52">I have been strand-guard, standing as warden,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.53">Lest enemies ever anywise ravage</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.54">Danish dominions with army of war-ships.</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.55">More boldly never have warriors ventured</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.56">Hither to come; of kinsmen’s approval,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.57">Word-leave of warriors, I ween that ye surely</div> <span class="sidenote">He is struck by Beowulf’s appearance.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.58">Nothing have known. Never a greater one</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.59">Of earls o’er the earth have <i>I</i> had a sight of</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.60">Than is one of your number, a hero in armor;</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.61">No low-ranking fellow<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#IV.FNDEF.4" id="IV.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup> adorned with his weapons,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.62">But launching them little, unless looks are deceiving,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.63">And striking appearance. Ere ye pass on your journey</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.64">As treacherous spies to the land of the Scyldings</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.IV.65">And farther fare, I fully must know now</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.66">What race ye belong to. Ye far-away dwellers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.67">Sea-faring sailors, my simple opinion</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.68">Hear ye and hearken: haste is most fitting</div> <div class="l" id="L.IV.69">Plainly to tell me what place ye are come from.”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="IV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#IV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">From hám</span>’ (194) is much disputed. One rendering is: <i>Beowulf, being away from home, heard of Hrothgar’s troubles, etc</i>. Another, that adopted by S. and endorsed in the H.-So. notes, is: <i>B. heard from his neighborhood (neighbors),</i> i.e. <i>in his home, etc</i>. A third is: <i>B., being at home, heard this as occurring away from home</i>. The H.-So. glossary and notes conflict.</div> <div class="footnote" id="IV.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#IV.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Eoletes</span>’ (224) is marked with a (?) by H<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>-So<span class="add" title="Added">.;</span> our rendering simply follows his conjecture<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>—Other conjectures as to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eolet</span>’ are<span class="add" title="Added">:</span> (1) <i>voyage</i>, (2) <i>toil</i>, <i>labor</i>, (3) <i>hasty journey</i><span class="add" title="Added">.</span></div> <div class="footnote" id="IV.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#IV.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The lacuna of the MS at this point has been supplied by various conjectures<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> The reading adopted by H<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>-So<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> has been rendered in the above translation<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> W<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>, like H<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>-So<span class="add" title="Added">.,</span> makes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ic</span>’ the beginning of a new sentence, but, for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">helmas bæron</span>,’ he reads ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hringed stefnan<span class="add" title="Added">.’</span></span> This has the advantage of giving a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">brontne ceol</span>’ instead of a kenning for ‘go<span class="add" title="Added">.</span>’—B puts the (?) after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">holmas</span>’, and begins a new sentence at the middle of the line<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> Translate<span class="add" title="Added">:</span> <i>What warriors are ye, clad in armor, who have thus come bringing the foaming vessel over the water way, hither over the seas? For some time on the wall I have been coast guard, etc</i>. S<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> endorses most of what B<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> says, but leaves out ‘on the wall’ in the last sentence. If W.’s ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hringed stefnan</span>’ be accepted, change <SPAN href="#L.IV.51">line 51</SPAN> above to, <i>A ring-stemmed vessel hither o’ersea</i><span class="add" title="Added">.</span></div> <div class="footnote" id="IV.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#IV.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Seld-guma</span>’ (249) is variously rendered: (1) <i>housecarle</i>; (2) <i>home-stayer</i>; (3) <i>common man</i>. Dr. H. Wood suggests <i>a man-at-arms in another’s house</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="V"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.V">V.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE GEATS REACH HEOROT.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf courteously replies.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.1">The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.2">War-troopers’ leader, and word-treasure opened:</div> <span class="sidenote">We are Geats.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.3">“We are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.4">And Higelac’s hearth-friends. To heroes unnumbered</div> <span class="sidenote">My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day.</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.5">My father was known, a noble head-warrior</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.6">Ecgtheow titled; many a winter</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.7">He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.8">Old from his dwelling; each of the counsellors</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.9">Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.</div> <span class="sidenote">Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest.</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.10">We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.11">The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_11">[11]</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.12">Folk-troop’s defender: be free in thy counsels!</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.13">To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.14">The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween,</div> <span class="sidenote">Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes?</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.15">Naught of our message. Thou know’st if it happen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.16">As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.17">Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.18">By deeds very direful ’mid the Danemen exhibits</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.19">Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.20">And the falling of dead. From feelings least selfish</div> <span class="sidenote">I can help your king to free himself from this horrible creature.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.21">I am able to render counsel to Hrothgar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.22">How he, wise and worthy, may worst the destroyer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.23">If the anguish of sorrow should ever be lessened,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#V.FNDEF.1" id="V.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.V.24">Comfort come to him, and care-waves grow cooler,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.25">Or ever hereafter he agony suffer</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.26">And troublous distress, while towereth upward</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.27">The handsomest of houses high on the summit.”</div> <span class="sidenote">The coast-guard reminds Beowulf that it is easier to say than to do.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.28">Bestriding his stallion, the strand-watchman answered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.29">The doughty retainer: “The difference surely</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.30">’Twixt words and works, the warlike shield-bearer</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.31">Who judgeth wisely well shall determine.</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.32">This band, I hear, beareth no malice</div> <span class="sidenote">I am satisfied of your good intentions, and shall lead you to the palace.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.33">To the prince of the Scyldings. Pass ye then onward</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.34">With weapons and armor. I shall lead you in person;</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.35">To my war-trusty vassals command I shall issue</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.36">To keep from all injury your excellent vessel,</div> <span class="sidenote">Your boat shall be well cared for during your stay here.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.37">Your fresh-tarred craft, ’gainst every opposer</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.38">Close by the sea-shore, till the curved-neckèd bark shall</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.39">Waft back again the well-beloved hero</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.40">O’er the way of the water to Weder dominions.</div> <span class="sidenote">He again compliments Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.41">To warrior so great ’twill be granted sure</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.42">In the storm of strife to stand secure.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.43">Onward they fared then (the vessel lay quiet,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.44">The broad-bosomed bark was bound by its cable,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_12">[12]</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.45">Firmly at anchor); the boar-signs glistened<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#V.FNDEF.2" id="V.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.V.46">Bright on the visors vivid with gilding,</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.47">Blaze-hardened, brilliant; the boar acted warden.</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.48">The heroes hastened, hurried the liegemen,</div> <span class="sidenote">The land is perhaps rolling.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.49">Descended together, till they saw the great palace,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.50">The well-fashioned wassail-hall wondrous and gleaming:</div> <span class="sidenote">Heorot flashes on their view.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.51">’Mid world-folk and kindreds that was widest reputed</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.52">Of halls under heaven which the hero abode in;</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.53">Its lustre enlightened lands without number.</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.54">Then the battle-brave hero showed them the glittering</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.55">Court of the bold ones, that they easily thither</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.56">Might fare on their journey; the aforementioned warrior</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.57">Turning his courser, quoth as he left them:</div> <span class="sidenote">The coast-guard, having discharged his duty, bids them God-speed.</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.58">“’Tis time I were faring; Father Almighty</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.59">Grant you His grace, and give you to journey</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.V.60">Safe on your mission! To the sea I will get me</div> <div class="l" id="L.V.61">’Gainst hostile warriors as warden to stand.”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="V.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#V.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Edwendan</span>’ (280) B. takes to be the subs. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">edwenden</span>’ (cf. 1775); and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">bisigu</span>’ he takes as gen. sing., limiting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">edwenden</span>’: <i>If reparation for sorrows is ever to come</i>. This is supported by t.B.</div> <div class="footnote" id="V.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#V.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Combining the emendations of B. and t.B., we may read: <i>The boar-images glistened … brilliant, protected the life of the war-mooded man</i>. They read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ferh-wearde</span>’ (305) and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúðmódgum men</span>’ (306).</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="VI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.VI">VI.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF INTRODUCES HIMSELF AT THE PALACE.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.VI.1">The highway glistened with many-hued pebble,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.2">A by-path led the liegemen together.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.3"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VI.FNDEF.1" id="VI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup>Firm and hand-locked the war-burnie glistened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.4">The ring-sword radiant rang ’mid the armor</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.5">As the party was approaching the palace together</div> <span class="sidenote">They set their arms and armor against the wall.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.6">In warlike equipments. ’Gainst the wall of the building</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.7">Their wide-fashioned war-shields they weary did set then,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_13">[13]</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.8">Battle-shields sturdy; benchward they turned then;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.9">Their battle-sarks rattled, the gear of the heroes;</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.10">The lances stood up then, all in a cluster,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.11">The arms of the seamen, ashen-shafts mounted</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.12">With edges of iron: the armor-clad troopers</div> <span class="sidenote">A Danish hero asks them whence and why they are come.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.13">Were decked with weapons. Then a proud-mooded hero</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.14">Asked of the champions questions of lineage:</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.15">“From what borders bear ye your battle-shields plated,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.16">Gilded and gleaming, your gray-colored burnies,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.17">Helmets with visors and heap of war-lances?—</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.18">To Hrothgar the king I am servant and liegeman.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.19">’Mong folk from far-lands found I have never</div> <span class="sidenote">He expresses no little admiration for the strangers.</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.20">Men so many of mien more courageous.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.21">I ween that from valor, nowise as outlaws,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.22">But from greatness of soul ye sought for King Hrothgar.”</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf replies.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.23">Then the strength-famous earlman answer rendered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.24">The proud-mooded Wederchief replied to his question,</div> <span class="sidenote">We are Higelac’s table-companions, and bear an important commission to your prince.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.25">Hardy ’neath helmet: “Higelac’s mates are we;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.26">Beowulf hight I. To the bairn of Healfdene,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.27">The famous folk-leader, I freely will tell</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.28">To thy prince my commission, if pleasantly hearing</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.29">He’ll grant we may greet him so gracious to all men.”</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.30">Wulfgar replied then (he was prince of the Wendels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.31">His boldness of spirit was known unto many,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.32">His prowess and prudence): “The prince of the Scyldings,</div> <span class="sidenote">Wulfgar, the thane, says that he will go and ask Hrothgar whether he will see the strangers.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.33">The friend-lord of Danemen, I will ask of thy journey,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.34">The giver of rings, as thou urgest me do it,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.35">The folk-chief famous, and inform thee early</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.36">What answer the good one mindeth to render me.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.37">He turned then hurriedly where Hrothgar was sitting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.38"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VI.FNDEF.2" title="Gr. and others translate ‘unhár’ by ‘bald’; old and bald." id="VI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>Old and hoary, his earlmen attending him;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.39">The strength-famous went till he stood at the shoulder</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.40">Of the lord of the Danemen, of courteous thanemen</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.41">The custom he minded. Wulfgar addressed then</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.42">His friendly liegelord: “Folk of the Geatmen</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_14">[14]</span> <span class="sidenote">He thereupon urges his liegelord to receive the visitors courteously.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.43">O’er the way of the waters are wafted hither,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.44">Faring from far-lands: the foremost in rank</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.45">The battle-champions Beowulf title.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.46">They make this petition: with thee, O my chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.47">To be granted a conference; O gracious King Hrothgar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.48">Friendly answer refuse not to give them!</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar, too, is struck with Beowulf’s appearance.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.49">In war-trappings weeded worthy they seem</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.VI.50">Of earls to be honored; sure the atheling is doughty</div> <div class="l" id="L.VI.51">Who headed the heroes hitherward coming.”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="VI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#VI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Instead of the punctuation given by H.-So, S. proposed to insert a comma after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">scír</span>’ (322), and to take ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hring-íren</span>’ as meaning ‘ring-mail’ and as parallel with ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúð-byrne</span>.’ The passage would then read: <i>The firm and hand-locked war-burnie shone, bright ring-mail, rang ’mid the armor, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="VI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#VI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Gr. and others translate ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unhár</span>’ by ‘bald’; <i>old and bald</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="VII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.VII">VII.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar remembers Beowulf as a youth, and also remembers his father.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.1">Hrothgar answered, helm of the Scyldings:</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.2">“I remember this man as the merest of striplings.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.3">His father long dead now was Ecgtheow titled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.4">Him Hrethel the Geatman granted at home his</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.5">One only daughter; his battle-brave son</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.6">Is come but now, sought a trustworthy friend.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.7">Seafaring sailors asserted it then,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is reported to have the strength of thirty men.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.8">Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.1" id="VII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> carried</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.9">As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men’s grapple</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.10">Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle.</div> <span class="sidenote">God hath sent him to our rescue.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.11">The holy Creator usward sent him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.12">To West-Dane warriors, I ween, for to render</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.13">’Gainst Grendel’s grimness gracious assistance:</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.14">I shall give to the good one gift-gems for courage.</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.15">Hasten to bid them hither to speed them,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.2" id="VII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.16">To see assembled this circle of kinsmen;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.17">Tell them expressly they’re welcome in sooth to</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.18">The men of the Danes.” To the door of the building</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_15">[15]</span> <span class="sidenote">Wulfgar invites the strangers in.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.19">Wulfgar went then, this word-message shouted:</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.20">“My victorious liegelord bade me to tell you,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.21">The East-Danes’ atheling, that your origin knows he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.22">And o’er wave-billows wafted ye welcome are hither,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.23">Valiant of spirit. Ye straightway may enter</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.24">Clad in corslets, cased in your helmets,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.25">To see King Hrothgar. Here let your battle-boards,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.26">Wood-spears and war-shafts, await your conferring.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.27">The mighty one rose then, with many a liegeman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.28">An excellent thane-group; some there did await them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.29">And as bid of the brave one the battle-gear guarded.</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.30">Together they hied them, while the hero did guide them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.31">’Neath Heorot’s roof; the high-minded went then</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.32">Sturdy ’neath helmet till he stood in the building.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.33">Beowulf spake (his burnie did glisten,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.34">His armor seamed over by the art of the craftsman):</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf salutes Hrothgar, and then proceeds to boast of his youthful achievements.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.35">“Hail thou, Hrothgar! I am Higelac’s kinsman</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.36">And vassal forsooth; many a wonder</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.37">I dared as a stripling. The doings of Grendel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.38">In far-off fatherland I fully did know of:</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.39">Sea-farers tell us, this hall-building standeth,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.40">Excellent edifice, empty and useless</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.41">To all the earlmen after evenlight’s glimmer</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.42">’Neath heaven’s bright hues hath hidden its glory.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.43">This my earls then urged me, the most excellent of them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.44">Carles very clever, to come and assist thee,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.45">Folk-leader Hrothgar; fully they knew of</div> <span class="sidenote">His fight with the nickers.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.46">The strength of my body. Themselves they beheld me</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.47">When I came from the contest, when covered with gore</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.48">Foes I escaped from, where five<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.3" id="VII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> I had bound,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_16">[16]</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.49">The giant-race wasted, in the waters destroying</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.50">The nickers by night, bore numberless sorrows,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.51">The Weders avenged (woes had they suffered)</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.52">Enemies ravaged; alone now with Grendel</div> <span class="sidenote">He intends to fight Grendel unaided.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.53">I shall manage the matter, with the monster of evil,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.54">The giant, decide it. Thee I would therefore</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.55">Beg of thy bounty, Bright-Danish chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.56">Lord of the Scyldings, this single petition:</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.57">Not to refuse me, defender of warriors,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.58">Friend-lord of folks, so far have I sought thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.59">That <i>I</i> may unaided, my earlmen assisting me,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.60">This brave-mooded war-band, purify Heorot.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.61">I have heard on inquiry, the horrible creature</div> <span class="sidenote">Since the monster uses no weapons,</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.62">From veriest rashness recks not for weapons;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.63">I this do scorn then, so be Higelac gracious,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.64">My liegelord belovèd, lenient of spirit,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.65">To bear a blade or a broad-fashioned target,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.66">A shield to the onset; only with hand-grip</div> <span class="sidenote">I, too, shall disdain to use any.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.67">The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.68">Foeman with foeman; he fain must rely on</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.69">The doom of the Lord whom death layeth hold of.</div> <span class="sidenote">Should he crush me, he will eat my companions as he has eaten thy thanes.</span> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.70">I ween he will wish, if he win in the struggle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.71">To eat in the war-hall earls of the Geat-folk,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.72">Boldly to swallow<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.4" id="VII.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup> them, as of yore he did often</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.73">The best of the Hrethmen! Thou needest not trouble</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.74">A head-watch to give me;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.5" id="VII.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup> he will have me dripping</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_17">[17]</span> <span class="sidenote">In case of my defeat, thou wilt not have the trouble of burying me.</span> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.75">And dreary with gore, if death overtake me,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.6" id="VII.FNREF.6">6</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.76">Will bear me off bleeding, biting and mouthing me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.77">The hermit will eat me, heedless of pity,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.78">Marking the moor-fens; no more wilt thou need then</div> <span class="sidenote">Should I fall, send my armor to my lord, King Higelac.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.79">Find me my food.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VII.FNDEF.7" id="VII.FNREF.7">7</SPAN></sup> If I fall in the battle,</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.80">Send to Higelac the armor that serveth</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.81">To shield my bosom, the best of equipments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VII.82">Richest of ring-mails; ’tis the relic of Hrethla,</div> <span class="sidenote">Weird is supreme</span> <div class="l" id="L.VII.83">The work of Wayland. Goes Weird as she must go!”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Some render ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gif-sceattas</span>’ by ‘tribute.’—‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Géata</span>’ B. and Th. emended to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Géatum</span>.’ If this be accepted, change ‘<i>of</i> the Geatmen’ to ‘<i>to</i> the Geatmen.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> If t.B.’s emendation of vv. 386, 387 be accepted, the two lines, ‘Hasten … kinsmen’ will read: <i>Hasten thou, bid the throng of kinsmen go into the hall together</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For 420 (<i>b</i>) and 421 (<i>a</i>), B. suggests: <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þær ic (on) fífelgeban ýðde eotena cyn</span> = <i>where I in the ocean destroyed the eoten-race</i>.—t.B. accepts B.’s “brilliant” ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fífelgeban</span>,’ omits ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on</span>,’ emends ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">cyn</span>’ to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hám</span>,’ arranging: <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þær ic fífelgeban ýðde, eotena hám</span> = <i>where I desolated the ocean, the home of the eotens</i>.—This would be better but for changing ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">cyn</span>’ to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hám</span>.’—I suggest: <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þær ic fífelgeband (cf. nhd. Bande) ýðde, eotena cyn</span> = <i>where I conquered the monster band, the race of the eotens</i>. This makes no change except to read ‘<i lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fífel</i>’ for ‘<i lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fífe</i>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Unforhte</span>’ (444) is much disputed.—H.-So. wavers between adj. and adv. Gr. and B. take it as an adv. modifying <i><span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">etan</span>: Will eat the Geats fearlessly</i>.—Kl. considers this reading absurd, and proposes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">anforhte</span>’ = timid.—Understanding ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unforhte</span>’ as an adj. has this advantage, viz. that it gives a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Geátena leóde</span>’: but to take it as an adv. is more natural. Furthermore, to call the Geats ‘brave’ might, at this point, seem like an implied thrust at the Danes, so long helpless; while to call his own men ‘timid’ would be befouling his own nest.</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> For ‘head-watch,’ cf. H.-So. notes and cf. v. 2910.—Th. translates: <i>Thou wilt not need my head to hide</i> (i.e., thou wilt have no occasion to bury me, as Grendel will devour me whole).—Simrock imagines a kind of dead-watch.—Dr. H. Wood suggests: <i>Thou wilt not have to bury so much as my head</i> (for Grendel will be a thorough undertaker),—grim humor.</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.6"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.6">[6]</SPAN> S. proposes a colon after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">nimeð</span>’ (l. 447). This would make no essential change in the translation.</div> <div class="footnote" id="VII.FNDEF.7"> <SPAN href="#VII.FNREF.7">[7]</SPAN> Owing to the vagueness of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">feorme</span>’ (451), this passage is variously translated. In our translation, H.-So.’s glossary has been quite closely followed. This agrees substantially with B.’s translation (P. and B. XII. 87). R. translates: <i>Thou needst not take care longer as to the consumption of my dead body.</i> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Líc</span>’ is also a crux here, as it may mean living body or dead body.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="VIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.VIII">VIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.—<i>Continued</i>.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar responds.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.1">Hrothgar discoursed, helm of the Scyldings:</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.2">“To defend our folk and to furnish assistance,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VIII.FNDEF.1" id="VIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.3">Thou soughtest us hither, good friend Beowulf.</div> <span class="sidenote">Reminiscences of Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.4">The fiercest of feuds thy father engaged in,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.5">Heatholaf killed he in hand-to-hand conflict</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.6">’Mid Wilfingish warriors; then the Wederish people</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.7">For fear of a feud were forced to disown him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.8">Thence flying he fled to the folk of the South-Danes,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_18">[18]</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.9">The race of the Scyldings, o’er the roll of the waters;</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.10">I had lately begun then to govern the Danemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.11">The hoard-seat of heroes held in my youth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.12">Rich in its jewels: dead was Heregar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.13">My kinsman and elder had earth-joys forsaken,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.14">Healfdene his bairn. He was better than I am!</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.15">That feud thereafter for a fee I compounded;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.16">O’er the weltering waters to the Wilfings I sent</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.17">Ornaments old; oaths did he swear me.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar recounts to Beowulf the horrors of Grendel’s persecutions.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.18">It pains me in spirit to any to tell it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.19">What grief in Heorot Grendel hath caused me,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.20">What horror unlooked-for, by hatred unceasing.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.21">Waned is my war-band, wasted my hall-troop;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.22">Weird hath offcast them to the clutches of Grendel.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.23">God can easily hinder the scather</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.24">From deeds so direful. Oft drunken with beer</div> <span class="sidenote">My thanes have made many boasts, but have not executed them.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.25">O’er the ale-vessel promised warriors in armor</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.26">They would willingly wait on the wassailing-benches</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.27">A grapple with Grendel, with grimmest of edges.</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.28">Then this mead-hall at morning with murder was reeking,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.29">The building was bloody at breaking of daylight,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.30">The bench-deals all flooded, dripping and bloodied,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.31">The folk-hall was gory: I had fewer retainers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.32">Dear-beloved warriors, whom death had laid hold of.</div> <span class="sidenote">Sit down to the feast, and give us comfort.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.33">Sit at the feast now, thy intents unto heroes,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#VIII.FNDEF.2" id="VIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.34">Thy victor-fame show, as thy spirit doth urge thee!”</div> <span class="sidenote">A bench is made ready for Beowulf and his party.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.35">For the men of the Geats then together assembled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.36">In the beer-hall blithesome a bench was made ready;</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.37">There warlike in spirit they went to be seated,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.38">Proud and exultant. A liegeman did service,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_19">[19]</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.39">Who a beaker embellished bore with decorum,</div> <span class="sidenote">The gleeman sings</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.40">And gleaming-drink poured. The gleeman sang whilom</div> <span class="sidenote">The heroes all rejoice together.</span> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.41">Hearty in Heorot; there was heroes’ rejoicing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.VIII.42">A numerous war-band of Weders and Danemen.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="VIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#VIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> B. and S. reject the reading given in H.-So., and suggested by Grtvg. B. suggests for 457-458: <blockquote lang="ang" xml:lang="ang" class="ang"> <div class="l">wáere-ryhtum Þú, wine mín Béowulf,</div> <div class="l">and for ár-stafum úsic sóhtest.</div> </blockquote> <p>This means: <i>From the obligations of clientage, my friend Beowulf, and for assistance thou hast sought us</i>.—This gives coherence to Hrothgar’s opening remarks in VIII., and also introduces a new motive for Beowulf’s coming to Hrothgar’s aid.</p> </div> <div class="footnote" id="VIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#VIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> <i>Sit now at the feast, and disclose thy purposes to the victorious heroes, as thy spirit urges</i>.—Kl. reaches the above translation by erasing the comma after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">meoto</span>’ and reading ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sige-hrèðsecgum</span>.’—There are other and bolder emendations and suggestions. Of these the boldest is to regard ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">meoto</span>’ as a verb (imperative), and read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on sæl</span>’: <i>Think upon gayety, etc</i>.—All the renderings are unsatisfactory, the one given in our translation involving a zeugma.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="IX"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.IX">IX.</SPAN></h2><h2>UNFERTH TAUNTS BEOWULF.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, is jealous of Beowulf, and undertakes to twit him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.1">Unferth spoke up, Ecglaf his son,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.2">Who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.3">Opened the jousting (the journey<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#IX.FNDEF.1" id="IX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> of Beowulf,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.4">Sea-farer doughty, gave sorrow to Unferth</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.5">And greatest chagrin, too, for granted he never</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.6">That any man else on earth should attain to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.7">Gain under heaven, more glory than he):</div> <span class="sidenote">Did you take part in a swimming-match with Breca?</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.8">“Art thou that Beowulf with Breca did struggle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.9">On the wide sea-currents at swimming contended,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.10">Where to humor your pride the ocean ye tried,</div> <span class="sidenote">’Twas mere folly that actuated you both to risk your lives on the ocean.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.11">From vainest vaunting adventured your bodies</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.12">In care of the waters? And no one was able</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.13">Nor lief nor loth one, in the least to dissuade you</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.14">Your difficult voyage; then ye ventured a-swimming,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.15">Where your arms outstretching the streams ye did cover,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.16">The mere-ways measured, mixing and stirring them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.17">Glided the ocean; angry the waves were,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.18">With the weltering of winter. In the water’s possession,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.19">Ye toiled for a seven-night; he at swimming outdid thee,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.20">In strength excelled thee. Then early at morning</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.21">On the Heathoremes’ shore the holm-currents tossed him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.22">Sought he thenceward the home of his fathers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.23">Beloved of his liegemen, the land of the Brondings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.24">The peace-castle pleasant, where a people he wielded,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_20">[20]</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.25">Had borough and jewels. The pledge that he made thee</div> <span class="sidenote">Breca outdid you entirely.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.26">The son of Beanstan hath soothly accomplished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.27">Then I ween thou wilt find thee less fortunate issue,</div> <span class="sidenote">Much more will Grendel outdo you, if you vie with him in prowess.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.28">Though ever triumphant in onset of battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.29">A grim grappling, if Grendel thou darest</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.30">For the space of a night near-by to wait for!”</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf retaliates.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.31">Beowulf answered, offspring of Ecgtheow:</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.32">“My good friend Unferth, sure freely and wildly,</div> <span class="sidenote">O friend Unferth, you are fuddled with beer, and cannot talk coherently.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.33">Thou fuddled with beer of Breca hast spoken,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.34">Hast told of his journey! A fact I allege it,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.35">That greater strength in the waters I had then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.36">Ills in the ocean, than any man else had.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.37">We made agreement as the merest of striplings</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.38">Promised each other (both of us then were</div> <span class="sidenote">We simply kept an engagement made in early life.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.39">Younkers in years) that we yet would adventure</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.40">Out on the ocean; it all we accomplished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.41">While swimming the sea-floods, sword-blade unscabbarded</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.42">Boldly we brandished, our bodies expected</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.43">To shield from the sharks. He sure was unable</div> <span class="sidenote">He <i>could</i> not excel me, and I <i>would</i> not excel him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.44">To swim on the waters further than I could,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.45">More swift on the waves, nor <i>would</i> I from him go.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.46">Then we two companions stayed in the ocean</div> <span class="sidenote">After five days the currents separated us.</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.47">Five nights together, till the currents did part us,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.48">The weltering waters, weathers the bleakest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.49">And nethermost night, and the north-wind whistled</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.50">Fierce in our faces; fell were the billows.</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.51">The mere fishes’ mood was mightily ruffled:</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.52">And there against foemen my firm-knotted corslet,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.53">Hand-jointed, hardy, help did afford me;</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.54">My battle-sark braided, brilliantly gilded,</div> <span class="sidenote">A horrible sea-beast attacked me, but I slew him.</span> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.55">Lay on my bosom. To the bottom then dragged me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.56">A hateful fiend-scather, seized me and held me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.57">Grim in his grapple: ’twas granted me, nathless,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.58">To pierce the monster with the point of my weapon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.IX.59">My obedient blade; battle offcarried</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.IX.60">The mighty mere-creature by means of my hand-blow.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="IX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#IX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> It has been plausibly suggested that ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">síð</span>’ (in 501 and in 353) means ‘arrival.’ If so, translate the bracket: <i>(the arrival of Beowulf, the brave seafarer, was a source of great chagrin to Unferth, etc.)</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="X"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_21">[21]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.X">X.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF SILENCES UNFERTH.—GLEE IS HIGH.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.X.1">“So ill-meaning enemies often did cause me</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.2">Sorrow the sorest. I served them, in quittance,</div> <span class="sidenote">My dear sword always served me faithfully.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.3">With my dear-lovèd sword, as in sooth it was fitting;</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.4">They missed the pleasure of feasting abundantly,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.5">Ill-doers evil, of eating my body,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.6">Of surrounding the banquet deep in the ocean;</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.7">But wounded with edges early at morning</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.8">They were stretched a-high on the strand of the ocean,</div> <span class="sidenote">I put a stop to the outrages of the sea-monsters.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.9">Put to sleep with the sword, that sea-going travelers</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.10">No longer thereafter were hindered from sailing</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.11">The foam-dashing currents. Came a light from the east,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.12">God’s beautiful beacon; the billows subsided,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.13">That well I could see the nesses projecting,</div> <span class="sidenote">Fortune helps the brave earl.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.14">The blustering crags. Weird often saveth</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.15">The undoomed hero if doughty his valor!</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.16">But me did it fortune<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#X.FNDEF.1" id="X.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> to fell with my weapon</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.17">Nine of the nickers. Of night-struggle harder</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.18">’Neath dome of the heaven heard I but rarely,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.19">Nor of wight more woful in the waves of the ocean;</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.20">Yet I ’scaped with my life the grip of the monsters,</div> <span class="sidenote">After that escape I drifted to Finland.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.21">Weary from travel. Then the waters bare me</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.22">To the land of the Finns, the flood with the current,</div> <span class="sidenote">I have never heard of your doing any such bold deeds.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.23">The weltering waves. Not a word hath been told me</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.24">Of deeds so daring done by thee, Unferth,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.25">And of sword-terror none; never hath Breca</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.26">At the play of the battle, nor either of you two,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.27">Feat so fearless performèd with weapons</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.28">Glinting and gleaming . . . . . . . . . . . .</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_22">[22]</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.29">. . . . . . . . . . . . I utter no boasting;</div> <span class="sidenote">You are a slayer of brothers, and will suffer damnation, wise as you may be.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.30">Though with cold-blooded cruelty thou killedst thy brothers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.31">Thy nearest of kin; thou needs must in hell get</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.32">Direful damnation, though doughty thy wisdom.</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.33">I tell thee in earnest, offspring of Ecglaf,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.34">Never had Grendel such numberless horrors,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.35">The direful demon, done to thy liegelord,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.36">Harrying in Heorot, if thy heart were as sturdy,</div> <span class="sidenote">Had your acts been as brave as your words, Grendel had not ravaged your land so long.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.37">Thy mood as ferocious as thou dost describe them.</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.38">He hath found out fully that the fierce-burning hatred,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.39">The edge-battle eager, of all of your kindred,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.40">Of the Victory-Scyldings, need little dismay him:</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.41">Oaths he exacteth, not any he spares</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster is not afraid of the Danes,</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.42">Of the folk of the Danemen, but fighteth with pleasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.43">Killeth and feasteth, no contest expecteth</div> <span class="sidenote">but he will soon learn to dread the Geats.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.44">From Spear-Danish people. But the prowess and valor</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.45">Of the earls of the Geatmen early shall venture</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.46">To give him a grapple. He shall go who is able</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.47">Bravely to banquet, when the bright-light of morning</div> <span class="sidenote">On the second day, any warrior may go unmolested to the mead-banquet.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.48">Which the second day bringeth, the sun in its ether-robes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.49">O’er children of men shines from the southward!”</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.50">Then the gray-haired, war-famed giver of treasure</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar’s spirits are revived.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.51">Was blithesome and joyous, the Bright-Danish ruler</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.52">Expected assistance; the people’s protector</div> <span class="sidenote">The old king trusts Beowulf. The heroes are joyful.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.53">Heard from Beowulf his bold resolution.</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.54">There was laughter of heroes; loud was the clatter,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.55">The words were winsome. Wealhtheow advanced then,</div> <span class="sidenote">Queen Wealhtheow plays the hostess.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.56">Consort of Hrothgar, of courtesy mindful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.57">Gold-decked saluted the men in the building,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.58">And the freeborn woman the beaker presented</div> <span class="sidenote">She offers the cup to her husband first.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.59">To the lord of the kingdom, first of the East-Danes,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.60">Bade him be blithesome when beer was a-flowing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.61">Lief to his liegemen; he lustily tasted</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.62">Of banquet and beaker, battle-famed ruler.</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.63">The Helmingish lady then graciously circled</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.64">’Mid all the liegemen lesser and greater:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_23">[23]</span> <span class="sidenote">She gives presents to the heroes.</span> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.65">Treasure-cups tendered, till time was afforded</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.66">That the decorous-mooded, diademed folk-queen</div> <span class="sidenote">Then she offers the cup to Beowulf, thanking God that aid has come.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.67">Might bear to Beowulf the bumper o’errunning;</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.68">She greeted the Geat-prince, God she did thank,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.69">Most wise in her words, that her wish was accomplished,</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.70">That in any of earlmen she ever should look for</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.71">Solace in sorrow. He accepted the beaker,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.72">Battle-bold warrior, at Wealhtheow’s giving,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf states to the queen the object of his visit.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.73">Then equipped for combat quoth he in measures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.74">Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.75">“I purposed in spirit when I mounted the ocean,</div> <span class="sidenote">I determined to do or die.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.76">When I boarded my boat with a band of my liegemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.77">I would work to the fullest the will of your people</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.78">Or in foe’s-clutches fastened fall in the battle.</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.79">Deeds I shall do of daring and prowess,</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.80">Or the last of my life-days live in this mead-hall.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.81">These words to the lady were welcome and pleasing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.82">The boast of the Geatman; with gold trappings broidered</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.83">Went the freeborn folk-queen her fond-lord to sit by.</div> <span class="sidenote">Glee is high.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.84">Then again as of yore was heard in the building</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.85">Courtly discussion, conquerors’ shouting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.86">Heroes were happy, till Healfdene’s son would</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.87">Go to his slumber to seek for refreshing;</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.88">For the horrid hell-monster in the hall-building knew he</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.89">A fight was determined,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#X.FNDEF.2" id="X.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> since the light of the sun they</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.90">No longer could see, and lowering darkness</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.91">O’er all had descended, and dark under heaven</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.92">Shadowy shapes came shying around them.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar retires, leaving Beowulf in charge of the hall.</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.93">The liegemen all rose then. One saluted the other,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.94">Hrothgar Beowulf, in rhythmical measures,</div> <span class="linenum">95</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.95">Wishing him well, and, the wassail-hall giving</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.96">To his care and keeping, quoth he departing:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_24">[24]</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.97">“Not to any one else have I ever entrusted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.98">But thee and thee only, the hall of the Danemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.99">Since high I could heave my hand and my buckler.</div> <span class="linenum">100</span> <div class="l" id="L.X.100">Take thou in charge now the noblest of houses;</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.101">Be mindful of honor, exhibiting prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.102">Watch ’gainst the foeman! Thou shalt want no enjoyments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.X.103">Survive thou safely adventure so glorious!”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="X.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#X.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> The repetition of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hwæðere</span>’ (574 and 578) is regarded by some scholars as a defect. B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">swá Þær</span>’ for the first: <i>So there it befell me, etc.</i> Another suggestion is to change the second ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hwæðere</span>’ into ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">swá Þær</span>’: <i>So there I escaped with my life, etc.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="X.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#X.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Kl. suggests a period after ‘determined.’ This would give the passage as follows: <i>Since they no longer could see the light of the sun, and lowering darkness was down over all, dire under the heavens shadowy beings came going around them</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XI">XI.</SPAN></h2><h2>ALL SLEEP SAVE ONE.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar retires.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.1">Then Hrothgar departed, his earl-throng attending him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.2">Folk-lord of Scyldings, forth from the building;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.3">The war-chieftain wished then Wealhtheow to look for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.4">The queen for a bedmate. To keep away Grendel</div> <span class="sidenote">God has provided a watch for the hall.</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.5">The Glory of Kings had given a hall-watch,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.6">As men heard recounted: for the king of the Danemen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.7">He did special service, gave the giant a watcher:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.8">And the prince of the Geatmen implicitly trusted</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is self-confident</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.9">His warlike strength and the Wielder’s protection.</div> <span class="sidenote">He prepares for rest.</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.10">His armor of iron off him he did then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.11">His helmet from his head, to his henchman committed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.12">His chased-handled chain-sword, choicest of weapons,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.13">And bade him bide with his battle-equipments.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.14">The good one then uttered words of defiance,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.15">Beowulf Geatman, ere his bed he upmounted:</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf boasts of his ability to cope with Grendel.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.16">“I hold me no meaner in matters of prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.17">In warlike achievements, than Grendel does himself;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.18">Hence I seek not with sword-edge to sooth him to slumber,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.19">Of life to bereave him, though well I am able.</div> <span class="sidenote">We will fight with nature’s weapons only.</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.20">No battle-skill<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XI.FNDEF.1" id="XI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> has he, that blows he should strike me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.21">To shatter my shield, though sure he is mighty</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_25">[25]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.22">In strife and destruction; but struggling by night we</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.23">Shall do without edges, dare he to look for</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.24">Weaponless warfare, and wise-mooded Father</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.25">The glory apportion, God ever-holy,</div> <span class="sidenote">God may decide who shall conquer</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.26">On which hand soever to him seemeth proper.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.27">Then the brave-mooded hero bent to his slumber,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.28">The pillow received the cheek of the noble;</div> <span class="sidenote">The Geatish warriors lie down.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.29">And many a martial mere-thane attending</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.30">Sank to his slumber. Seemed it unlikely</div> <span class="sidenote">They thought it very unlikely that they should ever see their homes again.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.31">That ever thereafter any should hope to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.32">Be happy at home, hero-friends visit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.33">Or the lordly troop-castle where he lived from his childhood;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.34">They had heard how slaughter had snatched from the wine-hall,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.35">Had recently ravished, of the race of the Scyldings</div> <span class="sidenote">But God raised up a deliverer.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.36">Too many by far. But the Lord to them granted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.37">The weaving of war-speed, to Wederish heroes</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.38">Aid and comfort, that every opponent</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.39">By one man’s war-might they worsted and vanquished,</div> <span class="sidenote">God rules the world.</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.40">By the might of himself; the truth is established</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.41">That God Almighty hath governed for ages</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.42">Kindreds and nations. A night very lurid</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel comes to Heorot.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.43">The trav’ler-at-twilight came tramping and striding.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.44">The warriors were sleeping who should watch the horned-building,</div> <span class="sidenote">Only one warrior is awake.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XI.45">One only excepted. ’Mid earthmen ’twas ’stablished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.46">Th’ implacable foeman was powerless to hurl them</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.47">To the land of shadows, if the Lord were unwilling;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.48">But serving as warder, in terror to foemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XI.49">He angrily bided the issue of battle.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XI.FNDEF.2" id="XI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Gr. understood ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gódra</span>’ as meaning ‘advantages in battle.’ This rendering H.-So. rejects. The latter takes the passage as meaning that Grendel, though mighty and formidable, has no skill in the art of war.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> B. in his masterly articles on Beowulf (P. and B. XII.) rejects the division usually made at this point, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þá</span>.’ (711), usually rendered ‘then,’ he translates ‘when,’ and connects its clause with the foregoing sentence. These changes he makes to reduce the number of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">cóm</span>’s’ as principal verbs. (Cf. 703, 711, 721.) With all deference to this acute scholar, I must say that it seems to me that the poet is exhausting his resources to bring out clearly the supreme event on which the whole subsequent action turns. First, he (Grendel) came <i>in the wan night</i>; second, he came <i>from the moor</i>; third, he came <i>to the hall</i>. Time, place from which, place to which, are all given.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XII"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_26">[26]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XII">XII.</SPAN></h2><h2>GRENDEL AND BEOWULF.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Grendel comes from the fens.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.1">’Neath the cloudy cliffs came from the moor then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.2">Grendel going, God’s anger bare he.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.3">The monster intended some one of earthmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.4">In the hall-building grand to entrap and make way with:</div> <span class="sidenote">He goes towards the joyous building.</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.5">He went under welkin where well he knew of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.6">The wine-joyous building, brilliant with plating,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.7">Gold-hall of earthmen. Not the earliest occasion</div> <span class="sidenote">This was not his first visit there.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.8">He the home and manor of Hrothgar had sought:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.9">Ne’er found he in life-days later nor earlier</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.10">Hardier hero, hall-thanes<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XII.FNDEF.1" id="XII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> more sturdy!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.11">Then came to the building the warrior marching,</div> <span class="sidenote">His horrid fingers tear the door open.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.12">Bereft of his joyance. The door quickly opened</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.13">On fire-hinges fastened, when his fingers had touched it;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.14">The fell one had flung then—his fury so bitter—</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.15">Open the entrance. Early thereafter</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.16">The foeman trod the shining hall-pavement,</div> <span class="sidenote">He strides furiously into the hall.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.17">Strode he angrily; from the eyes of him glimmered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.18">A lustre unlovely likest to fire.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.19">He beheld in the hall the heroes in numbers,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.20">A circle of kinsmen sleeping together,</div> <span class="sidenote">He exults over his supposed prey.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.21">A throng of thanemen: then his thoughts were exultant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.22">He minded to sunder from each of the thanemen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.23">The life from his body, horrible demon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.24">Ere morning came, since fate had allowed him</div> <span class="sidenote">Fate has decreed that he shall devour no more heroes. Beowulf suffers from suspense.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.25">The prospect of plenty. Providence willed not</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.26">To permit him any more of men under heaven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.27">To eat in the night-time. Higelac’s kinsman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.28">Great sorrow endured how the dire-mooded creature</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_27">[27]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.29">In unlooked-for assaults were likely to bear him.</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.30">No thought had the monster of deferring the matter,</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel immediately seizes a sleeping warrior, and devours him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.31">But on earliest occasion he quickly laid hold of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.32">A soldier asleep, suddenly tore him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.33">Bit his bone-prison, the blood drank in currents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.34">Swallowed in mouthfuls: he soon had the dead man’s</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.35">Feet and hands, too, eaten entirely.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.36">Nearer he strode then, the stout-hearted warrior</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf and Grendel grapple.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.37">Snatched as he slumbered, seizing with hand-grip,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.38">Forward the foeman foined with his hand;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.39">Caught he quickly the cunning deviser,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.40">On his elbow he rested. This early discovered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.41">The master of malice, that in middle-earth’s regions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.42">’Neath the whole of the heavens, no hand-grapple greater</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster is amazed at Beowulf’s strength.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.43">In any man else had he ever encountered:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.44">Fearful in spirit, faint-mooded waxed he,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.45">Not off could betake him; death he was pondering,</div> <span class="sidenote">He is anxious to flee.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.46">Would fly to his covert, seek the devils’ assembly:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.47">His calling no more was the same he had followed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.48">Long in his lifetime. The liege-kinsman worthy</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf recalls his boast of the evening, and determines to fulfil it.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.49">Of Higelac minded his speech of the evening,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.50">Stood he up straight and stoutly did seize him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.51">His fingers crackled; the giant was outward,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.52">The earl stepped farther. The famous one minded</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.53">To flee away farther, if he found an occasion,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.54">And off and away, avoiding delay,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.55">To fly to the fen-moors; he fully was ware of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.56">The strength of his grapple in the grip of the foeman.</div> <span class="sidenote">’Twas a luckless day for Grendel.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.57">’Twas an ill-taken journey that the injury-bringing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.58">Harrying harmer to Heorot wandered:</div> <span class="sidenote">The hall groans.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.59">The palace re-echoed; to all of the Danemen,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.60">Dwellers in castles, to each of the bold ones,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.61">Earlmen, was terror. Angry they both were,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.62">Archwarders raging.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XII.FNDEF.2" id="XII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> Rattled the building;</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_28">[28]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.63">’Twas a marvellous wonder that the wine-hall withstood then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.64">The bold-in-battle, bent not to earthward,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.65">Excellent earth-hall; but within and without it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.66">Was fastened so firmly in fetters of iron,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.67">By the art of the armorer. Off from the sill there</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.68">Bent mead-benches many, as men have informed me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.69">Adorned with gold-work, where the grim ones did struggle.</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.70">The Scylding wise men weened ne’er before</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.71">That by might and main-strength a man under heaven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.72">Might break it in pieces, bone-decked, resplendent,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.73">Crush it by cunning, unless clutch of the fire</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.74">In smoke should consume it. The sound mounted upward</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s cries terrify the Danes.</span> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.75">Novel enough; on the North Danes fastened</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.76">A terror of anguish, on all of the men there</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.77">Who heard from the wall the weeping and plaining,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.78">The song of defeat from the foeman of heaven,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.79">Heard him hymns of horror howl, and his sorrow</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XII.80">Hell-bound bewailing. He held him too firmly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XII.81">Who was strongest of main-strength of men of that era.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> B. and t.B. emend so as to make lines 9 and 10 read: <i>Never in his life, earlier or later, had he, the hell-thane, found a braver hero</i>.—They argue that Beowulf’s companions had done nothing to merit such encomiums as the usual readings allow them.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">réðe rén-weardas</span>’ (771), t.B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">réðe, rénhearde</span>.’ Translate: <i>They were both angry, raging and mighty</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XIII">XIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>GRENDEL IS VANQUISHED.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf has no idea of letting Grendel live.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.1">For no cause whatever would the earlmen’s defender</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.2">Leave in life-joys the loathsome newcomer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.3">He deemed his existence utterly useless</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.4">To men under heaven. Many a noble</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.5">Of Beowulf brandished his battle-sword old,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.6">Would guard the life of his lord and protector,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.7">The far-famous chieftain, if able to do so;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.8">While waging the warfare, this wist they but little,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.9">Brave battle-thanes, while his body intending</div> <span class="sidenote">No weapon would harm Grendel; he bore a charmed life.</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.10">To slit into slivers, and seeking his spirit:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.11">That the relentless foeman nor finest of weapons</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.12">Of all on the earth, nor any of war-bills</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_29">[29]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.13">Was willing to injure; but weapons of victory</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.14">Swords and suchlike he had sworn to dispense with.</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.15">His death at that time must prove to be wretched,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.16">And the far-away spirit widely should journey</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.17">Into enemies’ power. This plainly he saw then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.18">Who with mirth<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIII.FNDEF.1" id="XIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> of mood malice no little</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.19">Had wrought in the past on the race of the earthmen</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.20">(To God he was hostile), that his body would fail him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.21">But Higelac’s hardy henchman and kinsman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.22">Held him by the hand; hateful to other</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel is sorely wounded.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.23">Was each one if living. A body-wound suffered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.24">The direful demon, damage incurable</div> <span class="sidenote">His body bursts.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.25">Was seen on his shoulder, his sinews were shivered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.26">His body did burst. To Beowulf was given</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.27">Glory in battle; Grendel from thenceward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.28">Must flee and hide him in the fen-cliffs and marshes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.29">Sick unto death, his dwelling must look for</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.30">Unwinsome and woful; he wist the more fully</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster flees away to hide in the moors.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.31">The end of his earthly existence was nearing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.32">His life-days’ limits. At last for the Danemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.33">When the slaughter was over, their wish was accomplished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.34">The comer-from-far-land had cleansed then of evil,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.35">Wise and valiant, the war-hall of Hrothgar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.36">Saved it from violence. He joyed in the night-work,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.37">In repute for prowess; the prince of the Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.38">For the East-Danish people his boast had accomplished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.39">Bettered their burdensome bale-sorrows fully,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.40">The craft-begot evil they erstwhile had suffered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.41">And were forced to endure from crushing oppression,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.42">Their manifold misery. ’Twas a manifest token,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf suspends Grendel’s hand and arm in Heorot.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.43">When the hero-in-battle the hand suspended,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.44">The arm and the shoulder (there was all of the claw</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIII.45">Of Grendel together) ’neath great-stretching hall-roof.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> It has been proposed to translate ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">myrðe</span>’ by <i>with sorrow</i>; but there seems no authority for such a rendering. To the present translator, the phrase ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">módes myrðe</span>’ seems a mere padding for <i>gladly</i>; i.e., <i>he who gladly harassed mankind</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XIV"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_30">[30]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XIV">XIV.</SPAN></h2><h2>REJOICING OF THE DANES.</h2> <span class="sidenote">At early dawn, warriors from far and near come together to hear of the night’s adventures.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.1">In the mist of the morning many a warrior</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.2">Stood round the gift-hall, as the story is told me:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.3">Folk-princes fared then from far and from near</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.4">Through long-stretching journeys to look at the wonder,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.5">The footprints of the foeman. Few of the warriors</div> <span class="sidenote">Few warriors lamented Grendel’s destruction.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.6">Who gazed on the foot-tracks of the inglorious creature</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.7">His parting from life pained very deeply,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.8">How, weary in spirit, off from those regions</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.9">In combats conquered he carried his traces,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.10">Fated and flying, to the flood of the nickers.</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s blood dyes the waters.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.11">There in bloody billows bubbled the currents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.12">The angry eddy was everywhere mingled</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.13">And seething with gore, welling with sword-blood;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIV.FNDEF.1" id="XIV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.14">He death-doomed had hid him, when reaved of his joyance</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.15">He laid down his life in the lair he had fled to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.16">His heathenish spirit, where hell did receive him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.17">Thence the friends from of old backward turned them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.18">And many a younker from merry adventure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.19">Striding their stallions, stout from the seaward,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.20">Heroes on horses. There were heard very often</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is the hero of the hour.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.21">Beowulf’s praises; many often asserted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.22">That neither south nor north, in the circuit of waters,</div> <span class="sidenote">He is regarded as a probable successor to Hrothgar.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.23">O’er outstretching earth-plain, none other was better</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.24">’Mid bearers of war-shields, more worthy to govern,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.25">’Neath the arch of the ether. Not any, however,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.26">’Gainst the friend-lord muttered, mocking-words uttered</div> <span class="sidenote">But no word is uttered to derogate from the old king</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.27">Of Hrothgar the gracious (a good king he).</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.28">Oft the famed ones permitted their fallow-skinned horses</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_31">[31]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.29">To run in rivalry, racing and chasing,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.30">Where the fieldways appeared to them fair and inviting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.31">Known for their excellence; oft a thane of the folk-lord,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIV.FNDEF.2" id="XIV.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">The gleeman sings the deeds of heroes.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.32"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIV.FNDEF.3" id="XIV.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup>A man of celebrity, mindful of rhythms,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.33">Who ancient traditions treasured in memory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.34">New word-groups found properly bound:</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.35">The bard after ’gan then Beowulf’s venture</div> <span class="sidenote">He sings in alliterative measures of Beowulf’s prowess.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.36">Wisely to tell of, and words that were clever</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.37">To utter skilfully, earnestly speaking,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.38">Everything told he that he heard as to Sigmund’s</div> <span class="sidenote">Also of Sigemund, who has slain a great fire-dragon.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.39">Mighty achievements, many things hidden,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.40">The strife of the Wælsing, the wide-going ventures</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.41">The children of men knew of but little,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.42">The feud and the fury, but Fitela with him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.43">When suchlike matters he minded to speak of,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.44">Uncle to nephew, as in every contention</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.45">Each to other was ever devoted:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.46">A numerous host of the race of the scathers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.47">They had slain with the sword-edge. To Sigmund accrued then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.48">No little of glory, when his life-days were over,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.49">Since he sturdy in struggle had destroyed the great dragon,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.50">The hoard-treasure’s keeper; ’neath the hoar-grayish stone he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.51">The son of the atheling, unaided adventured</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.52">The perilous project; not present was Fitela,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.53">Yet the fortune befell him of forcing his weapon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.54">Through the marvellous dragon, that it stood in the wall,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.55">Well-honored weapon; the worm was <span class="corr" title="original: yslaughtered">slaughtered</span>.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.56">The great one had gained then by his glorious achievement</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.57">To reap from the ring-hoard richest enjoyment,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_32">[32]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.58">As best it did please him: his vessel he loaded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.59">Shining ornaments on the ship’s bosom carried,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.60">Kinsman of Wæls: the drake in heat melted.</div> <span class="sidenote">Sigemund was widely famed.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.61">He was farthest famed of fugitive pilgrims,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.62">Mid wide-scattered world-folk, for works of great prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.63">War-troopers’ shelter: hence waxed he in honor.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIV.FNDEF.4" id="XIV.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Heremod, an unfortunate Danish king, is introduced by way of contrast.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.64">Afterward Heremod’s hero-strength failed him,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.65">His vigor and valor. ’Mid venomous haters</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.66">To the hands of foemen he was foully delivered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.67">Offdriven early. Agony-billows</div> <span class="sidenote">Unlike Sigemund and Beowulf, Heremod was a burden to his people.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.68">Oppressed him too long, to his people he became then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.69">To all the athelings, an ever-great burden;</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.70">And the daring one’s journey in days of yore</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.71">Many wise men were wont to deplore,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.72">Such as hoped he would bring them help in their sorrow,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.73">That the son of their ruler should rise into power,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.74">Holding the headship held by his fathers,</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.75">Should govern the people, the gold-hoard and borough,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.76">The kingdom of heroes, the realm of the Scyldings.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is an honor to his race.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.77">He to all men became then far more beloved,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.78">Higelac’s kinsman, to kindreds and races,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.79">To his friends much dearer; him malice assaulted.—</div> <span class="sidenote">The story is resumed.</span> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.80">Oft running and racing on roadsters they measured</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.81">The dun-colored highways. Then the light of the morning</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.82">Was hurried and hastened. Went henchmen in numbers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.83">To the beautiful building, bold ones in spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.84">To look at the wonder; the liegelord himself then</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.85">From his wife-bower wending, warden of treasures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.86">Glorious trod with troopers unnumbered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.87">Famed for his virtues, and with him the queen-wife</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIV.88">Measured the mead-ways, with maidens attending.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XIV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XIV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> S. emends, suggesting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déop</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déog</span>,’ and removing semicolon after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wéol</span><span class="add" title="Added">.</span>’ The two half-lines ‘welling … hid him’ would then read: <i>The bloody deep welled with sword-gore</i>. B. accepts ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déop</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déog</span>,’ but reads ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déað-fæges</span>’: <i>The deep boiled with the sword-gore of the death-doomed one</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIV.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XIV.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Another and quite different rendering of this passage is as follows: <i>Oft a liegeman of the king, a fame-covered man mindful of songs, who very many ancient traditions remembered (he found other word-groups accurately bound together) began afterward to tell of Beowulf’s adventure, skilfully to narrate it, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIV.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XIV.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> Might ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">guma gilp-hladen</span>’ mean ‘a man laden with boasts of the deeds of others’?</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIV.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XIV.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> t.B. accepts B.’s ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hé þæs áron þáh</span>’ as given by H.-So., but puts a comma after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þáh</span>,’ and takes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">siððan</span>’ as introducing a dependent clause: <i>He throve in honor since Heremod’s strength … had decreased</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XV"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_33">[33]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XV">XV.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR’S GRATITUDE.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XV.1">Hrothgar discoursed (to the hall-building went he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.2">He stood by the pillar,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XV.FNDEF.1" title="B. and t.B. read ‘staþole,’ and translate stood on the floor." id="XV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> saw the steep-rising hall-roof</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.3">Gleaming with gold-gems, and Grendel his hand there):</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar gives thanks for the overthrow of the monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.4">“For the sight we behold now, thanks to the Wielder</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.5">Early be offered! Much evil I bided,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.6">Snaring from Grendel:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XV.FNDEF.2" id="XV.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> God can e’er ’complish</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.7">Wonder on wonder, Wielder of Glory!</div> <span class="sidenote">I had given up all hope, when this brave liegeman came to our aid.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.8">But lately I reckoned ne’er under heaven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.9">Comfort to gain me for any of sorrows,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.10">While the handsomest of houses horrid with bloodstain</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.11">Gory uptowered; grief had offfrightened<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XV.FNDEF.3" id="XV.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.12">Each of the wise ones who weened not that ever</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.13">The folk-troop’s defences ’gainst foes they should strengthen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.14">’Gainst sprites and monsters. Through the might of the Wielder</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.15">A doughty retainer hath a deed now accomplished</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.16">Which erstwhile we all with our excellent wisdom</div> <span class="sidenote">If his mother yet liveth, well may she thank God for this son.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.17">Failed to perform. May affirm very truly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.18">What woman soever in all of the nations</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.19">Gave birth to the child, if yet she surviveth,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.20">That the long-ruling Lord was lavish to herward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.21">In the birth of the bairn. Now, Beowulf dear,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hereafter, Beowulf, thou shalt be my son.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.22">Most excellent hero, I’ll love thee in spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.23">As bairn of my body; bear well henceforward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.24">The relationship new. No lack shall befall thee</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.25">Of earth-joys any I ever can give thee.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.26">Full often for lesser service I’ve given</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_34">[34]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.27">Hero less hardy hoard-treasure precious,</div> <span class="sidenote">Thou hast won immortal distinction.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.28">To a weaker in war-strife. By works of distinction</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.29">Thou hast gained for thyself now that thy glory shall flourish</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.30">Forever and ever. The All-Ruler quite thee</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.31">With good from His hand as He hitherto did thee!”</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf replies: I was most happy to render thee this service.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.32">Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow’s offspring:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.33">“That labor of glory most gladly achieved we,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.34">The combat accomplished, unquailing we ventured</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.35">The enemy’s grapple; I would grant it much rather</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.36">Thou wert able to look at the creature in person,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.37">Faint unto falling, the foe in his trappings!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.38">On murder-bed quickly I minded to bind him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.39">With firm-holding fetters, that forced by my grapple</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.40">Low he should lie in life-and-death struggle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.41">’Less his body escape; I was wholly unable,</div> <span class="sidenote">I could not keep the monster from escaping, as God did not will that I should.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.42">Since God did not will it, to keep him from going,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.43">Not held him that firmly, hated opposer;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.44">Too swift was the foeman. Yet safety regarding</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.45">He suffered his hand behind him to linger,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.46">His arm and shoulder, to act as watcher;</div> <span class="sidenote">He left his hand and arm behind.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.47">No shadow of solace the woe-begone creature</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.48">Found him there nathless: the hated destroyer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.49">Liveth no longer, lashed for his evils,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.50">But sorrow hath seized him, in snare-meshes hath him</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.51">Close in its clutches, keepeth him writhing</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.52">In baleful bonds: there banished for evil</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.53">The man shall wait for the mighty tribunal,</div> <span class="sidenote">God will give him his deserts.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.54">How the God of glory shall give him his earnings.”</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.55">Then the soldier kept silent, son of old Ecglaf,</div> <span class="sidenote">Unferth has nothing more to say, for Beowulf’s actions speak louder than words.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.56">From boasting and bragging of battle-achievements,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.57">Since the princes beheld there the hand that depended</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.58">’Neath the lofty hall-timbers by the might of the nobleman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.59">Each one before him, the enemy’s fingers;</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.60">Each finger-nail strong steel most resembled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.61">The heathen one’s hand-spur, the hero-in-battle’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.62">Claw most uncanny; quoth they agreeing,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_35">[35]</span> <span class="sidenote">No sword will harm the monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.63">That not any excellent edges of brave ones</div> <div class="l" id="L.XV.64">Was willing to touch him, the terrible creature’s</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XV.65">Battle-hand bloody to bear away from him.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> B. and t.B. read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">staþole</span>,’ and translate <i>stood on the floor</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XV.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XV.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘snaring from Grendel,’ ‘sorrows at Grendel’s hands’ has been suggested. This gives a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">láðes</span>.’ ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Grynna</span>’ may well be gen. pl. of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gyrn</span>,’ by a scribal slip.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XV.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XV.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The H.-So punctuation has been followed; but B. has been followed in understanding ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gehwylcne</span>’ as object of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wíd-scofen (hæfde)</span>.’ Gr. construes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wéa</span>’ as nom abs.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XVI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XVI">XVI.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR LAVISHES GIFTS UPON HIS DELIVERER.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Heorot is adorned with hands.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.1">Then straight was ordered that Heorot inside<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVI.FNDEF.1" id="XVI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.2">With hands be embellished: a host of them gathered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.3">Of men and women, who the wassailing-building</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.4">The guest-hall begeared. Gold-flashing sparkled</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.5">Webs on the walls then, of wonders a many</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.6">To each of the heroes that look on such objects.</div> <span class="sidenote">The hall is defaced, however.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.7">The beautiful building was broken to pieces</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.8">Which all within with irons was fastened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.9">Its hinges torn off: only the roof was</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.10">Whole and uninjured when the horrible creature</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.11">Outlawed for evil off had betaken him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.12">Hopeless of living. ’Tis hard to avoid it</div> <span class="sidenote">[A vague passage of five verses.]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.13">(Whoever will do it!); but he doubtless must come to<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVI.FNDEF.2" id="XVI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.14">The place awaiting, as Wyrd hath appointed,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.15">Soul-bearers, earth-dwellers, earls under heaven,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.16">Where bound on its bed his body shall slumber</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar goes to the banquet.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.17">When feasting is finished. Full was the time then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.18">That the son of Healfdene went to the building;</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_36">[36]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.19">The excellent atheling would eat of the banquet.</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.20">Ne’er heard I that people with hero-band larger</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.21">Bare them better tow’rds their bracelet-bestower.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.22">The laden-with-glory stooped to the bench then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.23">(Their kinsmen-companions in plenty were joyful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.24">Many a cupful quaffing complaisantly),</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.25">Doughty of spirit in the high-tow’ring palace,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar’s nephew, Hrothulf, is present.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.26">Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot then inside</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.27">Was filled with friendly ones; falsehood and treachery</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.28">The Folk-Scyldings now nowise did practise.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar lavishes gifts upon Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.29">Then the offspring of Healfdene offered to Beowulf</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.30">A golden standard, as reward for the victory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.31">A banner embossed, burnie and helmet;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.32">Many men saw then a song-famous weapon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.33">Borne ’fore the hero. Beowulf drank of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.34">The cup in the building; that treasure-bestowing</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.35">He needed not blush for in battle-men’s presence.</div> <span class="sidenote">Four handsomer gifts were never presented.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.36">Ne’er heard I that many men on the ale-bench</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.37">In friendlier fashion to their fellows presented</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.38">Four bright jewels with gold-work embellished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.39">’Round the roof of the helmet a head-guarder outside</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.40">Braided with wires, with bosses was furnished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.41">That swords-for-the-battle fight-hardened might fail</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.42">Boldly to harm him, when the hero proceeded</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar commands that eight finely caparisoned steeds be brought to Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.43">Forth against foemen. The defender of earls then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.44">Commanded that eight steeds with bridles</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.45">Gold-plated, gleaming, be guided to hallward,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.46">Inside the building; on one of them stood then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.47">An art-broidered saddle embellished with jewels;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.48">’Twas the sovereign’s seat, when the son of King Healfdene</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.49">Was pleased to take part in the play of the edges;</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.50">The famous one’s valor ne’er failed at the front when</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.51">Slain ones were bowing. And to Beowulf granted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.52">The prince of the Ingwins, power over both,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.53">O’er war-steeds and weapons; bade him well to enjoy them.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.54">In so manly a manner the mighty-famed chieftain,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_37">[37]</span> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.55">Hoard-ward of heroes, with horses and jewels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.56">War-storms requited, that none e’er condemneth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVI.57">Who willeth to tell truth with full justice.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XVI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XVI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Kl. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hroden</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">háten</span>,’ and renders: <i>Then quickly was Heorot adorned within, with hands bedecked</i>.—B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefrætwon</span>’ instead of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefrætwod</span>,’ and renders: <i>Then was it commanded to adorn Heorot within quickly with hands</i>.—The former has the advantage of affording a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefrætwod</span>’: both have the disadvantage of altering the text.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XVI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XVI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> The passage 1005-1009 seems to be hopeless. One difficult point is to find a subject for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gesacan</span>.’ Some say ‘he’; others supply ‘each,’ <i>i.e., every soul-bearer … must gain the inevitable place</i>. The genitives in this case are partitive.—If ‘he’ be subj., the genitives are dependent on ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gearwe</span>’ (= prepared).—The ‘he’ itself is disputed, some referring it to Grendel; but B. takes it as involved in the parenthesis.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XVII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XVII">XVII.</SPAN></h2><h2>BANQUET (<i>continued</i>).—THE SCOP’S SONG OF FINN AND HNÆF.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Each of Beowulf’s companions receives a costly gift.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.1">And the atheling of earlmen to each of the heroes</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.2">Who the ways of the waters went with Beowulf,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.3">A costly gift-token gave on the mead-bench,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.4">Offered an heirloom, and ordered that that man</div> <span class="sidenote">The warrior killed by Grendel is to be paid for in gold.</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.5">With gold should be paid for, whom Grendel had erstwhile</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.6">Wickedly slaughtered, as he more of them had done</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.7">Had far-seeing God and the mood of the hero</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.8">The fate not averted: the Father then governed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.9">All of the earth-dwellers, as He ever is doing;</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.10">Hence insight for all men is everywhere fittest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.11">Forethought of spirit! much he shall suffer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.12">Of lief and of loathsome who long in this present</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.13">Useth the world in this woful existence.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.14">There was music and merriment mingling together</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar’s scop recalls events in the reign of his lord’s father.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.15">Touching Healfdene’s leader; the joy-wood was fingered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.16">Measures recited, when the singer of Hrothgar</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.17">On mead-bench should mention the merry hall-joyance</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.18">Of the kinsmen of Finn, when onset surprised them:</div> <span class="sidenote">Hnæf, the Danish general, is treacherously attacked while staying at Finn’s castle.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.19">“The Half-Danish hero, Hnæf of the Scyldings,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.20">On the field of the Frisians was fated to perish.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.21">Sure Hildeburg needed not mention approving</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.22">The faith of the Jutemen: though blameless entirely,</div> <span class="sidenote">Queen Hildeburg is not only wife of Finn, but a kinswoman of the murdered Hnæf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.23">When shields were shivered she was shorn of her darlings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.24">Of bairns and brothers: they bent to their fate</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.25">With war-spear wounded; woe was that woman.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.26">Not causeless lamented the daughter of Hoce</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.27">The decree of the Wielder when morning-light came and</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.28">She was able ’neath heaven to behold the destruction</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_38">[38]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.29">Of brothers and bairns, where the brightest of earth-joys</div> <span class="sidenote">Finn’s force is almost exterminated.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.30">She had hitherto had: all the henchmen of Finn</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.31">War had offtaken, save a handful remaining,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.32">That he nowise was able to offer resistance<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVII.FNDEF.1" id="XVII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Hengest succeeds Hnæf as Danish general.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.33">To the onset of Hengest in the parley of battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.34">Nor the wretched remnant to rescue in war from</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.35">The earl of the atheling; but they offered conditions,</div> <span class="sidenote">Compact between the Frisians and the Danes.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.36">Another great building to fully make ready,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.37">A hall and a high-seat, that half they might rule with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.38">The sons of the Jutemen, and that Folcwalda’s son would</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.39">Day after day the Danemen honor</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.40">When gifts were giving, and grant of his ring-store</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.41">To Hengest’s earl-troop ever so freely,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.42">Of his gold-plated jewels, as he encouraged the Frisians</div> <span class="sidenote">Equality of gifts agreed on.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.43">On the bench of the beer-hall. On both sides they swore then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.44">A fast-binding compact; Finn unto Hengest</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.45">With no thought of revoking vowed then most solemnly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.46">The woe-begone remnant well to take charge of,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.47">His Witan advising; the agreement should no one</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.48">By words or works weaken and shatter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.49">By artifice ever injure its value,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.50">Though reaved of their ruler their ring-giver’s slayer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.51">They followed as vassals, Fate so requiring:</div> <span class="sidenote">No one shall refer to old grudges.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.52">Then if one of the Frisians the quarrel should speak of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.53">In tones that were taunting, terrible edges</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.54">Should cut in requital. Accomplished the oath was,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.55">And treasure of gold from the hoard was uplifted.</div> <span class="sidenote">Danish warriors are burned on a funeral-pyre.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.56">The best of the Scylding braves was then fully</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.57">Prepared for the pile; at the pyre was seen clearly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.58">The blood-gory burnie, the boar with his gilding,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.59">The iron-hard swine, athelings many</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.60">Fatally wounded; no few had been slaughtered.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.61">Hildeburg bade then, at the burning of Hnæf,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_39">[39]</span> <span class="sidenote">Queen Hildeburg has her son burnt along with Hnæf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.62">The bairn of her bosom to bear to the fire,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.63">That his body be burned and borne to the pyre.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.64">The woe-stricken woman wept on his shoulder,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVII.FNDEF.2" id="XVII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.65">In measures lamented; upmounted the hero.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVII.FNDEF.3" title="For ‘gúð-rinc,’ ‘gúð-réc,’ battle-smoke, has been suggested." id="XVII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.66">The greatest of dead-fires curled to the welkin,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.67">On the hill’s-front crackled; heads were a-melting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.68">Wound-doors bursting, while the blood was a-coursing</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.69">From body-bite fierce. The fire devoured them,</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.70">Greediest of spirits, whom war had offcarried</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVII.71">From both of the peoples; their bravest were fallen.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XVII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XVII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For 1084, R. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wiht Hengeste wið gefeohtan</span>.’—K. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wið Hengeste wiht gefeohtan</span>.’ Neither emendation would make any essential change in the translation.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XVII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XVII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> The separation of adjective and noun by a phrase (cf. v. 1118) being very unusual, some scholars have put ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">earme on eaxle</span>’ with the foregoing lines, inserting a semicolon after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eaxle</span>.’ In this case ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on eaxe</span>’ (<i>i.e.</i>, on the ashes, cinders) is sometimes read, and this affords a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on bæl</span>.’ Let us hope that a satisfactory rendering shall yet be reached without resorting to any tampering with the text, such as Lichtenheld proposed: ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">earme ides on eaxle gnornode</span>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XVII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XVII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúð-rinc</span>,’ ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúð-réc</span>,’ <i>battle-smoke</i>, has been suggested.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XVIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XVIII">XVIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE FINN EPISODE (<i>continued</i>).—THE BANQUET CONTINUES.</h2> <span class="sidenote">The survivors go to Friesland, the home of Finn.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.1">“Then the warriors departed to go to their dwellings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.2">Reaved of their friends, Friesland to visit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.3">Their homes and high-city. Hengest continued</div> <span class="sidenote">Hengest remains there all winter, unable to get away.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.4">Biding with Finn the blood-tainted winter,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.5">Wholly unsundered;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVIII.FNDEF.1" id="XVIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> of fatherland thought he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.6">Though unable to drive the ring-stemmèd vessel</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_40">[40]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.7">O’er the ways of the waters; the wave-deeps were tossing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.8">Fought with the wind; winter in ice-bonds</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.9">Closed up the currents, till there came to the dwelling</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.10">A year in its course, as yet it revolveth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.11">If season propitious one alway regardeth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.12">World-cheering weathers. Then winter was gone,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.13">Earth’s bosom was lovely; the exile would get him,</div> <span class="sidenote">He devises schemes of vengeance.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.14">The guest from the palace; on grewsomest vengeance</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.15">He brooded more eager than on oversea journeys,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.16">Whe’r onset-of-anger he were able to ’complish,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.17">The bairns of the Jutemen therein to remember.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.18">Nowise refused he the duties of liegeman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.19">When Hun of the Frisians the battle-sword Láfing,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.20">Fairest of falchions, friendly did give him:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.21">Its edges were famous in folk-talk of Jutland.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.22">And savage sword-fury seized in its clutches</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.23">Bold-mooded Finn where he bode in his palace,</div> <span class="sidenote">Guthlaf and Oslaf revenge Hnæf’s slaughter.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.24">When the grewsome grapple Guthlaf and Oslaf</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.25">Had mournfully mentioned, the mere-journey over,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.26">For sorrows half-blamed him; the flickering spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.27">Could not bide in his bosom. Then the building was covered<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XVIII.FNDEF.2" id="XVIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Finn is slain.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.28">With corpses of foemen, and Finn too was slaughtered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.29">The king with his comrades, and the queen made a prisoner.</div> <span class="sidenote">The jewels of Finn, and his queen are carried away by the Danes.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.30">The troops of the Scyldings bore to their vessels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.31">All that the land-king had in his palace,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.32">Such trinkets and treasures they took as, on searching,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.33">At Finn’s they could find. They ferried to Daneland</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.34">The excellent woman on oversea journey,</div> <span class="sidenote">The lay is concluded, and the main story is resumed.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.35">Led her to their land-folk.” The lay was concluded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.36">The gleeman’s recital. Shouts again rose then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.37">Bench-glee resounded, bearers then offered</div> <span class="sidenote">Skinkers carry round the beaker.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.38">Wine from wonder-vats. Wealhtheo advanced then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.39">Going ’neath gold-crown, where the good ones were seated</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_41">[41]</span> <span class="sidenote">Queen Wealhtheow greets Hrothgar, as he sits beside Hrothulf, his nephew.</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.40">Uncle and nephew; their peace was yet mutual,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.41">True each to the other. And Unferth the spokesman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.42">Sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.43">Each trusted his spirit that his mood was courageous,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.44">Though at fight he had failed in faith to his kinsmen.</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.45">Said the queen of the Scyldings: “My lord and protector,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.46">Treasure-bestower, take thou this beaker;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.47">Joyance attend thee, gold-friend of heroes,</div> <span class="sidenote">Be generous to the Geats.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.48">And greet thou the Geatmen with gracious responses!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.49">So ought one to do. Be kind to the Geatmen,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.50">In gifts not niggardly; anear and afar now</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.51">Peace thou enjoyest. Report hath informed me</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.52">Thou’lt have for a bairn the battle-brave hero.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.53">Now is Heorot cleansèd, ring-palace gleaming;</div> <span class="sidenote">Have as much joy as possible in thy hall, once more purified.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.54">Give while thou mayest many rewards,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.55">And bequeath to thy kinsmen kingdom and people,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.56">On wending thy way to the Wielder’s splendor.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.57">I know good Hrothulf, that the noble young troopers</div> <span class="sidenote">I know that Hrothulf will prove faithful if he survive thee.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.58">He’ll care for and honor, lord of the Scyldings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.59">If earth-joys thou endest earlier than he doth;</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.60">I reckon that recompense he’ll render with kindness</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.61">Our offspring and issue, if that all he remember,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.62">What favors of yore, when he yet was an infant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.63">We awarded to him for his worship and pleasure.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.64">Then she turned by the bench where her sons were carousing,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.65">Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the heroes’ offspring,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is sitting by the two royal sons.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.66">The war-youth together; there the good one was sitting</div> <div class="l" id="L.XVIII.67">’Twixt the brothers twain, Beowulf Geatman.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XVIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XVIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For 1130 (1) R. and Gr. suggest ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">elne unflitme</span>’ as 1098 (1) reads. The latter verse is undisputed; and, for the former, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">elne</span>’ would be as possible as ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ealles</span>,’ and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unflitme</span>’ is well supported. Accepting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">elne unflitme</span>’ for both, I would suggest ‘<i>very peaceably</i>’ for both places: (1) <i>Finn to Hengest very peaceably vowed with oaths</i>, etc. (2) <i>Hengest then still the slaughter-stained winter remained there with Finn very peaceably</i>. The two passages become thus correlatives, the second a sequel of the first. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Elne</span>,’ in the sense of very (<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">swíðe</span>), needs no argument; and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unflitme</span>’ (from ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">flítan</span>’) can, it seems to me, be more plausibly rendered ‘peaceful,’ ‘peaceable,’ than ‘contestable,’ or ‘conquerable.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XVIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XVIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Some scholars have proposed ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">roden</span>’; the line would then read: <i>Then the building was reddened, etc.</i>, instead of ‘covered.’ The ‘h’ may have been carried over from the three alliterating ‘h’s.’</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XIX"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XIX">XIX.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF RECEIVES FURTHER HONOR.</h2> <span class="sidenote">More gifts are offered Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.1">A beaker was borne him, and bidding to quaff it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.2">Graciously given, and gold that was twisted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.3">Pleasantly proffered, a pair of arm-jewels,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_42">[42]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.4">Rings and corslet, of collars the greatest</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.5">I’ve heard of ’neath heaven. Of heroes not any</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.6">More splendid from jewels have I heard ’neath the welkin,</div> <span class="sidenote">A famous necklace is referred to, in comparison with the gems presented to Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.7">Since Hama off bore the Brosingmen’s necklace,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.8">The bracteates and jewels, from the bright-shining city,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIX.FNDEF.1" id="XIX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.9">Eormenric’s cunning craftiness fled from,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.10">Chose gain everlasting. Geatish Higelac,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.11">Grandson of Swerting, last had this jewel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.12">When tramping ’neath banner the treasure he guarded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.13">The field-spoil defended; Fate offcarried him</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.14">When for deeds of daring he endured tribulation,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.15">Hate from the Frisians; the ornaments bare he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.16">O’er the cup of the currents, costly gem-treasures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.17">Mighty folk-leader, he fell ’neath his target;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.18">The<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIX.FNDEF.2" id="XIX.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> corpse of the king then came into charge of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.19">The race of the Frankmen, the mail-shirt and collar:</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.20">Warmen less noble plundered the fallen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.21">When the fight was finished; the folk of the Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.22">The field of the dead held in possession.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.23">The choicest of mead-halls with cheering resounded.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.24">Wealhtheo discoursed, the war-troop addressed she:</div> <span class="sidenote">Queen Wealhtheow magnifies Beowulf’s achievements.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.25">“This collar enjoy thou, Beowulf worthy,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.26">Young man, in safety, and use thou this armor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.27">Gems of the people, and prosper thou fully,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.28">Show thyself sturdy and be to these liegemen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.29">Mild with instruction! I’ll mind thy requital.</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.30">Thou hast brought it to pass that far and near</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.31">Forever and ever earthmen shall honor thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.32">Even so widely as ocean surroundeth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.33">The blustering bluffs. Be, while thou livest,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_43">[43]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.34">A wealth-blessèd atheling. I wish thee most truly</div> <span class="sidenote">May gifts never fail thee.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.35">Jewels and treasure. Be kind to my son, thou</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.36">Living in joyance! Here each of the nobles</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.37">Is true unto other, gentle in spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.38">Loyal to leader. The liegemen are peaceful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.39">The war-troops ready: well-drunken heroes,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIX.FNDEF.3" title="S. suggests ‘wine-joyous heroes,’ ‘warriors elated with wine.’" id="XIX.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.40">Do as I bid ye.” Then she went to the settle.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.41">There was choicest of banquets, wine drank the heroes:</div> <span class="sidenote">They little know of the sorrow in store for them.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.42">Weird they knew not, destiny cruel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.43">As to many an earlman early it happened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.44">When evening had come and Hrothgar had parted</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.45">Off to his manor, the mighty to slumber.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.46">Warriors unnumbered warded the building</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.47">As erst they did often: the ale-settle bared they,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.48">’Twas covered all over with beds and pillows.</div> <span class="sidenote">A doomed thane is there with them.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.49">Doomed unto death, down to his slumber</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.50">Bowed then a beer-thane. Their battle-shields placed they,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.51">Bright-shining targets, up by their heads then;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.52">O’er the atheling on ale-bench ’twas easy to see there</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.53">Battle-high helmet, burnie of ring-mail,</div> <span class="sidenote">They were always ready for battle.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.54">And mighty war-spear. ’Twas the wont of that people</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.55">To constantly keep them equipped for the battle,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XIX.FNDEF.4" id="XIX.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.56">At home or marching—in either condition—</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.57">At seasons just such as necessity ordered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XIX.58">As best for their ruler; that people was worthy.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XIX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XIX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> C. suggests a semicolon after ‘city,’ with ‘he’ as supplied subject of ‘fled’ and ‘chose.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIX.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XIX.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">feorh</span>’ S. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">feoh</span>’: ‘corpse’ in the translation would then be changed to ‘<i>possessions</i>,’ ‘<i>belongings</i>.’ This is a better reading than one joining, in such intimate syntactical relations, things so unlike as ‘corpse’ and ‘jewels.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIX.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XIX.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> S. suggests ‘<i>wine-joyous heroes</i>,’ ‘<i>warriors elated with wine</i>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XIX.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XIX.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> I believe this translation brings out the meaning of the poet, without departing seriously from the H.-So. text. ‘Oft’ frequently means ‘constantly,’ ‘continually,’ not always ‘often.’—Why ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">an (on) wíg gearwe</span>’ should be written ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ánwíg-gearwe</span>’ (= ready for single combat), I cannot see. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Gearwe</span>’ occurs quite frequently with ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on</span>’; cf. B. 1110 (<i>ready for the pyre</i>), El. 222 (<i>ready for the glad journey</i>). Moreover, what has the idea of single combat to do with B. 1247 ff.? The poet is giving an inventory of the arms and armor which they lay aside on retiring, and he closes his narration by saying that they were <i>always prepared for battle both at home and on the march</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XX"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_44">[44]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XX">XX.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE MOTHER OF GRENDEL.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XX.1">They sank then to slumber. With sorrow one paid for</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.2">His evening repose, as often betid them</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.3">While Grendel was holding<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XX.FNDEF.1" id="XX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> the gold-bedecked palace,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.4">Ill-deeds performing, till his end overtook him,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.5">Death for his sins. ’Twas seen very clearly,</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s mother is known to be thirsting for revenge.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.6">Known unto earth-folk, that still an avenger</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.7">Outlived the loathed one, long since the sorrow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.8">Caused by the struggle; the mother of Grendel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.9">Devil-shaped woman, her woe ever minded,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.10">Who was held to inhabit the horrible waters,</div> <span class="sidenote">[Grendel’s progenitor, Cain, is again referred to.]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.11">The cold-flowing currents, after Cain had become a</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.12">Slayer-with-edges to his one only brother,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.13">The son of his sire; he set out then banished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.14">Marked as a murderer, man-joys avoiding,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.15">Lived in the desert. Thence demons unnumbered</div> <span class="sidenote">The poet again magnifies Beowulf’s valor.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.16">Fate-sent awoke; one of them Grendel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.17">Sword-cursèd, hateful, who at Heorot met with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.18">A man that was watching, waiting the struggle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.19">Where a horrid one held him with hand-grapple sturdy;</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.20">Nathless he minded the might of his body,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.21">The glorious gift God had allowed him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.22">And folk-ruling Father’s favor relied on,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.23">His help and His comfort: so he conquered the foeman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.24">The hell-spirit humbled: he unhappy departed then,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.25">Reaved of his joyance, journeying to death-haunts,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.26">Foeman of man. His mother moreover</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s mother comes to avenge her son.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.27">Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.28">Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.29">For the death of her son. She came then to Heorot</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_45">[45]</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.30">Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.31">Were lying in slumber. Soon there became then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.32">Return<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XX.FNDEF.2" id="XX.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> to the nobles, when the mother of Grendel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.33">Entered the folk-hall; the fear was less grievous</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.34">By even so much as the vigor of maidens,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.35">War-strength of women, by warrior is reckoned,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.36">When well-carved weapon, worked with the hammer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.37">Blade very bloody, brave with its edges,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.38">Strikes down the boar-sign that stands on the helmet.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.39">Then the hard-edgèd weapon was heaved in the building,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XX.FNDEF.3" id="XX.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.40">The brand o’er the benches, broad-lindens many</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.41">Hand-fast were lifted; for helmet he recked not,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.42">For armor-net broad, whom terror laid hold of.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.43">She went then hastily, outward would get her</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.44">Her life for to save, when some one did spy her;</div> <span class="sidenote">She seizes a favorite liegemen of Hrothgar’s.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.45">Soon she had grappled one of the athelings</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.46">Fast and firmly, when fenward she hied her;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.47">That one to Hrothgar was liefest of heroes</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.48">In rank of retainer where waters encircle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.49">A mighty shield-warrior, whom she murdered at slumber,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.50">A broadly-famed battle-knight. Beowulf was absent,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf was asleep in another part of the palace.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.51">But another apartment was erstwhile devoted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.52">To the glory-decked Geatman when gold was distributed.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.53">There was hubbub in Heorot. The hand that was famous</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.54">She grasped in its gore;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XX.FNDEF.4" id="XX.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup> grief was renewed then</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_46">[46]</span> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.55">In homes and houses: ’twas no happy arrangement</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.56">In both of the quarters to barter and purchase</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.57">With lives of their friends. Then the well-agèd ruler,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.58">The gray-headed war-thane, was woful in spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.59">When his long-trusted liegeman lifeless he knew of,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is sent for.</span> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.60">His dearest one gone. Quick from a room was</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.61">Beowulf brought, brave and triumphant.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.62">As day was dawning in the dusk of the morning,</div> <span class="sidenote">He comes at Hrothgar’s summons.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.63">Went then that earlman, champion noble,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.64">Came with comrades, where the clever one bided</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.65">Whether God all gracious would grant him a respite</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.66">After the woe he had suffered. The war-worthy hero</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.67">With a troop of retainers trod then the pavement</div> <div class="l" id="L.XX.68">(The hall-building groaned), till he greeted the wise one,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf inquires how Hrothgar had enjoyed his night’s rest.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.69">The earl of the Ingwins;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XX.FNDEF.5" id="XX.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup> asked if the night had</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XX.70">Fully refreshed him, as fain he would have it.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Several eminent authorities either read or emend the MS. so as to make this verse read, <i>While Grendel was wasting the gold-bedecked palace</i>. So <SPAN href="#L.XX.15">20 <span class="smaller">15</span></SPAN> below: <i>ravaged the desert</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XX.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XX.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sóna</span>’ (1281), t.B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sára</span>,’ limiting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">edhwyrft</span>.’ Read then: <i>Return of sorrows to the nobles, etc</i>. This emendation supplies the syntactical gap after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">edhwyrft</span>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XX.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XX.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> Some authorities follow Grein’s lexicon in treating ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">heard ecg</span>’ as an adj. limiting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sweord</span>’: H.-So. renders it as a subst. (So v. 1491.) The sense of the translation would be the same.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XX.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XX.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">under hróf genam</span>’ (v. 1303). This emendation, as well as an emendation with (?) to v. 739, he offers, because ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">under</span>’ baffles him in both passages. All we need is to take ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">under</span>’ in its secondary meaning of ‘in,’ which, though not given by Grein, occurs in the literature. Cf. Chron. 876 (March’s A.-S. Gram. § 355) and Oro. Amaz. I. 10, where ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">under</span>’ = <i>in the midst of</i>. Cf. modern Eng. ‘in such circumstances,’ which interchanges in good usage with ‘under such circumstances.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XX.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XX.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">néod-laðu</span>’ (1321) C. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">néad-láðum</span>,’ and translates: <i>asked whether the night had been pleasant to him after crushing-hostility</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXI">XXI.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR’S ACCOUNT OF THE MONSTERS.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar laments the death of Æschere, his shoulder-companion.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.1">Hrothgar rejoined, helm of the Scyldings:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.2">“Ask not of joyance! Grief is renewed to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.3">The folk of the Danemen. Dead is Æschere,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.4">Yrmenlaf’s brother, older than he,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.5">My true-hearted counsellor, trusty adviser,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.6">Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.7">Our heads we protected, when troopers were clashing,</div> <span class="sidenote">He was my ideal hero.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.8">And heroes were dashing; such an earl should be ever,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.9">An erst-worthy atheling, as Æschere proved him.</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.10">The flickering death-spirit became in Heorot</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.11">His hand-to-hand murderer; I can not tell whither</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.12">The cruel one turned in the carcass exulting,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_47">[47]</span> <span class="sidenote">This horrible creature came to avenge Grendel’s death.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.13">By cramming discovered.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXI.FNDEF.1" id="XXI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> The quarrel she wreaked then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.14">That last night igone Grendel thou killedst</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.15">In grewsomest manner, with grim-holding clutches,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.16">Since too long he had lessened my liege-troop and wasted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.17">My folk-men so foully. He fell in the battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.18">With forfeit of life, and another has followed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.19">A mighty crime-worker, her kinsman avenging,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.20">And henceforth hath ‘stablished her hatred unyielding,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXI.FNDEF.2" id="XXI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.21">As it well may appear to many a liegeman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.22">Who mourneth in spirit the treasure-bestower,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.23">Her heavy heart-sorrow; the hand is now lifeless</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.24">Which<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXI.FNDEF.3" id="XXI.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> availed you in every wish that you cherished.</div> <span class="sidenote">I have heard my vassals speak of these two uncanny monsters who lived in the moors.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.25">Land-people heard I, liegemen, this saying,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.26">Dwellers in halls, they had seen very often</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.27">A pair of such mighty march-striding creatures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.28">Far-dwelling spirits, holding the moorlands:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.29">One of them wore, as well they might notice,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.30">The image of woman, the other one wretched</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.31">In guise of a man wandered in exile,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.32">Except he was huger than any of earthmen;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.33">Earth-dwelling people entitled him Grendel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.34">In days of yore: they know not their father,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.35">Whe’r ill-going spirits any were borne him</div> <span class="sidenote">The inhabit the most desolate and horrible places.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.36">Ever before. They guard the wolf-coverts,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.37">Lands inaccessible, wind-beaten nesses,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.38">Fearfullest fen-deeps, where a flood from the mountains</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.39">’Neath mists of the nesses netherward rattles,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.40">The stream under earth: not far is it henceward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.41">Measured by mile-lengths that the mere-water standeth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.42">Which forests hang over, with frost-whiting covered,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXI.FNDEF.4" id="XXI.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_48">[48]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.43">A firm-rooted forest, the floods overshadow.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.44">There ever at night one an ill-meaning portent</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.45">A fire-flood may see; ’mong children of men</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.46">None liveth so wise that wot of the bottom;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.47">Though harassed by hounds the heath-stepper seek for,</div> <span class="sidenote">Even the hounded deer will not seek refuge in these uncanny regions.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.48">Fly to the forest, firm-antlered he-deer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.49">Spurred from afar, his spirit he yieldeth,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.50">His life on the shore, ere in he will venture</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.51">To cover his head. Uncanny the place is:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.52">Thence upward ascendeth the surging of waters,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.53">Wan to the welkin, when the wind is stirring</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.54">The weathers unpleasing, till the air groweth gloomy,</div> <span class="sidenote">To thee only can I look for assistance.</span> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.55">And the heavens lower. Now is help to be gotten</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.56">From thee and thee only! The abode thou know’st not,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.57">The dangerous place where thou’rt able to meet with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.58">The sin-laden hero: seek if thou darest!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.59">For the feud I will fully fee thee with money,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.60">With old-time treasure, as erstwhile I did thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXI.61">With well-twisted jewels, if away thou shalt get thee.”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefrægnod</span>’ (1334), K. and t.B. suggest ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefægnod</span>,’ rendering ‘<i>rejoicing in her fill</i>.’ This gives a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">æse wlanc</span>’ (1333).</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> The line ‘And … yielding,’ B. renders: <i>And she has performed a deed of blood-vengeance whose effect is far-reaching</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXI.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXI.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Sé Þe</span>’ (1345) is an instance of masc. rel. with fem. antecedent. So v. 1888, where ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sé Þe</span>’ refers to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">yldo</span>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXI.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XXI.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hrímge</span>’ in the H.-So. edition, Gr. and others read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hrínde</span>’ (=<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hrínende</span>), and translate: <i>which rustling forests overhang</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXII">XXII.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF SEEKS GRENDEL’S MOTHER.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.1">Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow’s son:</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf exhorts the old king to arouse himself for action.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.2">“Grieve not, O wise one! for each it is better,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.3">His friend to avenge than with vehemence wail him;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.4">Each of us must the end-day abide of</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.5">His earthly existence; who is able accomplish</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.6">Glory ere death! To battle-thane noble</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.7">Lifeless lying, ’tis at last most fitting.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.8">Arise, O king, quick let us hasten</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.9">To look at the footprint of the kinsman of Grendel!</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.10">I promise thee this now: to his place he’ll escape not,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.11">To embrace of the earth, nor to mountainous forest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.12">Nor to depths of the ocean, wherever he wanders.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_49">[49]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.13">Practice thou now patient endurance</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.14">Of each of thy sorrows, as I hope for thee soothly!”</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar rouses himself. His horse is brought.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.15">Then up sprang the old one, the All-Wielder thanked he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.16">Ruler Almighty, that the man had outspoken.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.17">Then for Hrothgar a war-horse was decked with a bridle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.18">Curly-maned courser. The clever folk-leader</div> <span class="sidenote">They start on the track of the female monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.19">Stately proceeded: stepped then an earl-troop</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.20">Of linden-wood bearers. Her footprints were seen then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.21">Widely in wood-paths, her way o’er the bottoms,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.22">Where she faraway fared o’er fen-country murky,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.23">Bore away breathless the best of retainers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.24">Who pondered with Hrothgar the welfare of country.</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.25">The son of the athelings then went o’er the stony,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.26">Declivitous cliffs, the close-covered passes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.27">Narrow passages, paths unfrequented,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.28">Nesses abrupt, nicker-haunts many;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.29">One of a few of wise-mooded heroes,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.30">He onward advanced to view the surroundings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.31">Till he found unawares woods of the mountain</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.32">O’er hoar-stones hanging, holt-wood unjoyful;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.33">The water stood under, welling and gory.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.34">’Twas irksome in spirit to all of the Danemen,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.35">Friends of the Scyldings, to many a liegeman</div> <span class="sidenote">The sight of Æschere’s head causes them great sorrow.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.36">Sad to be suffered, a sorrow unlittle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.37">To each of the earlmen, when to Æschere’s head they</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.38">Came on the cliff. The current was seething</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.39">With blood and with gore (the troopers gazed on it).</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.40">The horn anon sang the battle-song ready.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.41">The troop were all seated; they saw ’long the water then</div> <span class="sidenote">The water is filled with serpents and sea-dragons.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.42">Many a serpent, mere-dragons wondrous</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.43">Trying the waters, nickers a-lying</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.44">On the cliffs of the nesses, which at noonday full often</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.45">Go on the sea-deeps their sorrowful journey,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.46">Wild-beasts and wormkind; away then they hastened</div> <span class="sidenote">One of them is killed by Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.47">Hot-mooded, hateful, they heard the great clamor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.48">The war-trumpet winding. One did the Geat-prince</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_50">[50]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.49">Sunder from earth-joys, with arrow from bowstring,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.50">From his sea-struggle tore him, that the trusty war-missile</div> <span class="sidenote">The dead beast is a poor swimmer</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.51">Pierced to his vitals; he proved in the currents</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.52">Less doughty at swimming whom death had offcarried.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.53">Soon in the waters the wonderful swimmer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.54">Was straitened most sorely with sword-pointed boar-spears,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.55">Pressed in the battle and pulled to the cliff-edge;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.56">The liegemen then looked on the loath-fashioned stranger.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf prepares for a struggle with the monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.57">Beowulf donned then his battle-equipments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.58">Cared little for life; inlaid and most ample,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.59">The hand-woven corslet which could cover his body,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.60">Must the wave-deeps explore, that war might be powerless</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.61">To harm the great hero, and the hating one’s grasp might</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.62">Not peril his safety; his head was protected</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.63">By the light-flashing helmet that should mix with the bottoms,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.64">Trying the eddies, treasure-emblazoned,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.65">Encircled with jewels, as in seasons long past</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.66">The weapon-smith worked it, wondrously made it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.67">With swine-bodies fashioned it, that thenceforward no longer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.68">Brand might bite it, and battle-sword hurt it.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.69">And that was not least of helpers in prowess</div> <span class="sidenote">He has Unferth’s sword in his hand.</span> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.70">That Hrothgar’s spokesman had lent him when straitened;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.71">And the hilted hand-sword was Hrunting entitled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.72">Old and most excellent ’mong all of the treasures;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.73">Its blade was of iron, blotted with poison,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.74">Hardened with gore; it failed not in battle</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.75">Any hero under heaven in hand who it brandished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.76">Who ventured to take the terrible journeys,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.77">The battle-field sought; not the earliest occasion</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.78">That deeds of daring ’twas destined to ’complish.</div> <span class="sidenote">Unferth has little use for swords.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.79">Ecglaf’s kinsman minded not soothly,</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.80">Exulting in strength, what erst he had spoken</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.81">Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.82">A sword-hero bolder; himself did not venture</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.83">’Neath the strife of the currents his life to endanger,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_51">[51]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.84">To fame-deeds perform; there he forfeited glory,</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.85">Repute for his strength. Not so with the other</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXII.86">When he clad in his corslet had equipped him for battle.</div> </div> <div class="fit" id="XXIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXIII">XXIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF’S FIGHT WITH GRENDEL’S MOTHER.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf makes a parting speech to Hrothgar.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.1">Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow’s son:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.2">“Recall now, oh, famous kinsman of Healfdene,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.3">Prince very prudent, now to part I am ready,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.4">Gold-friend of earlmen, what erst we agreed on,</div> <span class="sidenote">If I fail, act as a kind liegelord to my thanes,</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.5">Should I lay down my life in lending thee assistance,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.6">When my earth-joys were over, thou wouldst evermore serve me</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.7">In stead of a father; my faithful thanemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.8">My trusty retainers, protect thou and care for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.9">Fall I in battle: and, Hrothgar belovèd,</div> <span class="sidenote">and send Higelac the jewels thou hast given me</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.10">Send unto Higelac the high-valued jewels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.11">Thou to me hast allotted. The lord of the Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.12">May perceive from the gold, the Hrethling may see it</div> <span class="sidenote">I should like my king to know how generous a lord I found thee to be.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.13">When he looks on the jewels, that a gem-giver found I</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.14">Good over-measure, enjoyed him while able.</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.15">And the ancient heirloom Unferth permit thou,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.16">The famed one to have, the heavy-sword splendid<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIII.FNDEF.1" id="XXIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.17">The hard-edgèd weapon; with Hrunting to aid me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.18">I shall gain me glory, or grim-death shall take me.”</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is eager for the fray.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.19">The atheling of Geatmen uttered these words and</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.20">Heroic did hasten, not any rejoinder</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.21">Was willing to wait for; the wave-current swallowed</div> <span class="sidenote">He is a whole day reaching the bottom of the sea.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.22">The doughty-in-battle. Then a day’s-length elapsed ere</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.23">He was able to see the sea at its bottom.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.24">Early she found then who fifty of winters</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.25">The course of the currents kept in her fury,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.26">Grisly and greedy, that the grim one’s dominion</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_52">[52]</span> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s mother knows that some one has reached her domains.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.27">Some one of men from above was exploring.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.28">Forth did she grab them, grappled the warrior</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.29">With horrible clutches; yet no sooner she injured</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.30">His body unscathèd: the burnie out-guarded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.31">That she proved but powerless to pierce through the armor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.32">The limb-mail locked, with loath-grabbing fingers.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.33">The sea-wolf bare then, when bottomward came she,</div> <span class="sidenote">She grabs him, and bears him to her den.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.34">The ring-prince homeward, that he after was powerless</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.35">(He had daring to do it) to deal with his weapons,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.36">But many a mere-beast tormented him swimming,</div> <span class="sidenote">Sea-monsters bite and strike him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.37">Flood-beasts no few with fierce-biting tusks did</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.38">Break through his burnie, the brave one pursued they.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.39">The earl then discovered he was down in some cavern</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.40">Where no water whatever anywise harmed him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.41">And the clutch of the current could come not anear him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.42">Since the roofed-hall prevented; brightness a-gleaming</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.43">Fire-light he saw, flashing resplendent.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.44">The good one saw then the sea-bottom’s monster,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf attacks the mother of Grendel.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.45">The mighty mere-woman; he made a great onset</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.46">With weapon-of-battle, his hand not desisted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.47">From striking, that war-blade struck on her head then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.48">A battle-song greedy. The stranger perceived then</div> <span class="sidenote">The sword will not bite.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.49">The sword would not bite, her life would not injure,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.50">But the falchion failed the folk-prince when straitened:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.51">Erst had it often onsets encountered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.52">Oft cloven the helmet, the fated one’s armor:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.53">’Twas the first time that ever the excellent jewel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.54">Had failed of its fame. Firm-mooded after,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.55">Not heedless of valor, but mindful of glory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.56">Was Higelac’s kinsman; the hero-chief angry</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.57">Cast then his carved-sword covered with jewels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.58">That it lay on the earth, hard and steel-pointed;</div> <span class="sidenote">The hero throws down all weapons, and again trusts to his hand-grip.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.59">He hoped in his strength, his hand-grapple sturdy.</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.60">So any must act whenever he thinketh</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.61">To gain him in battle glory unending,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.62">And is reckless of living. The lord of the War-Geats</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_53">[53]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.63">(He shrank not from battle) seized by the shoulder<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIII.FNDEF.2" id="XXIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.64">The mother of Grendel; then mighty in struggle</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.65">Swung he his enemy, since his anger was kindled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.66">That she fell to the floor. With furious grapple</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf falls.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.67">She gave him requital<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIII.FNDEF.3" id="XXIII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup> early thereafter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.68">And stretched out to grab him; the strongest of warriors</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.69">Faint-mooded stumbled, till he fell in his traces,</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster sits on him with drawn sword.</span> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.70">Foot-going champion. Then she sat on the hall-guest</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.71">And wielded her war-knife wide-bladed, flashing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.72">For her son would take vengeance, her one only bairn.</div> <span class="sidenote">His armor saves his life.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.73">His breast-armor woven bode on his shoulder;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.74">It guarded his life, the entrance defended</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.75">’Gainst sword-point and edges. Ecgtheow’s son there</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.76">Had fatally journeyed, champion of Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.77">In the arms of the ocean, had the armor not given,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.78">Close-woven corslet, comfort and succor,</div> <span class="sidenote">God arranged for his escape.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.79">And had God most holy not awarded the victory,</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.80">All-knowing Lord; easily did heaven’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.81">Ruler most righteous arrange it with justice;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIII.FNDEF.4" id="XXIII.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIII.82">Uprose he erect ready for battle.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Kl. emends ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wæl-sweord</span>.’ The half-line would then read, ‘<i>the battle-sword splendid</i>.’—For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">heard-ecg</span>’ in next half-verse, see note to <SPAN href="#L.XX.39">20 <span class="smaller">39</span></SPAN> above.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Sw., R., and t.B. suggest ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">feaxe</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eaxle</span>’ (1538) and render: <i>Seized by the hair</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXIII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> If ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hand-léan</span>’ be accepted (as the MS. has it), the line will read: <i>She hand-reward gave him early thereafter</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIII.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XXIII.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> Sw. and S. change H.-So.’s semicolon (v<span class="add" title="Added">.</span> 1557) to a comma, and translate: <i>The Ruler of Heaven arranged it in justice easily, after he arose again</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXIV"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXIV">XXIV.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF IS DOUBLE-CONQUEROR.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf grasps a giant-sword,</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.1">Then he saw mid the war-gems a weapon of victory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.2">An ancient giant-sword, of edges a-doughty,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.3">Glory of warriors: of weapons ’twas choicest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.4">Only ’twas larger than any man else was</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_54">[54]</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.5">Able to bear to the battle-encounter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.6">The good and splendid work of the giants.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.7">He grasped then the sword-hilt, knight of the Scyldings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.8">Bold and battle-grim, brandished his ring-sword,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.9">Hopeless of living, hotly he smote her,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.10">That the fiend-woman’s neck firmly it grappled,</div> <span class="sidenote">and fells the female monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.11">Broke through her bone-joints, the bill fully pierced her</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.12">Fate-cursèd body, she fell to the ground then:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.13">The hand-sword was bloody, the hero exulted.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.14">The brand was brilliant, brightly it glimmered,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.15">Just as from heaven gemlike shineth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.16">The torch of the firmament. He glanced ’long the building,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.17">And turned by the wall then, Higelac’s vassal</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.18">Raging and wrathful raised his battle-sword</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.19">Strong by the handle. The edge was not useless</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.20">To the hero-in-battle, but he speedily wished to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.21">Give Grendel requital for the many assaults he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.22">Had worked on the West-Danes not once, but often,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.23">When he slew in slumber the subjects of Hrothgar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.24">Swallowed down fifteen sleeping retainers</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.25">Of the folk of the Danemen, and fully as many</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.26">Carried away, a horrible prey.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.27">He gave him requital, grim-raging champion,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf sees the body of Grendel, and cuts off his head.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.28">When he saw on his rest-place weary of conflict</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.29">Grendel lying, of life-joys bereavèd,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.30">As the battle at Heorot erstwhile had scathed him;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.31">His body far bounded, a blow when he suffered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.32">Death having seized him, sword-smiting heavy,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.33">And he cut off his head then. Early this noticed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.34">The clever carles who as comrades of Hrothgar</div> <span class="sidenote">The waters are gory.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.35">Gazed on the sea-deeps, that the surging wave-currents</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.36">Were mightily mingled, the mere-flood was gory:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.37">Of the good one the gray-haired together held converse,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is given up for dead.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.38">The hoary of head, that they hoped not to see again</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.39">The atheling ever, that exulting in victory</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.40">He’d return there to visit the distinguished folk-ruler:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_55">[55]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.41">Then many concluded the mere-wolf had killed him.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIV.FNDEF.1" id="XXIV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.42">The ninth hour came then. From the ness-edge departed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.43">The bold-mooded Scyldings; the gold-friend of heroes</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.44">Homeward betook him. The strangers sat down then</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.45">Soul-sick, sorrowful, the sea-waves regarding:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.46">They wished and yet weened not their well-loved friend-lord</div> <span class="sidenote">The giant-sword melts.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.47">To see any more. The sword-blade began then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.48">The blood having touched it, contracting and shriveling</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.49">With battle-icicles; ’twas a wonderful marvel</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.50">That it melted entirely, likest to ice when</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.51">The Father unbindeth the bond of the frost and</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.52">Unwindeth the wave-bands, He who wieldeth dominion</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.53">Of times and of tides: a truth-firm Creator.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.54">Nor took he of jewels more in the dwelling,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.55">Lord of the Weders, though they lay all around him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.56">Than the head and the handle handsome with jewels;</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_56">[56]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.57">The brand early melted, burnt was the weapon:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIV.FNDEF.2" id="XXIV.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.58">So hot was the blood, the strange-spirit poisonous</div> <span class="sidenote">The hero swims back to the realms of day.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.59">That in it did perish. He early swam off then</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.60">Who had bided in combat the carnage of haters,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.61">Went up through the ocean; the eddies were cleansèd,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.62">The spacious expanses, when the spirit from farland</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.63">His life put aside and this short-lived existence.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.64">The seamen’s defender came swimming to land then</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.65">Doughty of spirit, rejoiced in his sea-gift,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.66">The bulky burden which he bore in his keeping.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.67">The excellent vassals advanced then to meet him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.68">To God they were grateful, were glad in their chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.69">That to see him safe and sound was granted them.</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.70">From the high-minded hero, then, helmet and burnie</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.71">Were speedily loosened: the ocean was putrid,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.72">The water ’neath welkin weltered with gore.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.73">Forth did they fare, then, their footsteps retracing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.74">Merry and mirthful, measured the earth-way,</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.75">The highway familiar: men very daring<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIV.FNDEF.3" id="XXIV.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.76">Bare then the head from the sea-cliff, burdening</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.77">Each of the earlmen, excellent-valiant.</div> <span class="sidenote">It takes four men to carry Grendel’s head on a spear.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.78">Four of them had to carry with labor</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.79">The head of Grendel to the high towering gold-hall</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.80">Upstuck on the spear, till fourteen most-valiant</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.81">And battle-brave Geatmen came there going</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.82">Straight to the palace: the prince of the people</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.83">Measured the mead-ways, their mood-brave companion.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.84">The atheling of earlmen entered the building,</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.85">Deed-valiant man, adorned with distinction,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.86">Doughty shield-warrior, to address King Hrothgar:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_57">[57]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.87">Then hung by the hair, the head of Grendel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.88">Was borne to the building, where beer-thanes were drinking,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.89">Loth before earlmen and eke ’fore the lady:</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIV.90">The warriors beheld then a wonderful sight.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXIV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXIV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þæs monige gewearð</span>’ (1599) and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hafað þæs geworden</span>’ (2027).—In a paper published some years ago in one of the Johns Hopkins University circulars, I tried to throw upon these two long-doubtful passages some light derived from a study of like passages in Alfred’s prose.—The impersonal verb ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">geweorðan</span>,’ with an accus. of the person, and a <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þæt</span>-clause is used several times with the meaning ‘agree.’ See Orosius (Sweet’s ed.) 178<sub>7</sub>; 204<sub>34</sub>; 208<sub>28</sub>; 210<sub>15</sub>; 280<sub>20</sub>. In the two Beowulf passages, the <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þæt</span>-clause is anticipated by ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þæs</span>,’ which is clearly a gen. of the thing agreed on. <p>The first passage (v. 1599 (b)-1600) I translate literally: <i>Then many agreed upon this (namely), that the sea-wolf had killed him</i>.</p> <p>The second passage (v. 2025 (b)-2027): <i>She is promised …; to this the friend of the Scyldings has agreed, etc</i>. By emending ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">is</span>’ instead of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wæs</span>’ (2025), the tenses will be brought into perfect harmony.</p> <p>In v. 1997 ff. this same idiom occurs, and was noticed in B.’s great article on Beowulf, which appeared about the time I published my reading of 1599 and 2027. Translate 1997 then: <i>Wouldst let the South-Danes themselves decide about their struggle with Grendel</i>. Here ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Súð-Dene</span>’ is accus. of person, and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúðe</span>’ is gen. of thing agreed on.</p> <p>With such collateral support as that afforded by B. (P. and B. XII. 97), I have no hesitation in departing from H.-So., my usual guide.</p> <p>The idiom above treated runs through A.-S., Old Saxon, and other Teutonic languages, and should be noticed in the lexicons.</p> </div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIV.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXIV.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Bróden-mæl</span>’ is regarded by most scholars as meaning a damaskeened sword. Translate: <i>The damaskeened sword burned up</i>. Cf. <SPAN href="#L.XXV.16">25 <span class="smaller">16</span></SPAN> and note.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIV.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXIV.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Cyning-balde</span>’ (1635) is the much-disputed reading of K. and Th. To render this, “<i>nobly bold</i>,” “<i>excellently bold</i>,” have been suggested. B. would read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">cyning-holde</span>’ (cf. 290), and render: <i>Men well-disposed towards the king carried the head, etc.</i> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Cynebealde</span>,’ says t.B., endorsing Gr.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXV"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXV">XXV.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF BRINGS HIS TROPHIES.—HROTHGAR’S GRATITUDE.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf relates his last exploit.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.1">Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.2">“Lo! we blithely have brought thee, bairn of Healfdene,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.3">Prince of the Scyldings, these presents from ocean</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.4">Which thine eye looketh on, for an emblem of glory.</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.5">I came off alive from this, narrowly ’scaping:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.6">In war ’neath the water the work with great pains I</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.7">Performed, and the fight had been finished quite nearly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.8">Had God not defended me. I failed in the battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.9">Aught to accomplish, aided by Hrunting,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.10">Though that weapon was worthy, but the Wielder of earth-folk</div> <span class="sidenote">God was fighting with me.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.11">Gave me willingly to see on the wall a</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.12">Heavy old hand-sword hanging in splendor</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.13">(He guided most often the lorn and the friendless),</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.14">That I swung as a weapon. The wards of the house then</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.15">I killed in the conflict (when occasion was given me).</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.16">Then the battle-sword burned, the brand that was lifted,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXV.FNDEF.1" id="XXV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.17">As the blood-current sprang, hottest of war-sweats;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.18">Seizing the hilt, from my foes I offbore it;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.19">I avenged as I ought to their acts of malignity,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.20">The murder of Danemen. I then make thee this promise,</div> <span class="sidenote">Heorot is freed from monsters.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.21">Thou’lt be able in Heorot careless to slumber</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.22">With thy throng of heroes and the thanes of thy people</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.23">Every and each, of greater and lesser,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.24">And thou needest not fear for them from the selfsame direction</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.25">As thou formerly fearedst, oh, folk-lord of Scyldings,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_58">[58]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.26">End-day for earlmen.” To the age-hoary man then,</div> <span class="sidenote">The famous sword is presented to Hrothgar.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.27">The gray-haired chieftain, the gold-fashioned sword-hilt,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.28">Old-work of giants, was thereupon given;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.29">Since the fall of the fiends, it fell to the keeping</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.30">Of the wielder of Danemen, the wonder-smith’s labor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.31">And the bad-mooded being abandoned this world then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.32">Opponent of God, victim of murder,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.33">And also his mother; it went to the keeping</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.34">Of the best of the world-kings, where waters encircle,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.35">Who the scot divided in Scylding dominion.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar looks closely at the old sword.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.36">Hrothgar discoursed, the hilt he regarded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.37">The ancient heirloom where an old-time contention’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.38">Beginning was graven: the gurgling currents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.39">The flood slew thereafter the race of the giants,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.40">They had proved themselves daring: that people was loth to</div> <span class="sidenote">It had belonged to a race hateful to God.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.41">The Lord everlasting, through lash of the billows</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.42">The Father gave them final requital.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.43">So in letters of rune on the clasp of the handle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.44">Gleaming and golden, ’twas graven exactly,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.45">Set forth and said, whom that sword had been made for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.46">Finest of irons, who first it was wrought for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.47">Wreathed at its handle and gleaming with serpents.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.48">The wise one then said (silent they all were)</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar praises Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.49">Son of old Healfdene: “He may say unrefuted</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.50">Who performs ’mid the folk-men fairness and truth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.51">(The hoary old ruler remembers the past),</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.52">That better by birth is this bairn of the nobles!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.53">Thy fame is extended through far-away countries,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.54">Good friend Beowulf, o’er all of the races,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.55">Thou holdest all firmly, hero-like strength with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.56">Prudence of spirit. I’ll prove myself grateful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.57">As before we agreed on; thou granted for long shalt</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.58">Become a great comfort to kinsmen and comrades,</div> <span class="sidenote">Heremod’s career is again contrasted with Beowulf’s.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.59">A help unto heroes. Heremod became not</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.60">Such to the Scyldings, successors of Ecgwela;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.61">He grew not to please them, but grievous destruction,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_59">[59]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.62">And diresome death-woes to Danemen attracted;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.63">He slew in anger his table-companions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.64">Trustworthy counsellors, till he turned off lonely</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.65">From world-joys away, wide-famous ruler:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.66">Though high-ruling heaven in hero-strength raised him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.67">In might exalted him, o’er men of all nations</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.68">Made him supreme, yet a murderous spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.69">Grew in his bosom: he gave then no ring-gems</div> <span class="sidenote">A wretched failure of a king, to give no jewels to his retainers.</span> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.70">To the Danes after custom; endured he unjoyful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.71">Standing the straits from strife that was raging,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.72">Longsome folk-sorrow. Learn then from this,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.73">Lay hold of virtue! Though laden with winters,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.74">I have sung thee these measures. ’Tis a marvel to tell it,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar moralizes.</span> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.75">How all-ruling God from greatness of spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.76">Giveth wisdom to children of men,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.77">Manor and earlship: all things He ruleth.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.78">He often permitteth the mood-thought of man of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.79">The illustrious lineage to lean to possessions,</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.80">Allows him earthly delights at his manor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.81">A high-burg of heroes to hold in his keeping,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.82">Maketh portions of earth-folk hear him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.83">And a wide-reaching kingdom so that, wisdom failing him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.84">He himself is unable to reckon its boundaries;</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.85">He liveth in luxury, little debars him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.86">Nor sickness nor age, no treachery-sorrow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.87">Becloudeth his spirit, conflict nowhere,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.88">No sword-hate, appeareth, but all of the world doth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.89">Wend as he wisheth; the worse he knoweth not,</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.90">Till arrant arrogance inward pervading,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.91">Waxeth and springeth, when the warder is sleeping,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.92">The guard of the soul: with sorrows encompassed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.93">Too sound is his slumber, the slayer is near him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXV.94">Who with bow and arrow aimeth in malice.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_60">[60]</span> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> Or rather, perhaps, ‘<i>the inlaid, or damaskeened weapon</i>.’ Cf. <SPAN href="#L.XXIV.57">24 <span class="smaller">57</span></SPAN> and note.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXVI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXVI">XXVI.</SPAN></h2><h2>HROTHGAR MORALIZES.—REST AFTER LABOR.</h2> <span class="sidenote">A wounded spirit.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.1">“Then bruised in his bosom he with bitter-toothed missile</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.2">Is hurt ’neath his helmet: from harmful pollution</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.3">He is powerless to shield him by the wonderful mandates</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.4">Of the loath-cursèd spirit; what too long he hath holden</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.5">Him seemeth too small, savage he hoardeth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.6">Nor boastfully giveth gold-plated rings,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVI.FNDEF.1" id="XXVI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.7">The fate of the future flouts and forgetteth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.8">Since God had erst given him greatness no little,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.9">Wielder of Glory. His end-day anear,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.10">It afterward happens that the bodily-dwelling</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.11">Fleetingly fadeth, falls into ruins;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.12">Another lays hold who doleth the ornaments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.13">The nobleman’s jewels, nothing lamenting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.14">Heedeth no terror. Oh, Beowulf dear,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.15">Best of the heroes, from bale-strife defend thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.16">And choose thee the better, counsels eternal;</div> <span class="sidenote">Be not over proud: life is fleeting, and its strength soon wasteth away.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.17">Beware of arrogance, world-famous champion!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.18">But a little-while lasts thy life-vigor’s fulness;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.19">’Twill after hap early, that illness or sword-edge</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.20">Shall part thee from strength, or the grasp of the fire,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.21">Or the wave of the current, or clutch of the edges,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.22">Or flight of the war-spear, or age with its horrors,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.23">Or thine eyes’ bright flashing shall fade into darkness:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.24">’Twill happen full early, excellent hero,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar gives an account of his reign.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.25">That death shall subdue thee. So the Danes a half-century</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.26">I held under heaven, helped them in struggles</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.27">’Gainst many a race in middle-earth’s regions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.28">With ash-wood and edges, that enemies none</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.29">On earth molested me. Lo! offsetting change, now,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_61">[61]</span> <span class="sidenote">Sorrow after joy.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.30">Came to my manor, grief after joyance,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.31">When Grendel became my constant visitor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.32">Inveterate hater: I from that malice</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.33">Continually travailed with trouble no little.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.34">Thanks be to God that I gained in my lifetime,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.35">To the Lord everlasting, to look on the gory</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.36">Head with mine eyes, after long-lasting sorrow!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.37">Go to the bench now, battle-adornèd</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.38">Joy in the feasting: of jewels in common</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.39">We’ll meet with many when morning appeareth.”</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.40">The Geatman was gladsome, ganged he immediately</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.41">To go to the bench, as the clever one bade him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.42">Then again as before were the famous-for-prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.43">Hall-inhabiters, handsomely banqueted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.44">Feasted anew. The night-veil fell then</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.45">Dark o’er the warriors. The courtiers rose then;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.46">The gray-haired was anxious to go to his slumbers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.47">The hoary old Scylding. Hankered the Geatman,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is fagged, and seeks rest.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.48">The champion doughty, greatly, to rest him:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.49">An earlman early outward did lead him,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.50">Fagged from his faring, from far-country springing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.51">Who for etiquette’s sake all of a liegeman’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.52">Needs regarded, such as seamen at that time</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.53">Were bounden to feel. The big-hearted rested;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.54">The building uptowered, spacious and gilded,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.55">The guest within slumbered, till the sable-clad raven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.56">Blithely foreboded the beacon of heaven.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.57">Then the bright-shining sun o’er the bottoms came going;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVI.FNDEF.2" id="XXVI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.58">The warriors hastened, the heads of the peoples</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.59">Were ready to go again to their peoples,</div> <span class="sidenote">The Geats prepare to leave Dane-land.</span> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.60">The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.61">Look for his vessel. The valiant one bade then,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVI.FNDEF.3" id="XXVI.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_62">[62]</span> <span class="sidenote">Unferth asks Beowulf to accept his sword as a gift. Beowulf thanks him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.62">Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.63">To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.64">He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.65">The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.66">The blade of the brand: ’twas a brave-mooded hero.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.67">When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.68">The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.69">On to the dais, where the other was sitting,</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVI.70">Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXVI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXVI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> K. says ‘<i>proudly giveth</i>.’—Gr. says, ‘<i>And gives no gold-plated rings, in order to incite the recipient to boastfulness</i>.’—B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gyld</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gylp</span>,’ and renders: <i>And gives no beaten rings for reward</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXVI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> If S.’s emendation be accepted, v. 57 will read: <i>Then came the light, going bright after darkness: the warriors, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVI.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXVI.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> As the passage stands in H.-So., Unferth presents Beowulf with the sword Hrunting, and B. thanks him for the gift. If, however, the suggestions of Grdtvg. and M. be accepted, the passage will read: <i>Then the brave one (</i>i.e.<i> Beowulf) commanded that Hrunting be borne to the son of Ecglaf (Unferth), bade him take his sword, his dear weapon; he (B.) thanked him (U.) for the loan, etc</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXVII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXVII">XXVII.</SPAN></h2><h2>SORROW AT PARTING.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s farewell.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.1">Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow’s offspring:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.2">“We men of the water wish to declare now</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.3">Fared from far-lands, we’re firmly determined</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.4">To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.5">Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.6">Good was the greeting. If greater affection</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.7">I am anywise able ever on earth to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.8">Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.9">Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready</div> <span class="sidenote">I shall be ever ready to aid thee.</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.10">For combat and conflict. O’er the course of the waters</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.11">Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.12">As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.13">For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands.</div> <span class="sidenote">My liegelord will encourage me in aiding thee.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.14">I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.15">Though young in years, he yet will permit me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.16">By words and by works, ward of the people,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.17">Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.18">My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.19">And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_63">[63]</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.20">Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.21">He thereat may find him friends in abundance:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.22">Faraway countries he were better to seek for</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.23">Who trusts in himself.” Hrothgar discoursed then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.24">Making rejoinder: “These words thou hast uttered</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.25">All-knowing God hath given thy spirit!</div> <span class="sidenote">O Beowulf, thou art wise beyond thy years.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.26">Ne’er heard I an earlman thus early in life</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.27">More clever in speaking: thou’rt cautious of spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.28">Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.29">I count on the hope that, happen it ever</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.30">That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel’s descendant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.31">Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.32">Deprive thee of prince, of people’s protector,</div> <span class="sidenote">Should Higelac die, the Geats could find no better successor than thou wouldst make.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.33">And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.34">Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.35">Gem-ward of heroes, than <i>thou</i> mightest prove thee,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.36">If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.37">Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.38">Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.39">To both these peoples peace shall be common,</div> <span class="sidenote">Thou hast healed the ancient breach between our races.</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.40">To Geat-folk and Danemen, the strife be suspended,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.41">The secret assailings they suffered in yore-days;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.42">And also that jewels be shared while I govern</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.43">The wide-stretching kingdom, and that many shall visit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.44">Others o’er the ocean with excellent gift-gems:</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.45">The ring-adorned bark shall bring o’er the currents</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.46">Presents and love-gifts. This people I know</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.47">Tow’rd foeman and friend firmly established,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVII.FNDEF.1" id="XXVII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.48">After ancient etiquette everywise blameless.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.49">Then the warden of earlmen gave him still farther,</div> <span class="sidenote">Parting gifts</span> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.50">Kinsman of Healfdene, a dozen of jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.51">Bade him safely seek with the presents</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.52">His well-beloved people, early returning.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_64">[64]</span> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar kisses Beowulf, and weeps.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.53">Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.54">Dear-lovèd liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.55">And claspèd his neck; tears from him fell,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.56">From the gray-headed man: he two things expected,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.57">Agèd and reverend, but rather the second,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.58"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVII.FNDEF.2" id="XXVII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>That bold in council they’d meet thereafter.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.59">The man was so dear that he failed to suppress the</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.60">Emotions that moved him, but in mood-fetters fastened</div> <span class="sidenote">The old king is deeply grieved to part with his benefactor.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.61">The long-famous hero longeth in secret</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.62">Deep in his spirit for the dear-beloved man</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.63">Though not a blood-kinsman. Beowulf thenceward,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.64">Gold-splendid warrior, walked o’er the meadows</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.65">Exulting in treasure: the sea-going vessel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.66">Riding at anchor awaited its owner.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.67">As they pressed on their way then, the present of Hrothgar</div> <span class="sidenote">Giving liberally is the true proof of kingship.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.68">Was frequently referred to: a folk-king indeed that</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.69">Everyway blameless, till age did debar him</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVII.70">The joys of his might, which hath many oft injured.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXVII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXVII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">geworhte</span>,’ the crux of this passage, B. proposes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">geþóhte</span>,’ rendering: <i>I know this people with firm thought every way blameless towards foe and friends</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXVII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> S. and B. emend so as to negative the verb ‘meet.’ “Why should Hrothgar weep if he expects to meet Beowulf again?” both these scholars ask. But the weeping is mentioned before the ‘expectations’: the tears may have been due to many emotions, especially gratitude, struggling for expression.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXVIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXVIII">XXVIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE HOMEWARD JOURNEY.—THE TWO QUEENS. </h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.1">Then the band of very valiant retainers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.2">Came to the current; they were clad all in armor,</div> <span class="sidenote">The coast-guard again.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.3">In link-woven burnies. The land-warder noticed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.4">The return of the earlmen, as he erstwhile had seen them;</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.5">Nowise with insult he greeted the strangers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.6">From the naze of the cliff, but rode on to meet them;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.7">Said the bright-armored visitors<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.1" id="XXVIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> vesselward traveled</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_65">[65]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.8">Welcome to Weders. The wide-bosomed craft then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.9">Lay on the sand, laden with armor,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.10">With horses and jewels, the ring-stemmèd sailer:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.11">The mast uptowered o’er the treasure of Hrothgar.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf gives the guard a handsome sword.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.12">To the boat-ward a gold-bound brand he presented,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.13">That he was afterwards honored on the ale-bench more highly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.14">As the heirloom’s owner. <sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.2" id="XXVIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>Set he out on his vessel,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.15">To drive on the deep, Dane-country left he.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.16">Along by the mast then a sea-garment fluttered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.17">A rope-fastened sail. The sea-boat resounded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.18">The wind o’er the waters the wave-floater nowise</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.19">Kept from its journey; the sea-goer traveled,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.20">The foamy-necked floated forth o’er the currents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.21">The well-fashioned vessel o’er the ways of the ocean,</div> <span class="sidenote">The Geats see their own land again.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.22">Till they came within sight of the cliffs of the Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.23">The well-known headlands. The wave-goer hastened</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.24">Driven by breezes, stood on the shore.</div> <span class="sidenote">The port-warden is anxiously looking for them.</span> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.25">Prompt at the ocean, the port-ward was ready,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.26">Who long in the past outlooked in the distance,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.3" id="XXVIII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.27">At water’s-edge waiting well-lovèd heroes;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.28">He bound to the bank then the broad-bosomed vessel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.29">Fast in its fetters, lest the force of the waters</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.30">Should be able to injure the ocean-wood winsome.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.31">Bade he up then take the treasure of princes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.32">Plate-gold and fretwork; not far was it thence</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.33">To go off in search of the giver of jewels:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_66">[66]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.34">Hrethel’s son Higelac at home there remaineth,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.4" id="XXVIII.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.35">Himself with his comrades close to the sea-coast.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.36">The building was splendid, the king heroic,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.37">Great in his hall, Hygd very young was,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hygd, the noble queen of Higelac, lavish of gifts.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.38">Fine-mooded, clever, though few were the winters</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.39">That the daughter of Hæreth had dwelt in the borough;</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.40">But she nowise was cringing nor niggard of presents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.41">Of ornaments rare, to the race of the Geatmen.</div> <span class="sidenote">Offa’s consort, Thrytho, is contrasted with Hygd.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.42">Thrytho nursed anger, excellent<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.5" id="XXVIII.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup> folk-queen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.43">Hot-burning hatred: no hero whatever</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.44">’Mong household companions, her husband excepted</div> <span class="sidenote">She is a terror to all save her husband.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.45">Dared to adventure to look at the woman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.46">With eyes in the daytime;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNDEF.6" id="XXVIII.FNREF.6">6</SPAN></sup> but he knew that death-chains</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.47">Hand-wreathed were wrought him: early thereafter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.48">When the hand-strife was over, edges were ready,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.49">That fierce-raging sword-point had to force a decision,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.50">Murder-bale show. Such no womanly custom</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.51">For a lady to practise, though lovely her person,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.52">That a weaver-of-peace, on pretence of anger</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.53">A belovèd liegeman of life should deprive.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.54">Soothly this hindered Heming’s kinsman;</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.55">Other ale-drinking earlmen asserted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.56">That fearful folk-sorrows fewer she wrought them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.57">Treacherous doings, since first she was given</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.58">Adorned with gold to the war-hero youthful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.59">For her origin honored, when Offa’s great palace</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.60">O’er the fallow flood by her father’s instructions</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.61">She sought on her journey, where she afterwards fully,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.62">Famed for her virtue, her fate on the king’s-seat</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_67">[67]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.63">Enjoyed in her lifetime, love did she hold with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.64">The ruler of heroes, the best, it is told me,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.65">Of all of the earthmen that oceans encompass,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.66">Of earl-kindreds endless; hence Offa was famous</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.67">Far and widely, by gifts and by battles,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.68">Spear-valiant hero; the home of his fathers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.69">He governed with wisdom, whence Eomær did issue</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.70">For help unto heroes, Heming’s kinsman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXVIII.71">Grandson of Garmund, great in encounters.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">scawan</span>’ (1896), ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">scaðan</span>’ has been proposed. Accepting this, we may render: <i>He said the bright-armored warriors were going to their vessel, welcome, etc</i>. (Cf. 1804.)</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> R. suggests, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Gewát him on naca</span>,’ and renders: <i>The vessel set out, to drive on the sea, the Dane-country left</i>. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">On</span>’ bears the alliteration; cf. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on hafu</span>’ (2524). This has some advantages over the H.-So. reading; viz. (1) It adds nothing to the text; (2) it makes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">naca</span>’ the subject, and thus brings the passage into keeping with the context, where the poet has exhausted his vocabulary in detailing the actions of the vessel.—B.’s emendation (cf. P. and B. XII. 97) is violent.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> B. translates: <i>Who for a long time, ready at the coast, had looked out into the distance eagerly for the dear men</i>. This changes the syntax of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">léofra manna</span>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wunað</span>’ (v. 1924) several eminent critics suggest ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wunade</span>’ (=remained). This makes the passage much clearer.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> Why should such a woman be described as an ‘excellent’ queen? C. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">frécnu</span>’ = dangerous, bold.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXVIII.FNDEF.6"> <SPAN href="#XXVIII.FNREF.6">[6]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">an dæges</span>’ various readings have been offered. If ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">and-éges</span>’ be accepted, the sentence will read: <i>No hero … dared look upon her, eye to eye</i>. If ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">án-dæges</span>’ be adopted, translate: <i>Dared look upon her the whole day</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXIX"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXIX">XXIX.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF AND HIGELAC.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.1">Then the brave one departed, his band along with him,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf and his party seek Higelac.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.2">Seeking the sea-shore, the sea-marches treading,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.3">The wide-stretching shores. The world-candle glimmered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.4">The sun from the southward; they proceeded then onward,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.5">Early arriving where they heard that the troop-lord,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.6">Ongentheow’s slayer, excellent, youthful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.7">Folk-prince and warrior was distributing jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.8">Close in his castle. The coming of Beowulf</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.9">Was announced in a message quickly to Higelac,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.10">That the folk-troop’s defender forth to the palace</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.11">The linden-companion alive was advancing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.12">Secure from the combat courtward a-going.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.13">The building was early inward made ready</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.14">For the foot-going guests as the good one had ordered.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf sits by his liegelord.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.15">He sat by the man then who had lived through the struggle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.16">Kinsman by kinsman, when the king of the people</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.17">Had in lordly language saluted the dear one,</div> <span class="sidenote">Queen Hygd receives the heroes.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.18">In words that were formal. The daughter of Hæreth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.19">Coursed through the building, carrying mead-cups:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIX.FNDEF.1" id="XXIX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_68">[68]</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.20">She loved the retainers, tendered the beakers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.21">To the high-minded Geatmen. Higelac ’gan then</div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac is greatly interested in Beowulf’s adventures.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.22">Pleasantly plying his companion with questions</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.23">In the high-towering palace. A curious interest</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.24">Tormented his spirit, what meaning to see in</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.25">The Sea-Geats’ adventures: “Beowulf worthy,</div> <span class="sidenote">Give an account of thy adventures, Beowulf dear.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.26">How throve your journeying, when thou thoughtest suddenly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.27">Far o’er the salt-streams to seek an encounter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.28">A battle at Heorot? Hast bettered for Hrothgar,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.29">The famous folk-leader, his far-published sorrows</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.30">Any at all? In agony-billows</div> <span class="sidenote">My suspense has been great.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.31">I mused upon torture, distrusted the journey</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.32">Of the belovèd liegeman; I long time did pray thee</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.33">By no means to seek out the murderous spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.34">To suffer the South-Danes themselves to decide on<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIX.FNDEF.2" title="See my note to 1599, supra, and B. in P. and B. XII. 97." id="XXIX.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.35">Grappling with Grendel. To God I am thankful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.36">To be suffered to see thee safe from thy journey.”</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf narrates his adventures.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.37">Beowulf answered, bairn of old Ecgtheow:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.38">“’Tis hidden by no means, Higelac chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.39">From many of men, the meeting so famous,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.40">What mournful moments of me and of Grendel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.41">Were passed in the place where he pressing affliction</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.42">On the Victory-Scyldings scathefully brought,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.43">Anguish forever; that all I avengèd,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.44">So that any under heaven of the kinsmen of Grendel</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s kindred have no cause to boast.</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.45">Needeth not boast of that cry-in-the-morning,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.46">Who longest liveth of the loth-going kindred,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIX.FNDEF.3" id="XXIX.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.47">Encompassed by moorland. I came in my journey</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.48">To the royal ring-hall, Hrothgar to greet there:</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar received me very cordially.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.49">Soon did the famous scion of Healfdene,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.50">When he understood fully the spirit that led me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.51">Assign me a seat with the son of his bosom.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_69">[69]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.52">The troop was in joyance; mead-glee greater</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.53">’Neath arch of the ether not ever beheld I</div> <span class="sidenote">The queen also showed up no little honor.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.54">’Mid hall-building holders. The highly-famed queen,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.55">Peace-tie of peoples, oft passed through the building,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.56">Cheered the young troopers; she oft tendered a hero</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.57">A beautiful ring-band, ere she went to her sitting.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrothgar’s lovely daughter.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.58">Oft the daughter of Hrothgar in view of the courtiers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.59">To the earls at the end the ale-vessel carried,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.60">Whom Freaware I heard then hall-sitters title,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.61">When nail-adorned jewels she gave to the heroes:</div> <span class="sidenote">She is betrothed to Ingeld, in order to unite the Danes and Heathobards.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.62">Gold-bedecked, youthful, to the glad son of Froda</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.63">Her faith has been plighted; the friend of the Scyldings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.64">The guard of the kingdom, hath given his sanction,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIX.FNDEF.4" title="See note to v. 1599 above." id="XXIX.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.65">And counts it a vantage, for a part of the quarrels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.66">A portion of hatred, to pay with the woman.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.67"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXIX.FNDEF.5" id="XXIX.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup>Somewhere not rarely, when the ruler has fallen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.68">The life-taking lance relaxeth its fury</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXIX.69">For a brief breathing-spell, though the bride be charming!</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXIX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXIX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Meodu-scencum</span>’ (1981) some would render ‘<i>with mead-pourers</i>.’ Translate then: <i>The daughter of Hæreth went through the building accompanied by mead-pourers</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIX.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXIX.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> See my note to <SPAN href="#L.XXIV.41">1599</SPAN>, supra, and B. in P. and B. XII. 97.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIX.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXIX.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fenne</span>,’ supplied by Grdtvg., B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fácne</span>’ (cf. Jul. 350). Accepting this, translate: <i>Who longest lives of the hated race, steeped in treachery</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIX.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XXIX.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> See note to <SPAN href="#L.XXIV.41">v. 1599</SPAN> above.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXIX.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XXIX.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> This is perhaps the least understood sentence in the poem, almost every word being open to dispute. (1) The ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">nó</span>’ of our text is an emendation, and is rejected by many scholars. (2) ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Seldan</span>’ is by some taken as an adv. (= <i>seldom</i>), and by others as a noun (= <i>page</i>, <i>companion</i>). (3) ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Léod-hryre</span>,’ some render ‘<i>fall of the people</i>’; others, ‘<i>fall of the prince</i>.’ (4) ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Búgeð</span>,’ most scholars regard as the intrans. verb meaning ‘<i>bend</i>,’ ‘<i>rest</i>’; but one great scholar has translated it ‘<i>shall kill</i>.’ (5) ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Hwær</span>,’ Very recently, has been attacked, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wære</span>’ being suggested. (6) As a corollary to the above, the same critic proposes to drop ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">oft</span>’ out of the text.—t.B. suggests: <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Oft seldan wære</span> after <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">léodhryre</span>: <span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">lýtle hwíle bongár búgeð, þéah séo brýd duge</span> = <i>often has a treaty been (thus) struck, after a prince had fallen: (but only) a short time is the spear (then) wont to rest, however excellent the bride may be</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXX"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXX">XXX.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF NARRATES HIS ADVENTURES TO HIGELAC.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.1">“It well may discomfit the prince of the Heathobards</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.2">And each of the thanemen of earls that attend him,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_70">[70]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.3">When he goes to the building escorting the woman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.4">That a noble-born Daneman the knights should be feasting:</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.5">There gleam on his person the leavings of elders</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.6">Hard and ring-bright, Heathobards’ treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.7">While they wielded their arms, till they misled to the battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.8">Their own dear lives and belovèd companions.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.9">He saith at the banquet who the collar beholdeth,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.10">An ancient ash-warrior who earlmen’s destruction</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.11">Clearly recalleth (cruel his spirit),</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.12">Sadly beginneth sounding the youthful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.13">Thane-champion’s spirit through the thoughts of his bosom,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.14">War-grief to waken, and this word-answer speaketh:</div> <span class="sidenote">Ingeld is stirred up to break the truce.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.15">‘Art thou able, my friend, to know when thou seest it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.16">The brand which thy father bare to the conflict</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.17">In his latest adventure, ’neath visor of helmet,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.18">The dearly-loved iron, where Danemen did slay him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.19">And brave-mooded Scyldings, on the fall of the heroes,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.20">(When vengeance was sleeping) the slaughter-place wielded?</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.21">E’en now some man of the murderer’s progeny</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.22">Exulting in ornaments enters the building,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.23">Boasts of his blood-shedding, offbeareth the jewel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.24">Which thou shouldst wholly hold in possession!’</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.25">So he urgeth and mindeth on every occasion</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.26">With woe-bringing words, till waxeth the season</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.27">When the woman’s thane for the works of his father,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.28">The bill having bitten, blood-gory sleepeth,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.29">Fated to perish; the other one thenceward</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.30">’Scapeth alive, the land knoweth thoroughly.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXX.FNDEF.1" id="XXX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.31">Then the oaths of the earlmen on each side are broken,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.32">When rancors unresting are raging in Ingeld</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.33">And his wife-love waxeth less warm after sorrow.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.34">So the Heathobards’ favor not faithful I reckon,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.35">Their part in the treaty not true to the Danemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.36">Their friendship not fast. I further shall tell thee</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_71">[71]</span> <span class="sidenote">Having made these preliminary statements, I will now tell thee of Grendel, the monster.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.37">More about Grendel, that thou fully mayst hear,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.38">Ornament-giver, what afterward came from</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.39">The hand-rush of heroes. When heaven’s bright jewel</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.40">O’er earthfields had glided, the stranger came raging,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.41">The horrible night-fiend, us for to visit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.42">Where wholly unharmed the hall we were guarding.</div> <span class="sidenote">Hondscio fell first</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.43">To Hondscio happened a hopeless contention,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.44">Death to the doomed one, dead he fell foremost,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.45">Girded war-champion; to him Grendel became then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.46">To the vassal distinguished, a tooth-weaponed murderer,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.47">The well-beloved henchman’s body all swallowed.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.48">Not the earlier off empty of hand did</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.49">The bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of evils,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.50">Wish to escape from the gold-giver’s palace,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.51">But sturdy of strength he strove to outdo me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.52">Hand-ready grappled. A glove was suspended</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.53">Spacious and wondrous, in art-fetters fastened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.54">Which was fashioned entirely by touch of the craftman</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.55">From the dragon’s skin by the devil’s devices:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.56">He down in its depths would do me unsadly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.57">One among many, deed-doer raging,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.58">Though sinless he saw me; not so could it happen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.59">When I in my anger upright did stand.</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.60">’Tis too long to recount how requital I furnished</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.61">For every evil to the earlmen’s destroyer;</div> <span class="sidenote">I reflected honor upon my people.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.62">’Twas there, my prince, that I proudly distinguished</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.63">Thy land with my labors. He left and retreated,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.64">He lived his life a little while longer:</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.65">Yet his right-hand guarded his footstep in Heorot,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.66">And sad-mooded thence to the sea-bottom fell he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.67">Mournful in mind. For the might-rush of battle</div> <span class="sidenote">King Hrothgar lavished gifts upon me.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.68">The friend of the Scyldings, with gold that was plated,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.69">With ornaments many, much requited me,</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.70">When daylight had dawned, and down to the banquet</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.71">We had sat us together. There was chanting and joyance:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.72">The age-stricken Scylding asked many questions</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_72">[72]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.73">And of old-times related; oft light-ringing harp-strings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.74">Joy-telling wood, were touched by the brave one;</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.75">Now he uttered measures, mourning and truthful,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.76">Then the large-hearted land-king a legend of wonder</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.77">Truthfully told us. Now troubled with years</div> <span class="sidenote">The old king is sad over the loss of his youthful vigor.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.78">The age-hoary warrior afterward began to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.79">Mourn for the might that marked him in youth-days;</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.80">His breast within boiled, when burdened with winters</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.81">Much he remembered. From morning till night then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.82">We joyed us therein as etiquette suffered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.83">Till the second night season came unto earth-folk.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.84">Then early thereafter, the mother of Grendel</div> <span class="sidenote">Grendel’s mother.</span> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.85">Was ready for vengeance, wretched she journeyed;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.86">Her son had death ravished, the wrath of the Geatmen.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.87">The horrible woman avengèd her offspring,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.88">And with mighty mainstrength murdered a hero.</div> <span class="sidenote">Æschere falls a prey to her vengeance.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.89">There the spirit of Æschere, agèd adviser,</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.90">Was ready to vanish; nor when morn had lightened</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.91">Were they anywise suffered to consume him with fire,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.92">Folk of the Danemen, the death-weakened hero,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.93">Nor the belovèd liegeman to lay on the pyre;</div> <span class="sidenote">She suffered not his body to be burned, but ate it.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.94">She the corpse had offcarried in the clutch of the foeman<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXX.FNDEF.2" id="XXX.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">95</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.95">’Neath mountain-brook’s flood. To Hrothgar ’twas saddest</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.96">Of pains that ever had preyed on the chieftain;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.97">By the life of thee the land-prince then me<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXX.FNDEF.3" id="XXX.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.98">Besought very sadly, in sea-currents’ eddies</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.99">To display my prowess, to peril my safety,</div> <span class="linenum">100</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.100">Might-deeds accomplish; much did he promise.</div> <span class="sidenote">I sought the creature in her den,</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.101">I found then the famous flood-current’s cruel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.102">Horrible depth-warder. A while unto us two</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_73">[73]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.103">Hand was in common; the currents were seething</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.104">With gore that was clotted, and Grendel’s fierce mother’s</div> <span class="sidenote">and hewed her head off.</span> <span class="linenum">105</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.105">Head I offhacked in the hall at the bottom</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.106">With huge-reaching sword-edge, hardly I wrested</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.107">My life from her clutches; not doomed was I then,</div> <span class="sidenote">Jewels were freely bestowed upon me.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.108">But the warden of earlmen afterward gave me</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXX.109">Jewels in quantity, kinsman of Healfdene.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">lifigende</span>’ (2063), a mere conjecture, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wígende</span>’ has been suggested. The line would then read: <i>Escapeth by fighting, knows the land thoroughly</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXX.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXX.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fæðmum</span>,’ Gr.’s conjecture, B. proposes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">færunga</span>.’ These three half-verses would then read: <i>She bore off the corpse of her foe suddenly under the mountain-torrent</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXX.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXX.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The phrase ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þíne lýfe</span>’ (2132) was long rendered ‘<i>with thy (presupposed) permission</i>.’ The verse would read: <i>The land-prince then sadly besought me, with thy (presupposed) permission, etc</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXI">XXXI.</SPAN></h2><h2>GIFT-GIVING IS MUTUAL.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.1">“So the belovèd land-prince lived in decorum;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.2">I had missed no rewards, no meeds of my prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.3">But he gave me jewels, regarding my wishes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.4">Healfdene his bairn; I’ll bring them to thee, then,</div> <span class="sidenote">All my gifts I lay at thy feet.</span> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.5">Atheling of earlmen, offer them gladly.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.6">And still unto thee is all my affection:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXI.FNDEF.1" id="XXXI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.7">But few of my folk-kin find I surviving</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.8">But thee, dear Higelac!” Bade he in then to carry<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXI.FNDEF.2" id="XXXI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.9">The boar-image, banner, battle-high helmet,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.10">Iron-gray armor, the excellent weapon,</div> <span class="sidenote">This armor I have belonged of yore to Heregar.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.11">In song-measures said: “This suit-for-the-battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.12">Hrothgar presented me, bade me expressly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.13">Wise-mooded atheling, thereafter to tell thee<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXI.FNDEF.3" id="XXXI.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.14">The whole of its history, said King Heregar owned it,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.15">Dane-prince for long: yet he wished not to give then</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_74">[74]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.16">The mail to his son, though dearly he loved him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.17">Hereward the hardy. Hold all in joyance!”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.18">I heard that there followed hard on the jewels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.19">Two braces of stallions of striking resemblance,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.20">Dappled and yellow; he granted him usance</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.21">Of horses and treasures. So a kinsman should bear him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.22">No web of treachery weave for another,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.23">Nor by cunning craftiness cause the destruction</div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac loves his nephew Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.24">Of trusty companion. Most precious to Higelac,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.25">The bold one in battle, was the bairn of his sister,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.26">And each unto other mindful of favors.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf gives Hygd the necklace that Wealhtheow had given him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.27">I am told that to Hygd he proffered the necklace,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.28">Wonder-gem rare that Wealhtheow gave him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.29">The troop-leader’s daughter, a trio of horses</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.30">Slender and saddle-bright; soon did the jewel</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.31">Embellish her bosom, when the beer-feast was over.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.32">So Ecgtheow’s bairn brave did prove him,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is famous.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.33">War-famous man, by deeds that were valiant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.34">He lived in honor, belovèd companions</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.35">Slew not carousing; his mood was not cruel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.36">But by hand-strength hugest of heroes then living</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.37">The brave one retained the bountiful gift that</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.38">The Lord had allowed him. Long was he wretched,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.39">So that sons of the Geatmen accounted him worthless,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.40">And the lord of the liegemen loth was to do him</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.41">Mickle of honor, when mead-cups were passing;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.42">They fully believed him idle and sluggish,</div> <span class="sidenote">He is requited for the slights suffered in earlier days.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.43">An indolent atheling: to the honor-blest man there</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.44">Came requital for the cuts he had suffered.</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.45">The folk-troop’s defender bade fetch to the building</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.46">The heirloom of Hrethel, embellished with gold,</div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac overwhelms the conqueror with gifts.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.47">So the brave one enjoined it; there was jewel no richer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.48">In the form of a weapon ’mong Geats of that era;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.49">In Beowulf’s keeping he placed it and gave him</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.50">Seven of thousands, manor and lordship.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.51">Common to both was land ’mong the people,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_75">[75]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.52">Estate and inherited rights and possessions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.53">To the second one specially spacious dominions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.54">To the one who was better. It afterward happened</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.55">In days that followed, befell the battle-thanes,</div> <span class="sidenote">After Heardred’s death, Beowulf becomes king.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.56">After Higelac’s death, and when Heardred was murdered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.57">With weapons of warfare ’neath well-covered targets,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.58">When valiant battlemen in victor-band sought him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.59">War-Scylfing heroes harassed the nephew</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.60">Of Hereric in battle. To Beowulf’s keeping</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.61">Turned there in time extensive dominions:</div> <span class="sidenote">He rules the Geats fifty years.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.62">He fittingly ruled them a fifty of winters</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.63">(He a man-ruler wise was, manor-ward old) till</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.64">A certain one ’gan, on gloom-darkening nights, a</div> <span class="sidenote">The fire-drake.</span> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.65">Dragon, to govern, who guarded a treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.66">A high-rising stone-cliff, on heath that was grayish:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.67">A path ’neath it lay, unknown unto mortals.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.68">Some one of earthmen entered the mountain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.69">The heathenish hoard laid hold of with ardor;</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.70">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.71">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.72">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.73">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXI.74">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> This verse B. renders, ‘<i>Now serve I again thee alone as my gracious king</i>.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eafor</span>’ (2153), Kl. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ealdor</span>.’ Translate then: <i>Bade the prince then to bear in the banner, battle-high helmet, etc</i>. On the other hand, W. takes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eaforhéafodsegn</span>’ as a compound, meaning ‘helmet’: <i>He bade them bear in the helmet, battle-high helm, gray armor, etc</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXI.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXXI.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The H.-So. rendering (<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ærest</span> = <i>history, origin</i>; ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eft</span>’ for ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">est</span>’), though liable to objection, is perhaps the best offered. ‘That I should very early tell thee of his favor, kindness’ sounds well; but ‘his’ is badly placed to limit ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ést</span>.’—Perhaps, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eft</span>’ with verbs of saying may have the force of Lat. prefix ‘<span class="la" lang="la" xml:lang="la">re</span>,’ and the H.-So. reading mean, ‘that I should its origin rehearse to thee.’</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXII">XXXII.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE HOARD AND THE DRAGON.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.1">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.2">He sought of himself who sorely did harm him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.3">But, for need very pressing, the servant of one of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.4">The sons of the heroes hate-blows evaded,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.5">Seeking for shelter and the sin-driven warrior</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.6">Took refuge within there. He early looked in it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.7">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.8">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_76">[76]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.9">*    *    *    *    *  when the onset surprised him,</div> <span class="sidenote">The hoard.</span> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.10">He a gem-vessel saw there: many of suchlike</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.11">Ancient ornaments in the earth-cave were lying,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.12">As in days of yore some one of men of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.13">Illustrious lineage, as a legacy monstrous,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.14">There had secreted them, careful and thoughtful,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.15">Dear-valued jewels. Death had offsnatched them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.16">In the days of the past, and the one man moreover</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.17">Of the flower of the folk who fared there the longest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.18">Was fain to defer it, friend-mourning warder,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.19">A little longer to be left in enjoyment</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.20">Of long-lasting treasure.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.1" id="XXXII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> A barrow all-ready</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.21">Stood on the plain the stream-currents nigh to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.22">New by the ness-edge, unnethe of approaching:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.23">The keeper of rings carried within a</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.24"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.2" id="XXXII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>Ponderous deal of the treasure of nobles,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.25">Of gold that was beaten, briefly he spake then:<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.3" title="Some read ‘fec-word’ (2247), and render: Banning words uttered." id="XXXII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">The ring-giver bewails the loss of retainers.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.26">“Hold thou, O Earth, now heroes no more may,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.27">The earnings of earlmen. Lo! erst in thy bosom</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.28">Worthy men won them; war-death hath ravished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.29">Perilous life-bale, all my warriors,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.30">Liegemen belovèd, who this life have forsaken,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.31">Who hall-pleasures saw. No sword-bearer have I,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.32">And no one to burnish the gold-plated vessel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.33">The high-valued beaker: my heroes are vanished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.34">The hardy helmet behung with gilding</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.35">Shall be reaved of its riches: the ring-cleansers slumber</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.36">Who were charged to have ready visors-for-battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.37">And the burnie that bided in battle-encounter</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_77">[77]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.38">O’er breaking of war-shields the bite of the edges</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.39">Moulds with the hero. The ring-twisted armor,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.40">Its lord being lifeless, no longer may journey</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.41">Hanging by heroes; harp-joy is vanished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.42">The rapture of glee-wood, no excellent falcon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.43">Swoops through the building, no swift-footed charger</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.44">Grindeth the gravel. A grievous destruction</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.45">No few of the world-folk widely hath scattered!”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.46">So, woful of spirit one after all</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.47">Lamented mournfully, moaning in sadness</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.48">By day and by night, till death with its billows</div> <span class="sidenote">The fire-dragon</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.49">Dashed on his spirit. Then the ancient dusk-scather</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.50">Found the great treasure standing all open,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.51">He who flaming and fiery flies to the barrows,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.52">Naked war-dragon, nightly escapeth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.53">Encompassed with fire; men under heaven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.54">Widely beheld him. ’Tis said that he looks for<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.4" id="XXXII.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.55">The hoard in the earth, where old he is guarding</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.56">The heathenish treasure; he’ll be nowise the better.</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon meets his match.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.57">So three-hundred winters the waster of peoples</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.58">Held upon earth that excellent hoard-hall,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.59">Till the forementioned earlman angered him bitterly:</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.60">The beat-plated beaker he bare to his chieftain</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.61">And fullest remission for all his remissness</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.62">Begged of his liegelord. Then the hoard<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.5" id="XXXII.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup> was discovered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.63">The treasure was taken, his petition was granted</div> <span class="sidenote">The hero plunders the dragon’s den</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.64">The lorn-mooded liegeman. His lord regarded</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.65">The old-work of earth-folk—’twas the earliest occasion.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.66">When the dragon awoke, the strife was renewed there;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.67">He snuffed ’long the stone then, stout-hearted found he</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_78">[78]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.68">The footprint of foeman; too far had he gone</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.69">With cunning craftiness close to the head of</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.70">The fire-spewing dragon. So undoomed he may ’scape from</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.71">Anguish and exile with ease who possesseth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.72">The favor of Heaven. The hoard-warden eagerly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.73">Searched o’er the ground then, would meet with the person</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.74">That caused him sorrow while in slumber reclining:</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.75">Gleaming and wild he oft went round the cavern,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.76">All of it outward; not any of earthmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.77">Was seen in that desert.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.6" id="XXXII.FNREF.6">6</SPAN></sup> Yet he joyed in the battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.78">Rejoiced in the conflict: oft he turned to the barrow,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.79">Sought for the gem-cup;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXII.FNDEF.7" id="XXXII.FNREF.7">7</SPAN></sup> this he soon perceived then</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon perceives that some one has disturbed his treasure.</span> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.80">That some man or other had discovered the gold,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.81">The famous folk-treasure. Not fain did the hoard-ward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.82">Wait until evening; then the ward of the barrow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.83">Was angry in spirit, the loathèd one wished to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.84">Pay for the dear-valued drink-cup with fire.</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.85">Then the day was done as the dragon would have it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.86">He no longer would wait on the wall, but departed</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon is infuriated.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.87">Fire-impelled, flaming. Fearful the start was</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.88">To earls in the land, as it early thereafter</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXII.89">To their giver-of-gold was grievously ended.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">long-gestréona</span>,’ B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">láengestréona</span>,’ and renders, <i>Of fleeting treasures</i>. S. accepts H.’s ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">long-gestréona</span>,<span class="add" title="Added">’</span> but renders, <i>The treasure long in accumulating</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hard-fyrdne</span>’ (2246), B. first suggested ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hard-fyndne</span>,’ rendering: <i>A heap of treasures … so great that its equal would be hard to find</i>. The same scholar suggests later ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hord-wynne dæl</span>’ = <i>A deal of treasure-joy</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> Some read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fec-word</span>’ (2247), and render: <i>Banning words uttered</i><span class="add" title="Added">.</span></div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> An earlier reading of H.’s gave the following meaning to this passage: <i>He is said to inhabit a mound under the earth, where he, etc.</i> The translation in the text is more authentic.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> The repetition of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hord</span>’ in this passage has led some scholars to suggest new readings to avoid the second ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hord</span>.’ This, however, is not under the main stress, and, it seems to me, might easily be accepted.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.6"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.6">[6]</SPAN> The reading of H.-So. is well defended in the notes to that volume. B. emends and renders: <i>Nor was there any man in that desert who rejoiced in conflict, in battle-work.</i> That is, the hoard-ward could not find any one who had disturbed his slumbers, for no warrior was there, t.B.’s emendation would give substantially the same translation.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXII.FNDEF.7"> <SPAN href="#XXXII.FNREF.7">[7]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Sinc-fæt</span>’ (2301): this word both here and in v. 2232, t.B. renders ‘treasure.’</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXIII">XXXIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>BRAVE THOUGH AGED.—REMINISCENCES.</h2> <span class="sidenote">The dragon spits fire.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.1">The stranger began then to vomit forth fire,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.2">To burn the great manor; the blaze then glimmered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.3">For anguish to earlmen, not anything living</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_79">[79]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.4">Was the hateful air-goer willing to leave there.</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.5">The war of the worm widely was noticed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.6">The feud of the foeman afar and anear,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.7">How the enemy injured the earls of the Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.8">Harried with hatred: back he hied to the treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.9">To the well-hidden cavern ere the coming of daylight.</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.10">He had circled with fire the folk of those regions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.11">With brand and burning; in the barrow he trusted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.12">In the wall and his war-might: the weening deceived him.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf hears of the havoc wrought by the dragon.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.13">Then straight was the horror to Beowulf published,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.14">Early forsooth, that his own native homestead,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNDEF.1" id="XXXIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.15">The best of buildings, was burning and melting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.16">Gift-seat of Geatmen. ’Twas a grief to the spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.17">Of the good-mooded hero, the greatest of sorrows:</div> <span class="sidenote">He fears that Heaven is punishing him for some crime.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.18">The wise one weened then that wielding his kingdom</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.19">’Gainst the ancient commandments, he had bitterly angered</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.20">The Lord everlasting: with lorn meditations</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.21">His bosom welled inward, as was nowise his custom.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.22">The fire-spewing dragon fully had wasted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.23">The fastness of warriors, the water-land outward,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.24">The manor with fire. The folk-ruling hero,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.25">Prince of the Weders, was planning to wreak him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.26">The warmen’s defender bade them to make him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.27">Earlmen’s atheling, an excellent war-shield</div> <span class="sidenote">He orders an iron shield to be made from him, wood is useless.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.28">Wholly of iron: fully he knew then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.29">That wood from the forest was helpless to aid him,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.30">Shield against fire. The long-worthy ruler</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.31">Must live the last of his limited earth-days,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.32">Of life in the world and the worm along with him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.33">Though he long had been holding hoard-wealth in plenty.</div> <span class="sidenote">He determines to fight alone.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.34">Then the ring-prince disdained to seek with a war-band,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.35">With army extensive, the air-going ranger;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.36">He felt no fear of the foeman’s assaults and</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.37">He counted for little the might of the dragon,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_80">[80]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.38">His power and prowess: for previously dared he</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s early triumphs referred to</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.39">A heap of hostility, hazarded dangers,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.40">War-thane, when Hrothgar’s palace he cleansèd,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.41">Conquering combatant, clutched in the battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.42">The kinsmen of Grendel, of kindred detested.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNDEF.2" id="XXXIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac’s death recalled.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.43">’Twas of hand-fights not least where Higelac was slaughtered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.44">When the king of the Geatmen with clashings of battle,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.45">Friend-lord of folks in Frisian dominions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.46">Offspring of Hrethrel perished through sword-drink,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.47">With battle-swords beaten; thence Beowulf came then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.48">On self-help relying, swam through the waters;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.49">He bare on his arm, lone-going, thirty</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.50">Outfits of armor, when the ocean he mounted.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.51">The Hetwars by no means had need to be boastful</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.52">Of their fighting afoot, who forward to meet him</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.53">Carried their war-shields: not many returned from</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.54">The brave-mooded battle-knight back to their homesteads.</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.55">Ecgtheow’s bairn o’er the bight-courses swam then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.56">Lone-goer lorn to his land-folk returning,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.57">Where Hygd to him tendered treasure and kingdom,</div> <span class="sidenote">Heardred’s lack of capacity to rule.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.58">Rings and dominion: her son she not trusted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.59">To be able to keep the kingdom devised him</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.60">’Gainst alien races, on the death of King Higelac.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s tact and delicacy recalled.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.61">Yet the sad ones succeeded not in persuading the atheling</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.62">In any way ever, to act as a suzerain</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.63">To Heardred, or promise to govern the kingdom;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.64">Yet with friendly counsel in the folk he sustained him,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.65">Gracious, with honor, till he grew to be older,</div> <span class="sidenote">Reference is here made to a visit which Beowulf receives from Eanmund and Eadgils, why they come is not known.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.66">Wielded the Weders. Wide-fleeing outlaws,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.67">Ohthere’s sons, sought him o’er the waters:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.68">They had stirred a revolt ’gainst the helm of the Scylfings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.69">The best of the sea-kings, who in Swedish dominions</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.70">Distributed treasure, distinguished folk-leader.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_81">[81]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.71">’Twas the end of his earth-days; injury fatal<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNDEF.3" id="XXXIII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.72">By swing of the sword he received as a greeting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.73">Offspring of Higelac; Ongentheow’s bairn</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.74">Later departed to visit his homestead,</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.75">When Heardred was dead; let Beowulf rule them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIII.76">Govern the Geatmen: good was that folk-king.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Hám</span>’ (2326), the suggestion of B. is accepted by t.B. and other scholars.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">láðan cynnes</span>’ (2355), t.B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">láðan cynne</span>,’ apposition to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">mægum</span>.’ From syntactical and other considerations, this is a most excellent emendation.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXXIII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> Gr. read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">on feorme</span>’ (2386), rendering: <i>He there at the banquet a fatal wound received by blows of the sword.</i></div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXIV"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXIV">XXXIV.</SPAN></h2><h2>BEOWULF SEEKS THE DRAGON.—BEOWULF’S REMINISCENCES.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.1">He planned requital for the folk-leader’s ruin</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.2">In days thereafter, to Eadgils the wretched</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.3">Becoming an enemy. Ohthere’s son then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.4">Went with a war-troop o’er the wide-stretching currents</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.5">With warriors and weapons: with woe-journeys cold he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.6">After avenged him, the king’s life he took.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf has been preserved through many perils.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.7">So he came off uninjured from all of his battles,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.8">Perilous fights, offspring of Ecgtheow,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.9">From his deeds of daring, till that day most momentous</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.10">When he fate-driven fared to fight with the dragon.</div> <span class="sidenote">With eleven comrades, he seeks the dragon.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.11">With eleven companions the prince of the Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.12">Went lowering with fury to look at the fire-drake:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.13">Inquiring he’d found how the feud had arisen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.14">Hate to his heroes; the highly-famed gem-vessel</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.15">Was brought to his keeping through the hand of th’ informer.</div> <span class="sidenote">A guide leads the way, but</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.16">That in the throng was thirteenth of heroes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.17">That caused the beginning of conflict so bitter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.18">Captive and wretched, must sad-mooded thenceward</div> <span class="sidenote">very reluctantly.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.19">Point out the place: he passed then unwillingly</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.20">To the spot where he knew of the notable cavern,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.21">The cave under earth, not far from the ocean,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.22">The anger of eddies, which inward was full of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.23">Jewels and wires: a warden uncanny,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_82">[82]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.24">Warrior weaponed, wardered the treasure,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.25">Old under earth; no easy possession</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.26">For any of earth-folk access to get to.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.27">Then the battle-brave atheling sat on the naze-edge,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.28">While the gold-friend of Geatmen gracious saluted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.29">His fireside-companions: woe was his spirit,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.30">Death-boding, wav’ring; Weird very near him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.31">Who must seize the old hero, his soul-treasure look for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.32">Dragging aloof his life from his body:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.33">Not flesh-hidden long was the folk-leader’s spirit.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.34">Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow’s son:</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s retrospect.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.35">“I survived in my youth-days many a conflict,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.36">Hours of onset: that all I remember.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.37">I was seven-winters old when the jewel-prince took me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.38">High-lord of heroes, at the hands of my father,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.39">Hrethel the hero-king had me in keeping,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrethel took me when I was seven.</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.40">Gave me treasure and feasting, our kinship remembered;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.41">Not ever was I <i>any</i> less dear to him</div> <span class="sidenote">He treated me as a son.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.42">Knight in the boroughs, than the bairns of his household,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.43">Herebald and Hæthcyn and Higelac mine.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.44">To the eldest unjustly by acts of a kinsman</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.45">Was murder-bed strewn, since him Hæthcyn from horn-bow</div> <span class="sidenote">One of the brothers accidentally kills another.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.46">His sheltering chieftain shot with an arrow,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.47">Erred in his aim and injured his kinsman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.48">One brother the other, with blood-sprinkled spear:</div> <span class="sidenote">No fee could compound for such a calamity.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.49">’Twas a feeless fight, finished in malice,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.50">Sad to his spirit; the folk-prince however</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.51">Had to part from existence with vengeance untaken.</div> <span class="sidenote">[A parallel case is supposed.]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.52">So to hoar-headed hero ’tis heavily crushing<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIV.FNDEF.1" id="XXXIV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_83">[83]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.53">To live to see his son as he rideth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.54">Young on the gallows: then measures he chanteth,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.55">A song of sorrow, when his son is hanging</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.56">For the raven’s delight, and aged and hoary</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.57">He is unable to offer any assistance.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.58">Every morning his offspring’s departure</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.59">Is constant recalled: he cares not to wait for</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.60">The birth of an heir in his borough-enclosures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.61">Since that one through death-pain the deeds hath experienced.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.62">He heart-grieved beholds in the house of his son the</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.63">Wine-building wasted, the wind-lodging places</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.64">Reaved of their roaring; the riders are sleeping,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.65">The knights in the grave; there’s no sound of the harp-wood,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIV.66">Joy in the yards, as of yore were familiar.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXIV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Gomelum ceorle</span>’ (2445).—H. takes these words as referring to Hrethel; but the translator here departs from his editor by understanding the poet to refer to a hypothetical old man, introduced as an illustration of a father’s sorrow. <p>Hrethrel had certainly never seen a son of his ride on the gallows to feed the crows.</p> <p>The passage beginning ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">swá bið géomorlic</span>’ seems to be an effort to reach a full simile, ‘as … so.’ ‘As it is mournful for an old man, etc. … so the defence of the Weders (2463) bore heart-sorrow, etc.’ The verses 2451 to 2463½ would be parenthetical, the poet’s feelings being so strong as to interrupt the simile. The punctuation of the fourth edition would be better—a comma after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">galgan</span>’ (2447). The translation may be indicated as follows: <i>(Just) as it is sad for an old man to see his son ride young on the gallows when he himself is uttering mournful measures, a sorrowful song, while his son hangs for a comfort to the raven, and he, old and infirm, cannot render him any kelp—(he is constantly reminded, etc., 2451-2463)—so the defence of the Weders, etc.</i></p> </div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXV"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXV">XXXV.</SPAN></h2><h2>REMINISCENCES (<i>continued</i>).—BEOWULF’S LAST BATTLE.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.1">“He seeks then his chamber, singeth a woe-song</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.2">One for the other; all too extensive</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.3">Seemed homesteads and plains. So the helm of the Weders</div> <span class="sidenote">Hrethel grieves for Herebald.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.4">Mindful of Herebald heart-sorrow carried,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.5">Stirred with emotion, nowise was able</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.6">To wreak his ruin on the ruthless destroyer:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.7">He was unable to follow the warrior with hatred,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.8">With deeds that were direful, though dear he not held him.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_84">[84]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.9">Then pressed by the pang this pain occasioned him,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.10">He gave up glee, God-light elected;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.11">He left to his sons, as the man that is rich does,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.12">His land and fortress, when from life he departed.</div> <span class="sidenote">Strife between Swedes and Geats.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.13">Then was crime and hostility ’twixt Swedes and Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.14">O’er wide-stretching water warring was mutual,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.15">Burdensome hatred, when Hrethel had perished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.16">And Ongentheow’s offspring were active and valiant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.17">Wished not to hold to peace oversea, but</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.18">Round Hreosna-beorh often accomplished</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.19">Cruelest massacre. This my kinsman avengèd,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.20">The feud and fury, as ’tis found on inquiry,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.21">Though one of them paid it with forfeit of life-joys,</div> <span class="sidenote">Hæthcyn’s fall at Ravenswood.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.22">With price that was hard: the struggle became then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.23">Fatal to Hæthcyn, lord of the Geatmen.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.24">Then I heard that at morning one brother the other</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.25">With edges of irons egged on to murder,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.26">Where Ongentheow maketh onset on Eofor:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.27">The helmet crashed, the hoary-haired Scylfing</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.28">Sword-smitten fell, his hand then remembered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.29">Feud-hate sufficient, refused not the death-blow.</div> <span class="sidenote">I requited him for the jewels he gave me.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.30">The gems that he gave me, with jewel-bright sword I</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.31">’Quited in contest, as occasion was offered:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.32">Land he allowed me, life-joy at homestead,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.33">Manor to live on. Little he needed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.34">From Gepids or Danes or in Sweden to look for</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.35">Trooper less true, with treasure to buy him;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.36">’Mong foot-soldiers ever in front I would hie me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.37">Alone in the vanguard, and evermore gladly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.38">Warfare shall wage, while this weapon endureth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.39">That late and early often did serve me</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf refers to his having slain Dæghrefn.</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.40">When I proved before heroes the slayer of Dæghrefn,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.41">Knight of the Hugmen: he by no means was suffered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.42">To the king of the Frisians to carry the jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.43">The breast-decoration; but the banner-possessor</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.44">Bowed in the battle, brave-mooded atheling.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_85">[85]</span> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.45">No weapon was slayer, but war-grapple broke then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.46">The surge of his spirit, his body destroying.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.47">Now shall weapon’s edge make war for the treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.48">And hand and firm-sword.” Beowulf spake then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.49">Boast-words uttered—the latest occasion:</div> <span class="sidenote">He boasts of his youthful prowess, and declares himself still fearless.</span> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.50">“I braved in my youth-days battles unnumbered;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.51">Still am I willing the struggle to look for,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.52">Fame-deeds perform, folk-warden prudent,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.53">If the hateful despoiler forth from his cavern</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.54">Seeketh me out!” Each of the heroes,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.55">Helm-bearers sturdy, he thereupon greeted</div> <span class="sidenote">His last salutations.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.56">Belovèd co-liegemen—his last salutation:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.57">“No brand would I bear, no blade for the dragon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.58">Wist I a way my word-boast to ’complish<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXV.FNDEF.1" id="XXXV.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.59">Else with the monster, as with Grendel I did it;</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.60">But fire in the battle hot I expect there,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.61">Furious flame-burning: so I fixed on my body</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.62">Target and war-mail. The ward of the barrow<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXV.FNDEF.2" id="XXXV.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.63">I’ll not flee from a foot-length, the foeman uncanny.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.64">At the wall ’twill befall us as Fate decreeth,</div> <span class="sidenote">Let Fate decide between us.</span> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.65">Each one’s Creator. I am eager in spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.66">With the wingèd war-hero to away with all boasting.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.67">Bide on the barrow with burnies protected,</div> <span class="sidenote">Wait ye here till the battle is over.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.68">Earls in armor, which of <i>us</i> two may better</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.69">Bear his disaster, when the battle is over.</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.70">’Tis no matter of yours, and man cannot do it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.71">But me and me only, to measure his strength with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.72">The monster of malice, might-deeds to ’complish.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.73">I with prowess shall gain the gold, or the battle,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_86">[86]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.74">Direful death-woe will drag off your ruler!”</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.75">The mighty champion rose by his shield then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.76">Brave under helmet, in battle-mail went he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.77">’Neath steep-rising stone-cliffs, the strength he relied on</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.78">Of one man alone: no work for a coward.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.79">Then he saw by the wall who a great many battles</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.80">Had lived through, most worthy, when foot-troops collided,</div> <span class="sidenote">The place of strife is described.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.81">Stone-arches standing, stout-hearted champion,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.82">Saw a brook from the barrow bubbling out thenceward:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.83">The flood of the fountain was fuming with war-flame:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.84">Not nigh to the hoard, for season the briefest</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.85">Could he brave, without burning, the abyss that was yawning,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.86">The drake was so fiery. The prince of the Weders</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.87">Caused then that words came from his bosom,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.88">So fierce was his fury; the firm-hearted shouted:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.89">His battle-clear voice came in resounding</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.90">’Neath the gray-colored stone. Stirred was his hatred,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf calls out under the stone arches.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.91">The hoard-ward distinguished the speech of a man;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.92">Time was no longer to look out for friendship.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.93">The breath of the monster issued forth first,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.94">Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave:</div> <span class="sidenote">The terrible encounter.</span> <span class="linenum">95</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.95">The earth re-echoed. The earl ’neath the barrow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.96">Lifted his shield, lord of the Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.97">Tow’rd the terrible stranger: the ring-twisted creature’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.98">Heart was then ready to seek for a struggle.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf brandishes his sword,</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.99">The excellent battle-king first brandished his weapon,</div> <span class="linenum">100</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.100">The ancient heirloom, of edges unblunted,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXV.FNDEF.3" id="XXXV.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.101">To the death-planners twain was terror from other.</div> <span class="sidenote">and stands against his shield.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.102">The lord of the troopers intrepidly stood then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.103">’Gainst his high-rising shield, when the dragon coiled him</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon coils himself.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.104">Quickly together: in corslet he bided.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_87">[87]</span> <span class="linenum">105</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.105">He went then in blazes, bended and striding,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.106">Hasting him forward. His life and body</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.107">The targe well protected, for time-period shorter</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.108">Than wish demanded for the well-renowned leader,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.109">Where he then for the first day was forced to be victor,</div> <span class="linenum">110</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.110">Famous in battle, as Fate had not willed it.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.111">The lord of the Geatmen uplifted his hand then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.112">Smiting the fire-drake with sword that was precious,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.113">That bright on the bone the blade-edge did weaken,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.114">Bit more feebly than his folk-leader needed,</div> <span class="linenum">115</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.115">Burdened with bale-griefs. Then the barrow-protector,</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon rages</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.116">When the sword-blow had fallen, was fierce in his spirit,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.117">Flinging his fires, flamings of battle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.118">Gleamed then afar: the gold-friend of Weders</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s sword fails him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.119">Boasted no conquests, his battle-sword failed him</div> <span class="linenum">120</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.120">Naked in conflict, as by no means it ought to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.121">Long-trusty weapon. ’Twas no slight undertaking</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.122">That Ecgtheow’s famous offspring would leave</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.123">The drake-cavern’s bottom; he must live in some region</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.124">Other than this, by the will of the dragon,</div> <span class="linenum">125</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.125">As each one of earthmen existence must forfeit.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.126">’Twas early thereafter the excellent warriors</div> <span class="sidenote">The combat is renewed.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.127">Met with each other. Anew and afresh</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.128">The hoard-ward took heart (gasps heaved then his bosom):</div> <span class="sidenote">The great hero is reduced to extremities.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.129">Sorrow he suffered encircled with fire</div> <span class="linenum">130</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.130">Who the people erst governed. His companions by no means</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.131">Were banded about him, bairns of the princes,</div> <span class="sidenote">His comrades flee!</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.132">With valorous spirit, but they sped to the forest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.133">Seeking for safety. The soul-deeps of one were</div> <span class="sidenote">Blood is thicker than water.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.134">Ruffled by care: kin-love can never</div> <span class="linenum">135</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXV.135">Aught in him waver who well doth consider.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_88">[88]</span> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXV.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXV.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> The clause 2520(2)-2522(1), rendered by ‘Wist I … monster,’ Gr., followed by S., translates substantially as follows: <i>If I knew how else I might combat the boastful defiance of the monster</i>.—The translation turns upon ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wiðgrípan</span>,’ a word not understood.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXV.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXV.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> B. emends and translates: <i>I will not flee the space of a foot from the guard of the barrow, but there shall be to us a fight at the wall, as fate decrees, each one’s Creator.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXV.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXXV.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The translation of this passage is based on ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">unsláw</span>’ (2565), accepted by H.-So., in lieu of the long-standing ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ungléaw</span>.’ The former is taken as an adj. limiting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sweord</span>’; the latter as an adj. c. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gúð-cyning</span>’: <i>The good war-king, rash with edges, brandished his sword, his old relic.</i> The latter gives a more rhetorical Anglo-Saxon (poetical) sentence.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXVI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXVI">XXXVI.</SPAN></h2><h2>WIGLAF THE TRUSTY.—BEOWULF IS DESERTED BY FRIENDS AND BY SWORD.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf remains true—the ideal Teutonic liegeman.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.1">The son of Weohstan was Wiglaf entitled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.2">Shield-warrior precious, prince of the Scylfings,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.3">Ælfhere’s kinsman: he saw his dear liegelord</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.4">Enduring the heat ’neath helmet and visor.</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.5">Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him,</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf recalls Beowulf’s generosity.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.6">The Wægmunding warriors’ wealth-blessèd homestead,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.7">Each of the folk-rights his father had wielded;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.8">He was hot for the battle, his hand seized the target,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.9">The yellow-bark shield, he unsheathed his old weapon,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.10">Which was known among earthmen as the relic of Eanmund,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.11">Ohthere’s offspring, whom, exiled and friendless,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.12">Weohstan did slay with sword-edge in battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.13">And carried his kinsman the clear-shining helmet,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.14">The ring-made burnie, the old giant-weapon</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.15">That Onela gave him, his boon-fellow’s armor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.16">Ready war-trappings: he the feud did not mention,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.17">Though he’d fatally smitten the son of his brother.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.18">Many a half-year held he the treasures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.19">The bill and the burnie, till his bairn became able,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.20">Like his father before him, fame-deeds to ’complish;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.21">Then he gave him ’mong Geatmen a goodly array of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.22">Weeds for his warfare; he went from life then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.23">Old on his journey. ’Twas the earliest time then</div> <span class="sidenote">This is Wiglaf’s first battle as liegeman of Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.24">That the youthful champion might charge in the battle</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.25">Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.26">Nor did kinsman’s bequest quail at the battle:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.27">This the dragon discovered on their coming together.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.28">Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.29">Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit:</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf appeals to the pride of the cowards.</span> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.30">“I remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.31">We promised in the hall the lord of us all</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_89">[89]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.32">Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.33">Swords and helmets, we’d certainly quite him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.34">Should need of such aid ever befall him:</div> <span class="sidenote">How we have forfeited our liegelord’s confidence!</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.35">In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.36">Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.37">Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.38">Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.39">Our lord intended alone to accomplish,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.40">Ward of his people, for most of achievements,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.41">Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk.</div> <span class="sidenote">Our lord is in sore need of us.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.42">The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.43">Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.44">Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.45">While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight.</div> <span class="sidenote">I would rather die than go home with out my suzerain.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.46">God wot in me, ’tis mickle the liefer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.47">The blaze should embrace my body and eat it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.48">With my treasure-bestower. Meseemeth not proper</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.49">To bear our battle-shields back to our country,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.50">’Less first we are able to fell and destroy the</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.51">Long-hating foeman, to defend the life of</div> <span class="sidenote">Surely he does not deserve to die alone.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.52">The prince of the Weders. Well do I know ’tisn’t</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.53">Earned by his exploits, he only of Geatmen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.54">Sorrow should suffer, sink in the battle:</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.55">Brand and helmet to us both shall be common,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.56"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVI.FNDEF.1" id="XXXVI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup>Shield-cover, burnie.” Through the bale-smoke he stalked then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.57">Went under helmet to the help of his chieftain,</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf reminds Beowulf of his youthful boasts.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.58">Briefly discoursing: “Beowulf dear,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.59">Perform thou all fully, as thou formerly saidst,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.60">In thy youthful years, that while yet thou livedst</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_90">[90]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.61">Thou wouldst let thine honor not ever be lessened.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.62">Thy life thou shalt save, mighty in actions,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.63">Atheling undaunted, with all of thy vigor;</div> <span class="sidenote">The monster advances on them.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.64">I’ll give thee assistance.” The dragon came raging,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.65">Wild-mooded stranger, when these words had been uttered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.66">(’Twas the second occasion), seeking his enemies,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.67">Men that were hated, with hot-gleaming fire-waves;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.68">With blaze-billows burned the board to its edges:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.69">The fight-armor failed then to furnish assistance</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.70">To the youthful spear-hero: but the young-agèd stripling</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.71">Quickly advanced ’neath his kinsman’s war-target,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.72">Since his own had been ground in the grip of the fire.</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf strikes at the dragon.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.73">Then the warrior-king was careful of glory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.74">He soundly smote with sword-for-the-battle,</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.75">That it stood in the head by hatred <span class="corr" title="original: ydriven">driven</span>;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.76">Nægling was shivered, the old and iron-made</div> <span class="sidenote">His sword fails him.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.77">Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.78">’Twas denied him that edges of irons were able</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.79">To help in the battle; the hand was too mighty</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.80"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVI.FNDEF.2" id="XXXVI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup>Which every weapon, as I heard on inquiry,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.81">Outstruck in its stroke, when to struggle he carried</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.82">The wonderful war-sword: it waxed him no better.</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon advances on Beowulf again.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.83">Then the people-despoiler—third of his onsets—</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.84">Fierce-raging fire-drake, of feud-hate was mindful,</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.85">Charged on the strong one, when chance was afforded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.86">Heated and war-grim, seized on his neck</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.87">With teeth that were bitter; he bloody did wax with</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVI.88">Soul-gore seething; sword-blood in waves boiled.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXVI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> The passage ‘<i>Brand … burnie</i>,’ is much disputed. In the first place, some eminent critics assume a gap of at least two half-verses.—‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Úrum</span>’ (2660), being a peculiar form, has been much discussed. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Byrdu-scrúd</span>’ is also a crux. B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">býwdu-scrúd</span>’ = <i>splendid vestments</i>. Nor is ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">bám</span>’ accepted by all, ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">béon</span>’ being suggested. Whatever the individual words, the passage must mean, “<i>I intend to share with him my equipments of defence</i>.”</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXVI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> B. would render: <i>Which, as I heard, excelled in stroke every sword that he carried to the strife, even the strongest (sword).</i> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þonne</span>’ he reads ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þone</span>,’ rel. pr.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXVII"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_91">[91]</span> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXVII">XXXVII.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE FATAL STRUGGLE.—BEOWULF’S LAST MOMENTS.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf defends Beowulf.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.1">Then I heard that at need of the king of the people</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.2">The upstanding earlman exhibited prowess,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.3">Vigor and courage, as suited his nature;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.4"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNDEF.1" id="XXXVII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup>He his head did not guard, but the high-minded liegeman’s</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.5">Hand was consumed, when he succored his kinsman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.6">So he struck the strife-bringing strange-comer lower,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.7">Earl-thane in armor, that <i>in</i> went the weapon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.8">Gleaming and plated, that ’gan then the fire<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNDEF.2" id="XXXVII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf draws his knife,</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.9">Later to lessen. The liegelord himself then</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.10">Retained his consciousness, brandished his war-knife,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.11">Battle-sharp, bitter, that he bare on his armor:</div> <span class="sidenote">and cuts the dragon.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.12">The Weder-lord cut the worm in the middle.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.13">They had felled the enemy (life drove out then<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNDEF.3" id="XXXVII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.14">Puissant prowess), the pair had destroyed him,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.15">Land-chiefs related: so a liegeman should prove him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.16">A thaneman when needed. To the prince ’twas the last of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.17">His era of conquest by his own great achievements,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_92">[92]</span> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s wound swells and burns.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.18">The latest of world-deeds. The wound then began</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.19">Which the earth-dwelling dragon erstwhile had wrought him</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.20">To burn and to swell. He soon then discovered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.21">That bitterest bale-woe in his bosom was raging,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.22">Poison within. The atheling advanced then,</div> <span class="sidenote">He sits down exhausted.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.23">That along by the wall, he prudent of spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.24">Might sit on a settle; he saw the giant-work,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.25">How arches of stone strengthened with pillars</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.26">The earth-hall eternal inward supported.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.27">Then the long-worthy liegeman laved with his hand the</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf bathes his lord’s head.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.28">Far-famous chieftain, gory from sword-edge,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.29">Refreshing the face of his friend-lord and ruler,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.30">Sated with battle, unbinding his helmet.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.31">Beowulf answered, of his injury spake he,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.32">His wound that was fatal (he was fully aware</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.33">He had lived his allotted life-days enjoying</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.34">The pleasures of earth; then past was entirely</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.35">His measure of days, death very near):</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf regrets that he has no son.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.36">“My son I would give now my battle-equipments,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.37">Had any of heirs been after me granted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.38">Along of my body. This people I governed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.39">Fifty of winters: no king ’mong my neighbors</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.40">Dared to encounter me with comrades-in-battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.41">Try me with terror. The time to me ordered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.42">I bided at home, mine own kept fitly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.43">Sought me no snares, swore me not many</div> <span class="sidenote">I can rejoice in a well-spent life.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.44">Oaths in injustice. Joy over all this</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.45">I’m able to have, though ill with my death-wounds;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.46">Hence the Ruler of Earthmen need not charge me</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.47">With the killing of kinsmen, when cometh my life out</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.48">Forth from my body. Fare thou with haste now</div> <span class="sidenote">Bring me the hoard, Wiglaf, that my dying eyes may be refreshed by a sight of it.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.49">To behold the hoard ’neath the hoar-grayish stone,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.50">Well-lovèd Wiglaf, now the worm is a-lying,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.51">Sore-wounded sleepeth, disseized of his treasure.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.52">Go thou in haste that treasures of old I,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.53">Gold-wealth may gaze on, together see lying</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_93">[93]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.54">The ether-bright jewels, be easier able,</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.55">Having the heap of hoard-gems, to yield my</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVII.56">Life and the land-folk whom long I have governed.”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> B. renders: <i>He</i> (<i>W</i>.) did not regard his (<i>the dragon’s</i>) <i>head</i> (since Beowulf had struck it without effect), <i>but struck the dragon a little lower down.—</i>One crux is to find out <i>whose head</i> is meant; another is to bring out the antithesis between ‘head’ and ‘hand.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þæt þæt fýr</span>’ (2702), S. emends to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þá þæt fýr</span>’ = <i>when the fire began to grow less intense afterward</i>. This emendation relieves the passage of a plethora of conjunctive <i lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þæt</i>’s.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XXXVII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefyldan</span>’ (2707), S. proposes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gefylde</span>.’ The passage would read: <i>He felled the foe (life drove out strength), and they then both had destroyed him, chieftains related</i>. This gives Beowulf the credit of having felled the dragon; then they combine to annihilate him.—For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ellen</span>’ (2707), Kl. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">e(a)llne</span>.’—The reading ‘<i>life drove out strength</i>’ is very unsatisfactory and very peculiar. I would suggest as follows: Adopt S.’s emendation, remove H.’s parenthesis, read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ferh-ellen wræc</span>,’ and translate: <i>He felled the foe, drove out his life-strength</i> (that is, made him <i>hors de combat</i>), <i>and then they both, etc</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXVIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>WIGLAF PLUNDERS THE DRAGON’S DEN.—BEOWULF’S DEATH.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf fulfils his lord’s behest.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.1">Then heard I that Wihstan’s son very quickly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.2">These words being uttered, heeded his liegelord</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.3">Wounded and war-sick, went in his armor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.4">His well-woven ring-mail, ’neath the roof of the barrow.</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.5">Then the trusty retainer treasure-gems many</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon’s den.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.6">Victorious saw, when the seat he came near to,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.7">Gold-treasure sparkling spread on the bottom,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.8">Wonder on the wall, and the worm-creature’s cavern,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.9">The ancient dawn-flier’s, vessels a-standing,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.10">Cups of the ancients of cleansers bereavèd,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.11">Robbed of their ornaments: there were helmets in numbers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.12">Old and rust-eaten, arm-bracelets many,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.13">Artfully woven. Wealth can easily,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.14">Gold on the sea-bottom, turn into vanity<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVIII.FNDEF.1" id="XXXVIII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.15">Each one of earthmen, arm him who pleaseth!</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.16">And he saw there lying an all-golden banner</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.17">High o’er the hoard, of hand-wonders greatest,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.18">Linkèd with lacets: a light from it sparkled,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.19">That the floor of the cavern he was able to look on,</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon is not there.</span> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.20">To examine the jewels. Sight of the dragon</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_94">[94]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.21">Not any was offered, but edge offcarried him.</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf bears the hoard away.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.22">Then I heard that the hero the hoard-treasure plundered,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.23">The giant-work ancient reaved in the cavern,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.24">Bare on his bosom the beakers and platters,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.25">As himself would fain have it, and took off the standard,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.26">The brightest of beacons;<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXVIII.FNDEF.2" id="XXXVIII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> the bill had erst injured</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.27">(Its edge was of iron), the old-ruler’s weapon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.28">Him who long had watched as ward of the jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.29">Who fire-terror carried hot for the treasure,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.30">Rolling in battle, in middlemost darkness,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.31">Till murdered he perished. The messenger hastened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.32">Not loth to return, hurried by jewels:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.33">Curiosity urged him if, excellent-mooded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.34">Alive he should find the lord of the Weders</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.35">Mortally wounded, at the place where he left him.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.36">’Mid the jewels he found then the famous old chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.37">His liegelord belovèd, at his life’s-end gory:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.38">He thereupon ’gan to lave him with water,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.39">Till the point of his word piercèd his breast-hoard.</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.40">Beowulf spake (the gold-gems he noticed),</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf is rejoiced to see the jewels.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.41">The old one in sorrow: “For the jewels I look on</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.42">Thanks do I utter for all to the Ruler,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.43">Wielder of Worship, with words of devotion,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.44">The Lord everlasting, that He let me such treasures</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.45">Gain for my people ere death overtook me.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.46">Since I’ve bartered the agèd life to me granted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.47">For treasure of jewels, attend ye henceforward</div> <span class="sidenote">He desires to be held in memory by his people.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.48">The wants of the war-thanes; I can wait here no longer.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.49">The battle-famed bid ye to build them a grave-hill,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.50">Bright when I’m burned, at the brim-current’s limit;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.51">As a memory-mark to the men I have governed,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_95">[95]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.52">Aloft it shall tower on Whale’s-Ness uprising,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.53">That earls of the ocean hereafter may call it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.54">Beowulf’s barrow, those who barks ever-dashing</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.55">From a distance shall drive o’er the darkness of waters.”</div> <span class="sidenote">The hero’s last gift</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.56">The bold-mooded troop-lord took from his neck then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.57">The ring that was golden, gave to his liegeman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.58">The youthful war-hero, his gold-flashing helmet,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.59">His collar and war-mail, bade him well to enjoy them:</div> <span class="sidenote">and last words.</span> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.60">“Thou art latest left of the line of our kindred,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.61">Of Wægmunding people: Weird hath offcarried</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.62">All of my kinsmen to the Creator’s glory,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.63">Earls in their vigor: I shall after them fare.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.64">’Twas the aged liegelord’s last-spoken word in</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.65">His musings of spirit, ere he mounted the fire,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.66">The battle-waves burning: from his bosom departed</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXVIII.67">His soul to seek the sainted ones’ glory.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVIII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXVIII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> The word ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">oferhígian</span>’ (2767) being vague and little understood, two quite distinct translations of this passage have arisen. One takes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">oferhígian</span>’ as meaning ‘to exceed,’ and, inserting ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hord</span>’ after ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gehwone</span>,’ renders: <i>The treasure may easily, the gold in the ground, exceed in value every hoard of man, hide it who will.</i> The other takes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">oferhígian</span>’ as meaning ‘to render arrogant,’ and, giving the sentence a moralizing tone, renders substantially as in the body of this work. (Cf. <SPAN href="#L.XXVIII.13">28 <span class="smaller">13</span></SPAN> et seq.)</div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXVIII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXVIII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> The passage beginning here is very much disputed. ‘The bill of the old lord’ is by some regarded as Beowulf’s sword; by others, as that of the ancient possessor of the hoard. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Ær gescód</span>’ (2778), translated in this work as verb and adverb, is by some regarded as a compound participial adj. = <i>sheathed in brass</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XXXIX"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XXXIX">XXXIX.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE DEAD FOES.—WIGLAF’S BITTER TAUNTS.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf is sorely grieved to see his lord look so un-warlike.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.1">It had wofully chanced then the youthful retainer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.2">To behold on earth the most ardent-belovèd</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.3">At his life-days’ limit, lying there helpless.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.4">The slayer too lay there, of life all bereavèd,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.5">Horrible earth-drake, harassed with sorrow:</div> <span class="sidenote">The dragon has plundered his last hoard.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.6">The round-twisted monster was permitted no longer</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.7">To govern the ring-hoards, but edges of war-swords</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.8">Mightily seized him, battle-sharp, sturdy</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.9">Leavings of hammers, that still from his wounds</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.10">The flier-from-farland fell to the earth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.11">Hard by his hoard-house, hopped he at midnight</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.12">Not e’er through the air, nor exulting in jewels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.13">Suffered them to see him: but he sank then to earthward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.14">Through the hero-chief’s handwork. I heard sure it throve then</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_96">[96]</span> <span class="sidenote">Few warriors dared to face the monster.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.15">But few in the land of liegemen of valor,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.16">Though of every achievement bold he had proved him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.17">To run ’gainst the breath of the venomous scather,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.18">Or the hall of the treasure to trouble with hand-blows,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.19">If he watching had found the ward of the hoard-hall</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.20">On the barrow abiding. Beowulf’s part of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.21">The treasure of jewels was paid for with death;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.22">Each of the twain had attained to the end of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.23">Life so unlasting. Not long was the time till</div> <span class="sidenote">The cowardly thanes come out of the thicket.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.24">The tardy-at-battle returned from the thicket,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.25">The timid truce-breakers ten all together,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.26">Who durst not before play with the lances</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.27">In the prince of the people’s pressing emergency;</div> <span class="sidenote">They are ashamed of their desertion.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.28">But blushing with shame, with shields they betook them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.29">With arms and armor where the old one was lying:</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.30">They gazed upon Wiglaf. He was sitting exhausted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.31">Foot-going fighter, not far from the shoulders</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.32">Of the lord of the people, would rouse him with water;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.33">No whit did it help him; though he hoped for it keenly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.34">He was able on earth not at all in the leader</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.35">Life to retain, and nowise to alter</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.36">The will of the Wielder; the World-Ruler’s power<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIX.FNDEF.1" id="XXXIX.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.37">Would govern the actions of each one of heroes,</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf is ready to excoriate them.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.38">As yet He is doing. From the young one forthwith then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.39">Could grim-worded greeting be got for him quickly</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.40">Whose courage had failed him. Wiglaf discoursed then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.41">Weohstan his son, sad-mooded hero,</div> <span class="sidenote">He begins to taunt them.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.42">Looked on the hated: “He who soothness will utter</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.43">Can say that the liegelord who gave you the jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.44">The ornament-armor wherein ye are standing,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.45">When on ale-bench often he offered to hall-men</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.46">Helmet and burnie, the prince to his liegemen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.47">As best upon earth he was able to find him,—</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_97">[97]</span> <span class="sidenote">Surely our lord wasted his armor on poltroons.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.48">That he wildly wasted his war-gear undoubtedly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.49">When battle o’ertook him.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XXXIX.FNDEF.2" id="XXXIX.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> The troop-king no need had</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.50">To glory in comrades; yet God permitted him,</div> <span class="sidenote">He, however, got along without you</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.51">Victory-Wielder, with weapon unaided</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.52">Himself to avenge, when vigor was needed.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.53">I life-protection but little was able</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.54">To give him in battle, and I ’gan, notwithstanding,</div> <span class="sidenote">With some aid, I could have saved our liegelord</span> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.55">Helping my kinsman (my strength overtaxing):</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.56">He waxed the weaker when with weapon I smote on</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.57">My mortal opponent, the fire less strongly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.58">Flamed from his bosom. Too few of protectors</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.59">Came round the king at the critical moment.</div> <span class="sidenote">Gift-giving is over with your people: the ring-lord is dead.</span> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.60">Now must ornament-taking and weapon-bestowing,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.61">Home-joyance all, cease for your kindred,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.62">Food for the people; each of your warriors</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.63">Must needs be bereavèd of rights that he holdeth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.64">In landed possessions, when faraway nobles</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.65">Shall learn of your leaving your lord so basely,</div> <span class="sidenote">What is life without honor?</span> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.66">The dastardly deed. Death is more pleasant</div> <div class="l" id="L.XXXIX.67">To every earlman than infamous life is!”</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIX.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XXXIX.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">dædum rædan</span>’ (2859) B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">déað árædan</span>,’ and renders: <i>The might (or judgment) of God would determine death for every man, as he still does.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="XXXIX.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XXXIX.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> Some critics, H. himself in earlier editions, put the clause, ‘When … him’ (A.-S. ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þá … beget</span>’) with the following sentence; that is, they make it dependent upon ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þorfte</span>’ (2875) instead of upon ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">forwurpe</span>’ (2873).</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XL"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XL">XL.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE MESSENGER OF DEATH.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf sends the news of Beowulf’s death to liegemen near by.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.1">Then he charged that the battle be announced at the hedge</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.2">Up o’er the cliff-edge, where the earl-troopers bided</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.3">The whole of the morning, mood-wretched sat them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.4">Bearers of battle-shields, both things expecting,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.5">The end of his lifetime and the coming again of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.6">The liegelord belovèd. Little reserved he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.7">Of news that was known, who the ness-cliff did travel,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.8">But he truly discoursed to all that could hear him:</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_98">[98]</span> <span class="sidenote">The messenger speaks.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.9">“Now the free-giving friend-lord of the folk of the Weders,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.10">The folk-prince of Geatmen, is fast in his death-bed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.11">By the deeds of the dragon in death-bed abideth;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.12">Along with him lieth his life-taking foeman</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.13">Slain with knife-wounds: he was wholly unable</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.14">To injure at all the ill-planning monster</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf sits by our dead lord.</span> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.15">With bite of his sword-edge. Wiglaf is sitting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.16">Offspring of Wihstan, up over Beowulf,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.17">Earl o’er another whose end-day hath reached him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.18">Head-watch holdeth o’er heroes unliving,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XL.FNDEF.1" id="XL.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Our lord’s death will lead to attacks from our old foes.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.19">For friend and for foeman. The folk now expecteth</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.20">A season of strife when the death of the folk-king</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.21">To Frankmen and Frisians in far-lands is published.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.22">The war-hatred waxed warm ’gainst the Hugmen,</div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac’s death recalled.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.23">When Higelac came with an army of vessels</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.24">Faring to Friesland, where the Frankmen in battle</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.25">Humbled him and bravely with overmight ’complished</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.26">That the mail-clad warrior must sink in the battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.27">Fell ’mid his folk-troop: no fret-gems presented</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.28">The atheling to earlmen; aye was denied us</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.29">Merewing’s mercy. The men of the Swedelands</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.30">For truce or for truth trust I but little;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.31">But widely ’twas known that near Ravenswood Ongentheow</div> <span class="sidenote">Hæthcyn’s fall referred to.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.32">Sundered Hæthcyn the Hrethling from life-joys,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.33">When for pride overweening the War-Scylfings first did</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.34">Seek the Geatmen with savage intentions.</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.35">Early did Ohthere’s age-laden father,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.36">Old and terrible, give blow in requital,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.37">Killing the sea-king, the queen-mother rescued,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.38">The old one his consort deprived of her gold,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.39">Onela’s mother and Ohthere’s also,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_99">[99]</span> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.40">And then followed the feud-nursing foemen till hardly,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.41">Reaved of their ruler, they Ravenswood entered.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.42">Then with vast-numbered forces he assaulted the remnant,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.43">Weary with wounds, woe often promised</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.44">The livelong night to the sad-hearted war-troop:</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.45">Said he at morning would kill them with edges of weapons,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.46">Some on the gallows for glee to the fowls.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.47">Aid came after to the anxious-in-spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.48">At dawn of the day, after Higelac’s bugle</div> <div class="l" id="L.XL.49">And trumpet-sound heard they, when the good one proceeded</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XL.50">And faring followed the flower of the troopers.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XL.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XL.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Hige-méðum</span>’ (2910) is glossed by H. as dat. plu. (= for the dead). S. proposes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hige-méðe</span>,’ nom. sing. limiting Wigláf; i.e. <i>W., mood-weary, holds head-watch o’er friend and foe</i>.—B. suggests taking the word as dat. inst. plu. of an abstract noun in -‘u.’ The translation would be substantially the same as S.’s.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XLI"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XLI">XLI.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE MESSENGER’S RETROSPECT.</h2> <span class="sidenote">The messenger continues, and refers to the feuds of Swedes and Geats.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.1">“The blood-stainèd trace of Swedes and Geatmen,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.2">The death-rush of warmen, widely was noticed,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.3">How the folks with each other feud did awaken.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.4">The worthy one went then<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.1" id="XLI.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup> with well-beloved comrades,</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.5">Old and dejected to go to the fastness,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.6">Ongentheo earl upward then turned him;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.7">Of Higelac’s battle he’d heard on inquiry,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.8">The exultant one’s prowess, despaired of resistance,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.9">With earls of the ocean to be able to struggle,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.10">’Gainst sea-going sailors to save the hoard-treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.11">His wife and his children; he fled after thenceward</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.12">Old ’neath the earth-wall. Then was offered pursuance</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.13">To the braves of the Swedemen, the banner<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.2" id="XLI.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup> to Higelac.</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_100">[100]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.14">They fared then forth o’er the field-of-protection,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.15">When the Hrethling heroes hedgeward had thronged them.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.16">Then with edges of irons was Ongentheow driven,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.17">The gray-haired to tarry, that the troop-ruler had to</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.18">Suffer the power solely of Eofor:</div> <span class="sidenote">Wulf wounds Ongentheow.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.19">Wulf then wildly with weapon assaulted him,</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.20">Wonred his son, that for swinge of the edges</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.21">The blood from his body burst out in currents,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.22">Forth ’neath his hair. He feared not however,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.23">Gray-headed Scylfing, but speedily quited</div> <span class="sidenote">Ongentheow gives a stout blow in return.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.24">The wasting wound-stroke with worse exchange,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.25">When the king of the thane-troop thither did turn him:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.26">The wise-mooded son of Wonred was powerless</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.27">To give a return-blow to the age-hoary man,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.28">But his head-shielding helmet first hewed he to pieces,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.29">That flecked with gore perforce he did totter,</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.30">Fell to the earth; not fey was he yet then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.31">But up did he spring though an edge-wound had reached him.</div> <span class="sidenote">Eofor smites Ongentheow fiercely.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.32">Then Higelac’s vassal, valiant and dauntless,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.33">When his brother lay dead, made his broad-bladed weapon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.34">Giant-sword ancient, defence of the giants,</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.35">Bound o’er the shield-wall; the folk-prince succumbed then,</div> <span class="sidenote">Ongentheow is slain.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.36">Shepherd of people, was pierced to the vitals.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.37">There were many attendants who bound up his kinsman,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.38">Carried him quickly when occasion was granted</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.39">That the place of the slain they were suffered to manage.</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.40">This pending, one hero plundered the other,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.41">His armor of iron from Ongentheow ravished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.42">His hard-sword hilted and helmet together;</div> <span class="sidenote">Eofor takes the old king’s war-gear to Higelac.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.43">The old one’s equipments he carried to Higelac.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.44">He the jewels received, and rewards ’mid the troopers</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.45">Graciously promised, and so did accomplish:</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.46">The king of the Weders requited the war-rush,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.47">Hrethel’s descendant, when home he repaired him,</div> <span class="sidenote">Higelac rewards the brothers.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.48">To Eofor and Wulf with wide-lavished treasures,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.49">To each of them granted a hundred of thousands</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_101">[101]</span> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.50">In land and rings wrought out of wire:</div> <span class="sidenote">His gifts were beyond cavil.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.51">None upon mid-earth needed to twit him<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.3" id="XLI.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.52">With the gifts he gave them, when glory they conquered;</div> <span class="sidenote">To Eofor he also gives his only daughter in marriage.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.53">And to Eofor then gave he his one only daughter,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.54">The honor of home, as an earnest of favor.</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.55">That’s the feud and hatred—as ween I ’twill happen—</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.56">The anger of earthmen, that earls of the Swedemen</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.57">Will visit on us, when they hear that our leader</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.58">Lifeless is lying, he who longtime protected</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.59">His hoard and kingdom ’gainst hating assailers,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.60">Who on the fall of the heroes defended of yore</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.61">The deed-mighty Scyldings,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.4" id="XLI.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup> did for the troopers</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.62">What best did avail them, and further moreover</div> <span class="sidenote">It is time for us to pay the last marks of respect to our lord.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.63">Hero-deeds ’complished. Now is haste most fitting,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.64">That the lord of liegemen we look upon yonder,</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.65">And <i>that</i> one carry on journey to death-pyre</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.66">Who ring-presents gave us. Not aught of it all</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.67">Shall melt with the brave one—there’s a mass of bright jewels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.68">Gold beyond measure, grewsomely purchased</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.69">And ending it all ornament-rings too</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.70">Bought with his life; these fire shall devour,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.71">Flame shall cover, no earlman shall wear</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.72">A jewel-memento, nor beautiful virgin</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.73">Have on her neck rings to adorn her,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.74">But wretched in spirit bereavèd of gold-gems</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.75">She shall oft with others be exiled and banished,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.76">Since the leader of liegemen hath laughter forsaken,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_102">[102]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.77">Mirth and merriment. Hence many a war-spear</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.78">Cold from the morning shall be clutched in the fingers,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.79">Heaved in the hand, no harp-music’s sound shall</div> <span class="linenum">80</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.80">Waken the warriors, but the wan-coated raven</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.81">Fain over fey ones freely shall gabble,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.82">Shall say to the eagle how he sped in the eating,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.83">When, the wolf his companion, he plundered the slain.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.84">So the high-minded hero was rehearsing these stories</div> <span class="linenum">85</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.85">Loathsome to hear; he lied as to few of</div> <span class="sidenote">The warriors go sadly to look at Beowulf’s lifeless body.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.86">Weirds and of words. All the war-troop arose then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.87">’Neath the Eagle’s Cape sadly betook them,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.88">Weeping and woful, the wonder to look at.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.89">They saw on the sand then soulless a-lying,</div> <span class="linenum">90</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.90">His slaughter-bed holding, him who rings had given them</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.91">In days that were done; then the death-bringing moment</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.92">Was come to the good one, that the king very warlike,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.93">Wielder of Weders, with wonder-death perished.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.94">First they beheld there a creature more wondrous,</div> <span class="sidenote">They also see the dragon.</span> <span class="linenum">95</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.95">The worm on the field, in front of them lying,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.96">The foeman before them: the fire-spewing dragon,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.97">Ghostly and grisly guest in his terrors,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.98">Was scorched in the fire; as he lay there he measured</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.99">Fifty of feet; came forth in the night-time<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.5" id="XLI.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="linenum">100</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.100">To rejoice in the air, thereafter departing</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.101">To visit his den; he in death was then fastened,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.102">He would joy in no other earth-hollowed caverns.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.103">There stood round about him beakers and vessels,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.104">Dishes were lying and dear-valued weapons,</div> <span class="linenum">105</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.105">With iron-rust eaten, as in earth’s mighty bosom</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.106">A thousand of winters there they had rested:</div> <span class="sidenote">The hoard was under a magic spell.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.107">That mighty bequest then with magic was guarded,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.108">Gold of the ancients, that earlman not any</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.109">The ring-hall could touch, save Ruling-God only,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_103">[103]</span> <span class="linenum">110</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.110">Sooth-king of Vict’ries gave whom He wished to</div> <span class="sidenote">God alone could give access to it.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.111"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLI.FNDEF.6" id="XLI.FNREF.6">6</SPAN></sup>(He is earth-folk’s protector) to open the treasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLI.112">E’en to such among mortals as seemed to Him proper.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">góda</span>,’ which seems a surprising epithet for a Geat to apply to the “terrible” Ongentheow, B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gomela</span>.’ The passage would then stand: ‘<i>The old one went then,’ etc.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">segn Higeláce</span>,’ K., Th., and B. propose ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">segn Higeláces</span>,’ meaning: <i>Higelac’s banner followed the Swedes (in pursuit).</i>—S. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sæcc Higeláces</span>,’ and renders: <i>Higelac’s pursuit.</i>—The H.-So. reading, as translated in our text, means that the banner of the enemy was captured and brought to Higelac as a trophy.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> The rendering given in this translation represents the king as being generous beyond the possibility of reproach; but some authorities construe ‘him’ (2996) as plu., and understand the passage to mean that no one reproached the two brothers with having received more reward than they were entitled to.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> The name ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Scyldingas</span>’ here (3006) has caused much discussion, and given rise to several theories, the most important of which are as follows: (1) After the downfall of Hrothgar’s family, Beowulf was king of the Danes, or Scyldings. (2) For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Scyldingas</span>’ read ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Scylfingas</span>’—that is, after killing Eadgils, the Scylfing prince, Beowulf conquered his land, and held it in subjection. (3) M. considers 3006 a thoughtless repetition of 2053. (Cf. H.-So.)</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> B. takes ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">nihtes</span>’ and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hwílum</span>’ (3045) as separate adverbial cases, and renders: <i>Joy in the air had he of yore by night, etc</i>. He thinks that the idea of vanished time ought to be expressed.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLI.FNDEF.6"> <SPAN href="#XLI.FNREF.6">[6]</SPAN> The parenthesis is by some emended so as to read: (1) (<i>He</i> (i.e. <i>God</i>) <i>is the hope of men</i>); (2) (<i>he is the hope of heroes</i>). Gr.’s reading has no parenthesis, but says: … <i>could touch, unless God himself, true king of victories, gave to whom he would to open the treasure, the secret place of enchanters, etc</i>. The last is rejected on many grounds.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XLII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XLII">XLII.</SPAN></h2><h2>WIGLAF’S SAD STORY.—THE HOARD CARRIED OFF.</h2> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.1">Then ’twas seen that the journey prospered him little</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.2">Who wrongly within had the ornaments hidden<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.1" id="XLII.FNREF.1">1</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.3">Down ’neath the wall. The warden erst slaughtered</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.4">Some few of the folk-troop: the feud then thereafter</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.5">Was hotly avengèd. ’Tis a wonder where,<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.2" id="XLII.FNREF.2">2</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.6">When the strength-famous trooper has attained to the end of</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.7">Life-days allotted, then no longer the man may</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.8">Remain with his kinsmen where mead-cups are flowing.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.9">So to Beowulf happened when the ward of the barrow,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.10">Assaults, he sought for: himself had no knowledge</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.11">How his leaving this life was likely to happen.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.12">So to doomsday, famous folk-leaders down did</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.13">Call it with curses—who ’complished it there—</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_104">[104]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.14">That that man should be ever of ill-deeds convicted,</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.15">Confined in foul-places, fastened in hell-bonds,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.16">Punished with plagues, who this place should e’er ravage.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.3" id="XLII.FNREF.3">3</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.17">He cared not for gold: rather the Wielder’s</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.18">Favor preferred he first to get sight of.<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.4" id="XLII.FNREF.4">4</SPAN></sup></div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf addresses his comrades.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.19">Wiglaf discoursed then, Wihstan his son:</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.20">“Oft many an earlman on one man’s account must</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.21">Sorrow endure, as to us it hath happened.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.22">The liegelord belovèd we could little prevail on,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.23">Kingdom’s keeper, counsel to follow,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.24">Not to go to the guardian of the gold-hoard, but let him</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.25">Lie where he long was, live in his dwelling</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.26">Till the end of the world. Met we a destiny</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.27">Hard to endure: the hoard has been looked at,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.28">Been gained very grimly; too grievous the fate that<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.5" id="XLII.FNREF.5">5</SPAN></sup></div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.29">The prince of the people pricked to come thither.</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.30"><i>I</i> was therein and all of it looked at,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.31">The building’s equipments, since access was given me,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.32">Not kindly at all entrance permitted</div> <span class="sidenote">He tells them of Beowulf’s last moments.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.33">Within under earth-wall. Hastily seized I</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.34">And held in my hands a huge-weighing burden</div> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.35">Of hoard-treasures costly, hither out bare them</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.36">To my liegelord belovèd: life was yet in him,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.37">And consciousness also; the old one discoursed then</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.38">Much and mournfully, commanded to greet you,</div> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s dying request.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.39">Bade that remembering the deeds of your friend-lord</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.40">Ye build on the fire-hill of corpses a lofty</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.41">Burial-barrow, broad and far-famous,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.42">As ’mid world-dwelling warriors he was widely most honored</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.43">While he reveled in riches. Let us rouse us and hasten</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_105">[105]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.44">Again to see and seek for the treasure,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.45">The wonder ’neath wall. The way I will show you,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.46">That close ye may look at ring-gems sufficient</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.47">And gold in abundance. Let the bier with promptness</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.48">Fully be fashioned, when forth we shall come,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.49">And lift we our lord, then, where long he shall tarry,</div> <span class="linenum">50</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.50">Well-beloved warrior, ’neath the Wielder’s protection.”</div> <span class="sidenote">Wiglaf charges them to build a funeral-pyre.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.51">Then the son of Wihstan bade orders be given,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.52">Mood-valiant man, to many of heroes,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.53">Holders of homesteads, that they hither from far,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.54"><sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.6" id="XLII.FNREF.6">6</SPAN></sup>Leaders of liegemen, should look for the good one</div> <span class="linenum">55</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.55">With wood for his pyre: “The flame shall now swallow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.56">(The wan fire shall wax<sup class="footnoteref"><SPAN href="#XLII.FNDEF.7" id="XLII.FNREF.7">7</SPAN></sup>) the warriors’ leader</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.57">Who the rain of the iron often abided,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.58">When, sturdily hurled, the storm of the arrows</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.59">Leapt o’er linden-wall, the lance rendered service,</div> <span class="linenum">60</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.60">Furnished with feathers followed the arrow.”</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.61">Now the wise-mooded son of Wihstan did summon</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.62">The best of the braves from the band of the ruler</div> <span class="sidenote">He takes seven thanes, and enters the den.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.63">Seven together; ’neath the enemy’s roof he</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.64">Went with the seven; one of the heroes</div> <span class="linenum">65</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.65">Who fared at the front, a fire-blazing torch-light</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.66">Bare in his hand. No lot then decided</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.67">Who that hoard should havoc, when hero-earls saw it</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.68">Lying in the cavern uncared-for entirely,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.69">Rusting to ruin: they rued then but little</div> <span class="linenum">70</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.70">That they hastily hence hauled out the treasure,</div> <span class="sidenote">They push the dragon over the wall.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.71">The dear-valued jewels; the dragon eke pushed they,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.72">The worm o’er the wall, let the wave-currents take him,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_106">[106]</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.73">The waters enwind the ward of the treasures.</div> <span class="sidenote">The hoard is laid on a wain.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.74">There wounden gold on a wain was uploaded,</div> <span class="linenum">75</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.75">A mass unmeasured, the men-leader off then,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLII.76">The hero hoary, to Whale’s-Ness was carried.</div> <div class="footnotes"> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.1"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.1">[1]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gehýdde</span>,’ B. suggests ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gehýðde</span>’: the passage would stand as above except the change of ‘hidden’ (v. 2) to ‘plundered.’ The reference, however, would be to the thief, not to the dragon.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.2"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.2">[2]</SPAN> The passage ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Wundur … búan</span>’ (3063-3066), M. took to be a question asking whether it was strange that a man should die when his appointed time had come.—B. sees a corruption, and makes emendations introducing the idea that a brave man should not die from sickness or from old age, but should find death in the performance of some deed of daring.—S. sees an indirect question introduced by ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">hwár</span>’ and dependent upon ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wundur</span>’: <i>A secret is it when the hero is to die, etc</i>.—Why may the two clauses not be parallel, and the whole passage an Old English cry of ‘<i>How wonderful is death!’?</i>—S.’s is the best yet offered, if ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wundor</span>’ means ‘mystery.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.3"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.3">[3]</SPAN> For ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">strude</span>’ in H.-So., S. suggests ‘stride.’ This would require ‘ravage’ (v. 16) to be changed to ‘tread.’</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.4"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.4">[4]</SPAN> ‘He cared … sight of’ (17, 18), S. emends so as to read as follows: <i>He (Beowulf) had not before seen the favor of the avaricious possessor.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.5"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.5">[5]</SPAN> B. renders: <i>That which drew the king thither</i> (i.e. <i>the treasure</i>) <i>was granted us, but in such a way that it overcomes us.</i></div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.6"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.6">[6]</SPAN> ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Folc-ágende</span>’ (3114) B. takes as dat. sing. with ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gódum</span>,’ and refers it to Beowulf; that is, <i>Should bring fire-wood to the place where the good folk-ruler lay</i>.</div> <div class="footnote" id="XLII.FNDEF.7"> <SPAN href="#XLII.FNREF.7">[7]</SPAN> C. proposes to take ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">weaxan</span>’ = L. ‘<span class="la" lang="la" xml:lang="la">vescor</span>,’ and translate <i>devour</i>. This gives a parallel to ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fretan</span>’ above. The parenthesis would be discarded and the passage read: <i>Now shall the fire consume, the wan-flame devour, the prince of warriors, etc</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class="fit" id="XLIII"> <h2 class="num"><SPAN href="#C.XLIII">XLIII.</SPAN></h2><h2>THE BURNING OF BEOWULF.</h2> <span class="sidenote">Beowulf’s pyre.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.1">The folk of the Geatmen got him then ready</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.2">A pile on the earth strong for the burning,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.3">Behung with helmets, hero-knights’ targets,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.4">And bright-shining burnies, as he begged they should have them;</div> <span class="linenum">5</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.5">Then wailing war-heroes their world-famous chieftain,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.6">Their liegelord beloved, laid in the middle.</div> <span class="sidenote">The funeral-flame.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.7">Soldiers began then to make on the barrow</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.8">The largest of dead-fires: dark o’er the vapor</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.9">The smoke-cloud ascended, the sad-roaring fire,</div> <span class="linenum">10</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.10">Mingled with weeping (the wind-roar subsided)</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.11">Till the building of bone it had broken to pieces,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.12">Hot in the heart. Heavy in spirit</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.13">They mood-sad lamented the men-leader’s ruin;</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.14">And mournful measures the much-grieving widow</div> <span class="linenum">15</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.15">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.16">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.17">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.18">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.19">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <span class="linenum">20</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.20">*          *          *          *          *          *         *</div> <span class="sidenote">The Weders carry out their lord’s last request.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.21">The men of the Weders made accordingly</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.22">A hill on the height, high and extensive,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.23">Of sea-going sailors to be seen from a distance,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.24">And the brave one’s beacon built where the fire was,</div> <span class="linenum">25</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.25">In ten-days’ space, with a wall surrounded it,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.26">As wisest of world-folk could most worthily plan it.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.27">They placed in the barrow rings and jewels,</div> <span class="pagenum" id="page_107">[107]</span> <span class="sidenote">Rings and gems are laid in the barrow.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.28">All such ornaments as erst in the treasure</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.29">War-mooded men had won in possession:</div> <span class="linenum">30</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.30">The earnings of earlmen to earth they entrusted,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.31">The gold to the dust, where yet it remaineth</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.32">As useless to mortals as in foregoing eras.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.33">’Round the dead-mound rode then the doughty-in-battle,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.34">Bairns of all twelve of the chiefs of the people,</div> <span class="sidenote">They mourn for their lord, and sing his praises.</span> <span class="linenum">35</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.35">More would they mourn, lament for their ruler,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.36">Speak in measure, mention him with pleasure,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.37">Weighed his worth, and his warlike achievements</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.38">Mightily commended, as ’tis meet one praise his</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.39">Liegelord in words and love him in spirit,</div> <span class="linenum">40</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.40">When forth from his body he fares to destruction.</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.41">So lamented mourning the men of the Geats,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.42">Fond-loving vassals, the fall of their lord,</div> <span class="sidenote">An ideal king.</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.43">Said he was kindest of kings under heaven,</div> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.44">Gentlest of men, most winning of manner,</div> <span class="linenum">45</span> <div class="l" id="L.XLIII.45">Friendliest to folk-troops and fondest of honor.</div> </div></div> <div id="ADDENDA" class="div1"> <span class="pagenum" id="page_109">[109]</span> <h2><SPAN href="#C.ADDENDA">ADDENDA.</SPAN></h2> <p><span class="sc">Several</span> discrepancies and other oversights have been noticed in the H.-So. glossary. Of these a good part were avoided by Harrison and Sharp, the American editors of Beowulf, in their last edition, 1888. The rest will, I hope, be noticed in their fourth edition. As, however, this book may fall into the hands of some who have no copy of the American edition, it seems best to notice all the principal oversights of the German editors.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">From hám</b> (194).—Notes and glossary conflict; the latter not having been altered to suit the conclusions accepted in the former.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Þær gelýfan sceal dryhtnes dóme</b> (440).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">dóm</span>’ H. says ‘the might of the Lord’; while under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gelýfan</span>’ he says ‘the judgment of the Lord.’</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Eal bencþelu</b> (486).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">benc-þelu</span>’ H. says <i>nom. plu.</i>; while under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">eal</span>’ he says <i>nom. sing.</i></p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Heatho-ræmas</b> (519).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ætberan</span>’ H. translates ‘to the Heathoremes’; while under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Heatho-ræmas</span>’ he says ‘Heathoræmas reaches Breca in the swimming-match with Beowulf.’ Harrison and Sharp (3d edition, 1888) avoid the discrepancy.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Fáh féond-scaða</b> (554).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">féond-scaða</span>’ H. says ‘a gleaming sea-monster’; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">fáh</span>’ he says ‘hostile.’</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Onfeng hraðe inwit-þancum</b> (749).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">onfón</span>’ H. says ‘he <i>received</i> the maliciously-disposed one’; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">inwit-þanc</span>’ he says ‘he <i>grasped</i>,’ etc.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Níð-wundor séon</b> (1366).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">níð-wundor</span>’ H. calls this word itself <i>nom. sing.</i>; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">séon</span>’ he translates it as accus. sing., understanding ‘man’ as subject of ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">séon</span>.’ H. and S. (3d edition) make the correction.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Forgeaf hilde-bille</b> (1521).—H., under the second word, calls it instr. dat.; while under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">forgifan</span>’ he makes it the dat. of indir. obj. H. and S. (3d edition) make the change.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Brád</b> and <b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">brún-ecg</b> (1547).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">brád</span>’ H. says <span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">‘das breite Hüftmesser mit bronzener Klinge’</span>; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">brún-ecg</span>’ he says <span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">‘ihr breites Hüftmesser mit blitzender Klinge.’</span></p> <span class="pagenum" id="page_110">[110]</span> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Yðelíce</b> (1557).—Under this word H. makes it modify ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">ástód</span>.’ If this be right, the punctuation of the fifth edition is wrong. See H. and S., appendix.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Sélran gesóhte</b> (1840).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sél</span>’ and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gesécan</span>’ H. calls these two words accus. plu.; but this is clearly an error, as both are nom. plu., pred. nom. H. and S. correct under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">sél</span>.’</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Wið sylfne</b> (1978).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wið</span>’ and ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gesittan</span>’ H. says ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wið</span> = near, by’; under ‘self’ he says ‘opposite.’</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þéow</b> (2225) is omitted from the glossary.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">For duguðum</b> (2502).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">duguð</span>’ H. translates this phrase, ‘<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">in Tüchtigkeit</span>’; under ‘for,’ by <span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">‘vor der edlen Kriegerschaar.’</span></p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þær</b> (2574).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wealdan</span>’ H. translates <i lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">þær</i> by ‘<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">wo</span>’; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">mótan</span>,’ by ‘<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">da</span>.’ H. and S. suggest ‘if’ in both passages.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Wunde</b> (2726).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wund</span>’ H. says ‘dative,’ and under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">wæl-bléate</span>’ he says ‘accus.’ It is without doubt accus., parallel with ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">benne</span>.’</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Strengum gebæded</b> (3118).—Under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">strengo</span>’ H. says ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Strengum</span>’ = <span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">mit Macht</span>; under ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">gebæded</span>’ he translates ‘<span class="de" lang="de" xml:lang="de">von den Sehnen</span>.’ H. and S. correct this discrepancy by rejecting the second reading.</p> <p><b lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">Bronda be láfe</b> (3162).—A recent emendation. The fourth edition had ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">bronda betost</span>.’ In the fifth edition the editor neglects to change the glossary to suit the new emendation. See ‘<span class="ang" lang="ang" xml:lang="ang">bewyrcan</span>.’</p> </div> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />

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