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 ANGL-O-S/KXpN eOLLECTION 
 THE BEQUEST OF 
 
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 Propessok of English Literature 
 
 nf THE Cornell University 
 
 18ZO-1911 
 
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 APR p 1949 J ^ 
 
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 MAY 2| 1949 
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 MARm 1954 HS 
 
 4Pi?|t, 1954 1 
 
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 ,- corneTunWersityUbrary 
 
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WITH COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
^Reprinted from American .Ioukxal of Philology, Vol. IV, No, 2.] 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Sir : I ask a little space for reply to some of the criticisms in a review of my 
 translation of " Beowulf" contained iu No. 13 of yovir Journal. For the gen- 
 erally favorable opinion expressed and for some of the bibliographical references 
 I am much obliged, but, without going into details, I may say that I do not 
 lamk it necessary to include in the bibliography of a work every book that in 
 any way makes reference to it. As to the difficulties of Anglo-Saxon inversion 
 for the general reader, they are sufficiently commented on in my preface, and 
 as to the Unworter charged, none are specified, and I do not think that any 
 words used would be unintelligiWe to the general reader except the dozen or 
 so for which a glossary is given. 
 
 The reviewer would seem to require that a line-for-line translation, which 
 tries to preserve two accents to the half-line, should follow the principle of the 
 Revisers of 1611 rather than that of the Revisers of 18S1, as he objects to " the 
 perpetual recurrence of such words as 'victorious,' 'jewel,' 'treasure,'" and 
 thinks " a subtler insight would have perceived picturesque shades of meaning." 
 When it is recollected that of sige and sigor = " victory," there are over a dozen 
 compounds, o{ sine = "jewel" or " treasure," at least six, of md^um = "jewel" 
 no less than fourteen, and of kora ti- " treasure," about twelve, besides the 
 "perpetual recurrence" of these vords by themselves, I think the "subtler 
 insight " would have been overburdened, and it were better to decline the 
 attempt to find " picturesque shades of meaning." 
 
 I cannot notice'each one of the thirty-five references in which, for one reason 
 or another, exception is taken, and in some of which I concede that the correction 
 is more exact than the word or phrase used ; but many of them touch very small 
 points, often silently passed over in Heyne's translation (which, being in ten- 
 syllable iambic measure, is mucii ireer), some are due to the failure to use 
 Grein's text, the one translated, in the comparison instead of Heyne's, and 
 others are inadmissible. 
 
 Some examples of each of these vWX be given : (i) Exception is taken to the 
 omission of the particle hilru in 1S2 and 369. This important word = saltem, 
 quidem, certe, yt, and is omitted enliiely by Heyne in both passages. I find 
 that I have translated it " now," '■ indeed," in seven other passages, but while 
 my translation professes to be line-for-line, it does not profess to be word-for- 
 word, and I should not have considered it much of a blemish if I had omitted 
 it in all of them. In one of these, S62, where I have " now," the reviewer 
 corrects to " nevertheless," Heyne's gjossary giving doch,jedoch for this refer- 
 ence. Let us substitute it and read the line : 
 
 " They did not nevertheless at all their dear lord blame " (!) 
 
 Surely some license in particles may lie allowed to even a line-for-line trans- 
 lator. 
 
Again, as to the " neglect ... of the duals" in 1707 and 1783. I forbear to 
 quote the lines, hut would simply ask, is it necessary to inform the general reader 
 that the original has wit = " we two " in the one, and «k^ = " us two " in the 
 other, of these " important passages," where two persons are conversing ? Also, 
 in 1861 ^anot certainly = " gannet." The word is omitted in Grein's glossary, 
 and given by Heyne as " Taucher, fulica marina " in glossary, and his transla- 
 tion has " liber des Tauchers Bad." Now /ulica — coot (Andrews), and" gan- 
 net " = " the Solati goose " (Webster),^whatever aquatic fowl that may be — 
 so that I should have had authority for " coot," or " goose," or simply " diver " 
 instead of "swan," but my sole attempt at " picturesqueness " has come to grief. 
 Moreover, under ganet, Toller-Bosworth gives " swan, cygnus," as one of the 
 meanings. It is, perhaps, needless to remark that the translation is not designed 
 to teach ornithological distinctions, or the existence of a dual in Anglo-Saxon, 
 or extreme accuracy in the use of particles under all circumstances. There are 
 more of the same sort, but these examples must suffice. 
 
 (2) A more serious charge is that " LI. 2522-23 and 31 17 take a liberty with 
 the text." The reviewer should have examined Grein's text, or even Heyne's 
 third edition, before making this charge. Grein reads arises and dttres, 2i'2,'i, 
 which I have translated ; Heyne, rf&es and-hdttres (Holder prints r^es and hat- 
 ires, using the common symbol for and), and his third edition gives a full 
 note on the passage, which is omitted in his fourth edition. I have inad- 
 vertently omitted to give a note here, but I think this is the only pas^ 
 sage where the texts vary and the note is omitted out of more than one 
 hundred and fifty such variations. There are a few other passages noted 
 below where the words of the text are the same, but the explanations of 
 the editors are different, and I have omitted to give notes on these passages. 
 In 3117 the reviewer has, doubtless, been misled by Heyne's rendering of 
 strengum, " violenter, mit Macht," under strengo, whereas Heyne himself gives 
 the correct translation, " von den Sehnen," wxiA&i geb&dan. A glance at Toller- 
 Bosworth, s. v. gebadan, would have helped here. In the four passages follow- 
 ing, if the reviewer had examined Grein's ' glossary, the suggested corrections 
 would have been unnecessary : in 1616 Heyne has broden m&l, and in glossary 
 " das gezogene Schwert," " die gezuckte Waffe," but in translation " die hart- 
 geschmiedete "; Grein has brodenmkl = " mit geschwungenen gewundenen 
 Zeichen versehenes, damascirtes Schwert, vgl. wundenm&l," hence " damas- 
 keened" would have been exact, if rhythm had permitted ; " twisted " is too 
 free, and " etched" should have been used, as for wundenm&l in 1531, but not 
 " drawn," according to Grein. 
 
 Again, in 2029 Grein takes selda = " Hofling," and seldan here as ace. pi. (I 
 use " courtier " generically), not as adverb with Heyne ; also Uodhryre, 2030 and 
 2391, z= " Fall der Leute," not, as Heyne, " Fall des Fiirsten," but I have a 
 note on this word. This is one of the most difficult passages in " Beowulf" 
 criticism and cannot be settled dogmatically. Thorpe, who suggests JJ/aA for 
 oft, says : " Ignorance of the events and the defective state of the MS render 
 interpretation little iclse than guesswork," but the MS shows no lacuna here 
 (cf. Holder, p. 46, 174^, 1. 9), and there is no authority for Heyne's insertion of 
 ndy The reviewer says : " In our opinion oft here belongs to gesette.'" This will 
 
 1 Wiilcker, however, in his new edition of Grein's Bibliothek, thinks ^ might have stood in 
 the MS and so reads in his restored text, but Holder shows no trace of such omission. 
 
not answer. How could Hiothgar, by betrothing his daughter Freaware to 
 Ingeld, Froda's son, often appease quarrels? Also, under bAganfjx&vci gives 
 here " sich zu einem wenden, ihn ereilen," referring to the spear as subject, 
 and not " er ruht," as Heyne. But enough for one passage. In 2576 iox gryre- 
 fahne Grein gives " grauenvoU feindlich," and I have rendered it simply " fear- 
 ful foe "; Heyne gives "grauenvoU glanzend," and the reviewer has turned it 
 into the " picturesque " " grisly-hued," a blending of Thorpe's " grisly varie- 
 gated" and Arnold's "terrible raany-hued." Toller-Bosworth has "terribly 
 hostile, or terrible in its variegated coloring," with this as the only reference ; 
 the reader can take his choice. In 2640,; onmunde Asic maer'&a, Grein takes 
 onmunan rr " einen womit bedenken," " einem etwas zudenken "; Heyne gives 
 " ermahnte uns zu Ruhmesthaten," which the reviewer has literally translated, 
 correcting my adoption of Grein's explanation, as I was translating Grein's text. 
 Although there is no variation of text in these four passages, I might have 
 added notes giving Heyne's explanation also, but the omission to do so does not 
 excuse the reviewer's neglect to note Grein's explanations. There are two 
 other references, 1793 and 1980, which I must pass by. 
 
 (3) Among inadmissible renderings the following may be noted : in 498 for 
 dugu^, which I have translated "band," the reviewer gives "joy," and refers 
 to " Toller-Bosworth, 218, for numerous references, though this one is omitted," 
 and well it might be, for there is no ground whatever for translating duguS, 
 " J°y " (t'^s meaning of driam in 497), nor is any such meaning given in 
 T.-B. 218. The word "joy" does not occur in the renderings. The nearest 
 approach to it is under IV. " prosperity, riches, blessings," " prosperitas, divi- 
 tiae, opes," and among the " numerous references " the only example contain- 
 ing the word "joys" is as follows; Eallum bid^led dugiipum and dredmum^ 
 " deprived of all blessings and joys," where dredmum =" joys," and dugu^um, 
 " blessings," a meaning totally out of place in " Beowulf," 498, where Danes 
 and Weders are having a grand carouse. If we look to authorities, the result 
 is tlie same : both Grein and Heyne give " Kriegerschaar, Gefolge, vorzuglich 
 edle Kriegerschaar," citing this passage, and the latter under unlytel, " eine 
 sehr grosze Ritterschaar." Thorpe translates dugu'& unlytel, " no few nobles," 
 and Arnold " a great gathering of noble knights." But it is useless to heap up 
 authorities ; "joy" will not answer, nor does T.-B. give any support to it. 
 
 So iig'i, be Xi^m gebrS^rum twaem, the reviewer gives " 'twixt " for " by.'' For 
 be Grein and Heyne give "bei, an, neben," quoting this passage; T.-B., "by, 
 near to, etc., juxta, prope, etc."; Thorpe, " hy the two brethren"; Arnold, 
 '■'beside the two brethren." For the view that Beowulf sat " Hwixt the two breth- 
 ren," there is no ground but in the reviewer's imagination. 
 
 In 1943 " leman " certainly zz. Uofne mannan, etymologically, and the writer 
 of " King Horn " might well have put it here, but however worthy its older 
 associations, " subtler insight " might have suggested an avoidance of it in 
 modern English (cf. Webster, s. v.). Thorpe gives "a dear man"; Arnold. 
 " her dear husband."' ^ 
 
 In 2577 the reviewer again touches a f?'«jr,but disposes of it very summarily. 
 
 iFor the "bad sense" of '^ leman" already in Chaucer's time, see Manciple's Tale, 18086 
 (Oilman), et seqq.; 
 
 " Hir lemman? certes this is a knavyssh spechej " 
 
This is the only passage in which I follow Heyne's explanation in text and 
 relegate Grein's to the notes. Heyne has in glossary "incge l&fe, mit dem 
 kqstbaren Schwerte ? oder mit wuchtigem Sphwertq ?" and in his translation 
 "mit dem wuchtigen Stahl," hence "weighty " would have been better than 
 " mighty." Grein follows Thorpe in taking incge as a proper name ::= Ing, 
 King of the Danes, but then we must read Incge\s\ with Thorpe, who says: 
 " My interpretation is quite conjectural, the word incge being unknown to me, 
 and he translates " with Inge's relic." Arnold, too, follows Thorpe, translating 
 " with the Dane's (?) bequest," but says : " No one has suggested an explanation 
 for incge." The reviewer suggests "with the edge of the sword," to which 
 translation there would be no objection if there was any authority for the 
 reading, but the scribe uses ecg in the same line and might easily have written 
 ecge here, if that were the reading, and Holder gives plainly inc ge lafe (p. 59i 
 187a, 1. 11), so that ecge must be rejected, and incge sX\\\. awaits a satisfactoiy 
 explanation. T.-B. has not yet reached the word. Heyne suggests a connec- 
 tion with icge gold, 1107, z= " Schatzgold, reiches Gold?" but that word is 
 equally as unknown. Wackerbarth translates "And with his mighty Relic 
 Brand." EttmuUer follows Thorpe and Grein.' 
 
 To shorten this reply, I notice lastly only 2S20, dSm zz " doom," which trans- 
 lation might be " ambiguous " if the context did not show plainly what was 
 meant, but it is certainly literal. It means here, of course, "heavenly glory," 
 " Herlichkeit" (Grein and Heyne), "doom of the just" (Thorpe), "doom of the 
 soothfast " (Arnold), but it does not mean " realm," nor will any support for this 
 rendering be found in T.-B., q. v.,s. v. Ill, p. 207, where " numerous references" 
 for d6m, z^ " glory " may be found. 
 
 I am obliged for some of the references, as they will enable me to supply 
 further notes, but I am glad that the philological miscroscope, even when of 
 strong magnifying power, has been able to detect so few " inaccuracies." 
 
 James M. Garnett. 
 
 1 If the lists are still open, I would suggest sinc-geldfe (cf. Tnd^^ujn-sweard, 1023), alliter- 
 ating with s^Of which alliteration, although rare, is still admissible ; s at beginning of the MS 
 line might have been dropped as readily as after ge within the line. The facsimile of the Beo- 
 wulf MS., just published by the Early English Text Society, reads incgelafet apparently as one 
 word. Thorkelin printed Inc gelafe, but misinterpreted the passage ; Grundtvig, incgeld/c^ 
 but suggests Ingwina Id/e? Kemble says in glossary, s. v. Idf^ " incge-la/^ ensis. I cannot 
 explain the first word, and believe it to be a corruption of icge-ldf" and he gives " icge ? veg- 
 etus, magnus, eximius," with 1107 as the sole reference. The conjecture has, at least, the 
 merit of being perfectly intelligible. 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013339332 
 
138a 
 
 T!i|r?^yT#»«7,7r; 
 
 5«wi5 ^eawt W>e^ jwlje- yl^<fran o ,| 
 m&:^nf- beoytiU. nemna^'i h^hencviij 
 
 yojihurti yjiivlAn no^/him -p&a^tne^ 
 jiji-o-y^ajt' )j^o»ip»5 ■^ezaxpnw |rK|il 
 
 b.v,. 
 ic liine- cuiTe- crultx:^ V^enhe- ycedn^ 
 Y\^S^ }i|i^et ^gfti^crt- Ativan iolix: 
 
 S^'j^en^e- jjdSer^p fcervizz^a.C sgftizai'H' 
 
138' to his wine driht ne her syndon gefere 
 de feorran cumene ofer geofenes be 
 gang geata leode fone yldestan oref 
 mecgas . beowulf nemnaS hy benan 
 synt '^ hie feoden min wiS fe moton 
 wordum wrixlan noSu him wearne 
 geteoh Sinra gegn cwida glaedman 
 hro^gar hy onwig getawum wyrSe 
 finceaS . eorla geaehtlan huru se 
 aldor deah se faem heaSo rincum 
 hider wisade . 
 
 • VI • 
 
 Hro^gar mafelode helm scyldinga 
 ic hine cuSe eniht wesende waes his 
 ealdfaeder ecgfeo haten Saem to ha 
 forgeaf hrefel geata angan dohtor 
 is his eaforan nu heard her cumen 
 sohte holdue wine . Sonne saegdon '^ 
 saelifende faSe gif sceattas geata 
 fyre don pyder to fance "f he -xxx- 
 
 Transliteration of Facsimile of fol. 138» Ms. Cotton. Vitellins A XV, 
 in the British Museum. 
 
BEOWULF: 
 
 ^n ^uQlO'-Mvixau ^0em, 
 
 THE FIGHT AT FIITNSBUEG. 
 
 TRANSLATED BY 
 
 JAMES M. GARNETT, M.A., LL.D. 
 
 With Facsimile of the Unique Manuscript in the- British 
 Museum, Cotton. Vitellius A XV. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY GINN, HEATH, & CO. 
 
 1882. 
 
 ■. A 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S82, by 
 
 .<'.? JAMES M. GARNETT, 
 
 in tlie Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 J. S. Gushing 8c Co., Trintebs, 101 Feabl Stbeet, Boston. 
 
^a ms WmiU. 
 
COl^TEl^TS. 
 
 FAOE 
 
 Pkeface xi 
 
 Introduction xv 
 
 Glossary of Pbopek Names xxxi 
 
 List of Old-English 'Words xxxix 
 
 Beowulf and Geendel. 
 I. 
 Scyld and his descendants. Hrotligar and the building of 
 Heorot. The coining of Grendel and his evil deeds. 
 Hrothgar's great sorrow 1 
 
 11. 
 The arrival of Beowulf. His talk with the warden. His 
 
 reception by Hrothgar. He makes known his errand . 6 
 
 III. 
 Hunferth's taunt. The swimming-match with Breca. Joy 
 
 in Heorot 16 
 
 IV. 
 Beowulf and his men occupy Heorot. The coming of 
 
 Grendel. The mighty contest. Beowulf's victory . . 21 
 
 V. 
 Joy of the Danes. The minstrel's song of Sigemnnd and 
 
 ritela ; of Heremod. Hrothgar's thanks to Beowulf . 26 
 
 VI. 
 Feasting and presents in Heorot. The minstrel's song of 
 Finn, Hnaef, and Hengest. Wealhtheow's greeting to 
 Beowulf. All retire to rest 31 
 
 VII. 
 
 The coming of Grendel's mother. Sorrow is renewed. 
 Hrothgar describes the mere. Beowulf's decision. 
 His descent into the mere. The fight with Grendel's 
 mother. Beowulf's return, bearing Grendel's head . . 39 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Beowulf's account of the flght. Hrothgar's moralizing 
 speech. On the morrow Beowulf bids farewell to 
 Hrothgar, receives presents, and returns to his ship . 60 
 
 rx. 
 
 Beowulf's arrival at home and welcome by Hygelac. The 
 episode of Offa and Thrytho. Beowulf's account of 
 his journey. Freaware and Ingeld. Presents of Beo- 
 wulf and Hygelac 58 
 
 Beowulf and the Dragon. 
 X. 
 Beowulf is king. The dragon's hoard robbed. The fiery 
 
 vengeance of the dragon 67 
 
 XI. 
 
 Beowulf prepares for the contest. The deaths of Hygelac 
 and of Heardred recalled. Beowulf's reminiscences. 
 The death of Herebeald and Hrethel's sorrow. Beo- 
 wulf's slaying of Daeghrefn. Beowulf seeks the dragon 
 alone. The fiery fight. Wiglaf goes to his help. The 
 wounding of Beowulf. The death of the dragon. Wig- 
 laf brings out the treasure. Beowulf's death .... 71 
 
 XII. 
 Wiglaf rebukes the thanes. Speech of the messenger. The 
 death of Haethcyn, pursuit of Hygelac, and death of 
 Ongentheow. The wamors arrive. Wiglaf's speech. 
 They enter the cave. The funeral-pyre. Beowulf's 
 mound ' 86 
 
 The Fight at Finnsbxirg. 
 
 Notes 99 
 
PEEFAOE. 
 
 During the session. of 1878-79, while reading "Beo- 
 wulf " with a post-graduate class at St. John's College, 
 Annapolis, Md., I made a line-for-line translation of the 
 poem for my own use. In reading the poem I used 
 Grain's text of his separate edition (1867), and care- 
 fully collated with it the editions of Kemble (1835), 
 Thorpe (1855), Arnold (1876), and Heyne (3d ed., 1873), 
 which last was in the hands of the class. When the 
 publication of this translation was recently suggested and 
 approved by scholars in whom I had confidence, I revised 
 it carefully, and gave it as nearly as possible a rhythmical 
 form, still retaining the line-for-line feature. This in- 
 volves naturally much inversion and occasional obscurity, 
 and lacks smoothness ; but it seemed to me to give the 
 general reader a better idea of the poem than a mere 
 prose translation would do, in addition to the advantage 
 of literalness. While it would have been easy, by means 
 of periphrasis and freer translation, to mend some of the 
 defects chargeable to the line-for-line form, the trans- 
 lation would have lacked literalness, which I regarded as 
 the most important object. I retained Grein's text, but 
 have added Notes giving a translation of the variations 
 in the text of Heyne's fourth edition (1879), both on 
 account of its importance as the latest critical text, and 
 the fact that it has just been jfepublished in this country. 
 
xii BEOWULF. 
 
 edited by Professor James A. Harrison, of "Washington 
 and Lee Universitj', Lexington, Virginia, so that the 
 Anglo-Saxon text is now easily accessible in inexpensive 
 form. I retained also Grein's divisions of the poem, and 
 have added headings giving the contents of each division. 
 I felt very much the want of an Anglo-Saxon dictionary, 
 — the new edition of Bosworth, edited by Professor 
 Toller, of Owens College, Manchester, not yet having 
 been issued, — and I was, therefore, entirely dependent 
 on the G-erman glossaries of Grein and Heyne, which 
 have been my constant companions. Their translations 
 have also been referred to, especiallj' in diflBcult passages ; 
 but often they do not suit the editions used, as Grein's 
 translation was made from the text in his Bihliothek der 
 A. S. Poesie (1857) , and Heyne's from that in his first 
 edition (1863), both of which vary frequently and mate- 
 rially from the later texts of these writers. I have care- 
 fully avoided using any English translation. In respect 
 to the rhythmical form, I have endeavored to preserve 
 two accents to each half-line, with caesura, and while 
 not seeking alliteration, have emploj'ed it purposely 
 wherever it readily presented itself. I considered that it 
 mattered little whether the feet were iambi or trochees, 
 anapaests or dactyls, the preservation of the two accents 
 being the main point, and have freely made use of all the 
 usual licenses in Early English verse, which are enumer- 
 ated and discussed at length by Sehipper,in his recent 
 excellent work on Old-English. Metre. To attain this 
 point, I have sometimes found it necessary to place 
 unemphatic words in accented positions, and words 
 
PREFACE. xiii 
 
 usually accented in unaccented ones, which licenses can 
 also be found in Early English verse. Illustrations of 
 these rhythmical features might be adduced, but it would 
 unnecessarily prolong this Preface, and the reader will 
 discover them for himself. While the reader of modern 
 English verse may sometimes be offended by the rugged- 
 ness of the rhythm, it is hoped the Anglo-Saxon scholar 
 will make allowances for the difflcultj- of reproducing, 
 even approximately, the rhythm of the original. The 
 reproduction of the sense as closely as possible had to be 
 kept constantly in view, even to the detriment of the 
 smoothness of the rhythm. In the Introduction I have 
 endeavored to give the general reader some idea of the 
 poem, although with greater brevity than I could have 
 ' wished ; and to further this end I have translated, with 
 abridgment and a few additions, the Glossary of Proper 
 Names appended to Heyne's edition. A few of the Notes 
 are also explanatory, and I have usually followed Heyne 
 in his interpretations, although where he and Grein differ 
 I have given both views. The question of the composi- 
 tion of the poem is by no means a settled one, but it 
 could be barelj' touched upon in a brief Introduction. 
 Criticism of the text belongs rather to the editor than 
 to the translator, and in important passages I have 
 generally referred the reader to Heyne's notes. I have 
 thought it advisable to add as full a Bibliography as the 
 materials at hand for its compilation permitted ; but as I 
 cannot flatter myself that it is complete, I shall be glad 
 to be informed of any omissions noticed. If I have 
 contributed in any respect to bring before the general 
 
xiv BEOWULF. 
 
 public a knowledge of this most ancient and most 
 important of Anglo-Saxon poems, and to create among 
 English-speaking people a desire for further acquaint- 
 ance with our earliest literature, I shall be abundantly 
 satisfied. 
 
 My thanks are due to Mr. F. J. Furnivall, Director of 
 the Early English Text Society, for permission to publish 
 a facsimile page of the manuscript from the autot3-pes 
 of the Society's forthcoming edition ; * to Professor Fran- 
 cis A. March, of Easton, Pa., for some additions to the 
 Bibliography ; and to Dr. William Hand Brovy^ne, Librarian 
 of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, for affording 
 me every facility in the use of the Library, and for kindly 
 reading over a large portion of the translation. 
 
 J. M. GAENETT. 
 
 GrAKRBTT'S UnITERSITT BcHOOL, 
 
 Bllicott City, Martland. 
 August, 1882. 
 
 * This faoBimile has been reduced to suit the page, so that the letters are 
 smaller than in the original Ms. 
 
IIS^TEODUOTIOIJJ". 
 
 The Anglo-Saxon poem " Beowulf" needs no introduc- 
 tion to the student of English literature, but the general 
 reader may desire some information about it as an aid to 
 an intelKgent interest in a translation of the poem. 
 
 Contents. — Its subject is, in brief, the contest of Beo- 
 wulf the Geat, the hero of the poem, with the monster 
 Grendel, and afterwards with Grendel's mother, and many 
 years later with the fire-dragon, whom he slays, but per- 
 ishes in the fight. More fully, it consists of an introduc- 
 tion giving some account of the genealogy of Hrothgar the 
 Dane, and of his building the great hall Heorot, which 
 Grendel soon visits by night, and he devours whoever ven- 
 tures to rest therein. This lasts for twelve years, until 
 Beowulf the Geat, the thane of Hygelac, and the strongest 
 of men, hears of it, and comes to try Ms strength with 
 Grendel. His arrival by sea, introduction to Hrothgar, 
 and their talk, are' narrated at length. "When all retire, 
 Beowulf and his companions occupy the hall. Grendel 
 soon comes and devours one, but finds his match in Beo- 
 wulf. Weapons are useless against the monster, so, by 
 main strength, Beowulf wrenches Grendel's arm from the 
 socket, and he flees to the fen. In the morning great was 
 the rejoicing in Heorot ; feasting, horse-racing, the song of 
 the scdp (minstrel), mutual congratulations, and presents 
 of Hrothgar and his wife "Wealhtheow to Beowulf occupy 
 
xvi BEOWULF. 
 
 the time. But the rejoicing was premature, for that night 
 comes Grendel's mother' to avenge her son, and carries off 
 from the hall Aeschere, Hrothgar's counsellor. Mourning 
 was renewed in the morning, ^nd Beowulf, who had slept 
 elsewhere, is sent for at once, and determines to go to the 
 mere in search of the monster. He plunges into the water 
 and descends to her abode, where a violent struggle ensues. 
 Beowulf's sword is useless, but he finds in the submarine 
 chamber an old sword of the giants, with which he de- 
 spatches the monster, and returns, bringing with him 
 Grendel's head and the hilt of the sword, the blade having 
 melted from the poisonous blood. There is more rejoicing 
 in Heorot, and much talk as before, with more presents. 
 Soon after, Beowulf takes his leave and returns to the 
 court of Hygelac, where he is welcomed at length, and 
 shares his presents with Hygelac and his wife Hygd. 
 
 Here occurs a long intermission. Hygelac and his son 
 Heardred are dead, and Beowulf has ascended the throne 
 and reigned fifty winters. The hoard of a dragon is robbed 
 by a fugitive from his master, and the dragon takes terrible 
 vengeance on the land, vomiting fire and consuming every- 
 thing, even Beowulf's palace. Beowulf resolves to risk 
 the contest, and goes with companions to the fire-dragon's 
 haunt. After a long speech he opens the fight, but his 
 companions flee, all except his kinsman Wiglaf , and they 
 two contend alone. The struggle is prolonged, and Beowulf 
 is wounded, but the dragon is finally killed. Wiglaf brings 
 treasures from the hoard for Beowulf to view before he dies, 
 for the dragon's bite is deadly poison. Beowulf charges 
 "Wiglaf to build him a mound on the Whale's ness, and 
 
INTI^IODUCTION. xvii 
 
 breathes his last. Wiglaf upbraids the thanes for their 
 cowardice, and sends a messenger to his other com- 
 rades, who makes a long speech on the occasion. They 
 join Wiglaf, inspect th6 treasure, commit Beowulf's body 
 to the funeral-pyre, and erect a mound, in which the treas- 
 ures are buried, in honor of their king. 
 
 The above is a brief summary of the poem, but numer- 
 ous episodes are introduced, chiefly in the speeches, though ■ 
 some in the narrative, which make considerable digressions, 
 and interrupt the action of the poem. It is sometimes 
 difficult, too, to see their connection, and to frame a con- 
 sistent account of personages and events, to which often 
 the merest allusion is made ; but the editors, especially 
 G-rein and Heyne, have been very successful in their elu- 
 cidation of obscure points. 
 
 Date. — The poem is preserved in but one manuscript 
 (Cotton. Vitellius A XV) in the British Museum, which, 
 according to palaeographers, dates frorn the tenth century, 
 but the composition of the poem is much earlier. The 
 allusions on which the approximate date of the poem is 
 based are two, namely : to the death of Hygelac, who has 
 been identified by Outzen, and Leo with the Chochilaieus, 
 (or -lagus), mentioned by Gregory of Tours, and in the 
 Gesta Eegum Francorum, who is said to have been killed in 
 a battle with the Fi-anks in a.d. 511-12, which date supplies 
 the terminus a quo; and the mention of the Merovingians 
 (1. 2921), not later then than a.d. 7.52, which gives the termi- 
 nus ad quern. Allowing for the reigns of Heardred and Beo- 
 wulf, if historical personages, and the lapse of time for 
 mythical adventures to cluster around the name of Beowulf, 
 
XTlii BEOWULF. 
 
 and we bring down the poem to the first half of the eighth 
 century, though Heyne assigns it to the seventh century. 
 
 In any event, it is the oldest extant heroic poem in any 
 Germanic tongue, and gives the earliest representation 
 that we possess in the vernacular of the life of our 
 Teutonic forefathers in their continental homes. 
 
 Scene. — The scene is manifestly not in England, notr 
 withstanding the ingenious efforts of Haigh, in his " Anglo- 
 Saxon Sagas," to vindicate an English origin fpr it. It is 
 in Denmark, probably Zealand, and south-west Sweden, 
 as internal evidence and the investigations of editors, 
 especially of Grein (in Ebert's Jahrbuch IV. 3, 260-285), 
 have well shown. The origin of the poem then is Scandi- 
 navian, and it is with Scandinavian tribes, manners, and 
 customs that we have to do. 
 
 Tribes. — The principal tribes mentioned are the Danes, 
 known under the various names of North-, South-, East-, and 
 West-Danes, Spear-Danes, Ring-Danes, and Bright-Danes, 
 with their king Hrothgar-; the Geats, or Goths, known as 
 Weder-Geats or Weders, War-Geats, Sea-Geats, with their 
 kings Hygelac and Beowulf; the Sweons, or Swedes, with 
 theu' king Ongentheow, and his sons Onela and Ohthere; 
 and the Frisians, known as North-Frisians, with their king 
 Finn, and West-Frisians, and inhabiting the islands and 
 coast west of Jutland. Fuller information is given in the 
 "Glossary of Proper Names." 
 
 Life of the time. — Even if the poem were composed in 
 the first half of the eighth centui-y, the life depicted is that 
 of two centuries earlier, unless the writer transfers to those 
 times the manners and customs of his own day. We see - 
 
INTRODUCTION. xix 
 
 the. king and his witan (wise men), his war-comrades, or 
 thanes, constituting his comitatus, and a similar body of 
 attendants on the great nobles. The king is the ring-giver, 
 treasure-giver, showing that he was esteemed according to 
 his liberality. The delight of the people is in deeds of 
 arms and of great strength ; Beowulf has the strength of 
 thirty men. Equally prominent is the delight in feasting, 
 in beer-drinking even to excess, but a relieving feature is 
 the song of the minstrel after the feast, who relates old 
 sagas, and celebrates the praises of by-gone heroes and even 
 of contemporaries. The importance of the scdp cannot be 
 exaggerated. It is he that preserves the record of past 
 times, of ancestral glories, whose song enlivens every ban- 
 quet. The position of woman inust not be overlooked. 
 Queen Wealhtheow and her daughter Freaware are present 
 at the feast, and it is the queen herself who carries around 
 the mead-cup, who welcomes the hero and bestows presents 
 upon him. The pictures of Hygd, Hildeburg, and Thrytho, 
 with her unenviable traits of character, show also the im- 
 portance and the influence of noble women in those days. 
 
 The religious tone of the work is inconsistent. The 
 author of the introduction tells us that the Danes ' ' Knew 
 not the good Lord" (1. 181), but soon after Hrothgar 
 speaks of the power of God (1. 478), and later thanks God 
 for the victory of Beowulf. This doubtless has led Ettmul- 
 ler to his view in respect to the composition of the poem, 
 the varying views on which point must be briefly noticed. 
 
 Composition. — Mullenhoflf, in Haupt's Zeitschrift fiir 
 Deutsches Alterthum, XIV, 193-244, (1869), has given' 
 the result of his twenty years' study of the poem. He finds 
 
XX BEOWULF. 
 
 it to consist of five parts : anintroduction,'l-193,1. 194-836, 
 11. 837-1628, III. 1629-2199, IV. 2200-3183. I. and IV. 
 are two old laj's by different authors ; to I. were added, prob- 
 ably by two different hands, a continuation II. , and then the 
 introduction ; a third hand (A) added III., and at the same 
 time interpolated I. and II. to suit it ; a fourth hand (B) , or 
 sixth in the series, added IV. , and increased the whole by epi- 
 sodes taken from other sagas and by theologizing additions : 
 B is the real interpolator, and except A no other is discov- 
 erable. MuUenhoff's view has been subjected to a very thor- 
 ough examination by Hornburg (Program of the Lj'ceum 
 at Metz, 1877), which does not seem to be as well known 
 as it deserves, with the result that the LiedertJieorie is re- 
 jected, and but few passages regarded as interpolated. A. 
 Kohler, in Z. fur Deutsche Philologie, II. 305-321 (1870), 
 discussing the introduction and the episodes of Heremod, 
 has spoken out for the theory. Grein, however, did not 
 commit himself to it, nor has Heyne done so.^ Ettmiiller, 
 who published the first Gernjan translation of the poem in 
 1840, advanced an entirely different theory, and the last 
 work of the veteran scholar was to publish, in a Zurich 
 University Program (1875),^ his text of the poem purged 
 from the interpolations of the West-Saxon monk, who, he 
 charges, revised the work of the Angle poet, perhaps a 
 heathen, in order to give it a Christian tone : these exci- 
 sions amount to nearly 300 lines. The Angle poet sang in 
 
 1 See Preface to Heyne's 4th edition, 1879. Bieger has declarecl for, and 
 Bagge' against, MiillenlioiJ's theory. 
 
 2 Carmen de Bedvulfl Gautarum regis rehus praeclare gestis atque inte- 
 ritu, quale fuerit antequain in manns iuterpolatoris, raonachi Vestsaxonicl, 
 inciderat. Aiictore Chlodovico Ettmiillero. Turlcl, 1875. 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxi 
 
 his vernacular songs of the exploits of Beowulf, which had 
 been brought to England from Scandinavia. 
 
 The English editors, Kemble and Thorpe, give no sup- 
 port to the theory of separate lays^ but Thorpe says: 
 "From the allusions to Christianity contained in the poem, 
 I do not hesitate to regard it as a Christian paraphrase 
 of a heathen Saga, and those allusions as interpola- 
 tions of the paraphrast, whom I conceive to have been a 
 native of England of Scandinavian parentage," thus re- 
 sembling in principle the theory of Ettmuller. Arnold, the 
 latest editor, merely mentions MullenhofE's theory to reject 
 it with scorn, but the subject is one which deserves more 
 respectful treatment. Some of MtQlenhofE's arguments from 
 comparison of passages seem very weak, but the poem 
 naturally falls into three divisions : the fight with Grendel, 
 that with Grendel's mother, and that with the dragon. The 
 flist two have a close connection and need not necessa- 
 rily be separated; the third "is an addition not well joined 
 to what precedes. The several episodes may well have 
 been separate lays incorporated by the author of the poem. 
 
 There are also probable interpolations, especially in the 
 religious and sermonizing parts, but whether we can get at 
 the original form of the poem by cutting out, with Ettmiil- 
 ler, every Christian allusion, is another matter. The 
 Christian poet seems to have united in one whole, on the 
 basis of Beowulf's adventures, heathen songs as sung at 
 the feasts, and to have been inferior in poetic power to 
 some of his heathen, predecessors, for all parts of the poem 
 are not of equal poetic merit. The limits of this Introduc- 
 tion will not permit a farther discussion of the subject, but 
 
xxii BEOWULF. 
 
 it is likely to prove "the Homeric question" of Anglo- 
 Saxon scholars. 
 
 Metre. — The poem is written in the usual Anglo-Saxon 
 alliterative metre, consisting of two half-lines separated 
 by caesura, which, however, are printed by Kemble, Schal- 
 demose, Thorpe, and Grundtvig as separate lines. The 
 normal law of alliteration is that two accented initial syl- 
 lables of words in the first half-line and one in the second 
 must begin with the same letter, if a consonant, or with 
 vowels, as any vowel may alliterate with another. Some- 
 times we find only one such alliterating syllable in each 
 half-line. The laws of Anglo-Saxon alliteration are very 
 fully given by Schipper in his Englische Metrik (I Theil, 
 II Abschnitt, Kap. 1), to which the reader is referred. 
 He has well shown that each half-line contains two 
 strongly-accented syllables, three of which usually alliter- 
 ate, as above, and the rest of the syllables are unaccented ; 
 in other words he is, with Eieger, a strong advocate of 
 the ZweiJiebungstheorie as against the Vierhebungstheorie 
 of some other scholars. Morris's remark in respect to 
 Early English verse (quoted by Schipper, p. 270), will 
 apply here: "It is not the number of syllables, but of 
 accents, that is essential." Beowulf, line 40, 
 
 "Billum and byrnuml him on bearme lag" 
 = " With bills and bumies ! On his bosom lay," 
 
 furnishes the normal form of the line, however varied it 
 may be by the usual licenses of Anglo-Saxon and Early 
 English verse. 
 
 Bibliography. — The Beowulf-Ms. was first mentioned 
 by Wanley in his Catalogue of Mss., published as the sec- 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxiii 
 
 ond volume of Hickes's Thesaurus of Old Nor^iern Lan- 
 guages, Oxford, 1705. It was much injured in the noted 
 fire of 1731 {hy which many of the Cottonian Mss. were 
 destroyed) , and some passages cannot now be deciphered ; 
 hence the resort to conjectural emendation. 
 
 Thorkelin had two copies of the Ms. made in 1786, which 
 are now in Copenhagen, and their readings were first given' 
 in Grundtvig's edition, 1861. Thorkelin's twenty years' 
 labor on his edition was destroyed hj the British bombard- 
 ment of Copenhagen in 1807, but his copies of the Ms. were 
 saved, so he went to work again, with the aid of the coun- 
 sellor Bulow, and published the first edition of the poem 
 in 1815. 
 
 Meantime Sharon Turner, in his History of the Anglo- 
 Saxons {1st ed. 1803) , had called attention to the poem, 
 and in his 4th edition (1823) , Vol. in. Book IX, Chap. II, 
 he gave an analysis of it, and an English translation of 
 extracts. 
 
 Some of the titles which ■follow are abridged for the 
 sake of convenience. 
 
 Editions : — 
 
 Thorkelin, O. J. — De Danornm rebus gestis secul. Ill et IV 
 poema Danicum dialecto Anglosaxonlca. Havniae, 1815, with 
 Latin translation. 
 
 Conyheare, J. J., in his Illustrations of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, 
 London, 1826, gave a collation of Thorkelin's edition with the 
 Ms., making numerous corrections, and an English blank- 
 verse translation of certain passages, with the A.-S. text and 
 a Latin translation of the same. 
 
 Kemhle, J. M. — The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Trav- 
 eller's Song, and the Battle of Finnsburg. London, 1833; 2d 
 edition, 1835-37, in two volumes, of which the second (1837) 
 contains a complete English translation. 
 
xxiv BEOWULF. 
 
 Schaldemo^e, F. —Beowulf og Scopes Wiclsii5, to Angelsaxiske 
 
 -Digte. Copenhagen, 1847; 2cl edition, 1851. Kemble's text, 
 
 with Danish translation. 
 
 Thorpe, 5. — The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Scop or 
 
 Gleeman's Tale, and the Pight at Rnnsburg, Oxford, 1855, 
 
 with English translation. Eeprinted in 1875 without change. 
 
 Orein, C. W. M. — Bibliothek der Angelsachsischen Poesie, Band 
 I. Gottingen, 1857. Beowulf, p. 255. 
 
 Qrundtvig, N. F. S. — Beowulfes Beorh. Copenhagen, London, 
 and Leipzig, 1861. Contains collation of Thorkelin's two 
 copies of the Ms. made In 1786. 
 
 Reyne, M. — Beowulf. Paderborn, 1863; 2d ed., 1868; 3d ed., 
 1873; 4th ed,, 1879. Contains the best Glossary. 4th ed. 
 makes use of Kolbing's colUtion of the Ms. Eeviewed by 
 Gering in Z. f. d. Phil. XII, 122 ; and by Brenner in Englische 
 Studien, IV, 135. 
 
 Chvin, O. W. M. — Beowulf nebst den Fragmenten Einnsburgund 
 Waldere. Cassel und Gottingen, 1867. 
 
 Mtmuller, L. — Carmen de Beovulfl Gautarum regis rebus prae- 
 clare gestis atque interitu, quale fuerit antequam in manus in- 
 terpolatoris, monachi Vestsaxonici, inciderat. Turici, 1875. 
 Reviewed by Suchier in Jenaer Literaturzeitung, No. 47, 1876 ; 
 and by Sohonbach in Z. f. d. Alt., XXI, Anzeiger III. 
 
 Arnold, Thomas. — Beowulf. A heroic poem of the eighth cen- 
 tury, London, 1876, with English translation. Eeviewed in 
 Athenaeum, July to Dec, 1877, p. 862 ; by Sweet in Academy, 
 Vol. XI; in Liter. Centr., 1877, No. 20; and by Wulcker in 
 Anglia, I, 177, who finds much blameworthy. 
 
 Wulcker, B. P. — Greln's Bibliothek der A. S. Poesie. Neu 
 bearbeitet,' u.s.w. I Band. Ite Halfte. Kassel, 1881. Text 
 nach der Handschrift. Eestored text to appear in 2 te Halfte. 
 Copy of the Ms. made in 1875 and 1878. 
 
 Solder, A. — Beowulf. I. Abdruck der Handschrift. 2 te Auf- 
 lage. Freiburg u. Tubingen, 1882. In Germanischer Buch- 
 ersphatz. Ms. collated by Holder in 1875, with use of 
 Thorpe's original collation in 1830. 
 
 Harrison, J. A. — Beowulf. From the last (4th) edition of 
 Heyne. Boston :.Ginn, Heath, & Co., 1882. I. Text alone, 
 to be followed by a complete Glossary. 
 
 The Early Euglish Text Society will soon publish, under the 
 editorship of Professor J. Zupitza, of Berlin, a Facsimile of 
 the entire Beowulf-Manuscript. 
 
INTRODUCTION^. xxv 
 
 Translations. In addition to translations with tlie 
 editions mentioned above, separate translations, some of 
 them only partial, have been published as follows : — 
 
 Orundtvig,N. F. (S. — Bjowulfs Drape. Copenhagen, 1820; 2cl 
 edition, 18Gi5. 
 
 Leo, H. — Ueber Beowulf. Halle, 1839. Extracts translated. 
 
 Ettmiiller, L. — Beowulf. Stabreimend ubersetzt. Zurich, ISiO. 
 
 Wackerharth, A. D.— Beowulf, translated into English verse. 
 London, 1849. Irregular measures. 
 
 Orein, C. W. M. — Dichtungen der Angelsachsen, stabreimend 
 iibersetzt. 2Bde. Qottingen, 1857-59. I Band. 2teAusgabe, 
 1863. Beowulf, p. 222. Not suited to his separate edition in 
 some passages owing to change of text. 
 
 Sandras, G. 8. — De carminibus Caedmoni adjudicatis. Paris, 
 1859. Contains extract from Beowulf, with Latin translation. 
 
 Simrock, K. — Beowulf. Uebersetzt u. erlautert. Stuttgart u. 
 
 ' Augsburg, 1859. Preserves alliteration. 
 
 Heyne, M. — Paderboru, 1863. In iambic verses. Will not suit 
 his 4th edition in some passages owing to change of text. 
 
 VonWolzogen, M. — Beowulf. Aus deni Angelsachsischen. Leip- 
 zig, n.d. (1873?). Preserves alliteration. 
 
 Botkine, L. — Beowulf. Epopfee Anglo-Saxonne. Traduite en 
 frangais pour la premiere fois. Havre, 1877. Prose, with pas- 
 sages occasionally omitted. Reviewed by Korner in Englische 
 Studien, II, 248. 
 
 I/umsden, H. PF.— Beowulf, translated into modern rhymes. 
 London, 1881. Ballad-measure used, and passages occasionally 
 omitted. Reviewed in Athenaeum, Jan. to June, 1881, p. 587; 
 Academy, Vol. XVIII; by Garnett, J. M., in Amer. Jour, of 
 Philology, II, 355 ; and by Wiilcker in Anglia, IV, 69. 
 
 General Works, Essays, Dissertations, and Maga- 
 zine Articles : — 
 
 Kemble, J.M. — Ueber die Stammtafel der Westsachsen. Munich, 
 1836. Reviewed by J. Grimm in Getting. Anzeiger, 1836. 
 
 Grundtvig, iV. F.S., — in Barf ods Brage og Idun, IV, 481. (1841.) 
 
 Eaigh, B. H. — The Anglo-Saxon Sagas. London, 1861. At- 
 tempts to find in England the places mentioned in Beowulf. 
 
 Heyne, M. — Ueber die Halle Heorot. Paderborn, 1864. 
 
XXYi BEOWULF. 
 
 .Botkine, i.— Beowulf. Analyse historlque et gfiographique. 
 Paris, 1876. Replaced by the introduction to his translation. 
 Reviewed by.Korner in Englische Studien, I, 495. 
 
 Dederich, S. — Hist. u. geogr. Studien zum A. S. Beowulfliede. 
 Koln, 1877. Follows Mtillenhoff. Reviewed by Miillenhoff in 
 Z. fur d. Alterthum (Neue Folge, IX. 3), XXI, Anzeiger III; 
 by Suchier in Jenaer Literaturzeitung, No. 47, 1876 ; and by 
 Korner in Englische Studien, I, 481. See also Revue Critique, 
 No. 52, 1876. 
 
 Hamburg. — Die Composition des Beowulf. Program of the 
 Lyceum in Metz, 1877. Opposes Mtillenhoff. Reviewed by 
 Hummel in Herrig's Archiv, LXII, 231. 
 
 Nader, E. — Zur Syntax des Beowulf. Two Programs of the 
 Staats-Ober-Eealschule in Briinu, 1879-80. Reviewed by Bern- 
 hardt in Literaturblatt f iir germ. u. rom. Philologie, 1880, p. 439. 
 
 Schubert. — ^De Anglosaxonum arte metrica. Berol., 1870. Op- 
 posed in his Gottingen Dissertation by 
 
 Vetter, F. — Ueber die Germanische AUiterationspoesie. Vien- 
 na, 1872. 
 
 Behrmann. — Essay on Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Program of the 
 Hohere Biirgerschule in Lilbben, 1876. 
 
 Bieger, M. — Die Alt- u. Angel-sachsische Vprskunst. Halle, 
 1876, and in Z. fur d. Philologie, VII. 1. (1876.) 
 
 Schipper, J. — Englische Metrik. I Theil. AltengUsche Metrik. 
 Bonn, 1882. Section II treats the Anglo-Saxon Period. 
 
 Orein, C. W. M. — Die historischen Verhaltnisse des Beowulf lie- 
 des. Ebert's Jahrbuch fvir rom. und engl. Literatur, IV, 260, 
 (1862). Standard authority. 
 
 Kolbing, E. — Zur Beowulf-handschrift. Herrig's Archiv fiir 
 das stadium der neueren sprachen, LVI, 91, (1876). Complete 
 collation of the Ms. Sievers and Zupitza have also collated 
 the Ms. 
 
 SchuUze, ilf. — Ueber das Beowulfslied. Program of R6alschule at 
 Elbing, 1864. Contents noted in Herrig's Archiv,,XXXVII, 232. 
 
 SchuUze, M.- — Altheidnisches in der A. S. poesie, speciell im 
 Beowulfsliede. Berlin, 1877. See Revue Critique, 1877, No. 
 32 ; and Ausland, No. 31. 
 
 Gosijn, P. J. — Beotyulf: Taalkundige Bijdragen, I, 286. 
 
 Schroder, L. — Om Bjowulfs-drapeu. Copenhagen, 1875. 
 
 Arnheim, Dr. — Ueber das Beowulflied. Bericht tiber die 
 Jacobsonsche Schule zu Seesen, 1867-71. 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxvii 
 
 MUUer, M. — Die mythen cles Beowulf in ilirem verhaltnlss zur 
 germ, mythologie betraohtet. Deutsche Stuclienblatter von 
 
 Roltsch, III, 13. 
 KolMng, E. —Kleme Beitrage. Kolbing's Englische Stuclien, 
 
 III, 92; zu Beowulf, 168. 
 Suchier, 3.' — TJeber die Sage von Offa und Thrytho. Paul und 
 
 Braune's Beitraege, IV. 500. i 
 
 Skeat, W. W. — The Name Beowulf. Academy, 1877, I. 1G3. 
 Bugge, S. — Til de oldengelske digte om Beowulf og Waldere. 
 
 Tidskrift for Philologi og Padagogik, VIII. 40 and 287, 
 
 1869-70. 
 Vigfusson, G. — Grettis Saga, in Prolegomena to his Sturlnnga 
 
 Saga (2 vols. Oxford, 1878) I. p. xlviii, and in Icelandic Prose 
 
 Eeader (Oxford, 1879), pp. 209 and 404. 
 Qering, H. — Der Beowulf und die Islandische Grettissaga, in 
 
 Anglia, III. 74 (1880). 
 Smith, O. Sprague. — Beowulf Gretti, in New Englander IV. 49 
 
 (Jan. 1881). 
 Ettmiiller, L. — -Altnordischer Sagenschatz. 1870. 
 Heinzel. — Ueber den Stil der altgermanischen Poesie. Stras- 
 
 burg, 1875. Opposed by 
 Oummere, F. B. — The Anglo-Saxon Metaphor. Freiburg-Disser- 
 
 t?,tion. Halle, 1881. 
 Schulz, F. — Die Sprachformen des Hildebrandsliedes im Beo- 
 
 vnlf. Program of Eealschule in Konigsberg, 1882. 
 March, F. A. — The World of Beowulf. Proceedings of the 
 
 Amer. Phil. Association, 1882. 
 Zeitschrift fur deutsches AltertUum. (Hanpt.) 
 
 V. 10.— Haupt, M. — Zum Beowulf. 
 
 VII. 410. — MuUenhoff, K. — Sce&f und seine Nachkommen. 
 
 VII. 524. — Bachlechner, J. — Die Merovinge im Beowulf. 
 
 XI. 59. — Bouterwek, K. W. — ZurKritik des Beowulfliedes, 
 1859. , 
 
 XI. 176. — Eieger, M. — Ingaevonen, Istaevonen, Herminonen. 
 
 XI. 272. — Mflllenhoff, K. — Zur Kritik des A. S. Volksepos. 
 
 XI. 409. — Dietrich. — Rettungen. 
 
 XII. 259 — Miillenhoff, K. — Zeugnisse und Excurse zur 
 deutschen Heldensage. 
 
 XIV. 193. — Mullenhoflf, K. — Die innere "Geschichte des Beo- 
 wulfs. (1869.) Pronounces strongly in favor of separate 
 lays. 
 
xxviii BEOWULF. 
 
 Zeitschrift fur deutsche PMlologie. (Hopfnertmd Zacher.) 
 II. 305. — Kohler, A. — Die Einleitung des Beowulf liedes, and 
 Die beiden Episoden von Heremod. 1870. 
 
 II. 371. — Kieger, M. —Review of Heyne's 2d edition (1868). 
 
 III. 381. — Rieger, M. — Zum Beowulf. 1871. 
 
 IV. 192. — Bugge, S.—Zum Beowulf. 1878. 
 Oermania. (Pfeiffer.) 
 
 I. 297 and 455. — Bachlechner, J. — Eomaer und Hemlng (Ham- 
 lac). 
 I. 384. — Bouterwek,K. — Das Beowulf lied. Eine Vorlesung. 
 
 1856. 
 VIII. 489. — Holtzmann, A. — Zu Beowulf. (Texttritilj.) 
 XIII. 129. — Kohler, A. — Germanische Alterthiimer im Beo- 
 wulf. 
 Anglia, IV. 69. — Wiilcker, E. P. — Besprechung der Beowulf iiber- 
 setzungen, im anschluss an Lumsden's translation. Full and 
 serviceable account of the translations of " Beowulf." 
 
 Extracts from "Beowulf" may be found in 
 Leo's Angelsach. u. A. S. SprachprobSu. Halle, 1838. 
 .K7JpsJeira's Analecta Anglosaxonica. New York, 1848. Vol.11. 
 Ettmuller's Engla and Seaxna scopas and booeras. Quedlinburgii 
 
 et Lipsiae, 1851. 
 Mieger's Alt- und angelsachsiehes Lesebuch. Giessen, 1861. 
 March's Anglo-Saxon Header. New York, 1870. 
 Sweet's Anglo-Saxon Header. Oxford, 1876 ; 2d edition, 1879 ; 
 
 3d edition, 1881. 
 
 Literary notices and criticism of "Beowulf" may be 
 found in the usual histories of English literature, the full- 
 est, perhaps, in Morley's English Writers, Vol. I. , Part 
 I., London, 1867; also in his First Sketch of English 
 Literature, London, 1873, very brief ; and more fully in 
 his Longer Works in English Verse and Prose, London, 
 1881, (Chap. I.). Add D'Israeli's Amenities of Liter- 
 ature ; Sweef s Introduction to Warton's History of 
 English Poetry (the four-volume edition) ; Craik, a mere 
 mention ; Taine, more full ; Arnold's Manual of English 
 
INTEODUCTION. Xxix 
 
 Literature (English edition) ; Brother Azarias's Develop- 
 ment of English Literature : Old English Period, New 
 York, 1879, ^(reviewed by "Wulcker in Anglia, IV. 3) ; ten 
 Brink's Geschichte der Englischen Literatur, I, Berlin, 
 1877, the best criticism, (reviewed by Wulcker in Anglia, 
 I. 201) ; Hart's Syllabus of Anglo-Saxon Literature, 
 adapted from ten Brink, Cincinnati, 1881 ; Metcalfe's 
 The Englishman and the Scandinavian, London, 1880, 
 (reviewed by Sweet in Academy, May 29, 1880) ; Gibb's 
 Gudrun and other Tales, a popular synopsis ; and mere 
 mention in the ordinary text-book histories of English 
 literature, such as Spalding, Angus, Shaw (English edi- 
 tion corrected by American editor), Coppde, and others, 
 which it is scarcely worth while to enumerate, for their 
 notices are often so meagre as to be useless, and some- 
 times so incorrect that it would have been better to omit 
 them. ' 
 
 The reader may consult also the article " Beowulf" in 
 Chambers's Cyclopedia, published in this country in the 
 Library of Universal Knowledge. The latest (ninth) edi- 
 tion of the Encyclopaedia Britannica has no such separate 
 title, but " Beowulf " is included in the article on English 
 Literature. 
 
 The above Bibliography has been compiled from various 
 sources, and especially from the valuable BibUographies ' 
 annually published in connection with the above-mentioned 
 German philological journals, and from the book-notices 
 of the journals themselves. 
 
XXX BEOWULF. 
 
 The Fight at riNNSBURG. 
 
 This fragment was discovered by Hickes, bouud 
 with a manuscript of Homilies, in the archiepiscopal 
 library- of Lambeth, and was first published by him in his 
 Thesaurus linguarum veterum septentrionalium, I, 192. 
 It has been since published by Conybeare in his Illustra- 
 tions of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Ettmiiller in his Scdpas 
 and Bdceras, and by Kemble, Schaldemose, Thorpe, 
 Grundtvig, Grein, and Heyne intheir editions of Beowulf. 
 From its contents it relates evidently to the episode of 
 Finn, occurring in "Beowulf," 1068-1159, but there is 
 no reason to think that it ever formed a part of that 
 poem. It contains some fuller particulars of that noted 
 fight, and introduces personages not mentioned in Beo- 
 wulf. It represents Hnaef the Dane and his sixty war- 
 riors defending themselves in a building against the attack 
 of Finn, and so connects itself with the first part of the 
 episode of Finn, before the fall of Huaef and the leader- 
 ship of Hengest. Heyne's Glossarj' omits the words and 
 proper names peculiar to this poem, and it is not trans- 
 lated bj' either Grein or Heyne. The leaf on which it was 
 written is lost, so that the test depends on Hickes's pub- 
 lication. 
 
 Note. Add: — 
 Bernhardt, JE. — Znr Gotieehen Casuslehre, II, in Z. fiir d. Phil., XIII, 1-20. 
 
 (1881). Examines also use of cases in Beowulf. 
 Zinsser, G. — Der Kampf Beowulfs mit G-rendel. Probe einer metrischen uber- 
 
 setzung des angelsJichsiBchen epos Beowulf. Program. ISSl. 
 
GLOSSARY OF PROPEE NAMES. 
 
 Aelfhere. — A kinsman of Wiglaf. 
 
 Aeschere. — A counselloi- of Hrothgar, elder brother of Yrmen- 
 laf . Slain by Grendel's mother. 
 
 Beanstau. — Father of Breca. 
 
 Beowulf (1).— A Dane. Son of Scyld, and father of Healf- 
 dene. 
 
 Beowulf (2) . — A Goat. Hero of the poem. -Son of Ecgtheow and 
 a daughter of Hrethel, king of the Geats, at whose court 
 he was brought up. Though indolent in his youth, when 
 a man he has the strength of thirty men, and is noted for 
 his prowess. Has a swimming-match with Breca in his 
 youth.' Goes with fourteen Geats to help Hrothgar against 
 Grendel, whom he conquers, and is rewarded by Hrothgar. 
 Overcomes Grendel's mother and returns home. After 
 Hygelac's death in battle with the Franks, Frisians, and 
 Hugs, from which Beowulf escapes after killing Daeghrefn, 
 the Hug, he acts as regent for Heardred, Hygelac's son, and 
 after his death Beowulf succeeds to the throne. He kills 
 Eadgils the Scylfing in revenge for the murder of Heardred, 
 and probably subdues his land. Fights with the dragon, 
 and kills him, but receives a mortal wound. His death and 
 burial end the poem. 
 
 Breca. — Son of Bcanstan. Prince of the Brondings. Has a 
 swinaming-niatch with Beowulf. 
 
 Brondings. — A tribe whose ruler is Breca. 
 
 Brosinga inene. — A noted necklace, or collar, which the Bro- 
 sings once possessed. (See Arnold's Excursus.) 
 
 Cain. — ■ Grendel's race are his descendants. 
 
 Daeghrefn. — A warrior of the Hugs, who seems to have been 
 the murderer of Hygelac. Was killed by Beowulf. 
 
 Danes. As subjects of Scyld and his descendants, called also 
 
 Scyldings, and after Ing, first king of the East-Danes, lug- 
 wine: also once, Hrethmen. From their shining armor 
 
XXXU BE0WUL5'. 
 
 c^ed O&r- (Spear-) Danes, JSring- (Ring-) Danes, and 
 
 ■ JBeorht- (Bright-) Danes; known also as North-, South-, 
 
 East-, 4nd West-Danes. They dwell in Scedelands, Scede- 
 
 nig, by two seas, i.e. , Zealand and southern coast of Sweden^ 
 
 Ecglaf. — Father of Hunf erth. 
 
 Ecgtheow. — Father of Beowulf the Geat, of the family of the 
 Waegmundings. Slew Heatholaf among the Wylflngs, and 
 hence crosses the sea to the Danes, whose king, Hrothgar, 
 settles the quarrel with a money-payment. 
 
 Ecgwela. — The Scyldings are called his descendants. Grein 
 considers him the founder of the older dynasty of Danish 
 kings, which ended with Heremod. 
 
 Elan. — Daughter of Healfdene, and supposed to be the wife of 
 Ongentheow, the Scylflng. 
 
 Eama naes. — The Ragles' ness in the land of the Geats, at 
 which Beowulf's fight with the dragon took place. 
 
 Eadgils. — Son of Ohthere, and grandson of Ongentheow. 
 
 Eaha. — A Dane, companioil of Hnaef and Hengest. Finns- 
 burg, 1. 15. 
 
 Eanmund. — Brother of Eadgils. What is stated about these 
 two sons of Ohthere is not altogether clear, and is differ- 
 ently interpreted by editors, according as frednd (friend) or 
 fednd (enemy) is read in line 2393. Heyne reads fednd, 
 and says that Eanmund and Eadgils rebelled against their 
 father, and were driven from the Sweons' kingdom (Swe- 
 den). They went to Heardred, probably with hostile intent. 
 At aU events Heardred was slain at a feast by one of them, 
 presumably Eanmund, for Weohstan slays him in revenge 
 for his murdered king, and takes the arms presented to 
 Eanmimd by his uncle Onela. After the death of Heardred 
 and Eanmund, Eadgils returns to his home, his father, 
 Ohthere, having died meanwhile, but must yield to Beowulf, 
 who has ascended the throne. He makes an inroad later 
 into the land of the Geats, 'and is killed by Beowulf, who 
 assumes the rule over the Sweons, if we read Smjlfingas, 
 3005, which alone seems to give good sense, for Ms. 8cyl- 
 dingas. Grein reads freond, 2393, and understands that 
 Eadgils returns to his country, supported by Beowulf, with 
 an army, kills his uncle, Onela, and probably becomes him- 
 self king of the Sweons. Heyne's view seems more con- 
 sistent with the preceding statements. 
 
GLOSSARY OF PROPER NAMES. xxxiii 
 
 Eofor. — A Geat. Son of Wonrecl, and brotlicr of Wulf . . Kills 
 Ongentheow, and Hygelac gives him his only daughter in 
 marriage, and other gifts. 
 
 Eormenric. — King of the Goths. Hama stole from him the 
 Brosinga inene. 
 
 Eomaer. — Son of Offa and Thrytho. 
 
 Finn. — Son of Folcwalda, king of the North-Frisians and Jutes, 
 and husband of Hildeburg, daughter of Hoce. He is the 
 hero of the song on the Fight at Finnsbui-g, which is closely 
 connected with the minstrel's song in "Beowulf," 11. 1068 
 et seqq. Heyne explains the sequence of events as follows • 
 Hnaef , a Dane, and probably brother of Hildeburg, is, with 
 his following of sixty men, u guest of Finn at his city, 
 Finnsburg in Jutland. The Danes are treacherously at- 
 tacked at night by Finn's men. They hold the doors of 
 their besieged dwelling for five days without losing a man : 
 then Hnaef is slain, and Hengest takes command of the 
 Danes. But Finn's band has suffered severely : Hildeburg 
 mourns for a son and a brother. The Frisians offer the 
 Danes peace pn certain conditions, which are sworn to, and 
 Finn makes restitution by a money-payment. Now, accord- 
 ing to Grehi, all who have survived the tight go together to 
 Friesland, Finn's proper residence, and Hengest stays 
 through the winter, detained by ice and storms. But in 
 the spring the feud breaks out afresh. Guthlaf and Oslaf , 
 who have probably been sent for as aid, avenge Hnaef's 
 death, the hall is filled with the corpses of their foes, Finn 
 himself is slain, his queen taken prisoner, and, with the 
 plundered treasures, is carried to the Danes' land. (See 
 also Arnold's Excursus.) 
 
 Finna laud. — The land of the Finns. Beowulf reaches it in his 
 swimming-match with Breca. 
 
 Finnsbnrg. — The city of Finn, probably in Jutland. 
 
 Fitela. — Son of the Waelsing Sigemund and his sister Signy, 
 and Sigemund's companion in fight. The Sinfiotli of the 
 Volsunga Saga. (See William Morris's Sigurd the Volsung, 
 Book I.) 
 
 Folcwalda. — Father of Finn. 
 
 Franks. — King Hygelac is kiUed in an expedition against the 
 Franks, Frisians, and Hugs. 
 
 Frisians. — DivMed into North-Frisians, whose king is Finn, 
 and West-Frisians, in alliance with the Franks and Hugs. 
 
XXXIV BEOWULF. 
 
 Freswael. — The battle-place in North-Frieslancl where Hnaef 
 f eU, according to Grein ; but the Ms. reading is Fr . . es wael, 
 so Heyne defines it simply as an illegible proper name. 
 
 Freaware. — Daughter of Hrothgar, married to Ingeld, son of 
 Troda, king of the Heathobards, to appease a quarrel be- 
 tween the Danes and the Heathobards. 
 
 Froda. — Father of Ingeld, and king of the Heathobards. 
 
 Garmuud. — Father of Offa, and grandfather of Eomaer. 
 
 Oarulf. — ■ One of Finn's men. Finnsburg, 11. 18, 31. 
 
 Geats. — A people in southern Scandinavia. Called also Weder- 
 (Weather-) Geats or Weders, Gii'S- (War-) Goats, and Sae- 
 (Sea-) Geats. Their kings are Ilrethel, his sons Haethcyn 
 and Hygelac, his son Heardred, and then Beowulf, hero of 
 the poem. 
 
 Gifths. — Probably Gepidae, mentioned along with the ^pear- 
 Danes and Sweons, or Swedes. 
 
 Grendel. — A demon of the fens, of Cain's race. He breaks into 
 Hrothgar's hall at night and carries off thirty men. This 
 goes on for twelve years, until Beowulf fights with him, 
 and inflicts a deadly wound by tearing out his arm, which 
 is placed on the roof of Heorot as a sign of victory. 
 Grendel's mother, to avenge her son, breaks into the hall 
 the following night and carries off Aesohere. Beowulf 
 seeks her dwelling-place in the mere, fights with, her, and 
 kills her, cuts off the head of i Grendel, and brings it to 
 Hrothgar. 
 
 Guthhere. — One of Finn's men. Finnsburg, 1. 20. 
 
 Guthlaf (1). — ^^ADane,withHnaef andliengest. Finnsburg,l. 18. 
 (2) . — A Frisian, father of Garulf . Finnsburg, 1. 35. 
 
 Halga. — Younger brother of Hrothgar, and father of Hrothulf. 
 
 Hama. — ■ Stole the Brosinga mene from Eormeurio. 
 
 Haereth. — Father of Hygd, wife of Hygelac. 
 
 Haethcyn. — Second son of Hrethel. Accidentally kills his 
 eldest brother Herebeald with an arrow. Succeeds to the 
 kingdom after Hrethel's death, and falls in battle at the 
 Ravens' wood against the Swedish king Ongentheow. 
 
 Helmings. — Family to which Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's wife, 
 belongs. 
 
 Heming. — Offa and Eomaer are called Heming's kinsmen. Ac- 
 cording to Bachlechner {Q-ermania I, 458), Hemiug is a sis- 
 ter's son of Garmund, father of Offa. 
 
GLOSSARY OF PROPER NAMES. xxxv 
 
 Hengest. — A Dane, who takes command after Hnaef s death. 
 Finnsburg, 1. 19. (See Finn.) 
 
 Herebeald. — Eldest son of Hretliel, accidentally killed with an 
 arrow by his brother Haethcyn. 
 
 Heremod. — King of the Danes, not belonging to the dynasty of 
 the Scyldings, but, according to Grein, perhaps to the one 
 immediately preceding. "Was banished on account of his 
 unheard-of cruelty. 
 
 Hereric. — Uncle of Heardred, otherwise unknown. 
 
 Hetwars. — Franks, which see. Probably Chatti or Chatuaril. 
 
 Healfdene. — Son of Beowulf the Scylding, and king of the 
 Danes, whom he long rules. Has three sons, Heorogar, 
 Hrothgar, and Halga, and a daughter. Elan. 
 
 Heardred. -*- Son of Hygelac and Hygd. Though stlU a minor, 
 succeeds his father, and Beowulf, his father's nephew, acts 
 as regent until he is of age. Is slain by the sons of 
 Ohthere, which murder Beowulf avenges* afterwards on 
 ■Eadgils. 
 
 Heattaobards. — The tribe of Lombards. Their king Froda fell 
 in war with the Danes. To appease the feud Hrothgar 
 marries his daughter Freaware to Froda's son Ingeld, but 
 this does not succeed, for Ingeld afterwards avenges his 
 father's death on the Danes. 
 
 Heatholaf. — A warrior of the Wylfings, slain by Ecgtheow, 
 Beowulf's father. 
 
 Heathoremes. — Breca reaches their land in the swimming- 
 match with Beowulf. 
 
 Heorogar. — Son of Healfdene, and father of Heoroweard. 
 Beowulf receives his cuirass from Hrothgar, and presents 
 it to Hygelac. 
 
 Heoroweard. — Son of Heorogar. 
 
 Heorot. — Hrothgar's great hall, built with extraordinary mag- 
 nificence. Beowulf's fight with Grendel takes place in it. 
 It takes its name from the stag's antlers which adorn the 
 eastern and western gables. 
 
 Hildebnrg. — Daughter of Hoce, kinswoman of Hnaef, wife of 
 Finn, after whose fall she is led into captivity by the 
 Danes. 
 
 Hnaef. — A Hoeing, chieftain of Healfdene. (See Finn.) 
 
 Hondscio A warrior of the Geats, killed by Grendel. 
 
 Hoce. — Father of Hildeburg, and probably of Hnaef. 
 
XXXTi BEOWTJLr. 
 
 Hrethel. — King of the Geats, son of Swerting. His daughter 
 is married to Ecgtheow, and his sons are fierebeald, Haeth- ■ 
 cyn, and Hygelac. He grieves to death on accpunt of the 
 accidental shooting of Herebeald by Haethcyn. 
 
 Hrethla. — Same as Hrethel; former possessor of Beowulf's 
 cuirass. 
 
 Hrethmen. — The Danes. 
 
 Hretliric. — Son of Hrothgar and Wealhtheow. , 
 
 Hreosna-beorh (-mount). — Promontory in the land of the 
 Geats, where Onela and Ohthere made inroads into the 
 land after Hrethel's death, which was the cause of the war 
 in which Haethcyn fell. 
 
 Hrothgar. — Of the dynasty of the Scyldings. Second of the 
 three sons of Healfdene, and king of the Danes. His wife 
 is Wealhtheow, his sons Hrethrio and Hrothmund, and his 
 daughter Freaware, married to Ingeld. His great' hall, 
 Heorot, is nightly visited by Grendel, who, with his mother, 
 is Mlled by Beowulf, for which Hrothgar gives Beowulf 
 costly presents. He is praised as liberal, brave, and wise. 
 Other events of his reign are merely alluded to. 
 
 Hrothmnud. — Son of Hrothgar and Wealhtheow. , 
 
 Hrothulf. — Probably a son of Halga. Wealhtheow expresses 
 the hope that, in case of Hrothgar's death, he will be a good 
 guardian to her son, which hope does not seem to be ful- 
 filled, for Hrothulf did not keep faith with Hrothgar. 
 
 Hrnnting. — Name of Hunf erth's sword. 
 
 Hngs. — Tribe united with Franks and Frisians. Probably the ' 
 Chauci. 
 
 Hunferth. — Son of Ecglaf , and orator of Hrothgar. Killed his 
 brothers. Lent his sword Hrunting to Beowulf in the fight 
 with Grendel's mother. 
 
 Hnnlaflng. — According to Heyne, name' of a costly sword which 
 Finn gives to Hengest. According to Grein, name of one 
 of Finn's warriors, who slays Hengest. Heyne's view 
 seems the most, probable. 
 
 Hygd. -^ Daughter of Haereth and wife of Hygelac. Her noble , 
 character Is praised in the episode of Thrytho. 
 
 Hygelac. — King of the Geats. Son of Hrethel, grandson of 
 Swerting, and upcle of Beowulf. Comes to the throne 
 after his brother Haethcyn is killed by Ongentheow. Gives 
 his only daughter in marriage to Eof or as reward for kill- 
 
GLOSSARY OF PEOPEE NAMES. xxxvii 
 
 ing Ongentlieow. We afterwards find him married to tlie 
 young Hygd, so that she seems to be his second wife. 
 Heardred is their son. Palls in an expedition against the 
 Pranks, Frisians, and Hugs. 
 
 Ingeld. — Son of Proda, prince of the Heathobards, who falls in 
 a fight with the Danes, and, to appease the quarrel, Hroth- 
 gar marries his daughter Preaware to Ingeld, but, urged 
 by an old warrior, he afterwards takes revenge for the 
 death of his father. 
 
 Ingwine. — Friends of Ing, first king of the East-Danes, hence 
 iised as a name for the Danes. 
 
 Jutes (Eotenas). — A people of Jutland, over whom the Frisian 
 king Finn rules.* 
 
 Merwings. — Name of the Pranks, still ruled by the Merovingian 
 kings. 
 
 Modthrytho. — See Thrytho. 
 
 Xaegling. — Name of Beowulf's sword. 
 
 Offa. — King of the Angles. Son of Garmund. Married to 
 Thrytho, a beautiful but cruel woman. , 
 
 Ohthere. — Son of Ongentheow, and father of Eanmund and 
 Eadgils. 
 
 Ouela. — Brother of Ohthere. 
 
 Ongentheow. —King of the Sweons, or Swedes, of the dynasty 
 of the Scylflngs. His wife is perhaps Elan, daughter of 
 Healfdene. She (or a second wife) is taken prisoner by 
 Haethcyn on a raid into Sweden, and released by Ongen- 
 theow, who kills Haethcyn, and besieges the Geats in 
 Eaven's wood, from which siege they are delivered by 
 Hygelac. In the battle which ensues Ongentheow is at- 
 tacked by the brothers Wulf and Eofor, and slaia by the 
 latter. 
 
 Ordlaf. — A warrior of Hnaef and Hengest, who holds the doors 
 with Guthlaf . Pinnsburg, 1. 18. 
 
 Oslaf. — A warrior of Hengest, who revenges his death on Finn. 
 
 Scedeland, Scedenig. — The southern portion of the Scandina- 
 vian peninsula, belonging to the Danes, and used to denote 
 the Danish kingdom in general. 
 
 Seef. —Father of Scyld. 
 
 * In his 4th ed. Heyne no longer takes Eotemas as a proper name, but same as 
 co<0»= giant, and explains it as a hurtful foe, used sometimes of the 
 Danes, and sometimes of the Frisians. 
 
XXXVlii BEOWULF. 
 
 Scyld. — Father of Beowulf the Dane, and grandfather of Healf- 
 dene. At his death his body is committed to an orna- 
 mented vessel and given to the sea, just as he, when a 
 child, had been brought to the Danes' land. 
 
 Scyldings. — Name of the Danes, and of the dynasty by which 
 they are ruled. The Danes are called also Ar- (Honor-) 
 Scyldings, Sige- (Victory-) Scyldings, Thedd- (Folk-) 
 Scyldings, and Mere-. (Army-) Scyldings. 
 
 Scyliings. — A Swedish royal family, whose relationships ex- 
 tend to the Geats also, as Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, and 
 kinsman of Beowulf, is called a Waegmunding and a prince 
 of the Scylfliigs. The Scylfiugs are called also Hea'So- 
 (Battle-) Scylfings and Cm- (War-) Scylflngs. 
 
 Secgs. — Name of a tribe to which Sigef erth belongs. Finns- 
 burg, 1. 26. 
 
 Sigeferth. — A warrior of Hnaef and Heiigest;, who holds the 
 doors with Eaha. Finnsburg, 1. 17. 
 
 Sigemnnd. — Son of Waels. Fitela is his son and nephew. 
 Fights with the dragon, kills him, and robs the hoard. 
 (See William Morris's Sigurd the Volsung, Book I.) 
 
 Swerting. — Grandfather of Hygelac. 
 
 Sweons. — The Swedes, ruled over by the Scylfings. 
 
 Thrytho. — Wife of Offa, king of the Angles, and mother of 
 Eotnaer, known for her fierce and cruel disposition, so 
 forming a contrast to the gentle and lovable Hygd. This 
 Offa lived, about the middle of the 4th century. (See 
 I-Ieyne's note to 1927, Suchier in Paul and Braiine's Bei- 
 traege, IV. 500, and Grein in Ebert's Jahrbitch, IV. 279, 
 who, however, takes the name to be Modthrytho, but 
 Thrytho, as given by Heync and others, suits better.) 
 
 Waegmundlngs. — This family includes Weohstan and his son 
 Wiglaf, Ecgtheow and his son Beovnilf . They are a branch 
 of the Scylflngs. 
 
 Waels. — Father of Sigemund. 
 
 Waras. — Name of a people mentioned in 1. 461, forwhichHeyne 
 reads Weders. 
 
 Wealhtheow. — Wif e of Hrothgar, of the race of the Helmings, 
 and mother of Hrethric, Hrothmund, and Freaware. 
 
 Weders. — Name of the Geats. 
 
 Weland. — The noted smith, maker of Beowulf's cuirass. 
 
LIST OF OLD-ENGLISH WORDS. xxxix 
 
 Wendlag. — A tribe whose chief is Wulfgar. According to 
 Grundtvig and Bugge, they dwelt in Wendill, the most 
 northern district of Jutland. Probably Vandals. 
 
 Weohstan. — A Waegmunding. Father of Wiglaf. He is the 
 slayer of Eanmund, in revenge for his murdered king 
 Heardred. 
 
 Wiglaf. — Son of "Weohstan, kinsman of Aelfhere. Helps Beo- 
 wulf in his fight with the dragon, and recteives from him 
 his ring, helmet, and cuirass. 
 
 Withergyld. — Name of a Heathobard warrior, kiUed by the 
 Danes, according to Grein, but Heyne does not take the 
 word as a proper name, 1. 2051. 
 
 Wonred. — Father of "Wulf and Eof or. 
 
 "Wnlf. — A Geat. Son of Wonred. Fights in battle with Ongen- 
 theow, and wounds him, but is himself severely wounded, 
 whereupon Eof or slays Ongentheow. 
 
 Wulfgar. — Chief of the Wendlas. Lives at Hrothgar's court, 
 and is his messenger and servant. 
 
 Wylflngs. — A tribe, whose warrior Heatholaf is slain by 
 Ecgtheow. 
 
 Yrmenlaf . — Brother of Aeschere. 
 
 LIST OF OLD-ENGLISH WOEDS. 
 
 Aetheling. — (A. S. S&eling, G. Edeling.) One of noble descent. 
 
 Used of those of royal family, and of the noble-born in 
 
 general. 
 Bale. — (A. S. healu.) Used of evil generally, especially in 
 
 composition, as life-bale, night-bale, &c. 
 Bill. — (A. S. bil, G. Beil.) Sword. So used in Beowulf, though 
 
 Grein gives also "battle-axe." Seen in composition, as 
 
 battle-bill, war-bill. 
 Brand. — (O.N. hrand-r.') Sword ; in composition, battle-brand ; 
 
 but A. S. brand = "Are," and so used by Heyne in 1454, 
 
 where Grein reads brondne, as adj., = "flaming." 
 Burnie. — (A. S. byrne, G. Briinne.) Coat-of-mail, corslet, 
 
 cuirass. Made of chain-rings, hence ringed bnrnie. In 
 
 composition, war-burnie, &c. 
 
Xl BEOWULF. 
 
 Eoten. — (A. S. eoton.) Giant. Ace. to Heyne, used of foes in 
 general, and so applied to the Danes and Frisians in pas- 
 sages where Grein reads as propernarae, = Juies, e.g., 1073, 
 1089, 1142, 1146. In composition, eoten-race, eoten-guard. 
 
 Holm. — (A. S. holm, G. Holm.) Sea, sea-waves. Not islet, as 
 in modern English. In composition, holm-cliff. 
 
 Mere. — (A. S. mere, G. Meer.) Sea, lake. In composition, 
 mere-beast, &c. 
 
 Ness. — (A. S. nas.) Cliff, headland, promontory. In compo- 
 sition, sea-ness. 
 
 Nicker. — (A. S. nicor, G. Nichs.) Sea-monster, water-spirit. 
 Used of the sea-beasts that Beowulf kills. 
 
 Sark. — (A. S. serce, syrce.) Coat-of-mail, cuirass, armor. In 
 composition, body-sark, war-sark, &c. 
 
 Scope. — (A. S. scop.) Minstrel, singer, poet. The invariable 
 attendant of the feasts. 
 
 Sty. — (A. S. stigan, G. steigen.) To ascend, mount, and to 
 go, in general. Frequent in Early English. 
 
 Weeds. — (A. S. ge^waede.) Clothing, especially armor, as in 
 composition, battle-weeds, war-weeds. 
 
 Weird. — (A. S. wyrd.) One of the Fates ; so frequently used 
 of Fate personified, and of destiny in general; the Ruler of 
 human destiny. Perhaps a remnant of the heathen myth- 
 ology visible in the use of this word, under the Christian 
 coloripg of the poem. 
 
BEOWULF. 
 
 Beowulf and Geendel. 
 I. 
 
 Scyld and his descendants. Hrothgar and the building of 
 Heorot. Tlie coming of Grendel, and his evil deeds. 
 Hrothgar's great sorrow. 
 
 I. ~r O ! we of the Spear-Danes', in days of yore, 
 -L-^ Warrior-kings' glory have heard, 
 How the princes heroic deeds wrought. 
 Oft Scyld, son of Scef , from hosts of foes, 
 5 From many tribes, their mead-seats took ; 
 The earl caused terror since first he was 
 Found thus forlorn : gained he comfort for that. 
 Grew under the clouds, in honors throve, 
 Until each one of those dwelling around 
 
 10 Over the whale-road, him should obey, 
 Shojild tribute pay : that was a good king ! 
 To him was a son afterwards born. 
 Young in his palace, one whom God sent 
 To the people for comfort : their distress He perceived, 
 
 15 That they ere suffered life-eating care 
 So long a while. Him therefor life's Lord, 
 King of glory, world-honor gave : 
 Beowulf was noted (wide spread his fame) , 
 The son of Scyld in Scedelands. 
 
 20 So shall a young man with presents cause. 
 With rich money-gifts in his father's house. 
 That him in old age may after attend 
 
BEOWULF. [23-57. 
 
 Willing comrade? ; when war shall come, 
 
 May stand by their chief ; by deeds of praise shall 
 
 25 In every tribe a hero thrive ! 
 
 Then Scyld departed at the hour of fate, 
 The warlilis to go into his Lord's keeping : 
 They him then bore to the ocean's wave, 
 His trusty comrades, as he himself bade, 
 
 30 Whilst with words ruled the friend of the Scyldings, 
 Belovdd land-prince ; long wielded he power. 
 There stood at haven with curved prow, 
 Shining and ready, the prince's ship. : 
 The people laid their dear war-lord, 
 
 35 Giver of rings, on the deck of the ship, 
 
 The mighty by th' mast. Many treasures were there, 
 From distant lands, ornaments brought ; 
 Ne'er heard I of keel more comelily filled 
 With warlike weapons and weeds of battle, 
 
 40 With bills and burnies ! On his bosom lay 
 A heap of jewels, which -with him should 
 Into the flood's keeping afar depart : 
 Not at all with less gifts did they him provide. 
 With princely treasures, than those had done, 
 
 45 Who him at his birth had erst sent forth 
 Alone o'er the sea when but a child. 
 Then placed they yet a golden standard 
 High over his head, let the wav.es bear 
 Their gift to the sea ; sad was their soul, 
 
 50 Mourning their mood. Men indeed cannot 
 Say now in sooth, hall-possessors, 
 Heroes 'neath heavens, who that heap took. 
 
 II. Then was in the cities Beowulf, the Scyldings' 
 Belovdd folk-king, for a long time 
 
 65 Renowned 'mid the nation (elsewhere went his father 
 The prince from his home) , till from him after sprang 
 The gi-eat Healfdene : he ruled while he lived, 
 
58-92.] BEOWULF. § 
 
 AgM and warlike, kindly the Scyldings. 
 
 To him were four children, reckoned in order, 
 
 60 Born into the world, to the prince of the people, 
 Heorogar and Hrothgar and Halga the good. 
 I heard that Elan wife of Ongentheow was, 
 The warlike Scylfing's bed-companion. 
 Then was to Hrothgar war-success given, 
 
 65 Honor in battle, that him his dear kiiismen 
 Gladly obeyed, until the youth grew, 
 A great band of men. It came into his mind 
 That he a great hall would then command, 
 A greater mead-hall his men to build 
 
 70 Than children of men ever had heard of. 
 And there within would he all deal out 
 To young and to old, as God him gave, 
 Except the folk-land and lives of men. 
 Then far and wide heard I the work was ordered 
 
 75 To many a tribe throughout this mid-earth 
 The folk-hall to deck. Him in time it befell 
 Quickly with men, that it was all ready. 
 The greatest of halls : Heort as name gave he it. 
 He who with his word power far and wide had. 
 
 80 He belied not his promise, bracelets he dealt, 
 Treasure at banquet. The hall arose 
 Lofty and pinnacled ; hostile waves it awaited 
 Of hateful fire. Nor was it yet long 
 Before fierce hatred to the frightened men, 
 
 85 For deadly enmity, was to arise, 
 Since the fell spirit most spitefully 
 For a time endured, who in darkness abode, 
 That he on each day the sound of joy heard 
 Loud in the hall : there was harp's sound, 
 
 90 Clear song of the minstrel. He said, he who could 
 The creatiop of men from of old relate, 
 QuOth that the Almighty the earth had wrought, 
 
i BEOWULF. [93-127. 
 
 The beautiful plain which water surrounds, 
 Victorious had set the sun and the moon 
 95 As lights for light to the land-dwellers, 
 And had adorned the regions of earth 
 "With limbs and leases, life also created 
 For every kind of living beings. J 
 
 Thus were the warriors living in joj's 
 
 100 Happily then, until one began 
 
 Great woes to work, a fiend of hell : 
 The wrathful spirit was Grendel named. 
 The mighty mark-stepper who the moors held, 
 Fen and fastness : the sea-fiend's abode 
 
 105 The joyless being a while in-dwelt. 
 Since the Creator him had proscribed. 
 (Upon Cain's kin that crime avenged 
 The Lord eternal, for that he slew Abel : 
 Joyed he not in that feud, but him afar banished 
 
 110 For that crime the Creator awaj^ from mankind : 
 Thence evil demons all were produced, 
 Eotens and elves and monsters of sea, 
 Such were the giants who strove against God 
 For a long time : He repaid them for that.) 
 
 115 ni. Then went he to seek out, after night came, 
 The high-built house, how the Ring-Danes, 
 After their beer-feast, it had arranged. 
 He found then therein a band of nobles 
 Asleep after feasting : sorrows they knew not, 
 
 120 Misfortunes of men. The demon of death. 
 Grim and gi'eedy, soon was ready. 
 Fierce and furious, and in rest took 
 Thirty of thanes ; thence back he departed, 
 Exulting in booty, homeward to go, 
 
 125 With this fill of slaughter to seek out his dwelling. 
 Then at early morn was with dawn of day 
 Grendel's war-craft made known to men : 
 
128-162.] BEOWULF. 
 
 Then after his meal was wailing upraised, 
 A great moruing-cry : the mighty prince, 
 
 130 The honored chief, sorrowful sat. 
 
 The strong man suffered, thane-sorrow endured, 
 After the foeman's footsteps they beheld. 
 The cursed demon's : too severe was that sorrow. 
 Loathsome and lasting. No longer time was it, 
 
 135 But after one night he again wrought 
 
 More deeds of murder, and did not shrink from 
 Hatred and evil : too firm he was in them. 
 Then was easy to flud one who elsewhere. 
 Farther removed, rest for himself sought, 
 
 140 A bed next the chambers, since to him was shown, 
 Truly was said by a manifest sign 
 The hall-thane's hatred : he held himself after 
 Further and firmer, who 'scaped from the fiend. 
 So then he reigned and strove against right 
 
 145 Alone against all, until empty stood 
 
 The finest of houses. Long was the time : 
 Twelve winters' time suffering endured 
 The friend of the Scyldings, each one of woes. 
 Of sorrows extreme : therefore was this misei-y 
 
 150 Openly known to the children of men, 
 Sadly in songs, that Grendel contended 
 A while against Hrothgar, hateful war waged, 
 Evil and enmity many half-years. 
 Contests continual ; peacefully would not 
 
 155 From any one man of the might of the Danes 
 Life-bale remove, nor with money compound ; 
 No one of the wise men need there expect 
 A ransom more splendid at the murderer's hands. 
 The terrible demon harassing was, 
 
 160 Dark death-shadow, the old and the young. 
 
 Caught and entrapped them ; in black night held 
 The misty moors : men know not indeed 
 
6 BEOWULF. [163-192. 
 
 I "Whither hell's demons wander in crowds. 
 So manj' foul deeds the foe of mankind^ 
 
 165 The terrible lone one, often enacted, 
 Direful afflictions ; Heorot he dwelt in. 
 The costly-decked hall, on the dark nights ; 
 Yet must he not the rich gift-stool approach 
 For the Creator, nor wish for it know. 
 
 170 That was great sorrow of the friend of the Scyldings, 
 Misery of mind I Many oft sat 
 Mighty in council ; plans they devised, 
 What with bold mind then would be best 
 'Gainst the sudden attacks for them to do. 
 
 175 Sometimes they vowed at their temples of idols 
 To their gods worship, with words they prayed 
 The destroyer of spirits would render them help 
 Against their folk-sorrows. Such was their custom, 
 Hope of the heatben : hell they remembered 
 
 180 In their minds' thoughts ; the Creator they knew not, 
 Judge of their deeds : the good Lord they knew not. 
 Heaven's protector could they not praise, 
 The King of glory. "Woe be to him who shall. 
 Through deadly hate, thrust down his soul 
 
 185 Into the fire-abyss ; for comfort he'll hope not. 
 By no means return ! "Well be to him who may, 
 After his death-day, seek for the Lord, 
 In the Father's bosom mercy beseech ! 
 
 II. 
 
 The arrival of Beowulf . His talk with the warden. His 
 reception by Hrotligar. He makes known his errand. 
 
 rV". So then great sorrow Healfdene's son 
 190 Continuallj^ suffered : might not the wise chieftain 
 His woes remove : too great was that pain, 
 Loathsome and lasting, that came on the people. 
 
193-227.] BEOWULF. ' 1 
 
 Dreadful distress, greatest of night-bales. 
 That from home learnt Higelac's thane, 
 
 1 95 Good 'mong the Geats, the deeds of Grendel : 
 He was of manlvind strongest in might 
 In the da}^ then of this mortal life, 
 Noble and great. For him a ship bade he 
 A good one prepare, quoth, he the war -king 
 
 200 Over the swan-road wished to seek out. 
 
 The mighty prince, since he need had of men. 
 That journey to him the cunning churls 
 Not at all blamed, thougli he dear to them was. 
 They whetted the brave one, good omens they saw. 
 
 205 The good one had of the Geats' people 
 
 Warriors chosen, of those whom he bravest 
 "Was able to find : one of fifteen 
 The vessel he sought : a warrior made known, 
 A sea-crafty man, the neighboring landmarks. 
 
 210 Thus time went on : on the waves was the ship, 
 Boat under the mountain. The heroes ready 
 On the prow stied : the billows rolled 
 The sea 'gainst the sand. The warriors bore 
 On the deck of the ship ornaments bright, 
 
 215 Equipments ornate : the men shoved out, 
 Men on willing journey, the well-fitted wood. 
 "Went then o'er the waves, by the wind hastened. 
 The foamy-necked float to a fowl most like. 
 Till at the same hour of the next day 
 
 220 The curvdd prow had traversed the water. 
 So that the sailors then saw the land. 
 The sea-cliffs shine, the mountains steep. 
 The broad sea-nesses. Then was the sea-goer 
 At the end of its voyage. Thence quickly up 
 
 225 The Weders' people on the plain stied. 
 
 The sea-wood tied, their battle-sarks rattled. 
 Their weeds of war : thanked they then God 
 
3 BEOWULF. [228-201. 
 
 \That for them the sea-paths easy were found. 
 Then saw from the wall the guard of the Scyldings, 
 
 230 I-Ie who the sea-cliffs was set to hold, 
 
 Bear o'er the bulwarks bright-looking shields, 
 Weapons ready for war : wonder -aroused him 
 In his mind's thoughts as to what these men were. 
 Went he then to the sea on his steed riding, 
 
 235 The thane of Hrothgar ; with might he shook 
 
 The strong wood in his hands, with weighty words 
 
 spoke : 
 "What now are ye of arms-bearing men 
 With burnies protected, who thus a high keel 
 Over the sea-path bringing have come 
 
 240 O'er the waves hither, clad in helmets ? 
 I was the coast-guard, sea- watch I kept 
 That no one of foes on the Danes' land 
 With a ship-army injury might do. 
 Not here more openly ever have come 
 
 245 Bearers of shields ! Ye the permission 
 Of warlike men did not well know, 
 Consent of kinsmen ! Ne'er saw I a greater 
 Earl upon earth than is one of yotf, 
 A hero in armor : that is no home-sta3-er 
 
 250 With weapons adorned, unless looks belie him, 
 His peerless appearance. Now I of you shall 
 The origin learn, ere ye far hence, 
 Like to false spies, in the land of tlie Danes 
 Further advancfe. Now ye far-dwelling, 
 
 255 Sea-faring men, give willing ear 
 
 To my simple thought : haste now is best 
 I To make plainly known whence is your coming.'"/ 
 V. To him then the princely one quickly replied. 
 The war-band's leader his word-hoard unlocked : 
 
 260 "We are of the race of the Geats' people, 
 And are of Hygelac hearth-companions. 
 
262-296.] BEOWULF. 9 
 
 My own father was well-known to the folk, 
 A princely ruler, Ecgtheow called : 
 Many winters he lived ere he away went 
 
 265 Aged from his dwelling : him well remembers 
 Each one of the wise men wide through the earth. 
 With friendly mind we thine own lord, 
 Healfdene's son, seeking are come, 
 The people's protector. Be thou our informant. 
 
 270 We have to the mighty a mickle errand. 
 
 To the lord of the Danes : nor shall aught be hidden 
 
 Of this, as I think. Thou knowestj if it is. 
 
 As we indeed truly have heard it said, 
 
 That 'mong the Scj'ldings I know not what foe, 
 
 275 A secret enemy, on the dark nights, . 
 Shows by his terror hatred unknown. 
 Oppression and slaughter. I for that Hrotbgar 
 With kindly mind counsel may give. 
 How he, old and good, shall the foe overcome, 
 
 280 If yet for him ever should cease 
 
 The misery of woes, release again come, 
 And the care-waves cooler become ; 
 Or ever hereafter a time of trouble. 
 Oppression he'll suffer, while there remains 
 
 285 In its high place the noblest of houses." 
 The warden spoke, where on his horse sat 
 The fearless warrior : "Of each of these shall 
 A wise shield-warrior the difference know, 
 Of words and works, he who well judgeth. 
 
 290 I that do hear, that this band is friendly 
 
 To the lord of the Scyldings ; go then forth bearing 
 Your weapons and war-weeds ; I shall direct you : 
 Likewise my horse-thanes I shall command 
 .Against any foe this vessel of yours, 
 
 295 The newly-tarred boat, on the sea-sand 
 With honor to hold, till back shall bear 
 
10 BEOWULF. [297-331. 
 
 O'er the sea-waves the friendly man 
 The curved-prowed craft to Wedermark. 
 To such a good-doer will it be granted, 
 
 300 That this battle-storm he safe shall escape." 
 
 Then journeyed they on : the boat remained still, 
 lu the bay rested the broad-bosomed ship. 
 At anchor fast. The boar's likeness shone : 
 Over the visor, with gold adorned, 
 
 305 Bright and fire-hardened, the boar kept guard. 
 The flerce-minded hurried, the heroes hastened, 
 Together they went, till the well-built hall. 
 Shining and gold-adorned, they might perceive : 
 That was the foremost to dwellers on earth 
 
 310 Of balls under heavens, in which the king dwelt ; 
 The light from it shone o'er many of lands. 
 To them then the warrior the court of the proud 
 Glittering showed, that they to it might 
 Straightway proceed, one of. war-heroes : 
 
 315 Turned he his horse, his word then spoke: 
 
 "My time 'tis to go. May the Father Almighty 
 With His gracious favor you now preserve 
 Safe on your journey ! I will at the sea 
 'Gainst hostile band keep guard of the coast." 
 
 320 VI. The road was stone-laid, the path directed 
 The men together. The war-burnie shone. 
 Hard and hand-locked, the bright ring6d-iron 
 Sang in the armor, when they to the hall 
 In their war- weeds at first approached. 
 
 325 Sea-wearied they set their broad-shapen shields. 
 Their stout-made bucklers, against the hall's wall, 
 Went then to the benches ; their burnies rang, 
 War-armor of men ; their long spears stood. 
 The sea-men's weapons, all together, 
 
 330 Grey ash-shaft above ; the armored band was 
 
 With weapons adorned. There then a bold warrior 
 
333-3e6.] BEOWULF. H 
 
 Inquired of the heroes concerning their kinship : 
 "Whence do ye bear your gilded shields, 
 Graj'-colored sarks and grim-looking helmets, 
 
 335 Heap of war-shafts ? I am of Hrothgar 
 
 Attendant and servant. Ne'er saw I strangers, 
 
 So many men, with prouder looks. 
 
 I think ye for valor, and not in exile, 
 
 But for high-mindedness Hrothgar have sought." 
 
 340 Him then the hero famed-for-strength answered. 
 The brave Weders' prince, his word then spoke, 
 Bold under his helmet :- ' ' We are of Hj'gelac 
 Table-companions, Beowulf's my name. 
 I wish to tell to the son of Healfdene, 
 
 345 The illustrious prince, my errand to him. 
 Thy lord, and to know if he will us grant 
 That we him so good friendly may greet.." 
 Wulfgar then spoke (he was Vandals' chief. 
 His strength of mind was to many well-known,. 
 
 350 His prowess and wisdom) : " I the Danes' friend. 
 The lord of the Scyldings, therefore wiU ask. 
 The giver of rings, as thou art a suppliant, 
 The illustrious prince, concerning thy errand, 
 And to thee the answer at once will announce, 
 
 355 (Which to me the good one thinketh to give/^ 
 Went he then quickly to where Hrothgar sat. 
 Old and gray-headed, with his band of earls ; 
 The warlike went, till he stood in the presence 
 Of the lord of the Danes ; he knew the court's custom. 
 
 360 Wulfgar then spoke to his own dear lord : 
 ' ' Herb are arrived, come from afar 
 Over the sea-waves, men of the Geats ; 
 The one most distinguished the warriors brave 
 Beowulf name. They are thy suppliants 
 
 365 That they, my prince, may with thee now 
 Greetings exchange : do not thou refuse them 
 
12 BEOWULF. [367-400. 
 
 Thy converse in turn, friendly Hrothgar ! 
 
 They in their war-weeds seem very worthy 
 
 Contenders with earls : the chief is renowned 
 370 Who these war-heroes hither has led." 
 VII. Hrothgar then spoke, defence of the Scj-ldings : 
 I "I knew him of old when he was a child : 
 
 His ag6d father was Ecgtheow named ; 
 
 To him at home gave Hrethel the Geat 
 375 His only daughter: his son has now 
 
 Boldly come here, a trusty friend sought. 
 
 Then this was said by the sea-farers, 
 
 Those who did tribute for the Geats carry 
 
 Thither for favor, that he thirtj'^ men's 
 380 Great strength of might in his hand-grip. 
 
 Brave in war, has. Him holy God 
 
 For gracious help to us has sent, 
 
 To the West-Danes, as I have hope. 
 
 Against Grendel's terror : I shall to the good one 
 385 For his boldness of mind costly gifts offer. 
 
 Be thou in haste, bid them come in, 
 
 A friendly band see all together ! 
 
 Tell them too in words that they are welcome 
 
 To the Danes' people." — [To the hall-door 
 390 Wulfgar then went] , words within spoke : 
 
 " To j'ou bade me say my victor-lord. 
 
 Prince of the East-Danes, that your kinship he 
 knows, ^ 
 
 And ye are to him over the sea-waves. 
 
 Bold-minded men, welcome hither. 
 395 Now ye may go in your war-armor. 
 
 Under your helmets, Hrothgar to see : 
 
 Let ye your battle-shields here then await. 
 
 Your spears, deadl}- shafts, the converse of words." 
 
 Then rose the mighty, many wan-iors around him, 
 400 A brave band of thanes : some there abode, 
 
401-434.] BEOWULF. 13 
 
 The battle-weeds kept, as them the chief bade. 
 They hastened together, as the guide them directed, 
 Under Heorot's roof : the valiant one went 
 iJJold under his helmet, till he in the hall stood^ 
 
 405 Beowulf spoke (on him shone the burnie. 
 
 The linked net- work forged by the smith's craft) : 
 ''Be thou, Hrothgar, hail !^ I am of Hygelac 
 Kinsman and war-thane : many exploits have I 
 Undertaken in youth. To me Grendel's deed 
 
 410 In my native land clearly was known : 
 
 The sea-farers say that this mead-hall stands. 
 Noblest of halls, for each one of heroes 
 Empty and useless, when even-light 
 In the brightness of heaven has been concealed. 
 
 415 Then did my people give me advice. 
 The noblest of men, craftiest of churls. 
 Princely Hrothgar, that I thee should seek ; • 
 For that they knew my own strength of might : 
 They themselves saw when I came from the battle, 
 
 420 Blood-stained from my foes, where sea-mOnsters I 
 bound. 
 The eoten-race killed, and on the waves slew 
 The nickers by night, endured great distress. 
 Avenged Weders' sorrows (woes had they suffered), 
 Their foe-men destroyed, and now against Grendel, 
 
 425 Against the dread monster, alone shall decide 
 The flght 'gainst the giant. I of thee now then, 
 Prince of the Bright-banes, desire to make. 
 Chief of the Scj-ldings, but one request, — 
 That do not thou refuse me, defender of warriors, 
 
 430 Dear friend of the people, now thus far am I come, — 
 That I may alone and my band of earls, 
 This company brave, Heorot cleanse. 
 Also have I heard that the dread monster 
 For boldness of mood recks not for weapons : 
 
14 BEOWULF. [435-469. 
 
 435 I that then renounce — so be to me Hygelac, 
 My own people's-king, gracious in mind — 
 That I a sword bear or a broad shield 
 Yellowjimmed to the battle ; but I with grip shall 
 'Gainst mj' foe grapple and for life strive 
 
 440 Foe against foe : there shall confide 
 
 In the doom of the Lord he whom death takes. 
 I ween that he will, if he may prevail, 
 In the war-hall the folk of the Geats, 
 The fearless, devour, as he oft did 
 
 445 The might of the Hrethmen ; thou needest not then 
 My head conceal, but me he will have 
 Staindd with gore, if death me take, 
 My bloody corpse bear, think to devour it, 
 Will eat it alone, unpityinglj', ^ ] 
 
 450 Will mark the moor-mounds : thou needest not then 
 For my body's food longer take care. 
 Send thou to Hygelac, if battle me take, 
 Best one of war- weeds that covers mj' breast. 
 Noblest of burnies ; 'tis Hraedla's bequest, 
 
 455 Weland's skilled work. Goes aj-e Weird as it will ! " 
 VIII. Hrothgar then spoke, defence of the Scyldings : 
 " For fight of protection, Beowulf my friend. 
 And for assistance, hast thou us sought. 
 Thy father fought a mighty contest ; 
 
 460 He was of Heatholaf the slayer by hand 
 
 Among the Wylfings ; then the kin of the Waras 
 'Gainst the terror of war him might not have. 
 After that sought he the South-Danes' folk 
 Over the sea-waves, the Honor-Scyldings, 
 
 465 When I first ruled the folk of the Danes, 
 And in youth held the jewelled-rich 
 Hoard-city of heroes, when Heregar was dead. 
 My elder brother bereft of life, 
 The son of Healfdene ; he was better than I. 
 
470-498.] BEOWULF. 15 
 
 470 Afterwards the feud with money I settled ; 
 I sent to the Wjiflngs o'er the waters' ridge 
 Old-time treasures ; he swore to me oaths. 
 Sorrow is in my mind for me to say 
 To anj' of men what to me Grendel hath 
 
 475 Of harm in Heorot with his hateful thoughts, 
 Of sudden woes wrought ; my hall-band is, 
 My war-heap, vanished ; Weird swept them away 
 Into Grendel's terror. God easily may 
 The mad foe restrain from his evil deeds. 
 
 480 Very often they boasted, drunken with beer, 
 Over the ale-cup, the warriors bold, . 
 That they in the beer-hall would then await 
 Grendel's contest with their terrible swords. 
 Then was this mead-hall in the morning-time, 
 
 485 Lordlj' hall, stained with gore, when day-light shone, 
 All the bench-rows covered with blood. 
 The hall with sword-gore ; I had the less lieges. 
 Dearest companions, whom death took away. 
 Sit now at the feast and free from court-rules 
 
 490 The heroes victorious, as pleases thy mind." / 
 Then was for the Geat-men all together 
 In the beer-hall a bench prepared, 
 "Where the bold-minded hastened to sit, 
 Proud in their strength. The thane did his service, 
 
 495 Who in his hands bore a gold-adorned ale-cup. 
 
 Poured out the clear mead. Sometimes sang the 
 
 minstrel 
 With clear voice in Heorot : there was joy of heroes, 
 No little band of Danes and Weders. 
 
16 BEOWULF. [499-527. 
 
 III. 
 
 HunfertWs taunt. The swimming-match with Breca. Joy 
 in Heorot. 
 
 IX. Hunferth then spoke, the son of Ecglaf, 
 
 500 Who at the feet sat of the lord of the Scyldihgs, 
 Unloosed his war-secret (was the coming of Beowulf, 
 The proud sea-farer,' to him a vexation. 
 For that he granted not that any man else 
 Ever more honor of this mid-earth 
 
 505 Should gain under heavens than he himself) : 
 " Art thou that Beowulf who strove with Breca 
 On the broad sea iu swimming-match, ' 
 
 "When ye two for pride the billows tried 
 And for vain boasting in the deep water 
 
 510 Risked j-our lives ? You two no man, 
 Nor friend nor foe, might then dissuade 
 From sorrowful venture, when ye on the sea swam. 
 When j-e the sea-waves with your arms covered, 
 Measured the sea-ways, brandished your hands, 
 
 515 Glided o'er ocean ; with its great billows 
 
 Welled up winter's flood. In the power of the waters 
 Ye seven nights strove : he in swimming thee con- 
 quered. 
 He had greater might. Then him in the morning 
 On the Heathoremes' land the ocean bore up, 
 
 520 Whence he did seek his pleasant home. 
 
 Dear to his people, the land of the Brondings 
 His fair strong city, where he had people, 
 A citj' and rings. All his boast against thee 
 The son of Beanstan truly fulfilled. 
 
 525 Then ween I for thee a worse result, 
 
 Though thou in battle wert everywhere good, 
 A fiercer fight, if thou Grendel darest 
 
528-562.] BEOWULF. 17 
 
 The space of one night nigh to abide." 
 Beowtilf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 530 " Lo ! thou very much,, Hunferth my friend, 
 Drunken with beer, hast spoken of Breca, 
 Hast said of his jom-ney. I say the truth. 
 That I did the more sea-power possess. 
 Endurance 'mid waves, than any man else. 
 
 535 We two said this, when we were boys. 
 
 And we of this boasted (both were then still 
 In the prime of youth) , that we out on the sea 
 Our lives would risk ; and that -we accomplished. 
 A naked sword had we, when we swam on the sea, 
 
 540 Boldly in hand : ourselves 'gainst the whales 
 We thought to defend. , Not at all from me 
 On the flood-waves could he afar float, 
 On the sea quicker ; I from him would not. 
 Then we two together were in the sea 
 
 545 The space of five nights, till flood apart drove us. 
 The swelling billows, coldest of storms. 
 Darkening night, and the north wind 
 Boisterous and fierce ; rough were the -waves. 
 The sea-fishes' spirit was then aroused : 
 
 550 There 'gainst the foes my body-sark. 
 
 Hard and hand-locked, to me help afforded ; 
 The braided war-burnie on my breast lay. 
 With gold adorned. To the bottom me drew 
 The hostile foe ; he held me fast, 
 
 555 Grim in his grip ; yet was it granted me, 
 
 That I the monster with sword-point reached. 
 With battle-brand : the struggle took off 
 4The mighty fiiere-beast by my own hand, j 
 X. "So often upon me the hateful foes 
 
 560 Powerfully pressed : I punished them 
 With my dear sword, as it behooved me. 
 Not at all did theyhave joy of their meal, 
 
18 BEOWULF. ' [563-596. 
 
 The evil-doers, that they me might devour, 
 'Eound their banquet might sit nigh the sea-bottom, 
 
 565 But in the morning wounded with swords 
 Around the sea-strand and upon it they lay, 
 With swords put to sleep, that never thereafter 
 Upon tte high ocean the farers-by-sea 
 Might they let on their journey. Light from the east 
 came, 
 
 570 Bright beacon of God : still were the waves. 
 So that I the sea-nesses might now behold, 
 The windy walls. Weird often preserves 
 > An unfated earl, when his might has availed ! 
 Yet it granted to me that I with sword slew 
 
 575 Nine of the nickers. Ne'er heard I at night 
 Under, heaven's vault of a harder fight. 
 Nor on the sea-billows of a more wretched man : 
 Yet I my foes' grip with life escaped 
 Weary of th' journey. Then me the sea bore, 
 
 580 The flood o'er the waves, upon the Finns' land. 
 The welling waters. Not at all about thee 
 Of such-like contests have I heard tell. 
 Of terror with swords. Breca ne'er yet 
 In battle-plaj', nor either of j'ou, 
 
 585 So daring a deed ever has done, ' 
 
 With staindd swords (not of that do I boast) , 
 Though thou thine own brothers' murderer wast, 
 Thy blood-relations' : for this shalt thou in hell 
 Curses endure, though thy wit may avail ! 
 
 590 I tell thee in truth, son of Ecglaf , 
 
 That never had Grendel wrought so many horrors, 
 The terrible monster, to thine own prince, 
 Shame in Heorot, if thy mind were, 
 Thy temper, so fierce, as thou thyself reckonest : 
 
 595 But he hath found that he the feud need not, 
 The terrible contest of your own people, 
 
597-630.] BEOWULF. 19 
 
 Very much dread, of the Victor-Scyldings ; 
 He taketh forced pledge, he spareth no one 
 Of the Danes' people, but he joy beareth, 
 
 600 Killeth and eateth, nor weeneth of contest 
 With the Spear-Danes. But I to him shall 
 The Geats' strength and might without delay now 
 OfEer in battle. Then shall go he who may 
 Proudly to mead, when morningrliglit 
 
 605 Of the second day o'er the children of men. 
 
 The sun ether-clad, shall shine from the South." 
 Then was in joy the giver of treasure, 
 Gray-haired and war-fierce ; help he expected. 
 The ruler of Bright-Danes ; in Beowulf heard 
 
 610 The people's shepherd the firm-set purpose. 
 
 There was laughter of heroes, the harp merry 
 
 sounded, ' 
 Winsome were words. Went Wealhtheow forth. 
 The queen of Hrothgar, mindful of courtesies, 
 Gold-adorned greeted the men in the hall, 
 
 615 And the high-born woman ther^ gave the cup 
 Fh'st to the East-Danes' home-protector, 
 Bade him be blithe at the beer-drinking, 
 Him dear to his people. In joy he received 
 The food and the hall-cup, victorious king. 
 
 620 Then around went the Helmings' lady 
 To every division of «ld and of young, 
 Costly gifts gave, until the time came 
 That she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen. 
 Noble in mind, the mead-cup bore : 
 
 625 She greeted the Geats' chief, thanks gave to God, 
 Wise in her words, that the wish to her fell, 
 That on any earl she might rely 
 For comfort in evils. Received he the cup, 
 The warrior fierce, at Wealhtheow's hands, 
 
 630 And then he spoke, ready for battle ; 
 
20 BEOWULF. [631-661. 
 
 Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 "This thought I then, when I on the sea stied, 
 Boarded my sea-boat with my warrior-band, 
 That I throughout of your own peoplef 
 
 635 The will would work, or in battle fall. 
 Fast in fiend's grip. I shall perform 
 Deeds of valor, or end-day mine 
 In this mead-hall- 1 shall await." 
 To the woman these words well-pleasing were, 
 
 640 Boasts of the Geat : gold-adorned went 
 The high-born queen to sit by her lord. 
 Then was as before again in the hall 
 Mighty word spoken, in joy were the people. 
 The victor-folk's shout, until all at once 
 
 645 The son of Healfdene wished to seek out 
 His evening-rest ; he knew for the monster 
 In the high hall was battle prepared, 
 
 647° [Because in this hall the Ring-Danes never 
 
 647'' Dared to abide unless by,da3--time]. 
 
 From the time that they the sun-light might see, 
 Till night spreading darkness over all things, 
 
 650 Night-wandering spirits, came advancing 
 
 Dark under the clouds. The crowd all arose : 
 Greeted then glad-minded one man another, 
 Hrothgar Beowulf, and offered him hail. 
 Power o'er the mead-hall, and this word spoke : 
 
 655 "Never to any man ere did I trust, 
 
 Since I could lift m^- hand and my shield, 
 Eoj'al hall of the Danes except to thee now. 
 Have now and hold the noblest of houses. 
 Of glory be mindful, a hero's might show, 
 
 660 Watch 'gainst the foe. No wish shalt thou want. 
 If thou the great struggle escapest with life." 
 
662-691.] BEOWUL]?. 21 
 
 IV. 
 
 Beowulf and Ms men occupy Heorot. The coming of 
 Grendel. Tlie mighty contest. Beowulf's victory. 
 
 J XI. Then Hrothgar went with his warrior-band, 
 The prince of the Scyldings, out of the hall : 
 The war-prince would Wealhtheow seek, 
 
 665 His queen as companion. The glory of kings 
 Grendel against, as men heard say, 
 A hall-guard had set: he performed special service 
 For the prince of the Danes, he eoten-guard kept. 
 Now the prince of the Geats earnestly trusted 
 
 670 In his proud might, in the Creator's favor. 
 Then he laid him -aside his iron burnie. 
 Helmet from head, his jewelled sword gave, 
 Choicest of weapons, to his servant- thane. 
 And bade him keep his armor of war. 
 
 675 Then spoke the hero some boastful words, 
 Beowulf the Geat, ere he on bed stied : 
 ".I count not myself less good in war-might 
 For deeds of battle than Grendel himself: 
 Therefore with my sword I him will not kill, 
 
 680 Of life deprive, though I it all maj\ 
 
 He knows not these goods, so that he me may slay, 
 Hew down my shield, although he be fierce 
 In hostile deeds : but we at night shall 
 From swords refrain, if he dare to seek 
 
 685 War without weapons ; and then the wise God, 
 The holy Lord, on whatever hand 
 May the glory adjudge, as seems to Him fit. 
 Then lay down the warlike : the pillow received 
 The cheeks of the earl, and him around many 
 
 690 A valiant sea-warrior sought his hall-rest. 
 
 No one of these thought that thence he should 
 
22 BEOWULF. [692-725, 
 
 Again his dear home ever seek out, 
 Folk or free-city where he was reared ; 
 But they had heard that too many before 
 
 695 In this wine-hall bloody death carried ofE 
 
 Of the folk of the Danes. But to them the Lord gave 
 The web of war-speed, lo the folk of the Weders 
 Comfort and help, so that thej' their foes 
 Through the craft of one all overcame, 
 
 700 By the might of one self : the truth is made known 
 That the mighty God the race of man 
 Has alwaj's ruled. — Came in wan night 
 The shadow-goer stepping. The warriors slept, 
 Who the horned hall then were to hold, 
 
 705 All except one. That was to men known, 
 
 That them he might not, whom the Creator would not, 
 The hostile demon drag into darkness ; 
 But he keeping watch for his foe in anger 
 Awaited enraged the result of the battle. 
 
 710 XII. Then came from the moor 'neath the misty 
 slopes 
 Grendel going, God's anger he bore. 
 The wicked foe thought of the race of man 
 Some one to entrap in that high hall : 
 He went 'neath the clouds whither he the wine-hall, 
 
 715 The gold-hall of men, most thoroughly knew. 
 
 Shining with gold-plates : that was not the first time 
 That he of Hrothgar the home had sought. 
 Ne'er in his life-time before nor after 
 Bolder warriors, hall-thanes, did he find! 
 
 720 Then came to the hall the being approaching, 
 Of joj-s deprived. The door soon sprang open 
 Fast iu its fire-bands, when he with hands touched it ; 
 Then burst the bale-bringer, since he was em-aged. 
 The door of the hall. Soon after that 
 
 725 On the many-colored floor the fiendish one trod. 
 
>726-7G0.] BEOWULF. 23 
 
 Mad in mind went : from his eyes stood 
 
 A loathsome light likest to flame. 
 
 He saw in the hall many of warriors, i 
 
 A band in peace sleeping all together, 
 
 730 A heap of kin-warriors. Then laughed his mood, 
 He thought that he would, ere day came, divide. 
 The terrible monster, of every one 
 The life from the body, since to him was fallen 
 A hope of much'food. That weird was not yet, 
 
 735 That he might more of the race of man 
 
 Devom- by night. The strong-in-might saw, 
 The kinsman of Hj'gelac, how the fell foe 
 With his swift attacks was going to act. 
 That did not the monster think to delay, 
 
 740 But quickly he seized for the first time 
 A sleeping warrior, him tore unresisting. 
 Bit his bone-frame, drank blood from his veins, 
 In great bites him swallowed : soon then he had, 
 Deprived of life, him aU devoured, 
 
 745*Feet even and hands. Forth nearer he stepped. 
 Seized then with his hands the firm-in-mind 
 Warrior at rest. He reached out against 
 The fiend with his hand : quickly he seized 
 The cunning-in-mind and on his arm sat. 
 
 750 Soon this perceived the worker of evil. 
 That he never found in this mid-earth. 
 In the regions of earth, in another man 
 A greater hand-grip : in mood he became 
 In his soul frightened ; he could not sooner forth. 
 
 755 His mind was death-ready ; into darkness would flee. 
 The devil-band seek : his course was not there. 
 As he in old-days before had found. 
 Eemembered he then, good kinsman of Hygelac, 
 His evening-speech ; upright he stood 
 
 760 And him fast seized : his fingers cracked. 
 
24 BEOWULF. [7G1-794. 
 
 The eoten would outwards : the earl further stepped ; 
 The might}- one thought, whereso he might, 
 Afar to escape, and away thence 
 Flee into the marshes : he knew that his fingers 
 
 765 Were in his foe's grip : that was a bad journey 
 That the harm-bringing foe had taken to Heorot : 
 The royal hall sounded : for all the Danes was. 
 The city-dwellers, each one of the bold. 
 For earls the ale spilt. Angry were both 
 
 770 Furious contestants : the hall cracked aloud : 
 Then was it great wonder that the wine-hall. 
 Withstood the fierce fighters, that it to ground fell 
 
 not. 
 The fair folk-hall : but it was too fast 
 Within and without in its iron bands 
 
 775 By cunning skill forged. There from the sill fell 
 Many a mead-bench, as I have heard say, 
 Adorned with gold, where the foes fought. 
 Of this before weened not wise men of the Scj'ldings 
 That it ever with strength any of men, 
 
 780 Goodly and bone-adorned, to pieces might break, 
 With craft destroy, unless flame's ernbrace 
 In smoke should it swallow. The sound arose 
 Often repeated : to the North-Danes stood 
 Fearful terror, to every one 
 
 785 Of those who from the wall the weeping heard. 
 The terrible song sung of th' opposer of God, 
 The joj'less song, his pain lament 
 The prisoner of heU. He held him too fast, 
 He who of men was strongest in might 
 
 790 In the day then of this mortal life. 
 XIII. The earl's defence would on no account 
 The bringer of woes let go alive. 
 Nor his life-days tb any people 
 Did he count useful. There brandished many 
 
795-829.] BEOWULF. 25 
 
 795 An earl of Beowulf his good old sword ; 
 His dear lord's life he would defend, 
 His noble chiefs, whereso they might ; 
 Thej^ knew not indeed, when they risked the contest, 
 The bold-in-mind heroes of battle, 
 
 800 And on each side they thought to hew, 
 To seek his soul, that the fiendish demon 
 Not any on earth choicest of weapons. 
 No one of war-swords, was able to touch, 
 But he had forsworn victorious weapons, 
 
 805 Each one of swords. His life-leaving slaould, 
 In the daj' then of this mortal life. 
 Miserably happen, and the strange-spirit 
 jinto his foes' power afar depart. 
 Then that he perceived, he who oft before 
 
 810 In mirth of mind against manldnd 
 
 His crimes had wrought, hostile to God-, 
 That "his body's frame him would not sustain, 
 But him the proud kinsman of Hygelac 
 Had b}' the hands : each was to other 
 
 815 Living a foe. Pain of body endured 
 
 The terrible monster : there was on his shoulder 
 An evident wound ; apart sprang the sinews. 
 The bone-frame burst. To Beowulf was 
 Battle-fame given : Grendel should thence 
 
 820 Sick-of-lifa flee under the fen-slopes'. 
 
 Seek his joj-less abode ; too surely he knew 
 That of his life the end was come, 
 The span of his days. To all of the Danes 
 By the bloody strife was the wish fulfilled ; 
 
 825 He then had cleansed, who ere came from afar. 
 Wise and valiant, the hall of Hrothgar, 
 Saved it from son-ow, rejoiced in his night-work, 
 His glorious deeds. Then for the East-Danes 
 The prince of the Geats his boast had performed, 
 
26 BEOWULP. [830-856. 
 
 830 Likewise the sufferings all had removed, 
 Sorrows from foe, which they ere suffered. 
 And by compulsion had to endure. 
 No little distress. That was a, clear proof. 
 After the battle-brave laid down the hand, 
 
 835 The arm and the shoulder (there all was together) , 
 The claw of Grendel 'neath the wide roof. 
 
 V. 
 
 Joy of the Danes. The minstrel's song of Sigemund and 
 Fitela: of Heremod. Hrothgaf s tlianhs to Beowulf . 
 
 . XIV. Then was in the morning, as I have heard say, 
 
 Around the gift-hall many a warrior : 
 
 The people's leaders from far and near came 
 , 840 Through the wide ways the wonder to view. 
 
 The tracks of the foe. Ne'er did his life-severing 
 
 Sorrowful seem to any of men. 
 
 Of those who then viewed the track of the vanquished. 
 
 How weary in mind he away thence, 
 845 In fight overcome, to the mere of the nickers, 
 
 Doomed and driven, his life-tracks bore. 
 
 There was the surface welling in blood ; 
 
 The frightful waves' lashing all commingled 
 
 Hot in gore bqiled with the sword-blood ; 
 850 The doomed-to-death dyed them, when of joys de- 
 prived 
 
 In his fen-refuge he laid down his life. 
 
 His heathen soul, where hell him received. 
 
 Thence back again came the old companions. 
 
 And many a young one from their glad course, 
 855 From the sea proudly riding on horses, 
 
 Heroes on steeds. There then was Beowulf's 
 
857-890.] BEOWULF. 27 
 
 Gldry proclaimed : oft many said 
 That south nor north by the two seas 
 O'er the wide earth no other one 
 
 8G0 'Neath heaven's expanse was better than he 
 Of bearers of shields, more- worthy of rule. 
 They did not now at all theb dear lord blame, 
 The friendly Hrothgar, but that was a good king. 
 Sometimes the battle-famed permitted to leap, 
 
 865 In contest to go, their yeUow horses 
 
 Where the land-roads seemed to them fak. 
 Known for their goodness. Sometimes a king's thane, 
 A man renowned, mindful of songs, 
 He who very many of old-time sagas, 
 
 870 A great number remembered,- framed other words 
 Rightly connected : the scope then began 
 Beowulf's exploit with skill to tell, 
 ^ And with art to relate well-composed tales, 
 "Words to exchange ; he told everything 
 
 875 That he of Sigemund had heard men say, 
 His noble deeds, much of the unknown. 
 The Waelsing's contest, his journeys wide, 
 Which the children of men did not well know. 
 The feuds and crimes, but Fitela with him, 
 
 880 When he some such thing wished to relate. 
 Uncle to nephew, as they ever were 
 In every, light comrades in need : 
 They had very many of the race of the eotens 
 Slain with their swords. To Sigemund came 
 
 885 After his death-day no little fame 
 
 Since he, brave in war, destroyed the dragon, 
 The guard of the hoard : he 'neath the gray stone. 
 The prince's son, had risked alone 
 The very bold deed ; not with him was Fitela ; 
 
 890 Yet it happened to him that the sword pierced 
 through 
 
28 BEOWULF. [891-924. 
 
 The wonderful worm, that it in the wall stood. 
 The lordly weapon ; in death lay the dragon. 
 The terrible one in strength had prevailed, 
 So that he the ring-hoard himself might enjoy 
 
 895 At his own will ; he loaded his vessel, 
 
 Bore on the ship's bosom the ornaments bright, 
 The son of Waels ; the worm's heat melted Mm. 
 He was of exiles the greatest by far 
 Among the nations, the warriors' defence 
 
 900 In noble deeds ; for that ere had he glory. 
 After of Heremod the battle-might failed, 
 His strength and prowess, he was 'mong the Jutes 
 Into his foe's power forthwith betrayed. 
 Sent away quickly : him waves of sorrow 
 
 905 Too long oppressed ; he was to his people. 
 To all of his princes, a life-long distress : 
 Likewise oft lamented in former times 
 The brave one's journey many a wise churl, 
 Who trusted in him for help in misfortunes, 
 
 910 That the son of their prince was to grow up. 
 Take the place of his father, his people possess. 
 Hoard and head-city, kingdom of heroes, 
 Home of the Scyldings. He was there to all. 
 The kinsman of Hygelac, to the race of man, 
 
 915 To friends more beloved : liim sorrow befell. — 
 ~~" Sometimes contending the yellow roads 
 
 With their horses they measured. Then was morn- 
 ing-light 
 Advanced and hastened : many a man went. 
 Brave now in mind, to the high hall 
 
 920 To see the rare wonder ; the king himself also 
 From his bridal chamber, guardian of treasures, 
 Stepped strong in glory with a great crowd. 
 Famed for his virtues, and his queen with him 
 Measured the mead-path with her maiden-band. 
 
925-959.] BEOWULF. 29 
 
 925 XV. Hrotbgar then spoke (he went to the hall, 
 Stood by the column, looked at the high roof 
 Adorned with gold and at Grendel's hand ) : 
 " For this glad sight thanks to the Almighty 
 Quickly be given ! Much evil I suffered, 
 
 930 Sorrows from Grendel : God may ever work 
 Wonder on wonder. King of glory. 
 Lately it was that I for myself 
 Of any of woes weened not my life long 
 Relief to obtain, since stained with blood 
 
 935 The noblest of houses drenched in gore stood ; 
 Woe was brought down on every wise man, 
 Of those who weened not that they in their lives 
 The people's land-work from foes might defend, 
 From demons and devils. Now ha,th a hero, 
 
 940 Through the Lord's might, a deed performed. 
 Which we all before were not at all able 
 With wisdom to work. Lo ! this may say 
 Even whatever woman brought forth this son 
 After man's nature, if she yet liveth, 
 
 945 That to her the eternal Creator was gracious 
 In her child-bearing. Now I thee, Beowulf, 
 Noblest of men, for myself as a son 
 Will love in life : keep well henceforth 
 The kinship new. To thee shall no lack be 
 
 950 Of earthly wishes o'er which I have power. 
 Very often for less have I fixed the reward. 
 The share of the treasure, to warrior less brave. 
 One worse in the fight. Thou hast for thyself 
 Effected by deeds that thy fame shall live 
 
 955 For ever and ever. May thee the Almighty 
 With good repay, as He heretofore did ! " 
 Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 "That deed of might we, with great good- will, 
 That fight have fought, boldly encountered 
 
30 BEOWUXF. [960-990. 
 
 960 The strength of the unknown : I rather would wish 
 That thou himself now mightest see, 
 The foe in his battle-dress wearied to death. 
 I quickly him with hardest grips 
 Thought then to bind on the death-bed, 
 
 965 That he by hand-grip of mine should lie 
 Striving for life, lest his body escape : 
 I might not him, since the Creator willed not, 
 Cut off from escape : not so firm held I him, 
 The life-destroyer : too powerful was he, 
 
 970 The foe in his speed. Yet his hand did he let 
 For life-protection remain behind. 
 His arm and shoulder : not there, however. 
 Did the helpless man gain any comfort. 
 Not longer shall live the evil-doer 
 
 975 Burdened with sins, but him sore pain 
 In his strong grip sternly has seized, 
 In his bonds of -bale : there shall abide 
 The sin-stained man the mickle doom, 
 How the glorious Creator to him will prescribe." 
 
 980 Then was more silent the son of Ecglaf 
 In his boasting-speech of warlike deeds. 
 After the princes, by the earl's might, 
 Upon the high roof the hand had viewed, 
 The foe-man's fingers, each one in front : 
 
 985 Each place of the nails was likest to steel, 
 
 The heathen's hand-spurs, the battle-monster's 
 Horrible ^claw : each one then said 
 That him would touch of warlike men 
 No excellent weapon, so that the demon's 
 
 990 Bloody war-hand it would break off. 
 
991-1019.] BEOWULr. 31 
 
 VI. 
 
 Feasting and presents in Heorot. The minstrel's song of 
 Finn,Hnaef, and Hengest. Wealhtheow's greeting 
 to Beowidf. All retire to rest. 
 
 XVI. Then quickly was ordered Heorot within 
 
 By hands to adorn : there were many of those, 
 Of men and of women, who that wine-hall. 
 That guest-room prepared. Gold-adorned shone 
 995 The webs on the walls, many wondrous sights 
 To each one of men, who on such look. 
 That building bright was very much injured, 
 All the interior in its iron-bands fast ; 
 The hinges were shivered ; the roof alone saved 
 
 1000 Entirely sound, when had the monster, 
 
 Condemned for his crimes, in flight escaped, 
 Hopeless of life. It will not be easy 
 Fate to escape, let do it who will ; 
 But each shall obtain of soul-bearing men, 
 
 1005 By necessity fixed for the children of men. 
 For dwellers on earth, the place prepared, 
 Where his dead body, fast in his death-bed. 
 Shall sleep after feast. — Then was the fit time 
 That to the hall went Healfdene's son, 
 
 1010 The king himself the feast would enjoy. ' 
 Ne'er heard I that folk in greater crowd 
 Around their ring-giver better behaved. 
 Went then to the benches the heroes renowned 
 Rejoiced at the plenty : courteously shared 
 
 1015 Many a mead-cup the kinsmen of these. 
 The bold-minded ones in the high hall, 
 Hrothgar and Hrothulf . Heorot within 
 Was filled with friends : not at all deeds of guile 
 Did the Folk-Scyldings at this time prepare. 
 
32 BEOWULF. [1020-1053. 
 
 1020 Gave then to Beowulf Healf dene's sou 
 A golden banner, as victory's reward, 
 A wreathed standard, helmet and burnie ; 
 A great jewelled sword many then saw 
 Before the chief borne. Beowulf received 
 
 1025 The cup in the hall. Not of that treasure-giving 
 Before the warriors need he be ashamed : 
 Ne'er heard I, more courteously, of treasures four 
 With gold adorned, many of men 
 On the ale-bench to each other give. 
 
 1030 'Round the crown of the helmet head-protection 
 A boss wound with wires was keeping without, 
 That him the battle-swords boldly might not, 
 By file hardened, injure, when the shield-warrior 
 Against his foes in battle should go. 
 
 1035 The earl's defence eight horses ordered, 
 With golden trappings, to lead in the hall 
 In under the barriers : on one of these stood 
 A saddle art-decked, with treasure adorned ; 
 That was the battle-seat of the high king, 
 
 1040 When in sword-play Healfdene's son 
 
 Wished to engage ; ne'er at the front failed 
 The famed one's valor when corpses fell. 
 And then to Beowulf of each of the two. 
 The prince of the Ingwins power delivered, 
 
 1045 Of horses and weapons : bade him well use them. 
 So like a man the noble prince. 
 The hoard-keeper of heroes, contests repaid 
 With horses and treasu];es, such as never will blame 
 He who will speak truth according to right. 
 
 1050 XVII. Then still on each one the prince of earls, 
 Of those who with Beowulf the watery waves trav- 
 ersed, 
 On the mead-bench a treasure bestowed, 
 A sword as an heir-loom, and bade for that one 
 
i0o4-1088.] BEOWULF. 33 
 
 To pay with gold, whom Grendel before 
 
 1055 With evil killed, as he more of them would, 
 Had not the wise God weird averted. 
 And the man's courage : the Creator ruled all 
 Of the race of mankind, as He still does : 
 Therefore is insight everywhere best, 
 
 1060 Forethought of mind. He shall abide much 
 Of good and of ill, he who long here 
 In these days of sorrow useth the world. 
 There song and music was all together 
 About Healfdene's battle-leader ; 
 
 1065 The hai-p was played, the song oft rehearsed, 
 When joy in hall Hrothgar's minstrel 
 Along the mead-bench was to make known : 
 " He sang of Finn's sous when that danger befell 
 • The heroes of Healfdene, when Hniaef of the Scyldings 
 
 1070 In Frisian land was said to fall. 
 
 Then indeed Hildeburh needed not praise 
 The faith of the Jutes : guiltless was she 
 Deprived of her dear ones in the shield-play. 
 Of sons and of brothers : by fate they fell 
 
 1075 Wounded with spear : that was a sad woman. 
 Not without reason did the daughter of Hoc 
 Lament fate's decree, when morning came, 
 When she under heaven might then behold 
 The death-bale of kinsmen, where she before had 
 
 1080 Most worldly joy. War took away all 
 The thanes of Finn except a few onl3^. 
 So that he could not, on that meeting-place. 
 In fight with Hengest at all contend, 
 Nor even the remnant rescue by war 
 
 1085 From the chief's thane : but they offered them terms, 
 That they for them other hall would provide. 
 Hall and high seat, that they power of half 
 With the Jutes' sons were to possess, 
 
34 BEOWULF. [1089-1123, 
 
 And at treasure-givings the son of, Folcwalda 
 
 1090 On every day would honor the Danes, 
 
 The band of Hengest with rings would enrich, 
 Even as much with costly jewels 
 Of plated gold, as he the Frisians 
 In the beer-halL would encourage. 
 
 1095 Then they confirmed on either side 
 
 A firm peace-compact : Finn to Hengest, 
 
 In valor invincible, promised with oaths 
 
 That he the remnant, bj"^ tlie'doom of his wise men. 
 
 In honor would hold, that no man there 
 
 1^00 By words nor works the compact should break. 
 Nor ever through cunning should violate it. 
 Though thej'^ their ring-giver's murderer followed, 
 Deprived of their prince, since so 'twas appointed 
 
 them : 
 If then of the Frisians any one with bold speech 
 
 1105 Of that bloody feud mindful should be. 
 
 Then the edge of the sword it should avenge. 
 The oath was confirmed and treasure of gold 
 From the hoard taken. Of the warlike Scyldings 
 The best of the warriors was at the pyre ready ; 
 
 1110 At the funeral-pile was easily seen 
 
 The blood-stained sark, the all-golden swine. 
 The boar of hard iron, many a prince 
 Destroyed bj' wounds : some fell in slaughter. 
 Hildeburh bade then at Hnaef 's funeral-pyre 
 
 1115 To consign to the flame her own dear son. 
 The body to burn and on the pyre place. 
 The wretched woman wept on his shoulder. 
 Mourned him in songs. The fierce smoke arose, 
 Wound to the clouds the greatest of fires, 
 
 1120 Before the mound roared : the heads were melted. 
 The wound-openings burst ; then out sprang the blood 
 From the wound of the body. The flame swallowed 
 aU, 
 
1123-1156.] BEOWULF. 35 
 
 Greediest of spirits, of those whom war took 
 Of both of the peoples : gone was their breath. — 
 
 1125 XVIII. Tlien went the warriors to visit the dwellings, 
 Deprived of their friends, Friesland to see, 
 The homes and high city. Hengest then still 
 The slaughter-stained winter dwelt there with Finn, 
 In valor invincible ; he remembered his land, 
 
 1130 Though he might not on the sea drive 
 
 The ring-prowed ship : in storm rolled the ocean. 
 Fought with the wind : winter the waves locked 
 In its icy bond, until came another 
 Year in the dwellings, as now still do 
 
 1135 (For thej' ever observe suitable seasons) 
 
 The clear-shining days. Then winter was gone, 
 Fair was the earth's bosom : strove the exile to go, 
 The guest from the dwellings ; he then on vengeance 
 More eagerl}' thought than on the sea-voyage, 
 
 1140 If he might effect a hostile meeting. 
 
 And in it remember the sons of the Jutes. 
 So he did not escape the fate of the world 
 When Hunlaf 's son a battle-sword. 
 Best of weapons, thrust in his breast ; 
 
 1145 Well-known were its edges among the Jutes. 
 Also, bold-minded Finn afterwards befell 
 Death-bringing sword-bale at his own home. 
 When the fierce battle Guthlaf and Oslaf 
 After their sea-journey in sorrow lamented, 
 
 1150 Blamed him for their woes : his flickering life might 
 not 
 Keep itself in his breast. Then was the hall covered 
 With bodies of foes ; also was Finn slain, 
 The king 'mong his band, and the queen taken. 
 The Scyldings' warriors bore to their ships 
 
 1155 All the possessions of the king of the land, 
 Such as they might find at Finn's home 
 
36 BEOWULF. [1157-1185. 
 
 Of bright jewels and gems. They on the sea-road 
 The royal woman to the Danes bore, 
 Led to their people.? — The song was sung, 
 1160 The "gleeman's~glee : the sport then arose, 
 
 Carousing resounded : the servants out-poured 
 Wine from the wondrous vessels. Then came 
 
 Wealhtheow forth. 
 Going under her golden crown, where were the good 
 
 ones two 
 Uncle and nephew sitting : then were they still at peace, 
 1165 Each one true to the other. There also the orator 
 
 Hunferth 
 Sat at the feet of the S.Qjldings' lord : each of them 
 
 trusted his wisdom, 
 That he great courage had, tho' to his kinsmen he 
 
 was not 
 Honest in play of the swords. Spoke th6n the queen 
 
 of the Scyldings : 
 "Receive thou this cup, my dearest lord, 
 1170 Giver of treasure. Be thou in health, ' 
 Gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak 
 With mildest words, as a man shall do. 
 Be to the Geats kind, mindful of gifts ; 
 Near and afar hast thou now peace. 
 1175 One said to me thou for a son would 
 The warrior have. Heorot is cleansed. 
 The bright jewel-hall : use whilst thou mayest 
 Many rewards, and lea,ve to thy kinsmen 
 Folk and kingdom, when thou shalt' forth 
 1180 Fate's decree see. I know well indeed 
 
 My friendly Hrothulf , that he the youth will 
 In honor hold, if thou sooner than he, 
 Friend of the Scj-ldings, leavest the world : 
 I ween that he with good will repay 
 1185 Our own children, if he all remember, 
 
1186-1220.] BEOWULF, 37 
 
 "What we, through good-will and also through houor, 
 Of kindnesses showed to him when a child." 
 Turned she then to the bench where were her sons, 
 Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the warriors' children, 
 
 1190 The youth together, where sat the good 
 Beowulf the Geat by the two brothers. 
 
 XIX. To him was a cup borne, and friendly greeting 
 Offered in words, and twisted gold 
 Gladlj^ presented, arm-ornaments two, 
 
 1195 A burnie and rings, the greatest of collars, 
 Of those which on earth I ever have heard of. 
 Under the heaven heard I of no better 
 Hoard-jewel of heroes, since llama bore 
 To the bright city the Brosings' collar, 
 
 1200 Bright jewel and costly ; — he fell into the wiles 
 Of Eormenrifc, eternal fate chose. 
 This ring then had Higelac the Geat, 
 The grandson of Swerting, the very last time. 
 When he under his banner defended the treasure, 
 
 1205 Battle-spoils guarded : "Weird took him away, 
 "When he for pride suffered great woes, 
 Feud from the Frisians : the jewels he bore, 
 The precious stones,, o'er the wave-holder, 
 The mighty prince : he fell under his shield, 
 
 1210 The life of the king into th' Franks' keeping went, 
 Breast'battle-weeds and the collar together : 
 "Warriors inferior plundered the slain 
 After the overthrow of the Geats' people, 
 Th& battle-field held. —The hall resounded. 
 
 1215 "Wealhtheow then said, she before the crowd spoke : 
 ""Use this collar, Beowulf dear. 
 Young man, with joy, and make use of this burnie, 
 People's treasures, and thrive thou well ; 
 Bear thee with might and be to these youths 
 
 1220 Friendly in counsel ; thy reward I'll remember. 
 
38 BEOWULF. [1221-1250. 
 
 Thou hast now caused that thee far and near , 
 
 AH thjr life long men shall honor, 
 
 Even so wide as the sea encircles, 
 
 Winds through its walls. Be, whilst thou livest, 
 
 1225 Noble prince, happy. I grant to thee well 
 Precious treasures. Be thou to my sons 
 Friendly in deeds, thou joyful one : 
 Here is each earl true to the other. 
 Mild in his mood, loyal to his liege lord ; 
 
 1230 The thanes are at peace, the people all ready ; 
 Warriors well-drunken, do as I bid." 
 She went to the seat. - There was choicest of feasts, 
 The men drank the wine : weird they knew not, 
 Destiny stei^n, as it did happen 
 
 1235 To many of earls, when even came 
 
 And Hrothgar departed to go to his court, 
 
 The mighty to rest. The hall in-dwelt 
 
 A number of earls, as they oft before did ; 
 
 Thej^ emptied the bench-space : it was over-spread 
 
 1240 With beds and bolsters. A certain beer-servant. 
 Ready and fated, lay down to his rest. 
 They placed at their heads the battle-shields. 
 The bright wooden boards : there on the bench was 
 Over the warrior easily seen 
 
 1 245 The battle-high helmgt, the ringed burnie, 
 The mightj' spear-shaft ; their custom was 
 That they often were ready for combat 
 Both at home and in army, and in each one of them 
 Even at such a time as to their liege lord 
 
 1250 Need thei^e might be :, that was a good foil?. 
 
1251-1277] BEOWULF. 39 
 
 VII. 
 
 The coming of Grendel's mother. Sorrow is renewed. 
 Hrothgar describes the mere. Beowulf's decision. 
 His descent into the mere. The fight with Gren- 
 del's mother. Beowulf's return, hearing QrendeVs 
 head. 
 
 XX. They wen^ then to sleep : one sorely paid for 
 His evening-rest, as to them often happened 
 When the gold-haU Grendel in-dwelt, 
 Evil deeds wrought, until the end came, 
 
 1255 Death for his crimes. That became plain, 
 To men widely known, that still an avenger 
 Lived for his foes. For a long time 
 After the war-sorrow Grendel's mother, 
 A terrible woman, nourished her grief, 
 
 1260 Who was said to inhabit the fearful waters, 
 The ice-cold streams, since Cain became 
 The murderer by sword of his only brother. 
 His father's son ; then outlawed he went. 
 With murder marked, to flee human joy, 
 
 1265 Dwelt irl the waste. Thence many sprang 
 
 Of the demons of fate ; of these one was Grendel, 
 Hateful and ravenous, who in Heorot found 
 A watching man awaiting the battle 
 Where the fell monster him was attacking : 
 
 1270 Yet he remembered the strength of his might. 
 The powerful gift, which God to him gave. 
 And on the Lord's favor relied for himself 
 For comfort and help : he the fiend overcame. 
 Felled the demon of hell, when he humbled departed, 
 
 1275 Deprived of joy, his death-place to see, 
 
 The foe of mankind. And still his mother, 
 Greedy and raging, wished then to go 
 
40 BEOWULF. L1278-1312. 
 
 The sorrowful journey her son to avenge. 
 
 She came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes 
 
 1280 Through the hall slept : then there was soon 
 A change to the earls, when within entered 
 Grendel's mother. The horror was less 
 Even by so much as is woman's strength, 
 A woman's war-terror, esteemed by a man, 
 
 1285 When twisted sword, forged by the hammer, 
 
 The sword stained with gore, the boar on the helmet, 
 Strong in its edges, opposite cleaves. 
 Then was in the hall the hard-edged drawn. 
 The sword o'er the seats, many a broad shield 
 
 1 290 Raised firm in hand : of helmet one thought not, 
 Of burnie broad, when terror him seized. 
 She was in haste, would thence away, 
 Her life preserve, when she was discovered. 
 Quickly had she of one of the warriors 
 
 1295 Firmly laid hold, when she to feii went : 
 He was to Hrothgar the dearest of men 
 In the office of comrade Ijy the two seas, 
 A shield-warrior strong, whom she in rest killed, 
 A hero renowned. Not there was Beowulf, 
 
 1300 But other room before was assigned, 
 
 After the treasure-giving, to the great Geat. 
 Noise was in Heorot : she in its gore took 
 The well-known hand. Grief was renewed 
 \;^gain in the dwellings ; 'twas not a good trade, 
 
 1305 That they on both sides payment should make 
 
 With the lives of their friends. Then was the old king, 
 The hoary warrior, in sorrowful mood. 
 When he his chief thane, deprived of life, 
 The dearest one, knew to be dead. 
 
 1310 Quickly was Beowulf brought to the hall, 
 The victory-blest hero. At dawn of day 
 Went one of earls, the noble wairior. 
 
1313-1346.] BEOWULP. 41 
 
 Himself with his comrades, where the wise one 
 
 awaited, 
 Whether for huu the Ahnighty will ever, 
 
 1315 After this woe-spell, a change of things work. 
 "Went then on the floor the man war-renowned 
 With his band of men (the hall-wood resounded) , 
 Until he addressed the wise one in words. 
 The lord of the Ingwins, asked if to him were, 
 
 1.320 As he had wished, the night undisturbed. 
 
 XXI. Hrothgar then spoke, the defence of the Scyldings : 
 " Ask not thou for health. Sorrow 's renewed 
 To the Danes' people : dead is Aes'chere, 
 Of Yrmenlaf the elder brother, 
 
 1325 My trusted counsellor and my adviser, 
 My right-hand man, when we in battle 
 Defended our heads, when warriors engaged, 
 When the boa,rs clashed : such should an earl be, 
 An excellent prince, as Aeschere was. 
 
 1330 She was to him the murderer in Heorot, 
 
 The restless death-demon :■ I know not whither. 
 Proud of her prey, she frightful withdrew. 
 Well-known from her meal. The feud she avenged. 
 For that thou yester-night Grendel didst kill 
 
 1335 In a powerful way by your hard grips, 
 Because he too long my own people 
 Lessened and killed : in battle he fell. 
 Of his life guilty, and now came another, 
 A mighty fell foe, her son would avenge, 
 
 1340 And further has laid her feud upon us ; 
 Wherefore it may seem to many a thane. 
 Who for his ring-giver mourns in his mind, 
 A bale hard to bear ; now lies the hand helpless. 
 Which used to gratify all of your wishes. 
 
 1345 I the land-dwellers, my own people, 
 
 Counsellors-in-hall, that have heard say 
 
42 BEOWULF. [1347-1381. 
 
 That they used to see a pair of such 
 Mickle ihark-steppers holding the moors, 
 Spirits of elsewhere : one of these was, 
 
 1350 As they most certainly might then perceive, 
 A woman's form : the other one wretched 
 In the likeness of man his exile trod — 
 Unless he was greater than any man else — 
 Whom in yore-days Grendel they named, 
 
 1355 The dwellers-on-earth : they know not their father, 
 Whether any to him was before born 
 Of wicked spirits. They in a dark land, 
 Abodes of wolves dwell, windy nesses. 
 Dangerous marshes, where mountain-stream 
 
 1360 Under clouds of the nesses flows down below. 
 Lake under the earth. It is not far hence 
 In measure by mUes that the mere stands. 
 Over which hang the rustling groves. 
 Wood firm in its roots ; they cover the water. 
 
 1365 There one every night a strange wonder may see. 
 Fire on the flood : so wise a one lives not 
 Of the children of men that knows its bottom : 
 Although the heath-stepper pressed by the dogs. 
 The stag, strong in horns, may seek the grove, 
 
 1370 Pursued from afar, his life wUl he give, 
 His life on the shore, ere in it he will 
 Hide there his head. That 's no unhaunted place ; 
 Thence the boiling of waters rises up high 
 Wan to the clouds, when the wind rouses 
 
 1375 The hateful storms, while dark grows the air. 
 The heavens weep. Now is ready counsel 
 Again in thee alone. The abode yet thou knowest not. 
 The terrible place, where thou mayest find 
 The much-sinning being : seek if thou dare. 
 
 1380 I for the contest thee will repay 
 
 With old-time treasures, as I before did, 
 
1382-U16.] BEOWULF. 43 
 
 With twisted gold, if tliou comest away." 
 
 XXII. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 " Sorrow not, wise man ! It is better for each 
 
 1385 That his friend he avenge than that he mourn much. 
 Each of us shall the end await 
 Of worldly life : let him who may gain 
 Honor ere death. That is for a warrior, 
 "When he is dead, afterwards best. 
 
 1390 Arise, kingdom's, guardian! Let us quickly go 
 To view the track of Grendel's kinsman. 
 I promise it thee : he will not escape, 
 Nor in earth's bosom, nor in mountain-wood, 
 Nor in ocean's depths, go where he wUl. 
 
 1395 Throughout this day do thou patience have 
 Of each of thy woes, as I ween of thee !" 
 Up leaped the aged one, thanked he then God, 
 i_The mighty Lord, for what the man spoke._; 
 Then was for Hrothgar a horse provided, 
 
 1400 A steed with curled mane : the ruler wise 
 
 Well-equipped went ; the band stepped forth 
 Of bearers of shields. The foot-tracks were 
 On the forest-paths widely perceived. 
 The course o'er the plain : she went straight ahead 
 
 1405 O'er the murky moor, of kindred thanes bore 
 The noblest one deprived of life. 
 Of those who with Hrothgar defended his home. 
 Went he then over, the offspring of princes, 
 The steep, stony slopes, the narrow ways, 
 
 1410 The strait single paths, the unknown course. 
 The headlands steep, many houses of nickers. 
 He one of few went on before. 
 Of the wise men, the plain to view. 
 Until he all at once the mountain-trees 
 
 1415 O'er the gray stone found bending down, 
 The joyless wood : the water stood under 
 
44 BEOWULr. [1417-1451. 
 
 Gory and restless. To all the Danes 'twas, 
 To the friends of the Scyldings, bitter in mood, 
 To many a thane sorrow to suffer, 
 
 1420 To each one of earls, after of Aeschere 
 On the holm-cliff the head they found. 
 The flood boiled with blood (the people looked on) , 
 With the hot gore. The horn at times sang 
 The ready war-song. All the warriors sat down ; 
 
 1425 They saw then in the wat^r many of worm-kind. 
 Strange sea-dragons, seek out the sea, 
 Such nickers lying out on the ness-slopes, " 
 As at mid-day often prepare 
 A sorrowful voyage on the sail- road,' 
 
 1430 Worms and wild beasts : rushed they away 
 Fierce and angry ; the noise they perceived. 
 The war-hqrn sound. The prince of the Geats 
 With his arrowed bow deprived, one of life, 
 Of strife with the sea, so that stood in his vitals 
 
 1435 The hard war-'arrow : he was in the holm 
 
 The slower in swimming, whom death took away. 
 Quickly was in the waves with their boar-spears. 
 Their hooked swords, fiercely attacked. 
 Pressed after with struggles and to the ness drawn, 
 
 1440 The wonderful monster : the men looked upon 
 The terrible stranger. Beowulf girded him 
 With noble armor, not for life did he care : 
 The war-burnie should, woven with hands. 
 Wide and well-wrought, seek out the sea, 
 
 1445 That which his body could well protect. 
 
 So that him battle-grip might not in breast. 
 The mad one's assault, injure in life : 
 But the bright helmet protected his head, 
 Which was to mingle with the depths of the sea, 
 
 1450 Adorned with treasure seek the sea-waves, 
 Encircled with diadem, as in days of old 
 
1452-1486.] BEOWTTLP. 45 
 
 The weapon-smith wrought it, wondrously framed it, 
 Set with swine-bodies, so that it never after 
 The flaming war-swords miglit be able to bite. 
 
 1455 That was not then tlie least of strong, helps. 
 That to him in need Hrothgar's orator lent : 
 Of that hUted, sword Hrunting was name ; 
 That was a chief one of old-time treasures ; 
 Its edge was of iron, with poison-twigs stained, 
 
 1460 Hardened with battle-gore ; ne'er did it fail 
 Any of men, of those who it wielded. 
 He who durst tread the terrible paths, 
 The foUi-place of foes : that was not the first time, 
 That deeds of valor it should perform. 
 
 1465 The kinsman of Ecglaf remembered not now. 
 Mighty in strength, what he before spoke 
 Drunlien with wine, when the weapon he lent 
 To a better sword-bearer ; he himself durst not 
 Under waves' tumult venture his life, 
 
 1470 Heroic deeds work ;- there he lost fame, 
 A name for valor ; not so with the other, 
 "When he for battle himself had prepared. 
 
 XXin. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 " Bethink thyself now, great kinsman of Healfdene, 
 
 1475 Thou ruler wise, now I'm for the way ready, 
 Gold- friend of men, of what we once spoke, 
 If I in thy service should at any time 
 Of my life bo deprived, that thou wouldst be to me, 
 When I had gone hence, in stead of a, father. 
 
 1480 Be thou a protector to my knightly-thanes. 
 My trusty comrades, if war ta;ke me off: 
 Also the treasures, which thougavest me, 
 Do thou, dear Hrothgar, to Hygelac send. 
 May then by the gold the Geat's lord perceive, 
 
 1485 Hrethel's son see,' when he looks on the treasure, 
 That I did one find in man's virtues good. 
 
46 PEOWULF. [1487-1519. 
 
 A giver of rings, Mm enjoyed while I might. 
 And do thou let Hunferth the ancient relic, 
 The wonderful sword, the widely-known man 
 
 1490 The hard-edged have. I shaU with Hrunting 
 Fame for me gain, or death wiU. me take." 
 After these words the prince of the Weder-Geats - 
 Hastened with valor, not for an answer 
 Would he await. The water-flood took 
 
 1495 The mighty warrior : then was a day's space 
 Ere the bottom-plain he might perceive. 
 Soon that discovered she who the flood's realm, 
 Eager for blood, for fifty years held, 
 Grim and greedy, that there some one of men 
 
 1500 The monster's abode sought out from above. 
 
 She grasped then against him, the warrior seized 
 In her terrible claws ; not sooner she injured . 
 His body sound : the burnie him shielded, 
 So that she might not pierce through the corslet, 
 
 1505 The locked linked sark, with fiendish fingers. 
 
 Bore then the sea-wolf, when she came to the 
 
 bottom. 
 The giver of rings to her own abode, 
 So that he might not, tho' he was brave. 
 His weapons wield, but hm many strange beings 
 
 1510 Oppressed in the sea : many a sea-beast 
 "With battle-tusks his war-sark brake ; 
 The monsters harassed . him. The earl then per- 
 ceived 
 That he in sea-hall, he knew not what, was. 
 Where him no water in aught might harm, 
 
 1515 Nor for the roofed hall might lay hold of him 
 Sudden grip of the flood : the flre-light he saw, 
 The brilliant beams brightly shining. 
 The good one perceived then the wolf of the bottom, 
 The mighty mere-woman ; he gave a strong stroke 
 
1520-1553.] BEOWULF. 47 
 
 1520 With his battle-bill, withheld not the blow, 
 
 So that on her head the ringed blade sounded 
 A greedy war-song. Then the stranger perceived 
 That the war- weapon would not cleave through. 
 Injure her life, but the edge failed 
 
 1525 The prince in his need : before it endured 
 Many hand-meetings, the helmet oft clave, 
 The fated one's cbrslet : that was the first time 
 To the dear treasure that power had failed. 
 Again was determined, not lacking in prowess, 
 
 1530 Mindful of fame, the kinsman of Hygelac : 
 
 Then threw the etched brand, with jewels adorned, 
 The angry warrior, that it on the earth lay. 
 Strong and steel-edged ; he trusted to strength. 
 The hand-grip of might: so shall a man do, 
 
 1535 "When he in war thinketh to gain 
 
 Praise everlasting, nor for his life caretb. 
 
 Seized then by the shoulder (eared she not for the 
 
 contest) 
 The War-Geats' prince Grendel's mother, 
 Threw then battle-brave, for he was enraged, 
 
 1540 The life-destroyer, that she on the floor fell. 
 She him again quickly the hand-grip repaid 
 With her fierce claws, and seized him fast : 
 Then stumbled the weary one, strongest of warriors. 
 The fighter-on-foot, so that he fell. 
 
 1545 She sat on the hall-guest and di-ew her short sword, 
 Broad and brown-edged, her son would avenge, 
 Her only child. On his shoulder lay 
 The twisted breast-net : that his life saved, 
 Against point and edge entrance withstood. 
 
 1550 Then had he perished, Ecgtheow's son, 
 
 'Neath the broad bottom,, the chief of the Geats, 
 Had not the war-burnie lent help to him. 
 The hard battle-net, and had not holy God 
 
48 BEOWULF. [1554-1586. 
 
 Directed the victory, the all-knowing Lord ; 
 
 1555 The Ruler of heaven adjudged it aright ; 
 Easily afterwards he again rose. 
 
 XXIV. 'Mongst the armor he saw then a victory-blessed 
 weapon, 
 Old sword of the eotens strong in its edges. 
 Honor of warriors : that was choicest of weapons, 
 
 1560 But it was greater than any man else 
 To the war-play was able to bear. 
 Good and ornate, the hand-work of giants. 
 He seized the chained hilt, the Scyldings' champion. 
 Raging and battle-flerce, the ringed sword bran- 
 dished, , 
 
 1565 Hopeless of life angrily struck, 
 
 So that 'gainst her neck it strongly grasped. 
 Broke the bone-rings ; the bill pierced through 
 Her fated body : she on the floor fell ; 
 The sword was bloody, in his deed he rejoiced. 
 
 1570 The blade's beam shone, the light stood within. 
 Just as from heaven brightly doth shine 
 The firmament's candle. He looked through the hall, 
 Turned then by the wall, uplifted the weapon ' 
 Strong by its hilts Higelac's thane, 
 
 1575 Angry and firm : the edge was not useless 
 To the war-hero, but he quickly would 
 Grendel repay many warlike assaults 
 Of those which he wrought to the West-Danes 
 Oftener by far than for one time, 
 
 1580 When he of Hrothgar the hearth-companions 
 Slew in their sleep, whilst sleeping ate 
 Of the Danes' folk fifteen of men. 
 And such another bore he away, 
 A sorrowful prey : he paid him for that, 
 
 1585 The warrior fierce, as he in rest saw 
 Weary of war Grendel there lying 
 
1587-1620.] BEOWULI' 49 
 
 Of life deprived, as him before iajured 
 
 The combat at Heorot. His body sprang far, 
 
 "When he after death suffered the blow, 
 
 1590 The strong sword-stroke, that struck off his head. 
 Soon that perceived the cunning churls. 
 Those who with Hrothgar gazed on the sea, 
 That the waves-stirring all was commingled, 
 The surge stained with blood. The hoary-haired elders 
 
 1595 Concerning the good one together thus spoke. 
 That they for the prince looked not again, 
 That he, flushed with victory, would come to seek 
 Their mighty chief, since it seemed to so many 
 That the sea- wolf him had destroyed. 
 
 1600 Then came the ninth hour ; the ness forsook 
 
 The valiant Scyldings : he departed thence home, 
 The gold-friend of men. The strangers sat. 
 Sick in their mind, and stared on the sea : 
 They knew and weened not, that they their dear lord 
 
 1605 Himself might see. — The sword then began 
 
 On account of the battle-gore in clots of blood 
 The war-bill to vanish (that was a wonder) , 
 So that it all melted likest to ice, 
 When the frost's fetters the Father unlooses, 
 
 1610 The ice-rope unwinds, He who has control 
 Of times and tides : that is true Creator. 
 Took he not in the dwelling, theWeder-Geats' prince. 
 More of rich treasures, though he many there saw, 
 But only the head and the hilts together, 
 
 1615 "With jewels adorned : the sword ere melted, 
 
 The twisted brand burnt : the blood was so hot. 
 The strange-spirit poisonous, who therein died. 
 Soon was he swimming who lived through the strife, 
 The foes' fierce assault, dived he up through the 
 water : 
 
 1620 The stirrings of waves all were cleansed, 
 
50 BEOWULF. [1G21-1647. 
 
 The regions wide, when the strange-spirit 
 Left his life-days and this fleeting creation. 
 Came then to the land the seamens' protector 
 Strong-minded swimming, joyed in his sea-booty, 
 
 1625 The mighty burden of what he had with him. 
 
 They went then to meet him, gave thanks to God 
 The brave band of thanes, rejoiced in their chief. 
 For that they him safe might again see. 
 Then from the strong one helmet and burnie 
 
 1630 Quickly was loosed : the lake became thick, 
 "Water under the clouds stained with war-gore. 
 Forth went they thence on the foot-paths 
 Glad in their hearts, measured the land-ways, 
 The well-known roads ; the very bold men 
 
 16,35 From the ,sea-clifE were beaming the head 
 With great exertion to each one of them : 
 Of the courageous four warriors should 
 On the spear-shaft with labor bear 
 To the gold-hall the head of Grendel, 
 
 1640 UntU forthwith to the hall came 
 
 Fourteen brave men and fierce in war 
 
 Of the Geats going : the lord of men with them, 
 
 Brave in the crowd, trode the mead-plains. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Beowulf s account of the fight. Hrothgar's moralizing 
 speech. On the morrow Beowulf bids farewell to 
 Hrotligar, receives presents, and returns to his 
 ship. 
 
 Then entering came the prince of the thanes, 
 1645 The man brave in deeds, honored in fame. 
 The battle-fierce warrior, Hrothgar to greet. 
 Then was by the hair on the floor borne 
 
1648-1682.] BEOWULF. 51 
 
 The head of Grendel, where the men. drank, 
 Frightful to earls atid the lady also, 
 
 1650 A wonderful sight : the men on it gazed. 
 
 XXV. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 " Lo ! we thee this sea-booty, son of Healfdene, 
 Prince of the Scyldings, with joy have brought 
 As a token of fame, which thou gazest on here. 
 
 1655 I that with my life scarcely escaped ; 
 Under water in battle risked I the work 
 With great exertion ; almost would have been 
 Ended the struggle, had not me God shielded. 
 I might not in battle with Hrunting the sword 
 
 1660 Aught then perform, though that weapon is good : 
 But the Ruler of men granted to me 
 That I on the wall saw beautiful hanging 
 An old mighty sword (often has He directed 
 Those without friends) that I brandished the weapon. 
 
 1665 Then I slew in the contest, when time favored mc. 
 The house's keepers. Then did the battle-bill. 
 The twisted brand, burn, as sprang forth the blood, 
 The hottest of battle-gore : I the hilt thence 
 Bore from my foes, avenged their ill-deeds, 
 
 1670 Death-plague of the Danes, as it was right. 
 
 I promise thee then that thou mayest in Heorot, 
 
 Sorrowless sleep with thy warrior-band, 
 
 And each of the thanes of thine own people. 
 
 Of old and of young ; thou needst not for them fear, 
 
 1675 Chief of the Scyldings, from this durection 
 Life-bale for thy earls, as thou didst before." 
 Then was the golden hilt to the old warrior, 
 The hoary war-chief, given in hand, 
 The old work of giants : it went into the keeping, 
 
 1680 Since the fall of the devils, of the lord of the Danes, 
 The cunning smiths' work, when this world forsook 
 The bad-hearted being, the opposer of God, 
 
52 BEOWULF. [1683-1713. 
 
 Devoted to death, and his mother also : 
 It went into the power of the noblest one 
 
 1G85 Of the world-kings by the two seas, 
 
 Of those who in Seeden-ig treasure divided. 
 Hrothgar then spoke, on the hilt looked. 
 The old relic on which was the origin written 
 Of an old contest : the flood afterwards slew, 
 
 1G90 The rushing sea, the race of the giants ; 
 Badly they fared : that people was hostU^ 
 To the Lord eternal ; therefor a reward 
 Through waters' flood the Almighty them gave. 
 So was on the guard of purest gold 
 
 1695 In runic letters rightly engraved, 
 
 Was set and said, for whom that sword. 
 
 Choicest of weapons, first had been wrought 
 
 With wreathed hilt snake-adorned. Then the chief 
 
 spoke. 
 The son of Healfdene (kept silent all) : 
 
 1700 " Lo ! that he may say wjao truth and right 
 Works for his people, the past all remembers. 
 An old home-guardian, that this earl was 
 One born of the best. Thy fame is wide-spread 
 Through distant ways, Beowulf my friend, 
 
 1705 Over each nation : with patience thou boldest it all. 
 Thy might with prudence of mind. I shall to thee 
 
 grant 
 My friendship, as we before spoke : thou shalt be 
 
 for comfort, 
 All long-assured, to thine own people. 
 To heroes for help. Not so was Heremod 
 
 1710 To the children of Ecgwela, the Honor-Scyldings ; 
 He throve not for their pleasm'e, but for their 
 
 slaughter, 
 And for death-plagues to the Danes' people : 
 Slew he enraged, his table-companions. 
 
1714-1748.] BEOWULF. 53 
 
 His chosen comrades, till he went alone, 
 
 1715 The mighty prince, from human joys : 
 
 Though him mighty God in joy of strength. 
 
 In power exalted, over all men 
 
 Him had uplifted, yet in his heart grew 
 
 A bloodthirsty feeling : he did not give rings 
 
 1720 To the Danes by right: joyless abode he, 
 So that for this strife sorrow he suffered. 
 Misery lasting. By that teach thou thyself, 
 Practise man's virtues. This tale for thee 
 Have I, old in years, told. 'Tis a wonder to say 
 
 1725 How mighty God to the race of mankind. 
 Through His great mind, wisdom divides. 
 Homes and nobility : He rules over all. 
 Sometimes on love permits He to turn 
 The thoughts of the man of mighty race, 
 
 1730 Gives him in his home the joy of earth, 
 A sheltering city of men to possess, 
 Makes subject to him parts of the world, 
 A kingdom wide, so that he of it may not, 
 For his lack of wisdom, think of the end : 
 
 1 735 He dwells in plenty, nor him does aught check. 
 Sickness nor age, nor for him does sorrow 
 Grow dark in his mind, nor a foe anywhere 
 Show him sword-hate, but for him all the world 
 
 XXVI. Wends at his will. He knows not the worse, 
 
 1740 Until him within a portion of pride 
 
 "Waxes and grows, when sleeps the keeper. 
 The guard of the so^l : that sleep is too firmly 
 Bound up with sorrows ; very nigh is the slayer. 
 Who from arrowed bow spitefully shoots. 
 
 1745 Then is he in his breast pierced under his helmet 
 With a sharp ai^row : he cannot defend him 
 From the evil strange-orders of that cursed spirit : 
 Him seems it too little what he long held ; 
 
54 BEOWULF. [1749-1783. 
 
 He with evil mind covets, gives not for boasting 
 
 1 750 Gold-plated rings, and he future fate 
 
 Forgets and neglects, for God gave him before, 
 The Ruler of glory, a share of earth's honors. 
 It at the end afterwards happens 
 That the fraU body fleeting doth fail, 
 
 1755 Fated doth fall : another succeeds, 
 He who undisturbed treasures divides. 
 The earl's former store, cares not for its owner. 
 Guard against wrong-doing, Beowulf dear. 
 Best one of heroes, and choose thou the better, 
 
 1760 Counsels eternal. Care not for pride, 
 
 Mighty warrior. Now is thy strength's fame 
 Lasting a while : soon after it shall be 
 That sickness or sword shall rob thee of might, 
 Or clutch of the fire, or swell of the flood, 
 
 1765 Or grip of the sword, or flight of the arrow. 
 Or fearful old age, or light of the eyes 
 Shall fail and grow dark : it suddenly shall be 
 That thee, great warrior, death shall overcome. 
 So I the Eing-Danes a hundred half-years 
 
 1770 Ruled under heavens, and secured them by war 
 Against many tribes throughout this mid-earth. 
 With spears and with swords, so that any foe 
 Under circuit of heaven reckoned I not. 
 Lo ! to me in my home a change of this came, 
 
 1775 Sorrow for joy, after Grendel became 
 
 The foe of long years, my constant home-seeker : 
 I from this hostility continually suffered 
 Much sorrow of mind. Thanks to the Creator, 
 The Lord eternal, whilst in life I remained, 
 
 1780 That I on this head drenched with gore. 
 After long sorrow, look with, my eyes. 
 Go now to thy seat, partake of feast-joy, 
 Thou honored in war. To us shall be many 
 
1784-1818.] BEOWULH. 55 
 
 Of treasures in common, when morning shall come." 
 
 1785 The Geat was glad-minded, went he then soon 
 His seat to take, as the wise one bade. 
 Then was as before for the courageous 
 Sitters-in-hall fitly prepared 
 Another time. Night's canopy lowered 
 
 1 790 Dark o'er the warriors. The band- all arose ; 
 The white-haired one his bed would seek, 
 The ag^d Scylding. The Geat very weU, 
 The brave shield- warrior, it pleased to rest : 
 Soon the hall-thane him of his way weary, 
 
 1795 The comer- from-far, forth led to his couch, 
 He whO/ through courtesy all would supply 
 Of the wants of the thane, as at that day 
 The farers-by-sea were wont to have. 
 The great-hearted rested : the hall arose 
 
 1800 Wide and gold-decked : the guest slept within, 
 Until the black raven the joy of heaven 
 Blithe-hearted announced, when came the bright light 
 Shooting o'er shadows. The warriors hastened : 
 The aethelings were back to their people 
 
 1805 Ready to go : he would far thence, 
 
 The high-minded guest, visit his vessel. 
 The brave one then bade Hrunting to bear 
 The son of Ecglaf , bade take his sword. 
 Precious weapon, thanked him for the loan, 
 
 1810 Said that he counted the war-friend good. 
 Mighty in battle, not in words blamed he 
 The edge of the sword : that was a brave man. 
 When for thek march ready, in armor equipped. 
 The warriors were, went by the Danes honored 
 
 1815 The prince to the throne, where was the other. 
 The battle-brave' man : Hrothgar he greeted. 
 
 XXVII. Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 "Now we sea-goers desire to say. 
 
56 BEOWULr. [1819-1853. 
 
 Comers-from-far, that we intend 
 
 1820 Hygelae to seek : we were here well 
 
 Supplied in our wishes : thou served'st us ■well. 
 If I then on earth may in any manner 
 More of thy heart's love gain for myself, 
 Ruler of men, than I have yet done, 
 
 1825 For works of war I soon shall be ready. 
 If I that learn o'er the flood's course, 
 That thee thy neighbors with dread oppress, 
 As hating thee they sometimes have done. 
 To thee I shall bring thousands of thanes, 
 
 1830 Of heroes for help. Of Hygelae I know. 
 Lord of the Geats, though he be young 
 Chief of his folk, that he me will aid 
 By words and by deeds that I may thee honor, 
 And to thee for help my spear-shaft bear, 
 
 1835 The power of my might, if thou needest men. 
 If Hrethric then at the courts of the Geats, 
 The king's son, aid seeks, he may there many 
 Of his friends find : far countries will be 
 Better sought for by him who is worthy." 
 
 1840 Hrothgar then spoke to him in answer : 
 ' ' These words to thee the all- wise Lord 
 Sent into thy mind : ne'er heard I more wisely 
 In so youthful age any man speak : 
 Thou art in might strong and in mind old, 
 
 1845 A counsellor wise. I count on the hope, 
 If this may happen that the spear take. 
 Terrible battle, the son of Hrethel, 
 Sickness or weapon, thine own chieftain, 
 People's shepherd, and thou hast thy life, 
 
 1850 That the Sea-Geats wUl not have a better. 
 
 To choose as their king, any 'one, than thee, ' 
 Hoard- keeper of heroes, if thou wilt hold 
 Thy kinsmen's kingdom. Me thy bold courage 
 
1834-1887.] BEOWULF. 57 
 
 Long pleases so well, Beowulf dear. 
 
 1855 Thou hast now caused that to these nations shall, 
 To the Geats' people and to the Spear-Danes, 
 Peace be in common and strife shall cease, 
 The hostile contests which they ere suffered : 
 There shall be, whilst I wield the wide realm, - 
 
 1-860 Treasures in common ; many another 
 
 With presents shall greet o'er the swan's bath : 
 The ringed ship shall o'er the sea bring 
 Presents and love-tokens. I know that the people 
 Towards foe and towards friend are firmly disposed, 
 
 1865 In everything blameless after old custom." 
 Then still to him the defence of earls gave, 
 The son of Healfdene, twelve jewels besides. 
 Bade him with these presents his own dear people 
 Seek in good health and quickly return. 
 
 1870 Kissed him then the king noble in birth, 
 
 The prince of the Scyldings kissed the best thane, 
 And round the neck clasped ; tears from him fell, 
 The gray-haired one : he had hope of both. 
 The ag^d man, more of the latter, 
 
 1875 That they might again each other see. 
 
 Courageous in council. The man was so dear 
 That he the breast-flood could not restrain. 
 But in his breast, fast in his mind's fetters. 
 For the dear man a secret longing 
 
 1880 Burned through his blood. — Beowulf thence. 
 The gold-adorned warrior, the grassy plain trod, 
 Proud of his treasure : the sea-goer awaited 
 Its own possessor, which at anchor rode. 
 Then was on the way the gift of Hrothgar 
 
 1885 Often extolled : thfit was a king 
 
 In eveiything blameless, till old age removed him 
 From his might* s joys, which has oft oppressed many. 
 
58 BEOWULF. [1888-1915. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Beowulf's amval at home and welcome by Hygelac. The 
 episode of Offa and Thrytho. Beowulf's account of 
 Ms journey. Freaware and Ingeld. Presents of 
 Beowulf and Hygelac. 
 
 XXVin. Came then to the sea the very brave ones, 
 
 The band of attendants ; their burnies they bore, 
 
 1890 Their locked body-sarks. The land-guard perceived 
 The return of the earls, as he before did : 
 He did not with harm from the cliff's head 
 Greet then the guests, but towards them rode. 
 Quoth that as welcome the Weders' people, 
 
 1895 The mail-clad warriors, went to their ship. 
 Then was on the shore the spacious boat, 
 The ring-prowed ship, with battle- weeds laden, 
 With horses and jewels ; the mast arose 
 Over Hrothgar's hoard of treasures. 
 
 1900 He to the boat-guard, bound with gold-work, 
 A sword then gave, so that after he was 
 On the mead-bench from the jewel more honored. 
 The costly heh'-loom. He went in his sea-boat 
 To stir the deep water, the Danes' land forsook. 
 
 1905 Then was to the mast one of sea-cloths, 
 
 Sail by rope fastened. The vessel groaned ; 
 
 Not there the sea-floater did the wind o'er the waves 
 
 In its course hinder : the sea-goer went. 
 
 The foamy-necked floated forth o'er the water, 
 
 1910 The curv6d-prowed went o'er the sea-waves. 
 Until the Geats' cliffs they might descry. 
 The weU-known nesses. The keel pressed up. 
 Urged by the wind it stood on the land. 
 Quickly was at' the sea the harbor-guard ready, 
 
 1915 Who long time before for the dear men 
 
1916-1949.] BEOWULP,. 59 
 
 Longing had gazed afar on the ocean : 
 He to the shore fastened the wide-bosomed ship 
 With anchor-chains fast, lest the waves' force 
 The winsome boat might carry away. 
 
 1920 He bade then bear up the nobles' treasures, 
 
 Jewels and beaten gold ; not for them far thence 
 Was it to seek the giver of rings : 
 Hygelac, Hrethel's son, there at home dwelt, 
 Himself with his comrades near the sea-wall. 
 
 1925 The building was fine, the prince a good king. 
 High was the hall, Hygd very young. 
 Wise, well-instructed, although winters few 
 ■ Under the city-locks she may have dwelt. 
 The daughter of Haereth : she was not, though, nig- 
 gardly, 
 
 1930 Nor sparing in gifts, to the Geats' people. 
 In costly jewels. -Mcjdthrytho committed. 
 The great folk-queen, horrible crime : 
 No brave one durst that undertake. 
 Of dear companions, except her liege lord, 
 
 1935 That on her by day he should look with his eyes : 
 But he wrought for himself death-fetters firm. 
 Twisted by hand : quickly afterwards was, 
 After the hand-grip, the sword appointed, 
 So that the carved weapon must it decide, 
 
 1940 Tell the death-bale. Such is not queenly custom 
 For a woman to practise, though she be peerless, 
 That a peace-weaver of life should deprive. 
 On account of fierce anger, any dear man. 
 That indeed checked the kinsman of Heming. 
 
 1945 The drinkers of ale other word said. 
 That she of folk-woes less did inflict, 
 Of hostile deeds, after she first was 
 Gold-adorned given to the young warrior. 
 The brave young noble, after she Offa's hall, 
 
60 BEOWULF. , [1950-1983. 
 
 1950 O'er thej^Ss flood, by her father's command, 
 
 Sought in her journey, where she afterwards well, 
 On roydl throne, by gifts renowned. 
 Her portion of life whilst living enjoyed, 
 Held her great love for the prince of heroes, 
 
 1955 Of all mankind, as I have heard say, 
 Thevery best one by the two seas. 
 Of human race : for that Offa was. 
 By gifts and war-deeds the very brave man, 
 Widely renowned ; with wisdom he ruled 
 
 1960 His own possessions : thence Eomor sprang 
 For help to heroes, the kinsman of Heming, 
 Grandson of Garmund, crafty in contests. — 
 
 XXIX. Went then the brave with his trusty band 
 Himself o'er the sand the sea-beach to tread, 
 
 1965 The wide-stretching shores : the world-candle shone, 
 Sun inclined from' the south. They kept on their 
 
 journey, 
 Went in their might, till the earls' defence, 
 The slayer of Ongentheow within in the city, 
 The good young war-king ttiey then heard say 
 
 1970 Rings was dividing. To Hygelac was 
 
 The journey of Beowulf quickly made known. 
 That there in the palace the warriors' defence. 
 His shield-companion, living was come, 
 Hale from the battle-play to the court going. 
 
 1975 Quick was prepared, as the mighty one bade. 
 For the foot-guests the hall within. 
 Sat he then opposite, who 'scaped from the strife. 
 Kinsman with kinsman, after his lord 
 With courtly speech the loyal one greeted, 
 
 1980 With mighty words. With mead-cups went 
 
 Through the high hall the daughter of Haereth ; 
 The people she served, the ale-cups she bore 
 To the men at hand. Hygelac began 
 
1984-2018.] BEOWULF. 61 
 
 His comrade-in-arms in the highball 
 
 1985 Kindly to ask (wish to know urged him), 
 What were the journeys of the Sea-Geats : 
 ' ' How befell on your way, Beowulf dear, 
 When thou so suddenly thoughtest afar ^ — 
 
 The strife to seek o'er the salt water, 
 
 1990 Battle at Heorot? But didst thou for Hrothgar 
 The widely-known woe in aught remove, i 
 For the great chief? I for that in distress, 
 In sorrow-waves pined : the journey I trusted not 
 Of the dear man. Thee long I begged 
 
 1995 That thou the death-spirit by no means wouldstseek, 
 Wouldst let the South-Danes themselves put an end to 
 Their war against Grendel. I give thanks to God, 
 For that I may see thee now safe and sound." 
 Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 2000 " That is now plain, Hygelac lord, 
 Our great struggle, to many of men, 
 What a war-time of Grendel and me 
 Was in the place where he very many 
 Sorrows had wrought to the Victor-Scyldings, 
 
 2005 Misery perpetual : all that I avenged. 
 
 So no kinsman of Grendel need now rejoice 
 At the morning-sound over the earth. 
 He who shall live longest of that evil race. 
 By danger surrounded ! At first I came there 
 
 2010 To the ringed hall Hrothgar to greet : 
 Soon for me the great son of Healfdene, 
 After he knew of my intention, 
 Near his own son a seat provided. 
 The crowd was in joy ; ne'er saw I my life long 
 
 2015 Under heaven's vault of sitters-in-hall 
 
 Greater mead-joy ! Sometimes the great queen, 
 Peace-bringer of nations, went through all the hall. 
 Urged the young sons : oft she a bracelet 
 
62 BEOWULF. [2019-2050. 
 
 Gave to a warrior, ere she went to her seat. 
 
 2020 Sometimes 'fore the court the daughter of Hrothgar 
 To the earls at the end the ale-cup bore, 
 Whom I Freaware the sitters-in-hall 
 Heard call by name, where she buckled treasure 
 Gave to the heroes. She had been promised, 
 
 2025 Young, gold-adorned, to Froda's glad son : 
 
 Therefore it has happened to the friend of the Scyl- 
 
 dings, 
 The' kingdom's ruler, and he counts that a gain. 
 That he with the woman a part of fierce feuds. 
 Of quarrels appeased. Often a courtier, 
 
 2030 After folk's fall, in a little while 
 
 The deadly spear takes, though good be the bride. 
 
 XXX. It may therefore displease the prince of the Heath- 
 obards, 
 And each of the thanes of these peoples, 
 When he with the woman goes into the hall, 
 
 2035 That a son of the Danes on her should attend : 
 For on him there shines the bequest of the agdd, 
 Hard and ring-decked, the Heathobards' treasure, 
 WhQe they with weapons were able to rule. 
 Until they misled to the shield-play 
 
 2040 Their dear companions and their own lives. 
 
 Then speaks at the beer-drinking he who sees the 
 
 jewel, 
 An old spear-warrior, who all remembers, 
 Spear-death of men (fierce is his mind) , 
 Begins, sad in mood, of the young warrior 
 
 2045 The spirit to rouse by thoughts in his mind. 
 War-bale to excite, and this word speaks : 
 ' Mayst thou, my friend, know now the sword, 
 Which thine own father bore into battle 
 Under his helmet for the last time, 
 
 2050 The precious weapon, where the Danes slew him. 
 
2051-2084.] BEOWULF. 63 
 
 The battle-place held, when dead lay Withergyld, 
 After heroes' fall, the Scyldings braye ? 
 Now here a son of some one of these murderers, 
 In his weapons rejoicing, goes into the hall, 
 
 2055 Boasts of the murder and bears the jewel. 
 Which thou with right shouldest possess.' 
 So he advises and each time reminds 
 With bitter words, until the time Comes 
 That the woman's thane, for the deeds of his father, 
 
 2060 After the sword's stroke blood-stained sleeps. 
 Guilty of his life : thence will the other 
 Warrior escape ; he knows the land well. 
 Then are there broken on either side 
 The sword-oaths of earls, after in Ingeld 
 
 2065 Are roused deadly feuds, and in him woman's love 
 After care-waves cooler becomes. 
 Therefore I count not on the faith of the Heatho- 
 
 bards. 
 Folk-peace sincere, kept with the Danes, 
 Friehdship confirmed. — I shall speak forth 
 
 2070 Yet about Grendel, that thou mayst well know. 
 Giver of treasure, what was the result 
 Of the hand-flght of men. After heaven's gem 
 Glided over the earth, the angry fiend came. 
 The terrible even-guest, to make us a visit, 
 
 2075 Where we unharmed guarded the hall. 
 There was Hondscio destined for fight. 
 Life-bale to the fated : he lay the first. 
 The belted warrior : to him was Grendel, 
 To the great kin-thane, a mouth-destroyer, 
 
 2080 The dear man's body all he swallowed. 
 Not sooner out then yet empty-handed. 
 The bloody-toothed murderer mindful of woes 
 From the gold-hall was willing to go. 
 But he, strong in might, made trial of me, 
 
04 BEOWULF. [2085-2118. 
 
 2085 With ready hand grasped me. His glove was hang- 
 ing, 
 "Wide and wonderful, in cunning bands fast ; 
 It was all wrought with curious skill 
 "With devil's craft and dragon's skins ; 
 He me therein, guiltless of crime, 
 
 2090 The fierce deed-doer, wished to destroy, 
 One of many : it might not be so, 
 After in anger upright I stood. 
 Too long is to tell how I the folk's foe 
 For each of his ills a hand-reward paid, 
 
 2095 "Where I, my prince, thine own people 
 Honored by deeds. Away he escaped, 
 A little while life's joys enjoyed : 
 Yet of him a trace remained behind. 
 His right hand in Heorot, and he humbled thence, 
 
 2100 Sorrowing in mind, to the sea-bottom sank. 
 Me for this contest the friend of the Scyldings 
 "With plated gold much rewarded, 
 "With many treasures, when morning came. 
 And we at the banquet had seated ourselves. 
 
 2105 There was song and glee : the ag6d Scylding, 
 "Who much had heard, of past times related ; 
 Sometimes the wamor the joy of the harp, 
 The play-wood touched ; sometimes sang a song 
 True and sorrowful ; sometimes a strange tale 
 
 2110 Truthfully told the wide-hearted king ; 
 
 Sometimes then began, burdened with age, 
 The hoary warrior to tell of his youth's 
 Prowess in battle ; his breast swelled within, 
 "When he old in years their number remembered. 
 
 2115 So we therein the live-long day 
 
 Partook of hall-joys, until night came on, 
 Another to men. Then was again quickly 
 Ready for vengeance the mother of Grendel, 
 
2119-2153.] BEOWULI". 65 
 
 She sorrowful went : death took off her son, 
 
 2120 War-hiate of the TVeders. The wondrous woman 
 Her son avenged, a warrior killed 
 Courageously ; there was from Aeschere, 
 The ag6d counsellor, life departed. 
 Nor might they him, when morning came, 
 
 2125 Delivered to death, the folk of the Danes 
 With fire consume, and on the pyre place 
 The dearly-loved man ; the body she bore 
 In the fiend's embrace 'neath the mountain-stream. 
 That was to Hrothgar the greatest of sorrows, 
 
 2130 Of those that long the prince Ifefell. 
 Then the chief me by thine own life 
 Adjured, sad in mind, that I in the sea's flood 
 Should do valiant deeds, should risk my lif^. 
 Should honor gain ; he promised reward. 
 
 2135 I then of the water, which is widely known. 
 The grim and fearful guard of the deep found. 
 There a while was to us a hand-to-hand fight ; 
 The sea welled with gore, and I of the head robbed 
 In the ground-haU the mother of Grendel 
 
 2140 With a strong sword ; I scarcely from thence 
 My life bore away ; . not yet was I fated ; 
 But the earl's defence to me after gave 
 Many of treasures, the son of Healfdene. 
 
 XXXI. So the folk-king lived as was right : 
 
 2145 Not at all had I lost by these rewards, 
 
 This meed of might, but he gave me treasures, 
 The son of Healfdene, at mine own will. 
 Which I will to thee, warlike king, brmg,' 
 Willingly offer. Still on thee is all 
 
 2150 Of favor dependent : I have very few 
 Of near relations save, Hygelac, thee." 
 He bade then bring in the boar's-head-sign, 
 The battle-high helmet, the hoary burnie, 
 
66 BEOWULF. [2154-2187. 
 
 The war-sword ornate, his word then uttered : 
 
 2155 "This cuirass to meHrothgar then gave, 
 The crafty chief, bade with some words 
 That I of its origin first should thee tell. 
 Said that it had Hiorogar king. 
 Prince of the Scyldings, for a long while : 
 
 2160 Not to his son sooner would he it give. 
 
 To the brave Heoroweard, though to him he were 
 
 dear. 
 The defence of the breast. Use thou it well ! " 
 I heard that to the armor four horses too. 
 Exactly alike, in their tracks followed, 
 
 2165 Yellow as apples : he to him gave possession 
 Of horses and jewels. So shaU a friend do, 
 Not at all cunning snares weave for another, 
 With secret craft death for him prepare. 
 His hand-companion. To Hygelac was, 
 
 2170 In battle brave, his nephew devoted, 
 
 And each to the other mindful of kindness. 
 I heard that the necklace he to Hygd gave. 
 The curious treasure which "Wealhtheow gave him, 
 The prince's daughter, three horses likewise, 
 
 2175 Slender and saddle-bright: to her after was. 
 After the ring-giving, the breast adorned. 
 So bravely bore him Ecgtheow's son. 
 The man famed in wars, by his good deeds. 
 He did after right, not at all slew the drunken 
 
 2180 Hearth-companions : his mind was not cruel. 
 But he of mankind with greatest power, 
 The mighty gift, which God him gave. 
 The warlike one kept. Long he was despised, 
 As him the Geats' children did not reckon good, 
 
 2185 Nor him at the mead-bench as worthy of much 
 The lord of the people would then esteem ; 
 They weened very strongly that he was slothful, 
 
2188-2214.] BEOWULF. G7 
 
 An unwarlike prince ; a change after came 
 
 To the glory-blessed man of each of his sorrows. 
 
 2190 The earl's defence bade then bring in, 
 The warlike king, Hrethel's bequest 
 Adorned with gold : there was not 'mong the Geats 
 A better treasure in the shape of a sword : 
 TThat did he place in Beowulf's keeping, 
 
 2195 And to him gave seven thousand of gold, 
 
 A house and dominion. To them both together 
 Among the people was iaherited land, 
 A home and its rights, more to. the other, 
 A wide-spread Tiingdom, to him who was better. 
 
 Beowulf and the Deagon. 
 X. 
 
 Beowulf is king. The dragon's hoard roVbed. The fiery 
 vengeance of the dragon. 
 
 2200 That happened after in later days 
 
 By battle-contests, when Hygelac died, 
 And to Heardred swords of battle 
 Under the shields were as a murderer, 
 When him there sought 'mong his victor-people 
 
 2205 The warriors bold, the Battle-Seylflngs, 
 By war oppressed the nephew of Hereric. 
 After to Beowulf the kingdom broad 
 Came into hand : he held it well 
 Fifty winters (then was the king agdd 
 
 2210 The home-keeper old) until one began ^ 
 On the dark nights,, a dragon, to rule, 
 Who on the high heath a treasure protected, 
 A steep stony mountain : the path under lay, 
 To men unknown. There within went 
 
68 BEOWULF. [2215-2249. 
 
 2215 Some one of men, who took his desire 
 
 From the heathen hoard : a certain hand-vessel, 
 Adorned with gold, he there then took^ 
 Made of red gold, so that was robbed 
 By the Are sleeping the treasure's guardian 
 
 2220 By a thief's craft : the prince after learnt, 
 ~ --The innocent warrior, that he was enraged. 
 
 XXXII. Not at aU of free-will the dragon-hoard's heap 
 Sought he of himself, who him sorely injured. 
 But through necessity the thane of some one 
 
 2225 Of the children of men hateful blows fled. 
 
 Through dire compulsion, and therein entered 
 The innoceot man. Soon it was at that time 
 That there to the stranger dread terror stood : 
 Yet miserable he there within took, 
 
 2230 The frightened soul who terror suffered, 
 
 A costly-wrought vessel. There were many of such 
 In tbe'earffii-cave, of ancient treasures, 
 As them in old days some one of men, 
 The great bequest of a noble race, 
 
 2235 "With thoughtful mind there had concealed. 
 
 The precious treasures. Death them all took away 
 In formfer times, and the only one still 
 Of the people's nobles who there longest lived, 
 The friend-mourning guardian, wished tha;t to delay, 
 
 2240 So that he a short time longer the treasures 
 Might there enjoy. A mountain all ready 
 Stood on the plain near to the waters. 
 Steep by the ness, firm, inaccessible : ' 
 There within bore of noble treasures 
 
 2245 The keeper of rings a part hard to carry 
 Of beaten gold, banning words spoke : 
 ~" Keep thou now, earth, since men may not. 
 The possession of earls. Lo ! before it in thee 
 Good men obtained ; war-death took away, 
 
2250-2282.] BEOWULF. 69 
 
 2250 Fearful life-bale, each one of men, 
 
 Of mine own people, who gave up this life : 
 They saw hall-joy. I've not one to bear sword, 
 Or care for the cup of beaten gold, 
 The dear drinking-vessel : the chiefs elsewhere are 
 gone. 
 
 2255 The hard helmet shall, with gold adorned, 
 
 Be deprived of its jewels : the polishers sleep, 
 Those who the battle-mask should ever brighten ; 
 And likewise the breast-plate, which in battle endured 
 O'er clash of shields the blows of weapons, 
 
 2260 Crumbles after the warrior: nor may the ringed 
 burnie 
 After the battle-chief go far and wide 
 By the side of heroes : there 's no harp's joy. 
 Play of the glee-wood, nor does the good hawk) 
 Through the hall fly, npr the swift horse 
 
 2265 The city-courts paw. Mighty death has 
 Many of mortals sent on their way." 
 So sad in mind iu sorrow mourned 
 One over all, miserable lived 
 By day and night, until death's wave 
 
 2270 Touched him at heart. The precious hoard found 
 The old twilight-foe open standing, 
 He who burning the mountains seeks, 
 The naked dragon, who flies by night 
 Surrounded by fire : him the earth-dwellers 
 
 2275 Saw from afar. He shall inhabit 
 
 The hedge on the earth, where he heathen gold 
 Guards old in years : he shall not be the better. 
 So the folk-foe three hundred winters 
 Held in the earth one of hoard-halls 
 
 2280 "Wondrously great, until him one angered, 
 A man, in his mind : he bore to his lord 
 The jewelled cup, a peace-offering gave 
 
70 BEOWTJLF. [2283-2316.- 
 
 To his own lord. Then was the hoard found, 
 Hoard of rings borne away ; the prayer was granted 
 
 2285 To the miserable man : bis lord beheld 
 Men's ancient work for the first time. 
 When the dragon awoke, strife was renewed : 
 He went 'round o'er the stone, the brave-minded 
 
 found 
 His enemy's foot-track : he forth had stepped 
 
 2290 "With secret craft near the head of the dragon. 
 So may one not fated' easily escape 
 Woes and exile, who the Almighty's 
 Favor possesses. The hoard-keeper sought 
 O'er the ground eagerly, would find the man, 
 
 2295 Who to him in sleep this harm had done : 
 
 Hot and fierce-minded oft he went 'round the cave 
 Now all without : there was not any man 
 On the heath's waste. Yet in battle he joyed. 
 In hostile deeds : he returned to the mountain, 
 
 2300 The precious cup sought : he that soon found. 
 That some one of men the gold had discovered. 
 The costly treasures. The hoard-keeper waited, 
 Angry in mind, until evening came : 
 Was then enraged the guard of the mountain, 
 
 2305 Would many people with fire repay 
 
 For the dear drinking-cup. Then was the day gone 
 At the will of the dragon, nor in the cave longer 
 Would he abide, but with flame went he forth, 
 With fire provided. The beginning was fearful 
 
 2310 To the folk in the land, as it too quickly 
 On their ring-giver sorely was ended. 
 
 XXXni. Then the demon began to vomit with fire, 
 
 To burn the bright dwellings : the flame-light stood 
 For terror to men : not there aught living 
 
 2315 The hateful air-flyer was willing to leave. 
 The worm's war-power widely was seen, 
 
2317-2338.] BBOWULE'. 71 
 
 The hostile one's hate both near and far, 
 How the war-foe the follt of the Geats 
 Hated and harmed : his hoard then he sought, 
 2320 The secret rich hall, before the day-time. 
 
 He had the land-dwellers with fire o'erwhelmed, 
 "With flame and burning : to his mountain he trusted, 
 His war-might and wall : that hope him deceived. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Beowulf prepares for the contest. The deaths of Hygelac 
 and of Heardred recalled. Beowulf's reminiscences. 
 The death of Herebeald and Hrethel's sorrow. Beo- 
 wulf's slaying of Daeghrefn. Beowulf seeks the 
 dragon alone. The fiery fight. Wiglaf goes to his 
 help. The wounding of Beowulf. The death of the 
 dragon. Wiglaf brings out the treasure. Beowulf's 
 death. 
 
 Then was to Beowulf the terror made known 
 2325 Quickly in truth, that of his own 
 
 The best of houses in fire-waves melted. 
 
 The gift-seat of the Geats. That was to the good 
 one 
 
 Distress in mind, greatest of sorrows. 
 
 The wise one weened that he the Almighty 
 2330 Against the old laws, the eternal Lord, 
 
 Had grievously angered : his breast within swelled 
 
 With gloomy thoughts, as to him was not usual. 
 
 The fire-drake had the people's fastness. 
 
 The island without, the landed possessions, 
 2335 With fire destroyed : for him then the war-king, 
 
 The Weders' prince, revenge devised. 
 
 Bade then work for him the warriors' defence, 
 
 The lord of earls, all made of iron 
 
72 BEOWULF. [2339-2373. 
 
 A wonderful war-shield : he knew very well 
 
 2340 That forest-wood him could not help. 
 
 The shield against fire. He of his fleeting days, 
 Excellent prince, the end should await 
 Of his worldly life, and the woim likewise, 
 Although his hoard-treasure he long had held. 
 
 2345 Scorn did he then, the prince of rings^ 
 
 That he the wide-flier with host should seek, 
 "With a large army : he feared n.ot the contest, 
 Nor did he for aught count the serpent's war-might. 
 His strength and prowess, for that he before many 
 
 2350 Conflicts survived, though dangers encountering, 
 Clashings of battle, since he of Hrothgar, 
 A victory-blessed hero, the hall had cleansed, 
 And in battle destroyed the kinsmen of Grendel, 
 The hateful race. That was not the least 
 
 2355 Of hand-encounters, where one Hygelac slew, 
 "When the Geats' king in the contests of war, 
 Friendly lord of the folk, in the land of the Frisians, 
 The son of Hrethel, in battle-gore died, 
 Struck down with the sword. Thence Beowulf came 
 
 2360 By his own might, swam through the sea : 
 He had on his arm thirty and one 
 Of battle-equipments, when he in the sea went. 
 The Hetwaras did not need to be boastful 
 Of their foot-contest, who against him before 
 
 2365 "Were bearing their shields : few again came 
 From the war-hero to visit their home. 
 Ecgtheow's son swam o'er the sea's surface, 
 Unhappy alone back to his people, 
 "Where to him Hygd offered treasure and kingdom, 
 
 2370 Rings and king's throne : she the child ti-usted not. 
 That 'gainst other peoples the nation's seats 
 He knew how to hold, when Hygelac was dead. 
 Not sooner might the forsaken ones find 
 
2374-240G.] BEOWULF. 73 
 
 At the hands of the prince in any respect, 
 
 2375 That he to Heardred would be a lord, 
 
 Or he the kingdom was willing to choose : 
 Yet he him 'mong the people with friendly lore held. 
 Kindly with honor, untQ he was older. 
 And the Wedergeats ruled. Him did the banished 
 ones 
 
 2380 Seek o'er the sea, Ohthere's sous ; 
 
 They had 'gainst the lord of the Scyldiugs rebelled, 
 The most excellent one of the sea-kings, , 
 Who in the Swedes' kingdom treasure divided, 
 A mighty prince. That to him was life's end : 
 
 2385 He there at the banquet the death-wound received 
 With blows of the sword, Hygelac's son, 
 And then he departed, Ongentheow's son, 
 To visit his home, when Heardred lay dead, 
 Let Beowulf hold the royal throne, 
 
 2390 And rule the Geats : that was a good king ! 
 
 XXXIV. He remembered reward for that people's loss 
 In later days ; to Eadgils he was, 
 To the helpless a friend, with an army supported 
 O'er the wide sea Ohthere's son, 
 
 2395 With war-might and weapons : he after avenged him 
 For the cold care-journeys, of life the king robbed. — 
 So he had survived each one of struggles. 
 Of dangerous contests, Ecgtheow's son, 
 Of mighty deeds, till that very day 
 
 2400 That he 'gainst the serpent was going to fight. 
 He went one of twelve, swollen with rage, 
 "The prince of the Geats, the dragon to view ; 
 He had then learnt whence rose the feud. 
 Deadly hate to his warriors : into his keeping came 
 
 2405 The great treasure-cup through the hand of the 
 finder. 
 He was in the band the thirteenth man, 
 
74, BEOWULF, [2407-2440. 
 
 Who the beginning of this contest caused, 
 
 Sad in mind, fettered, despised he should thence 
 
 Point out the plain : he against his will went 
 
 2410 For that he knew the earth-hall alone, 
 
 Cave under the earth near the sea-waves. 
 Near the rushing of waters, which was within full 
 Of jewels and wire- work : the monstrous guard, 
 The ready warrior, the gold-treasures held, 
 
 2415 Old under the earth : that was no easj' purchase 
 To be obtained for any of men. 
 Sat then on the ness the warlike king 
 Whilst farewell he bade to his hearth-companions. 
 The gold-friend of the Geats : his mind was sad, 
 
 2420 Eestless and death-ready. Weird very nigh. 
 Which should approach the ag^d man. 
 Seek the soul's hoa^rd, asunder divide 
 The life from the bodj^ ; not then was long 
 The life of the prince in flesh enclosed. 
 
 2425 Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 
 
 " Many war-struggles in youth I survived, 
 Times of battle ; I remember aU that. 
 I was seven winters, when me lord of treasures. 
 Dear ruler of peoples, took from my father ; 
 
 2430 Supported and kept me Hrethel the king. 
 
 Gave me ti-easure and feast, remembered our kin- 
 ship ; 
 I was never to him at all a more hateful 
 Man in his palace than on'e of his sons, 
 Herebeald and Haethcyn or Hygelac mine. 
 
 2435 There was for the eldest contrary to right 
 
 By the deeds of his kinsman a death-bed prepared, 
 Since him did Haethcyn from his horndd bow, 
 His own dear lord, with arrow pierce, 
 Missed he the mark and his kinsman did shoot, 
 
 2440 One brother the other, with bloody dart : 
 
2441-2473.] BEOWULF. 75 
 
 That was fee-less fight, wickedly sinned^ 
 Sorrow-bringing to breast; should yet, however. 
 The lord unavenged from life depart. 
 So is it sorrowful to an ag6d churl 
 
 2445 To live to see that his son hang 
 
 Young on the gallows : then he utters a moan, 
 A sorrowful song, when his son hangs 
 For joy to the raven, and he him may not help. 
 Old and experienced, aught for him do. 
 
 2450 Always is remembered on each one of mornings 
 His son's departure ; he cares not another 
 To hope to see born in his own palace, 
 An heir to his throne, when this one has. 
 Through mighfof death, suffered such deeds. 
 
 2455 He sorrowful sees in his son's dwelling 
 The wine-hall empty, the windy rest-place 
 Of merriment robbed ; the warrior sleeps. 
 The prince in his grave ; no sound of harp's there. 
 No sport in the courts, as there were once. 
 
 2460 XXXV. Then he goes to his chamber, sings sorrow- 
 ful songs. 
 The one for the other : too empty all seemed. 
 Fields and dwelling. So the Weders' defence 
 For Herebeald sorrow of heart 
 "Welling up bore : he might not at all 
 
 2465 Upon that murderer the feud avenge ; 
 
 Not sooner might he wreak his hate on the warrior 
 With evil deeds, though he was not to him dear. 
 He then with this sorrow, which befell him so sore. 
 Gave up human joy, God's light did choose, 
 
 2470 Left to his sons, as a wealthy man does, 
 
 Land and chief city, when from life he departed. 
 Then was feud and strife of the Swedes and the 
 
 Geats, 
 O'er the wide water contest in common, 
 
76 , BEOWtFLI". [2474-2507. 
 
 A hard battle-struggle, after Hrethel was dead, 
 
 2475 Whilst to them were Ongentheow's sons 
 Bold and warlike, friendship would not 
 O'er the sea keep, but around Hreosna-mount 
 Terrible inroads often did make. 
 For that mine own kinsmen vengeance did take, 
 " 2480 For the feud and the wrong, as it was known, 
 Although the other it bought with his life, 
 A heavy price : to Haethcyn was. 
 To the Geats' lord, the war destructive. 
 Then heard I that on th' morrow one kinsman the 
 other 
 
 2485 With edge of the sword avenged on the murderer, 
 When Ongentheow Eofor sought out : 
 The war-helmet split, the ag6d Scylding 
 Fell down sword-pale ; his hand remembered 
 Of strife enough, the death-blow withheld not. — 
 
 2490 I to him the treasures which he me gave 
 Repaid in war, as it was given me, 
 With the shining sword ; he gave to me land, 
 A dwelling and home. There was not to him lack, 
 That he 'mong the Gifths, or 'mong the Spear-Danes, 
 
 '2495 Or in the Swedes' kingdom, needed to seek 
 A warrior worse, him buy with a price : 
 I always would go before him on foot, 
 Alone in front, and so for life shall I 
 Enmity work, while this sword permits, 
 
 2500 Which often stood by me early and late. 
 
 Then 'fore the courtiers was I to Daeghrefn 
 For a hand-slayer, the Hugs' brave warrior : 
 Not he the jewels to the king of the Frisians, 
 The breast-adornment, was able to bring, 
 
 2505 But in battle he fell, the standard's keeper. 
 
 The prince in his might ; sword was not his slayer, . 
 But for him battle-grip the swellings of heart. 
 
2508-2541.] BEOWULF. 77 
 
 The bone-house broke. Now shall the bill's edge, 
 Hand and hard sword, fight for the hoard." 
 
 2510 Beowulf said, with boastful words spoke 
 For the last time : "I survived many 
 Wars in my youth ; yet now I will, 
 Old people's guard, the contest seek, 
 With honor work, if me the fell foe 
 
 2515 From his earth-hall dare to seek out." 
 Greeted he then each one of men. 
 The brave helmet-bearers, for the last time, 
 His own dear comrades: "I would not the sword 
 
 bear, 
 Weapon 'gainst worm, if I knew how 
 
 2520 Upon this monster I might otherwise 
 
 My boast maintain, as once upon Grendel. 
 But I there expect hot battle-flre, 
 Breath and poison : therefore I have on me 
 Shield and burnie. I will not the hiU's guard, 
 
 2525 The foe, flee from even part of one foot. 
 
 But at wall it shall be as for us Weird provides, 
 Each man's Creator : I am in mind brave, 
 So that 'gainst the war-flier from boast I refrain. 
 Await ye on mountain, clad in your burnies, 
 
 2530 Heroes in armor, which one may better. 
 After the contest, from wounds escape 
 Of both of us. That is not your work, 
 Nor the might of a man but of me alone. 
 That he 'gainst the monster his strength should try, 
 
 2535 Heroic deeds do. I shall with might 
 The gold obtain, or war shall take off. 
 Terrible life-bale, your own sovereign." 
 Arose then by the rock the warrior fierce 
 Brave under his helmet, his battle-sark bore 
 
 2540 'Neath the stone-cliffs, to the strength trusted 
 Of one man alone ; such is no coward's work. 
 
78 BEOWULF. [2542-2570. 
 
 He saw then by the wall (he who very many, 
 In man's virtues good, of contests survived. 
 Struggles of battle, when warriors contended) 
 
 2545 A stony arch stand, a stream out thence 
 
 Break from the mountain ; the burn's flood was 
 With battle-fire hot ; might not near the hoard 
 One without burning any while then 
 Endure the deep for the flame of the dragon. 
 
 2o50 Let then from his breast, since he was entaged. 
 The Wedergeats' prince his words go forth. 
 The strong-hea;rted stormed : his voice came in, 
 In battle clear-sounding, 'neath the hoar stone: 
 Strife was stirred up ; the hoard-keeper knew 
 
 2555 The voice of a man : there was not more time 
 Friendship to seek. First there came. forth 
 The breath of the monster out of the rock. 
 Hot battle-sweat ; the earth resounded. 
 The man 'neath the mountain his shield upraised 
 
 2560 'Gainst the terrible demon, the lord of the Geats : 
 ' Then was the ring-bowed eager in heart 
 The contest to seek. The sword ere brandished 
 The good war-king, the ancient relic- 
 Sharp in its edges : to each One was 
 
 2565 Of those bent on bale dread from the other. 
 
 The strong-minded stood against the steep rock. 
 The prince of friends, when the worm bent 
 Quickly together :• he in armor awaited. 
 Went he then burning advancing in cui^es, 
 
 2570 To Ms fate ha,sting ; the shield well protected ^ 
 In life and in body a lesser while 
 The mighty chief than his wish sought, , ; 
 If he that time, on the first day. 
 Was to control, as Weird did not permit him 
 
 2575 Triumph in battle^ His hand he uplifted, 
 
 The prince of the Geats, the fearful foe struck - 
 
2577-2610.] BEOWULF. 79 
 
 With the mighty relic, so that the- edge softened 
 Brown on the bone, bit less strongly 
 Than the folk-king need of it had, 
 
 2580 Oppressed with the fight. Then was the hill's keeper, 
 After the battle-blow, fierce in his mood. 
 Threw with death-fire ; far and wide spread 
 The flame of the battle. Of triumphs he boasted not. 
 The gold-friend of the Geats : the war-bill failed 
 
 2585 Naked in fight, as it should not. 
 
 Excellent weapon. That was no easy task. 
 So that the mighty kinsman of Ecgtheow 
 The plain of this earth was to forsake. 
 Must at the worm's will take up his abode , 
 
 2590 Elsewhere than here ; so shall every man 
 
 His fleeting life leave. It was not then long 
 
 That "the fierce ones again each other met. 
 
 The hoard-keeper raged, his breast swelled with 
 
 breath : 
 A second time he suffered distress 
 
 2595 Surrounded by fire, who before ruled his folk. 
 Not at all in a band did his companions. 
 Children of nobles, him stand around 
 "With warlike virtues, but they to wood went, 
 Protected their lives. In one of them welled 
 
 2600 His mind with son-ows ; friendship may never 
 Be at all put aside by one who thinks well. 
 
 XXXVI. Wiglaf was named Weohstan's son. 
 
 The worthy warrior, prince of the Scylflngs, 
 Kinsman of Aelfhere. He saw his lord 
 
 2605 Under his helmet the heat endure ; 
 
 He remembered the favor, that he once to him gave 
 The rich dwelling-place of the Waegmundings, 
 Each one of follt-rights which his father possessed. 
 He might not then refrain, his hand seized the shield, 
 
 2610 The yellow wood, he drew his old sword : 
 
80 BEOWULF. ' [2611-2642. 
 
 That was among men Eanmund's bequest, 
 Ohthere'a son, to whom in strife was. 
 To the friendless exile, Weohstan the slayer 
 By the edge of the sword, and he bore to his kins- 
 men 
 
 2615 The brown-colored helmet, the ringed burnie. 
 The old giant's sword that Onela gave him. 
 His own relation's war-equipments, 
 Ready war-weapons : he spoke not of the feud, 
 Though he had slain his brother's son. 
 
 2620 He the ornaments held many half-years. 
 Bill and burnie, until his son might 
 Heroic deeds work, as his old father : 
 He gave to him then war-weeds 'mong the Geats, 
 Countless number of each, when he from life went 
 
 2625 Old on his last journey. Then was the first time 
 To the young warrior that in storm of war 
 With his dear lord he should engage ; 
 His courage failed not, nor his kinsman's bequest 
 Softened in battle : that the dragon perceived, 
 
 2630 After they two together had gone. ' 
 
 "Wiglaf then spoke many suitable words. 
 Said to his comrades (sad was his mind) : 
 ' ' I remember that time when we received mead. 
 When we did promise to our dear lord 
 
 2635 In the beer-hall, who gave us these rings. 
 
 That we for the war-weeds him would repay, 
 
 If to him such need ever should happen, 
 
 For helmets and hard swords, since in host he us 
 
 chose 
 For this expedition of his own wUl, 
 
 2640 Thought of honors for us, and gave me these treas- 
 ures. 
 Us whom he deemed spear-warriors good. 
 Brave helmet-bearers, although our lord 
 
2643-2(576.] BEOWULF. gj 
 
 This noble work intended alone 
 
 To accomplish for us, ward of his folk, 
 
 2645 Because he of men most noble deeds did, 
 Eashly-bold actions. JSTow is the day come 
 That our own chieftain has need of the strength 
 Of warriors good : let us to him go. 
 Help the war-prince whilst there is heat, 
 
 2650 Fierce fiery terror. God knows in me. 
 
 That to me 'tis far dearer that my own body 
 With my gold-giver the flame should embrace. 
 Not becoming, methinks it, that we should bear 
 
 shields 
 Again to our home, unless we may sooner 
 
 2655 Strike down the foe, the life protect . 
 Of the "Weders' chief. I know it well. 
 That he does not deserve that he alone shall 
 Of the Geats' nobles sorrow endure. 
 Fall in the battle : now shall sword and helmet, 
 
 2660 Burnie and battle-dress, 'to us both be common." 
 
 Went he then through theflame, his war-helmet bore 
 For help to his lord, spoke a few words : 
 " Beowulf dear ! do thou all well. 
 As thou in thy youth long ago said'st, 
 
 2665 That thou would' st not let for thyself living 
 
 Honor e'er cease ; now shalt thou, strong in deeds, 
 Firm-minded prince, with all thy might 
 Thy life protect ; I shall assist thee." 
 After these words the angry worm came, 
 
 2670 The terrible demon, a second time 
 
 With fire-waves shining to seek his foes, 
 The hostile men. With flame-billows burned 
 The shield to the rim : the burnie might not 
 To the young spear-warrior assistance afford. 
 
 2675 But the young hero 'neath the shield of his kinsman 
 With courage went, when his own was 
 
82 BEOWULF. [2677-2T09. 
 
 Destroyed by flames. Then still the war-king 
 Was mindful of fame, of his mighty strength, 
 Struck with his war-bill, that it stood in the head 
 
 2680 Forcibly driven : broke in two Naegling, 
 Failed in battle Beowulf's sword. 
 Old and gray-etched. 'T was not granted to him, 
 That him of the sword the edges were able 
 To help in the battle : that hand was too strong, 
 
 2685 Which any of swords, b3' my hearsay. 
 
 With its stroke tested, when to battle he bore 
 
 The sharp-wounding weapon : 't was not for him 
 
 better. 
 Then was the folk-foe for the third time, 
 The bold fire-dragon, mindful of feuds, 
 
 2690 Eushed on the strong one, since space him allowed, 
 Hot and war-fierce, clasped around all the neck i 
 With his sharp bones : he was all bloodied 
 With the life-blood ; gore welled in waves. 
 
 XXXVII. Then I heard say in the folk-king's need 
 
 2695 The earl displayed unceasing bravery, 
 
 Strength and valor, as was natural to him : 
 He cared not for his head, but the hand burned 
 Of the brave man, where he helped with his strength, 
 So that the fell demon he struck somewhat lower, 
 
 2700 The hero in armor, that the sword sank inj 
 Shining and gold-plated, that the fire began 
 After to lessen. Then still the king 
 His senses possessed, struck with his war-knife, 
 Cutting and battle-sharp, which he bore on his 
 burnie : 
 
 2705 The Weders' defence cut the serpent in two. 
 The foe they felled, force drove out life, 
 And they him then both had destroyed, 
 Kindred princes : such should a man be, 
 A thane in need. That was to the prince 
 
2710-2744.] BEOWULF. 83 ' 
 
 2710 The last of his victories by his own deeds, 
 
 Of work in the world. Then 'gan the wound, , 
 Which on him the earth-drake before had inflicted, 
 To burn and to swell : that soon he perceived 
 That in his breast deadly ill welled, 
 2715 Poison within. Then the prince went, 
 , So that he by the rock, wise in his mind, 
 Sat on his seat, on the giants' work looked, 
 How the stone-arches, fast on their columns, 
 The earth-hall eternal held there within. 
 2720 Then with his hands him bloody with gore, 
 The mighty prince, the excellent, thane 
 His own dear lord with water laved, 
 "Weary of battle, and his helmet unloosed. 
 Beowulf said : he spoke of his wound, 
 2725 His deadly-pale wound (he knew very well 
 That he had spent his time allotted 
 Of the joy of earth ; then was all gone 
 Of Ms days' number, death very nigh) : 
 " Now I to my son would wish to give 
 2730 These war-weeds of mine, if to me was granted 
 Any inheritor hereafter to be 
 The heir of my body. This people I ruled 
 Fifty of winters ; there was not a folk-king, 
 Of those dwelling around any at all, 
 2735 Who me durst meet with his war-friends, 
 With terror oppress. I awaited at home 
 The appointed time, kept mine own well. 
 Sought not hostilities, nor for m3-self swore 
 Many oaths falsely ; I for all that, 
 2740 With deadly wounds sick, now joy may have ; 
 Hence the ruler of men need not to me charge 
 The murder of kinsmen, when shall depart 
 My life from my body. Now do thou quickly go 
 To see the hoard 'neath the hoar stone, 
 
84 BEOWXJXr. [2745-2778. 
 
 2745 Wiglaf my dear one, now the serpent lies dead, 
 Sleeps sorely wounded, robbed of his treasure. 
 Be now in haste that I the old riches, 
 The treasure may view, completely look on 
 The bright precious gems, that I may the easier, 
 
 2750 On account of the treasure, give up mine own 
 Life and my people that I long held." 
 
 XXXVIII. Then heard I that quickly Weohstan's son, 
 After these words, his wounded lord 
 Sick from battle obeyed,' bore his ringed net, 
 
 2755 His battle-sark woven, 'neath the roof of the mountain. 
 Saw then victorious, when be by the seat went. 
 The brave kin-thane many of treasures, 
 Glittering gold on the ground lying, 
 Wonder on wall and the den of the worm, 
 
 2760 The old air-flier, drinking-cups standing. 
 Vessels of old-time wanting the polisher, 
 Deprived of their ornaments. There was many a 
 
 helmet , 
 Old and rusty, many arm-bracelets 
 Curiously twisted. The treasure may easily, 
 
 2765 The gold ii:(,the ground, each hoard of mankind 
 In value exceed, let him hide it who will. 
 Likewise he saw standing an all-golden banner 
 High over the hoard, greatest of wonders, 
 Wrought with hand-craft ; from it light stood, 
 
 2770 So that the ground-plain he might perceive, 
 
 Examine the treasures . There was not of the serpent 
 Any appearance, but sword took him off. 
 Then I heard say, in the cave the hoard robbed. 
 The old work of giants, one man alone, 
 
 2775 Bore on his bosom the cups and the plates 
 At his own will ; the banner he took. 
 Brightest of beacons, a bill sheathed with brass 
 (Its edge was of ii'on) of the old lord, 
 
2779-2813:] BEOWULF. §5 
 
 Who of these treasiii-es was the protector 
 
 2780 For a long while, bore flery terror 
 
 Hot, deadly-]-olling, on apcount of the hoard 
 In the midst of the night, till he in death perished. 
 In haste was the messenger for return readj-. 
 Provided with treasures ; wonder him moved, 
 
 2785 Whether he the high-minded alive would find 
 In that grassy spot, the prince of the Weders, 
 Deprived of strength, where he him before left. 
 He then with the treasures the mighty prince, 
 His own dear lord, bleeding did find 
 
 2790 At the end of his life. He began him again 
 With water to sprinkle, until the word's point 
 Brake through his breast-hoard : Beowulf spoke. 
 The old man in sorrow (the gold he viewed) : 
 " I for these treasures to the Lord of all thanks, 
 
 2795 To the glorious- King, in words do speak, 
 
 To the Lord eternal, — which I here look upon, 
 For this that I might for mine own people 
 Before my death-day such treasures obtain. 
 Now I for the hoard of jewels have paid 
 
 2800 Mine own ag6d life ; do 3-e now supply 
 
 The needs of my people ; I may not longer be here. 
 
 Bid ye the war-famed a mound to make 
 
 Bright after the pyre at the sea's point. 
 
 Which shall for remembrance to mine own people 
 
 2805 Raise itself high on the Whale's ness. 
 That it the sea-farers hereafter may call 
 Beowulf's mound, who shall their high ships 
 O'er the sea's mists from afar drive." 
 He put from his neck the golden ring, 
 
 2810 The bold-minded prince, gave to the thane. 
 
 The young spear-warrior, his gold-adorned helm, 
 Collar and burnie, bade him use them well: 
 * ' Thou art the last left of our own kindred 
 
86 BEOWULF. [2814r-2838. 
 
 Of the Waegmundings. Weird carried away all 
 2815 Of mine own kinsmen at the time appointed, 
 Earls in their strength : I shall go after them." 
 That was to the agM the very last word 
 In his breast- thoughts, ei-e the pyre he chose, 
 The hot fiery waves : from his breast went 
 2820 His soul to seek the doom of the saints. 
 
 XII. 
 
 Wiglaf rebukes tJie thanes. Speech of tJie messenger. Tfie 
 death of Haethcyn, pursuit of Hygelac, and death 
 of Ongentheow. Tlie warriors arrive. Wiglaf's 
 speech. They enter the cave. TJie funeral-pyre. 
 BeovTulf's mound. 
 
 XXXIX. Then it had happened to the young man, 
 With sorrow of mind, that h6 on the earth saw 
 The dearest one at the end of his life 
 Livid become. The slayer too lay, 
 
 2825 The fearful earth-drake, of life bereft, 
 
 Oppressed with bale : the ring-treasures longer 
 
 The twisted serpent might not control. 
 
 But the swords' edges took him away, 
 
 The hard battle- notched leavings of hammers, 
 
 2830 So that the wide-flier, stiU from his wounds. 
 Fell on the earth nigh the hoard-hall ; 
 Not at all through the air dj,d he go springing 
 In the midst of the night, proud of his treasures 
 Showed he his form : but he to earth fell 
 
 2835 On account of the handwork of this battle-prince. 
 Now that in the land to few of men throve 
 Of might-possessors, as I have heard say, 
 Though he were bold in every deed, 
 
2839-2873.] BEOWULF. 8T 
 
 That one should meet the poison-foe's breath, 
 
 2840 Or the ring-hall disturb with his hands, 
 If he were to find the waking guard 
 On the mount watching. By Beowulf was 
 The portion of treasures paid for with death : 
 It had for each the end obtained 
 
 2845 Of fleeting life. — 'Twas not then long after 
 That the cowardly ones the wood forsook, 
 The unwarlike truth-breakers, ten together. 
 Who durst not before fight with their spears 
 In their liege lord's very great need : 
 
 2850 But they ashamed bore then their shields, 
 Their weeds of war, where the ag6d one lay ; 
 They gazed upon Wiglaf . He wearied sat. 
 The flghter-on-foot, near his lord's shoulders, 
 Eefreshed him with water : it naught him availed. 
 
 2855 He might not on earth, though he well would, 
 In the great prince his life retain, 
 Nor the Almighty's will could he change ; 
 The doom of God in deeds would dispose 
 For each one of men, as He now doth. 
 
 2860 Then was from the youth an answer grim 
 
 For him easy gotten, who before lost his valor. 
 Wiglaf then spoke, Weohstan's son, 
 The sorrowful man (he looked on the unloved) : 
 " Lo ! that may he say who will speak truth, 
 
 2865 That the folk-king who gave you the treasures, 
 The war-equipments, in which ye there stand. 
 When he" on the ale-bench often presented 
 To the hall-sitters helmet and burnie. 
 The prince to his thanes, such as anywhere bravest 
 
 2870 From far or nigh he was able to find, — 
 That he without doubt the weeds of war 
 To no purpose wasted. When war him assailed. 
 Not at all did the folk-king of his comrades-in-war 
 
1' 
 
 88 BEOWULF. [2874-2907. 
 
 Have cause to boast : 3-et God him granted, 
 2875 The Ruler of victory, that himself he avenged 
 
 Alone with his sword, when he had need of strength. / 
 
 I to him little life-defence might 
 
 In battle afford, and yet I began / 
 
 Beyond my power my kinsman to help : 
 2880 He was always the worse, when I with the swordj 
 struck \ 
 
 The life-destroyer : the fire ran stronger, 
 
 Welled from his breast. Too few defenders 
 7/ Pressed round the prince, when the evil befell him. 1 
 
 / Now taking of jewels and giving of swords, 
 
 2885 All joy of home for your own kindred, 
 
 Comfort shall cease : of rights of land 
 
 Each one of men of this kindred tribe 
 
 Must be deprived, after the princes 
 
 From afar hear of j-our desertion, 
 \ 2890 Inglorious deed. Death shall be better 
 
 \ ' To each one of earls than a life of disgrace." 
 
 XL. He bade then the battle-work tell at the hedge 
 ' Upon the steep cliff, where the earl-band 
 
 The morning-long day sad in mind sat, 
 2895 The warriors with shields, in expectance of both. 
 
 The final day and the return 
 
 Of the dear man. Little kept silent 
 
 Of the new tidings he who rode o'er the ness. 
 
 But he in truth spoke on all sides : 
 2900 " Now is the joy-giver of the folk of the Weders, 
 
 The lord of the Geats, fast in his death-bed, 
 
 Fills his grave-rest by the deeds of the w6rm. 
 
 Along side of Him lies the life-winner too 
 
 Dead from knife's wounds ; with sword might he not 
 2905 Upon the monster in any way 
 
 A wound inflict. Wiglaf sits there. 
 
 Sits over Beowulf Weohstan's son, 
 
2908-291:2.] BEOWULF. 89 
 
 The eavl o'er the other of life deprived, 
 With care attentive, keeps the death-watch 
 
 2910 Of friend and of foe. Now the people expect 
 A time of strife, after well-known 
 To the Franks and the Frisians the fall of the king 
 Becomes far and wide. The contest was made 
 Strong 'gainst the Hugs, when Hipj'elac c ame 
 
 2915 With his ship-army going to the land of the Frisians, 
 Where thaHetwaras felled him in battle. 
 Bravely him conquered with their over-might. 
 So that the mailed-warrior was forced to bow, 
 Fell midst his warriors ; no ornaments gave 
 
 2920 The prince to his nobles. To us ever after 
 
 The Merwings' friendship was not to be granted. 
 Nor do I from the Swedes peace or good faith 
 At all expect ; but it was widely known 
 That Ongentheow of life deprived 
 
 2925 Haethcyn, Hrethel's son, near Eavens' wood, 
 When through their pride at first did seek 
 The warlike Scylfings the folk of the Geats. 
 Soon to him the ag6d father of Ohthere, 
 Old and terrible, gave a hand-stroke, 
 
 2930 Hewed down the sea-chief, rescued his wife, 
 The old man his spouse, robbed of her gold, 
 The mother of Onela and of Ohthere, 
 And then he followed his deadly foes 
 Until they went in great distress 
 
 2935 Into Ravens' wood, deprived of their lord. 
 
 Then besieged he with host those left by the sword, 
 
 Weary with wounds, woes oft he promised 
 
 To the miserable band the livelong night : 
 
 Said, he in the morning with the edge of the sword 
 
 2940 Them would destroy, some on gallows hang 
 
 For sport to the fowls. Comfort afterwards came 
 To them sad in mind along with daylight, 
 
90 BEOWULF. [2943-2976. 
 
 After they Hji^gelac's horn and trumpets' 
 Sounding perceived, wiien the brave tine oame 
 
 2945 In the track going of his peoples' earls. 
 
 XLI. There was bloody track of Swedes and of Geats, 
 The slaughter of men widely observed, 
 How the folk fought Jhe feud one with another. 
 The good one then went with his companions, 
 
 2950 The ag(5d most sad, the fastness to seek, 
 
 The earl Ongentheow betook himself higher ; 
 
 He had of Hygelac's prowess heard tell, 
 
 The proud one's war-craft ; in resistance he trusted 
 
 not, 
 That he the sea-men might then withstand, 
 
 2955 His hoard protect from the sea-farers, 
 
 His children and wife ; he went after thence 
 Old 'neath the earth-wall. Then was pursuit told 
 To the folk of the Swedes, their banner was Hygelac's. 
 Forth then they went o'er the peaceful plain, 
 
 2960 After the Hrethlings pressed into the hedge ; 
 
 There Ongentheow was, with the edge of the sword. 
 The gray-haired one, forced to remain. 
 So that the folk-king had to submit 
 To Eofor's sole will ; angrily him 
 
 2965 Wulf , son of Wonred, attacked with his weapon. 
 So that for the blow blood spurted in streams 
 Forth under his hair. He was not though afraid. 
 The ag^d Scylflng, but quicklj' repaid 
 In a, worse way that fatal blow, 
 
 2970 After the folk-king thither turned round : 
 Might not then the quick son of Wonred 
 To the old churl a hand-stroke give, 
 But he on his head his helmet first cleft. 
 So that, stained with blood, he had to bow, - 
 
 2975 Fell on the earth : he was not j'et fated. 
 
 But he himself raised, though the wound pained him. 
 
2977-3009] BBOWTILF. 91 
 
 Then the brave thane of Hygelac let 
 
 With his broad sword, when his brother lay down, 
 
 The old sword of giants, the helmet of giants 
 
 2980 Break over the shield-rim : then bowed the king. 
 The herd of the folk ; he was struck to his life. 
 Then were there manj-^ who bound up his brother, 
 Quickly him lifted, when for them it was settled 
 That thej" the battle-place were to possess, 
 
 2985 "Whilst one warrior the other robbed. 
 
 From Ongentheow took his burnie of iron. 
 His hard hilted sword and his helmet besides, 
 The hoary one's armor to Hygelac bore. 
 The armor he took and to them fairly promised 
 
 2990 Gifts to his people, and kept his word too. 
 The lord of the Geats paid for the contest. 
 The son of Hrethel, when he came to his home. 
 To Eofor and "WuLf with very rich jewels. 
 To each of them gave a hundred thousand 
 
 2995 Of land and locked rings (for the gifts him need not 
 reproach 
 Any man on mid-earth, since they heroic deeds 
 
 wrought) , 
 And then to Eofor gave his sole daughter. 
 The home-adornment, as a pledge of his favor. 
 That is the feud and that the enmity, 
 
 3000 Hate deadly of men, wherefore I expect 
 
 That the Swedes' people against us wUl seek. 
 After they learn that our own lord 
 Is 'reft of his life, him who before held 
 Against his foes his hoard and kingdom 
 
 3005 After heroes' fall, the Scylfings brave. 
 Wrought his folk's good or further stiU 
 Heroic deeds did. Now is haste best 
 That we the folk-king there should behold, 
 And him should bring who gave us rings 
 
92 BEOWULF. [3010-3044. 
 
 3010 To the funeral-pyre. There shall not a part only 
 With the brave perish, but there's hoard of treasure, 
 Gold without number, bitterly purchased, ' 
 And now at the last with his own life 
 Rings has he bought : these Are shall devour, 
 
 3015 The flame consume ; no earl shall wear 
 
 A jewel iu memory, nor the beautiful maid 
 Have on her neck a ring-adornment. 
 But she shall sad in mind, robbed of her gold. 
 Often not once tread a strange land, 
 
 3020 Now that the war-chief laughter has left, 
 
 Mirth and enjoyment. For this shall the spear be, 
 Many a one morning-cold, clasped with the fingers, 
 Held in the hands ; not at all shall harp's sound 
 "Wake up the warriors, but the wan raven, 
 
 3Q25_Eager over the fated, often shall speak. 
 
 Say to the eagle how he joyed in the eating, 
 "When with the wolf he robbed tlie slain." 
 So the brave warrior then was telling 
 Some tales of evil : he did not speals falsely 
 
 3030 His facts nor words. — The band all arose ; 
 Sadly the}- went 'neath the Eagles' ness. 
 With flowing tears, the wonder to see. 
 Then they found on the sand deprived of his life, "^ 
 Holding his resting-place, him who rings them gave 
 
 3035 In former times : then was the last day 
 
 Past to ,the good one, so that the war-king. 
 The prince of the Weders, a wondrous death died. 
 First there they saw a stranger being. 
 The worm on the plain opposite there, 
 
 3040 The loafiisome one Ij'ing ; the fiery dragon. 
 The terror grim, was scorched with fiames ; 
 He was fifty feet, in his full measure. 
 Long as he lay ; the air he enjoyed 
 Sometimes at night, down again went 
 
3045-3079.] BEOWULF. 93 
 
 3015 To visit liis den : lie waS'then fast in death, 
 He had enjoyed the last of earth-caves. 
 Bj' him tliere stood pitchers and cups, 
 Plates too lay' there and precious swords, 
 Rusty and eaten-through, as in the earth's bosom 
 
 3050 A thousand of winters thei-e they had remained, 
 Since that bequest exceedingly greaH;, 
 The gold of the ancients, was bewitched with a spell. 
 So that the ringed hall might one not touch, 
 Any of men, unless God himself, 
 
 3055 True King of victories, to whom He would granted- 
 To open the hoard, the charge of eii chanters. 
 Even so to each man, as seemed to Him right. 
 
 XLn. Then was it seen that the way did not prosper 
 To him who with wrong had hid within 
 
 3060 The hoard 'neath the' wall. The keeper ere slew 
 Some one of his foes : then was the feud 
 With battle avenged. Is it a wonder 
 When a warlike earl the end apjjroaches 
 Of his life-fate, when may no longer 
 
 30G5 A man with his kinsmen a mead-hall build? 
 
 So was it to Beowulf, when he the mount's keeper, 
 The contest sought : he himself knew not 
 How his world-severing was to take place. 
 How it against doom's-day deeply had cursed 
 
 3070 The mighty princes who that put there, 
 That that man should be guilty of sins, 
 Shut up in cursed places, fast in hell-bonds, 
 Punished with plagues, who should that plain tread. 
 He was not gold-greedy ; he rather would have 
 
 3075 The owner's favor sooner looked on. — 
 Wiglaf then spoke, Weohstan's son : 
 " Oft many an earl for the sake of one 
 Sorrow shall suffer, as is happened to us. 
 We might not give to our dear prince. 
 
94 BEOWTTLF. [3080-3114. 
 
 3080 The kingdom's ruler, any advice, 
 
 So that he might not that gold-keeper meet, 
 Might let him remain where he long was. 
 Dwell in his haunts untU the world's end, 
 Fulfil his high fate. The hoard is looked on, 
 
 3085 Bitterly gotten : that iate was too mighty 
 Which that, folk-king thither enticed. 
 I was therein and looked through it all. 
 The treasures of hall, when 'twas allowed me. 
 Not at all friendly a journey permitted 
 
 3090 In 'neath the earth-wall. In hast^ I took 
 A great mighty burden with my own hands 
 Of the hoard-treasures, bore them out hither 
 To mine own king : he was then still alive, 
 "Wise and still conscious : very much spoke 
 
 3095 The ag6d in sorrow and ordered to greet you. 
 
 Bade that ye should, for your friend's deeds, make 
 On the place of the pyre the loftj- mound, 
 Mickle and mighty, as he of men was 
 The most worthy warrior through the wide earth, 
 
 3100 While he city-treasures still could enjoy. 
 Let us now hasten a second time "• 
 To see and to seek that heapof treasures. 
 Wonder 'neath wall. I shall direct you, 
 That ye may once more see now enough 
 
 3105 Of rings and broad gold. Be the bier ready. 
 Quickly prepared, when we come out, 
 And then let us bear our own dear lord, 
 The man beloved, where he shall long 
 In the Almighty's keeping patiently wait." 
 
 3110 Bade he then order, Weohstan's son. 
 The warrior brave, to many of men. 
 Of dwellers in houses, that they the fire-wood 
 Should bear from afar, the lords of the people, 
 To where lay the good one : " Now shall fire eat. 
 
311J-3148.] BEOWULF. 95 
 
 3115 (The wan flame shall grow) the chief of warriors, 
 Him who oft awaited the iron-shower, 
 When the storm of arrows, loosed from the string, 
 Leaped over the shield-wall, the shaft did its duty, 
 Fitted with feathers followed the barb." 
 
 3120 Now then the wise son of Weohstan 
 
 Called from the crowd of the king's thanes 
 Seven together, the choicest ones, 
 "Went one of eight 'neath the hostile roof ; 
 One warrior brave in his hands bore 
 
 3125 A lighted torch, who went in front. 
 
 It was not then allotted who should plunder that 
 
 hoard. 
 After unguarded any portion of it 
 The warriors saw remain in the hall. 
 Lying rust-eaten : little one sorrowed, 
 
 3130 That they hastily carried without 
 
 The precious treasures. The dragon they shoved. 
 The worm, o'er the wall-cliff, let the waves take. 
 The flood embrace, the keeper of jewels. 
 There was twisted gold on a wain laden, 
 
 3135 Of each countless heap : the prince was borne, 
 The hoary warrior, to the Whale's ness. 
 
 XLin. For him then prepared the folk of the Geats 
 A funeral-pyre on the earth firm. 
 Hung with helmets, with shields of war, 
 
 3140 With burnies bright, as he had begged. 
 
 Laid they then in the midst the mighty prince. 
 The mourning warriors their lord beloved. 
 'Gan they then on the mountain the greatest of pyres 
 The warriors to kindle : the wood-smoke arose 
 
 3145 From the burning pile black, the crackling flame 
 Mingled with mourning (the wind-roar was still) , 
 Until it had broken the house of bone. 
 Hot in the breast. Sad in their minds 
 
96 BEOWULF. [3U9-3183. 
 
 "With sorrow thej- mourned their dear lord's death ; 
 
 3150 Also a sad song uttered the spouse, 
 
 Pained in her breast, grieved in her heart, 
 Mournful she frequently fettered her mind, 
 So that for her husband's most grievous blows 
 She wept, the grim fate of his bloody death, 
 
 3155 ..... terror of &e 
 
 heaven swallowed the smoke. 
 Wrought they there then the folk of the Weders 
 A mound on the steep, which high was and broad, 
 For the sea-goers to see from afar, 
 
 3160 And they built up within ten days. 
 
 The warlike one's beacon ; the brightest of flames 
 They girt with a wall, as it most worthily 
 
 Very wise men might there devise. 
 
 They in the mound placed rings and bright jewels 
 
 3165 All such precious. things as before in the hoard 
 Brave-minded men had taken away. 
 They let the earth hold the treasure of earls. 
 Gold in the ground, where it still lives 
 As useless to men as it before was. 
 
 3170 Then 'round the mound the battle-brave rode, 
 Children of nobles (they were twelve in all) , 
 Their sorrow would tell, grieve for their king. 
 Their mourning utter, and about the man speak ; 
 His earlship thej' praised, and his noble deeds 
 
 3175 They extolled to the courtiers, as it is right 
 That one his dear lord in word should praise. 
 With soul him love, when he shall forth 
 From his own body be severed by death. 
 So then lamented the folk of the Geats 
 
 3180 The fall of their lord, the hearth-companions, 
 Said that he was a mighty king, 
 Mildest to men and most tender-hearted, 
 To his folk most kind and fondest of praise. 
 
1-28.] THE TIGHT AT PINNSBUKG. 97 
 
 THE FIGHT AT FUsTNSBUEG. 
 
 (See Beowulf 1068 et seqq., and Glossary, s. v. Finn.) 
 
 "Brighter pinnacles never shall burn." 
 Then spoke the j'oung and warlike king : 
 " This is not day dawning, nor flies here the dragon, 
 Nor here do this hall's pinnacles burn, 
 5 But here forth bear the deadly foes 
 ■Their ready equipments, the birds do sing, 
 The gray burnie clinks, the war-wood rattles, 
 Shield answers shaft. Now shines this moon, 
 Full moon 'neath the clouds : now arise, sad deeds, 
 
 10 Which will arouse this feud of a folk. 
 But awake ye now, warriors mine, 
 Have ye your hands, think upon valor, 
 Go on in front, be ye courageous, 
 Mine own heroes." Then arose many a 
 
 15 Gold-laden thane, him girt with his sword : 
 Then to doors went the lordly warriors, 
 Sigeferth and Eaha, their swords dj-ew forth, 
 And at other doors Ordlaf and Guthlaf, ■ 
 And Hengest himself went in their tracks. 
 
 20 Then still Garulf Guthhere admonished. 
 That they noble life for the first time 
 To this hall's doors should not bear in armor, 
 Now it the battle-brave might take away : 
 But he inquired of all unconcealed, 
 
 25 The valiant warrior who the door held : 
 
 ' ' Sigeferth is my name : I am the Secgs' chief, 
 A widely-known exile. Many woes I endured, 
 Battles severe. That is yet here determined, 
 
98 BEOWULF. [29-51. 
 
 Which, of you two wilt thj'Self seek for me." 
 
 30 Then was on the wall the sound of slaughters ; 
 
 The curved board should, in the hands of the brave, 
 The bone-helm burst : the house-floor resounded, 
 Until in this fight Garulf fell down, 
 First one of all of these earth-dweUers, 
 
 35 Son of Guthlaf , about him many good ones, 
 Corpses of warriors. Wandered the raven, 
 Black and dark-colored : the sword-light stood, 
 As if all Finnsburg were set on fire. 
 Ne'er heard I more worthily in contest of men 
 
 40 Sixty brave heroes bear themselves better, 
 Never did youths sweet mead better pay for 
 Than to Hnaef paid his serving-men. 
 Bravely they fought for five of days. 
 Likewise of nights, as no one of them fell, 
 
 45 Of the lord's men, but they the doors held. 
 Then went the woilnded man on his way going. 
 Said that his buftiie was broken in two, 
 Brave in his war-dress, and his helm too was pierced. 
 Then him soon asked the herd of the folk, 
 
 50 How had the warriors their wounds survived, 
 Or which of these youths 
 
IsTOTES. 
 
 Chieply Translations of Heyne's Vaeiations from Grbin 
 IN THE Text of his Pourth Edition, ' 1879. 
 
 Abbreviations .• E = Ettmuller. — G. = Greln. — Gdtvg. = Grundtvig. - 
 H.=Heyne. — (1) and (2)= first and second half-line. 
 
 6 (1) " The earl sorrow suffered." H. 
 
 15 (2) . . . " wMle they were princeless." H. 
 
 21 (2) . . . " 'moDg Ms father's Mends." H. 
 
 33 (1) Literally "icy." Ace. to H., "bronze-clad." 
 
 34: (1) " Then did they lay." H. " People" added by G. 
 
 49 (1) " Gave him to the sea;" H. 
 
 5] (2) . . . " the decree of fate." H. 
 
 62 E. suggests E&dgilses tov ' OngenpeSwes ; Gdtvg. and Bugge 
 take Elan as part of Onelan, which does great violence to 
 the Ms. reading. See H.'s note, and cf. Holder, p. 2, 1. 15. 
 Why not supply oeror or oereste instead of a proper name? 
 Cf. 3170. 
 
 73 (1) folc-scare = properly " division of a folk," but here prob- 
 ably "the public land." See Arnold's note. 
 
 82 (1) ' ' High and wide-gabled." H. 
 
 84: (2) H. adopts Bugge's conjecture &^um-swerian = " to son- and 
 father-in-law," i.e., Ingeld and Hrothgar, which suits the 
 Ms. ; s in secg may have been repeated from se. H. puts 
 period after 85. 
 
 113 (1) " He suffered great grief." H. 
 
 140 (1) i.e., of the fortified castle. 
 
 149- (2) . . . "therefore was it afterwards." H. 
 
 163 (2) . . . " to and fro wander." H. 
 
 169 (2) . . . " nor His love did he know," H., taking his as refer- 
 ring to metode, the Creator, rather than to gif-stol, the 
 throne ; cf. H.'s note. 
 
 171 (2) . . . "Very often he sat." H. 
 
100 BEOWULF. 
 
 173 (1) " What for the bold-mindea. " H. 
 
 176 (1) II., who has changed Ms former view, says, "nom.pl."; 
 but it must be ace. pi., as G. 
 
 186 (1) " By no means make a change." H. 
 
 223-4 (2) . . . " Then was the sea sailed o'er, 
 
 (1) (Ship) at end of the sea." H. See H.'s note. If eoletes 
 = sea, then "ship" must be supplied to make sense. G.'s 
 text gives ..." Then was the sea-voyage 
 
 Of their course at its end." Thorpe reads sund-lida = 
 "sea-sailer." H. follows Kemble. Neither H. nor G. 
 make anything satisfactory out of eoletes. 
 
 240 (2) . . . " Have borne your helmets." H. Prof. March sug- 
 gests Hro^gdx seceara = " Hrothgar to seek," which suits 
 well; cf. 268, 339; as would aX&o Hro^gdx gretan = "'H.rat\i.- 
 gar to greet " ; cf. 1646, 2010; Ms. shows no lacuna. 
 
 2^47 (I) mfffca = " men," G. ; mS^fO! =" kinsmen," H. 
 
 249 (2) . . . " that is no common man." H. See his note. 
 
 253 (1) " As visitors free." H. 
 
 288 (2) . . ..or, " knowledge possess." 
 
 299 (1) " To such a warrior." H. 
 
 302 (1) At the rope rested. H. 
 
 303 (2) H. reads scionon, and takes &spraet. pi. of a reduplicating 
 
 verb, sdSnan = " to shine." 
 314 H. puts ( ; ) after first half -line, and no point at end of line. 
 367 "With thy converse in turn to make them glad, Hrothgar." H. 
 389-90 Text defective, hence these half-lines added by editors, 
 
 though Ms. shows no lacuna. 
 398 (2) i.e., the result of the interview; ffeping="tate." 
 
 403 (2) This half-line added by editors, though Ms. shows no 
 
 lacuna. 
 
 404 (2) . . . or, "before the throne stood." G. 
 420 (2) . . . " where I five of them bound." H. 
 
 446 (1) "A head-guard provide." H., after Simrock. Cf. H.'s 
 
 note. 
 461 (2) . . . " then the kin of the Weders." H., after Gdtvg. 
 489-90 (2) . . " tell thy thoughts to the heroes, 
 
 (1) Thy presage of victory." H., after Miillenhoff. Cf. 
 
 H.'s note. 
 548 (1) "Boisterous opposed us." H. 
 586-7 H. thinks two half-lines omitted here, and so numbers. G. 
 
 inserts fela = "much" in 2d half-line. 
 
NOTES. 101 
 
 699 (2) . . . " but he in joy flghtetli." H. 
 
 601 (2) omit " I," and 603 (1) omit " in." H. 
 
 611 (2) Lit., "the noise resounded." H. 
 
 647" and 647* inserted by G. H, omits both lines, and in 648 
 
 inserts me before meahton, hence translate, " After that they 
 
 sun-light might not see," and takes oMe, C49, = " and," after 
 
 Bugge. Cf. I-I.'s note. 
 652 (1) " Greeted in speeches." H. 
 668 (2) i.e., " offered himself lor watch against the eoten." G.:; 
 
 " offered to the eoten a watcher." H. 
 678 <2) i.e., than Grendel counts himself. 
 681 (1) G. takes gdda = "advantages in battle"; H. = "art of 
 
 fighting as a warrior." Cf. H.'s note. Wliy may it not 
 
 mean the arms themselves? ■ 
 719 (1) "A bolder warrior," H., but G. plural, which suits better. 
 729 (1) " A friendly band sleeping." H. ,.Cf. 387. 
 736 (2) . . . " Great sorrow saw." H. Cf. 181. 
 741 (2) ..." him tore unawares." H. 
 755 (1) i.e., he thought his hour had come. 
 769 (1) "For earls ale-terror." H. See his note. 
 780 (1) i.e., "with ornaments of bone-work," or "with the stag's 
 
 autlers." H. 
 783 (1) " Often unheard-of." H. 
 801 (2) H. inserts pat, which reads better. 
 804 i.e., by magical spells had made himself invulnerable. 
 811 (2) H. inserts was, and reads as parenthesis. 
 827 (1) H. puts period at end of this half -line. 
 836 (1) H. puts mark of parenthesis ) after " Grendel." 
 
 849 (1) " With hot gore boiled." H. 
 
 850 (1) " The doomed-to-death hid himself." H. 
 875 (1) G. reads Sigemundes, but Ms. Sigemunde. 
 
 900, 902 H. puts (,) after 900 and (.) after 902 (i). On Eotenum, 
 
 902 (2), see Glossary, s.v. Jutes, and note. 
 915 (2) . . . "him," i.e., Heremod; "he," 913, i.e., Beowulf. 
 1031 " Bosses wire-wound were keeping without." H. 
 1033 (1) " In flght hardened." H. G., after Eieger. 
 
 1069 "The hero of Healfdene, Hnaef the Scyldiug." H., who 
 begins the episode of Knn with this line. 
 
 1070 <i) The name illegible in Ms. Cf. Holder, p. 25, 1. 16. 
 1118 (2) . . . " the warrior ^rose." H., who puts period at end. 
 1124 (2) . . . "gone was their strength." H., i.e., the men them- 
 selves. 
 
102 BEOWULF. 
 
 1129 (1) "All united." H., who mserts ealles; see his note. Cf. 
 
 1097. ' ' 
 
 1143-4 " When Hunlafiiig, the battle-sword, 
 
 Best of weapons, he placed on his ,breast." H., who 
 
 refers to Rieger. See Glossary. 
 1162-68 Measure varied on account of the long lines of the poem 
 
 here, in 1705-7, and in 2995-6. 
 1224 (1) " The windy waljs." H. 
 1226 (2) ... "Be thou to my son." H. 
 1257 (1) H. puts (,) here, and (; ) after 1258 W. 
 1267 (1) " Sword-accursed, hated." H. 
 1278 C2) . . . " her son's death to avenge." H. 
 1287 C2) . . . " cleaves when they meet." H. ; andweard = 
 
 "present." : 
 
 1291 (2) . . . " whom terror seized." H. 
 
 1320 (1) i.e., as Beowulf had courteously bid him " Good-night," 
 1338 (1) i.e., having forfeited his life. 
 1392 (2) . . . Grendel's mother is referred'to as either masculine 
 
 or feminine. Cf. 1260 et al. 
 1454 (1) "Fire, nor war-swords." H. See H.'s Glossary, s.v. 
 
 brand. 
 1486 (2) . . . " pre-eminently good." H. 
 1580 (2) ... "he had courage for that." H., as parenthesis. 
 1583 (1) i.e., another such number, fifteen more. 
 1634 £2) ..." the kingly-bold men." H.,asMs. 
 1637 (1) H. puts ( : ) after this half-line, and no point after 1636. 
 1649 H. puts ( : ) at end and no point in 1650 ; hence = 
 
 " The wonderful sight the warriors gazed on." 
 1691 (1) " Eashly they acted." H. - 
 
 1705 (2) . . . "with firmness thou boldest it all." H. Cf. 1162-68. 
 1723-69. This moralizing speech of Hrothgar's is considered by 
 
 some an interpolation. It is all omitted by E. except 1758-9, 
 
 which foUow 1722. 
 1724 i.e. , about Heremod, from whose conduct the moral is drawn. 
 1728 (1) "Sometimes on possessions." H. G. has no word lufa 
 
 = " landed property." It suits the sense much better than 
 
 ZM/e= "love." 
 1731 (1) " A royal city." H. 
 1747 (1) worn, adj., G. ; worn, n., H. ; hence; "From evil by th' 
 
 strange-orders." 
 1757 (2) . . . " cares not for terror." H. 
 
NOTES. 103 
 
 1S02-D (2) . . . "Then came the bright sun 
 
 (1) Gliding over the ground ; " H. Ms. shows no lacuna, 
 
 but some words needed. Cf. Holder, p. 41, 1. 23. 
 1870 (1) G. inserts cMlice="- kindly," but without Ms. authority, 
 1873 (2) i.e., of his return, and of seeing him again. Cf. 1869. 
 1880-1 (2) . . . " secretly longs 
 
 (1) The hero 'gainst blood." H., i.e., for one not related 
 
 by blood to him. 
 1895 (1) " The shining visitors." 11. 
 1925-6 (2) . . " the Mpg strong-in-might, 
 
 (1) High in the hall." H. 
 1931-2 (2) . . . " Pride possessed Thrytho, 
 
 The great folk-queen, did she terrible deeds." H. 
 
 Thrytho seems better than Modthrytho for, the name of 
 
 Offa's queen. See Glossary and H.'s note.' Mod and prt/So 
 
 separated in Ms, 
 1936 (1) " But she laid upon him." H. 
 1939 (1) " So that hostile sword." H. With moste begins the 
 
 second hand in tlie Ms. 
 
 1944 (1), G., on hoh snod. H., onhohsnode, but with same mean- 
 ing. No e in Ms. 
 
 1945 (2) . . . " said one to another." H, Cf. 870. 
 1981 (1) G. inserts 7ied=" high." 
 
 2009 (1) " By fen surrounded." H. 
 
 2021 (1) i.e., at the end of the seats, the noblest warriors. H. 
 
 2029-31 (2) . . . " Often not seldom 
 
 (1) The deadly spear rests." H., who inserts no in 2029. 
 2030 (1) ' ' After prince's f all^ " H. , i. e. , after the death of Froda, 
 
 king of the Heathobards. 
 2035 i.e., that a noble Dane should protect his queen, Freaware. 
 2035 (2) .. . . " the nobles should serve : " H. 
 2051 (2) . . . " when recompense failed." H., who does not take 
 
 Wi'Sergyld as proper name, and includes in parenthesis 2051 
 
 (^ and 2052 W. 
 2062 (1) " Escape alive." H. , 
 2069 This digression about Ingeld, put into Beowulf's mouth, 
 
 reads as an anachronism. 
 2076 (1) Hondscid now recognized by G. and H. as proper name, 
 
 though not so regarded in their translations. H. takes it 
 
 as dative, but hild= "battle," as nom. : "There was to 
 
 Hondscio battle destructive." 
 
104 BEOWULF. 
 
 2131 (2) . . . "by thy consent." H. 
 
 2147(2).. " at Ms own will." H. 
 
 2152 (2) H. puts (,) after eafor = " boar." 
 
 2170 (1) Properly, first-cousin. 
 
 2187 (1) " They said very often." H. 
 
 2195 i.e., sceattas. A sceat, according to Bosworth, was J of a 
 
 pening and ^ ot a. scylling : perhaps = between one and two 
 
 cents. 
 
 2199 (2) I.e., to Hygelac, the reigning king. 
 
 2200 (1) i.e., the possession of the kingdom, repeated in 2207. 
 An unskilful joining of the story of Grendel to that of the 
 dragon. 
 
 2201 (1) " To the fierce warriors." H., i.e., the Geats". 
 
 2216-31 Ms. much injured in this passage. Translation accord- 
 ing to G.'s emendations, which, however, will not all suit 
 the Ms. ^ 
 
 2220-21 "The prince," i.e., Beowulf: "he," i.e., the dragon. 
 
 2224 (2) H. reads peow = "slave," instead of pegn = "thane," 
 which would suit well, but Holder gives pegn plainly in Ms. 
 Other emendations of H. will not suit Holder's reprint of 
 the Ms. 
 
 2228 (1) " The stranger," i.e., the fugitive who took refuge in 
 the dragon's cave. 
 
 2246 (2) . . . "a few words spoke." H. G. has fee-word = 
 "banning words," and refers to H., but suggests fed 
 wonla="fevr words." H., however, adopts fed worda in 
 his 4th edition, although Holder gives fee worda as Ms. 
 reading. 
 
 2253 (1) " Or bring the cup." H. 
 
 2268 (2) . . . " miserable moaned." H. 
 
 2276 (1) " Cave under the earth," H., which is better. Ms. cor- 
 rupt. 
 
 2288 (1) " He snufi"ed o'er the stone." H. 
 
 2297-8 (2) . . . " not there any man 
 
 (1) Was on this waste." H., which suits Ms. better. 
 
 2330 (1) i.e., the ten commandments. H. 
 
 2351 (1) "The warrior bold." H. 
 
 2361 (2) H. omits " and one," and places (. . .). Holder shows 
 no lacuna. In 3d ed. H. gives emendations of Gdtvg., G., 
 and Kieger, and in 4th ed. that of Bugge. 
 
 2391 (2) . . . " for that prince's fall." H., i.e., Heardred. 
 
NOTES. 105- 
 
 2393 (1) " To the helpless a foe. With an army he went." H. 
 
 See Glossary and H.'s note. MuUenhoff and Bugge support 
 
 G. Holder gives /reon(? plainly. 
 239S-6 " he," i.e., Eadgils; " the king," i.e., Onela. 
 
 (2) . . . "he after avenged it 
 
 (1) With cold care-journeys." H. ; "he," i.e., Beowulf; 
 
 "the king," i.e., Eadgils, the " care-journeys " being Beo- 
 wulf's expedition against Eadgils. 
 2475 H. takes o'SiSe = " and," after Bugge ; of. 649. On this line 
 
 cf. also note to 2930-32. 
 2490 (1) i.e., to Hreth'el, mentioned above, 2474 and 2430. 
 2501 (1) " When with my might." H. , who puts comma after 2500. 
 2525 " Elee from a foot's length, the monster foe." H. 
 2538 (1) "Arose then by his shield." H. 
 
 2544 (1) "The fighter bold." H. Cf. 2201, 2351. 
 
 2545 (1) " He stood on stony arch." H., as parenthesis. 
 2566 (2) ..." against the stout shield." H. 
 
 2570 (1) "Hastening forwards." H., after MiiUenhofF; see H.'s 
 
 note. 
 2574-5 " Was to proceed as Weird did not permit, 
 
 (1) In battle renowned." H. 
 2577 (1) Text as H. G. says : " Perhaps, with Thorpe, to read, 
 
 ' With the sword of Ing,' a king of the Danes." 
 2586 (2) ..." That was no pleasant way." H. 
 2613 "To the friendless the vengeance of Weohstan the slayer." H. 
 2638-41 (2) . . . " therefore he us chose 
 
 (1) Because he us deemed." H. 
 2660 (1) "Burnie and shield-sign." H. 
 2687 (1) " The wondrous-sharp weapon." H. 
 2765-66 (2) . . . " each one of mankind 
 
 Cause to be proud, guard himself he who will." H. 
 
 G. supplies hard = " honTil," in 2766 and takes gehwone = 
 
 " each" with it, but H.'s reading seems better. Ms. shows 
 
 no lacuna. 
 2769 (1) " Wrought with link-work." H. 
 2777-79 (2) . . . ; "the bill before felled 
 
 Him who of these treasures." H., i.e., Beowulfs sword 
 kUled the dragon, ealdhldfordes = " of the old lord," refer- 
 ring to Beowulf. See H.'s note. 
 
106 BEOWULF. 
 
 2781 " Hot for the hoard, the fierce flghter-ln-air." H. 
 
 2792 (2) This half-line inserted by editors, though Ms. shows no 
 pmission. 
 
 2800 (2) . . . "y§" refers to Wiglaf alone. 
 
 2824 (1) " Efelpless become." H. 
 
 2857 C2) . . . "with auglit reverse." H. 6. omits toW= "aught," 
 though contained in Ms. ; botli G. and H. insert willan. 
 
 2881 (2) . . . "the fire less strongly." H. Cf. 2578. 
 
 2886 (1) " Possessions shall fail." H. lufen = lilfa; pf. 1728. 
 
 2909 (1) " Of his thoughts weary." H., i.e., dead. 
 
 2930-32 Ariiold thinks these lines ' ' make no sense in their present 
 context," and with line 2475, where oSSe is changed to X>a 
 pBj should follow line 2478, but we cannot so emend "Beo- 
 wulf," and his explanation of the incidents will not answer. 
 See Glossary, s.v. Ongentheow. 
 
 2973 (1) "he," i.e., Ongentheow,. and 2974 (i) " he," i.e., Wulf. 
 
 2977 (1) "The brave thane," i.e., Eofor, brother of "Wulf. 
 
 2978 (1) "His own broad sword," H., as accus., which seems 
 better. 
 
 2984 H. puts period after this line ; hence translate " Meanwhile " 
 
 for " Whilst " in 2985. 
 2990 (1) " Gifts 'fore his people." H. 
 2994 (2) i.e., sceattas worth. Cf. 2195. 
 2995-6 For the long measure cf. 1162-68 and 1705-7. 
 8005 (2) Ms. Scildingas, but both G. and H. read Scylfingas, which 
 
 makes better sense. Mullenhoff, however, thinks the line 
 
 a mere thoughtless repetition of 2052 ; cf . H.'s note, hwate 
 
 Scylfingas may be taken as parenthesis, referring back to 
 
 3001. 
 3030 (1) i.e., his predictions. 
 3041 (1) "The terrible stranger." H. 
 3056 (2) . . . "He is man's protector." H., as parenthesis. 
 3061 (1) " Some one of few." H., i.e., " some few." 
 3075(1) "The Creator's favor," H., which is better, taking 
 
 " he," 3074, as referring to Beowulf, with ( : ) after 3074 (i). 
 
 Cf. H.'s note. 
 3084 (1) " We endured a hard fate : " H., with period after 3083. 
 3086 (1) " Which that ruler." H. Ms. shows no lacuna. 
 3104(2) "That ye may enough see near at hand." H., after 
 
 Gdtvg. and Bugge. 
 3129 (2) i.e., by no means did any one sorrow. 
 
NOTES. 107 
 
 3130-56 Ms. much injured: translation according to G.'s emen- 
 dations, but 3155 (1) and 3156 (1) are left blank by G. H. 
 differs, but nothing to be made of the passage. 
 
 3162 (2) . . . " the best of flames." H. Ms. corrupt. 
 
 THE FIGHT AT PINNSBURG. 
 
 1 (1) Emended by G. 
 
 5 (2) and 6 (i) added by G. to complete the sense. In 5 (i) H. 
 
 has fer, as in G.'s Bibliotheh, hence " But assault bear 
 
 forth." 
 
 12 (1) '* Hold up your hands." H. 
 
 13 (1) " Fight ye in. front." H. 
 
 14 (1) Added by G. 
 
 19 H. puts (;) after "himself," hence supply "he." 
 
 31 (2) " The keeled board should," H., i.e., the shield. 
 
 36 (1) "Wounded men tumbled." H. laera, from lao= "sau- 
 
 cius " in G.'s Glossary ts the Bihliothelc : not given by H. 
 43 (1) " Bravely," and 44 (D add^d by G. 
 
 H.'s text varies but little from G.'s in the Bibliothek, whereas G., 
 in his edition of "Beowulf," has made several emendations. 
 H. omits in his Glossary several words, and all the proper 
 names, peculiar to this fragment, even in his 4th edition. 
 It lacks the care bestowed upon " Beowulf." 
 
 ADDITIONAL NOTES TO BEOWULF. 
 
 24 (1) " May lieges lead ; " H. 
 2061 (1) i.e., having forfeited his life. 
 2387 (2) Properly, grandson, i.e., Eadgils. 
 2619 (2) "his," i.e., Onela's. 
 3062 (2) -65 Cf. H.'s note for Bugge's view. 
 
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