1.4.2: Beowulf (Parts XVI - XXX)

Part XVI

Then straight was ordered that Heorot inside

With hands be embellished: a host of them gathered, Of men and women, who the wassailing-building The guest-hall begeared. Gold-flashing sparkled Webs on the walls then, of wonders a many

To each of the heroes that look on such objects. The beautiful building was broken to pieces Which all within with irons was fastened,

Its hinges torn off: only the roof was

Whole and uninjured when the horrible creature Outlawed for evil off had betaken him,

Hopeless of living. 'Tis hard to avoid it

(Whoever will do it!); but he doubtless must come to The place awaiting, as Wyrd hath appointed,

Soul-bearers, earth-dwellers, earls under heaven, Where bound on its bed his body shall slumber When feasting is finished. Full was the time then That the son of Healfdene went to the building; The excellent atheling would eat of the banquet. Ne'er heard I that people with hero-band larger Bare them better tow'rds their bracelet-bestower. The laden-with-glory stooped to the bench then (Their kinsmen-companions in plenty were joyful, Many a cupful quaffing complaisantly),

Doughty of spirit in the high-tow'ring palace, Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot then inside

Was filled with friendly ones; falsehood and treachery The Folk-Scyldings now nowise did practise.

Then the offspring of Healfdene offered to Beowulf A golden standard, as reward for the victory,

A banner embossed, burnie and helmet; Many men saw then a song-famous weapon Borne 'fore the hero. Beowulf drank of

The cup in the building; that treasure-bestowing He needed not blush for in battle-men's presence. Ne'er heard I that many men on the ale-bench

In friendlier fashion to their fellows presented Four bright jewels with gold-work embellished.

'Round the roof of the helmet a head-guarder outside Braided with wires, with bosses was furnished,

That swords-for-the-battle fight-hardened might fail Boldly to harm him, when the hero proceeded

Forth against foemen. The defender of earls then Commanded that eight steeds with bridles

Gold-plated, gleaming, be guided to hallward, Inside the building; on one of them stood then An art-broidered saddle embellished with jewels;

'Twas the sovereign's seat, when the son of King Healfdene Was pleased to take part in the play of the edges;

The famous one's valor ne'er failed at the front when Slain ones were bowing. And to Beowulf granted The prince of the Ingwins, power over both,

O'er war-steeds and weapons; bade him well to enjoy them. In so manly a manner the mighty-famed chieftain,

Hoard-ward of heroes, with horses and jewels War-storms requited, that none e'er condemneth Who willeth to tell truth with full justice.

Part XVII

And the atheling of earlmen to each of the heroes Who the ways of the waters went with Beowulf, A costly gift-token gave on the mead-bench, Offered an heirloom, and ordered that that man

The warrior killed by Grendel is to be paid for in gold. With gold should be paid for, whom Grendel had erstwhile Wickedly slaughtered, as he more of them had done

Had far-seeing God and the mood of the hero The fate not averted: the Father then governed All of the earth-dwellers, as He ever is doing; Hence insight for all men is everywhere fittest, Forethought of spirit! much he shall suffer

Of lief and of loathsome who long in this present Useth the world in this woful existence.

There was music and merriment mingling together Touching Healfdene's leader; the joy-wood was fingered, Measures recited, when the singer of Hrothgar

On mead-bench should mention the merry hall-joyance Of the kinsmen of Finn, when onset surprised them: "The Half-Danish hero, Hnref of the Scyldings,

On the field of the Frisians was fated to perish. Sure Hildeburg needed not mention approving

The faith of the Jutemen: though blameless entirely, When shields were shivered she was shorn of her darlings, Of bairns and brothers: they bent to their fate

With war-spear wounded; woe was that woman. Not causeless lamented the daughter of Hoce

The decree of the Wielder when morning-light came and She was able 'neath heaven to behold the destruction

Of brothers and bairns, where the brightest of earth-joys She had hitherto had: all the henchmen of Finn

War had offtaken, save a handful remaining, That he nowise was able to offer resistance

To the onset of Hengest in the parley of battle, Nor the wretched remnant to rescue in war from

The earl of the atheling; but they offered conditions,

Compact between the Frisians and the Danes. Another great building to fully make ready,

A hall and a high-seat, that half they might rule with

The sons of the Jutemen, and that Folcwalda's son would Day after day the Danemen honor

When gifts were giving, and grant of his ring-store To Hengest's earl-troop ever so freely,

Of his gold-plated jewels, as he encouraged the Frisians

On the bench of the beer-hall. On both sides they swore then A fast-binding compact; Finn unto Hengest

With no thought of revoking vowed then most solemnly The woe-begone remnant well to take charge of,

His Witan advising; the agreement should no one By words or works weaken and shatter,

By artifice ever injure its value,

Though reaved of their ruler their ring-giver's slayer They followed as vassals, Fate so requiring:

Then if one of the Frisians the quarrel should speak of In tones that were taunting, terrible edges

Should cut in requital. Accomplished the oath was, And treasure of gold from the hoard was uplifted. The best of the Scylding braves was then fully Prepared for the pile; at the pyre was seen clearly The blood-gory burnie, the boar with his gilding, The iron-hard swine, athelings many

Fatally wounded; no few had been slaughtered. Hildeburg bade then, at the burning of Hnref, The bairn of her bosom to bear to the fire,

That his body be burned and borne to the pyre. The woe-stricken woman wept on his shoulder, In measures lamented; upmounted the hero.

The greatest of dead-fires curled to the welkin,

On the hill's-front crackled; heads were a-melting, Wound-doors bursting, while the blood was a-coursing From body-bite fierce . The fire devoured them, Greediest of spirits, whom war had offcarried

From both of the peoples; their bravest were fallen.

Part XVIII

"Then the warriors departed to go to their dwellings, Reaved of their friends, Friesland to visit,

Their homes and high-city. Hengest continued Biding with Finn the blood-tainted winter,

Wholly unsundered; of fatherland thought he Though unable to drive the ring-stemmed vessel

O'er the ways of the waters; the wave-deeps were tossing, Fought with the wind; winter in ice-bonds

Closed up the currents, till there came to the dwelling A year in its course, as yet it revolveth,

If season propitious one alway regardeth,

World-cheering weathers. Then winter was gone, Earth's bosom was lovely; the exile would get him, The guest from the palace; on grewsomest vengeance He brooded more eager than on oversea journeys, Whe'r onset-of-anger he were able to 'complish,

The bairns of the Jutemen therein to remember. Nowise refused he the duties ofliegeman

When Hun of the Frisians the battle-sword Lafing, Fairest of falchions, friendly did give him:

Its edges were famous in folk-talk of Jutland. And savage sword-fury seized in its clutches Bold-mooded Finn where he bode in his palace, When the grewsome grapple Guthlaf and Oslaf

Had mournfully mentioned, the mere-journey over, For sorrows half-blamed him; the flickering spirit

Could not bide in his bosom. Then the building was covered With corpses of foemen, and Finn too was slaughtered,

The king with his comrades, and the queen made a prisoner. The troops of the Scyldings bore to their vessels

All that the land-king had in his palace,

Such trinkets and treasures they took as, on searching, At Finn's they could find. They ferried to Daneland The excellent woman on oversea journey,

Led her to their land-folk." The lay was concluded, The gleeman's recital. Shouts again rose then, Bench-glee resounded, bearers then offered

Wine from wonder-vats. Wealhtheo advanced then

Going 'neath gold-crown, where the good ones were seated Uncle and nephew; their peace was yet mutual,

True each to the other. And Unferth the spokesman Sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings:

Each trusted his spirit that his mood was courageous, Though at fight he had failed in faith to his kinsmen. Said the queen of the Scyldings: "My lord and protector, Treasure-bestower, take thou this beaker;

Joyance attend thee, gold-friend of heroes,

And greet thou the Geatmen with gracious responses! So ought one to do. Be kind to the Geatmen,

In gifts not niggardly; anear and afar now Peace thou enjoyest. Report hath informed me Thou'lt have for a bairn the battle-brave hero. Now is Heorot cleansed, ring-palace gleaming; Give while thou mayest many rewards,

And bequeath to thy kinsmen kingdom and people, On wending thy way to the Wielder's splendor.

I know good Hrothulf, that the noble young troopers He'll care for and honor, lord of the Scyldings,

If earth-joys thou endest earlier than he doth;

I reckon that recompense he'll render with kindness Our offspring and issue, if that all he remember, What favors of yore, when he yet was an infant,

We awarded to him for his worship and pleasure."

Then she turned by the bench where her sons were carousing, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the heroes' offspring,

The war-youth together; there the good one was sitting 'Twixt the brothers twain, Beowulf Geatman.

Part XIX

A beaker was borne him, and bidding to quaff it Graciously given, and gold that was twisted Pleasantly proffered, a pair of arm-jewels, Rings and corslet, of collars the greatest

I've heard of 'neath heaven. Of heroes not any

More splendid from jewels have I heard 'neath the welkin, Since Hama off bore the Brosingmen's necklace,

The bracteates and jewels, from the bright-shining city, Eormenric's cunning craftiness fled from,

Chose gain everlasting . Geatish Higelac, Grandson of Swerting, last had this jewel

When tramping 'neath banner the treasure he guarded, The field-spoil defended; Fate offcarried him

When for deeds of daring he endured tribulation, Hate from the Frisians; the ornaments bare he O'er the cup of the currents, costly gem-treasures, Mighty folk-leader, he fell 'neath his target;

The corpse of the king then came into charge of

The race of the Frankmen, the mail-shirt and collar: Warmen less noble plundered the fallen,

When the fight was finished; the folk of the Geatmen

The field of the dead held in possession.

The choicest of mead-halls with cheering resounded. Wealhtheo discoursed, the war-troop addressed she: "This collar enjoy thou, Beowulf worthy,

Young man, in safety, and use thou this armor, Gems of the people, and prosper thou fully, Show thyself sturdy and be to these liegemen Mild with instruction! I'll mind thy requital.

Thou hast brought it to pass that far and near Forever and ever earthmen shall honor thee, Even so widely as ocean surroundeth

The blustering bluffs. Be, while thou livest,

A wealth-blessed atheling. I wish thee most truly Jewels and treasure. Be kind to my son, thou Living in joyance! Here each of the nobles

Is true unto other, gentle in spirit,

Loyal to leader. The liegemen are peaceful, The war-troops ready: well-drunken heroes, Do as I bid ye." Then she went to the settle.

There was choicest of banquets, wine drank the heroes: Weird they knew not, destiny cruel,

As to many an earlman early it happened,

When evening had come and Hrothgar had parted Off to his manor, the mighty to slumber.

Warriors unnumbered warded the building

As erst they did often: the ale-settle bared they, 'Twas covered all over with beds and pillows.

Doomed unto death, down to his slumber

Bowed then a beer-thane. Their battle-shields placed they, Bright-shining targets, up by their heads then;

O'er the atheling on ale-bench 'twas easy to see there Battle-high helmet, burnie of ring-mail,

And mighty war-spear. 'Twas the wont of that people To constantly keep them equipped for the battle,

At home or marching-in either condition- At seasons just such as necessity ordered

As best for their ruler; that people was worthy.

Part XX

They sank then to slumber. With sorrow one paid for His evening repose, as often betid them

While Grendel was holding the gold-bedecked palace, Ill-deeds performing, till his end overtook him,

Death for his sins. 'Twas seen very clearly, Known unto earth-folk, that still an avenger Outlived the loathed one, long since the sorrow Caused by the struggle; the mother of Grendel, Devil-shaped woman, her woe ever minded, Who was held to inhabit the horrible waters,

The cold-flowing currents, after Cain had become a Slayer-with-edges to his one only brother,

The son of his sire; he set out then banished, Marked as a murderer, man-joys avoiding,

Lived in the desert. Thence demons unnumbered Fate-sent awoke; one of them Grendel,

Sword-cursed, hateful, who at Heorot met with A man that was watching, waiting the struggle,

Where a horrid one held him with hand-grapple sturdy; Nathless he minded the might of his body,

The glorious gift God had allowed him, And folk-ruling Father's favor relied on,

His help and His comfort: so he conquered the foeman, The hell-spirit humbled: he unhappy departed then, Reaved of his joyance, journeying to death-haunts, Foeman of man. His mother moreover

Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on

Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance

For the death of her son. She came then to Heorot Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building Were lying in slumber. Soon there became then

Return to the nobles, when the mother of Grendel Entered the folk-hall; the fear was less grievous By even so much as the vigor of maidens,

War-strength of women, by warrior is reckoned, When well-carved weapon, worked with the hammer, Blade very bloody, brave with its edges,

Strikes down the boar-sign that stands on the helmet. Then the hard-edged weapon was heaved in the building, The brand o'er the benches, broad-lindens many

Hand-fast were lifted; for helmet he recked not, For armor-net broad, whom terror laid hold of. She went then hastily, outward would get her Her life for to save, when some one did spy her; Soon she had grappled one of the athelings

Fast and firmly, when fenward she hied her; That one to Hrothgar was liefest of heroes

In rank of retainer where waters encircle,

A mighty shield-warrior, whom she murdered at slumber, A broadly-famed battle-knight. Beowulf was absent,

But another apartment was erstwhile devoted

To the glory-decked Geatman when gold was distributed. There was hubbub in Heorot. The hand that was famous She grasped in its gore; grief was renewed then

In homes and houses: 'twas no happy arrangement In both of the quarters to barter and purchase

With lives of their friends. Then the well-aged ruler, The gray-headed war-thane, was woful in spirit, When his long-trusted Hegeman lifeless he knew of, His dearest one gone. Quick from a room was Beowulf brought, brave and triumphant.

As day was dawning in the dusk of the morning, Went then that earlman, champion noble,

Came with comrades, where the clever one bided Whether God all gracious would grant him a respite After the woe he had suffered. The war-worthy hero With a troop of retainers trod then the pavement

(The hall-building groaned), till he greeted the wise one, The earl of the Ingwins; asked if the night had

Fully refreshed him, as fain he would have it.

Part XXI

Hrothgar rejoined, helm of the Scyldings: "Ask not of  joyance! Grief is renewed to The folk of the Danemen. Dead is /Eschere, Yrmenlafs brother, older than he,

My true-hearted counsellor, trusty adviser, Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle

Our heads we protected, when troopers were clashing, And heroes were dashing; such an earl should be ever, An erst-worthy atheling, as /Eschere proved him.

The flickering death-spirit became in Heorot

His hand-to-hand murderer; I can not tell whither The cruel one turned in the carcass exulting,

By cramming discovered. The quarrel she wreaked then, That last night igone Grendel thou killedst

In grewsomest manner, with grim-holding clutches, Since too long he had lessened my liege-troop and wasted My folk-men so foully. He fell in the battle

With forfeit of life, and another has followed,

A mighty crime-worker, her kinsman avenging,

And henceforth hath 'stablished her hatred unyielding, As it well may appear to many a liegeman,

Who mourneth in spirit the treasure-bestower, Her heavy heart-sorrow; the hand is now lifeless

Which availed you in every wish that you cherished. Land-people heard I, liegemen, this saying, Dwellers in halls, they had seen very often

A pair of such mighty march-striding creatures, Far-dwelling spirits, holding the moorlands: One of them wore, as well they might notice, The image of woman, the other one wretched In guise of a man wandered in exile,

Except he was huger than any of earthmen; Earth-dwelling people entitled him Grendel In days of yore: they know not their father, Whe'r ill-going spirits any were borne him Ever before. They guard the wolf-coverts, Lands inaccessible, wind-beaten nesses,

Fearfullest fen-deeps, where a flood from the mountains 'Neath mists of the nesses netherward rattles,

The stream under earth: not far is it henceward Measured by mile-lengths that the mere-water standeth, Which forests hang over, with frost-whiting covered,

A firm-rooted forest, the floods overshadow. There ever at night one an ill-meaning portent A fire-flood may see; 'mong children of men None liveth so wise that wot of the bottom;

Though harassed by hounds the heath-stepper seek for, Fly to the forest, firm-antlered he-deer,

Spurred from afar, his spirit he yieldeth, His life on the shore, ere in he will venture To cover his head. Uncanny the place is:

Thence upward ascendeth the surging of waters, Wan to the welkin, when the wind is stirring

The weathers unpleasing, till the air groweth gloomy, And the heavens lower. Now is help to be gotten

From thee and thee only! The abode thou know'st not, The dangerous place where thou'rt able to meet with The sin-laden hero: seek if thou darest!

For the feud I will fully fee thee with money, With old-time treasure, as erstwhile I did thee,

With well-twisted jewels, if away thou shalt get thee."

Part XXII

Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow's son:

"Grieve not, 0 wise one! for each it is better,

His friend to avenge than with vehemence wail him; Each of us must the end-day abide of

His earthly existence; who is able accomplish Glory ere death! To battle-thane noble Lifeless lying, 'tis at last most fitting.

Arise, 0 king, quick let us hasten

To look at the footprint of the kinsman of Grendel!

I promise thee this now: to his place he'll escape not, To embrace of the earth, nor to mountainous forest, Nor to depths of the ocean, wherever he wanders.

Practice thou now patient endurance

Of each of thy sorrows, as I hope for thee soothly!"

Then up sprang the old one, the All-Wielder thanked he, Ruler Almighty, that the man had outspoken.

Then for Hrothgar a war-horse was decked with a bridle, Curly-maned courser. The clever folk-leader

Stately proceeded: stepped then an earl-troop Oflinden-wood bearers. Her footprints were seen then Widely in wood-paths, her way o'er the bottoms, Where she faraway fared o'er fen-country murky,

Bore away breathless the best of retainers

Who pondered with Hrothgar the welfare of country. The son of the athelings then went o'er the stony, Declivitous cliffs, the close-covered passes,

Narrow passages, paths unfrequented, Nesses abrupt, nicker-haunts many; One of a few of wise-mooded heroes,

He onward advanced to view the surroundings, Till he found unawares woods of the mountain O'er hoar-stones hanging, halt-wood unjoyful; The water stood under, welling and gory. 'Twas irksome in spirit to all of the Danemen, Friends of the Scyldings, to many a Hegeman Sad to be suffered, a sorrow unlittle

To each of the earlmen, when to l:Eschere's head they Came on the cliff. The current was seething

With blood and with gore (the troopers gazed on it). The horn anon sang the battle-song ready.

The troop were all seated; they saw 'long the water then Many a serpent, mere-dragons wondrous

Trying the waters, nickers a-lying

On the cliffs of the nesses, which at noonday full often Go on the sea-deeps their sorrowful journey,

Wild-beasts and wormkind; away then they hastened ot-mooded, hateful, they heard  the great clamor, The war-trumpet winding. One did the Geat-prince Sunder from earth-joys, with arrow from bowstring,

From his sea-struggle tore him, that the trusty war-missile Pierced to his vitals; he proved in the currents

Less doughty at swimming whom death had offcarried. Soon in the waters the wonderful swimmer

Was straitened most sorely with sword-pointed boar-spears, Pressed in the battle and pulled to the cliff-edge;

The liegemen then looked on the loath-fashioned stranger. Beowulf donned then his battle-equipments,

Cared little for life; inlaid and most ample,

The hand-woven corslet which could cover his body,

Must the wave-deeps explore, that war might be powerless To harm the great hero, and the hating one's grasp might Not peril his safety; his head was protected

By the light-flashing helmet that should mix with the bottoms, Trying the eddies, treasure-emblazoned,

Encircled with jewels, as in seasons long past

The weapon-smith worked it, wondrously made it,

With swine-bodies fashioned it, that thenceforward no longer Brand might bite it, and battle-sword hurt it.

And that was not least of helpers in prowess

That Hrothgar's spokesman had lent him when straitened; And the hilted hand-sword was Hrunting entitled,

Old and most excellent 'mong all of the treasures; Its blade was of iron, blotted with poison, Hardened with gore; it failed not in battle

Any hero under heaven in hand who it brandished, Who ventured to take the terrible journeys,

The battle-field sought; not the earliest occasion That deeds of daring 'twas destined to 'complish. Ecglafs kinsman minded not soothly,

Exulting in strength, what erst he had spoken Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent to A sword-hero bolder; himself did not venture

'Neath the strife of the currents his life to endanger, To fame-deeds perform; there he forfeited glory,

Repute for his strength. Not so with the other

When he clad in his corslet had equipped him for battle.

Part XXIII

Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow's son:

"Recall now, oh, famous kinsman of Healfdene, Prince very prudent, now to part I am ready, Gold-friend of earlmen, what erst we agreed on,

Should I lay down my life in lending thee assistance,

When my earth-joys were over, thou wouldst evermore serve me In stead of a father; my faithful thanemen,

My trusty retainers, protect thou and care for, Fall I in battle: and, Hrothgar beloved,

Send unto Higelac the high-valued jewels

Thou to me hast allotted . The lord of the Geatmen May perceive from the gold, the Hrethling may see it When he looks on the jewels, that a gem-giver found I Good over-measure, enjoyed him while able.

And the ancient heirloom Unferth permit thou, The famed one to have, the heavy-sword splendid The hard-edged weapon; with Hrunting to aid me, I shall gain me glory, or grim-death shall take me." The atheling of Geatmen uttered these words and Heroic did hasten, not any rejoinder

Was willing to wait for; the wave-current swallowed The doughty-in-battle. Then a day's-length elapsed ere He was able to see the sea at its bottom.

Early she found then who fifty of winters The course of the currents kept in her fury,

Grisly and greedy, that the grim one's dominion Some one of men from above was exploring.

Forth did she grab them, grappled the warrior With horrible clutches; yet no sooner she injured His body unscathed: the burnie out-guarded,

That she proved but powerless to pierce through the armor, The limb-mail locked, with loath-grabbing fingers.

The sea-wolf bare then, when bottomward came she, The ring-prince homeward, that he after was powerless (He had daring to do it) to deal with his weapons,

But many a mere-beast tormented him swimming, Flood-beasts no few with fierce-biting tusks did

Break through his burnie, the brave one pursued they. The earl then discovered he was down in some cavern

Where no water whatever anywise harmed him,

And the clutch of the current could come not anear him, Since the roofed-hall prevented; brightness a-gleaming Fire-light he saw, flashing resplendent.

The good one saw then the sea-bottom's monster, The mighty mere-woman; he made a great onset With weapon-of-battle, his hand not desisted

From striking, that war-blade struck on her head then A battle-song greedy. The stranger perceived then The sword would not bite, her life would not injure,

But the falchion failed the folk-prince when straitened: Erst had it often onsets encountered,

Oft cloven the helmet, the fated one's armor: 'Twas the first time that ever the excellent jewel Had failed of its fame. Firm-mooded after,

Not heedless of valor, but mindful of glory, Was Higelac's kinsman; the hero-chief angry Cast then his carved-sword covered with jewels That it lay on the earth, hard and steel-pointed;

He hoped in his strength, his hand-grapple sturdy. So any must act whenever he thinketh

To gain him in battle glory unending,

And is reckless of living. The lord of the War-Geats (He shrank not from battle) seized by the shoulder The mother of Grendel; then mighty in struggle Swung he his enemy, since his anger was kindled, That she fell to the floor . With furious grapple

She gave him requital early thereafter,

And stretched out to grab him; the strongest of warriors Faint-mooded stumbled, till he fell in his traces,

Foot-going champion. Then she sat on the hall-guest And wielded her war-knife wide-bladed, flashing,

For her son would take vengeance, her one only bairn. His breast-armor woven bode on his shoulder;

It guarded his life, the entrance defended

'Gainst sword-point and edges. Ecgtheow's son there Had fatally journeyed, champion of Geatmen,

In the arms of the ocean, had the armor not given, Close-woven corslet, comfort and succor,

And had God most holy not awarded the victory, All-knowing Lord; easily did heaven's

Ruler most righteous arrange it with justice; Uprose he erect ready for battle.

Part XXIV

Then he saw mid the war-gems a weapon of victory, An ancient giant-sword, of edges a-doughty,

Glory of warriors: of weapons 'twas choicest, Only 'twas larger than any man else was Able to bear to the battle-encounter,

The good and splendid work of the giants.

He grasped then the sword-hilt, knight of the Scyldings, Bold and battle-grim, brandished his ring-sword, Hopeless of living, hotly he smote her,

That the fiend-woman's neck firmly it grappled,

Broke through her bone-joints, the bill fully pierced her Fate-cursed body, she fell to the ground then:

The hand-sword was bloody, the hero exulted. The brand was brilliant, brightly it glimmered, Just as from heaven gemlike shineth

The torch of the firmament. He glanced 'long the building, And turned by the wall then, Higelac's vassal

Raging and wrathful raised his battle-sword Strong by the handle. The edge was not useless To the hero-in-battle, but he speedily wished to Give Grendel requital for the many assaults he

Had worked on the West-Danes not once, but often, When he slew in slumber the subjects of Hrothgar, Swallowed down fifteen sleeping retainers

Of the folk of the Danemen, and fully as many Carried away, a horrible prey.

He gave him requital, grim-raging champion, When he saw on his rest-place weary of conflict Grendel lying, of life-joys bereaved,

As the battle at Heorot erstwhile had scathed him; His body far bounded, a blow when he suffered, Death having seized him, sword-smiting heavy, And he cut off his head then. Early this noticed The clever carles who as comrades of Hrothgar

Gazed on the sea-deeps, that the surging wave-currents Were mightily mingled, the mere-flood was gory:

Of the good one the gray-haired together held converse, The hoary of head, that they hoped  not to see again The atheling ever, that exulting in victory

He'd return there to visit the distinguished folk-ruler: Then many concluded the mere-wolf had killed him. The ninth hour came then. From the ness-edge departed

The bold-mooded Scyldings; the gold-friend of heroes Homeward betook him. The strangers sat down then Soul-sick, sorrowful, the sea-waves regarding:

They wished and yet weened not their well-loved friend-lord To see any more. The sword-blade began then,

The blood having touched it, contracting and shriveling With battle-icicles; 'twas a wonderful marvel

That it melted entirely, likest to ice when

The Father unbindeth the bond of the frost and Unwindeth the wave-bands, He who wieldeth dominion Of times and of tides: a truth-firm Creator.

Nor took he of jewels  more in the dwelling,

Lord of the Weders, though they lay all around him, Than the head and the handle handsome with jewels; The brand early melted, burnt was the weapon:

So hot was the blood, the strange-spirit poisonous That in it did perish. He early swam off then

Who had bided in combat the  carnage of haters, Went up through the ocean; the eddies were cleansed, The spacious expanses, when the spirit from farland His life put aside and this short-lived existence.

The seamen's defender came swimming to land then Doughty of spirit, rejoiced in his sea-gift,

The bulky burden which he bore in his keeping. The excellent vassals advanced then to meet him,

To God they were grateful, were glad in their chieftain, That to see him safe and sound was granted them.

From the high-minded hero, then, helmet and burnie Were speedily loosened: the ocean was putrid,

The water 'neath welkin weltered with gore.

Forth did they fare, then, their footsteps retracing, Merry and mirthful, measured the earth-way,

The highway familiar: men very daring

Bare then the head from the sea-cliff, burdening Each of the earlmen, excellent-valiant.

Four of them had to carry with labor

The head of Grendel to the high towering gold-hall Upstuck on the spear, till fourteen most-valiant And battle-brave Geatmen came there going Straight to the palace: the prince of the people

Measured the mead-ways, their mood-brave companion. The atheling of earlmen entered the building,

Deed-valiant man, adorned with distinction,

Doughty shield-warrior, to address King Hrothgar: Then hung by the hair, the head of Grendel

Was borne to the building, where beer-thanes were drinking, Loth before earlmen and eke 'fore the lady:

The warriors beheld then a wonderful sight.

Part XXV

Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:

"Lo! we blithely have brought thee, bairn of Healfdene, Prince of the Scyldings, these presents from ocean Which thine eye looketh on, for an emblem of glory.

I came off alive from this, narrowly 'scaping:

In war 'neath the water the work with great pains I Performed, and the fight had been finished quite nearly, Had God not defended me. I failed in the battle

Aught to accomplish, aided by Hrunting,

Though that weapon was worthy, but the Wielder of earth-folk Gave me willingly to see on the wall a

Heavy old hand-sword hanging in splendor

(He guided most often the lorn and the friendless), That I swung as a weapon. The wards of the house then I killed in the conflict (when occasion was given me).

Then the battle-sword burned, the brand that was lifted, As the blood-current sprang, hottest of war-sweats; Seizing the hilt, from my foes I oftbore it;

I avenged as I ought to their acts of malignity,

The murder of Danemen. I then make thee this promise, Thou'lt be able in Heorot careless to slumber

With thy throng of heroes and the thanes of thy people Every and each, of greater and lesser,

And thou needest not fear for them from the selfsame direction As thou formerly fearedst, oh, folk-lord of Scyldings,

End-day for earlmen." To the age-hoary man then,

The gray-haired chieftain, the gold-fashioned sword-hilt, Old-work of giants, was thereupon given;

Since the fall of the fiends, it fell to the keeping

Of the wielder of Danemen, the wonder-smith's labor, And the bad-mooded being abandoned this world then, Opponent of God, victim of murder,

And also his mother; it went to the keeping

Of the best of the world-kings, where waters encircle, Who the scot divided in Scylding dominion.

Hrothgar discoursed, the hilt he regarded,

The ancient heirloom where an old-time contention's Beginning was graven: the gurgling currents,

The flood slew thereafter the race of the giants,

They had proved themselves daring: that people was loth to The Lord everlasting, through lash of the billows

The Father gave them final requital.

So in letters of rune on the clasp of the handle Gleaming and golden, 'twas graven exactly,

Set forth and said, whom that sword had been made for, Finest of irons, who first it was wrought for,

Wreathed at its handle and gleaming with serpents. The wise one then said (silent they all were)

Son of old Healfdene: "He may say unrefuted

Who performs 'mid the folk-men fairness and truth (The hoary old ruler remembers the past),

That better by birth is this bairn of the nobles! Thy fame is extended through far-away countries, Good friend Beowulf, o'er all of the races,

Thou holdest all firmly, hero-like strength with Prudence of spirit. I'll prove myself grateful

As before we agreed on; thou granted for long shalt Become a great comfort to kinsmen and comrades, A help unto heroes. Heremod became not

Such to the Scyldings, successors of Ecgwela;

He grew not to please them, but grievous destruction, And diresome death-woes to Danemen attracted;

He slew in anger his table-companions, Trustworthy counsellors, till he turned off lonely From world-joys away, wide-famous ruler:

Though high-ruling heaven in hero-strength raised him, In might exalted him, o'er men of all nations

Made him supreme, yet a murderous spirit Grew in his bosom: he gave then no ring-gems To the Danes after custom; endured he unjoyful Standing the straits from strife that was raging, Longsome folk-sorrow. Learn then from this, Lay hold of virtue! Though laden with winters,

I have sung thee these measures. 'Tis a marvel to tell it, How all-ruling God from greatness of spirit

Giveth wisdom to children of men, Manor and earlship: all things He ruleth.

He often permitteth the mood-thought of man of The illustrious lineage to lean to possessions,

Allows him earthly delights at his manor,

A high-burg of heroes to hold in his keeping, Maketh portions of earth-folk hear him,

And a wide-reaching kingdom so that, wisdom failing him, He himself is unable to reckon its boundaries;

He liveth in luxury, little debars him,

Nor sickness nor age, no treachery-sorrow Becloudeth his spirit, conflict nowhere,

No sword-hate, appeareth, but all of the world doth Wend as he wisheth; the worse he knoweth not, Till arrant arrogance inward pervading,

Waxeth and springeth, when the warder is sleeping, The guard of the soul: with sorrows encompassed, Too sound is his slumber, the slayer is near him, Who with bow and arrow aimeth in malice.

Part XXVI

"Then bruised in his bosom he with bitter-toothed missile Is hurt 'neath his helmet: from harmful pollution

He is powerless to shield him by the wonderful mandates Of the loath-cursed spirit; what too long he hath holden Him seemeth too small, savage he hoardeth,

Nor boastfully giveth gold-plated rings, The fate of the future flouts and forgetteth

Since God had erst given him greatness no little, Wielder of Glory. His end-day anear,

It afterward happens that the bodily-dwelling Fleetingly fadeth, falls into ruins;

Another lays hold who daleth the ornaments, The nobleman's jewels, nothing lamenting, Heedeth no terror. Oh, Beowulf dear,

Best of the heroes, from bale-strife defend thee, And choose thee the better, counsels eternal; Beware of arrogance, world-famous champion! But a little-while lasts thy life-vigor's fulness; 'Twill after hap early, that illness or sword-edge

Shall part thee from strength, or the grasp of the fire, Or the wave of the current, or clutch of the edges,

Or flight of the war-spear, or age with its horrors,

Or thine eyes' bright flashing shall fade into darkness: 'Twill happen full early, excellent hero,

That death shall subdue thee. So the Danes a half-century I held under heaven, helped them in struggles

'Gainst many a race in middle-earth's regions, With ash-wood and edges, that enemies none

On earth molested me. Lo! offsetting change, now, Came to my manor, grief after joyance,

When Grendel became my constant visitor, Inveterate hater: I from that malice Continually travailed with trouble no little. Thanks be to God that I gained in my lifetime, To the Lord everlasting, to look on the gory

Head with mine eyes, after long-lasting sorrow! Go to the bench now, battle-adorned

Joy in the feasting: of jewels in common

We'll meet with many when morning appeareth." The Geatman was gladsome, ganged he immediately To go to the bench, as the clever one bade him.

Then again as before were the famous-for-prowess, Hall-inhabiters, handsomely banqueted,

Feasted anew. The night-veil fell then

Dark o'er the warriors. The courtiers rose then; The gray-haired was anxious to go to his slumbers, The hoary old Scylding. Hankered the Geatman, The champion doughty, greatly, to rest him:

An earlman early outward did lead him,

Fagged from his faring, from far-country springing, Who for etiquette's sake all of a liegeman's

Needs regarded, such as seamen at that time Were bounden to feel. The big-hearted rested; The building uptowered, spacious and gilded,

The guest within slumbered, till the sable-clad raven Blithely foreboded the beacon of heaven.

Then the bright-shining sun o'er the bottoms came going; The warriors hastened, the heads of the peoples

Were ready to go again to their peoples,

The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward Look for his vessel. The valiant one bade then, Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,

To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;

He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then The blade of the brand: 'twas a brave-mooded hero.

When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings, The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then

On to the dais, where the other was sitting, Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.

Part XXVII

Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow's offspring:

"We men of the water wish to declare now Fared from far-lands, we're firmly determined To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly

Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it; Good was the greeting. If greater affection

I am anywise able ever on earth to Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes,

Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready

For combat and conflict. O'er the course of the waters Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror,

As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands. I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen, Though young in years, he yet will permit me, By words and by works, ward of the people, Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee

My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee, And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating, Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,

He thereat may find him friends in abundance: Faraway countries he were better to seek for

Who trusts in himself." Hrothgar discoursed then, Making rejoinder: "These words thou hast uttered All-knowing God hath given thy spirit!

Ne'er heard I an earlman thus early in life

More clever in speaking: thou'rt cautious of spirit, Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent.

I count on the hope that, happen it ever

That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel's descendant, Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon

Deprive thee of prince, of people's protector,

And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them,

Gem-ward of heroes, than thou mightest prove thee,

If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern. Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better, Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that To both these peoples peace shall be common,

To Geat-folk and Danemen, the strife be suspended, The secret assailings they suffered in yore-days; And also that jewels be shared while I govern

The wide-stretching kingdom, and that many shall visit Others o'er the ocean with excellent gift-gems:

The ring-adorned bark shall bring o'er the currents Presents and love-gifts. This people I know

Tow'rd foeman and friend firmly established, After ancient etiquette everywise blameless." Then the warden of earlmen gave him still farther, Kinsman of Healfdene, a dozen of jewels,

Bade him safely seek with the presents His well-beloved people, early returning.

Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished, Dear-loved liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him, And clasped his neck; tears from him fell,

From the gray-headed man: he two things expected, Aged and reverend, but rather the second,

That bold in council they'd meet thereafter.

The man was so dear that he failed to suppress the Emotions that moved him, but in mood-fetters fastened The long-famous hero longeth in secret

Deep in his spirit for the dear-beloved man Though not a blood-kinsman. Beowulf thenceward, Gold-splendid warrior, walked o'er the meadows Exulting in treasure: the sea-going vessel

Riding at anchor awaited its owner.

As they pressed on their way then, the present of Hrothgar Was frequently referred to: a folk-king indeed that Everyway blameless, till age did debar him

The joys of his might, which hath many oft injured.

Part XXVIII

Then the band of very valiant retainers

Came to the current; they were clad all in armor, In link-woven burnies. The land-warder noticed

The return of the earlmen, as he erstwhile had seen them; Nowise with insult he greeted the strangers

From the naze of the cliff, but rode on to meet them; Said the bright-armored visitors vesselward traveled Welcome to Weders. The wide-bosomed craft then Lay on the sand, laden with armor,

With horses and jewels, the ring-stemmed sailer:

The mast uptowered o'er the treasure of Hrothgar. To the boat-ward a gold-bound brand he presented,

That he was afterwards honored on the ale-bench more highly As the heirloom's owner. Set he out on his vessel,

To drive on the deep, Dane-country left he. Along by the mast then a sea-garment fluttered, A rope-fastened sail. The sea-boat resounded, The wind o'er the waters the wave-floater nowise Kept from its journey; the sea-goer traveled,

The foamy-necked floated forth o'er the currents, The well-fashioned vessel o'er the ways of the ocean,

Till they came within sight of the cliffs of the Geatmen, The well-known headlands. The wave-goer hastened Driven by breezes, stood on the shore.

Prompt at the ocean, the port-ward was ready, Who long in the past outlooked in the distance, At water's-edge waiting well-loved heroes;

He bound to the bank then the broad-bosomed vessel Fast in its fetters, lest the force of the waters

Should be able to injure the ocean-wood winsome. Bade he up then take the treasure of princes,

Plate-gold and fretwork; not far was it thence To go off in search of the giver of jewels : Hrethel's son Higelac at home there remaineth,

Himself with his comrades close to the sea-coast. The building was splendid, the king heroic, Great in his hall, Hygd very young was,

Fine-mooded, clever, though few were the winters That the daughter of Hrereth had dwelt in the borough; But she nowise was cringing nor niggard of presents, Of ornaments rare, to the race of the Geatmen.

Thrytho nursed anger, excellent folk-queen,

Hot-burning hatred: no hero whatever

'Mong household companions, her husband excepted Dared to adventure to look at the woman

With eyes in the daytime; but he knew that death-chains Hand-wreathed were wrought him: early thereafter, When the hand-strife was over, edges were ready,

That fierce-raging sword-point had to force a decision, Murder-bale show. Such no womanly custom

For a lady to practise, though lovely her person, That a weaver-of-peace, on pretence of anger

A beloved Hegeman of life should deprive.

Soothly this hindered Heming's kinsman; Other ale-drinking earlmen asserted

That fearful folk-sorrows fewer she wrought them, Treacherous doings, since first she was given Adorned with gold to the war-hero youthful,

For her origin honored, when Offa's great palace O'er the fallow flood by her father's instructions

She sought on her journey, where she afterwards fully, Famed for her virtue, her fate on the king's-seat Enjoyed in her lifetime, love did she hold with

The ruler of heroes, the best, it is told me,

Of all of the earthmen that oceans encompass, Of earl-kindreds endless; hence Offa was famous Far and widely, by gifts and by battles,

Spear-valiant hero; the home of his fathers

He governed with wisdom, whence Eomrer did issue For help unto heroes, Heming's kinsman,

Grandson of Garmund, great in encounters.

Part XXIX

Then the brave one departed, his band along with him, Seeking the sea-shore, the sea-marches treading,

The wide-stretching shores. The world-candle glimmered, The sun from the southward; they proceeded then onward, Early arriving where they heard that the troop-lord, Ongentheow's slayer, excellent, youthful

Folk-prince and warrior was distributing jewels, Close in his castle. The coming of Beowulf

Was announced in a message quickly to Higelac, That the folk-troop's defender forth to the palace The linden-companion alive was advancing, Secure from the combat courtward a-going.

The building was early inward made ready

For the foot-going guests as the good one had ordered.

He sat by the man then who had lived through the struggle, Kinsman by kinsman, when the king of the people

Had in lordly language saluted the dear one,

In words that were formal. The daughter of Hrereth Coursed through the building, carrying mead-cups: She loved the retainers, tendered the beakers

To the high-minded Geatmen. Higelac 'gan then Pleasantly plying his companion with questions In the high-towering palace. A curious interest

Tormented his spirit, what meaning to see in The Sea-Geats' adventures: "Beowulf worthy,

How throve your journeying, when thou thoughtest suddenly Far o'er the salt-streams to seek an encounter,

A battle at Heorot? Hast bettered for Hrothgar, The famous folk-leader, his far-published sorrows Any at all? In agony-billows

I mused upon torture, distrusted the journey

Of the beloved liegeman; I long time did pray thee By no means to seek out the murderous spirit,

To suffer the South-Danes themselves to decide on Grappling with Grendel. To God I am thankful

To be suffered to see thee safe from thy journey." Beowulf answered, bairn of old Ecgtheow:

'"Tis hidden by no means, Higelac chieftain, From many of men, the meeting so famous, What mournful moments of me and of Grendel

Were passed in the place where he pressing affliction On the Victory-Scyldings scathefully brought, Anguish forever; that all I avenged,

So that any under heaven of the kinsmen of Grendel Needeth not boast of that cry-in-the-morning,

Who longest liveth of the loth-going kindred, Encompassed by moorland. I came in my journey To the royal ring-hall, Hrothgar to greet there: Soon did the famous scion of Healfdene,

When he understood fully the spirit that led me, Assign me a seat with the son of his bosom.

The troop was injoyance; mead-glee greater 'Neath arch of the ether not ever beheld I

'Mid hall-building holders. The highly-famed queen, Peace-tie of peoples, oft passed through the building, Cheered the young troopers; she oft tendered a hero A beautiful ring-band, ere she went to her sitting.

Oft the daughter of Hrothgar in view of the courtiers To the earls at the end the ale-vessel carried,

Whom Freaware I heard then hall-sitters title, When nail-adorned jewels she gave to the heroes: Gold-bedecked, youthful, to the glad son of Froda

Her faith has been plighted; the friend of the Scyldings, The guard of the kingdom, hath given his sanction, And counts it a vantage, for a part of the quarrels,

A portion of hatred, to pay with the woman.

Somewhere not rarely, when the ruler has fallen, The life-taking lance relaxeth its fury

For a brief breathing-spell, though the bride be charming!

Part XXX

"It well may discomfit the prince of the Heathobards And each of the thanemen of earls that attend him, When he goes to the building escorting the woman,

That a noble-born Daneman the knights should be feasting: There gleam on his person the leavings of elders

Hard and ring-bright, Heathobards' treasure,

While they wielded their arms, till they misled to the battle Their own dear lives and beloved companions.

He saith at the banquet who the collar beholdeth, An ancient ash-warrior who earlmen's destruction Clearly recalleth (cruel his spirit),

Sadly beginneth sounding the youthful

Thane-champion's spirit through the thoughts of his bosom, War-grief to waken, and this word-answer speaketh:

'Art thou able, my friend, to know when thou seest it The brand which thy father bare to the conflict

In his latest adventure, 'neath visor of helmet,

The dearly-loved iron, where Danemen did slay him, And brave-mooded Scyldings, on the fall of the heroes,

(When vengeance was sleeping) the slaughter-place wielded? E'en now some man of the murderer's progeny

Exulting in ornaments enters the building,

Boasts of his blood-shedding, oftbeareth the jewel Which thou shouldst wholly hold in possession!' So he urgeth and mindeth on every occasion

With woe-bringing words, till waxeth the season When the woman's thane for the works of his father, The bill having bitten, blood-gory sleepeth,

Fated to perish; the other one thenceward 'Scapeth alive, the land knoweth thoroughly.

Then the oaths of the earlmen on each side are broken, When rancors unresting are raging in Ingeld

And his wife-love waxeth less warm after sorrow. So the Heathobards' favor not faithful I reckon, Their part in the treaty not true to the Danemen, Their friendship not fast. I further shall tell thee More about Grendel, that thou fully mayst hear, Ornament-giver, what afterward came from

The hand-rush of heroes. When heaven's bright jewel O'er earthfields had glided, the stranger came raging, The horrible night-fiend, us for to visit,

Where wholly unharmed the hall we were guarding. To Hondscio happened  a hopeless contention, Death to the doomed one, dead he fell foremost, Girded war-champion; to him Grendel became then,

To the vassal distinguished, a tooth-weaponed murderer, The well-beloved henchman's body all swallowed.

Not the earlier off empty of hand did

The bloody-toothed murderer, mindful of evils, Wish to escape from the gold-giver's palace, But sturdy of strength he strove to outdo me, Hand-ready grappled. A glove was suspended Spacious and wondrous, in art-fetters fastened,

Which was fashioned entirely by touch of the craftman From the dragon's skin by the devil's devices:

He down in its depths would do me unsadly One among many, deed-doer raging,

Though sinless he saw me; not so could it happen When I in my anger upright did stand.

'Tis too long to recount how requital I furnished For every evil to the earlmen's destroyer;

'Twas there, my prince, that I proudly distinguished Thy land with my labors. He left and retreated,

He lived his life a little while longer:

Yet his right-hand guarded his footstep in Heorot, And sad-mooded thence to the sea-bottom fell he, Mournful in mind. For the might-rush of battle

The friend of the Scyldings, with gold that was plated, With ornaments many, much requited me,

When daylight had dawned, and down to the banquet We had sat us together. There was chanting andjoyance: The age-stricken Scylding asked many questions

And of old-times related; oft light-ringing harp-strings, Joy-telling wood, were touched by the brave one;

Now he uttered measures, mourning and truthful, Then the large-hearted land-king a legend of wonder Truthfully told us. Now troubled with years

The age-hoary warrior afterward began to

Mourn for the might that marked him in youth-days; His breast within boiled, when burdened with winters Much he remembered. From morning till night then

We joyed us therein as etiquette suffered,

Till the second night season came unto earth-folk. Then early thereafter, the mother of Grendel

Was ready for vengeance, wretched she journeyed; Her son had death ravished, the wrath of the Geatmen. The horrible woman avenged her offspring,

And with mighty mainstrength murdered a hero. There the spirit of lEschere, aged adviser,

Was ready to vanish; nor when morn had lightened Were they anywise suffered to consume him with fire, Folk of the Danemen, the death-weakened hero,

Nor the beloved Hegeman to lay on the pyre;

She the corpse had offcarried in the clutch of the foeman 'Neath mountain-b rook's flood. To Hrothgar 'twas saddest Of pains that ever had preyed on the chieftain;

By the life of thee the land-prince then me Besought very sadly, in sea-currents' eddies To display my prowess, to peril my safety,

Might-deeds accomplish; much did he promise. I found then the famous flood-current's cruel, Horrible depth-warder. A while unto us two

Hand was in common; the currents were seething

With gore that was clotted, and Grendel's fierce mother's Head I offhacked in the hall at the bottom

With huge-reaching sword-edge, hardly I wrested My life from her clutches; not doomed was I then, But the warden of earlmen afterward gave me Jewels in quantity, kinsman of Healfdene.