is of worth. But the Ruler of Men granted me that I should see hanging beautiful on the wall a mighty sword of old-full oft He guides the friendlessand that I should draw the weapon. I slew in the fight the keepers of the house, when chance offered. Then that battlebrand, the etched sword, burnt up when the blood sprang, hottest of battle-gore; I carried off the hilt thence from the fiends. I took vengeance for the outrages, the slaughter of the Danes, as it was fitting. Therefore I promise thee that thou mayst sleep in Heorot free from sorrow with thy band of warriors and every thane of thy people, tried warrior and youth, for on that score, Lord of the Scyldings, thou needst never fear life-bale for thy earls, as thou didst thou didst before." Then was the golden hilt given to the aged warrior, the white-haired battle-lord, into his hand, giants' work of old. After the demons' death, it came into the possession of the Lord of the Danes, this work of wonder-smiths. When the fierce-hearted wight went from this world, God's adversary, steeped in murder, and his mother too, it passed into the keeping of earthly kings, to the best from sea to sea of those that in Scedenig1 dispensed treasure.

Hrothgar spoke-he gazed on the hilt, the age-old inheritance, on which was written the beginning of the ancient strife. when the flood slew the race of giants, the flowing sea; they suffered sorely. That folk was alien to the Eternal Lord; the Ruler gave them their final dues through the water's surge. Likewise in rune letters, on the handle of bright gold was plainly marked, set down and said, for whom that sword, best of irons, was first wrought, twisted hilt and dragonadorned. Then the wise one spoke, the son of Healfdene-all became silent: "Lo,

1 The name of the southern part of the Scandinavian peninsula, here applied to the lands of the Danes.

this may he say who works truth and right among his people, a king old in years and remembering all far back, that this earl was born of nobler stock! Thy fame is lifted up throughout the distant stretches, Beowulf, my friend-over every nation. Thou holdest it all steadfastly, strength with prudence of mind. I shall carry out my friendship as we spoke a short time ago. Thou shalt be a lasting consolation to thy people, a help to men. Not so was Heremod to the sons of Ecgwela, the Ar-Scyldings; he did not grow to be a source of pleasure, but of slaughter and destruction to the Danish folk. In a rage he killed his table companions, his bosom comrades, until he went alone, a notorious prince, from the joys of men. Though mighty God raised him to the pleasures of power, advanced him in might over all men, nevertheless a blood-thirsty spirit grew in his heart. No rings did he give to the Danes for glory. Joyless he lived to endure the work of strife, a lasting woe to his people. Take thou a lesson from this. Grow wise in the virtues of men. As one old in winters I utter to thee this speech.

+

"It is a wonder to say how mighty God through his vast spirit distributes to mankind wisdom, estate, and rank; He has power over all things. At times he lets the thought of a man of noble birth turn to worldly delights, allows him to have joy of earth, to keep the stronghold of men, and commits to him as ruler regions of the world, wide domain, so that he himself in his unwisdom cannot imagine the end of it all. He lives in prosperity; no whit does sickness or age hinder him, nor sorrow cast a shadow over his spirit, nor does enmity anywhere break out into war; but for him all the world goes according to his desire. He knows no worse, until great pride waxes and grows within him while the guard 2

2 His conscience.

sleeps, the soul's keeper. Too sound is that sleep, bound by cares. The slayer is very near, who shoots wickedly with his bow. Then under helmet is he struck in his heart by the bitter arrow he cannot hide-by the sly mysterious biddings of the Accursed Fiend. He thinks that which he long held is too little, covets with angry mood, gives proudly no golden rings, and forgets and neglects the life to come because God, the Prince of Glory, erst gave him abundance of honors. But in the end it happens that the fleeting body droops and falls, doomed to die. Another takes his place, who recklessly scatters treasures, the earl's former hoardings, and knows no fear. Guard thee, beloved Beowulf, best of men, against evil, and choose the better, eternal blessings. Beware of pride, O glorious warrior! Now for a little while the power of thy might lasts. But soon it will be that sickness or the sword will deprive thee of thy strength, or fire's grasp, or flood's surge, or sword's grip, or spear's flight, or dire old age, or else the eye's brightness will fail and grow dim. Presently, thou warrior, it will happen that death will overcome thee.

So I have ruled the Ring-Danes a hundred half-years under heaven, and protected them with spears and swords in war against many nations throughout this earth until I reckoned no one a foe under heaven's expanse. Lo, a change came to me in my native land, grief after joy, when Grendel, that old adversary, became my invader; always I endured the persecution, sore grief of soul. Therefore I thank God, Eternal Lord, that I have continued alive, that I may look with eyes on this blood-stained head after the ancient strife! Go now to your seat, distinguished in battle, and enjoy the pleasure. of the feast. A wealth of mutual treasures shall be ours in the morning."

The Geat was glad, went soon to seek

his seat as the wise king bade. Then again as before was a feast fairly prepared, a second time, for the war-famed sitting in the hall. Night's cover grew dark over the warriors. All the company arose; the aged Scylding, gray-haired, would seek his bed. The Geat wished exceedingly to rest himself. Soon a hallthane, who for courtesy looked after all such needs of a man as in those days warriors might have, showed him forth, weary from his venture, him who had come a long distance. A shad

Then the great-hearted one rested him. The hall towered overhead, vaulted and gold-adorned. The guests within slept until the black raven, blithe-hearted, announced the joy of heaven.1 Then the glorious light came hastening over the shadows. The warriors made haste: the athelings were eager to go again to their people. The valiant visitor would seek his ship and go far thence.

Then the mighty one bade the son of Ecglaf to carry Hrunting, bade him take his sword, precious blade. He spoke thanks to him for the loan, said that he counted the war-friend good, strong in battle; in no wise he blamed the sword's edge. He was a great-hearted warrior. And when, eager for the journey, the heroes were ready in their armor the atheling dear to the Danes went to the high place where the other was,—the hero brave in battle greeted Hrothgar.

XXVI

DEPARTURE OF BEOWULF AND THE GEATS

Beowulf spoke, son of Ecgtheow: "Now we seafarers, come from afar, wish to say that we are eager to see Hygelac. We have here been graciously entertained; thou hast treated us well. If now through 1 Kenning for "sun."

any kind of war-deeds on earth I can earn more completely thy love than I have yet done, O prince of men, I am straightway ready. If I hear over the sea's expanse that neighboring peoples oppress thee greatly, as enemies in the past have done, I will bring thee thousands of thanes, warriors for help. I know, as for Hygelac, Lord of the Geats, though he be young for the people's ruler, that he will further me by word and work that I may rightly honor thee and bear spear-shaft for thy help, the support of might, whenever thou hast need for men. If, moreover, Hrethric, the king's son, purposes to go to the court of the Geats, he shall find many friends there. Far countries, when visited, are better for him who is strong himself."

Hrothgar spoke, in answer to him: "The wise God sent those words into thy mind. Never heard I a man in such early life speak more wisely. Thou art strong of might and old in thought, sound in speech! I deem it likely, if it comes to pass that the spear, grim battle, sickness, or the sword takes away Hrethel's son,thy lord, the people's protector,-and thou hast thy life, that the Sea-Geats will... have no better man to choose for king,' for treasure-warden of heroes, if thou wilt rule the realm of thy kinsmen. Thy spirit pleases me more and more, good Beowulf. Thou hast brought it about that mutual peace shall be between the nations, the Geats-folk and the SpearDanes; that strife shall cease, the enmities that in the past they engaged in; that whilst I rule this wide realm treasure shall be in common and many a one shall greet the other fairly over the gannet's

Then still the protector of earls, Healfdene's son, gave him twelve treasures, bade him with the gifts seek his own people in safety, and to come quickly again. The good king kissed the atheling

the Lord of the Scyldings kissed the best of thanes and clasped him around the neck. Tears fell on his white beard. Old and wise, he reckoned with both chances, but with one of them more especially, that they might [not] see each other again, the high-hearted together. The man was so dear to him that he could not prevent the heavings of his breast; but fast locked in his bosom by his heart strings, a secret longing for the beloved warrior burned in his blood. Then Beowulf, a hero splendid with gold, strode over the green earth, proud of his treasure. The ship, riding at anchor, awaited its master. On the journey the gift of Hrothgar was often praised. That was a king in all things blameless, until age which has often harmed many a man took him off from the enjoyment of his might.

XXVII

THE RETURN OF THE GEATS TO THEIR OWN LAND

Many a hardy youth came then to the ocean; ring-nets they bore, their coats of linked mail. The land-guard perceived the return of the earls, as he did before. With no words of insult from the top of the cliff did he greet the guests, but rode towards them, said that the brightly armed warriors went to their ship a welcome band to the Wederfolk. There on the sand was the curved bark, the ringed prow laden with war-weeds, horses, and treasures; the mast towered over Hrothgar's treasure-hoard. To the ship-guard Beowulf gave a sword bound with gold,

2 coats of mail

so that afterwards on the mead-bench he was the worthier for the prize, a timehallowed weapon. The boat went forward, stirring the deep water, left the land of the Danes. To the mast was a sea-garment, a sail fastened by a rope. The sea-wood creaked. The wind over the waves did not drive the ship from its course. The sea-traveler went, floated foamy-necked forth over the waves, the bound prow over the ocean streams, until they might see the cliffs of the Geats, the well-known bluffs. Driven by the wind the keel pressed on, stood upon land. The guard of the harbor was quickly at the water, ready; for a long time he had gazed far at sea, longing for the dear men. He fastened the broad-bosomed ship firmly to the sand with anchor-ropes, lest the force of the waves might drive it away, the winsome wood. Then Beowulf bade them carry up the athelings' treasure, their trappings and plated gold. He had not far thence to seek the giver of rich gifts, Hygelac, son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home with his companions near the sea-wall.

Excellent was the building, valiant the king, high the hall, Hygd very young, wise and accomplished, though few winters had Haereth's daughter lived in the walled town. Nevertheless she was not ungenerous, nor too sparing of gifts of treasure to the Geatsfolk. Good queen of the people, she had not Thrith's pride, nor her terrible wickedness.

Not one of the dear retainers save her own great lord durst venture to look at her [Thrith] openly with his eyes; but [if he did,] considered the fatal hand-twisted rope to have been prepared for him. Soon after being seized he was forthwith marked for the sword, that with its dazzling blade it might make clear and manifest his death. Nor is such a custom queenly for a woman to practise, even though she be beautiful, that a peacemaker should exact the life of a dear man for a pretended injury. Albeit, the son of Hemming stopped that. Some over their ale said, too, that she did fewer harms to the people, fewer acts of

violence, when once she had been given, goldadorned, noted for excellence, to the young warrior, after she had sought at her father's behest, by a journey over the fallow flood, the hall of Offa. There living afterwards, famed for goodness, she enjoyed greatly her life on the throne, cherished high love for the lord of warriors, as I have heard, the best of all mankind, of the race of men from sea to sea. For Offa was, in gifts and battles, a brave man, widely renowned, and ruled with prudence his native land. From him sprang Eomer for help to heroes, Hemming's kinsman, grandson of Garmund, strong in battle.

XXVIII

BEOWULF'S RECEPTION BY HYGELAC AND THE ACCOUNT OF HIS EXPLOIT, WITH A DIGRESSION ON HROTHGAR'S DAUGHTER

Then the valiant one went along the sand with his company, himself treading the wide shores. The earth's candle shone, the sun hastening from the south. They journeyed on, went quickly to where they heard the protector of men, Ongentheow's slayer, the young war-king good, was distributing rings within the town. To Hygelac was Beowulf's journey quickly made known, that there to his homestead the shelter of warriors, of shield companions, was coming alive, sound from the battle-play, walking to the court. Quickly was the hall within cleared for the warriors, as the king bade.

With the king himself sat he who had come safely from the conflict, kinsman, with kinsman, after he had greeted his lord in friendly speech, with earnest words. Around the hall Hareth's daughter passed with the mead-cups-she loved the people-to the hands of the warriors. Hygelac began fairly to question his companion in the high hall: desire tormented him to know what adventures the SeaGeats had had. "How did it befall you on the journey, dear Beowulf, when suddenly thou didst resolve to seek conflict far over the salt water, battle in Heorot?

But didst thou at all lessen the far-famed woe for Hrothgar, that illustrious prince? I was troubled about it with grief of heart, surging sorrows, nor trusted my dear man's undertaking. I entreated thee long that thou wouldst not meet the murderous fiend at all, but let the SouthDanes themselves settle the strife with Grendel. I thank God that I can see thee sound."

Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son: "It is known to many men, King Hygelac,-the mighty encounter, what contest there was between Grendel and me in the land where a long time he had done many deeds of sorrow and misery to the Victory-Scyldings. I avenged all that, so that none of Grendel's kinsmen on earth need ever boast of that turmoil in the night, who lives longest of that hateful race steeped in crime. th

"I came first to the ring-hall to greet Hrothgar. So soon as he knew my mind, the mighty son of Healfdene appointed a seat for me beside his son. The company was joyful; never in all my life under heaven's vault have I seen greater revelry among those sitting in hall. At times the glorious queen, the bond of peace between nations, passed through the hall, encouraged the youths. Often she gave some man a ring before she went to her seat. At times in the midst of the company Hrothgar's daughter bore the ale-cup to the men in turn. I heard those sitting around the hall call her Freawaru when she gave studded treasures to the warriors. Young and adorned with gold, she is betrothed to the gracious son of Froda. The friend of the Scyldings, the kingdom's protector has resolved upon it and counts it a wise plan that through

"Therefore it may be displeasing to the Lord of the Heathobards and to every thane among the people when he walks down the hall with the woman and the noble sons of the Danes are courteously entertained; on these strangers gleams the heritage of their own ancestors, the hard and ring-marked treasure of the Heathobards, as long as they might wield the weapons -until they led their dear comrades and their own lives to destruction in the shield play. Then at the beer-drinking speaks one who sees the ring-fitted sword, an old spearman who remembers all, the spear-death of men-the soul in him is angry-begins sad at heart to try the spirit of the young man through the thoughts of his breast, to awaken war-hate, and this word says: 'Mayst thou, my friend, know the sword which thy father beneath his war-helmet bore for the last time to the fight, the beloved blade, when the Danes slew him, the hardy Scyldings ruled over the battlefield, once Withergyld lay dead after the falling of heroes? Now here the son of I know not which of these slayers walks into the hall exulting in the trappings, beareth the precious thing which thou by right shouldst possess, and boasts of the slaughter.' So on every occasion he urges and reminds him with bitter words until the time comes that the woman's thane,1 for the deeds of his father, sleeps after the sword's bite, stained with blood, having forfeited his life. The other escapes thence alive, since he knows the land well. Then are broken on both sides the oaths of men. Afterwards deadly hates boil within Ingeld and, what with the after surgings of sorrow, the love for his wife grows colder. Therefore I do not count the favor of the Heathobards, their alliance with the Danes, to be sincere, their friendship strong.

"I shall speak further about Grendel that thou, giver of gifts, mayst well know how afterwards the strife of warriors fared. After Heaven's gem had glided over the fields, the angry demon came, dire night-scourge, to visit us where hale and hearty we guarded the hall. There his onslaught was upon Hondscio, death for the doomed man; he was the first to die, a girded warrior. For him, our honored thane, Grendel was a mouth

feuds. Seldom anywhere, as a rule, after a prince's death does the spear rest, and but a little while, though the bride be good.

beloved man. Yet none the sooner would he go thence from the gold-hall emptyhanded, the bloody-toothed slayer, his

1 The young attendant who accompanies her. 2i.e., the murderer