800 to any folk. There many a warrior flee to his fen-mound; he knew his fingers' appeared on his shoulder, his sinews started, power his bone-casings burst. To Beowulf was 810 820 death-sick, under his fen-shelters flee, in the fierce one's grasp. 'Twas a dire journey the war-glory given; Grendel must thence, that fierce fight done, was their wish accomplished. So he then, the far-come, the wise and strong of soul, had purified Hrothgar's hall, saved it from malice; his night's work rejoiced him, his valor-glories. The Geatish chieftain in pieces could break it, goodly and bone- and had to endure for hard necessity, or craftily rive-only the flame's clutch in smoke could devour it. Startling enough of those who heard from the wall the whoop, XIII. THE MONSTER REPULSED Not for aught would the refuge of earls leave alive the deadly guest; the days of his life he counted not useful 780 790 830 no small affliction. A manifest token There was the surge boiling with blood, of worldly desires, wherein I have power. 930 XV. HROTHGAR'S GRATITUDE Hrothgar spake (he to the hall went, stood near the threshold, saw the steep roof shining with gold, and Grendel's hand): "Now for this sight, to the Almighty thanks! May it quickly be given! Much ill have I borne, Grendel's snares; ever can God work wonder on wonder, the King of Glory. Not long was it since, that I little weened for woes of mine through all my life, reparation to know, when, stained with blood, the best of houses all gory stood; woe was wide-spread for each of my counsellors, who did not ween that they evermore from foes could defend the people's landwork,1 from devils and phantoms. Now this warrior, through the might of the Lord, has done a deed which we all together before could not with cunning accomplish. Lo, this may say whatever woman brought forth this son among the nations, if yet she lives, 941 that the ancient Creator was gracious to her at the birth of her son. Now will I, O Beowulf, best of warriors, even as a son, love thee in my heart. Keep henceforth well our kinship new; no lack shalt thou have 1 Heorot 952 970 the deadly foe: too strong on his feet in vaunting speech of words of war, a heathen's hand-spurs and a warrior's,- would be able to touch the demon's hand, XVI. FEASTING AND SONG 980 990 Then quickly 'twas ordered, that Heorot within by hand be adorned; many were they, of men and women, who the wine-house, the guest-hall, prepared; gold-shimmering shone the webs on the walls, wondrous sights many to each and all that gaze upon such. * Beowulf, says Dr. Klaeber, "had placed Grendel's hand (on some projection perhaps) above the door (outside) as high as he could reach," where the nobles, looking from outside "in the direction of the high roof," behold it. Others think that it was hung up within the hall. "Accept this beaker, my beloved lord,1 dispenser of treasure; may 'st be joyful, gold-friend of men! And speak to the Geats with gentle words! So man shall do. Be kind toward the Geats, mindful of gifts; near and far thou now hast safety. Men have said that thou this warrior wouldst have for a son. Heorot is purged, the bright hall of rings: enjoy while thou may est The cup was brought him, and friendly greeting in words was given and twisted gold kindly proffered-bracelets two, armor and rings, a collar the largest of those that on earth I have heard tell of. Never 'neath heaven have I heard of a better treasure-hoard of men, since Hama bore off to the glittering burg the Brosings' necklace,§ the jewel and casket (he fled the guileful 1200 hate of Eormenric, chose gain eternal1). Hygelac the Geat wore this collar, the grandson of Swerting, on his last raid, when he 'neath his banner the treasure defended, the slaughter-spoil guarded; fate took him off when he out of pride sought his own woe, war with the Frisians; he the jewels conveyed, the precious stones, over the wave-bowl, the powerful king; he fell 'neath his shield. Then into the power of the Franks the king's life "Use this collar, Beowulf dear, oh youth, with joy, and use this mantle, these lordly treasures, and thrive thou well; prove thyself mighty, and be to these boys gentle in counsels. I will reward thee. This hast thou achieved, that, far and near, throughout all time, men will esteem thee, even so widely as the sea encircles 1180 the windy land-walls. Be while thou livest a prosperous noble. I grant you well precious treasures; be thou to my sons gentle in deeds, thou who hast joy. Here is each earl to the other true, the rewards of the many, and to thy sons leave folk and realm, when thou shalt go forth to see thy Creator. Well I know that my gracious Hrothulf will the youth in honor maintain if thou sooner than he, oh friend of the Scyldings, leavest the world. I ween that he with good will repay our offspring dear, if he remembers all the favors that we for his pleasure and honor performed when he was a child.'' Then she turned to the seat where were her sons, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the sons of the heroes, 1189 the youths all together; there sat the noble Beowulf the Geat, beside the two brothers. 1 Hrothgar Hrothgar, and his nephew, Hrothulf, who must have been older than the king's children (cp. lines 1180 ff), but who evidently did not remain "true.' He was said to have killed his brothers. 1220 mild of mood, to his liege lord faithful; the thanes are united, the people all ready. 1230 Warriors who have drunken, do as I bid." To her seat then she went. There was choicest of feasts, the warriors drank wine; Wyrd they knew not, calamity grim, as it turned out for many a man after evening had come and Hrothgar had to his lodging departed, the ruler to rest. There guarded the hall 1 Perhaps entered a monastery (S. Bugge). § The famous necklace of Freyja, which Hama stole from Eormenric, the cruel king of the Goths. countless warriors, as oft they had done. with beds and bolsters. A certain beer-bearer, was his high martial helm, his ringed byrnie XX. GRENDEL'S MOTHER 1250 They sank then to sleep. One sorely paid for his evening rest, as full oft had happened since the gold-hall Grendel occupied, unrighteousness did, until the end came, Ideath after sins. Then it was seen, wide-known among men, that still an avenger stained, 1261 Then he went forth blood by murder marked, fleeing man's joy, 1270 when the hilt-bound sword, hammer-beaten, 1292 a mighty shield-warrior, whom she killed, signed, 1300 after giving of treasures, to the great Geat.) with lives of their friends. Then was the old king, the hoary war-hero, in stormy mood his dearest friend, he knew to be dead. whether for him the All-wielder would the hated fell wolf who at Heorot found a watchful warrior awaiting the conflict; and there the monster laid hold of him. Yet was he mindful of his great strength, the generous gift that God had given him, and trusted for help in him the All-wielder, for comfort and aid; so slew he the fiend, struck down the hell-spirit. Then humble he XXI. SORROW FOR ESCHERE. THE MONSTER'S made off, the foe of mankind, to seek his death-home, of joy deprived. Natheless his mother, greedy and gloomy, was bent on going the sorrowful journey, her son's death to avenge. So came she to Heorot, to where the Ring Danes 1279 throughout the hall slept. Forthwith there came to the warriors a change, when in on them rushed Grendel's mother; the terror was less the war-dread from woman, than that from a man MERE 1320 the fell carrion-gloater her steps back has traced, made known by her meal. She the feud has avenged, that thou yester-night didst Grendel slay, through thy fierce nature, with fetter-like grasps, for that he too long my people diminished cumbed, forfeiting life. And now comes another mighty man-scather to avenge her son,— has from afar warfare established, as it may seem to many a thane who mourns in spirit his treasure-giver, 1340 XXII. THE PURSUIT Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow's son: "Sorrow not, sage man, 'tis better for each to avenge his friend than greatly to mourn. Each of us must an end await of this world's life; let him work who can when he is lifeless, afterwards best. to see the course of Grendel's parent. 1391 in hard heart-affliction. Now low lies the hand This day do thou endurance have which once availed you for every desire. "I have heard it said by the land-dwellers, 1350 by my own subjects, my hall-counsellors, of the dark ghosts. That secret land the perilous fen-path, where the mountain downward flows 'neath the mists of the nesses, a wood fast rooted the water o'ershadows. der, fire in the flood. None so wise lives of the children of men, who knows the bottom. 1381 in every woe, as I expect of thee!'' Up leapt the old man then, thanked God, the mighty Lord, for what the man said. For Hrothgar then a horse was bridled, a steed with curled mane. The ruler wise in state went forth; a troop strode on, bearing their shields. Tracks there were along the forest paths widely seen, 1401 her course o'er the ground; she had thither |