Page images
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

800

to any folk. There many a warrior
of Beowulf's drew his ancient sword;
they would defend the life of their lord,
of the great prince, if so they might.
They knew not, when they entered the strife,
the bold and eager sons of battle,
and thought to hew him on every side
his life to seek, that not the choicest
of irons on earth, no battle-falchion,
could ever touch the wicked scather,
since martial weapons he had forsworn,
every edge whatever. Yet on that day
of this life was his life-parting
wretched to be, and the alien spirit
to travel far into power of fiends.
Then he who before in mirth of mood
(he was God's foe) had perpetrated
many crimes 'gainst the race of men,
found that his body would not avail him,
for him the proud kinsman of Hygelac
had in hand; each was to the other
hateful alive. The fell wretch suffered
bodily pain; a deadly wound

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,
seek a joyless dwelling; well he knew
that the end of his life was come, his appointed
number of days. For all the Danes,

in the fierce one's grasp. 'Twas a dire journey the war-glory given; Grendel must thence,
the baleful spoiler made to Heorot.
The princely hall thundered; terror was
on all the Danes, the city-dwellers,
each valiant one, while both the fierce 769
strong warriors raged; the mansion resounded.
Then was it wonder great that the wine-hall
withstood the war-beasts, nor fell to the ground,
the fair earthly dwelling; yet was it too fast,
within and without, with iron bands,
cunningly forged, though where the fierce ones
fought, I have heard, many a mead-bench,
with gold adorned, from its sill started.
Before that, weened not the Scyldings' sages
that any man ever, in any wise,

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
had to the East-Danes his boast fulfilled,
had healed, to-wit, the preying sorrow
that they in that country before had suffered

in pieces could break it, goodly and bone- and had to endure for hard necessity,
decked,

or craftily rive-only the flame's clutch

in smoke could devour it. Startling enough
the noise uprose. Over the North Danes
stood dire terror, on every one

of those who heard from the wall the whoop,
the dread lay sung by God's denier,
the triumphless song of the thrall of hell,
his pain bewailing. He held him fast,-
he who of men was strongest of might,
of them who in that day lived this life.

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
it was when the warrior laid down the hand-
arm and shoulder, Grendel's whole grappler
together there-'neath the vaulted roof.

[blocks in formation]

There was the surge boiling with blood,
the dire swing of waves all commingled;
with clotted blood hot, with sword-gore it an honor-gift, to a feebler warrior,

of worldly desires, wherein I have power.
Full often for less have I dealt a reward,

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

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

[blocks in formation]

970

the deadly foe: too strong on his feet
the enemy was. Yet his hand he left,
for his life's safety, to guard his track,
his arm and shoulder; yet not thereby
did the wretched creature comfort obtain;
nor will he, crime-doer, the longer live
with sins oppressed. For pain has him
in its grip compelling straitly clasped,
in its deadly bonds; there shall he await,
the crime-stained wretch, the Final Doom,
as the Lord of Splendor shall mete it to him."
Then less noisy was Ecglaf's son

in vaunting speech of words of war,
after the nobles, thro' might of the hero,
over the high roof had gazed on the hand,
the fingers of the foe, each for himself.*
Each finger-nail was firm as steel-

a heathen's hand-spurs and a warrior's,-
hideously monstrous. Every one said
that no excellent iron of the bold ones

would be able to touch the demon's hand,
would ever sever the bloody limb.

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.

[blocks in formation]

"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

[blocks in formation]

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

[blocks in formation]

"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.
They cleared the bench-floor; it soon was o'er-
spread

with beds and bolsters. A certain beer-bearer,
ready and fated, bent to his rest.
1241
They set at their heads their disks of war,
their shield-wood bright; there on the bench,
over each noble, easy to see,

was his high martial helm, his ringed byrnie
and war-wood stout. It was their custom
that they were ever for war prepared,
at home, in the field, in both alike,
at whatever time to their liege lord
the need befel. "Twas a ready people.

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
lived after the foe, for a long time
after the battle-care,-Grendel's mother.
The woman-demon remembered her misery,
she that the watery horrors, the cold streams,
had to inhabit, when Cain became
slayer by sword of his only brother,
his father's son.

stained,

1261

Then he went forth blood

by murder marked, fleeing man's joy,
dwelt in the wilderness. Thence awoke many
fated demons; Grendel was one,

1270

when the hilt-bound sword, hammer-beaten,
stained with gore, and doughty of edges,
hews off the head of the boar on the helm.
Then in the hall the hard edge was drawn,
the sword o'er the seats, many a broad shield
raised firm in hand; helms they forgot
and byrnies broad, when the terror seized them.
She was in haste, would out from thence
to save her life, since she was discovered.
One of the nobles she quickly had
with grip fast seized, as she went to fen;
he was to Hrothgar of heroes the dearest
in comradeship beside the two seas,

1292

a mighty shield-warrior, whom she killed,
a hero renowned. (Beowulf was absent,
for another apartment had before been as-

signed,

1300

after giving of treasures, to the great Geat.)
A cry was in Heorot. She took with its gore
the well known hand;1 grief had become
renewed in the dwellings. 'Twas no good ex-
change,

with lives of their friends.
that those on both sides payment must make

Then was the old king,

the hoary war-hero, in stormy mood
when his highest thane, no longer living,

his dearest friend, he knew to be dead.
Quickly to his chamber was Beowulf summoned,
the victor-rich warrior. Together ere day 1311
he went with his earls, the noble champion
with his comrades went where the wise king
awaited

whether for him the All-wielder would
after the woe-time a change bring about.
Then along the floor went the warlike man
with his body guard (the hall-wood resounded)
till he the wise prince greeted with words,
the lord of the Ingwins; 2 asked if he had had
according to his wish, an easy night.

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
by just so much as the force of women is,

the war-dread from woman, than that from a

man

MERE

1320

[blocks in formation]

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
and wrought destruction. He in battle suc-

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
high deeds ere death; that will be for the war-
rior,

when he is lifeless, afterwards best.
Rise, lord of the realm, let us quickly go

to see the course of Grendel's parent. 1391
I promise thee, not to the sea shall she 'scape,
nor to earth's embrace, nor to mountain-wood,
nor to ocean's ground, go whither she will.

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,
that they have seen a pair of such
mighty march-stalkers holding the moors,
stranger-spirits, whereof the one,
so far as they could certainly know,
was in form of a woman; the other, accurst,
trod an exile's steps in the figure of man
(save that he huger than other men was),
whom in days of yore the dwellers on earth
Grendel named. They know not a father.
whether any was afore-time born

of the dark ghosts. That secret land
they dwell in, wolf-dens, windy nesses,

the perilous fen-path, where the mountain
stream

downward flows 'neath the mists of the nesses,
the flood under earth. "Tis not far thence, 1361
a mile in measure, that the mere stands,
over which hang rustling groves;

a wood fast rooted the water o'ershadows.
"There every night may be seen a dire won-

der,

fire in the flood. None so wise lives

of the children of men, who knows the bottom.
Although the heath-stepper, wearied by hounds,
the stag strong of horns, seek that holtwood,
driven from far, he will give up his life, 1370
his breath, on the shore, ere he will venture
his head upon it. That is no pleasant place.
Thence surging of waters upwards ascends
wan to the welkin, when the wind stirs up
the hateful tempests, till air grows gloomy
and skies shed tears. Again now is counsel
in thee alone! The spot thou yet ken 'st not,
the perilous place where thou may'st find
this sinful being. Seek if thou dare.
With riches will I for the strife reward thee,
with ancient treasures, as I before did,
with twisted gold, if thou comest off safe."

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

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »