Thence again from the mere on their joyful way went old companions and many a young man, high spirited, riding on mounts, warriors on white horses. There was Beowulf's fame talked of; . often many a one said that north and south from sea to sea over the spacious earth none other under heaven's expanse, none among shield-bearers, was a better man, worthier of rule. Nor, indeed, did they blame at all their good lord, gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king! At times the famed in battle let their horses gallop, their fallow steeds, known for their excellence, run a race where the roads seemed good to them. At times a thane of the king's, a proud man with a memory stored with songs, who bore in mind many an old tradition-one word found another fittingly bound1—this warrior in his turn began dexterously to relate Beowulf's adventure and artfully to recite a skilful story, to shape his words. He told everything that he had heard of Sigemund's deeds of valor, many an unfamiliar thing, of Waelsing's fight, his long journeys of which the sons of men knew not at all, his feud and crimes, except Fitula, who was with him when he would say anything of such matters, uncle to nephew; for they were ever comrades in need at every battle.

"They had laid low with swords full many of the race of giants. To Sigemund there sprang up after his death-day no little renown since, fierce in fight, he killed the dragon, guardian of the hoard. Under the hoary rock the atheling's son performed the daring deed alone, nor was Fitula with him. However, it chanced that the sword went through the wondrous serpent so that it stuck in the wall, a noble iron. The dragon died in that slaying. The terrible warrior had brought it about by his valor that he might enjoy the ring-hoard at his own will. The son of Waels loaded a ship, bore in the bosom of the boat the bright treasures. The dragon was consumed in its own fire.

He was far and wide most famous of heroes

1ie., by alliteration

2i.e., Sigemund's

throughout nations, protector of warriors by deeds of daring-therefore he prospered indays now past-after Heremod's valor, his strength and courage, grew less. Among the Jutes he was betrayed into the power of the enemy, was quickly put to death. Overwhelming sorrows oppressed him too long; he became to his people, to all the athelings, a great care. So, too, in former times, many a prudent man lamented the bold one's course, who trusted to him for boot of his wrongs, believed that a prince's son should prosper, should inherit the excellence of his father, guard the people, the treasure, and their sheltering city, the realm of heroes, the home of the Scyldings. Hygelac's kinsman was in this respect more pleasing to his friends, to all the race of men. Evil possessed the other."

3

At times in races they measured the yellow roads with their horses. Then was the morning light driven on and quickened. Many a resolute warrior went to the high hall to see the strange wonder. So, too, the King himself, famed for virtues, keeper of the treasure-hoard, walked in princely wise with a great company from his wife's bower; and beside him his queen with a train of women paced the path to the mead-hall.

XIV

HROTHGAR'S SPEECH AND BEOWULF'S
REPLY

Hrothgar spoke he had gone to the hall, stood on the steps, looked at the high gilded roof, and at Grendel's hand: "For this sight may thanks be speedily given to the Almighty! Many a hateful thing I have endured in my life, afflictions at the hands of Grendel. God may ever work miracle after miracle, the Lord of Glory. Not long ago I thought never to expect help in any woes, when the fairest of houses stood gory, stained with blood-a widespread woe to each of the counselors, who did not think that they could ever protect the people's stronghold from the hateful ones, from demons and evil spirits. Now has a

8 Beowulf

warrior through the might of the Lord. performed the deed which we all through our skill were not able to do. Lo, whoever among women brought forth such a son among the races of men, if she still lives, truly may she say that God has been gracious to her in her child-bearing. Now, Beowulf, best of warriors, I will love thee as a son in my heart. Keep thou well henceforth this new kinship. Nor shalt thou lack anything good in the world that I have in my power. Full oft I have bestowed reward for less, gift of honor to a lowlier man, to one weaker in combat. Thou hast alone done deeds for which thy fame will live for ever and ever. May the Almighty requite thee well as he has just done."

Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son: "Full gladly did we perform that work of valor, fought the fight, daringly braved the might of the unknown foe. Rather would I that thou mightest have seen him, the fiend himself, killed in his native trappings! With hard clutch I thought to bind him quickly to his death-bed, that by my handgrip he should lie in the throes of death, unless his body escape. I might not prevent him from going-the Lord did not will it. I did not hold him fast enough, the deadly foe; the enemy was too powerful in flight. But now, to save his life he left his hand behind, both arm and shoulder. Yet no help did the wretched wight get thereby. No longer does the loathly spoiler live, weighed down with sins, but pain hath clutched him close in a relentless grip with baleful bonds. There, outlawed for his wickedness, he shall abide the great judgment, how the resplendent Creator will impose doom upon him."

Then the man, the son of Ecglaf, was more quiet in his boast of battle work, since the athelings saw over the high roof as a result of the earl's prowess,

the hand, the fingers of the fiend. In

Then was Heorot quickly ordered to be decorated with hands within. There were many of them, men and women, who made ready the wine-hall, the guest-place. Gold-embroidered hangings shone along the walls, many wondrous sights for all of the warriors who look upon such things. The bright building was badly shattered, though all braced with iron bands, and the hinges were wrenched apart. The roof alone survived wholly sound when the monster, an outcast for his crimes, turned in flight, despairing of life. Death is not easy for any man to escape-try who will-but he shall seek the place forced upon him by necessity, made ready for bearers of souls-earth dwellers, the children of men-where his body fast in its resting place shall sleep ever after.

Then was it the time and tide that Healfdene's son went to the hall; the king himself would partake of the banquet. Never heard I people in greater company fare better in their treasure giver. The famed warriors reclined upon the benches, rejoiced in the feast, roundly drained many a mead-cup. The kinsmen strong of heart, Hrothgar and Hrothulf,' were in the high hall. Heorot within was filled with friends. As yet the Scylding folk had wrought no treachery. Then the son of Healfdene gave to Beowulf a golden banner, the reward of victory, a

fairly wrought standard, a helmet and a byrnie. Many saw a priceless treasuresword borne before the warrior. Beowulf drank a beaker in the hall. No need had he to be ashamed of the presents before the warriors-nor have I heard of many

who gave four precious things adorned with gold to others on the alebench. Around the crest of the helmet, on the outside, a ridge bound with wires protected the headpiece, that the tempered product of files might not harm him. when the warrior bold in battle should go against his enemies. Then the protector of earls had eight horses, gold-bridled, led on the floor of the hall within the enclosure. On one of them rested a saddle cunningly fashioned, adorned with jewels. That was the battle-seat of the king when the son of Healfdene would engage in the play of swords. Never did the far-famed ruler's courage fail at the front when the slain were falling. And then to Beowulf the Lord of the Danes gave power over both, horses and weapons. He bade him enjoy them well. Thus nobly the illustrious prince, the heroes' treasure keeper, rewarded the storms of battle, with horses and rich things, such as man never finds fault with if he will speak truly according to the right.

XVI

THE GIFTS TO BEOWULF'S MEN. THE

SCOP'S SONG OF FINN

Then, in addition, to each of those that went on the sea journey with Beowulf the lord of earls gave treasures at their meadbench, heirlooms, and ordered recompense with gold for that one whom Grendel had violently killed, as he would have killed more of them, had not the wise God and

'Kenning for "sword."

5

"When sudden attack was made on them by the followers of Finn, Hnaef Scylding, the hero of the Healf-Danes, was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter.3 No cause, indeed, had Hildeburh to praise the faith of the Jutes. She was bereft of her guiltless loved ones in the shield-play, son and brother. They fell by destiny, wounded with spear. She was a sad woman! Not in vain did Hoc's daughter bewail the decree of fate when, after morning came, she might see under heaven the murder of kinsmen where she erst held greatest of earth's joy. War took all but a few of Finn's men, so that he might in no wise strive with Hengest on the battlefield nor crush in battle those left to the prince's thane. But they offered him terms: that they would grant him another dwelling complete, hall and high-seat; that the Danes might share control with the sons of the Jutes; and that at the gift-givings the son " of Folcwalda each day would honor the Danes, would present Hengest's troops with rings, with treasures of beaten gold, even as freely as he would cheer his Frisian kinsmen in the beer-hall. Then they pledged firm compacts of peace on both sides. Finn affirmed by oaths his friendly zeal to govern honorably, with the advice of his wise men, the surviving remnant, on condition that no man should

2 Hrothgar

The tale sung by the scop may here be outlined as follows: Einn, chief of the Frisians, has married a Danish princess Hildeburh. Years later when her brother Hnaef and some of his followers are visiting her they are treacherously attacked in the hall before daybreak by some of her husband's men. After defending themselves for five days, Hnaef and many of his men are slain. So, too, is a son of Hildeburh. After Hnaef's death Hengest commands the remaining Danes. A treaty is arranged with Finn and the slain on both sides are burnt together, with appropriate ceremonies. Hengest and his men stay in Friesland during the winter, but in the spring they are joined by fresh bands of Danes. Still meditating vengeance, they fall upon Finn, kill him, and carry Hildeburh back to her own land. 4 Finn's people

5 Hildeburh

• Finn

break the treaty by word or deed, or through malice ever complain, though they followed the slayer of their ring-giver, lordless, since they needs must do so. If, on the other hand, any one of the Frisians by daring speech should call to mind the deadly hate, then the sword's edge should settle it.

The funeral fire was prepared and gold drawn from the hoard. The finest of the Here-Scylding warriors was ready on his pyre. At the burning were easily seen blood-stained sark,1 golden swine, iron-hard boar, and many an atheling dead from his wounds. Truly some fell on the battlefield! Then Hildeburh bade them commit to the flames her own son on Hnaef's pyre, to burn the bodies, and place him on the pyre beside his uncle. The woman grieved, mourned with dirges. The warrior was placed on the mound. The greatest of funeral fires rolled towards the clouds, roared before the burial mound. Heads melted, wound gashes burst, blood spurted, the body's deathbites. The flame, greediest of spirits, swallowed up all those of both folk whom battle carried off. Their glory was past.

XVII

THE END OF THE SCOP'S SONG. THE

QUEEN'S SPEECH TO HROTHGAR

Then the warriors went to visit their homes, bereft of friends, to see Friesland, their dwellings and high town. Hengest still dwelt through the slaughter-stained winter with Finn, peaceably. He was mindful of his home, though he might [not] drive his ringed prow on the water. The sea boiled with storm, strove with the wind. Winter locked the waves in icy fetters, until another year came to men's dwellings as still it does the wondrously bright weather which always keeps the proper time. Then was winter departed; fair was earth's bosom. The exile yearned to go, the guest from the dwelling. He thought more of vengeance than of the sea voyage, if he might bring about an encounter, for he kept in mind inwardly the sons of the Jutes. So he did not refuse what the world appointed when Hunlafing placed in his arms a battle-brand, fairest of swords. Its edges were well known among the Jutes! Likewise, in his turn, dire death by sword fell upon Finn, the bold-hearted, in his home, when Guthlaf and Oslaf after a sea journey had bemoaned their sorrow, charged many wrongs. They might not keep their restless spirit in their breast. Then was the hall reddened with bodies of the enemy, Finn slain, king among

1 shirt of mail

2 i.e., on the helmets

his men, and his queen taken. The warriors of the Scyldings carried to the ship all the goods in his house,-jewels and precious gems such as they could find in the home of Finn, the king of the land. They carried on the sea voyage his queenly wife to the Danes, led her to her people."

The song was sung, the gleeman's tale. The sound of rejoicing again rose, the bench-noise grew louder. Cup-bearers gave wine from wondrous vessels. Then came forth Wealtheow, under her golden crown, to where the good pair sat, nephew and uncle; friendship was still between them, each true to other. There likewise Unferth, the King's spokesman, sat at the feet of the Lord of the Scyldings. Each of them trusted his spirit, that he had much courage, though he was not merciful to his kinsmen at the swordplay. Then the Queen of the Scyldings spoke: "Receive this cup, my dear lord, giver of treasures! Be thou joyful, goldfriend of men, and speak to the Geats with mild words, as one should do! Be gracious to the Geats, mindful of the gifts which near and far thou now hast. told me that thou wouldst have this warrior for thy son. Heorot is cleansed, the bright ring-hall; indulge in many gifts while thou mayst, and to thy kindred leave folk and kingdom when thou must behold thy doom. I know my good Hrothulf will loyally guard the youths if thou, friend of the Scyldings, leavest the world before he does; I think that he will repay with good our offspring if he has in mind all the kindness we two did in the past for his joy and honor when he was a child." Then she turned to the bench where her sons were, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the children of heroes, young men together. There, too, the good Beowulf the Geat sat by the two brothers.

One

Hrothulf is Hrothgar's nephew, with whom he later quarrels. The youths are his younger cousins, sons of Hrothgar and Wealtheow.

To him was the cup borne and kindness in words offered; likewise twisted gold graciously bestowed, bestowed, two armbands, corselet and rings, the greatest of collars that ever I knew of on earth. Of none finer under heaven heard T, treasurehoard of heroes, since Hama carried off to the bright town the Brosings' necklace, jewel and setting, he fled Eormenric's treachery, chose eternal counsel. Hygelac the Geat had the ring,1 Swerting's nephew, the last time when he defended the treasure beneath his banner, guarded the battle-spoil; Fate carried him off when out of pride he sought trouble, battle with the Frisians. The mighty prince carried the richly wrought things, the precious stones, over the sea; he died under shield. The body of the king fell then into the hands of the Franks, his breast-weeds and the ring along with them. Less worthy warriors plundered the slain after the slaughter. The Geatfolk possessed the field of dead."

The hall received the din. Wealtheow spoke; before the company she said: "With fair fortune enjoy this circlet, beloved Beowulf, O youth, and make use of this corselet, folk treasures both, and prosper well. Prove thyself by thy might, and be to these boys kind in counsel. I will remember thee with gifts. Thou hast accomplished that for which far and near men shall honor thee for ever more, even as widely as the sea encircles the windy cliffs. While thou livest, be prosperous! Heartily I wish thee treasures. Be thou to my son gentle in deeds, guarding his happiness. Here each earl is true to the other, mild of mood, loyal to his

1 The poet tells of the necklace's subsequent history. Beowulf gave it to his lord, Hygelac. They covered the ground.

liege lord. The thanes are united, the people ready, the retainers who have here. drunk. Do thou as I entreat!" She went then to her seat. There was choicest of feasts; the men drank wine. Fate they knew not, grim Destiny, as it befell many earls, when evening came and Hrothgar went to his dwelling, the noble prince to his rest. Countless earls kept watch in the hall as they often had done before. Bench space they cleared; it was overspread with beds and pillows. Some of the beer-drinkers, ready for death and doomed to die, bowed themselves to their hall couches. They set their shields at their heads, the bright bucklers. There on a bench over the atheling was visible the helmet towering in battle, the ringed byrnie, mighty spear. It was their custom always to be ready for war, both at home and in the army; and in either case, even at such times as need befell their liege lord, the people were prepared.

XIX

THE COMING OF GRENDEL'S DAM

3

Then they fell asleep. One sorely paid. for his evening rest,-as full often happened when Grendel kept the golden hall, wrought evil until his end came, death after sins. It became evident, widely known among men, that as yet an avenger survived the loathed one, a long time after the battle-sorrow. Grendel's mother, a she-monster, brooded over her misery-she who must dwell in the dread water, cold streams, since Cain became the slayer of his only brother, kin by the same father. Outlawed and marked for murder, he went, fleeing man's joys, dwelt in waste places. Thence awoke many a fated spirit: Grendel was one of them, the hateful outcast, who It was only twenty-four hours.