UC-NRLF $B bD E'^M ^s;^K»^>:;ii>A»^ SjX'ii -i^riV B E O W U LF — GA R N Etf Educ ation Dep artment ^^^ t ^L^^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/beowulfanglosaxoOOgarnrich 138* mMi h mecs^f' bCoyuhc. nenT^0^ }i^€ricm ^ynz^ J hie- ^^M ri^^i^ cojt 5eai|:. li]i^et z;ea^ca' an^aii hoh-. 138* to Ms wine driht; ne her syndon getere de feorran cumene ofer geofenes be gang geata leode pone 5'ldestan ore^ mecgas . beowulf nemnatS hy benan Bynt "^ hie J)eoden min wi6 ]>e moton wordum wrixlan not5u him wearne geteoh Sinra gegn cwida glaedman hro?5gar hy onwig getawum wyrSe finceatS . eorla geaehtlan hum se aldor deah se ]mem heat5o rincum hider wisade • .VI . Hrot5gar ma])elode helm scyldinga ic hine cuSe cniht wesende waes his ealdfaeder ecgj^eo haten tSaem to ha forgeaf hrejjel geata angan debtor is his eaforan nu heard her fcumen sohte holdue wine . tJonne saegdon "f saelifende ]>ai6e gif sceattas geata fyre don >yder to fance '^ he -xxx. Transliteration of Facsimile of fol. 138* Ms. Cotton. Vitellins A XV in the British Moseum. BEOWULB:,,: ;;:r. ^n ^UQXa*^nxon 'gotm, THE FIGHT AT riE"NSBUEG. TRANSLATED BY JAMES M. GARNETT, M.A., LL.D., Professor of the English Language and Literature in the University of Virginia; Translator op "Elene" AND OTHER ANGLO-SaXON POEMS. WitJi Facsimile of the Unique Manuscript in the British Museum, Cotton. Vitellius A XV. THIRD EDITION. BOSTON, U.S.A.: GINN & COMPANY, PUBLISHEES. 1895. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S82, by JAMES M. GARNETT, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Typography by J. S. Gushing & Co., Boston, U.S.A. Presswork by Ginn & Co., Boston, U.S.A. So mu ^®lif«. 562r>r>3 OONTE]!JrTS. FASH Preface xi Preface to Second Edition xv Introduction xvil Glossary of Proper Names xxxvii List of Old-English Words xlv Beowulf anb Gbendel. I. Scyld and his descendants. Hrothgar and the building of Heorot. The coming of Grendel and his evil deeds. Hrothgar's great sorrow 1 II. The arrival of Beownlf. His talk with the warden. His reception by Hrothgar. He makes known his errand . 6 III. Hunferth's tannt. The swimming-match with Breca. Joy in Heorot 16 IV. Beowulf and his men occupy Heorot. The coming of Grendel. The mighty contest. Beowulf's victory . . 21 V. Joy of the Danes. The minstrel's song of Sigemund and Fitela ; of Heremod. Hrothgar's thanks to Beowulf . 26 VI. Feasting and presents tn Heorot. The minstrel's song of Finn, Hnaef , and Hengest. Wealhtheow's greeting to Beowulf. All retire to rest 81 vn. The coming of Grendel's mother. Sorrow Is renewed. Hrothgar describes the mere. Beowulf s decision. His descent into the mere. The fight with Grendel's mother. Beowulf's return, bearing Grendel's head . . 89 X CONTENTS. Beowuirs account of the fight. Hrothgar's moralizing speech. On the morrow Beowulf bids farewell to Hrothgar, receives presents, and returns to his ship . 50 IX. Beowulf's arrival at home and welcome by Hygelac. The episode of Ofiia and Thrytho. Beowulf's account of his journey. Freaware and Ingeld. Presents of Beo- wulf and Hygelac 58 Beowulf and the Dragon. X. Beowulf is king. The dragon's hoard robbed. The fiery vengeance of the dragon . . 67 XI. Beowulf prepares for the contest. The deaths of Hygelac and of Heardred recalled. Beowulf's reminisceuces. The death of Herebeald and Hrethel's sorrow. Beo- wuirs slaying of Daeghrefti. Beowulf seeks tlie dragon alone. The fiery fight. Wiglaf goes to his help. The wounding of Beowulf. The death of the dragon. Wig- laf brings out the treasure. Beowulf's death .... 71 XII. Wiglaf rebukes the thanes. Speech of the messenger. The death of Haethcyn, pursuit of Hygelac, and death of Ongentheow. The warriors arrive. Wiglaf 's speech. They enter the cave. The ftineral-pyre. Beowulf's mound S6 Thb Fight at Finnsbttrg. Notes 99 PEEFAOE. During the session of 1878-79, while reading '* Beo- wulf " with a post-graduate class at St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., I made a line-for-line translation of the poem for my own use. In reading the poem I used Grein's text of his separate edition (1867j, and care- fully collated with it the editions of Kemble (1835), Thorpe (1855), Arnold (1876), and Heyne (3d ed., 1873), which last was in the hands of the class. When the publication of this translation was recently suggested and approved by scholars in whom I had confidence, I revised it carefully, and gave it as nearly as possible a rhythmical form, still retaining the line-for-line feature. This in- volves naturally much inversion and occasional obscurity, and lacks smoothness ; but it seemed to me to give the general reader a better idea of the poem than a mere prose translation would do, in addition to the advantage of literalness. While it would have been easy, by means of periphrasis and freer translation, to mend some of the defects chargeable to the line-for-line form, the trans- lation would have lacked literalness, which I regarded as the most important object. I retained Grein's text, but have added Notes giving a translation of the variations in the text of Heyne's fourth edition (1879), both on account of its importance as the latest critical text, and the fact that it has just been republished in this country, Xii BEOWULF. edited by Professor James A. Harrison, of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, so that the Anglo-Saxon text is now easily accessible in inexpensire form. I retained also Grein's divisions of the poem, and have added headings giving the contents of each division. I felt very much the want of an Anglo-Saxon dictionary, — the new edition of Bosworth, edited by Professor Toller, of Owens College, Manchester, not yet having been issued, — and I was, therefore, entirely dependent on the German glossaries of Grein and He3'ne, which have been my constant companions. Their translations have also been referred to, especiall}' in difficult passages ; but often they do not suit the editions used, as Grein's translation was made from the text in his Bibliothek der A. S. Poesie (1857), and Heyne's from that in hia Jirst edition (1863), both of which vary frequently and mate- rially from the later texts of these writers. I have care- fully avoided using any English translation. In respect to the rhythmical form, I have endeavored to preserve two accents to each half-line, with caesura, and while not seeking alliteration, have employed it purposely wherever it readily presented itself. I considered that it mattered little whether the feet were iambi or trochees, anapajsts or dactj^ls, the preservation of the two accents being the main point, and have freely made use of all the usual licenses in Early English verse, which are enumer- ated and discussed at length by Schipper in his recent excellent work on Old-English Metre. To attain this point, 1 have sometimes found it necessary to place unemphatic words in accented positions, and words PREFACE. Xiii usually accented in unaccented ones, which licenses can also be found in Early English verse. Illustrations of these rhythmical features might be adduced, but it would unnecessarily prolong this Preface, and the reader wUl discover them for himself. While the reader of modem English verse may sometimes be offended by the rugged- ness of the rhythm, it is hoped the Anglo-Saxon scholar will make allowances for the difficulty of reproducing, even approximately, the rh3^thm of the original. The reproduction of the sense as closely as possible had to be kept constantly in view, even to the detriment of the smoothness of the rhythm. In the Introduction I have endeavored to give the general reader some idea of the poem, although with greater brevity than I could have wished; and to further this end I have translated, with abridgment and a few additions, the Glossary of Proper Names appended to Heyne's edition. A few of the Notes are also explanatory, and I have usually followed Heyne in his interpretations, although where he and Grein differ I have given both views. The question of the composi- tion of the poem is by no means a settled one, but it could be barely touched upon in a brief Introduction. Criticism of the text belongs rather to the editor than to the translator, and in important passages I have generally referred the reader to Heyne's notes. I have thought it advisable to add as full a Bibliography as the materials at hand for its compilation permitted ; but as I cannot flatter myself that it is complete, I shall be glad to be infoimed of any omissions noticed. If I have contributed in any respect to bring before the general xiv BEOWULF. public a knowledge of this most ancient and most important of Anglo-Saxon poems, and to create among English-speaking people a desire for further acquaint- ance with our earliest literature, I shall be abundantly satisfied. My thanks are due to Mr. F. J. Furnivall, Director of the Early English Text Society, for permission to publish a facsimile page of the manuscript from the autotypes of the Society's forthcoming edition ; * to Professor Fran- cis A. March, of Easton, Pa., for some additions to the Bibliography ; and to Dr. William Hand Browne, Librarian of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, for affording me every facility in the use of the Library, and for kindly reading over a large portion of the translation. J. M. GAKNETT. Garnett's Univkbsitt Bchool, Ellicott City, Maryland. August, 1882. • This facsimile has been reduced to salt the page, so that the letters are •mailer than in the original Ms. PEEFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. In preparing for the press this edition, I have care- fully compared the translation with Professor Wiilcker's critical text in the first volume of his edition of Grein's Bihliothek der A, S, Poesie, and, wherever necessary, with the Facsimile of the Manuscript, edited by Professor Zupitza for the Early English Text Society, both works having appeared since the publication of my first edition. "Wherever Wiilcker differs from Grein I have added notes showing the variations, and I have also supplied omis- sions in the notes of variations from Grein in the text or explanations of Heyne's fourth edition. "Were this translation designed solely for the general reader, the expenditure of time and labor which the preparation of the notes involved would have been entirely unnecessary ; but, as it is intended also for the aid of students of the poem, I hope that this regard for their interests may not have been mistaken. I have revised certain passages with a view to greater accuracy, but I have not changed the plan of the work, for that would have necessitated the re-writing of the whole translation. The Anglo-Saxon inversions easily become familiar after a little reading, notwithstanding the difference from the usual English order. I was happy to find the plan of a line-for-line translation approved by a distinguished scholar whose xvi BEOWULF. judgment I value highly, and whose reputation embraces both sides of the water. He writes : " I think your idea of the kind of translation desirable is entirely right, and you have carried it out with no wrenching of the modern dialect to suit the old." While it is not so acceptable to the general reader as a freer and smoother version would be, I still think that it will be more serviceable to students, and the exhaustion of the first edition within two years from the date of publication has served to con- firm this opinion. I have made some additions to the Bibliography, and have noted in it certain reviews of the first edition; from some of these I have derived assist- ance, for which I desire to express here my obligations to the writers. J. M. GARNETT. TJnivbbsity op Virginia, Va. January, 1885. PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. As the second edition of my translation of " Beowulf" has been out of print for over two years, and constant occupation has prevented me from giving the text any further revision, if any is needed, I have determined to issue at once the third edition to meet an immediate demand, and have inserted, with some additions, the bibliographical titles that I have collected during the past few years, which were printed separately in 1890, for distribution with reprints of the second edition. The full bibliographies that appear annually in the Jalires- bericht uber die Erscheinungen auf dem Gebiete der ger- manischen Philologie and in the Anglia, and the prospec- tive translation of Wiilker's well-known and excellent Grundriss zur Geschichte der angelsdchsischen Litteratur, with additions, will enable the student of "Beowulf " to keep up with the literature of the subject. It is highly probable that some titles are omitted from this list which should have been inserted. If any such are noticed by "Beowulf-students, I shall be much obliged for the information, with full statement of title and reference. I desire to make this bibliography as complete as possible to date. I shall also be obliged for information as to auy revision of the text that scholars XVIU PREFACE TO THE THIED EDITION. ma}' think desirable, and it will receive attention here- after. As to rhythmical revision, which some have desired, that would not be possible without a re-writing of the whole and a re-casting of the plates, and that I cannot undertake. The translation has met with a much more favorable reception than I anticipated, and if another edition is called for, I hope to improve it further. I am again indebted to the former Librarian of the Johns Hopkins University, Professor William Hand Browne, and his assistant, Mr. H. C. F. Miller, for courteous attention in facilitating access to the excel- lent collection of German and English periodicals in the Library of that University. JAMES M. GARNETT. University of Virginia, Va., November, 1891. IE"TE0DU0TI01S". The Anglo-Saxon poem " Beowulf" needs no introduc- tion to the student of English literature, but the general reader may desire some information about it as an aid to an intelligent interest in a translation of the poem. Contents, — Its subject is, in brief, the contest of Beo- wulf the Geat, the hero of the poem, with the monster Grendel, and afterwards with Grendel's mother, and many years later with the fire-dragon, whom he slays, but per- ishes in the fight. More fully, it consists of an introduc- tion giving some account of the genealogy of Hrothgar the Dane, and of his building the great hall Heorot, which, Grendel soon visits by night, and he devours whoever ven- tures to rest therein. This lasts for twelve years, until Beowulf the Geat, the thane of Hygelac, and the strongest of men, hears of it, and comes to try his strength with Grendel. His arrival by sea, introduction to Hrothgar, and their talk, are narrated at length. "When all retu-e, Beowulf and his companions occupy the hall. Grendel soon comes and devours one, but finds his match in Beo- wnlf. Weapons are useless against the monster, so, by main strength, Beowulf wrenches Grendel's arm from the socket, and he flees to the fen. In the morning great was the rejoicing in Heorot ; feasting, horse-racing, the song of the scop (minstrel), mutual congratulations, and presents of Hrothgar and his wife Wealhtheow to Beowulf occupy XX BEOWULF. the time. But the rejoicing was premature, for that night comes GrendeFs mother to avenge her son, and carries oflE from the hall Aeschere, Hrothgar's counsellor. Mourning was renewed in the morning, and Beowulf, who had slept elsewhere, is sent for at once, and determines to go to the mere in search of the monster. He plunges into the water and descends to her abode, where a violent struggle ensues. Beowulf's sword is useless, but he finds in the submarine chamber an old sword of the giants, with which he de- spatches the monster, and returns, bringing with him Grendel's head and the hilt of the sword, the blade having melted from the poisonous blood. There is more rejoicing in Heorot, and much talk as before, with more presents. Soon after, Beowulf takes his leave and returns to the court of Hygelac, where he is welcomed at length, and shares his presents with Hygelac and his wife Hygd. Here occurs a long intermission. Hygelac and his son Heardred are dead, and Beowulf has ascended the throne and reigned fifty winters. The hoard of a dragon is robbed by a fugitive from his master, and the dragon takes teiTible vengeance on the land, vomiting fire and consuming every- thing, even Beowulf's palace. Beowulf resolves to risk the contest, and goes with companions to the fire-dragon's haunt. After a long speech he opens the fight, but his companions flee, all except his kinsman Wiglaf , and they two contend alone. The struggle is prolonged, and Beowulf is wounded, but the dragon is finally killed. Wiglaf brings treasures from the hoard for Beowulf to view before he dies, for the dragon's bite is deadly poison. Beowulf charges Wiglaf to build him a. mound on the Whale's ness, and INTRODUCTION. XXI breathes his last. Wiglaf upbraids the thanes for their cowardice, and sends a messenger to his other com- rades, who makes a long speech on the occasion. They join Wiglaf, inspect the treasure, commit BeowulFs body- to the funeral-pyre, and erect a mound, in which the treas- ures are buried, in honor of their king. The above is a brief summary of the poem, but numer- ous episodes are introduced, chiefly in the speeches, though some in the narrative, which make considerable digressions, and interrupt the action of the poem. It is sometimes difficult, too, to see their connection, and to frame a con- sistent account of personages and events, to which often the merest allusion is made ; but the editors, especially Grein and Heyne, have been very successful in their elucidation of obscure points. Date. — The poem is preserved in but one manuscript (Cotton. Yitellius A XV) in the British Museum, which, according to palaeographers, dates from the tenth century, ' but the composition of the poem is much earlier. The allusions on which the approximate date of the poem is based are two, namely : to the death of Hygelac, who has been identified by Outzen and Leo with the Chochilaicus, (or -lagus), mentioned by Gregory of Tours, and in the GestaRegum Francorum, who is said to have been killed in a battle with the Franks in a.d. 511-12, which date supplies the terminus a quo ; and the mention of the Merovingians (1. 2921), not later then than a.d. 752, which gives the termi- nus ad quern. Allowing for the reigns of Heardred and Beo- wulf, if historical personages, and the lapse of time for mythical adventures to cluster around the name of Beowulf, xxii BEOWULF. and we bring down the poem to the first half of the eighth century, though Heyne assigns it to the seventh century. In any event, it is the oldest extant heroic poem in an^ Germanic tongue, aud gives the earliest representation that we possess in the vernacular of the life of our Teutonic forefathers in their continental homes. Scene. — The scene is manifestly not in England, not- withstanding the ingenious efforts of Haigh, in his ' ' Anglo- Saxon Sagas,** to vindicate an English origin for it. It ia in Denmark, probably Zealand, and south-west Sweden, as internal evidence and the investigations of editors, especially of Grein (in Ebert's Jahrbuch IV. 3, 260-285), have well shown. The origin of the poem then is Scandi- navian, and it is with Scandinavian tribes, manners, and customs that we have to do. Tribes. — The principal tribes mentioned are the Danes, known under the various names of North-, South-, East-, and West-Danes, Spear-Danes, Ring-Danes, and Bright-Danes, with their king Hrothgar ; the Geats, or Goths, known as Weder-Geats or Weders, War-Geats, Sea-Geats, with their kings Hygelac and Beowulf; the Sweons, or Swedes, with their king Ongentheow, and his sons Onela and Ohthere ; and the Frisians, known as North-Frisians, with their king Finn, and West-Frisians, and inhabiting the islands and coast west of Jutland. Fuller information is given in the *' Glossary of Proper Names." Life of the time. — Even if the poem were composed in the first half of the eighth centuiy, the life depicted is that of two centuries earlier, unless the writer transfers to those times the manners and customs of his own day. We see INTRODUCTION. xxiii the kibg and his witan (wise men) , his war-comrades, or thanes, constituting his comitatus, and a similar bod}'^ of attendants on the great nobles. The king is the ring-giver, treasure-giver, showing that he was esteemed according to his liberality. The delight of the people is in deeds of arms and of great strength ; Beowulf has the strength of thirty men. Equally prominent is the delight in feasting in beer-drinking even to excess, but a relieving feature is the song of the minstrel after the feast, who relates old sagas, and celebrates the praises of by-gone heroes and even of contemporaries. The importance of the scop cannot be exaggerated. It is he that preserves the record of past times, of ancestral glories, whose song enlivens every ban- quet. The position of woman must not be overlooked. Queen Wealhtheow and her daughter Freaware are present at the feast, and it is the queen herself who carries around the mead-cup, who welcomes the hero and bestows presents upon him. The pictures of Hygd, Hildeburg, and Thrytho, with her unenviable traits of character, show also the im- portance and the influence of noble women in those da3's. The religious tone of the work is inconsistent. The author of the introduction tells us that the Danes "Knew not the good Lord'* (1. 181), but soon after Hrothgar speaks of the power of God (1. 478) , and later thanks God for the victory of Beowulf. This doubtless has led Ettmiil- ler to his view in respect to the composition of the poem, the varying views on which point must be briefly noticed. Composition, — Miillenhoff, in Haupt*s Zeitschrift fur Deutsches Alterthum, XXV, 193-244, (1869), has given the result of his twenty years' study of the poem. He finds xxiv BEOWULF. it to consist of five parts : an introduction, 1-193, 1. 194-836, II. 837-1628, in. 1629-2199, IV. 2200-3183. I. and IV. are two old laj's by different authors ; to I. were added, prob- ably by two different hands, a continuation II. , and then the introduction ; a third hand (A) added III. , and at the same time interpolated I. and 11. to suit it ; a fourth hand (B) , or sixth in the series, added IV. , and increased the whole by epi- sodes taken from other sagas and by theologizing additions : B is the real interpolator, and except A no other is discov- erable. Miillenhoff's view has been subjected to a ver}^ thor- ough examination bj' Hornburg (Program of the Lj'ceum at Metz, 1877), which does not seem to be as well known as it deserves, with the result that the Liedertheorie is re- jected, and but few passages regarded as interpolated. A. Kohler, in Z. fur Deutsche Philologie, II. 305-321 (1870), discussing the introduction and the episodes of Heremod, has spoken out for the tlieor3\ Grein, however, did not commit himself to it, nor has Heyne done so.^ Ettmiiller, who published the first German translation of the poem in 1840, advanced an entirely different theory, and the last work of the veteran scholar was to publish, in a Zurich University Program (1875),^ his text of the poem purged from the interpolations of the West-Saxon monk, who, he charges, revised the work of the Angle poet, perhaps a heathen, in order to give it a Christian tone : these exci- sions amount to nearly 300 lines. The Angle poet sang in » See Prefiice to Heyne's 4th edition, 1879. Rieger has declared for, and Biiprge against, MiillenhofTs theory. * Carmen de Be6vulfl Gautarum regis rebus praeclare gestis atque inte- ritu, quale fuerit antequam in manus interpolatoris, monachi Vestsaxoniclf Inciderat. Auctore Chlodovico EttmUUero. Turici, 1875. INTRODUCTION. xxv his vernacular songs of the exploits of Beowulf, which had been brought to England from Scandinavia. The English editors, Kemble and Thorpe, give no sup- port to the theory of separate lays, but Thorpe says : "From the allusions .to Christianitj^ contained in the poem, I do not hesitate to regard it as a Christian paraphrase of a heathen Saga, and those allusions as interpola- tions of the paraphrast, whom I conceive to have been a native of England of Scandinavian parentage," thus re- sembling in principle the theory of Ettmiiller. Arnold, the latest editor, merely mentions Miillenhoff's theory to reject it with scorn, but the subject is one which deserves more respectful treatment. Some of Miillenhoff's arguments from comparison of passages seem very weak, but the poem naturall}^ falls into three divisions : the fight with Grendel, that with Grendel's mother, and that with the dragon. The first two have a close connection and need not necessa- rily be separated ; the third is an addition not well joined to what precedes. The several episodes may well have been separate lays incorporated b}' the author of the poem. There are also probable interpolations, especially in the religious and sermonizing parts, but whether we can get at the original form of the poem b}" cutting out, with Ettmiil- ler, every Christian allusion, is another matter. The Christian poet seems to have united in one whole, on the basis of Beowulf's adventures, heathen songs as sung at the feasts, and to have been inferior in poetic power to some of his heathen predecessors, for all parts of the poem are not of equal poetic merit. The limits of this Introduc- tion will not permit a further discussion of the subject, but xxvi BEOWULF. it is likely to prove *'the Homeric question" of Anglo- Saxon scholars. Metre, — The poem is written in the usual Anglo-Saxon alliterative metre, consisting of two half-lines separated by caesura, which, however, are printed by Kemble, Schal- demose, Thorpe, and Qrundtvig as separate lines. The normal law of alliteration is that two accented initial syl- lables of words in the first half-line and one in the second must begin with the same letter, if a consonant, or with vowels, as any vowel may alliterate with another. Some- times we find only one such alliterating syllable in each half-line. The laws of Anglo-Saxon alliteration are very fully given by Schipper in his Englische Metrik (I Theil, II Abschnitt, Kap. 1), to which the reader is referred. He has well shown that each half-line contains two strongly-accented syllables, three of which usually alliter- ate, as above, and the rest of the syllables are unaccented ; in other words he is, with Rieger, a strong advocate of the Zweihebungstheorie as against the Vierhebungstheorie of some other scholars. Morris's remark in respect to Early English verse (quoted by Schipper, p. 270), will apply here: "It is not the number of syllables, but of accents, that is essential." Beowulf, line 40, ^^Billum and hyrnum! him on bearme Iceg" = *' With bills and bumies 1 On his bosom lay,** furnishes the normal form of the line, however varied it may be by the usual licenses of Anglo-Saxon and Early English verse. Bibliography. — The Beowulf -Ms. was first mentioned by Wanley in his Catalogue of Mss., published as the sec- INTRODUCTION. xxvii ond volume of Hickes's Thesaurus of Old Northern Lan- guages, Oxford, 1705. It was much injured in the noted fire of 1731 (bj' which many of the Cottonian Mss. were destroyed) , and some passages cannot now be deciphered ; hence the resort to conjectural emendation. Thorkelin had two copies of the Ms. made in 1786, which are now in Copenhagen, and their readings were first given in Grundtvig's edition, 1861. Thorkelin's twenty years' labor on his edition was destroyed by the British bombard- ment of Copenhagen in 1807, but his copies of the Ms. were saved, so he went to work again, with the aid of the coun- sellor Biilow, and published the first edition of the poem in 1815. Meantime Sharon Turner, in his History of the Anglo- Saxons (1st ed. 1803), had called attention to the poem, and in his 4th edition (1823) , Vol. Ill, Book IX, Chap. II, he gave an analysis of it, and an English translation of extracts. Some of the titles which follow are abridged for the sake of convenience. Editions : — Thorkelin, G. J, — De Danorum rebus gestis secul. Ill et IV poema Danicum dialecto Anglosaxonica. Havniae, 1815, with Latin translation. Conybearey J. J., in his Illustrations of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, London, 1826, gave a collation of Thorkelin's edition with the Ms., making numerous corrections, and an EngUsh blank- verse translation of certain passages, with the A.-S. text and a Latin translation of the same. Kemble, J. M. — The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Trav- eller's Song, and the Battle of FinnsLurg. London, 1833 ; 2d edition, 1835-37, in two volumes, of which the second (1837) contains a complete English translation. xxviii BEOWULF. Schaldemose, F. — Beowulf og Scopes "Widsi^, to Angelsaxiska Digte. Copenhagen, 1847; 2d edition, 1851. Kemble's text, with Danish translation. Thorpe, B. — The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Scop or Gleeman's Tale, and the Fight at Finnsburg, Oxford, 1855, with Euglish translation. Reprinted in 1875 without change. Grein, C. W. M. — Bibliothek der AngelsSchsischen Poesie, Band I. Gottingen, 1857. Beowulf, p. 255. Grundtvig, N. F. S. — Beowulfes Beorh. Copenhagen, London, and Leipzig, 1861. Contains collation of Thorkeliu's two copies of the Ms. made in 1786. Heyne, M. — BGOWu\t. Paderborn, 1863; 2d ed., 1868; 3d ed., 1873; 4th ed., 1879. Contains the best Glossary. 4th ed. makes use of Kolbing's collation of the Ms. Reviewed by Gering in Z. f. d. Phil. XII, 122 ; and by Brenner in Englische Studien, IV, 135, 1881, who favors consistent spelling. Grein, G. W. M. — Beowulf nebst den Fragmenten Finnsburg und Waldere. Cassel und Gottiugen, 1867. Ettmuller^ L. — Carmen de Beovulfl Gautarum regis rebus prae- clare gestis atque interitu, quale fuerit antequam in manus in- terpolatoris, monachi Vestsaxonici, inciderat. Turici, 1875. Reviewed by Snchier in Jenaer Literaturzeitung, No. 47, 1876; and by Schonbach in Z. f. d. Alt., XXI, Anzeiger III, 1877. Arnold^ Thomas. — Beowulf. A heroic poem of the eighth cen- tury, London, 1876, with English translation. Reviewed in Athenaeum, July to Dec, 1877, p. 862; by Sweet in Academy, Vol. XI; in Liter. Centr., 1877, No. 20; and by Wulcker in Anglia, I, 177, who finds much blameworthy. Wulcker J B. P. — Grein's Bibliothek der A. S. Poesie. Neu bearbeitet, u.s.w. I Band. Ite Halfte. Kassel, 1881. Text nach der Handschr'ft. Restored text, with critical notes, in I Band, 2 te Halfte. Kassel, 1883. Holder, A. — Beowulf. I. Abdruck der Handschrift. 2 te Auf- lage. Freiburg u. Tubingen, 1882. In Germauischer Biicher- schatz. Ms. collated by Holder in 1875, with use of Thorpe's original collation in 1830. II. Text and Glossary, 1884. Harrison, J. A., and Sharp, R. — Beowulf. With text and glos- sary, on the basis of M. Heyne. Boston : Ginn, Heath, & Co., 1883. Heyne's notes omitted. The Early English Text Society has now published, under the editorship of Professor J. Zupitza, of Berlin, a Facsimile of the entire Beowulf-Manuscript. No. 77. London, 1882. INTRODUCTION. xxix Translations. In addition to translations with the editions mentioned above, separate translations, some of them only partial, have been published as follows : — Orundtvig, N. F. /S. — Bjowulfs Drape. Copenhagen, 1820; 2d edition, 1865. Reviewed by J. Grimm in Gott. Anzoiifer, 1823. Leo, 11. — Ueber Beowulf. Ilalle, 1839. Extracts translated. Ettmuller^ L. — Beowulf. Stabreimend iibersetzt. Ztirich, 1840 Wackerharth, A. D. — Beowulf, translated into English verse. London, 1849. Irregular measures. Grein, C. W. M. — Dichtungen der Angelsachsen, stabreimend Ubersetzt. 2 Bde. Gottingen, 1857-59. I Band. 2 te Ausgabe, 1863. Beowulf, p. 222. Not suited to his separate ed. in some passages owing to change of text. 2d ed. by Wtilcker, 1883. Sandras, G. S. — De carminibus Caedmoni adjudicatls. Paris, 1859. Contains extract from Beo^vulf, with Latin translation. Simrock, K. — Beowulf. Uebersetzt u. erlautert. Stuttgart u. Augsburg, 1859. Preserves alliteration. Heyne^ M. — Paderborn, 1863. In iambic verses. Will not suit his 4th edition in some passages owing to change of text. Von Wolzogen, II. — Beowulf. Aus dem Angelsachsischen. Leip- zig, n.d. (1873?). Preserves alliteration. Botkine, L. — Beowulf. Epop6e Anglo-Saxonne. Traduite en fran^ais pour la premiere fois. Havre, 1877. Prose, with pas- sages occasionally omitted. Reviewed by Korner in Englische Studien, II, 248, 1879, who proposes emeudations. Lumsden, H. W. — Beowulf, translated into modern rhymes. London, 1881. Ballad-measure used, and passages occasionally omitted. Reviewed in Athenaeum, Jan. to June, 1881, p. 587; Academy, Vol. XIX; by Garnett, J. M., in Amer. Jour, of Philology, II, 355 ; and by Wiilcl^er in Anglia, Anz. IV, 69. Second edition, revised and corrected, 1883. General Works, Essays, Dissertations, and Maga- zine Articles : — Kemble, J. M. — Ueber die Stammtafel der Westsachsen. Munich, 1836. Reviewed by J. Grimm in Getting. Anzeiger, 1836. Grundtvig, N. F.S., — in Barfods Brage og Idun, IV, 481. (1841.) Haigh, D. H. — The Anglo-Saxon Sagas. London, 1861. At tempts to find in England the places mentioned in Beowulf. HeynCy M. — Ueber die Halle Heorot. Paderborn, 1864. XXX BEOWULF. Botkine, L. — Beowulf. Analyse historique et ggographlque. Paris, 1876. Replaced by the introduction to his translation. Reviewed by Korner in Englische Studien, I, 495. Dederich, H. — Hist. u. geogr. Studien zum A. S. Beowulfliede. Koln, 1877. Follows MuUenhoff. Reviewed by MuUenhoff in Z. fiir d. Alterthum (Neue Folge, IX. 3), XXI, Anzeiger III; by Suchier in Jenaer Literaturzeitung, No. 47, 1876 ; and by Korner in Englische Studien, I, 481. See also Revue Critique, No. 52, 1876. Ilornburg. — Die Composition des Beowulf. Program of the Lyceum in Metz, 1877. Opposes MuUenhoff. Reviewed by Hummel in Ilerrig's Archiv, LXII, 231. Nader, E. — Zur Syntax des Beowulf. Two Programs of the Staats-Ober-Realschule in Brunn, 1879-80. Reviewed by Bern- hardt in Literaturblatt fiir germ. u. rom. Philologie, 1880, p. 439. Schubert. — De Anglosaxonum arte metrica. Berol., 1870. Op- posed in his Gottingen Dissertation by Vetterf F. — Ueber die Germanische Alliterationspoesie. Vien- na, 1872; and Zum Muspilli, u.s.w. Vienna, 1872. Behrmann. — Essay on Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Program of the Hohere BUrgerschule in LUbben, 1876. Eieger^ M. — Die Alt- u. Angel-sachsische Verskunst. Halle, 1876, and in Z. fur d. Philologie, VII. 1. (1876.) Schipperj J. — Englische Metrik. I Theil. Altenglische Metrik. Bonn, 1882. Section II treats the Anglo-Saxon Period. Grein, C. W. M. — Die historischen Verhaltnisse des Beowulflie- des. Ebert's Jahrbuch fiir rom. und engl. Literatur, IV, 260, (1862). Standard authority. Kolhing, E. — Zur Beowulf-handschrift. Herrig's Archiv fiir das studium der neueren sprachen, LVI, 91, (1876). Complete collation of the Ms. Sievers and Zupitza have also collated the Ms. Schultze, M, — Ueber das Beowulf slied. Program of Realschule at Elbing, 1864. Contents noted in Herrig's Archiv, XXXVII, 232. J Schultze, M. — Altheidnisches in der A. S. poesie, speciell ira Beowulfsliede. Berlin, 1877. See Revue Critique, 1877, No. 32 ; and Ausland, No. 31. Cosijn, P. J. — Beowulf. Taalkundige Bijdragen, I, 286. Schroder^ L. — Om Bjowulfs-drapen. Copenhagen, 1875. Arnheim, Dr. — Ueber das Beowulflied. Bericht tiber die Jacobsonsche Schule zu Seesen, 1867-71. / INTRODUCTION. xxxi Afuller, iV". — Die mythen des Beowulf in ilirera verhaltniss zur germ, mythologie betrachtet. Deutsclie Studienblatter von Roltsch, III, 13 and 14. Kolhing, E. — Kleine Beitrage. Kolbing's Englisclie Studien, III, 92; zu Beowulf, 168. Suchier, H. — Ueber die Sage von Offa und Thrytho. Paul und Braune's Beitraege, IV. 500. Skeat, W. TF. — The Name Beowulf. Academy, 1877, I. 103. Bugge, S. — Til de oldengelske digte om Beowulf og Waldere. Tidskrift for Philologi og Padagogik, VIII. 40 and 287, 1869-70. Vigfusson, G. — Grettis Saga, in Prolegomena to his Sturlunga Saga (2 vols. Oxford, 1878) I. p. xlviii, and in Icelandic Prose Reader (Oxford, 1879), pp. 209 and 404. Gering, H. — Der Beowulf und die Islandische Grettissaga, in Anglia, III. 74 (1880). Smith J C. Sprague. — Beowulf Gretti, in New Englander IV. 49 (Jan. 1881). Ettmuller, L. — Altnordischer Sagenschatz. 1870. Heinzel. — Ueber den Stil der altgermanischen Poesie. Stras- burg, 1875. Opposed by Gummere, F. B. — The Anglo-Saxon Metaphor. Freiburg-Disser- t^ tation. Halle, 1881. Schulz, F. — Die Sprachformen des Hildebrandsli'^des im Beo- vulf. Program of Realschule in Konigsberg, i6t<2. March, F. A. — The World of Beowulf. Proceedings of the '*' Amer. Phil. Association, 1882. Zeitschrift fur deutsches AUerthum. (Haupt.) V. 10. —Haupt, M. — Zum Beowulf. VII. 410. — Mullenhoff, K. — Scedf und seine Nachkommen. ^ VII. 524. — Bachlechner, J. — Die Merovinge im Beowulf. XI. 59.— Bouterwek, K. W. — ZurKritik des Beowulf liedes, 1859. XI. 176. — Rieger, M. — Ingaevonen, Istaevonen, Herrainonen. XI. 272. — Miillenhoff, K. — Zur Kritik des A. S. Volksepos. XI. 409. — Dietrich. — Rettungen. 1859. XII. 259 — Mullenhoff, K. — Zeugnisse und Excurse zur deutschen Heldensage. ] 865. XIV. 193. — Miillenhoff, K. — Die innere Geschichte des Beo- ^ wulfs. (1869.) Pronounces strongly in favor of separate lays. xxxii BEOWULF. Zeitschrift fur deutsche Philologie. (Ilopfner und Zacher.) ^ II. 305. — Kohler, A. — Die Einleituns: des Beowulf liedes, and Die beiden Episoden von Heremod. 1870. II. 371. — Rieger, M. — Review of Heyne's 2d edition (1868). III. 381. — Rieger, M. — Zum Beowulf. 1871. IV. 192. — Bugge, S. — Zum Beowulf. 1873. Germania. (Pfeiffer.^) I. 297 and 455. — Bachlechner, J. — Eomacr und Ilemiug (Ilain- lac). I. 384. — Bouterwek. K. — Das Beowulf lied. Eine Vorlesung 1856. VIII. 489. — Holtzmann, A. — Zu Beowulf. (Textkritik.) XIII. 129. — Kohler, A. — Germanische Altcrthumcr im Beo- wulf. Anglia, IV. 69. — "Wtilcker, R. P. — Besprecaung der Beowulf iiber- setzungen, im anschluss an Lumsden's translation. Full and serviceable account of the translations of " Beowulf." Extracts from "Beowulf" may be found in Leo's Alt> sach. n. A. S. Sprachproben. Halle, 1838. Klipstein's Analecta Anglosaxonica. New York, 1848. Vol. II. Ettmuller's Engla and Seaxna scopas and boceras. Quedliuburgii et Lipsiae, 1851. — Ebeling's A. S. Lesebuch. Leipzig, 1847. Riegefs Alt- und angelsachsiches Lesebuch. Giessen, 1861. March's Anglo-Saxon Reader. New York, 1870. SweeVs Anglo-Saxon Reader. Oxford, 1876; 2d edition, 1879; 3d edition, 1881 ; 4th edition, 1884. Literary notices and criticism of "Beowulf* may be found in the usual histories of English literature, the full- est, perhaps, in Morley's English Writers, Vol. I., Part I., London, 1867; also in his First Sketch of English Literature, London, 1873, very brief; and more fully in his Longer Works in English Verse and Prose, London, 1881, (Chap. I.). Add D'Israeli's Amenities of Liter- ature ; Sweet's Introduction to Warton's History of English Poetry (Vol. XL, Hazlitt's edition) ; Craik, a mere mention ; Taine, more full ; Arnold's Manual of English INTRODUCTION. xxxiii Literature (English edition) ; Brother Azarias's develop- ment of English Literature : Old English Period, New York, 1879, (reviewed by Wiilcker in Anglia, IV. 3) ; ten Brink's Geschichte der Englischen Literatur, I, Berlin, 1877, the best criticism, (reviewed by Wiilcker in Anglia, I. 201) ; Hart's Syllabus of Anglo-Saxon Literature, adapted from ten Brink, Cincinnati, 1881 ; Metcalfe's The Englishman and the Scandinavian, London, 1880, (reviewed by Sweet in Academy, May 29, 1880) ; Gibb's Gudrun and other Tales, a popular synopsis ; and mere mention in the ordinary text-book histories of English literature, such as Spalding, Angus, Shaw (English edi- tion corrected by American editor), Copp^e, and others, which it is scarcely worth while to enumerate, for their notices are often so meagre as to be useless, and some- times so incorrect that it would have been better to omit them. The reader may consult also the article *' Beowulf" in Chambers's Cyclopedia, published in this country in the Library of Universal Knowledge. The latest (ninth) edi- tion of the Encyclopaedia Britannica has no such separate title, but "Beowulf " is included in the article on English Literature. The above Bibliography has been compiled from various sources, and especially from the valuable Bibliographies annually published in connection with the above-mentioned German philological journals, and from the book-notices of the journals themselves. XXXlV BEOWULF. Additions to the Bibliography. Editions. — The completion of Wiilcker's, Holder's, and Harrison and Sharp's editions of the text is noted above, and the publication of the E. E. T. Society's Facsimile of the Ms., which is to be followed by a critical text from Zupitza, with translation from Napier. The late Prof. Miillenhoff was to supply the accompanying dissertations on the composition and the mythological and historical elements, for the E. E. T. Society's edition. Translations. — Lumsden's second edition is noted above ; also Wiilcker's second edition of Grein's transla- tion, Cassel, 1883, reviewed by Th. Kriiger in Englische Studien, VIII, 139, 1884 ; and the following are to be added : — Zinsser, G. — Der Kampf Beowulf s mit Grendel. Probe einer metrischer tibersetzung des A. S. epos Beowulf. Jahresbericlit of the Realschule at Forbach, 1881. Reviewed in Ilerrig's Archiv, LXVIII, 446. Grion, Giusto. — Beoviilf, poema epico anglo-sassone del VII secolo, tradotto e illustrato. Lucca, 1883. Dagli Atti dell' Accademia Lucchese, Vol. XXII. The first Italian translation. General Works, Dissertations, Etc., in which dis- cussions of *' Beowulf," or references to it, may be found are : — Outzen. — Ueber das A. S. Beowulf s Gedicht. Kieler Blatter, III, 312, 1816. Kemble, J. M., and Wright, T., in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1834 and 1835, a controversy. De Larenaudiere, P., and Michel, F. — Anglo-Saxonica, I and II, 1836 and 1837; the former a translation of Wright's Anglo- Saxon Language and Poetry, with criticism of " Beowulf," and the latter containing Kemble's textual criticisms of INTRODUCTION. xxxv Grimm and Conybeare, prefixed to Michel's Bibliotheca Anglo-Saxonica, q.v. Bask, E. — Grammar of the Anglo-Saxon Tongue, translated by B. Thorpe, 1830. New edition, 1879. Taylor, W. — Historic Survey of German Poetry, 3 vols., 1830. Guest, ^. — History of English Rhythms, 2 vols., 1838. Edited by W. W. Skeat in 1 vol., 1882. Reviewed by J. M. Garuett in Am. Jour, of Philology, IV, 478, 1883. (Cf. also my review of Schipper's Englische Metrik, I, in Am. Jour, of Philology, III, 355, 1882.) [Longfellow, H. W."] — Anglo-Saxon Literature. N. Am. Review, XLVII, No. 100, for July, 1838 ; and his Poets and Poetry of Europe. New edition, 1871. Petheram, J. — Historical Sketch of Anglo-Saxon Literature in England, 1840. Wright, T. — Biographia Britannlca Literaria, Vol. I, Anglo- Saxon Period, 1842 ; his Celt, Roman, and Saxon, 1852 ; 2d edition, 1875 ; and his Essays on the Literature, etc., of the Middle Ages, 2 vols., 1846. Lappenberg, J. M. — History of England under the Anglo-Saxon Kings. Translated by B. Thorpe, 2 vols., 1845. Heimskringla. Edinburgh Review, LXXXII, No. 166, for Oct., 1845. Contains brief notice of Anglo-Saxon poetry. Kemble, J. M. — Saxons in England, 2 vols., 1849. Green, J. 22. — The Making of England, 1882. Grundtvig, N. F. S. — Norden's Mythologi, 1808 ; 2d edition, 1832; 3d edition, 1869; and his Dannewirke, 1817, II, 284, containing identification of Chocilaicus with Hygelac. (Cf. Kriiger, in Englische Studien, VIII, 137, with Thorpe's Intro- duction, p. xxvi, note.) Grimm, J. — Deutsche Mythologie, 1835; 2d edition, 1844; 3d edition, 1854 ; 4th edition, by E. H. Meyer, 3 vols., 1875, trans- lated by J. S. Stallybrass, London, 1880, sqq.; also his Kleinere Schriften, II, 211, and IV, 178, 5 vols., 1864-70; and his Geschichte der Deutschen Sprache, 4th edition, 1880. Mone, F. J. — Untersuchungen zur Geschichte der teutschen Heldensage, 1836. Grimm, W. — Die Deutsche Heldensage. 2d edition, by K. Miil- lenhoff, 1867. Simrock, K. — Handbuch der Deutschen Mythologie, 1878. Wagner, W. — Deutsche Heldensage, 1881; and V" XXXVl BEOWULF. Wagner, TF., and McDowall, M. W. — Epics and Romances of the Middle Ages, 1883. Weinhold. — Altnordisches Leben, 1856. EUmuller, L. — Handbucli der Deutschen Literaturgeschichte, 1847. Earle, J. — Anglo-Saxon Literature, 1884. Reviewed in The Nation, No. 1002, Sept. 11, 1884. Mullenhoff, K. — Die Austrasische Dietrichssage, Haupt's Zeit- schrift, VI, 437, 1848 ; and Der Mythus von Beowulf, VII, 419, 1849. Lichtenheld, A. — Das schwache Adjectiv im Angelsachsischen, Haupt's Zeitschrift, XVI, ,^25, 1873. Arndt, 0. — Ueber die altgermanische epische Sprache. Pader- born, 1877. Bernhardt, E. — Zur Gotischen Casuslehre, II. Zeitschrift fur Deutsche Philologie, XIII, 1, 1881. Nader, E. — Der Genetiv ira Beowulf. Program of the Staats- oberrealschule in Brunn, 1882 ; reviewed by Klinghardt in Englische Studien, VI, 288, 1883 ; and Dativ und Instru- mental im Beowulf. Jahresbericht of the Vienna communal Oberrealschule, 1882-83 ; reviewed by Klinghardt in Englische Studien, VII, 368, 1884. Hotz, G. — On the Use of the Subjunctive Mood in Anglo-Saxon, and its further history in Old English. Ztirich, 1882. Re- viewed by Wissmann in Literaturblatt fiir germ, und rom. Philologie, IV, 2, February, 1883. Schemann, K. — Die Synonyma im Beowulfsliede, mit Riicksicht auf Composition und Poetik des Gedichts. Hagen, 1882. Reviewed by Kluge in Literaturblatt, IV, 2, February, 1883. Schemann, K. — Beowulf. Antichissimo poema epico de' popoli Germanici. Giornale Neapolitano di fllosofia e lettere, scienze morale e politiche, IV, Vol. VII, 63, 175. Hoffmann, A. — Der bildliche Ausdruck im Beowulf und in der Edda. Englische Studien, VI, 163, 1883. Moller, H, — Das altenglische Volksepos in der urspriinglichen strophischen Form. I, Abhandlungen. II, Texte. Kiel, 1883. Reviewed by Heinzel in Zeitschrift fiir deutsches Alterthum, XXVIII (XVI), 215, 1884. Ronning, F. — Beovulf s-Kvadet. En literaer-historisk under- sogelse. Copenhagen, 1883. Reviewed by Heinzel in Z. ftir d. Alterthum, XXVIII (XVI), 233, 1884. INTRODUCTION. xxxvii Kluge, F. — Sprachhistorische Miscellen. Paul und Braune, >^ Beitrage, VIII, 532, 1882 ; and Zum Beowulf, IX, 187, 1883. Cosijn, P. J. — Zum Beowulf. Paul und Braune, VIII, 508, 1882. • Sievers, E, — Zum Beowulf. Paul und Brauue, IX, 135 and 370, ^ 1883. Merbot, E. — Aesthetische Studien zur angelsachsichen Poesie. v Breslau, 1883. Cf. Anglia, VI, Anzeiger, 100. Kruger, Th. — Ueber Ursprung und Entwickelung des Beowulf- liedes. Herrig's Archiv, LXXI, 129, 1884 ; and Zum Beowulf- liede. Program des stadtischen Realgymnasiums in Bromberg, 1884. Both useful summaries of the literature and present state of "Beowulf" criticism. The latter contains also re- marks on the metre. Reviews of the first edition of this translation which deserve mention here will be found in The Nation, No. 919, Feb. 8, 1883 ; the American Journal of Philology, IV, 84, by J. A. H., with which compare my letter, IV, 242, 1883 ; Literaturblatt fiir germanische und roman- ische Philologie, IV, No. 10, Oct., 1883, by James W. Bright; Anglia, Anzeiger VI, 120, 1884, by J. Schipper ; and Englische Studien, VIII, 133, 1884, by Th. Kruger, the fullest criticism. Each year adds to "Beowulf" literature in Germany; Denmark, Holland, France, and now Italy, have shown their appreciation of this great poem ; England and America have supplied texts and translations, but have been content to leave criticism to Germany, for, since Kemble, no thorough criticism of this ancestral heirlooiH has proceeded from an Englishman or an American. Further Additions to the Bibliography. Editions. Harrison, J. A., and Sharp, R. — Beowulf, 2d ed., revised, Boston, 1885 ; 3d ed., corrected and enlarged, 1888 ; 4th ed., revised, with notes, 1894. Sodn, ^. — Heyne's Beowulf, 6th ed., Paderbom and Miinster, 1888. Rev. by E. Sievers in Z. fur d. Philologie, XXI, 354-365 ; and by B. Heinzel in Z. fUr d. Alterthum, XXIII, Anzeiger, XV, 189-194. Translations. Wickherg, i?. — Beowulf, en fornengelek hjeltedikt, ofersatt. Wes- tervik. The first Swedish translation. Essays, Dissertations, and Histories of Literaturb. Earle, «/. — Beowulf. Canadian Monthly, II, 83, 1872. Beowulf. Household Words, XVII, 459. Beowulf. London Times, Weekly ed., Oct. 9, 1885. Gibh, John. — Gudrun, Beowulf, and Roland, 2d ed., London, 1883. Rev. in Revue Critique, No. 49, 1883. Powell, F. York-. — Recent Beowulf Literature (Harrison, Holder, Lumsden). Academy, No. 648, Oct. 4, 1884. Harrison's " Beowulf." Academy, No. 654, Nov. 15, 1884. Harrison, J. A. — Beowulf. Academy, No. 653, Nov. 8, 1884. List of Irregular (Strong) Verbs in "Beowulf." Amer. Journal of Philology, IV, 462, 1883. Old 'Teutonic Life in "Beowulf." Overland Monthly, July, 1884, 1-21. Bright, J. W. — Review of Harrison and Sharp's "Beowulf," 1st ed. Litteraturblatt ftir germ, und rom. Philologie, June, 1884. Skeat, W. TF. — The Monster Grendel in "Beowulf," with a Discus- sion of Lines 2076-2100. Journal of Philology, No. 29, XV, 120-131. xxxviii ^ BEOWULF. XXXIX Gummere, F. B. — The Translation of '♦ Beowulf." Amer. Journal of Philology, VII, 46-78, 1886. Tolman, A. H. — The Style of Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Transactions of the Modern Language Association of America, Vol. Ill, 1887. Schilling, H. — The Finnsburg-Fragment and the Finn-Episode. Mod. Lang. Notes, II, 291, June, 1887. Corson, II. — A Passage of Beowulf [2724 ff.]. Mod. Lang. Notes, III, 193, April, 1888. Davidson, OAas. — Differences between the Scribes of ** Beowulf." Mod. Lang. Notes, V, 85 and 378, Febr. and June, 1890. McClumpha, Chas. F. — Differences between the Scribes of "Beo- wulf." Mod. Lang. Notes, V, 245, April, 1890. Fahlbeck, P.^— Beovulfsqvadet, Sasom kalla for nordisk f ornhistoria. Antiquarisk Tidskrift for Sverige, VIII, 1-87, 1884(?). Rev. in The A(;aderay, No. 713. Hertz, IV. — Beowulf, das alteste germanische Epos. Nord und Sud, XXIX, 229-253, May, 1884. Hirt, H. — Untersuchungen zur west-germanischen verskunst. Heft I. Kritik der neuern theorien. Metrikder A.-S. Leipzig, 1889. Lehmann, H. — Briinne und helm im angelsachsischen Beowulf liede. Leipzig, 1885. Rev. by R. Wiilker in Anglia, VIII, Anzeiger, 167 ; ^ and by A. Schulz in Englische Studien, IX, 471. Ueber die waffen im angelsachsischen Beowulfliede. Ger- v^ mania, XXXI (XIX), 486-497. Banning, A. — Die epischen Formeln im Beowulf. I. Die verbalen v Synonyma. Doctor-dissertation, Marburg, 1886. Bode, W. — Die Kenningar in der angelsachsischen Dichtung. v Strassburger dissertation. Darmstadt and Leipzig, 1886. Kohler, K. — Der syntaktische Gebrauch des Inflnitivs und Particips im Beowulf. Doctor-dissertation. Munster, 1886. Schneider, P. — Der Kampf mit Grendels Mutter. Program des Friedrichs-Realgymnasiums. Berlin, 1887. Kruger, Th. — Zum Beowulf. Paul and Braune's Beitrage, IX, / 571-5.8. Sievers, F. — Zur rhythmik des germ, alliterations verses. I. Vorbemerkungen. Die metrik des Beowulf. P. & B., X, 209-314. II. Sprachliche ergebnisse. P. & B., X, 451-545. Die heimat des Beowulf-dichters. P. & B., XI, 354-362. Altnordisches im Beowulf ? P. & B., XII, 168-200. / Der angelsachsische Schwellvers. P. & B., XII, 454-482. 3C1 BEOWULF. Sarrazin, G. — Der schauplatz des ersten Beowulfliedes und die heimat des dichters. P. & B., XI, 159-183. . Altnordisches im Beowulfliede. P. &. B., XI, 528-541. . Die Beowulf sage in Danemark. Anglia, IX, 195-199, 1886. Beowa und Bothvar. Anglia, IX, 200-204. Beowulf und Kynewulf. Anglia, IX, 515-550. Beowulf -Studien. Berlin, 1888. Kev. by E. Sievers in Z. fiir d. Philologie, XXI, 366 ; by R. Heinzel in Z. fur d. Alterthum, XXIII, Anzeiger, XV, 182-189 ; by R. Wiilker in AngUa, XI, 536- 539 ; and by F. Dieter in Herrig's Archiv, 83, 352. Bugge, S. — Studien iiber das Beowulf epos. P. & B., XII, 1-80, and 360-375. KUtredge, G.—Zu Beowulf, 107 ff. P. & B., XIII, 210. ten Brink, B. — Beowulf. Untersuchungen. Quellen und Forschun- gen, 62. Strassburg and London, 1888. Rev. by R. Heinzel in Z. fiir d. Alterthum, XXIII, Anzeiger, XV, 153-182; by E. Koeppel in Z. fur d. Pliilologie, XXI, 113-122; by H. Moller in Englische Studien, XIII, 247-315 ; and by R. Wulker in Anglia, XI, 319-321. Mullenhoff, K. — Beowulf. Untersuchungen. Berlin, 1889. Rev. by R. Heinzel in Z. fur d. Alterthum, XXIII, 264-275; and by E. Koeppel in Z. fur d. Philologie, XXI, 110-113. Other reviews of Sarrazin's, ten Brink's, and MullenhoflTs works will be found noted in the Jahreshericht fur die Erscheinungen aufdem Gebiete der germanischen Philologie for 1888, 1889, and 1890. Nader, E. — Tempus und Modus im Beowulf. Anglia, X, 542-563, 1888, and XI, 444-499, 1889. Miller, Thos. — The Position of Grendel's Arm in Heorot. Anglia, XII, 396-400, 1889. Zupitza, J. — Zu Beowulf, 850. Herrig's Archiv, 84, 124, 1890. Kennedy, H. M. — Translation of ten Brink's '• Early English Litera- ture." New York, 1883. German edition noted before. Robinson, W, Clarke. — Introduction to our Early English Litera- ture. London, Durham, and Heidelberg, 1885. Engel, E. — Geschichte der englischen Litteratur. Leipzig, 1883. Wulker, B. — Grundriss zur Geschichte der angelsachsischen Litter- atur. Leipzig, 1885. An indispensable work. English transla- tion, with additions, in preparation. Ehert, ^. — Allgemeine Geschichte der Litteratur des Mittelalters im Abendlande, Vol. IIL Leipzig, 1887. 3foW€j/, fl". — English Writers. New ed.. Vol. L London, 1887. Cf. my review in Mod. Lang. Notes^ III, 380, June, 1888. BEOWULF. Xli Deskau, H, — Zum Studium des Beowulf. Berichte des f reien deutschen Hochstiftes, 1890. Joseph^ E. — Zwei Versversetzungen im Beowulf. Z. fur d. Phi- lologie, XXII, 385-397. Klopper, C. — Heorot-Hall in the Anglo-Saxon Poem of " Beowulf." Festschrift fur K. E, Krause. Rostock. Sarrazin, G. — Entgegnung. Englische Studien, XIV, 421-427, a reply to E. Koeppel's review of Sarrazin's Beowulf -Studien, Eng. Stud., XIII, 475. Cf. Koeppel's answer, Eng. Stud., XIV, 427-432. Schr'oer, A. — Zur Texterklarung des Beowulf. Anglia, XIII, 333- 348, 1890. Sievers, E. — Zur Texterklarung des Beowulf. Anglia, XIV, 133- 146, 1891. Gametic J. M. — The Translation of Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Publica- tions of the Modern Language Association of America, Vol. VI, No. 3, 1891. Davidson, Chas. — The Phonology of the Stressed Vowels in ** Beo- wulf." Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, Vol. VI, No. 3, 1891. Erdmann, A. — Ueber die Heimat und den Namen der Angeln. Upsala, 1890-91. Horning, E. L. — Zur Grammatik des Beowulf. Gottingen Doctor- Dissertation, 1891. Cosijn, P. J. — Aanteekeningen op den Beowulf. Leiden, 1892. Earle, J. — The Deeds of Beowulf. A prose translation, with introduction and notes. Oxford, 1892. Hall, J. L. — Beowulf, translated from the Heym-Socin text. Boston, 1892. Rev. by O. Glode, Englische Studien, XIX, 257. Sarrazin, G. — Die Abfassungszeit des Beowulfliedes. I. Anglia, XIV, 399-415, 1892. Brooke, S. A. — The History of Early English Literature, Chs. II-V. New York and London, 1892. Hoffmann, P. — Beowulf. Aeltestes deutsches Heldengedicht. Aus dem Angelsachsischen iibertragen. Ztillichau, 1893. Rev. by O. Glode, Englische Studien, XIX, 412. Todt, A. — Die Wortstellung im Beowulf. Anglia, XVI, 226-260, 1893. Wyatt, A. J. — Beowulf. Edited with textual foot-notes, etc. Cam- bridge, 1894. Rev. by H. Bradley, Academy, No. 1160, July 28, 1894. xlii BEOWULF. The Fight at Finnsburg. This fragment was discovered by Hickes, bound with a manuscript of Homilies, in the archiepiscopal library of Lambeth, and was first published by him in his Thesau- rus linguarum veterum septentrionalium, I, 192. It has been since published by Conybeare in his Illustrations of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Ettmiiller in his Scdpas and Bdceras, and by Kemble, Schaldemose, Thorpe, Grundt- vig, Grein, and Heyne in their editions of ''Beowulf." From its contents it relates evidently to the episode of Finn, occurring in "Beowulf," 1068-1159, but there is no reason to think that it ever formed a part of that poem. It contains some fuller particulars of that noted fight, and introduces personages not mentioned in "Beo- wulf.** It represents Hnaef the Dane and his sixty warriors defending themselves in a building against the attack of Finn, and so connects itself with the first part of the episode of Finn, before the fall of Hnaef and the leadership of Hengest. Heyne's Glossary omits the words and proper names peculiar to this poem, and it is not translated by either Grein or Heyne. The leaf on which it was written is lost, so that the text depends on Hickes*s publication. The text is given also in Klipstein's Ana- lecta Anglo-Saxonica, Vol. II, p. 426 ; Rieger's Lesebuch ; Wiilcker's Kleinere A. S. Dichtungen (18 best 'Gainst the sudden attacks for them' to do. 175 Sometimes they vowed at then* temples of idols To their gods worship, with words they prayed The destroyer of spirits would render them help Against their folk-sorrows. Such was their custom, Hope of the heathen :"ifell they remembered 180 In their minds' thoughts ; the Creator they knew not, Judge of their deeds : the good Lord they knew not, Heaven's protector could they not praise, The King of glorj. Woe be to him who shall, Through deadly hate, thrust down his soul 185 Into the fire-abyss ; for comfort he'll hope not, By no means return ! Well be to him who may, After his death-day, seek for the Lord, In the Father's bosom mercy beseech I II. The arrival of Beowulf. His talk with the warden. Hit reception by Hrothgar, He makes known his errand. rV. So then great soitow Healfdene's son 190 Continually suffered : might not the wise chieftain His woes remove : too great was that pain. Loathsome and lasting, that came on the people, 193-227.] BEOWULF. • Dreadful distress, greatest of night-bales. That from home learnt Higelac's thane, 195 Good 'mong the Geats, the deeds of Grendel: He was of mankind strongest in might In the day then of this mortal life, Noble and great. For him a ship bade he A good one prepare, quoth, he the war-king 200 Over the swan-road wished to seek out, The mighty prince, since he need had of men. That journe}' to him the cunning churls Not at all blamed, though he dear to them was. They whetted the brave one, good omens they saw. 205 The good one had of the Geats' people Warriors chosen, of those whom he bravest Was able to find : one of fifteen The vessel he sought : a warrior made known, A sea-crafty man, the xicighboring landmarks. 210 Thus time went on : on the waves was the ship, Boat under the mountain. The heroes ready On the prow stied : the billows rolled The sea 'gainst the sand, i'he warriors bore On the deck of the ship ornaments bright, 215 Equipments ornate : the men shoved out. Men on willing journey, the well-fitted wood. Went then o'er the waves, by the wind hastened, The foamy-necked float to a fowl most like, Till at the same hour of the following day 220 The curved prow had traversed the water. So that the sailors then saw the land, The sea-cliffs shine, the mountains steep, The broad sea-nesses. Then was the sea-goer At the end of its voyage. Thence quickly up 225 The Weders' people on the plain stied, The sea- wood tied, their battle-sarks rattled, Their weeds of war: thanked they then God I BEOWULF. [228-261. That for them the sea-paths easy were found. Then saw from the wall the guard of the Scyldings, 230 He who the sea-cliffs was set to hold. Bear o'er the bulwarks bright-looking shields, Weapons ready for war : wonder aroused him In his mind's thoughts as to what these men were. Went he then to the sea on his steed riding, 235 The thane of Hrothgar ; with might he shook The strong wood in his hands, with formal words spoke : ** What now are ye of arms-bearing men With burnies protected, who thus a high keel Over the sea-path bringing have come 240 O'er the waves hither, clad in helmets ? I was the coast-guard, sea-watch I kept That no one of foes on the Danes* land With a ship-army injury might do. Not here more openly ever have come 245 Bearers of shields ! Ye the permission Of warlike men did not well know, Consent of kinsmen ! Ne'er saw I a greater Earl upon earth than is one of you, A hero in armor : that is no home-stayer 250 With weapons adorned, unless looks belie him, His peerless appearance. Now I of you shall The origin learn, ere ye far hence. Like to false spies, in the land of the Danes Further advance. Now ye far-dwelling, 255 Sea-faring men, give willing ear To my simple thought : haste now is best To make plainly known whence is your coming." V. To him then the princely one quickly replied, The war-band's leader his word-hoard unlocked : 260 "We are of the race of the Geats* people, And are of Hygelac hearth-companions. 262-296.] BEOWULF. $ My own father was well-known to the folk, A princely ruler, Ecgtheow called : Many winters he lived ere he away went 265 Aged from his dwelling : him well remembers Each one of the wise men wide through the earth. With friendly mind we thine own lord, Healf dene's son, seeking are come, The people's protector. Be thou our informant. 270 We have to the mighty a mickle errand. To the lord of the Danes : nor shall aught be hidden Of this, as I think. Thou knowest, if it is, As we indeed truly have heard it said. That *mong the Scyldings I know not what foe, 275 A secret enemy, on the dark nights. Shows by his terror hatred unknown. Oppression and slaughter. I for that Hrothgar With kindly mind counsel may give, How he, old and good, shall the foe overcome, 280 If yet for him ever should cease The misery of woes, release again come, And the care-waves cooler become ; Or ever hereafter a time of trouble. Oppression he'll suffer, while there remains 285 In its high place the noblest of houses." The warden spoke, where on his horse sat The fearless warrior : "Of each of these shall A wise shield-warrior the difference know, Of words and works, he who well judgeth. 290 I that do hear, that this band is friendly To the lord of the Scyldings ; go then forth bearing Your weapons and war-weeds ; I shall direct you : Likewise my war-thanes I shall command Against any foe this vessel of yours, 295 The newly-tarred boat, on the sea-sand With honor to hold, till back shall bear 10 BEOWULF. [297-331. 0*er the sea-waves the friendly man The curved-prowed craft to Wedermark. To such a good-doer will it be granted, 300 That this battle-storm he safe shall escape." Then journeyed they on : the boat remained still, In the bay rested the broad-bosomed ship, At anchor fast. The boar's likeness shone : Over the visor, with gold adorned, 305 Bright and fire-hardened, the boar kept guard. The fierce-minded hurried, the heroes hastened, Together they went, till the well-built hall. Shining and gold-adorned, they might perceive : That was the foremost to dwellers on earth 310 Of halls under heavens, in which the king dwelt ; The light from it shone o'er many of lands. To them then the warrior the court of the proud Glittering showed, that they to it might Straightway proceed, one of war-heroes : 815 Turned he his horse, his word then spoke: "My time 'tis to go. May the Father Almighty With Ilis gracious favor 3'ou now preserve Safe on your journey ! I will at the sea 'Gainst hostile band keep guard of the coast." 320 VI. The road was stone-laid, the path directed The men together. The war-burnie shone, Hard and hand-locked, the bright ring^d-iron Sang in the armor, when they to the hall In their war-weeds at first approached. 325 Sea-wearied they set their broad-shapen shields, Their stout-made bucklers, against the hall's wall, "Went then to the benches ; their burnies rang, "War-armor of men ; their long spears stood, The sea-men's weapons, all together, 830 Grey ash-shaft above ; the armored band was "With weapons adorned. There then a bold warrior 8S2-366.] BEOWULF. |1 Inquired of the heroes concerning their kinship : "Whence do 3'e bear 3'our gilded shields, Gra3'-colored sarks and grim-looking helmets, 335 Heap of war-shafts ? I am of Hrothgar Attendant and servant. Ne'er saw I strangers, So many men, with prouder looks. I think ye for valor, and not in exile. But for high-mindedness Hrothgar have sought." 340 Him then the hero famed-for-strength answered, The brave Weders' prince, his word then spoke. Bold under his helmet : *' We are of H^'gelac Table-companions, Beowulf's my name. I wish to tell to the son of Healfdene, 345 The illustrious prince, my errand to him. Thy lord, and to know if he will us grant That we him so good friendly may greet.'* Wulfgar then spoke (he was Vandals' chief, His strength of mind was to many well-known, 350 His prowess and wisdom) : ** I the Danes' friend, The lord of the Scyldings, therefore will ask. The giver of rings, as thou art a suppliant, The illustrious prince, concerning thy errand. And to thee the answer at once will announce, 355 Which to me the good one thinketh to give." Went he then quickly to where Hrothgar sat. Old and gray-headed, with his band of earls ; The warlike went, till he stood in the presence Of the lord of the Danes ; he knew the court's custom. 360 AYulfgar then spoke to his own dear lord : *' Here are arrived, come from afar Over the sea-waves, men of the Geats ; The one most distinguished the warriors brave Beowulf name. They are thy suppliants 365 That they, my prince, may with thee now Greetings exchange : do not thou refuse them 12 BEOWULF. [3G7-400 Thy converse in turn, friendly Hrothgar ! They in their war-weeds seem very worthy Contenders with earls : the chief is renowned 370 Who these war-heroes hither has led." VII. Hrothgar then spoke, defence of the Scyldings : ** I knew him of old when he was a child : His ag6d father was Ecgtheow named ; To him at home gave Hrethel the Geat 375 His only daughter: his son has now Boldly come here, a trusty friend sought. Then this was said by the sea-farers, Those who did tribute for the Geats carry Thither for favor, that he thirty men's 380 Great strength of might in his hand-grip, Brave in war, has. Him holy God For gracious help to us has sent. To the West-Danes, as I have hope. Against GrendeFs terror : I shall to the good one 385 For his boldness of mind costly gifts offer. Be thou in haste, bid them come in, A friendly band see all together ! Tell them too in words that they are welcome To the Danes* people." — [To the hall-door 390 Wulfgar then went], words within spoke : " To you bade me say my victor-lord. Prince of the East-Danes, that your kinship he knows. And ye are to him over the sea-waves, Bold-minded men, welcome hither. 395 Now ye may go in your war-armor, Under your helmets, Hrothgar to see : Let ye your battle-shields here then await, Your spears, deadly shafts, the converse of words." Then rose the mighty, many warriors around him, 400 A brave band of thanes : some there abode, 401-434.] BEOWULF. 13 The battle-weeds kept, as them the chief bade. They hastened together, as the guide them directed, Under Heorot's roof : the valiant one went Bold under his helmet, till he in the hall stood. 405 Beowulf spoke (on him shone the bm-nie, The linked net-work forged by the smith's craft) : ''Be thou, Hrothgar, hail ! I am of Hygelac Kinsman and war-thane : many exploits have I Undertaken in youth. To me Grendel's deed 410 In my native land clearly was known : The sea-f arers say that this mead-hall stands, Noblest of halls, for each one of heroes Empty and useless, when even-light In the brightness of heaven has been concealed. 415 Then did my people give me advice. The noblest of men, craftiest of churls. Princely Hrothgar, that I thee should seek ; For that they knew my own strength of might : They themselves suw when I came from the battle, 420 Blood-stained from my foes, where sea-monsters I bound, The eoten-race killed, and on the waves slew The nickers by night, endured great distress, Avenged Weders' sorrows (woes had they suffered) , Their foe-men destroyed, and now against Grendel, 425 Against the dread monster, alone shall decide The fight 'gainst the giant. I of thee now then, Prince of the Bright-Danes, desire to make. Chief of the Sc3^1dings, but one request, — That do not thou refuse me, defender of warriors, 430 Dear friend of the people, now thus far am I come,— That I may alone and my band of earls. This company brave, Heorot cleanse. Also have I heard that the dread monster For boldness of mood recks not for weapons : 14 BEOWULF. L435-469. 435 I that then do scorn — so be to me Hygelac, My own people*s-king, gracious in mind — That I a sword bear or a broad shield Yellow-rimmed to the battle ; but I with grip shall 'Gainst my foe grapple and for life strive 440 Foe against foe : there shall confide In the doom of the Lord he whom death takes. I ween that he will, if he may prevail, In the war-hall the folk of the Geats, The fearless, devour, as he oft did 445 The might of the Hrethmen ; thou needest not then My head conceal, but me he will have Stained with gore, if death me take, My bloody corpse bear, think to devour it, Will eat it alone, unpityingly, 450 Will mark the moor-mounds : thou needest not then For my body's food longer take care. Send thou to Hygelac, if battle me take, Best one of war-weeds that covers my breast, Noblest of burnies ; His Hraedla's bequest, 455 Weland's skilled work. Goes a3'e Weird as it will ! " VIII. Hrothgarthen spoke, defence of the Scyldings: " For fight of protection, Beowulf my friend, And for assistance, hast thou us sought. Thy father fought a mighty contest ; 460 He was of Heatholaf the slayer by hand Among the Wylfings, when the kin of the Waras 'Gainst the terror of war him might not have. After that sought he the South-Danes* folk Over the sea-waves, the Honor-Sc3'ldings, 465 When I first ruled the folk of the Danes, And in youth held the jewelled-rich Hoard-city of heroes, when Heregar was dead, My elder brother bereft of life. The son of Healfdene ; he was better than I. 470-498.] BEOWULF. 15 470 Afterwards the feud with money I settled ; I sent to the Wjlfings o'er the waters' ridge Old-time treasures ; he swore to me oaths. Sorrow is in my mind for me to say To any of men what to me Grendel hath 475 Of harm in Heorot with his hateful thoughts, Of sudden woes wrought ; my hall-band is, My war-heap, vanished ; Weird swept them away Into Grendel's terror. God easily may The mad foe restrain from his evil deeds. 480 Verj' often they boasted, drunken with beer. Over the ale-cup, the warriors bold, That they in the beer-hall would then await Grendel's contest with their terrible swords. Then was this mead-hall in the morning-time, 485 Lordly hall, stained with gore, when day-light shone. All the bench-rows covered with blood, The hall with sword-gore ; I had the less lieges. Dearest companions, whom death took away. Sit now at the feast and free from court-rules 490 The heroes victorious, as pleases thy mind." Then was for the Geat-men all together In the beer-hall a bench prepared. Where the bold-minded hastened to sit. Proud in their strength. The thane did his service, 495 Who in his hands bore a gold-adorned ale-cup. Poured out the clear mead. Sometimes sang the minstrel With clear voice in Heorot : there was joy of heroes, No little band of Danes and Weders. 16 BEOWULF. [499-627. m, HunfertVa taunt. The swimming-match with Breca. Joy in Heorot. rX. Hunferth then spoke, the son of Ecglaf, 600 Who at the feet sat of the lord of the Scyldings, Unloosed his war-secret (was the coming of Beowulf, The proud sea-farer, to him mickle grief, For that he granted not that any man else Ever more honor of this mid-earth 505 Should gain under heavens than he himself) : ♦* Art thou that Beowulf who strove with Breca On the broad sea in swimming-match. When ye two for pride the billows tried And for vain boasting in the deep water 510 Risked 3^our lives? You two no man, Nor friend nor foe, might then dissuade From sorrowful venture, when ye on the sea swam. When ye the sea- waves with your arms covered, Measured the sea-ways, struck with your hands, 515 Glided o*er ocean ; with its great billows Welled up winter's flood. In the power of the waters Ye seven nights strove : he in swimming thee con- quered, He had greater might. Then him in the morning On the Heathoremes' land the ocean bore up, 520 Whence he did seek his pleasant home. Dear to his people, the land of the Brondings His fair strong city, where he had people, A city and rings. All his boast against thee The son of Beanstan truly fulfilled. • 525 Then ween I for thee a worse result, Though thou in battle wert everywhere good, A fiercer fight, if thou Grendel darest 628-662.] BEOWULF. 11 The space of one night nigh to abide." Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 530 *' Lo ! thou very much, Hunferth my friend, Drunken with beer, hast spoken of Breca, Hast said of his journey. I say the truth, That I did the more sea-power possess, Endurance *mid waves, than any man else. 635 We two said this, when we were boys. And we of this boasted (both were then still In the prime of youth) , that we out on the sea Our lives would risk ; and that we accomplished. A naked sword had we, when we swam on the sea, 540 Boldly in hand : ourselves 'gainst the whales We thought to defend. Not at all from me On the flood-waves could he afar float. On the sea quicker ; I from him would not. .^^Then we two together were in the sea 545 The space of five nights, till flood apart drove us, The swelling billows, coldest of storms, Darkening night, and the north wind Boisterous and fierce ; rough were the waves. The sea-fishes' spirit was then aroused : 550 There 'gainst the foes my body-sark. Hard and hand-locked, to me help aflbrded ; The braided war-burnie on my breast lay. With gold adorned. To the bottom me drew The hostile foe ; he held me fast, 555 Grim in his grip ; yet was it granted me. That I the monster with sword-point reached, With battle-brand : the struggle took off The mighty mere-beast by my own hand. X. ''So often upon me the hateful foes 560 Powerfully pressed : I punished them With my dear sword, as it behooved me. Not at all did they have joy of their meal, 18 BEOWULF. [663-696. The evil-doers, that they me might devour, 'Round their banquet might sit nigh the sea-bottom, 565 But in the morning wounded with swords Around the sea-strand and upon it they lay, With swords put to sleep, that never thereafter Upon the high ocean the farers-by-sea Might they let on their journey. Light from the east came, 570 Bright beacon of God; still were the waves, So that I the sea-nesses might now behold. The windy walls. Weird often preserves An unfated earl, when his might has availed I Yet it granted to me that I with sword slew 575 Nine of the nickers. Ne'er heard I at night Under heaven's vault of a harder fight, Nor on the sea-billows of a more wretched man : Yet I my foes' grip with life escaped Weary of th' journey. Then me the sea bore, 680 The flood o'er the waves, upon the Finns' land. The welling waters. Not at all about thee Of such-like contests have I heard tell. Of terror with swords. Breca ne'er yet In battle-play, nor either of 3'ou, 585 So daring a deed ever has done. With stained swords (not of that do I boast) , Though thou thine own brothers' murderer wast, Th}^ blood-relations' : for this shalt thou in hell Curses endure, though thj^ wit may avail ! 590 I tell thee in truth, son of Ecglaf , That never had Grendel wrought so many horrors, The terrible monster, to thine own prince. Shame in Heorot, if thy mind were. Thy temper, so fierce, as thou thyself reckonest : 695 But he hath found that he the feud need not, The terrible contest of your own people, 697-630.] BEOWULF. 19 Very much dread, of the Victor-Scyldings ; He taketh forced pledge, he spare th no one Of the Danes' people, but he joy beareth, 600 Killeth and eateth, nor weeneth of contest With the Spear-Danes. But I to him shall The Geats' strength and might without delay now Offer in battle. Then shall go he who may Proudly to mead, when morning-light 605 Of the second da}' o'er the children of men, The sun ether-clad, shall shine from the South." Then was in joy the giver of treasure, Graj-haired and war-fierce ; help he expected, The ruler of Bright-Danes ; in Beowulf heard 610 The people's shepherd the firm-set purpose. There was laughter of heroes, the harp meri-y sounded. Winsome were words. Went Wealhtheow forth, The queen of Hrothgar, mindful of courtesies, Gold-adorned greeted the men in the hall, 615 And the high-born woman then gave the cup First to the East-Danes' home-protector, Bade him be blithe at the beer-drinking, Him dear to his people. In joy he received The food and the hall-cup, victorious king. 620 Then around went the Helmings' lady To every division of old and of young, Costly gifts gave, until the time came That she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen. Noble in mind, the mead-cup bore : 625 She greeted the Geats' chief, thanks gave to God, Wise in her words, that the wish to her fell. That on any earl she nfight rely For comfort in evils. Received he the cup. The warrior fierce, at Wealhtheow's hands. 630 And then he spoke, ready for battle ; 20 BEOWULF. [631-661 Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : "This thought I then, when I on the sea stied, Boarded my sea-boat with my warrior-band, That 1 throughout of your own people 635 The will would work, or in battle fall, Fast in fiend's grip. I shall perform Deeds of valor, or end-day mine In this mead-hall I shall await." To the woman these words well-pleasing were, 640 Boasts of the Geat : gold-adorned went The high-born queen to sit by her lord. Then was as before again in the hall Mighty word spoken, in joy were the people, The victor-folk's shout, until all at once 645 The son of Healfdene wished to seek out His evening-rest ; he knew for the monster In the high hall was battle prepared, 647* [Because in this hall the Ring-Danes never 647** Dared to abide unless by day-time]. From the time that they the sun-light might see, Till night spreading darkness over all things, 650 Night- wandering spirits, came advancing Dark under the clouds. The crowd all arose : Greeted then glad -minded one man another, Hrothgar Beowulf, and offered him hail. Power o'er the mead-hall, and this word spoke : 655 *' Never to any man ere did I trust. Since I could lift m}^ hand and my shield, Roj'al hall of the Danes except to thee now. * Have now and hold the noblest of houses. Of glory be mindful, a hero's might show, 660 Watch 'gainst the foe. No wish shalt thou want, If thou the great struggle escapest with life.*' 662-691.] BEOWULF. 21 IV. Beowulf and his men occupy Heorot. The coming of Grendel, The mighty contest, Beowulf *8 victory, XI. Then Hrothgar went with his warrior-band, The prince of the Scyldings, out of the hall : The war-prince would Wealhtheow seek, 665 His queen as companion. The glory of kings Grendel against, as men heard say, A hall-guard had set: he performed special service For the prince of the Danes, he eoten-guard kept. Now the prince of the Geats earnestly trusted 670 In his proud might, in the Creator's favor, h Then he laid him aside his iron burnie, Helmet from head, his jewelled sword gave, Choicest of weapons, to his servant-thane, And bade him keep his armor of war. 675 Then spoke the hero some boastful words, Beowulf the Geat, ere he on bed stied : '*I count not myself less good in war-might For deeds of battle than Grendel himself: Therefore with my sword I him will not kill, 680 Of life deprive, though I it all may. He knows not these goods, so that he me may slay, Hew down my shield, although he be fierce In hostile deeds : but we at night shall From swords refrain, if he dare to seek 685 "War without weapons ; and then the wise God, The holy Lord, on whatever hand May the glory adjudge, as seems to Him fit." Then lay down the warlike : the pillow received The cheeks of the earl, and him around many 690 A valiant sea-warrior sought his hall-rest. No one of these thought that thence he should 22 BEOWULF. [692-725 Again nis dear home ever seek out, Folk or free-city where he was reared ; But they had heard that too many before 695 In this wine-hall bloody death carried off Of the folk of the Danes. But to them the Lord gave The web of war-speed, to the folk of the Weders Comfort and help, so that they their foes Through the craft of one all overcame, 700 By the might of one self : the truth is made known That the mighty God the race of man Has alwa3'S ruled. — Came in wan night The shadow-goer stepping. The warriors slept, Who the horned hall then were to hold, 705 All except one. That was to men known, That them he might not, whom the Creator would not. The hostile demon drag into darkness ; But he keeping watch for his foe in anger Awaited enraged the result of the battle. 710 XII. Then came from the moor 'neath the misty slopes Grendel going, God's anger he bore. The wicked foe thought of the race of man Some one to entrap in that high hall : He went 'neath the clouds whither he the wine-hall, 715 The gold-hall of men, most thoroughly knew. Shining with gold-plates : that was not the first time That he of Hrothgar the home had sought. Ne'er in his life-time before nor after Bolder warriors, hall-thanes, did he find! 720 Then came to the hall the being approaching. Of joys deprived. The door soon sprang open Fast in its fire-bands, when he with hands touched it ; Then burst the bale-bringer, since he was enraged, The door of the hall. Soon after that 725 On the many-colored floor the fiendish one trod, 726-760.T BEOWULF. 23 Mad in mind went : from his eyes stood A loathsome light likest to flame. He saw in the hall many of warriors, A band in peace sleeping all together, 730 A heap of kin-warriors. Then laughed his mood, He thought that he would, ere day came, divide, The terrible monster, of every one The life from the body, since to him was fallen A hope of much food. That no longer was fated, 735 That he might more of the race of man Devour by night. The strong-in-might saw, The kinsman of H^^gelac, how the fell foe With his swift attacks was going to act. That did not the monster think to delay, 740 But quickly he seized for the first time A sleeping warrior, him tore unresisting, Bit his bone-frame, drank blood from his veins, In great bites him swallowed : soon then he had. Deprived of life, him all devoured, 745 Feet even and hands. Forth nearer he stepped, Seized then with his hands the firm-iu-mind Warrior at rest. Him reached out against The fiend with his hand : quickly he seized The cunning-in-mind and on his arm sat. 750 Soon this perceived the worker of evil. That he never found in this mid-earth. In the regions of earth, in another man A greater hand-grip : in mood he became In his soul frightened ; he could not sooner forth. 755 His mind was death-ready ; into darkness would fleci The devil-band seek : his course was not there, As he in old-days before had found. Eemembered he then, good kinsman of Hygelac, His evening-speech ; upright he stood 760 And him fast seized : his fingers cracked. 24 BEOWULF. [761-794, The eoten would outwards : the earl further stepped ; The mighty one thought, whereso he might, Afar to escape, and away thence Flee into the marshes : he knew that his fingers 765 Were in his foe's grip : that was a bad journey That the harm-bringing foe had taken to Heorot : The royal hall sounded : for all the Danes was, The city-dwellers, each one of the bold, For earls the ale spilt. Angry were both 770 Furious contestants : the hall cracked aloud : Then was it great wonder that the wine-hall Withstood the fierce fighters, that it to ground fell not. The fair folk-hall : but it was too fast Within and without in its iron bands 775 By cunning skill forged. There from the sill fell Many a mead-bench, as I have heard say, Adorned with gold, where the foes fought. Of this before weened not wise men of the Scyldinga That it ever with strength any of men, 780 Goodly and bone-adorned, to pieces might break, With craft destroy, unless flame's embrace In smoke should it swallow. The sound arose Often repeated : to the North-Danes stood Fearful terror, to every one 785 Of those who from the wall the weeping heard, The terrible song sung of th' opposer of God, The J03'less song, his pain lament The prisoner of hell. He held hhn too fast, He who of men was strongest in might 790 In the day then of this mortal life. XIII. The earl's defence would on no account The bringer of woes let go alive. Nor his life-days to any people Did he count useful. There brandished many 795-829.] BEOWULF. 25 795 An earl of BecwuU* his good old sword ; His dear lord's life he would defend, His noble chiefs, whereso they might ; They knew not indeed, when they risked the contest, The bold-in-mind heroes of battle, 800 And on each side they thought to hew, To seek his soul, that the fiendish demon Not any on earth choicest of weapons. No one of war-swords, was able to touch, But he had forsworn victorious weapons, 805 Each one of swords. His life-leaving should, In the day then of this mortal life. Miserably happen, and the strange-spirit Into his foes' power afar depart. Then that he perceived, he who oft before 810 In mirth of mind against mankind His crimes had wrought, hostile to God, That his body's frame him would not sustain, But him the proud kinsman of Hygelac Had by the hands : each was to other 815 Living a foe. Pain of body endured The terrible monster : there was on his shoulder An evident wound ; apart sprang the sinews, The bone-frame burst. To Beowulf was Battle-fame given : Grendel should thence 820 Sick-of-life flee under the fen-slopes. Seek his joyless abode ; too surely he knew That of his life the end was come, The span of his days. To all of the Danes By the bloody strife was the wish fulfilled ; 825 He then had cleansed, who ere came from afar, Wise and valiant, the hall of Hrothgar, Saved it from sorrow, rejoiced in his night-work, His glorious deeds. Then for the East-Danes The prince of the Geats his boast had performed, 26 BEOWULF. [830-85G. 830 Likewise the sufferings all had removed, Sorrows from foe, which they ere suffertjd, And by compulsion had to endure, No little distress. That was a clear proof, After the battle-brave laid down the hand, 835 The arm and the shoulder (there all was together) , The claw of Grendel 'neath the wide roof. Joy of the Danes. TJie minstreVs song of Sigemund and Fitela : of Heremod. Hrothgafs thanks to Beowulf, XrV. Then was in the morning, as I have heard say. Around the gift-hall many a warrior : The people's leaders from far and near came 840 Through the wide ways the wonder to view. The tracks of the foe. Ne'er did his life-severing Sorrowful seem to any of men, Of those who then viewed the track of the vanquished, How weary in mind he away thence, 845 In fight overcome, to the mere of the nickers, Doomed and driven, his life-tracks bore. There was the surface welling in blood ; The frightful waves' lashing all commingled Hot in gore boiled with the sword-blood ; 850 The doomed-to-death dyed them, when of joys de- prived In his fen-refuge he laid down his life, His heathen soul, where hell him received. Thence back again came the old companions. And many a young one from their glad course, 855 From the sea proudly riding on horses. Heroes on steeds. There then was Beowulf s 857-890.] BEOWULF. 27 Glory proclaimed : oft many said That south nor north by the two seas O'er the wide earth no other one 860 *Neath heaven's expanse was better than he Of bearers of shields, more worthy of rule. They did not now at all their dear lord blame, The friendly Hrothgar, but that was a good king. Sometimes the battle-famed permitted to leap, 865 In contest to go, their yellow horses Where the land-roads seemed to them fair, Known for their goodness. Sometimes a king's than e, A man renowned, mindful of songs. He who very many of old-time sagas, 870 A great number remembered, framed other words Rightly connected : the scope then began Beowulf's exploit with skill to tell, And with art to relate well-composed tales, Words to exchange ; he told everything 875 That he of Sigemund had heard men say. His noble deeds, much of the unknown. The Waelsing's contest, his journeys wide. Which the children of men did not well know. The feuds and crimes, but Fitela with him, 880 When he some such thing wished to relate, Uncle to nephew, as they ever were In every fight comrades in need : They had very many of the race of the eotens Slain with then* swords. To Sigemund came 885 After his death-day no little fame Since he, brave in war, destroyed the dragon. The guard of the hoard : he 'neath the gray stone. The prince's son, had risked alone The very bold deed ; not with him was Fitela ; 890 Yet it happened to him that the sword pierced through 28 BEOWULF. [891-924. The wonderful worm, that it in the wall stood. The lordly weapon ; in death lay the dragon. The terrible one in strength had prevailed, So that he the ring-hoard himself might enjoy 895 At his own will ; he loaded his vessel, Bore on the ship's bosom the ornaments bright, The son of Waels ; the worm's heat melted liim. He was of exiles the greatest by far Among the nations, the warriors' defence 900 In noble deeds ; for that ere had he glory. After of Heremod the battle-might failed, His strength and prowess, he was 'mong the Jutes Into his foe's power forthwith betrayed, Sent away quickly : him waves of sorrow 905 Too long oppressed ; he was to his people. To all of his princes, a life-long distress : Likewise oft lamented in former times The brave one's journey many a wise churl. Who trusted in him for help in misfortunes, 910 That the son of their prince was to grow up, Take the place of his father, his people possess. Hoard and head-city, kingdom of heroes, Home of the Scyldings. He was there to all, The kinsman of Hygelac, to the race of man, 915 To friends more beloved : Mm sorrow befell. — Sometimes contending the yellow roads With their horses they measured. Then was morn- ing-light Advanced and hastened : many a man went, Brave now in mind, to the high hall 920 To see the rare wonder ; the king himself also From his bridal chamber, guardian of treasures, Stepped strong in glory with a great crowd, Famed for his virtues, and his queen with him Measured the mead-path with her maiden-band. 025-959.] BEOWULF. 29 925 XV. Hrotligar then spoke (he went to the hall, Stood by the column, looked at the high roof Adorned with gold and at Grendel's hand ) : *' For this glad sight thanks to the Almighty Quickly be given ! Much evil I suffered, 930 Sorrows from Grendel : God may ever work Wonder on wonder, King of glory. Lately it was that I for myself Of any of woes weened not my life long Relief to obtain, since stained with blood 935 The noblest of houses drenched in gore stood ; Woe was brought down on every wise man, Of those who weened not that they in then* lives The people's. land- work from foes might defend, From demons and devils. Now hath a hero, 940 Through the Lord's might, a deed performed, Which we all before were not at all able With wisdom to work. Lo ! this may say Even whatever woman brought forth this son After man's nature, if she yet liveth, 945 That to her the eternal Creator was gracious In her child-bearing. Now 1 thee, Beowulf, Noblest of men, for myself as a son Will love in life : keep well henceforth The kinship new. To thee shall no lack be 950 Of earthly wishes o'er which I have power. Very often for less have I fixed the reward. The share of the treasure, to warrior less brave. One worse in the fight. Thou hast for thyself Effected by deeds that thy fame shall live 955 For ever and ever. May thee the Almighty With good repay, as He heretofore did ! " Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : "That deed of might we, with great good-will. That fight have fought, boldly encountered 30 BEOWULF. [960-990. 960 The strength of the unknown : I rather would wish That thou himself now mightest see. The foe in his battle-dress wearied to death. I quickly him with hardest grips Thought then to bind on the death-bed, 965 That he by hand-grip of mine should lie Striving for life, if his body escaped not : I might not him, since the Creator willed not. Cut off from escape : not so firm held I him. The life-destroyer : too powerful was he, 970 The foe in his speed. Yet his hand did he let For life-protection remain behind. His arm and shoulder : not there, however. Did the helpless man gain any comfort. Not longer shall live the evil-doer 975 Burdened with sins, but him sore pain In his strong grip sternly has seized. In his bonds of bale : there shall abide The sin-stained man the mickle doom. How the glorious Creator to him will prescribe." 980 Then was more silent the son of Ecglaf In his boasting-speech of warlike deeds. After the princes, by the earl's might. Upon the high roof the hand had viewed. The foe-man's fingers, each one before him : 985 Each place of the nails was likest to steel, The heathen's hand-spurs, the battle-monster's Horrible claw : each one then said That him would touch of warlike men No excellent weapon, so that the demon's 990 Bloody war-hand it would break off. 991-1019.] BEOWULF. 81 VI. Feasting and presents in Heorot, Hie minstreVs song of Finn, Hnaef, and Hengest. Wealhtheovfs greeting to Beowulf, All retire to rest. XVI. Then quickly was ordered Heorot within By hands to adorn ; there were many of those, Of men and of women, who that wine-hall, That guest-room prepared. Gold-adorned shone 995 The webs on the walls, many wondrous sights To each one of men, who on such look. That building bright was very much injured, All the interior in its iron-bands fast ; The hinges were shivered ; the roof alone saved 1000 Entirely sound, when had the monster, Condemaed for his crimes, in flight escaped, Hopeless of life. It will not be easy Fate to escape, let do it who will ; But each shall obtain of soul-bearing men, 1005 By necessity fixed for the children of men, For dwellers on earth, the place prepared. Where his dead body, fast in his death-bed. Shall sleep after feast. — Then was the fit time That to the hall went Healf dene's son, 1010 The king himself the feast would enjoy. Ne'er heard I that folk in greater crowd Around their ring-giver better behaved. Went then to the benches the heroes renowned Eejoiced at the plenty : courteously shared 1015 Many a mead-cup the kinsmen of these. The bold-minded ones in the high hall, Hrothgar and Hrothulf . Heorot within Was filled with friends : not at all deeds of guile Did the Folk-Scyldings at this time prepare. 32 BEOWULF. [1020-1063. 1020 Gave then to Beowulf Healfdene's son A golden banner as victory's reward, A wreathed standard, helmet and burnie ; A great jewelled sword many then saw Before the chief borne. Beowulf received 1025 The cup in the hall. Not of that treasure-giving Before the warriors need he be ashamed : Ne'er heard I, more courteously, that treasures four With gold adorned, many of men On the ale-bench to each other gave. 1030 'Round the crown of the helmet head- protection A boss wound with wires was keeping without, That him the battle-swords boldly might not, By file hardened, injure, when the shield- warrior Against his foes in battle should go. 1035 The carl's defence eight horses ordered, With golden trappings, to lead in the hall In under the barriers : on one of these stood A saddle art-decked, with treasure adorned ; That was the battle-seat of the high king, 1040 When in sword-play Healfdene's son Wished to engage ; ne'er at the front failed The famed one's valor when corpses fell. And then to Beowulf of each of the two The prince of the Ingwins power delivered, 1045 Of horses and weapons : bade him well use them. So like a man the noble prince. The hoard-keeper of heroes, contests repaid With horses and treasures, such as never will blame He who will speak truth according to right. 1050 XVII. Then still on each one the prince of earls, Of those who with Beowulf the watery waves. trav- ersed, On the mead-bench a treasure bestowed, A sword as an heir-loom, and bade for that one 1064-1088.] BEOWULF. 33 To pay with gold, whom Grendel before 1055 With evil killed, as he more of tliera would, Had not tlie wise God weird averted, And the man's courage : the Creator ruled all Of the race of mankind, as He still doth : Therefore is insight everywhere best, 1060 Forethought of mind. He shall abide much Of good and of ill, he who long here In these days of sorrow useth the world. There song and music was all together About Healfdene*s battle-leader ; 1065 The harp was played, the song oft rehearsed, When joy in hall Hrothgar's minstrel Along the mead-bench was to make known : *' He sang of Finn's sons when that danger befell The heroes of Healfdene, when Hnaef of the Scyldinga 1070 In Frisian land was fated to fall. Then indeed Hildeburh needed not praise The faith of the Jutes : guiltless was she Deprived of her dear ones in the shield-play, Of sons and of brothers : by fate they fell 1075 Wounded with spear : that was a sad woman. Not without reason did the daughter of Hoc Lament fate's decree, when morning came. When she under heaven might then behold The death-bale of kinsmen, where she before had 1080 Most worldly joy. War took away all The thanes of Finn except a few only. So that he could not, on that meeting-place, In fight with Hengest at all contend. Nor even the remnant rescue by war 1085 From the chief's thane : but they offered them terms, That they for them other hall would provide. Hall and high seat, that they power of half With the Jutes* sons were to possess, 84 BEOWULF. [1089-1122. And at treasure-givings the son of Folcwalda 1090 On every day would honor the Danes, The band of Hengest with rings would enrich, Even as much with costly jewels Of plated gold, as he the Frisians In the beer-hall would encourage. 1095 Then they confirmed on either side A firm peace-compact : Finn to Hengest, In valor invincible, promised with oaths That he the remnant, by the doom of his wise men, In honor would hold, that no man there 1100 By words nor works the compact should break. Nor ever through cunning should violate it. Though they their ring-giver's murderer followed, Deprived of their prince, since so 'twas appointed them : If then of the Frisians any one with bold speech 1105 Of that bloody feud mindful should be, Then the edge of the sword it should avenge. The oath was confirmed and treasure of gold From the hoard taken. Of the warlike Scj^ldings The best of the warriors was at the p^'re ready ; 1110 At the funeral-pile was easily seen The blood-stained sark, the all-golden swine. The boar of hard iron, many a prince Destroyed b}' wounds : some fell in slaughter. Hildeburh bade then at Hnaef 's funeral-pyre 1115 To consign to the flame her own dear son. The body to burn and on the pyre place. The wretched woman wept on his shoulder. Mourned him in songs. The fierce smoke arose, Wound to the clouds the greatest of fires, 1120 Before the mound roared : the heads were melted. The wound-openings burst ; then out sprang the blood From the wound of the body. The flame swallowed aU, 1123-1166.] BEOWULF. 85 Greediest of spirits, of those whom war took Of both of the peoples : gone was their breath. — 1125 XVIII. Then went the warriors to visit the dwellings, Deprived of their friends, Friesland to see, The homes and high cit3% Hengest then still The slaughter-stained winter dwelt there with Finn, In valor invincible ; he remembered his land, 1130 Though he might not on the sea drive The ring-pro wed ship : in storm rolled the ocean. Fought with the wind : winter the waves locked In its icy bond, until came another Year in the dwellings, as now still do 1135 (For the}^ ever observe suitable seasons) The clear-shining days. Then winter was gone, Fair was the earth's bosom : strove the exile to go, The guest from the dwellings ; he then on vengeance More eagerl}' thought than on the sea- voyage, 1140 If he might effect a hostile meeting, And in it remember the sons of the Jutes. So he did not escape the fate of the world When Hunlaf 's son a battle-sword, ' I ■ I Best of weapons, thrust in his breast; ''^ ^ j 1145 Well-known were its edges among the Jutes. Also, bold-minded Finn afterwards befell Death-bringing sword-bale at his own home. When the fierce battle Guthlaf and Oslaf After their sea-journey in sorrow lamented, 1150 Blamed him for their woes : his flickering life might not Keep itself in his breast. Then was the hall covered With bodies of foes ; also vas Finn slain. The king 'mong his band, and the queen taken. The Scyldings' warriors bore to their ships 1155 All the possessions of the king of the landy Such as they might find at Finn's borne 36 BEOWULF. [1167-H85. Of bright jewels and gems. They on the sea-road The royal woman to the Danes bore. Led to their people." — The song was sung, 1160 The gleeman's glee : the sport then arose. Carousing resounded : the servants out-poured Wine from the wondrous vessels. Then came Wealhtheow forth. Going under her golden crown, where were the good ones two Uncle and nephew sitting : then were they still at peace, 1165 Each one true to the other. There also the orator Hunferth Sat at the feet of the SQ3^1dings' lord : each of them trusted his wisdom, That he great courage had, tho* to his kinsmen he was not Honest in play of the swords. Spoke then the queen of the Scyldings : "Receive thou this cup, my dearest lord, 1170 Giver of treasure. Be thou in health. Gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak With mildest words, as a man shall do. Be to the Geats kind, mindful of gifts ; Near and afar hast thou now peace. 1175 One said to me thou for a son would The warrior have. Heorot is cleansed, The bright jewel-hall : use whilst thou mayest Many rewards, and leave to th}' kinsmen Folk and kingdom, when thou shalt forth 1180 Fate's decree see. I know well indeed My friendly Hrothulf , that he the youth will In honor hold, if thou sooner than he. Friend of the Scyldings, leavest the world: I ween that he with good will repay 1185 Our own children, if he all remember, 1186-1220.] BEOWULF. 37 What we, through good- will and also through honor, Of kindnesses showed to him when a child." Turned she then to the bench where were her sons, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the warriors* children, 1190 The youth together, where sat the good Beowulf the Geat by the two brothers. XIX . To him was a cup borne, and friendly greeting Offered in words, and twisted gold Gladly presented, arm-ornaments two, 1195 A burnie and rings, the greatest of collars, Of those which on earth I ever have heard of. Under the heaven heard I of no better Hoard-jewel of heroes, since llama bore To the bright cit}' the Brosings' collar, 1200 Bright jewel and ^stly ; — he fell into the wiles Of Eormenric, eternal fate chose. This ring then had Higelac the Geat, The grandson of Swerting, the very last time, When he under his banner defended the treasure, 1205 Battle-spoils guarded : Weird took him away, When he for pride suffered great woes, Feud from the Frisians : the jewels he bore, The precious stones, o'er the wave-holder. The mighty prince : he fell under his shield, 1210 The life of the king into th' Franks' keeping went, Breast-battle-weeds and the collar together : Warriors inferior plundered the slain After the overthrow of the Geats' people, The battle-field held. — The hall resounded. 1215 Wealhtheow then said, she before the crowd spoke ^^Use this collar, Beowulf dear. Young man, with joy, and make use of this burnie. People's treasures, and thrive thou well ; Bear thee with might and be to these youths 1220 Friendly in counsel ; thy reward I'll remember. 88 BEOWULF. [1221-1250. Thou hast now caused that thee far and near All thy life long men shall honor, Even so wide as the sea encircles, Winds through its walls. Be, whilst thou livest, 1225 Noble prince, happy. I grant to thee well Precious treasures. Be thou to my sons Friendly in deeds, thou joyful one : Here is each earl true to the other. Mild in his mood, loyal to his liege lord ; 1230 The thanes are at peace, the people all ready; Warriors well-drunken, do as I bid." She went to the seat. There was choicest of feasts, The men drank the wine : weird they knew not, Destiny stern, as it did happen 1235 To many of earls, when evep came And Hrothgar departed to go to his court, The mighty to rest. The hall in-dwelt A number of earls, as they oft before did ; The}^ emptied the bench-space : it was over-spread 1240 With beds and bolsters. A certain beer-servant, Ready and fated, lay down to his rest. They placed at their heads the battle- shields. The bright wooden boards : there on the bench was Over the warrior easily seen 1 245 The battle-high helmet, the ringed burnie, The might}' spear-shaft ; their custom was That they often were ready for combat Both at home and in army, and in each one of them Even at such a time as to their liege lord 1250 Need there might be : that was a good folk. 1251-12771 BEOWULF. 89 VII. The coming of GrendeVs mother. Sorrow is renewed. Hrothgar describes the mere. Beowulf's decision. His descent into the mere. The fight with Gren- deVs mother, Beowulf s return, hearing GrendeVs head. XX. They went then to sleep : one sorely paid for His evening-rest, as to them often happened When the gold-hall Grendel in-dwelt, Evil deeds wrought, until the end came, 1255 Death for his crimes. That became plain, To men widely known, that still an avenger Lived for his foes. For a long time After the war-sorrow Grendel's mother, A terrible woman, nourished her grief, 1260 Who was said to inhabit the fearful waters, The ice-cold streams, since Cain became The murderer by sword of his only brother, His father's son ; then outlawed he went, With murder marked, to flee human joy, 1265 Dwelt in the waste. Thence many sprang Of the demons of fate ; of these one was Grendel, Hateful and ravenous, who in Heorot found A watching man awaiting the battle Where the fell monster him was attacking : 1270 Yet he remembered the strength of his might, The powerful gift, which God to him gave, And on the Lord's favor relied for himself For comfort and help : so the fiend overcame he. Felled the demon of hell, when he humbled departedi 1275 Deprived of joy, his death-place to see, The foe of mankind. And still his mother. Greedy and raging, wished then to go 40 BEOWULF. [1278-1312. The sorrowful journey her son to avenge. She came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes 1280 Through the hall slept : then there was soon A change to the earls, when within entered Grendel's mother. The terror was less Even by so much as is woman's strength, A woman's war-terror, esteemed by a man, 1285 When a bound sword, forged l^y the hammer, The sword stained with gore, the boar on the helmet, Strong in its edges, opposite cleaves. Then was in the hall the hard-edged drawn, The sword o'er the seats, many a broad shield 1290 Raised firm in hand: of helmet one tliought not, Of burnie broad, when terror him seized. She was in haste, would thence away. Her life presei*ve, when she was discovered. Quickly had she of one of the warriors 1295 Firmly laid hold, when she t^ fen went : He was to Urothgar the dearest of men In the office of comrade by the two seas, A shield-warrior strong, whom she in rest killed, A hero renowned. Not there was Beowulf, 1300 But other room before was assigned. After the treasure-giving, to the great Geat. Noise was in Heorot : she in its gore took The well-known hand. Grief was renewed Again in the dwellings ; 'twas not a good trade, 1305 That they on both sides payment should make With the lives of their friends. Then was the old king, The hoary warrior, in sorrowful mood, When he his chief thane, deprived of life. The dearest one, knew to be dead. 1310 Quickly was Beowulf brought to the hall, The victory-blest hero. At dawn of day Went one of earls, the noble warrior, 1313-134G.] BEOWULF. 41 Himself with his comrades, where the wise one awaited, Whether for him the Ahnighty will ever, 1315 After this woe-spell, a change of things work. Went then on the floor the man war-renowned With his band of men (the hall-wood resounded) , Until he addressed the wise one in words. The lord of the Ingwins, asked if to him were, 1320 As he had wished, the night undisturbed. XXI. Hrothgar then spoke, the defence of the Scyldings : ** Ask not thou for health. Sorrow 's renewed To the Danes' people : dead is Aeschere, Of Yrraenlaf the elder brother, 1325 My trusted counsellor and my adviser, My right-hand man, when we in battle Defended our heads, when warriors engaged. When the boars clashed : such should an earl be, An excellent prince, as Aeschere was. 1330 She was to him the murderer in Heorot, The restless death-demon : I know not whither, Proud of her prey, she frightful withdrew. Well-known from her meal. The feud she avenge! For that thou yester-night Grendel didst kill 1335 In a powerful way by your hard grips. Because he too long my own people Lessened and killed : in battle he fell. Of his life guilty, and now came another, A mighty fell foe, her son would avenge, 1340 And further has laid her feud upon us ; Wherefore it may seem to many a thane. Who for his ring-giver mourns in his mind, A bale hard to bear ; now lies the hand helpless, Which used to gratify all of your wishes. 1345 I the land-dwellers, my own people, Counsellors-in-hall, that have heard say 42 BEOWULF. [lS-t7-138L That they used to see a pair of such Mickle mark-steppers holding the moors, Spirits of elsewhere : one of these was, 1350 As they most certainly might then perceive, A woman's form : the other one wretched In the likeness of man his exile trod — Except he was greater than any man else — Whom in 3-ore-days Grendel they named, 1355 The dwellers-on-earth : they know not their father, Whether any to him was before born Of wicked spirits. They in a dark land, Cliffs of wolves, dwell, windy nesses. Dangerous marshes, where mountain-stream 1360 Under clouds of the nesses flows down below, Lake under the earth. It is not far hence In measure by miles that the mere stands. Over which hang the rustling groves. Wood firm in its roots ; they cover the water. 1365 There one every night a strange wonder may see, Fire on the flood : so wise a one lives not Of the children of men that knows its bottom : Although the heath-stepper pressed by the dogs, The stag, strong in homs, may seek the grove, 1370 Pursued from afar, his life will he give, His life on the shore, ere in it he will Hide there his head. That *s no unhaunted place ; Thence the boiling of waters rises up high Wan to the clouds, when the wind rouses 1375 The hateful storms, while dark grows the air, The heavens weep^ Now is ready counsel Again in thee alone. The abode yet thou knowest not The teri'ible place, where thou mayest find The much-sinning being : seek if thou dare. 1380 I for the contest thee will repay With old-time treasures, as I before did, 1382-1416.] BEOWULF. 48 With twisted gold, if thou comest away." XXII. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : *' Sorrow not, wise man ! It is better for each 1385 That his friend he avenge than that he mourn much Each of us shall the end await Of worldly life : let him .who may^gain Honor ere death. That is for a warrior, When he is dead, afterwards best. 1390 Arise, kingdom's guardian! Let us quickly go To view the track of Grenders kinsman. I promise it thee : he will not escape, Nor in earth's bosom, nor in mountain-wood, Nor in ocean's depths, go where he will. 1395 Throughout this day do thou patience have Of each of thy woes, as I ween of thee !" Up leaped the ag^d one, thanked he then God, The mighty Lord, for what the man spoke. Then was for Hrothgar a horse provided, 1400 A steed with curled mane : the ruler wise Well-equipped went ; the band stepped forth Of bearers of shields. The foot-tracks were On the forest-paths widely perceived, The course o'er the plain : she went straight ahead 1 405 O'er the murky moor, of knightly thanes bore The noblest one deprived of life. Of those who with Hrothgar defended his home. Went he then over, the offspring of princes, The steep, stony slopes, the narrow ways, 1410 The strait single paths, the unknown course. The headlands steep, many houses of nickers. He one of few went on before, Of the wise men, the plain to view. Until he all at once the mountain-ttees 1415 O'er the gray stone found bending down. The joyless wood : the water stood under 44 BEOWULF. [1417-U51. Gory and restless. To all the Danes 'twas, To the friends of the Scyldings, bitter in mood, To many a thane sorrow to suffer, 1420 To each one of earls, after of Aeschere On the holm-clitf the head they found. The flood boiled with blood (the people looked on) , With the hot gore. The horn at times sang The ready war-song. All the warriors sat down ; 1425 They saw then in the water many of worm-kind, Strange sea-dragons, seeking the sea, Such nickers lying out on the ness-slopes, As at mid-day often prepare A sorrowful voyage on the sail-road, 1430 Worms and wild beasts : rushed they away Fierce and angry ; the noise they perceived The war- horn sound. The prince of the Geats With his arrowed bow deprived one of life. Of strife with the sea, so that stood in his vitals 1435 The hard war-arrow : he was in the holm The slower in swimming, whom death took away. Quickly was in the waves with their boar-spears, Their hooked swords, fiercely attacked. Pressed after with struggles and to the ness drawn. 1440 The wonderful monster : the men looked upod The terrible stranger. Beowulf girded him With noble armor, not for life did he care : The war-burnie should, woven with hands. Wide and well-wrought, seek out the sea, 1445 That which his body could well protect. So that him battle-grip might not in breast. The mad one's assault, injure in life : But the bright helmet protected his head. Which was to mingle with the depths of the sea, 1450 Adorned with treasure seek the sea- waves. Encircled with diadem, as in days of old U52-1486.] BEOWULF. 45 The weapon-smith wrought it, wondrously framed it. Set with swine-bodies, so that it never after The flaming war-swords might be able to bite. 1455 That was not then the least of strong helps, That to him in need Hrothgar*s orator lent : Of that hilted sword Hrunting was name ; That was a chief one of old-time treasures ; Its edge was of iron, with poison- twigs stained, 1460 Hardened with battle-gore ; ne'er failed it in fight Any of men, who it wielded with hand. He who durst tread the terrible paths. The folk-place of foes : that was not the first time, That deeds of valor it should perform. 1465 The kinsman of Ecglaf remembered not now. Mighty in strength, what he before spoke Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent . To a better sword-bearer ; he himself durst not Under waves' tumult venture his life, 1470 Heroic deeds work ; there he lost fame, A name for valor ; not so with the other. When he for battle himself had prepared. XXni. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow's son : " Bethinli thyself now, great kinsman of Healfdene, 1475 Thou ruler wise, now I'm for the way ready, Gold-friend of men, of what we once spoke, If I in thy service should at any time Of my life be deprived, that thou wouldst ever be To me when gone hence, in stead of a father. 1480 Be thou a protector to my knightly thanes, My trusty comrades, if war take me off: Also the treasures, which thou gavest me. Do thou, dear Hrothgar, to Hygelac send. May then by the gold the Geat's lord perceive, 1485 Hrethel's son see, when he looks on the treasure, That I did one find in man's virtues good. 46 BEOWULF. [1487-1519. A giver of rings, him enjoyed while I might. And do thou let Hunferth the ancient relic, The wonderful sword, the widely-known man 1490 The hard-edged have. I shall with Hrunting Fame for me gain, or death will me take." After these words the prince of the Weder-Geats Hastened with valor, not for an answer Would he await. The water-flood took 1495 The mighty warrior : then was a day's space Ere the bottom-plain he might perceive. Soon that discovered she who the flood's realm, Eager for blood, for fifty years held. Grim and greedy, that there some one of men 1500 The monster's abode sought out from above. She grasped then against him, the warrior seized Jn her terrible claws ; not sooner she injured His body sound : the burnie him shielded. So that she might not pierce through the corslet, 1505 The locked linked sark, with fiendish fingers. Bore then the sea-wolf, when she came to the bottom, The giver of rings to her own abode, So that he might not, tho' he was brave, His weapons wield, but him many strange ones 1510 Oppressed in the sea: many a sea-beast With battle-tusks his war-sark brake ; The monsters harassed him. The earl then per- ceived That he in sea-hall, he knew not what, was. Where him no water in aught might harm, 1515 Nor for the roofed hall might lay hold of him Sudden grip of the flood : the fire-light he saw. The brilliant beams brightly shining. The good one perceived then the wolf of the bottom, The mighty mere-woman ; he gave a strong stroke t520-1553.] BEOWULF. 47 1520 With his battle-bill, withheld not the blow, So that on her head the ringed blade sounded A greedy war-song. Then the stranger perceived That the war-weapon would not cleave through, Injure her life, but the edge failed 1525 The prince in his need : before it endured Many hand-meetings, the helmet oft clave, The fated one's corslet : that was the first time To the dear treasure that power had failed. Again was determined, not lacking in prowess, 1530 Mindful of fame, the kinsman of Hygelac : Then threw the etched brand, with jewels adorned. The angry warrior, that it on the earth lay, Strong and steel-edged ; he trusted to strength^ The hand-grip of might : so shall a man do, 1535 When he in war thinketh to gain Praise everlasting, nor for his life careth. Seized then by the shoulder (cared she not for the contest) The War-Geats' prince Grendel's mother. Threw then battle-brave, for he was enraged, 1540 The life-destroyer, that she on the floor fell. She him again quickly the hand-grip repaid With her fierce claws, and seized him fast : Then stumbled the weary one, strongest of warriors, The fighter-on-foot, so that he fell. 1545 She sat on the hall-guest and drew her short sword. Broad and brown-edged, her son would avenge. Her only child. On his shoulder lay The braided breast-net : that his life saved, Against point and edge entrance withstood. 1550 Then had he perished, Ecgtheow's son, 'Neath the broad bottom, the chief of the GeatSf Had not the war-burnie lent help to him. The hard battle-net, and had not holy God 48 BEOWULF. [1554-1586. Directed the victory, the all-knowing Lord ; 1555 The Ruler of heaven adjudged it aright ; Easily afterwards he again rose. XXIV. *Mongst the armor he saw then a victory-blessed weapon, Old sword of the eotens strong in its edges. Honor of warriors : that was choicest of weapons, 1560 But it was greater than any man else To the war-play was able to bear. Good and ornate, the hand- work of giants. He seized the chained hilt, the Scyldings' champion, Eaging and battle-fierce, the ringed sword bran- dished, 1565 Hopeless of life angrily struck. So that 'gainst her neck it strongly grasped. Broke the bone-rings ; the bill pierced through Her fated body : she on the floor fell ; The sword was bloody, in his deed he rejoiced. 1570 The blade's beam shone, the light stood within, Just as from heaven brightly doth shine The firmament's candle. He looked through the hall j Turned then by the wall, uplifted the weapon Strong by its hilts Higelac's thane, 1575 Angry and firm : the edge was not useless To the war-hero, but he quickly would Grendel repay many warlike assaults Of those which he wrought to the West-Danes Oftener by far than for one time, 1580 When he of Hrothgar the hearth-companions Slew in their sleep, whilst sleeping ate Of the Danes' folk fifteen of men, And such another bore he away, A sorrowful prey : he paid him for that, 1585 The warrior fierce, as he in rest saw Weary of war Grendel there lying 1587-1620. J BEOWULF. 49 Of life deprived, as him before injured The combat at Heorot. His body sprang far, When he after death suffered the blow, 1590 The strong sword-stroke, that struck off his head. — Soon that perceived the cunning churls, Those who with Hrothgar gazed on the sea, That the waves-stirring all was commingled, The surge stained with blood. The hoary-haired elders 1595 Concerning the good one together thus spoke, That they for the prince looked not again, That he, flushed with victory, would come to seek Their mighty chief, since it seemed to so many That the sea-wolf him had destroyed. 1600 Then came the ninth hour ; the ness forsook The valiant Scyldings : he departed thence home, The gold-friend of men. The strangers sat, Sick in their mind, and stared on the sea : They knew and weened not, that they their dear lord 1605 Himself might see. — The sword then began On account of the battle-gore in clots of blood The war-bill to vanish (that was a wonder). So that it all melted likest to ice, When the frost's fetters the Father unlooses, 1610 The ice-rope unwinds. He who has control Of times and tides : that is true Creator. Took he not in the dwelling, the Weder-Geats' prince, More of rich treasures, though he many there saw. But only the head and the hilts together, 1615 With jewels adorned: the sword ere melted. The etched brand burnt : the blood was so hot, The strange-spirit poisonous, who therein died. Soon was he swimming who lived through the strife, The foes* fierce assault, dived he up through the water : 1620 The stirrings of waves all w^re cleansed, 60 BEOWULF. [1621-1647 The regions wide, when the strange-spirit Left his life-days and this fleeting creation. Came then to the land the seamens' protector Strong-minded swimming, joyed in his sea-booty, 1625 The mighty burden of what he had with him. They went then to meet him, gave thanks to God The brave band of thanes, rejoiced in their chief. For that they him safe might again see. Then from the strong one helmet and burnie 1630 Quickly was loosed : the lake became thick, Water under the clouds stained with war-gore. Forth went they thence on the foot-paths Glad in their hearts, measured the land-ways. The well-known roads ; the very bold men 1635 Fium the sea-cliff were bearing the head With great exertion to each one of them : Of the courageous four warriors should On the spear-shaft with labor bear To the gold-hall the head of Grendel, 1640 Until forthwith to the hall came Fourteen brave men and fierce in war Of the Geats going : the lord of men with them, Brave in the crowd, trod the mead-plains. VIII. Beowulf s account of the fight. Hrothgar's moralizing speech. On the morrow Beowulf bids farewell to Hrothgar, receives presents^ and returns to his ship. Then entering came the prince of the thanes, 1645 The man brave in deeds, honored in fame, The battle-fierce warrior, Hrothgar to greet. Then was by the hair on the floor borne 1648-1682.J BEOWULF. 51 The bead of Grendel, where the men drank, Frightful to earls and the lady also, 1650 A wonderful sight : the men on it gazed. XXV. Beowulf then spoke, Ecgtheow*s son : ''Lo ! we thee this sea-booty, son of Healfdene, Prince of the Scyldmgs, with joy have brought As a token of fame, which thou gazest on here. 1655 I that with my life scarcely escaped ; Under water in battle risked I the work With great exertion ; almost would have been Ended the struggle, had not me God shielded. I might not in battle with Hrunting the sword 1660 Aught then perform, though that weapon is good : But the Ruler of men granted to me That I on the wall saw beautiful hanging An old miijhty sword (often has He directed Those without friends), that I brandished the weapon. 1665 Then I slew in the contest, when time favored me. The house's keepers. Then did the battle-bill, The etched brand, burn, as sprang forth the blood, The hottest of battle-gore : I the hilt thence Bore from my foes, avenged their ill-deeds, 1670 Death-plague of the Danes, as it was right. I promise thee then that thou mayest in Heorot, Sorrowless sleep with thy warrior-band, , And each of the thanes of thine own people. Of old and of young ; thou needst not for them fear, 1675 Chief of the Scyldings, from this direction Life-bale for thy earls, as thou didst before." Then was the golden hilt to the old warrior, The hoary war-chief, given in hand. The old work of giants : it went into the keeping, 1 680 Since the fall of the devils, of the lord of the Danes, The cunning smiths' work, when this world forsook The bad-hearted being, the opposer of God, 52 BEOWULF. [1683-1713. Devoted to death, and his mother also i It went into the power of the noblest one 1685 Of the world-kings by the two seas, Of those who in Sceden-ig treasure divided. Hrothgar then spoke, on the hilt looked, The old relic on which was the origin written Of an old contest : the flood afterwards slew, 1690 The rushing sea, the race of the giants ; Badly they fared : that people was hostile To the Lord eternal ; therefor a reward Through waters' flood the Almighty them gave. So was on the guard of purest gold 1695 In runic letters rightly engraved, Was set and said, for whom that sword, Choicest of weapons, first had been wrought With wreathed hilt snake-adorned. Then the chief spoke, The son of Healfdene (kept silent all) : 1700 *'Lo ! that he may say who truth and right Works for his people, the past all remembers, An old home-guardian, that this earl was One born of the best. Thy fame is wide-spread Through distant ways, Beowulf my friend, 1705 Over each nation : with patience thou boldest it all. Thy might with prudence of mind. I shall to thee grant My friendship, as we before spoke: thou shalt be for comfort, AH long-assured, to thine own people. To heroes for help. Not so was Heremod 1710 To the children of Ecgwela, the Honor-Scyldings ; He throve not for their pleasure, . but for their slaughter. And for death-plagues to the Danes' people : Slew he enraged his table-compauions, 1714-1748.] BEOWULF. 63 His chosen comrades, till he went alone, 1715 The mighty prince, from human joys : Though him mighty God in joy of strength. In power exalted, over all men Him had uplifted, yet in his heart grew A bloodthirsty feeling : he did not give rings 1720 To the Danes by right : joyless abode he, So that for this strife sorrow he suffered. Misery lasting. By that teach thou thyself, Practise man's virtues. This tale for thee Have I, old in years, told. 'Tis a wonder to say 1725 How mighty God to the race of mankind. Through His great mind, wisdom divides, Homes and nobility : He rules over all. Sometimes on love permits He to turn . The thoughts of the man of mighty race, 1730 Gives him in his home the joy of earth, A sheltering city of men to possess, Makes subject to him parts of the world, A kingdom wide, so that he of it may not, For his lack of wisdom, think of the end : 1735 He dwells in plenty, nor him does aught check, Sickness nor age, nor for him does sorrow Grow dark in his mind, nor a foe anywhere Show him sword-hate, but for him all the world XXVI. Wends at his will. He knows not the worse, 1740 Until him within a portion of pride Waxes and grows, when sleeps the keeper, The guard of the soul : that sleep is too firmly Bound up with sorrows ; very nigh is the slayer, Who from arrowed bow spitefully shoots. 1745 Then is he in his breast pierced under his helmet With a sharp arrow : he cannot defend him From the evil strange-orders of that cursed spirit : Him seems it too little what he long held ; 54 BEOWULF. [1749-178S He with evil mind covets, gives not for boasting 1 750 Gold-plated rings, and he future fate Forgets and neglects, for God gave him before, The Ruler of glory, a share of earth's honors. It at the end afterwards happens That the frail body fleeting doth fail, 1755 Fated doth fall: another succeeds, He who undisturbed treasures divides, The earl's former store, cares not for its owner. Guard against wrong-doing, Beowulf dear. Best one of heroes, and choose thou the better, 1760 Counsels eternal. Care not for pride. Mighty warrior. Now is thy strength's fame Lasting a while : soon after it shall be That sickness or sword shall rob thee of might, Or clutch of the fire, or swell of the flood, 1765 Or grip of the sword, or flight of the arrow, Or fearful old age, or light of the eyes Shall fail and grow dark : it suddenly shall be That thee, great warrior, death shall overcome. So I the Ring-Danes a hundred half-years 1770 Ruled under heavens, and secured them by war Against many tribes throughout this mid-earth, With spears and with swords, so that any foe Under circuit of heaven reckoned I not. Lo ! to me in my home a change of this came, 1775 Sorrow for joy, after Grendel became The foe of long years, my constant home-seeker : I from this hostility continually suffered Much sorrow of mind. Thanks to the Creator, The Lord eternal, whilst in life I remained, 1780 That I on this head drenched with gore, After long sorrow, look with my eyes. Go now to thy seat, partake of feast- joy, Thou honored in war. To us shall be many 1784-1818.] BEOWULF. 55 Of treasures in common, when morning shall come." 1785 The Geat was glad-minded, went he then soon His seat to take, as the wise one bade. Then was as before for the courageous Sitters-in-hall fitly prepared Another time. Night's canopy lowered 1790 Dark o'er the warriors. The band all arose ; The white-haired one his bed would seek, The ag6d Scylding. The Geat beyond measure, The brave shield-warrior, it pleased to rest : Soon the hall-thane him of his way weary, 1795 The comer- from-far, forth led to his couch, He who through courtesy all would supply Of the wants of the thane, as at that day The farers-by-sea were wont to have. The great-hearted rested : the hall arose 1800 Wide and gold-decked : the guest slept within. Until the black raven the joy of heaven Blithe-hearted announced, when came the bright light Shooting o'er shadows. The warriors hastened : The aethelings were back to their people 1805 Ready to go : he would far thence, The high-minded guest, visit his vessel. The brave one then bade Hrunting bear The son of Ecglaf , bade take his sword, Precious weapon, thanked him for the loan, 1810 Said that he counted the war-friend good, Mighty in battle, not in words blamed he The edge of the sword : that was a brave man. When for their march ready, in armor equipped. The warriors were, went by the Danes honored 1815 The prince to the throne, where was the other, The battle-brave man : Hrothgar he greeted. 3CXVII. Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : **Now we sea-goers desire to say. 56 BEOWULF. [1819-1853. Comers-from-far, that we intend 1820 Hjgelac to seek : we were here well Supplied in our wishes : thou served'st us well. If I then on earth may in any manner More of thy heart's love gain for myself, Ruler of men, than I have yet done, 1825 For works of war I soon shall be ready. If I that learn o'er the flood's course, That thee thy neighbors with dread oppress, As hating thee they sometimes have done, To thee I shall bring thousands of thanes, 1830 Of heroes for help. Of Hygelac I know. Lord of the Geats, though he be young Chief of his folk, that he me will aid By words and by deeds that I may thee honor, And to thee for help my spear-shaft bear, 1835 The power of my might, if thou needest men. If Hrethric then at the courts of the Geats, The king's son, aid seeks, he may there many Of his friends find : far countries will be Better sought for by him who is worthy." 1840 Hrothgar then spoke to him in answer : "These words to thee the all-wise Lord Sent into thy mind : ne'er heard I more wisely In so youthful age any man speak : Thou art in might strong and in mind old, 1845 A counsellor wise. I count on the hope. If this may happen that the spear take. Terrible battle, the son of Hrethel, Sickness or weapon, thine own chieftain. People's shepherd, and thou hast thy life, 1850 That tne Sea-Geats will not have a better. To choose as their king, any one, than thee. Hoard- keeper of heroes, if thou wilt hold Thy kinsmen's kingdom. Me thy bold courage 1854-1887.] BEOWULF. 57 Long pleases so well, Beowulf dear. 1855 Thou hast now caused that to these nations shall, To the Geats' people and to the 8 pear-Danes, Peace be in common and strife shall cease, The hostile contests which they ere suffered : There shall be, whilst I wield the wide realm, 1 860 Treasures in common ; many another With presents shall greet o*er the swan's bath : The ringed ship shall o'er the sea bring Presents and love-tokens. I know that the people Towards foe and towards friend are firmly disposed, 1865 In everything blameless after old custom." Then still to him the defence of earls gave. The son of Healfdene, twelve jewels besides. Bade him with these presents his own dear people Seek in good health and quickly return. 1870 Kissed him then the king noble in birth, The prince of the Scyldings kissed the best thane. And round the neck clasped ; tears from him fell, The gray-haired one : he had hope of both, The ag(5d man, more of the latter, 1875 That they might again each other see, Courageous in council. The man was so dear That he the breast-flood could not restrain. But in his breast, fast in his mind's fetters. For the dear man a secret longing 1880 Burned througn his blood. — Beowulf thence. The gold-adorned warrior, the grassy plain trod, Proud of his treasure : the sea-goer awaited Its own possessor, which at anchor rode. Then was on the way the gift of Hrothgar 1885 Often extolled : that was a king In everything blameless, till old age removed him From his mighf s joys, which has oft oppressed many 58 BEOWULF. [1888-1916. IX. Beovmlfs arrival at home and welcome by Hygelac. The episode of Offa and Thrytho, Beowulf's account of his journey. Freaware and Ingeld. Presents of Beowulf and Hygelac. XXV 111. Came then to the sea the very brave ones, The band of attendants ; their burnies they bore, 1890 Then* locked body-sarks. The land-guard perceived The return of the earls, as he before did : He did not with harm from the cliff's head Greet then the guests, but towards them rode, Quoth that as welcome the Weders* people, 1895 The mail-clad warriors, went to their ship. Then was on the shore the spacious boat, The ring-prowed ship, with battle-weeds laden, With horses and jewels ; the mast arose Over Hrothgar's hoard of treasures. 1900 He to the boat-guard, bound with gold-work, A sword then gave, so that after he was On the mead-bench from the jewel more honored. The costly heir-loom. He went in his sea-boat To stir the deep water, the Danes* land forsook. 1905 Then was to the mast one of sea-cloths. Sail by rope fastened. The vessel groaned ; Noi there the sea-floater did the wind o'er the waves In its course hinder : the sea-goer went, The foamy-necked floated forth o'er the water, 1910 The curv^d-prowed went o'er the sea-waves, Until the Geats' cliffs they might descry, The well-known nesses. The keel pressed up. Urged by the wind it stood on the land. Quickly was at the sea the harbor-guard ready, 1915 Who long time before for the dear men 191^-1949.] BEOWULF. 59 Longing had gazed afar on the ocean : He to the shore fastened the wide-bosomed ship With anchor-chains fast, lest the waves' force The winsome boat might carry away. 1920 He bade then bear up the nobles' treasures, Jewels and beaten gold ; not for them far thence Was it to seek the giver of rings : Hygelac, Hrethel's son, there at home dwelt, Himself with his comrades near the sea-wall. 1925 The building was fine, the prince a good king, High was the hall, Hygd very young, Wise, well-instructed, although winters few Under the city-locks she may have dwelt. The daughter of Haereth : she was not, though, nig- gardly, 1930 Nor sparing in gifts, to the Geats' people, In costly jewels. Modthrytho comacnitted, The great folk-queen, horrible crime : No brave one durst that undertake. Of dear companions, except her liege lord, 1935 That on her by day he should look with his eyes : But he wrought for himself death-fetters firm, Twisted by hand : quickly afterwards was, After the hand-grip, the sword appointed, So that the carved weapon must it decide, 1940 Tell the death-bale. Such is not queenly custom For a woman to practise, though she be peerless, That a peace-weaver of life should deprive, On account of fierce anger, any dear man. That indeed checked the kinsman of Heming. 1945 The drinkers of ale other word said. That she of folk- woes less did inflict. Of hostile deeds, after she first was Gold-adorned given to the young warrior. The brave young noble, after she Offa's hall, 60 BEOWULF. [195CV-1983. 1950 O'er the dark flood, by her father's command, Sought in her journey, where she afterwards well. On royal throne, by gifts renowned, Her portion of life whilst living enjoyed, Held her great love for the prince of heroes, 1955 Of all mankind, as I have heard say. The very best one by the two seas. Of human race : for that Offa was By gifts and war-deeds, the very brave man, Widely renowned ; with wisdom he ruled 1960 His own possessions : thence Eomor sprang For help to heroes, the kinsman of Heming, Grandson of Garmund, crafty in contests. — XXIX. Went then the brave with his trusty band Himself o'er the sand the sea-beach treading, 1965 The wide-stretching shores : the world-candle shone. Sun inclined from the south. They kept on their journey, Went in their might, till the earls' defence. The slayer of Ongentheow within in the city, The good young war-king they then heard say 1970 Rings was dividing. To Hygelac was The journey of Beowulf quickly made known. That there in the palace the warriors' defence. His shield-companion, living was come. Hale from the battle-play to the court going. 1975 Quick was prepared, as the mighty one bade. For the foot-guests the hall within. Sat he then opposite, who 'scaped from the strife. Kinsman with kinsman, after his lord With courtly speech the loyal one greeted, 1980 With mighty words. With mead-cups went Through the high hall the daughter of Haereth ; The people she served, the ale-cups she bore To the men at hand. Hygelac began 1984-2018.] BEOWULF. 61 His comrade-in-arms in the high hall 1985 Kindly to ask (wish to know urged him), What were the journeys of the Sea-Geats : *' How befell on your way, Beowulf dear, When thou so suddenly thoughtest afar The strife to seek o'er the salt water, 1990 Battle at Heorot? But didst thou for Hrothgar The widely-known woe in aught remove, For the great chief ? I for that in distress, In sorrow- waves pined : the journey I trusted not Of the dear man. Thee long I begged 1995 That thou the death-spirit by no means wouldstseek, Wouldst let the South-Danes themselves put an end to Their war against Grendel. I give thanks to God, For that I may see thee now safe and sound." Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : 2000 '' That is now plain, Hygelac lord. Our great struggle, to many of men. What a war-time of Grendel and me Was in the place where he very many Sorrows had wrought to the Victor-Scyldings, 2005 Misery perpetual : all that I avenged. So no kinsman of Grendel need now rejoice At the morning-sound over the earth. He who shall live longest of that evil race, By danger surrounded ! At first I came there 2010 To the ringed hall Hrothgar to greet : Soon for me the great son of Healfdene, After he knew of my intention. Near his own son a seat provided. The crowd was in joy ; ne'er saw I my life long 2015 Under heaven's vault of sitters-in-hall Greater mead- joy ! Sometimes the great queen, Peace-bringer of nations, went through all the hall, Urged the young sons : oft she a bracelet 62 BEOWULF. [2019-2050. Gave to a warrior, ere she went to her seat. 2020 Sometimes *fore the court the daughter of Hrothgar To the earls at the end the ale-cup bore, Whom I Freaware the sitters-in-hall Heard call by name, where she buckled treasure Gave to the heroes. She had been promised, 2025 Young, gold-adorned, to Froda's glad son : Therefore it has happened to the friend of the Scyl- dings. The kingdom's ruler, and he counts that a gain. That he with the woman a part of fierce feuds, Of quarrels appeased. Often the courtiers, 2030 After folk's fall, in a little while The deadly spear takes, though good be the bride. XXX. It may therefore displease the prince of the Heath- obards. And each of the thanes of these peoples. When he with the woman goes into the hall, 2035 That a son of the Danes on her should attend : For on him there shines the bequest of the ag^d. Hard and ring-decked, the Heathobards* treasure, While they with weapons were able to rule, Until they misled to the shield-play 2040 Their dear companions and their own lives. Then speaks at the beer-drinking he who sees the jewel. An old spear-warrior, who all remembers, Spear-death of men (fierce is his mind) , Begins, sad in mood, of the young warrior 2045 The spirit to rouse by thoughts in his mind. War-bale to excite, and this word speaks : * Mayst thou, my friend, know now the sword. Which thine own father bore into battle Under his helmet for the last time, 2050 The precious weapon, where the Danes slew him, 2051-2084.] BEOWULF. 63 The battb-place held, when dead lay Withergyld, After heroes* fall, the Scyldings brare ? Now here a son of some one of these murderers, In his weapons rejoicing, goes into the hall, 2055 Boasts of the murder and bears the jewel, Which thou with right shouldest possess.' So he advises and each time reminds With bitter words, until the time comes That the woman's thane, for the deeds of his father, 2060 After the sword's stroke blood-stained sleeps, Guilty of his life : thence will the other Warrior escape ; he knows the land well. Then are there broken on either side The sword-oaths of earls, after in Ingeld 2065 Are roused deadly feuds, and in him woman's love After care- waves cooler becomes. Therefore I count not on the faith of the Heatho- bards. Folk-peace sincere, kept with the Danes, Friendship confirmed. — I shall speak forth 2070 Yet about Grendel, that thou mayst well know, Giver of treasure, what was the result Of the hand-fight of men. After heaven's gem Glided over the earth, the angry fiend came, The terrible even-guest, to make us a visit, 2075 Where we unharmed guarded the hall. There was Hondscio destined for fight, Life-bale to the fated : he lay the first, The belted warrior: to him was Grendel, To the great war-thane, a mouth-destroyer, 2080 The dear man's body all he swallowed. Not sooner out then yet empty-handed. The bloody-toothed murderer mindful of woes From the gold-iiali was willing to go, But he, strong in might, made trial of me, (J4 BEOWULF. [2085-2118. 2085 With ready hand grasped me. His glove was hang- ing, Wide and wonderful, in cunning bands fast ; It was all wrought with curious skill With devil's craft and dragon's skins ; He me therein, guiltless of crime, 2090 The fierce deed-doer, wished to destroy, One of many : it might not be so, After in anger upright I stood. Too long is to tell how I the folk's foe For each of his ills a hand-reward paid, 2095 Where I, my prince, thine own people Honored by deeds. Away he escaped, A little while life's joys enjoyed : Yet of him a trace remained behind. His right hand in Heorot, and he humbled thence, 2100 Sorrowing in mind, to the sea-bottom sank. Me for this contest the friend of the Scyldings With plated gold much rewarded, With many treasures, when morning came, And we at the banquet had seated ourselves. 2105 There was song and glee : the ag6d Scylding, Who much had heard, of past times related ; Sometimes the warrior the joy of the harp. The play-wood touched ; sometimes sang a song True and sorrowful ; sometimes a strange tale 2110 Truthfully told the wide-hearted king ; Sometimes then began, burdened with age. The hoary warrior to tell of his youth's Prowess in battle ; his breast swelled within. When he old in years their r imber remembered. 2115 So we therein the live-long day Partook of hall-joys, until night came on. Another to men. Then was again quickly Ready for rexigeance the mother of Grendel, 2119-2163.] BEOWULF. 66 She sorrowful went : death took off her son, 2120 War-hate of the Weders. The wondrous woman Her son avenged, a warrior killed Courageously ; there was from Aeschere, The ag^d counsellor, life departed. Nor might they him, when morning came, 2125 Delivered to death, the folk of the Danes With fire consume, and on the pyre place The dearly- loved man ; the body she bore In the fiend's embrace *neath the mountain-stream. That was to Hrothgar the greatest of sorrows, 2130 Of those that long the prince befell. Then the chief me by thine own life Adjured, sad in mind, that I in the sea*s flood Should do valiant deeds, should risk my lif*^. Should honor gain ; he promised reward. 2135 I then of the water, which is widely known, The grim and fearful guard of the deep found. There a while was to us a hand-to-hai d fight ; The sea welled with gore, and I of the head robbed In the ground-hall the mother of Grendel 2140 With a strong sword ; I scarcely from thence My life bore away ; not yet was I fated ; But the earl's defence to me after gave Many of treasures, the son of Healfdene. XXXI. So the folk-king lived as was right r 2145 Not at all had I lost by these rewards, This meed of might, but he gave me treasures. The son of Healfdene, at mine own will. Which I will to thee, warlike king, bring. Willingly offer. Still on thee is all 2150 Of favor dependent : I have very few Of near relations save, Hygelac, thee." He bade then bring In the boar's-head-sign. The battle-high helmet, the hoary bumie, gg BEOWULF. L2154-2147 The war-sword ornate, his word then uttered : 2155 *'This cuirass to me Hrothgar then gave, The crafty chief, bade with some words That I of its origin first should thee tell, Said that it had Iliorogar king, Prince of the Scyldings, for a long while : 2160 Not to his son sooner would he it give, To the brave Heoroweard, though to him he were dear. The defence of the breast. Use thou it well 1 " I heard that to the armor four horses too, Exactly alike, in their tracks followed, 2165 Yellow as apples : he to him gave possession Of horses and jewels. So shall a friend do, Not at all cunning snares weave for another. With secret craft death for him prepare. His hand-companion. To Hygelac was, 2170 In battle brave, his nephew devoted. And each to the other mindful of kindness. I heard that the necklace he to Hygd gave. The curious treasure which Wealhtheow gave him, The prince's daughter, three horses likewise, 2175 Slender and saddle-bright: to her after was, After the ring-giving, the breast adorned. So bravely bore him Ecgtheow's son. The man famed in wars, by his good deeds. He did after right, not at all slew the drunken 2180 Hearth-companions : his mind was not cruel. But he of mankind with greatest power, The mighty gift, which God him gave, The warlike one kept. Long he was despised. As him the Geats' children did not reckon good, 2185 Nor him at the mead-bench as worthy of much The lord of the people would then esteem ; They weened very strongly that he wa** slothful. 2188-2214.] BEOWULF. 67 An unwarlike prince ; a change after came To the glory-blessed man of each of his sorroi?»s. 2190 The earl's defence bade then bring in, The warlike king, Hrethel's bequest Adorned with gold : there was not 'mong the Geats A better treasure in the shape of a sword : That did he place in Beowulf's keeping, 2195 And to him gave seven thousand of gold, A house and dominion. To them both together Among the people was inherited land, A home and its rights, more to the other, A wide-spread kingdom, to him who was better. Beowulf and the Dragon. X. Beowulf is king. The dragon* s hoard robbed. The fiery vengeance of the dragon, 2200 That happened after in later days By battle-contests, when Hygelac died, And to Heardred swords of battle Under the shields were as a murderer. When him there sought 'mong his victor-people 2205 The warriors bold, the Battle-Scylfings, By war oppressed the nephew of Hereric. After to Beowulf the kingdom t^oad Came into hand : he held it well Fifty winters (then was the king agdd 2210 The home-keeper old) until one began On the dark nights, a dragon, to rule, Who on the high heath a treasure protected, A steep stony mountain : the path under lay, To men unknown. There within went 68 BEOWULF. [2216-2249. 2215 Some one of men, who took his desu*e From the heathen hoard : a certain hand-vessel, Adorned with gold, he there then took. Made of red gold, so that was robbed By the fire sleeping the treasure's guardian 2220 By a thief's craft : the prince after learnt. The innocent warrior, that he was enraged. XXXII. Not at all of free-will the dragon-hoard's heap Sought he of himself^ who him sorely injured, But through necessity the thane of some one 2225 Of the children of men hateful blows fled, Through dire compulsion, and therein entered The innocent man. Soon it was at that time That there to the stranger dread terror stood ; Yet miserable he there within took, 2230 The frightened soul who terror suffered, A costly-wrought vessel. There were many of such In the earth-cave, of ancient treasures. As them in old days some one of men, The great bequest of a noble race, 2235 With thoughtful mind there had concealed. The precious treasures. Death them all took away In former times, and the only one still Of the people's nobles who there longest lived, The friend-mourning guardian, wished that to delay, 2240 So that he a short time longer the treasures Might there enjoy. A mountain all ready Stood on the plain near to the waters. Steep by the ness, firm, inaccessible : There within bore of noble treasures 2245 The keeper of rings a pai-t hard to carry Of beaten gold, banning words spoke : *'Keeplhou now, earth, since men may not, The possession of earls. Lo ! before it in thee Good men ohtamed : war-death took away, 2250-2282.] BEOWULF. 69 2250 Fearful life-bale, each one of men, Of mine own people, who gave up this life : They saw hall-joy. IVe not one to bear sword, Or care for the cup of beaten gold, The dear drinking- vessel : the chiefs elsewhere are gone. 2255 The hard helmet shall, with gold adorned, Be deprived of its jewels : the polishers sleep. Those who the battle-mask should ever brighten ; And likewise the breast-plate, which in battle endured O'er clash of shields the blows of weapons, 2260 Crumbles after the warrior: nor may the ringed burnie After the battle-chief go far and wide By the side of heroes : there 's no harp's joy, Play of the glee-wood, nor does the good hawk Through the hall fly, nor the swift horse 2265 The city-courts paw. Mighty death has Many of mortals sent on their way." So sad in mind in sorrow mourned One over all, miserable lived he By day and night, until death's wave 2270 Touched him at heart. The precious hoard found The old twilight-foe open standing. He who burning the mountains seeks. The naked dragon, who flies by night Surrounded by fire : him the earth-dwellers 2275 Saw from afar. He shall inhabit The hedge on the earth, where he heathen gold Guards old in years : he shall not be the better. So the folk-foe three hundred winters Held in the earth one of hoard-halls 2280 Wondrously great, until him one angered, A man, in his mind : he bore to his lord The jewelled cup, a peace-offering gave 70 BEOWULF. [2283-2316. To his own lord. Then was the hoard found, Hoard of rings borne away ; the prayer was granted 2285 To the miserable man : his lord beheld Men's ancient work for the first time. When the dragon awoke, strife was renewed : He went 'round o'er the stone, the brave-minded found His enemy's foot- track : he forth had stepped 2290 With secret craft near the head of the dragon. So may one not fated easily escape Woes and exile, who the Almighty's Favor possesses. The hoard-keeper sought O'er the ground eagerly, would find the man, 2295 Who to him in sleep this harm had done : Hot and fierce-minded oft he went 'round the cave Now all without : there was not any man On the heath's waste. Yet in battle he joyed, In hostile deeds : he returned to the mountain, 2300 The precious cup sought : he that soon found. That some one of men the gold had discovered, The costly treasures. The hoard-keeper waited, Angry in mind, until evening came : Was then enraged the guard of the mountain, 2305 Would many people with fire repay For the dear drinking-cup. Then was the day gone At the will of the dragon, nor in the cave longer Would he abide, but with flame went he forth. With fire provided. The beginning was fearful 2310 To the folk in the land, as it too quickly On their ring-giver sorely was ended. XXXIII. Then the demon began to vomit with fire, To burn the bright dwellings : the flame-light stood For terror to men : not there aught living 2315 The hateful au:-flyer was willing to leave. The worm's war-power widely was seen, 2317-2338.] BEOWULF. 71 The hostile one's hate both near and far, How the war-foe the folk of the Geats Hated and harmed : to his hoard then he hastened, 2320 The secret rich hall, before the day-time. He had the land-dwellers with fire o'erwhelmed, With flame and burning : to his mountain he trusted, His war-might and wall : that hope him deceived. XL Beowulf prepares for the contest. The deaths of Hygelac and of Heardred recalled. Beowulf's reminiscences. The death of Hereheald and HretheVs sorroio. Beo- wulf*s slaying of Daeghrefn, Beowulf seeks the dragon alone. The fiery fight, Wiglaf goes to his help. The wounding of Beowulf, The death of the dragon. Wiglaf brings out the treasure. Beowulf's death. Then was to Beowulf the terror made known 2325 Quickly in truth, that of his own The best of houses in fire- waves melted, The gift-seat of the Geats. That was to the good one Distress in mind, greatest of sorrows. The wise one weened that he the Almighty 2330 Against the old laws, the eternal Lord, Had grievously angered : his breast within swelled With gloomy thoughts, as to him was not usual. The fire-drake had the people's fastness, The island without, the landed possessions, 2335 With fire destroyed : for him then the war-king, The Weders' prince, revenge devised. Bade then work for him the warriors' defence. The lord of earls, all made of iron 72 BEOWULF. [2339-2373. A wonderful war-shield : he knew very well 2340 That forest- wood him could not help. The shield against fire. He of his fleeting days, Excellent prince, the end should await Of his worldly life, and the worm likewise, Although his hoard-treasure he long had held. 2345 Scorn did he then, the prince of rings, That he the wide-flier with host should seek. With a large army : he feared not the contest. Nor did he for aught count the serpent's war-might, His strength and prowess, for that he before many 2350 Conflicts survived, though dangers encountering, Clashings of battle, since he of Hrothgar, A victory-blessed hero, the hall had cleansed, And in battle destroyed the kinsmen of Grendel, The hateful race. That was not the least 2355 Of liand-encounters, where one Hygelac slew, When the Geats' king in the contests of war. Friendly lord of the folk, in the land of the Frisians, The son of Hrethel, in sword-blood died, Struck down with the brand. Thence Beowulf came 23 GO By his own might, swam through the sea: He had on his arm thirty and one Of battle-equipments, when he in the sea went. The Hetwaras did not need to be boastful Of their foot-contest, who against him before 2365 Were bearing their shields : few again came From the war-hero to visit their home. Ecgtheow's son swam o'er the sea's surface, Unhappy alone back to his people. Where to him Hygd offered treasure and kingdom, 2370 Rings and king's throne : she the child trusted not, That 'gainst other peoples the nation's seats He knew how to hold, when Hygelac was dead. Not sooner might the forsaken ones find 2374-2406.] BEOWULF. 73 At the hands of the prince in any respect, 2375 That he to Heardred would be a lord, Or he the kingdom was willing to choose : Yet he him 'mong the people with friendly lore held, Kindly with honor, until he was older, And the Wedergeats ruled. Him did the banished ones 2380 Seek o'er the sea, Ohthere's sons ; They had 'gainst the lord of the Scylfings rebelled. The most excellent one of the sea-kings, Who in the Swedes' kingdom treasure divided, A mighty prince. That to him was life's end : 2385 He there at the banquet the death-wound received With blows of the sword, Hygelac's son, And then he departed, Ongentheow's son, To visit his home, when Heardred lay dead, Let Beowulf hold the royal throne, 2390 And rule the Geats : that was a good king ! XXXIV. He remembered reward for that people's loss In later days ; to Eadgils he was. To the helpless a friend, with an army supported O'er the wide sea Ohthere's son, 2395 With war-might and weapons : he after avenged him For the cold care-journeys, of life the king robbed. — So he had survived each one of struggles. Of dangerous contests, Ecgtheow's son. Of mighty deeds, till that very day 2400 That he 'gainst the serpent was going to fight. He went one of twelve, swollen with rage. The prince of the Geats, the dragon to view ; He had then learnt whence rose the feud, Deadly hate to his warriors : into his keeping came 2405 The great treasure-cup through the hand of the finder. He was in the band the thirteenth man, 74 BEOWULF. [2407-2440 Who the beginning of this contest caused, Sad in mind, fettered, despised he should thence Point out the plain : he against his will went 2410 For that he knew the earth-hall alone, Cave under the earth near the sea-waves, Near the rushing of waters, which was within full Of jewels and wire-work : the monstrous guard, The ready warrior, the gold-treasures held, 2415 Old under the earth : that was no easy purchase To be obtained for any of men. Sat then on the ness the warlike king Whilst farewell he bade to his hearth-companions, The gold-friend of the Geats : his mind was sad, 2420 Restless and death-ready. Weird very nigh, Which should approach the ag^d man. Seek the souFs hoard, asunder divide The life from the bodj^ ; not then was long The life of the prince in flesh enclosed. 2425 Beowulf spoke, Ecgtheow's son : " Many war-struggles in youth I survived, Times of battle ; I remember all that. I was seven winters, when me lord of treasures, Dear ruler of peoples, took from my father ; 2430 Supported and kept me Hrethel the king. Gave me treasure and feast, remembered our kin ship; I was never to him at all a more hateful Man in his palace than one of his sons, Herebeald and Haethcyn or Hygelac mine. 2435 There was for the eldest contrary to right By the deeds of his kinsman a death-bed prepared, Since him did Haethcyn from his horned bow, His own dear lord, with arrow pierce. Missed he the mark and his kinsman did shoot, 2440 One brother the other, with bloody dart : 2441-2473.] BEOWULF. 75 That was fee-less fight, wickedl}- sinned, Sorrow-bringing to breast ; should yet, however, The lord unavenged from life depart. So is it sorrowful to an ag6d churl 2445 To live to see that his son hang Young on the gallows : then he utters a moan, A sorrowful song, when his son hangs For joy to the raven, and he him may not help, Old and experienced, aught for him do. 2450 Always is remembered on each one of mornings His son's departure ; he cares not another To hope to see born in his own palace, An heir to his throne, when this one has. Through might of death, suffered such deeds. 2455 He sorrowful sees in his son's dwelling The wine-hall empty, the windy rest-place Of men-iment robbed ; the warrior sleeps, The prince in his grave ; no sound of harp's there. No sport in the courts, as there were once. 2460 XXXV. Then he goes to his chamber, sings sorrow- ful songs, The one for the other : too empty all seemed. Fields and dwelling. So the Weders' defence For Herebeald sorrow of heart Welling up bore : he might not at all 2465 Upon that murderer the feud avenge ; Not sooner might he wreak his hate on the warrior With evil deeds, though he was not to him dear. He then with this sorrow, which befell him so sore. Gave up human joy, God's light did choose, 2470 Left to his sons, as a wealthy man does. Land and chief city, when from life he departed. , Then was feud and strife of the Swedes and the Geats, O'er the wide water contest in common, 76 BEOWULF. [2474-2507, A hard battle-struggle, after Hrethel was dead, 2475 Whilst to them were Ongentheow's sons Bold and warlike, friendship would not O'er the sea keep, but around Hreosna-mount Terrible inroads often did make. For that mine own kinsmen vengeance did take, 2480 For the feud and the wrong, as it was known, Although the other it bought with his life, A heavy price : to Haethcyn was. To the Geats' lord, the war destructive. Then heard I that on th' morrow one kinsman the other 2485 With edge of the sword avenged on the murderer, When Ongentheow Eofor sought out : The war-helmet split, the ag^d ScylfiDg Fell down sword-pale ; his hand remembered Of strife enough, the death-blow withheld not. — 2490 I to him the treasures which he me gave Repaid in war, as it was given me. With the shining sword ; he gave to me land, A dwelling and home. There was not to him lack. That he 'mong the Gifths, or *mong the Spear-Danes, 2495 Or in the Swedes' kingdom, needed to seek A warrior worse, him buy with a price : I always would go before him on foot, Alone in front, and so for life shall I Enmity work, while this sword permits, 2500 Which often stood by me early and late. Then 'fore the courtiers was I to Daeghrefn For a hand-slayer, the Hugs' brave warrior : Not he the jewels to the king of the Frisians, The breast-adornment, was able to bring, 2505 But in battle he fell, the standard's keeper. The prince in his might ; sword was not his slayer, But for him battle-grip the swellings of heart, 2508-2641.] BEOWULF. 77 The bone-house broke. Now shall the bill's edge, Hand and hard sword, fight for the hoard." 2510 Beowulf said, with boastful words spoke For the last time : *' I survived many Wars in my youth ; yet now I will, Old people's guard, the contest seek, With honor work, if me the fell foe 2515 From his earth-hall dare to seek out." Greeted he then each one of men. The brave helmet-bearers, for the last time. His own dear comrades: '' I would not the sword bear, Weapon 'gainst worm, if I knew how 2520 Upon this monster I might otherwise My boast maintain, as once upon Grendel. But I there expect hot battle-fire. Breath and poison : therefore I have on me Shield and burnie. I will not the hill's guard, 2525 The foe, flee from even part of one foot, But at wall it shall be as for us Weird provides. Each man's Creator : I am in mind brave. So that 'gainst the war-flier from boast I refrain. Await ye on mountain, clad in your burnies, 2530 Heroes in armor, which one may better, After the contest, from wounds escape Of both of us. That is not your work, Nor the might of a man but of me alone, That he 'gainst the monster his strength should try, 2535 Heroic deeds do. I shall with might The gold obtain, or war shall take off. Terrible life-bale, your own sovereign." Arose then by the rock the warrior fierce Brave under his helmet, his battle-sark bore 2540 'Neath the stone-cliffs, to the strength trusted Of one man alone ; such is no coward's work. 78 BEOWULF. [2542-2576. He saw then by the wall (he who very many, In man's virtues good, of contests survived. Struggles of battle, when warriors contended) 2545 A stony arch stand, a stream out thence Break from the mountain ; the burn's flood was With battle-fire hot ; might not near the hoard One without burning any while then Endure the deep for the flame of the dragon. 2550 Let then from his breast, since he was enraged, The Wedergeats* prince his words go forth. The strong-hearted stormed : his voice came in. In battle clear-sounding, 'neath the hoar stone. Strife was stirred up ; the hoard-keeper knew 2555 The voice of a man : there was not more time Friendship to seek. First there came forth The breath of the monster out of the rock, Hot battle-sweat ; the earth resounded. The man *neath the mountain his shield upraised 2560 'Gainst the terrible demon, the lord of the Geats : Then was the ring-bowed eager in heart The contest to seek. The sword ere brandished The good war-king, the ancient relic Sharp in its edges : to each one was 2565 Of those bent on bale dread from the other. The strong-minded stood against the steep rock, The prince of friends, when the worm bent Quickly together : he in armor awaited. Went he then burning advancing in curves, 2570 To his fate hasting ; the shield well protected In life and in body a lesser while The mighty chief than his wish sought, If he that time, on the first day, Was to control, as Weird did not permit him 2575 Triumph in battle. His hand he uplifted. The prince of the Geats, the fearful foe struck 2577-2610.] BEOWULF. 79 With the mighty relic, so that the edge softened Brown on the bone, bit less strongly Than the folk-king need of it had, 2580 Oppressed with the fight. Then was the hill's keeper, After the battle-blow, fierce in his mood, Threw with death-fire ; far and wide spread The flame of the battle. Of triumphs he boasted not. The gold-friend of the Geats : the war-bill failed 2585 Naked in fight, as it should not, Excellent weapon. That was no easy task. So that the mighty kinsman of Ecgtheow The plain of this earth was to forsake. Must at the worm's will take up his abode 2590 Elsewhere than here ; so shall every man His fleeting life leave. It was not then long That the fierce ones again each other met. The hoard-keeper raged, his breast swelled with breath : A second time he suffered distress 2595 Surrounded by fire, who before ruled his folk. Not at all in a band did his companions. Children of nobles, him stand around With warlike virtues, but they to wood went, Protected their lives. In one of them welled 2600 His mind with sorrows ; friendship may never Be at all put aside by one who thinks well. XXXVI. Wiglaf was named Weohstan's son, The worthy warrior, prince of the Scylfings, Kinsman of Aelfhere. He saw his lord 2605 Under his helmet the heat endure ; He remembered the favor, that he once to him gave The rich dwelling-place of the Waegmundings, Each one of folk-rights which his father possessed. He might not then refrain, his hand seized the shield, 2610 The yellow wood, he drew his old sword : 80 BEOWULF. [2611-2642. That was among men Eanmund's bequest, Olithere's son, to whom in strife was, To the friendless exile, Weohstan the slayer By the edge of the sword, and he bore to his kina* men 2615 The brown-colored helmet, the ringed burnie. The old giant's sword that Onela gave him. His own relation's war-equipments. Ready war-weapons : he spoke not of the feud, Though he had slain his brother's son. 2620 He the ornaments held many half-years. Bill and burnie, until his son might Heroic deeds work, as his old father : He gave to him then war-weeds 'mong the Geats, Countless number of each, when he from life went 2625 Old on his last journey. Then was the first time To the young warrior that in storm of war With his dear lord he should engage ; His courage failed not, nor his kinsman's bequest Softened in battle : that the dragon perceived, 2630 After they two together had gone. Wiglaf then spoke many suitable words, Said to his comrades (sad was his mind) : **I remember that time when we received mead. When we did promise to our dear lord 2635 In the beer-hall, who gave us these rings. That we for the war-weeds him would repay, If to him such need ever should happen, For helmets and hard swords, since in host he ua chose For this expedition of his own will, 2640 Thought of honors for us, and gave me these treas« ures. Us whom he deemed spear- warriors good. Brave helmet-bearers, although our lord 2643-267«.J BEOWULF. 31 This noble work intended alone To accomplish for us. ward of his folk, 2645 Because he of men most noble deeds did, Rashly-bold actions. Now is the day come That our own chieftain has need of the strength Of warriors good : let us to him go. Help the war-prince whilst there is heat, 2650 Fierce fiery terror. God knows in me, That to me 'tis far dearer that my own body With my gold-giver the flame should embrace. Not becoming, methinks, is't that we should bear shields Again to our home, unless we may sooner 2655 Strike down the foe, the life protect Of the Weders' chief. I know it well. That he does not deserve that he alone shall Of the Geats* nobles sorrow endure, Fall in the battle : now shall sword and helmet, 2660 Burnie and battle- dress, to us both be common." Went he then through the flame, his war-helmet bore For help to his lord, spoke a few words : " Beowulf dear ! do thou all well, As thou in thy youth long ago said'st, 2665 That thou would'st not let for thyself living Honor e'er cease ; now shalt thou, strong in deeds,. Firm-minded prince, with all thy might Thy life protect ; I shall assist thee." After these words the angry worm came, 2670 The terrible demon, a second time With fire-waves shining to seek his foes. The hostile men. With flame-billows burned ' * The shield to the rim : the burnie might not To the young spear- warrior assistance afford. 2675 But the young hero 'neath the shield of his kinsman With courage went, when his own was 82 BEOWULF. [2677-2709 Destroyed by flames. Then still the war-king Was mindful of fame, of his mighty strength, Struck with his war-bill, that it stood in the head 2680 Forcibly driven : broke in two Naegling, Failed in battle Beowulf's sword, Old and gray-etched. 'T was not granted to him. That him of the sword the edges were able To help in the battle : that hand was too strong, 2685 Which any of swords, by my hearsa}', With its stroke tested, when to battle he bore The sharp- wounding weapon: 'twas not for him better. Then was the folk-foe for the third time. The bold fire-dragon, mindful of feuds, 2690 Rushed on the strong one, since space him allowed, Hot and war-fierce, clasped around all the neck With his sharp bones : he was all bloodied With the life-blood ; gore welled in waves. XXXVII. Then I heard say in the folk-king's need 2695 The earl displayed unceasing bravery. Strength and valor, as was natural to him : He cared not for his head, but the hand burned Of the brave man, where he helped with his strength, So that the fell demon he struck somewhat lower, 2700 The hero in armor, that the sword sank in, Shining and gold-plated, that the fire began After to lessen. Then still the king His senses possessed, struck with his war-knife, Cutting and battle-sharp, which he bore on his burnie : 2705 The Weders* defence cut the serpent in two. The foe they felled, force drove out life, And they him then both had destroyed, Kindred princes : such should a man be, A thane in need. That was to the prince 2710-2744.] BEOWULF. 83 2710 The last of his victories by his own deeds, Of work in the world. Then *gan the wound, Which on him the earth-drake before had inflicted, To burn and to swell : that soon he perceived That in his breast deadly ill welled, 2715 Poison within. Then the prince went. So that he by the rock, wise in his mind, Sat on his seat, on the giants* work looked. How the stone-arches, fast on their columns. The earth-hall eternal held there within. 2720 Then with his hands him bloody with gore, The mighty prince, the excellent thane His own dear lord with water laved, "Weary of battle, and his helmet unloosed. Beowulf said : he spoke of his wound, 2725 His deadly-pale wound (he knew very well That he had spent his time allotted Of the joy of earth ; then was all gone Of his days' number, death verj^ nigh) i *' Now I to my son would wish to give 2730 These war-weeds of mine, if to me was granted Any inheritor hereafter to be The heir of my body. This people I ruled Fifty of winters ; there was not a folk-king, Of those dwelling around any at all, 2735 Who me durst meet with his war-friends. With terror oppress. I awaited at home The appointed time, kept mine own well. Sought not hostilities, nor for myself swore Many oaths falsely ; I for all that, 2740 With deadly wounds sick, now joy may have ; Hence the ruler of men need not to me charge The murder of kinsmen, when shall depart My life from my body. Now do thou quickly go To Bee the hoard 'neath the hoar stone, 84 BEOWULF. [2745-2778. 2745 Wiglaf my dear one, now the serpent lies dead, Sleeps sorely wounded, robbed of his treasure. Be now in haste that I the old riches, The treasure may view, thoroughly scan The bright precious gems, that I may the easier, 2750 On account of the treasure, give up mine own Life and my people that I long held." XXXVIII. Then heard I that quickly Weohstan's son, After these words, his wounded lord Sick from battle obeyed, bore his ringed net, 2755 His battle-sark woven, 'neath the roof of the mountain. Saw then victorious, when he by the seat went, The brave kin-thane many of treasures, Glittering gold on the ground lying. Wonder on wall and the den of the worm, 2760 The old air-flier, drink ing-cups standing. Vessels of old-time wanting the polisher, Deprived of their ornaments. There was many a helmet Old and rusty, many arm-bracelets Curiously twisted. The treasure may easily, 2765 The gold in the ground, each hoard of mankind In value exceed, let him hide it who will. Likewise he saw standing an all-golden banner High over the hoard, greatest of wonders. Wrought with hand-craft ; from it light stood, 2770 So that the ground-plain he might perceive. Examine the treasures. There was not of the serpent Any appearance, but sword took him ofi". Then I heard say, in the cave the hoard robbed, The old work of giants, one man alone, 2775 Bore on his bosom the cups and the plates At his own will ; the banner he took, Brightest of beacons, a bill sheathed with brass (Its edge was of iron) of the old lord. 2779-2813.] BEOWULF. S5 Who of these treasures was the protector 2780 For a long while, bore fiery terror Hot, deadly-rolling, on account of the hoard In the midst of the night, till he in death perished. In haste was the messenger for return ready, Provided with treasures ; wonder him moved, 2785 Whether he the high-minded alive would find In that grassy spot, the prince of the Weders, Deprived of strength, where he him before left. He then with the treasures the mighty prince, His own dear lord, bleeding did find 2790 At the end of his life. He began hirh again With water to sprinkle, until the word's point Brake through his breast-hoard : Beowulf spoke. The old man in sorrow (the gold he viewed) : ** I for these treasures to the Lord of all thanks, 2795 To the glorious King, in words do speak. To the Lord eternal, — which I here look upon. For this that I might for mine own people Before my death-day such treasures obtain. Now I for the hoard of jewels have paid 2800 Mine own ag^d life ; do ye now supply The needs of my people ; I may not longer be here. Bid ye the war-famed a mound to make Bright after the pyre at the sea's point, Which shall for remembrance to mine own people 2805 Raise itself high on the Whale's ness. That it the sea-farers hereafter may call Beowulf's mound, who shall their high ships O'er the sea's mists from afar drive." He put from his neck the golden ring, 2810 The bold-minded prince, gave to the thane. The young spear- warrior, his gold-adorned helm. Collar and burnie, bade him use them well : " Thou art the last left of our own kmdred - 86 BEOWULF. [2814-2838. Of the Waegmundings. Weird carried away all 2815 Of mine own kinsmen at the time appointed, Earls in their strength : I shall go after them." That was to the ag4d the very last word In his breast- thoughts, ere the pyre he chose, The hot fiery waves : from his breast went 2820 His soul to seek the doom of the saints. XIL Wtglaf rebuked t?ie thanes. Speech of the messenger. The death of Haethcyn, pursuit of Hygelac, and death of Ongentlieow, The warriors arrive* Wiglaf's speech. They enter the cave. The funeral-pyre. BeovnUf*s mound, XXXIX. Then it had happened to the young man, With sorrow of mind, that he on the earth saw The dearest one at the end of his life Livid become. The slayer too la}', 2825 The fearful earth-drake, of life bereft. Oppressed with bale : the ring-treasures longer The twisted serpent might not control. But the swords' edges took him away. The hard battle-notched leavings of hammers, 2830 So that the wide-flier, still from his wounds, Fell on the earth nigh the hoard-hall ; Not at all through the air did he go springing In the midst of the night, proud of his treasures Showed he his form : but he to earth fell 2835 On account of the handwork of this battle-prince- Now that in the land to few of men throve Of might-possessors, as I have heard say, Though he were bold in every deed. 2839-2873.] BEOWULF. 87 That one should meet the poison-foe*s breath, 2840 Or the ring-hall disturb with his hands, If he were to find the waking guard On the mount watching. By Beowulf was The portion of treasures paid for with death : It had for each the end obtained 2845 Of fleeting life. — 'Twas not then long after That the cowardly ones the wood forsook, The unwarlike truth-breakers, ten together, Who durst not before fight with their spears In their liege lord's very great need : 2850 But the}^ ashamed bore then their shields, Thek weeds of war, where the ag^d one lay ; They gazed upon Wiglaf . He wearied sat. The fighter-on-foot, near his lord's shoulders. Refreshed him with water : it naught him availed. 2855 He might not on earth, though he well would, In the great prince his life retain. Nor the Almighty's will could he change ; The doom of God in deeds would dispose For each one of men, as He now doth. 2860 Then was from the youth an answer grim For him easy gotten, who before lost his valor. Wiglaf then spoke, Weohstan's son, The sorrowful man (he looked on the unloved) : " Lo ! that may he say who will speak truth, 2865 That the folk-king who gave you the treasures, The war-equipments, in which ye there stand. When he on the ale-bench often presented To the hall-sitters helmet and burnie, The prince to his thanes, such as anywhere bravest 2870 From far or nigh he was able to find, — That he without doubt the weeds of war To no purpose wasted. When war him assailed, Not at all did the folk-king of his comrades-in-war 88 BEOWULF. lI^Ti. 2907. Have cause to boast : yet God him granted, 2875 The Ruler of victory, that himself he avenged Alone with his sword, when he had need of strength. I to him little life-defence might In battle afford, and yet I undertook Beyond my power my kinsman to help : 2880 He was alwaj'S the worse, when 1 with the sword struck The life-destroyer : the fire ran stronger, Welled from his breast. Too few defenders Pressed round the prince, when the evil befell bim. Now taking of jewels and giving of swords, 2885 All joy of home for your own kindred. Comfort shall cease : of rights of land Each one of men of this kindred tribe Must be deprived, after the princes From afar hear of 3'our desertion, 2890 Inglorious deed. Death shall be better To each one of earls than a life of disgrace." XL. He bade then the battle-work tell at the hedge Upon the steep cliff, where the earl-band The morning-long day sad in mind sat, 2895 The warriors with shields, in expectance of both, The final day and the return Of the dear man. Little kept silent Of the new tidings he who rode o'er the ness. But he in truth spoke on all sides : 2900 *'Now is the joy-giver of the folk of the Weders, The lord of the Geats, fast in his death-bed, Fills his grave-rest by the deeds of the worm. Along side of him lies the life-winner too Dead from knife's wounds ; with sword might he not 2905 Upon the monster in any way A wound inflict. Wiglaf sits there, Sits over Beowulf Weohstan's son, 2908-2942.] BEOWULF. 89 The earl o'er the other of life deprived, With care attentive, keeps the death-watch 2910 Of friend and of foe. Now the people expect A time of strife, after well-known To the Franks and the Frisians the fall of the king Becomes far and wide. The contest was made Strong 'gainst the Hugs, when Higelac came 2915 With his ship-arm^' going to the land of the Frisians, Where the Hetwaras felled him in battle, Bravelj' him conquered with their over-might, So that the mailed-warrior was forced to bow, Fell midst his warriors ; no ornaments gave 2920 The prince to his nobles. To us ever after The Merwings' friendship was not to be granted. Nor do I from the Swedes peace or good faith At all expect ; but it was widely known That Ongentheow of life deprived 2925 Haethcyn, Hrethel's son, near Ravens' wood, When through their pride at first did seek The warlike Scylfings the folk of the Geats. Soon to him the ag^d father of Ohthere, Old and terrible, gave a hand-stroke, 2930 Hewed down the sea-chief, rescued his wife, The old man his spouse, robbed of her gold, The mother of Onela and of Ohthere, And then he followed his deadly foes Until they went in great distress 2935 Into Ravens' wood, deprived of their lord. Then besieged he with ho«t those left by the sword. Weary with wounds, woes oft he promised To the miserable band the livelong night : Said, he in the morning with the edge of the sword 2940 Them would destroy, some on gallows hang For sport to the fowls. Comfort afterwards came To them sad in mind along with daylight, 90 BEOWULF. [2943-2976. After they Hj^gelac's horn and trumpets' Sounding perceived, when the brave one came 2945 In the track going of his peoples* earls. XLI. There was bloody track of Swedes and of Geats, The slaughter of men widely observed, How the folk fought the feud one with another. The good one then went with his companions, 2950 The ag^d most sad, the fastness to seek. The earl Ongentheow betook himself higher ; He had of Hygelac's prowess heard tell. The proud one's war-craft ; in resistance he trusted not. That he the sea-men might then withstand, 2955 His hoard protect from the sea-farers, His children and wife ; he went after thence Old 'neath the earth- wall. Then was given pursuit To the folk of the Swedes, their banner to Hygelac. Forth then they went o'er the Peace-plain, 2960 After the Hrethlings pressed into the hedge ; There Ongentheow was, with the edge of the sword, The gray-haired one, forced to remain, So that the folk-king had to submit To Eofor's sole will ; angrily him 2965 Wulf , son of Wonred, attacked with his weapon, So that for the blow blood spurted in streams Forth under his hair. He was not though afraid. The ag^d Scylfing, but quickly repaid In a worse way that fatal blow, 2970 After the folk-king thither turned round : Might not then the quick son of Wonred To the old churl a hand-stroke give, But he on his head his helmet first cleft, So that, stained with blood, he had to bow, 2975 Fell on the earth : he was not j^et fated. But he himself raised, though the wound pained him. 2977-3009] BEOWULF. 91 Then the brave thane of Hj-gelac let With his broad sword, when his brother lay down, The old sword of giants, the helmet of giants 2980 Break over the shield-rim : then bowed the king. The herd of the folk ; he was struck to his life. Then were there many who bound up his brother. Quickly him lifted, when for them it was settled That they the battle-place were to possess, 2985 Whilst one warrior the other robbed, From Ongentheow took his burnie of iron, His hard hilted sword and his helmet besides, The hoary one*s armor to Hygelac bore. The armor he took and to them fairly promised 2990 Gifts to his people, and kept his word too. The lord of the Geats paid for the contest. The son of Hrethel, when he came to his home, To Eofor and Wulf with vei^ rich jewels. To each of them gave a hundred thousand 2995 Of land and locked rings (for the gifts him need not reproach Any man on mid-earth, since they heroic deeds wrought) , And then to Eofor gave his sole daughter, The home-adornment, as a pledge of his favor. That is the feud and that the enmity, 3000 Hate deadly of men, wherefore I expect That the Swedes' people against us will seek, After they learn that our own lord Is 'reft of his life, him who before held Against his foes his hoard and kingdom 8005 After heroes' fall, the Scylfings brave. Wrought his folk's good and further still Heroic deeds did. — Now is haste best That we the folk-king there should behold, And him should bring who gave us rings 92 BEOWULF. . [3010-3044 3010 To the funeral-pyre. There shall not a part only With the brave perish, but there's hoard of treasure, Gold without number, bitterly purchased, And now at the last with his own life Rings has he bought : these fire shall devour, 8015 The flame consume ; no earl shall wear A jewel in memory, nor the beautiful maid Have on her neck a ring-adornment, But she shall sad in mind, robbed of her gold, Often not once tread a strange land, 3020 Now that the war-chief laughter has left. Mirth and enjoyment. For this shall the spear be. Many a one morning-cold, clasped with the fingers, Held in the hands ; not at all shall harp's sound Wake up the warriors, but the wan raven, 3025 Eager over the fated, often shall speak, Say to the eagle how he joyed in the eating, When with the wolf he robbed the slain." So the brave warrior then was telling Some tales of evil : he did not speak falsely 3030 His facts nor words. — The band all arose ; Sadly the}^ went 'neath the Eagles' ness, With flowing tears, the wonder to see. Then they found on the sand deprived of his life, Holding his resting-place, him who rings them gave 3035 In former times : then was the last day Past to the good one, so that the war-king. The prince of the Weders, a wondrous death died. First there they saw a stranger being. The worm on the plain opposite there, 3040 The loathsome one l}ing ; the fiery dragon, The terror grim, was scorched with flames ; He was fifty feet, in his full measure, Long as he lay ; the air he enjoyed Sometimes at night, down again went 3045-3079.] BEOWULF. 93 3045 To visit his den : he was then fast in death, He had enjoyed the last of earth-caves. By him there stood pitchers and cups, Plates too lay there and precious swords, Rusty and eaten-through, as in the earth's bosom 3050 A thousand of winters there they had remained. Since that bequest exceedingly gi-eat, The gold of the ancients, was bewitched with a spell, So that the ringed hall might one not touch. Any of men, unless God himself, 3055 True King of victories, to whom He would granted To open the hoard, the charge of enchanters. Even so to such man, as seemed to Him right. XLH. Then was it seen that the way did not prosper To him who with wrong had hid within 3060 The hoard 'neath the wall. The keeper ere slew Some one of his foes : then was the feud With battle avenged. Is it a wonder When a warlike earl the end approaches Of his life-fate, when may no longer 3065 A man with his kinsmen a mead-hall in-dwell ? So was it to Beowulf, when he the mount's keeper, The contest sought : he himself knew not How his world-severing was to take place ; How it against doom's-day deeply had cursed 8070 The mighty princes who that put there. That that man should be guilty of sins. Shut up in cursed places, fast in hell-bonds. Punished with plagues, who should that plain tread He was not gold-greedy ; he rather would have 3075 The owner's favor sooner looked on. — Wiglaf then spoke, Weohstan's son : '' Oft many an earl for the sake of one Sorrow shall suffer, as is happened to us. We might not give to our dear prince, 94 BEOWULF. [3080-3114. 3080 The kingdom's ruler, any advice, So that he might not that gold-keeper meet, Might let him remain where he long was, Dwell in his haunts until the world's end, Fulfil his high fate. The hoard is looked on, 8085 Bitterly gotten : that fate was too mighty Which that folk-king thither enticed. I was therein and looked through it all. The treasures of hall, when 'twas allowed me, Not at all friendly a journey permitted 3090 In 'neath the earth-wall. In haste I took A great mighty burden with my own hands Of the hoard- treasures, bore them out hither To mine own king : he was then still alive. Wise and still conscious : very much spoke 3095 The ag6d in sorrow and ordered to greet you. Bade that ye should, for your friend's deeds, make On the place of the pyre the lofty mound, Mickle and mighty, as he of men was The most worthy warrior through the wide earth, 3100 While he city-treasures still could enjoy. Let us now hasten a second time To see and to seek that heap of treasures, Wonder 'neath wall. I shall direct you. That ye may once more see now enough 3105 Of rings and broad gold. Be the bier ready, Quickly prepared, when we come out. And then let us bear our own dear lord, The man beloved, where he shall long In the Almighty's keeping patiently wait.** 3110 Bade he then order, Weohstan's son. The warrior brave, to many of men. Of dwellers in houses, that they the fire-wood Should bear from afar, the lords of the people. To where lay the good one : *' Now shall fire eat 8115-3148.] BEOWULF. 95 3115 (The wan flame shall grow) the chief of warriors, Him who oft awaited the ii'on-shower, When the storm of arrows, loosed from the strings, Leaped over the shield-wall, the shaft did its duty, Fitted with feathers followed the barb." 3120 Now then the wise son of Weohstan Called from the crowd of the king's thanes Seven together, the choicest ones, Went one of eight 'neath the hostile roof ; One warrior brave in his hands bore 3125 A lighted torch, who went in front. It was not then allotted who should plunder that hoard. After unguarded any portion of it The warriors saw remain in the hall. Lie wasting away : little one sorrowed, 8130 That they hastily carried without The precious treasures. The dragon they shoved. The worm, o'er the wall-cliff, let the waves take. The flood embrace, the keeper of jewels. There was twisted gold on a wain laden, 3135 Of each countless heap : the prince was borne, The hoary warrior, to the Whale's ness. XLni. For him then prepared the folk of the Geats A funeral-p}Te on the earth firm. Hung with helmets, with shields of war, 3140 With burnies bright, as he had begged. Laid they then in the midst the mighty prince, The mourning warriors their lord beloved. *Gan they then on the mountain the greatest of pyrea The warriors to kindle : the wood-smoke arose 3145 From the burning pile black, the crackling flame Mingled with mourning (the wind-roar was still) , Until it had broken the house of bone, Hot in the breast. Sad in their minds 96 ' BEOWULF. [3U9-5183. With sorrow they mourned their dear lord's death ; 3150 Also a sad song uttered the spouse, Pained in her breast, grieved in her heart, Mournful she frequently fettered her mind. So that for her husband's most grievous blows She wept, the grim fate of his bloody death, 3155 terror of fire . . . heaven swallowed the smoke. Wrought they there then the folk of the Weders A mound on the steep, which high was and broad, For the sea-goers to see from afar, 3160 And they built up within ten days. The warlike one's beacon ; the brightest of flames They girt with a wall, as it most worthily Very wise men might there devise. They in the mound placed rings and bright Jewels 3165 All such precious things as before in the hoard Brave-minded men had taken away. They let the earth hold the treasure of earls, Gold in the ground, where it still lives As useless to men as it before was. 3170 Then 'round the mound the battle-brave rode, Children of nobles (they were twelve in all) , Their sorrow would tell, grieve for theu: king. Their mourning utter, and about the man speak ; His earlship they praised, and his noble deeds 3175 They extolled to the courtiers, as it is right That one his dear lord in word should praise. With soul him love, when he shall forth From his own body be severed by death. So then lamented the folk of the Geats 3180 The fall of their lord, the hearth-companions, Said that he was a mighty king, Mildest to men and most tender-hearted. To his folk most kind and fondest of praise. 1-28.] THE FIGHT AT HNNSBUKG. 97 THE FIGHT AT FINNSBUKG. (See Beowulf 1068 et Beqq., and Glossary, ». v. Finn.) "Brighter pinnacles never shall bum." Then spoke the young and warlike king : " This is not day dawning, nor flies here the dragon, Nor here do this hall's pinnacles burn, 5 But here forth bear the deadly foes Their ready equipments, the bu-ds do sing. The gray burnie clinks, the war-wood rattles. Shield answers shaft. Now shines this moon, Full moon *neath the clouds : now arise sad deeds, 10 Which will arouse this feud of a folk, But awake ye now, warriors mine. Have ye your hands, think upon valor, Go on in front, be ye courageous, Mine own heroes." Then arose many a 15 Gold-laden thane, him girt with his sword : Then to doors went the lordly warriors, Sigeferth and Eaha, their swords drew forth, And at other doors Ordlaf and Guthlaf, And Hengest himself went in their tracks. 20 Then still Garulf Guthhere admonished, That they noble life for the first time To this hall's doors should not bear in armor, Now it the battle-brave might take away : But he inquired o'er all unconcealed, 25 The valiant warrior who the door held : *' Sigeferth is my name : I am the Secgs' chief, A widely-known exile. Many woes I endured, Battles severe. That is yet here determined, 98 BEOWULF. [29-61 Which of you two wilt th^'self seek for me." 30 Then was on the wall the sound of slaughters ; The curved board should, in the hands of the brave The bone-helm burst : the house-floor resounded, Until in this fight Garulf fell down, First one of all of these earth-dwellers, 85 Son of Guthlaf , about him many good ones, Corpses of warriors. Wandered the raven, Black and dark-colored : the sword-light stood, As if all Finnsburg were set on fire. Ne'er heard I more worthily in contest of men 40 Sixty brave heroes bear themselves better, Never did j^ouths sweet mead better pay for Than to Hnaef paid his serving-men. Bravely the}' fought for five of days, Likewise of nights, as no one of them fell, 45 Of the lord's men, but they the doors held. Then went the wounded man on his way going. Said that his burnie was broken in two, Brave in his war-dress, and his helm too was pierced Then him soon asked the herd of the folk, 50 How had the warriors then* wounds survived, Or which of these youths • • • KOTES. Chiefly Translations of Heyne's Variations from Grein IN THE Text of his Fourth Edition, 1879. Abbreviations : E. = Ettmiiller. G. = Grein. G.i = Grein in Biblioihek. G.3 = Grein's Ms. Gdtvg. = Grundtvig. H. = Heyne. W. = Wiilcker. Z. = Zupitza. (1) and (2) = first and second half-line. 6 (1) " The earl sorrow suffered." H. 15 (2) ..." while they were priuceless." H. W. 21 (2) ... " 'mong his father's friends." H. W. 33 (1) Literally " icy." Ace. to H., " bronze-clad." 34 (1) " Then did they lay." H. " People " added by G. W. as H. 49 (1) "Gave him to the sea;" H. W. 51 (2) . . ."the decreeof fate." H. W. as G. Z. as H. 62 E. suggests EMgilses for Ongenpedwes ; Gdtvg. and Bugge take Elan as part of Onelan, which does great violence to the Ms. reading. See H.'s note, and cf. Holder, p. 2, 1. 15. Why not supply ceror or cerest instead of a proper name ? Cf. 3169, 616, 2654. (See Additional Notes.) 73 (1) folc-scare = properly " division of a folk," but here prob- ably " the public land." See Arnold's note. 82 (1) " High and wide-gabled." H. 84 (2) H. adopts Bugge's conjecture WSum-swerian = "to son- and father-in-law," i.e., lugeld and Hrothgar, which suits the Ms. ; s in secg may have been repeated from se. H. puts period after 85. W. and G.^ as H. 131 (1) "He suffered great grief." H. 140 (1) i.e., of the fortified castle. 149 (2) . . . "therefore was it afterwards.** H. W. 163 (2) ..." to and fro wander." H. 169 (2) . . . " nor His love did he know," H., taking his as refer- ring to metode, the Creator, rather than to gif-stol, the throne ; cf . H.'s note. G.^ as H. 171 (2) . . . " Very often he sat." H. 100 BEOWULF. 173 (1) '* What for the bold-minded." H. 176 (1) H., who has changed his former view, says, *' nom. pi.**; but it must be ace. pi., as G. 186 (1) •♦ By no means make a change." H. 223-4 (2) . . . " Then was the sea sailed o'er, (1) (Ship) at end of the sea." H. See H.'s note. If eoletes = sea, then ♦' ship" must be supplied to make sense. G.'s text gives ..." Then was the sea-voyage Of their course at its end." Thorpe reads sund-Uda — "sea-sailer." H. follows Kemble. Neither H. nor G. make anything satisfactory out of eoletes. G.^ and W. as H. 940 (2) , . . " Have borne your helmets." H. Prof. March sug- gests Hro'Sgctr secean = *' Hrothgar to seek," which suits well ; cf. 268, 339 ; as would also Hrd^gd,r gretan = " Hroth- gar to greet"; cf. 1646, 2010. Ms. shows no lacuna. 247 (1) maga = '' men," G. ; mctga=** kinsmen," H. 249 (2) . . . ♦' that is no common man." H. See his note. 253 (1) " As visitors free." H. 288 (2) . . . or, *' knowledge possess." 299 (1) " To such a warrior." H. 302 (1) At the rope rested. H. 303 (2) H. reads scidnon, and takes aspraet. pi. of a reduplicating verb, sctnan = *' to shine." 814 H. puts ( ; ) after first half -line, and no point at end of line. 367 " With thy converse in turn to make them glad, Hrothgar." H 389-90 Text defective, hence these half-lines added by editors, though Ms. shows no lacuna. 398 (2) i.e., the result of the interview; geping=^' fate." 403 (2) This half-line added by editors, though Ms. shows no lacuna. 404 (2) . . . or, "before the throne stood." G. 420 (2) . . . " where I five of them bound." H. 446 (1) "A head-guard provide." H., after Simrock. Cf. H.'s note. 461 (2) . . . "when the kin of the Weders." H., after Gdtvg. 489-90 (2) . . . ♦' tell thy thoughts to the heroes, (1) Thy presage of victory." H., after MullenhoflT. Cf. H.'s note. 648 (1) '• Boisterous opposed us." H. B86-7 H. thinks two half -lines omitted here, and so numbers. O. Inserts /e?a = "much" in 2d half -line. NOTES. 101 699 (2) . . . " but be in joy figbtetn.** H. 601 (2) omit " I," and 603 (1) omit " in." H. 611 (2) Lit., " tbe noise resoimded." H. 647* and 647^ inserted by G. H. omits botb lines, and in 648 inserts ne before meahton, hence translate, "After that they sun-light might not see," and takes o^^e, 649, = ** and," after Bugge. Cf. H.'s note. G.^ and W. as H. 652 (1) " Greeted in speeches." H. 668 (2) i.e., ♦' offered himself for watch against the eoten." G. ; ♦' offered to the eoten a watcher." H. 678 (2) i.e., than Grendel counts himself. 681 (1) G. takes goda = "advantages in battle"; H. = "art of fighting as a warrior." Cf. H.'s note. Why may it not mean the arms themselves? 719 (1) " A bolder warrior," H., but G. plural, which suits better. 729 (1) " A friendly band sleeping." H. Cf. 387. 736 (2) . . . ^* Great sorrow saw." H. Cf. 131. 741 (2) . . . ** him tore unawares." H. 755 (1) i.e., he thought his hour had come. 769 (1) " For earls ale-terror." H. Lit. " ale-robbery." So W. 780 (1) i.e., "with ornaments of bone-work," or "with the stag's antlers." H. 783 (1) " Startling enough." H. 801 (2) H. inserts pcet. W. as G., but (:) after " soul." 804 i.e., by magical spells had made himself invulnerable. 811 (2) H. inserts wees, and reads as parenthesis. 827 (1) H. puts period at end of this half-line. 836 (1) H. puts mark of parenthesis ) after " Grendel." So W. 849 (1) " With hot gore boiled." H. 850 (1) " The doomed-to-death hid himself." H. 875 (1) G. reads Sigemundes, but Ms. Sigemunde. W. as G. 900, 902 H. puts (,) after 900 and (.) after 902 (l). On Eotenum, 902 (2), see Glossary, s.v. Jutes, and note. 915 (2) . . . "him," i.e., Heremod; "he," 913, i.e., Beowulf. 1031 "Bosses wire-wound were keeping without." H. W. 1033 (1) "In fight hardened." H. G., after Rieger. 1069 "The hero of Healfdene, Hnaef the Scylding." H., who begins the episode of Finn with this line. 1070 (1) The name illegible in Ms. Cf. Holder, p. 25, 1. 16. W., Z. 1118 (2) ... " the warrior arose." H., who puts period. So W. 1124 (2) , . . "gone was their strength." H., i.e.. the men them- selves. 102 BEOWULF. 1129 (1) "All united." H., who inserts ealles; see Ms note. CI 1097. 1143-4 *' When Hunlafing, the battle-sword, Best of weapons, he placed on his breast." H., who refers to Rieger. See Glossary. 1162-68 Measure varied on account of the long lines of the poem here, in 1705-7, and in 2996-6. 1224 (1) ** The wiudy walls." H. " The windy earth-walls." W. 1226 (2) ... "Be thou to my son." H. W. 1257 (1) H. puts (,) here, and (;) after 1258 (l). So W. 1267 (1) *' Sword-accursed, hated." H. 1278 (2) . . . ♦< her son's death to avenge." H. 1287 (2) . . . " cleaves when they meet." H. ; andweard = "present." 1291 (2) ... " whom terror seized." H. ia20 (1) i.e., as Beowulf had courteously bid him ♦♦ Good-night." 1338 (1) i.e., having forfeited his life. 1392 (2) . . . Grendel's mother is referred to as either masculiue or feminine. Cf. 1260 et al. 1454 (1) "Fire nor war-swords." H. See H.'s Glossary, s.v. brand. 1486 (2) ... •* pre-eminently good." H. 1508 (2) . . . *« he had courage for that." H., as parenthesis. 1583 (1) i.e., another such number, fifteen more. 1634 (2) . . . "the kingly-bold men." H., as Ms. 1637 (1) H. puts ( : ) after this half-line, and no point after 1636. 1649 H. puts ( : ) at end and no point in 1650 ; hence = " The wonderful sight the warriors gazed on." So W. 1691 (1) '^ Rashly they acted." H. 1705 (2) . . . " with firmness thou boldest it all." H. Cf. 1162-68. 1723-69. This moralizing speech of Hrothgar's is considered by some an interpolation. It is all omitted by E. except 1758-9, which follow 1722. 1724 i.e., about Heremod, from whose conduct the moral is drawn. 1728 (1) •* Sometimes on possessions." H. G. has no word lufa = •♦ landed property." It suits the sense much better than ZM/e="love." 1731 (1) " A royal city." H. 1747 (1) worn, adj., G. ; worn, n., H. ; hence, *' From evil by th' strange-orders." 1767 (2) . . . «« cares not for terror." H. NOTES. 103 1802-3 (2) . . . "Then came the bright sun (1) Gliding over the ground ; " H. Ms. shows no lacuna, but some words needed. Cf. Holder, p. 41, 1. 23. W. as H. 1870 (1) G. inserts cit^lice="' kindly," but without Ms. authority. 1873 (2) i.e., of his return, and of seeing him again. Cf. 1869. 1880-1 (2) . . . " secretly longeth (1) The hero 'gainst blood." H., i.e., for one not related by blood to him. 1896 (1) ♦♦ The shining visitors." H. 1925-6 (2) . . . '« the king strong-in-might, (1) High in the hall." H. 1931-2 (2) . . . " Thrytho showed pride, The great folk-queen, wrought terrible deeds." H. Thrytho seems better than Modthrytho for the name of Offa's queen. See Glossary and H.'s note. Mod and pry'So separated in Ms. 1936 (1) ♦♦ But she laid upon him." H. 1939 (1) " So that hostile sword." H. With moste begins the second hand in the Ms. 1944 (1) G., 071 hoh snod. H., onhohsnode^ but with same mean- ing. No e in Ms. 1945 (2) . . . " said one to another." H. Cf. 870. 1981 (1) G. inserts he6, = '' high." W. omits it. 2009 (1) " By fen surrounded." H. 2021 (1) i.e., at the end of the seats, the noblest warriors. H, 2029-31 (2) . . . ♦♦ Often not seldom (1) The deadly spear rests." H., who inserts no in 2029. 2030 (1) " After prince's fall." H., i.e., after the death of Froda, king of the Heathobards. Cf. 2391. 2035 i.e., that a noble Dane should protect his queen, Freaware. 2035 (2) . . . ♦' the nobles should serve : " H. 2051 (2) . . . " when recompense failed." H., who does not take W'tSergyld as proper name, and includes in parenthesis 2051 (2) and 2052 (1). 2062 (1) ♦* Escape alive." H. W. as G. Z. as H. 2069 This digression about Ingeld, put into BeowulTs mouth, reads as an anachronism. 2076 (1) Hondscid now recognized by G. and H. as proper name, though not so regarded in their translations. H. takes it as dative, but hild= "battle," as nom. : "There was to Hondscio battle destructive." 104 BEOWULF. 2131 (2) . . , ** by thy consent.** H. 2147 (2) . . . *' at his own will.** H. 2152 (2) H. puts (,) after eafor = ** boar.** 2170 (1) Properly, first-cousin. 2187 (1) " They said very often.'* H. 2196 i.e., sceattas. A sceat^ according to Bosworth, was ^ of a pening and ^ of a scylUng : perhaps = between one and two cents. 2199 (2) i.e., to Hygelac, the reigning king. 2200 (1) i.e., the possession of the kingdom, repeated in 2207. An unskilful joining of the story of Grendel to that of the dragon. 2201 (1) ♦' To the fierce warriors.** H., i.e., the Geats. Cf. 2351. 2216-31 Ms. much injured in this passage. Translation accord- ing to G.'s emendations, which, however, will not all suit the Ms. 2220-21 •♦ The prince," i.e., Beowulf: " he," i.e., the dragon. 2224 (2) H. reads pe6w = ♦' slave,'* instead of t^egn = " thane,'* which would suit well, but Holder gives pegn plainly in Ms. Othw emendations of H. will not suit Holder's reprint of the Ms. 2228 (1) " The stranger,** i.e., the fugitive who took refuge in the dragon's cave. 2246 (2) . . . "a few words spoke." H. G. has fee-word = "banning words," and refers to H., but suggests fed wor(Za=" few words." H., however, adopts fed worda in his 4th edition, although Holder gives /ec worda as Ms. reading. So Z. 2253 (1) " Or bring the cup." H. W. 2268 (2) . . . "miserable wept he." H. W. 2276 (1) " Cave under the earth," H., which is better. Ms. cor- rupt. W. as H. 2288 (1) " He snuffed o'er the stone." H. 2297-8 (2) . . . "not there any man (1) Was on this waste." H., which suits Ms. better. 2330 (1) i.e., the ten commandments. H. 2351 (1) *' The warrior bold." H. Cf. 2201. 2361 (2) H. omits *' and one," and places (. . .). Holder shows no lacuna. In 3d ed. H. gives emendations of Gdtvg., G., and Rieger, and in 4th ed. that of Bugge. 2391 (2) . . . "for that prince's fall." H., i.e., Heardred. Cf. 2030. NOTES. 105 2393 a) " To the helpless a foe. With an army he went." H. See Glossary and H.'s note. Miillenhoff and Bugge support G. Holder gives /re(5w<2 plainly. So does Z. 2395-6 •♦ he," i.e., Eadgils; " the king," i.e., Onela. (2) . . . "he after avenged it (1) With cold care-journeys." H. ; "he," i.e., Beowulf; "the king," i.e., Eadgils, the "care- journeys" being Beo- wulf's expedition against Eadgils. 2475 H. takes o«5e = "and," after Bugge ; cf. 649. On this line cf. also note to 2930-32. 2490 (1) i.e., to Hrethel, mentioned above, 2474 and 2430. 2501 (1) " When with my might." H., who puts comma after 2500. 2525 " Flee from a foot's length, the monster foe." H. 2538 (1) " Arose then by his shield." H. 2544 (1) " The fighter bold." H. Cf. 2201, 2351. 2545 (1) " He stood on stony arch." H., as parenthesis. 2566 (2) . . . " against the stout shield." H. 2570 (1) "Hastening forwards." H., after Mullenhoff; see H.'s note. 2574-5 " Was to proceed as Weird did not permit, (1) In battle renowned." H. 2577 (1) Text as H. G. says: " Perhaps, with Thorpe, to read, * With the sword of Ing,' a king of the Danes." (See Addi- tional Notes.) 2586 (2) . . . " That was no pleasant way." H. 2613 ** To the friendless the vengeance of Weohstan the slayer.' H. 2638-41 (2) . . . "therefore he us chose To glory us urged, and gave me these treasures, (1) Because he us deemed." H. 2660 (1) " Burnie and shield-sign." H. 2687 (1) " The wondrous-sharp weapon." H. 2765-66 (2) . . . " each one of mankind Cause to be proud, guard himself he who will." H. G. supplies ^or' whom." 707 (1) "The ceaseless foe." H. W. Cf. 801. 749 (2) i.e., Beowulf sat supported on his own arm. G. H. 801 (2) . . . " the ceaseless foe." H. W. Cf. 707. 897 (2) ..." the worm hot melted." H. W. 900 (2) . . . (that he ere undertook). H. 902 (1) W. reads ear/o'S = " misery," but eq/b'S = "strength" is better. 1032 (1) fela ld,fe = " leavings of files," hence " swords." Ms. laf. Cf. 2829. 1107 (2) E. has given the best explanation of icge. He reads ycge, and says : ' ' ^cg (also ecg, leg, is found) means insula ; but gold of the island is dragon-gold, hoard-gold." For another example of eg = g, cf . Ms. 2893, ecgclif = eg-clif. 1135 (1) Lit. "those which ever observe," without (.). G. H. W. 1193 (2) i.e., gold wrought in the form of rings. Cf . 1382 and 3134. 1213 (,) after gw^sceare and not after Uode. H. (,) after 1212 and not in 1213. W. NOTES. 109 1225 (1) "A happy prince." H. 1285 (1) i.e., "a sword inlaid with gold, or wound with gold- chains." G. 1320 (1) Lit. "in accordance with his courteous 'Good-night.'" 1363 (2) W. reads hrimge, "rimy," for hrinde, Ms. and eds., = " dead." G. 1372 (2) . . . '' that's no secure place." H. 1488 (1) W. takes Hunfer^ as vocative ; hence, read " a " for second "the" in 1489. 1512 (1) •' They harassed the hero." H. 1537 (2) . . . "(shrank he not from the contest)." H. 1541 (2) ..." a reward repaid." H. 1604-5 Rather, " they neither knew nor thought that they were looking on their dear lord himself." 1616 (1) "The drawn sword burnt." H. So 1667. 1737 (2) . . . "nor strife anywhere." H. - 1807-8 (,) after " bear" and after "Ecglaf." H. (,) after "bear" but not after " Ecglaf." W. 1816 No punctuation mark after "man"; hence omit "he." W. 1894-5 Uodum, H., W. ; hence insert "to" after "welcome," and erase commas. 1923 (2) . . . " there at home dwells." H. • 1943 (1) " For insult assumed." H. 2029 (2) W. inserts no, as H., and says that no may have stood in the Ms. Z. says not. 2061 (1) i.e., having forfeited his life. 2157 W. as G., but Z. rightly reads est, not eft; hence translate, "that I of his favor." H. does not insert or as G., but takes oerest as neut. subst. = " first condition." 2217-20 On this corrupt passage W. remarks : " The dragon could not avenge the theft, for he lay there put to sleep by the art [i.e., the magic art] of the servant." 2231 (1) "A vessel bright." W. 2275-6 W. as H. Z. supplies : ' ' Very much dread. He shall seek for " The hoard in the earth." 2305 (1) " The evil one would." H., after Bugge, but contrary to Ms. G. adds leoda. 2361 " He alone thirty had on his arm." W. as G.i and Bugge. 2387 (2) Properly, grandson, i.e., Eadgils. 2456 (2) . . . " the rest-place of winds." H. 110 BEOWULF. 2468 (2) . . . " since woe him befell." H. 2521 (1) " His boasting check." G. Text as H. 2523 (1) " Fierce heat oppressive." H. W. as G. Z. as H. 2576 (2) " Struck the frightfully bright one." H. 2577 incgelafe is one word in Ms., at beginning of a line. Read sinc-gelafe = "with the treasure-sword," i.e., precious or costly sword ; s may have stood at end of 2576, and we might arrange : sloh sinc-gelctfe, pcet sio ecg gewctc. Cf. 2679 ; also ma'S^um-sweord, 1023, sinc-ma^^um, 2193, and sinc- gestreona, 1226. gelaf is not found, but many analogous forms exist, as gelcic, gelM, gestreon, &c. If this reading is correct, we need no longer seek an explanation for a hypo- thetical incge. 2619 (2) "his," i.e., Onela's. 2667 (1) Literally, " His old merits were not." 2698 (2) . . . '* when his kinsman he helped." H. 2869 (2) . . . " such as anywhere best." H., referring to the armor. 3006 (1) o^'^e may be translated *' and " here, as in 649 and 2475. Cf. H.'s note to 647. 3062-65 H. gives Bugge's reading and explanation of this pas- sage, which may be translated : . . . *' By a wondrous death Let a warlike earl the end then approach, Of his life-fate, when," &c. 8134 (1) Cf. note on 1193 (2). 3175 (1) " They highly extolled." H. 3181 (2) ..." of mighty kings." W. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. FEB 1 S 1950 ftUG^ S1955 SEPi lS55 5Pli f E6 10 HLbl) -3 Pf "t^ FEB 2 5 1966 M/iy23RECD-U/jM NOV 1 2003 9,'48(B399sl6)476 YC 50094 j^^3^/^C^ 4"*^ ^^V-i/^-<--i-'-<» UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY