{"id":1634,"date":"2019-07-09T23:59:14","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T23:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1634"},"modified":"2019-07-17T13:22:53","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T13:22:53","slug":"beowulf-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/beowulf-2\/","title":{"raw":"Beowulf 2: Beowulf goes to confront Grendel.","rendered":"Beowulf 2: Beowulf goes to confront Grendel."},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n

BEOWULF GOES TO HROTHGAR\u2019S ASSISTANCE.<\/h2>\r\n[Hrothgar sees no way of escape from the persecutions of Grendel.]<\/span>\r\n
So Healfdene\u2019s kinsman constantly mused on<\/div>\r\n
His long-lasting sorrow; the battle-thane clever<\/div>\r\n
Was not anywise able evils to \u2019scape from:<\/div>\r\n
Too crushing the sorrow that came to the people,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Loathsome and lasting the life-grinding torture,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf, the Geat, hero of the poem, hears of Hrothgar\u2019s sorrow, and resolves to go to his assistance.]<\/span>\r\n
Greatest of night-woes. So Higelac\u2019s liegeman,<\/div>\r\n
Good amid Geatmen, of Grendel\u2019s atrocities<\/div>\r\n
Heard in his home: of heroes then living<\/div>\r\n
He was stoutest and strongest, sturdy and noble.<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
He bade them prepare him a bark<\/span> that was trusty;<\/div>\r\n
He said he the war-king would seek o\u2019er the ocean,<\/div>\r\n
The folk-leader noble, since he needed retainers.<\/div>\r\n
For the perilous project prudent companions<\/div>\r\n
Chided him little, though loving him dearly;<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
They egged the brave atheling<\/span>, augured him\u00a0glory.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\r\n
[<\/span>With fourteen carefully chosen companions, he sets out for Dane-land.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
The excellent knight from the folk of the Geatmen<\/div>\r\n
Had liegemen selected, likest to prove them<\/div>\r\n
Trustworthy warriors; with fourteen companions<\/div>\r\n
The vessel he looked for; a liegeman then showed them,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
A sea-crafty man, the bounds of the country.<\/div>\r\n
Fast the days fleeted; the float was a-water,<\/div>\r\n
The craft by the cliff. Clomb to the prow then<\/div>\r\n
Well-equipped warriors: the wave-currents twisted<\/div>\r\n
The sea on the sand; soldiers then carried<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
On the breast of the vessel bright-shining jewels,<\/div>\r\n
Handsome war-armor; heroes outshoved then,<\/div>\r\n
Warmen the wood-ship, on its wished-for adventure.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\r\n
[The vessel sails like a bird]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
The foamy-necked floater fanned by the breeze,<\/div>\r\n
Likest a bird, glided the waters.<\/div>\r\n
[In twenty four hours they reach the shores of Hrothgar\u2019s dominions.]<\/span><\/div>\r\n
30<\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Till twenty and four hours thereafter<\/div>\r\n
The twist-stemmed vessel had traveled such distance<\/div>\r\n
That the sailing-men saw the sloping embankments,<\/div>\r\n
The sea cliffs gleaming, precipitous mountains,<\/div>\r\n
Nesses<\/span> enormous:<\/span> they were nearing the limits<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
At the end of the ocean. \u00a0Up thence quickly<\/div>\r\n
The men of the Weders clomb to the mainland,<\/div>\r\n
Fastened their vessel (battle weeds rattled,<\/div>\r\n
War burnies clattered), the Wielder they thanked<\/div>\r\n
That the ways o\u2019er the waters had waxen so gentle<\/div>\r\n
[They are hailed by the Danish coast guard]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
40<\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Then well from the cliff edge the guard of the Scyldings<\/div>\r\n
Who the sea-cliffs should see to, saw o\u2019er the gangway<\/div>\r\n
Brave ones bearing beauteous targets,<\/div>\r\n
Armor all ready, anxiously thought he,<\/div>\r\n
Musing and wondering what men were approaching.<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
High on his horse then Hrothgar\u2019s retainer<\/div>\r\n
Turned him to coastward, mightily brandished<\/div>\r\n
His lance in his hands, questioned with boldness.<\/div>\r\n
\u201cWho are ye men here, mail-covered warriors<\/div>\r\n
Clad in your corslets, come thus a-driving<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
A high riding ship o\u2019er the shoals of the waters,<\/div>\r\n
And hither \u2019neath helmets have hied o\u2019er the ocean?<\/div>\r\n
I have been strand-guard, standing as warden,<\/div>\r\n
Lest enemies ever anywise ravage<\/div>\r\n
Danish dominions with army of war-ships.<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
More boldly never have warriors ventured<\/div>\r\n
Hither to come; of kinsmen\u2019s approval,<\/div>\r\n
Word-leave of warriors, I ween that ye surely<\/div>\r\n
Nothing have known. Never a greater one<\/div>\r\n
Of earls o\u2019er the earth have I<\/i> had a sight of<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Than is one of your number, a hero in armor;<\/div>\r\n
No low-ranking fellow adorned with his weapons,<\/div>\r\n
But launching them little, unless looks are deceiving,<\/div>\r\n
And striking appearance. Ere ye pass on your journey<\/div>\r\n
As treacherous spies to the land of the Scyldings<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
And farther fare, I fully must know now<\/div>\r\n
What race ye belong to. Ye far-away dwellers,<\/div>\r\n
Sea-faring sailors, my simple opinion<\/div>\r\n
Hear ye and hearken: haste is most fitting<\/div>\r\n
Plainly to tell me what place ye are come from.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

THE GEATS REACH HEOROT.<\/h2>\r\n[Beowulf courteously replies.]<\/span>\r\n
The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,<\/div>\r\n
War-troopers\u2019 leader, and word-treasure opened:<\/div>\r\n[We are Geats.]<\/span>\r\n
\u201cWe are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,<\/div>\r\n
And Higelac\u2019s hearth-friends, from heroes unnumbered . . .<\/div>\r\n[My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
My father was known, a noble head-warrior<\/div>\r\n
Ecgtheow titled; many a winter<\/div>\r\n
He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,<\/div>\r\n
Old from his dwelling; each of the counselors<\/div>\r\n
Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.<\/div>\r\n[Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,<\/div>\r\n
The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,<\/div>\r\n
Folk-troop\u2019s defender: be free in thy counsels!<\/div>\r\n
To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,<\/div>\r\n
The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween<\/div>\r\n
[Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes?]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
15<\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Naught of our message. Thou know\u2019st if it happen,<\/div>\r\n
As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,<\/div>\r\n
Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky<\/div>\r\n
By deeds very direful \u2019mid the Danemen exhibits<\/div>\r\n
Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
And the falling of dead. From feelings least selfish<\/div>\r\n
I can help\u00a0your king to free himself from this horrible creature.<\/span><\/div>\r\n
I am able to render counsel to Hrothgar,<\/div>\r\n
How he, wise and worthy, may worst the destroyer,<\/div>\r\n
If the anguish of sorrow should ever be lessened,<\/div>\r\n
Comfort come to him, and care-waves grow cooler,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Or ever hereafter he agony suffer<\/div>\r\n
And troubling distress, while towereth upward<\/div>\r\n
The handsomest of houses high on the summit.\u201d<\/div>\r\n[The coast-guard reminds Beowulf that it is easier to say than to do.]<\/span>\r\n
Bestriding his stallion, the strand-watchman answered,<\/div>\r\n
The doughty retainer: \u201cThe difference surely<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Twixt words and works, the warlike shield-bearer<\/div>\r\n
Who judgeth wisely well shall determine.<\/div>\r\n
This band, I hear, beareth no malice<\/div>\r\n
[I am satisfied of your good intentions, and shall lead you to the palace.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
To the prince of the Scyldings. Pass ye then onward<\/div>\r\n
With weapons and armor. I shall lead you in person;<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
To my war-trusty vassals command I shall issue<\/div>\r\n
To keep from all injury your excellent vessal\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\r\n
[Your boat shall be well cared for during your stay here.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
Your fresh-tarred craft, \u2019gainst every opposer<\/div>\r\n
Close by the sea-shore, till the curved-neck\u00e8d bark shall<\/div>\r\n
Waft back again the well-beloved hero<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
O\u2019er the way of the water to Weder dominions<\/div>\r\n
[He again compliments Beowulf.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
To warrior so great \u2019twill be granted sure<\/div>\r\n
In the storm of strife to stand secure.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
Onward they fared then (the vessel lay quiet,<\/div>\r\n
The broad-bosomed bark<\/span> was bound by its cable,<\/div>\r\n

45<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Firmly at anchor); the boar-signs glistened<\/div>\r\n
Bright on the visors vivid with gilding,<\/div>\r\n
Blaze-hardened, brilliant; the boar acted warden.<\/div>\r\n
The heroes hastened, hurried the liegemen<\/div>\r\n
Who descended together, till\u00a0they saw the great palace,<\/div>\r\n

50<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Court of the bold ones, that they easily thither<\/div>\r\n
Might fare on their journey; the aforementioned warrior<\/div>\r\n
Turning his courser, quoth as he left them:<\/div>\r\n

[The coast-guard, having discharged his duty, bids them God-speed.]<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u201c\u2019Tis time I were faring; Father Almighty<\/div>\r\n
Grant you His grace, and give you to journey<\/div>\r\n

60<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Safe on your mission! To the sea I will get me<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst hostile warriors as warden to stand.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

VI.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

BEOWULF INTRODUCES HIMSELF AT THE PALACE.<\/h2>\r\n
The highway glistened with many-hued pebble,<\/div>\r\n
A by-path led the liegemen together.<\/div>\r\n
Firm and hand-locked the war-burnie glistened,<\/div>\r\n
The ring-sword radiant rang \u2019mid the armor<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
[As the party was approaching the palace together, they set their arms and armor against the wall.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
In warlike equipments. \u2019Gainst the wall of the building<\/div>\r\n
Their wide-fashioned war-shields they weary did set then,<\/div>\r\n
Battle-shields sturdy; benchward they turned then;<\/div>\r\n
Their battle-sarks rattled, the gear of the heroes;<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
The lances stood up then, all in a cluster,<\/div>\r\n
The arms of the seamen, ashen-shafts mounted<\/div>\r\n
With edges of iron: the armor-clad troopers<\/div>\r\n[A Danish hero asks them whence and why they are come.]<\/span>\r\n
Were decked with weapons. Then a proud-mooded hero<\/div>\r\n
Asked of the champions questions of lineage:<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
\u201cFrom what borders bear ye your battle-shields plated,<\/div>\r\n
Gilded and gleaming, your gray-colored burnies,<\/div>\r\n
Helmets with visors and heap of war-lances?\u2014<\/div>\r\n
To Hrothgar the king I am servant and liegeman.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Mong folk from far-lands found I have never<\/div>\r\n[He expresses admiration for the strangers.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Men so many of mien more courageous.<\/div>\r\n
I ween that from valor, nowise as outlaws,<\/div>\r\n
But from greatness of soul ye sought for King Hrothgar.\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf replies.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the strength-famous earlman answer rendered,<\/div>\r\n
The proud-mooded Wederchief replied to his question,<\/div>\r\n[We are Higelac\u2019s table-companions, and bear an important commission to your prince.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Hardy \u2019neath helmet: \u201cHigelac\u2019s mates are we;<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf hight<\/span> I. To the bairn<\/span> of Healfdene,<\/div>\r\n
The famous folk-leader, I freely will tell<\/div>\r\n
To thy prince my commission, if pleasantly hearing<\/div>\r\n
He\u2019ll grant we may greet him so gracious to all men.\u201d<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Wulfgar replied then (he was prince of the Wendels,<\/div>\r\n
His boldness of spirit was known unto many,<\/div>\r\n
His prowess and prudence): \u201cThe prince of the Scyldings,<\/div>\r\n[Wulfgar, the thane, says that he will go and ask Hrothgar whether he will see the strangers.]<\/span>\r\n
The friend-lord of Danemen, I will ask of thy journey,<\/div>\r\n
The giver of rings, as thou urgest me do it,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
The folk-chief famous, and inform thee early<\/div>\r\n
What answer the good one mindeth to render me.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
He turned then hurriedly where Hrothgar was sitting,<\/div>\r\n
Old and hoary, his earlmen attending him;<\/div>\r\n
The strength-famous went till he stood at the shoulder<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Of the lord of the Danemen, of courteous thanemen<\/div>\r\n
The custom he minded. Wulfgar addressed then<\/div>\r\n
His friendly liegelord: \u201cFolk of the Geatmen<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[]<\/span>He thereupon urges his liegelord to receive the visitors courteously.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
O\u2019er the way of the waters are wafted hither,<\/div>\r\n
Faring from far-lands: the foremost in rank<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
The battle-champions Beowulf title.<\/div>\r\n
They make this petition: with thee, O my chieftain,<\/div>\r\n
To be granted a conference; O gracious King Hrothgar,<\/div>\r\n
Friendly answer refuse not to give them!<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar, too, is struck with Beowulf\u2019s appearance.]<\/span>\r\n
In war-trappings weeded<\/span> worthy they seem<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Of earls to be honored; sure the atheling is doughty<\/div>\r\n
Who headed the heroes hitherward coming.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

VII.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.<\/h2>\r\n[Hrothgar remembers Beowulf as a youth, and also remembers his father.]<\/span>\r\n
Hrothgar<\/span> answered, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cI remember this man as the merest of striplings.<\/div>\r\n
His father long dead now was Ecgtheow titled,<\/div>\r\n
Him Hrethel the Geatman granted at home his<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
One only daughter; his battle-brave son<\/div>\r\n
Is come but now, sought a trustworthy friend.<\/div>\r\n
Seafaring sailors asserted it then,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is reported to have the strength of thirty men.]<\/span>\r\n
Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen carried<\/div>\r\n
As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men\u2019s grapple<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle.<\/div>\r\n[God hath sent him to our rescue.]<\/span>\r\n
The holy Creator usward sent him,<\/div>\r\n
To West-Dane warriors, I ween<\/span>, for to render<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst Grendel\u2019s grimness gracious assistance:<\/div>\r\n
I shall give to the good one gift-gems for courage.<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Hasten to bid them hither to speed them,<\/div>\r\n
To see assembled this circle of kinsmen;<\/div>\r\n
Tell them expressly they\u2019re welcome in sooth<\/span> to<\/div>\r\n
The men of the Danes.\u201d To the door of the building<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Wulfgar invites the strangers in.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
Wulfgar went then, this word-message shouted:<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
\u201cMy victorious liegelord bade me to tell you,<\/div>\r\n
The East-Danes\u2019 atheling, that your origin knows he,<\/div>\r\n
And o\u2019er wave-billows wafted ye welcome are hither,<\/div>\r\n
Valiant of spirit. Ye straightway may enter<\/div>\r\n
Clad in corslets, cased in your helmets,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
To see King Hrothgar. Here let your battle-boards,<\/div>\r\n
Wood-spears and war-shafts, await your conferring.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
The mighty one rose then, with many a liegeman,<\/div>\r\n
An excellent thane-group; some there did await them,<\/div>\r\n
And as bid of the brave one the battle-gear guarded.<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Together they hied them, while the hero did guide them,<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath Heorot\u2019s roof; the high-minded went then<\/div>\r\n
Sturdy \u2019neath helmet till he stood in the building.<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf spake (his burnie<\/span> did glisten,<\/div>\r\n
His armor seamed over by the art of the craftsman):<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf salutes Hrothgar, and then proceeds to boast of his youthful achievements.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
\u201cHail thou, Hrothgar! I am Higelac\u2019s kinsman<\/div>\r\n
And vassal forsooth; many a wonder<\/div>\r\n
I dared as a stripling. The doings of Grendel,<\/div>\r\n
In far-off fatherland I fully did know of:<\/div>\r\n
Sea-farers tell us, this hall-building standeth,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Excellent edifice, empty and useless<\/div>\r\n
To all the earlmen after evenlight\u2019s glimmer<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath heaven\u2019s bright hues hath hidden its glory.<\/div>\r\n
This my earls then urged me, the most excellent of them,<\/div>\r\n
Carles<\/span> very clever, to come and assist thee,<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Folk-leader Hrothgar; fully they knew of<\/div>\r\n[His fight with the nickers, <\/span>sea monsters.]<\/span>\r\n
The strength of my body. Themselves they beheld me<\/div>\r\n
When I came from the contest, when covered with gore<\/div>\r\n
Foes I escaped from, where five I had bound,<\/div>\r\n
The giant-race wasted, in the waters destroying<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
The nickers by night, bore numberless sorrows,<\/div>\r\n
The Weders avenged (woes had they suffered)<\/div>\r\n
Enemies ravaged; alone now with Grendel<\/div>\r\n[He intends to fight Grendel unaided.]<\/span>\r\n
I shall manage the matter, with the monster of evil,<\/div>\r\n
The giant, decide it. Thee I would therefore<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Beg of thy bounty, Bright-Danish chieftain,<\/div>\r\n
Lord of the Scyldings, this single petition:<\/div>\r\n
Not to refuse me, defender of warriors,<\/div>\r\n
Friend-lord of folks, so far have I sought thee,<\/div>\r\n
That I<\/i> may unaided, my earlmen assisting me,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
This brave-mooded war-band, purify Heorot.<\/div>\r\n
I have heard on inquiry, the horrible creature<\/div>\r\nSince the monster uses no weapons,<\/span>\r\n
From veriest rashness recks<\/span> not for weapons;<\/div>\r\n
I this do scorn then, so be Higelac gracious,<\/div>\r\n
My liegelord belov\u00e8d, lenient of spirit,<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
To bear a blade or a broad-fashioned target<\/span>,<\/div>\r\n
A shield to the onset; only with hand-grip<\/div>\r\n[I, too, shall disdain to use any.]<\/span>\r\n
The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then,<\/div>\r\n
Foeman with foeman; he fain must rely on<\/div>\r\n
The doom of the Lord whom death layeth hold of.<\/div>\r\n[Should he crush me, he will eat my companions as he has eaten thy thanes.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
I ween<\/span> he will wish, if he win in the struggle,<\/div>\r\n
To eat in the war-hall earls of the Geat-folk,<\/div>\r\n
Boldly to swallow them, as of yore he did often<\/div>\r\n
The best of the Hrethmen! Thou needest not trouble<\/div>\r\n
A head-watch to give me; he will have me dripping<\/div>\r\n[In case of my defeat, thou wilt not have the trouble of burying me.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
And dreary with gore, if death overtake me,<\/div>\r\n
Will bear me off bleeding, biting and mouthing me,<\/div>\r\n
The hermit will eat me, heedless of pity,<\/div>\r\n
Marking the moor-fens; no more wilt thou need then<\/div>\r\n[Should I fall, send my armor to my lord, King Higelac.]<\/span>\r\n
Find me my food. If I fall in the battle,<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Send to Higelac the armor that serveth<\/div>\r\n
To shield my bosom, the best of equipments,<\/div>\r\n
Richest of ring-mails . . .<\/div>\r\n[Weird is supreme]<\/span>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

VIII.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.\u2014Continued<\/i>.<\/h2>\r\n[Hrothgar responds.]<\/span>\r\n
Hrothgar discoursed, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cTo defend our folk and to furnish assistance,<\/div>\r\n
Thou soughtest us hither, good friend Beowulf.<\/div>\r\n[Reminiscences of Beowulf\u2019s father, Ecgtheow, omitted]<\/span>\r\n\r\n[Hrothgar recounts to Beowulf the horrors of Grendel\u2019s persecutions.]<\/span>\r\n
It pains me in spirit to any to tell it,<\/div>\r\n
What grief in Heorot Grendel hath caused me,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
What horror unlooked-for, by hatred unceasing.<\/div>\r\n
Waned is my war-band, wasted my hall-troop;<\/div>\r\n
Weird hath offcast them to the clutches of Grendel.<\/div>\r\n
God can easily hinder the scather<\/div>\r\n
From deeds so direful. Oft drunken with beer<\/div>\r\n[My thanes have made many boasts, but have not executed them.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
O\u2019er the ale-vessel promised warriors in armor<\/div>\r\n
They would willingly wait on the wassailing-benches<\/div>\r\n
A grapple with Grendel, with grimmest of edges.<\/div>\r\n
Then this mead-hall at morning with murder was reeking,<\/div>\r\n
The building was bloody at breaking of daylight,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
The bench-deals all flooded, dripping and bloodied,<\/div>\r\n
The folk-hall was gory: I had fewer retainers,<\/div>\r\n
Dear-beloved warriors, whom death had laid hold of.<\/div>\r\n[Sit down to the feast, and give us comfort.]<\/span>\r\n
Sit at the feast now, thy intents unto heroes,<\/div>\r\n
Thy victor-fame show, as thy spirit doth urge thee!\u201d<\/div>\r\n[A bench is made ready for Beowulf and his party.]<\/span>\r\n
For the men of the Geats then together assembled,<\/div>\r\n
In the beer-hall blithesome a bench was made ready;<\/div>\r\n
There warlike in spirit they went to be seated,<\/div>\r\n
Proud and exultant. A liegeman did service,<\/div>\r\n
Who a beaker embellished bore with decorum,<\/div>\r\n[The gleeman sings.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
And gleaming-drink poured. The gleeman sang whilom<\/div>\r\n[The heroes all rejoice together.]<\/span>\r\n
Hearty in Heorot; there was heroes\u2019 rejoicing,<\/div>\r\n
A numerous war-band of Weders and Danemen.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

IX.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

UNFERTH TAUNTS BEOWULF.<\/h2>\r\n[Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, is jealous of Beowulf, and undertakes to provoke him.]<\/span>\r\n
Unferth spoke <\/span>up . . .\u00a0 the journey\u00a0of Beowulf,<\/div>\r\n
Sea-farer doughty, gave sorrow to Unferth<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
And greatest chagrin, too, for granted he never<\/div>\r\n
That any man else on earth should attain to,<\/div>\r\n
Gain under heaven, more glory than he:<\/div>\r\n[Did you take part in a swimming-match with Breca?]<\/span>\r\n
\u201cArt thou that Beowulf with Breca did struggle,<\/div>\r\n
On the wide sea-currents at swimming contended,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
[Where to humor your pride the ocean you tried.\u00a0 You foolishly risked your lives on the ocean.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
From vainest vaunting adventured your bodies<\/div>\r\n
In care of the waters? And no one was able<\/div>\r\n
. . .\u00a0to dissuade you<\/div>\r\n
Your difficult voyage; then ye ventured a-swimming,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Where your arms outstretching the streams ye did cover,<\/div>\r\n
The mere-ways measured, mixing and stirring them,<\/div>\r\n
Glided the ocean; angry the waves were,<\/div>\r\n
With the weltering of winter. In the water\u2019s possession,<\/div>\r\n
Ye toiled for a seven-night; he at swimming outdid thee,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
In strength excelled thee. Then early at morning<\/div>\r\n
On the Heathoremes\u2019 shore the holm-currents tossed him,<\/div>\r\n
Sought he thenceward the home of his fathers . . .<\/div>\r\n[20]<\/span>\r\n\r\n[Breca outdid you entirely.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n[Much more will Grendel outdo you, if you vie with him in prowess.]<\/span>\r\n
Though ever triumphant in onset of battle,<\/div>\r\n
A grim grappling, if Grendel thou darest<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
For the space of a night near-by to wait for!\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf retaliates.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf answered, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cMy good friend Unferth, sure freely and wildly,<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[Unferth, you are drunk and cannot talk coherently.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Thou fuddled with beer of Breca hast spoken,<\/div>\r\n
Hast told of his journey! A fact I allege it,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
That greater strength in the waters I had then,<\/div>\r\n
Ills in the ocean, than any man else had.<\/div>\r\n
We made agreement as the merest of striplings<\/div>\r\n
Promised each other (both of us then were<\/div>\r\n[We simply kept an engagement made in early life.]<\/span>\r\n
Younkers in years) that we yet would adventure<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Out on the ocean; it all we accomplished.<\/div>\r\n
While swimming the sea-floods, sword-blade unscabbarded<\/div>\r\n
Boldly we brandished, our bodies expected<\/div>\r\n
To shield from the sharks. He sure was unable<\/div>\r\n[He could<\/i> not excel me, and I would<\/i> not excel him.]<\/span>\r\n
To swim on the waters further than I could,<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
More swift on the waves, nor would<\/i> I from him go.<\/div>\r\n
Then we two companions stayed in the ocean<\/div>\r\nAfter five days the currents separated us.<\/span>\r\n
Five nights together, till the currents did part us,<\/div>\r\n
The weltering waters, weathers the bleakest,<\/div>\r\n
And nethermost night, and the north-wind whistled<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Fierce in our faces; fell were the billows.<\/div>\r\n
The mere fishes\u2019 mood was mightily ruffled:<\/div>\r\n
And there against foemen my firm-knotted corslet,<\/div>\r\n
Hand-jointed, hardy, help did afford me;<\/div>\r\n
My battle-sark braided, brilliantly gilded,<\/div>\r\nA horrible sea-beast attacked me, but I slew him.<\/span>\r\n\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Lay on my bosom. To the bottom then dragged me,<\/div>\r\n
A hateful fiend-scather, seized me and held me,<\/div>\r\n
Grim in his grapple: \u2019twas granted me, nathless,<\/div>\r\n
To pierce the monster with the point of my weapon,<\/div>\r\n
My obedient blade; battle offcarried<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
The mighty mere-creature<\/span> by means of my hand-blow.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

X.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

BEOWULF SILENCES UNFERTH.\u2014GLEE IS HIGH.<\/h2>\r\n
\u201cSo ill-meaning enemies often did cause me<\/div>\r\n
Sorrow the sorest. I served them, in quittance,<\/div>\r\n[My dear sword always served me faithfully.]<\/span>\r\n
With my dear-lov\u00e8d sword, as in sooth<\/span> it was fitting;<\/div>\r\n
They missed the pleasure of feasting abundantly,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Ill-doers evil, of eating my body,<\/div>\r\n
Of surrounding the banquet deep in the ocean;<\/div>\r\n
But wounded with edges early at morning<\/div>\r\n
They were stretched a-high on the strand of the ocean,<\/div>\r\n[I put a stop to the outrages of the sea-monsters.]<\/span>\r\n
Put to sleep with the sword, that sea-going travelers<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
No longer thereafter were hindered from sailing<\/div>\r\n
The foam-dashing currents. Came a light from the east,<\/div>\r\n
God\u2019s beautiful beacon; the billows subsided,<\/div>\r\n
That well I could see the nesses<\/span> projecting,<\/div>\r\n[Fortune helps the brave earl.]<\/span>\r\n
The blustering crags. Weird<\/span> often saveth<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
The undoomed hero if doughty his valor!<\/div>\r\n
But me did it fortune\u00a0to fell with my weapon<\/div>\r\n
Nine of the nickers<\/span>. Of night-struggle harder<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath dome of the heaven heard I but rarely,<\/div>\r\n
Nor of wight<\/span> more woeful in the waves of the ocean;<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Yet I \u2019scaped with my life the grip of the monsters,<\/div>\r\n[After that escape I drifted to Finland.]<\/span>\r\n
Weary from travel. Then the waters bare me<\/div>\r\n
To the land of the Finns, the flood with the current,<\/div>\r\n[I have never heard of your doing any such bold deeds.]<\/span>\r\n
The weltering waves. Not a word hath been told me<\/div>\r\n
Of deeds so daring done by thee, Unferth,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
And of sword-terror none; never hath Breca<\/div>\r\n
At the play of the battle, nor either of you two,<\/div>\r\n
Feat so fearless perform\u00e8d with weapons<\/div>\r\n
Glinting and gleaming . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/div>\r\n \r\n
. . . . . . . . . . . . I utter no boasting;<\/div>\r\n[You are a slayer of brothers, and will suffer damnation, wise as you may be.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Though with cold-blooded cruelty thou killedst thy brothers,<\/div>\r\n
Thy nearest of kin; thou needs must in hell get<\/div>\r\n
Direful damnation, though doughty thy wisdom.<\/div>\r\n
I tell thee in earnest, offspring of Ecglaf,<\/div>\r\n
Never had Grendel such numberless horrors,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
The direful demon, done to thy liegelord,<\/div>\r\n
Harrying in Heorot, if thy heart were as sturdy,<\/div>\r\nHad your acts been as brave as your words\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\r\n\r\nGrendel had not ravaged your land so long\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThy mood as ferocious as thou dost describe them.\r\n
He hath found out fully that the fierce-burning hatred,<\/div>\r\n
The edge-battle eager, of all of your kindred,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Of the Victory-Scyldings, need little dismay him:<\/div>\r\n
Oaths he exacteth, not any he spares<\/div>\r\n[The monster is not afraid of the Danes,]<\/span>\r\n
Of the folk of the Danemen, but fighteth with pleasure,<\/div>\r\n
Killeth and feasteth, no contest expecteth<\/div>\r\nbut he will soon learn to dread the Geats.<\/span>\r\n
From Spear-Danish people. But the prowess and valor<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Of the earls of the Geatmen early shall venture<\/div>\r\n
To give him a grapple. He shall go who is able<\/div>\r\n
Bravely to banquet, when the bright-light of morning<\/div>\r\n[On the second day, any warrior may go unmolested to the mead-banquet.]<\/span>\r\n
Which the second day bringeth, the sun in its ether-robes,<\/div>\r\n
O\u2019er children of men shines from the southward!\u201d<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Then the gray-haired, war-famed giver of treasure<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar\u2019s spirits are revived.]<\/span>\r\n
Was blithesome and joyous, the Bright-Danish ruler<\/div>\r\n
Expected assistance; the people\u2019s protector<\/div>\r\n[The old king trusts Beowulf. The heroes are joyful.]<\/span>\r\n
Heard from Beowulf his bold resolution.<\/div>\r\n
There was laughter of heroes; loud was the clatter,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
The words were winsome. Wealhtheow advanced then,<\/div>\r\n[Queen Wealhtheow plays the hostess.]<\/span>\r\n
Consort of Hrothgar, of courtesy mindful,<\/div>\r\n
Gold-decked saluted the men in the building,<\/div>\r\n
And the freeborn woman the beaker presented<\/div>\r\n[She offers the cup to her husband first.]<\/span>\r\n
To the lord of the kingdom, first of the East-Danes,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Bade him be blithesome when beer was a-flowing,<\/div>\r\n
Lief to his liegemen; he lustily tasted<\/div>\r\n
Of banquet and beaker, battle-famed ruler.<\/div>\r\n
The Helmingish lady then graciously circled<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Mid all the liegemen lesser and greater:<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>She gives presents to the heroes.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Treasure-cups tendered, till time was afforded<\/div>\r\n
That the decorous-mooded, diademed folk-queen<\/div>\r\n[Then she offers the cup to Beowulf, thanking God that aid has come.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
Might bear to Beowulf the bumper o\u2019errunning;<\/div>\r\n
She greeted the Geat-prince, God she did thank,<\/div>\r\n
Most wise in her words, that her wish was accomplished,<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
That in any of earlmen she ever should look for<\/div>\r\n
Solace in sorrow. He accepted the beaker,<\/div>\r\n
Battle-bold warrior, at Wealhtheow\u2019s giving,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf states to the queen the object of his visit.]<\/span>\r\n
Then equipped for combat quoth he in measures,<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
\u201cI purposed in spirit when I mounted the ocean,<\/div>\r\n[I determined to do or die.]<\/span>\r\n
When I boarded my boat with a band of my liegemen,<\/div>\r\n
I would work to the fullest the will of your people<\/div>\r\n
Or in foe\u2019s-clutches fastened fall in the battle.<\/div>\r\n
Deeds I shall do of daring and prowess,<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Or the last of my life-days live in this mead-hall.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
These words to the lady were welcome and pleasing,<\/div>\r\n
The boast of the Geatman; with gold trappings broidered<\/div>\r\n
Went the freeborn folk-queen her fond-lord to sit by.<\/div>\r\n[Glee is high.]<\/span>\r\n
Then again as of yore was heard in the building<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Courtly discussion, conquerors\u2019 shouting,<\/div>\r\n
Heroes were happy, till Healfdene\u2019s son would<\/div>\r\n
Go to his slumber to seek for refreshing;<\/div>\r\n
For the horrid hell-monster in the hall-building knew he<\/div>\r\n
A fight was determined,\u00a0since the light of the sun they<\/div>\r\n90<\/span>\r\n
No longer could see, and lowering darkness<\/div>\r\n
O\u2019er all had descended, and dark under heaven<\/div>\r\n
Shadowy shapes came shying around them.<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar retires, leaving Beowulf in charge of the hall.]<\/span>\r\n
The liegemen all rose then. One saluted the other,<\/div>\r\n
Hrothgar Beowulf, in rhythmical measures,<\/div>\r\n95<\/span>\r\n
Wishing him well, and, the wassail-hall giving<\/div>\r\n
To his care and keeping, quoth he departing:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cNot to any one else have I ever entrusted,<\/div>\r\n
But thee and thee only, the hall of the Danemen,<\/div>\r\n
Since high I could heave my hand and my buckler.<\/div>\r\n100<\/span>\r\n
Take thou in charge now the noblest of houses;<\/div>\r\n
Be mindful of honor, exhibiting prowess,<\/div>\r\n
Watch \u2019gainst the foeman! Thou shalt want no enjoyments,<\/div>\r\n
Survive thou safely adventure so glorious!\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n

BEOWULF GOES TO HROTHGAR\u2019S ASSISTANCE.<\/h2>\n

[Hrothgar sees no way of escape from the persecutions of Grendel.]<\/span><\/p>\n

So Healfdene\u2019s kinsman constantly mused on<\/div>\n
His long-lasting sorrow; the battle-thane clever<\/div>\n
Was not anywise able evils to \u2019scape from:<\/div>\n
Too crushing the sorrow that came to the people,<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

Loathsome and lasting the life-grinding torture,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf, the Geat, hero of the poem, hears of Hrothgar\u2019s sorrow, and resolves to go to his assistance.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Greatest of night-woes. So Higelac\u2019s liegeman,<\/div>\n
Good amid Geatmen, of Grendel\u2019s atrocities<\/div>\n
Heard in his home: of heroes then living<\/div>\n
He was stoutest and strongest, sturdy and noble.<\/div>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

He bade them prepare him a bark<\/span> that was trusty;<\/div>\n
He said he the war-king would seek o\u2019er the ocean,<\/div>\n
The folk-leader noble, since he needed retainers.<\/div>\n
For the perilous project prudent companions<\/div>\n
Chided him little, though loving him dearly;<\/div>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

They egged the brave atheling<\/span>, augured him\u00a0glory.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
[<\/span>With fourteen carefully chosen companions, he sets out for Dane-land.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The excellent knight from the folk of the Geatmen<\/div>\n
Had liegemen selected, likest to prove them<\/div>\n
Trustworthy warriors; with fourteen companions<\/div>\n
The vessel he looked for; a liegeman then showed them,<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

A sea-crafty man, the bounds of the country.<\/div>\n
Fast the days fleeted; the float was a-water,<\/div>\n
The craft by the cliff. Clomb to the prow then<\/div>\n
Well-equipped warriors: the wave-currents twisted<\/div>\n
The sea on the sand; soldiers then carried<\/div>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

On the breast of the vessel bright-shining jewels,<\/div>\n
Handsome war-armor; heroes outshoved then,<\/div>\n
Warmen the wood-ship, on its wished-for adventure.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
[The vessel sails like a bird]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The foamy-necked floater fanned by the breeze,<\/div>\n
Likest a bird, glided the waters.<\/div>\n
[In twenty four hours they reach the shores of Hrothgar\u2019s dominions.]<\/span><\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Till twenty and four hours thereafter<\/div>\n
The twist-stemmed vessel had traveled such distance<\/div>\n
That the sailing-men saw the sloping embankments,<\/div>\n
The sea cliffs gleaming, precipitous mountains,<\/div>\n
Nesses<\/span> enormous:<\/span> they were nearing the limits<\/div>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the ocean. \u00a0Up thence quickly<\/div>\n
The men of the Weders clomb to the mainland,<\/div>\n
Fastened their vessel (battle weeds rattled,<\/div>\n
War burnies clattered), the Wielder they thanked<\/div>\n
That the ways o\u2019er the waters had waxen so gentle<\/div>\n
[They are hailed by the Danish coast guard]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Then well from the cliff edge the guard of the Scyldings<\/div>\n
Who the sea-cliffs should see to, saw o\u2019er the gangway<\/div>\n
Brave ones bearing beauteous targets,<\/div>\n
Armor all ready, anxiously thought he,<\/div>\n
Musing and wondering what men were approaching.<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

High on his horse then Hrothgar\u2019s retainer<\/div>\n
Turned him to coastward, mightily brandished<\/div>\n
His lance in his hands, questioned with boldness.<\/div>\n
\u201cWho are ye men here, mail-covered warriors<\/div>\n
Clad in your corslets, come thus a-driving<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

A high riding ship o\u2019er the shoals of the waters,<\/div>\n
And hither \u2019neath helmets have hied o\u2019er the ocean?<\/div>\n
I have been strand-guard, standing as warden,<\/div>\n
Lest enemies ever anywise ravage<\/div>\n
Danish dominions with army of war-ships.<\/div>\n

55<\/span><\/p>\n

More boldly never have warriors ventured<\/div>\n
Hither to come; of kinsmen\u2019s approval,<\/div>\n
Word-leave of warriors, I ween that ye surely<\/div>\n
Nothing have known. Never a greater one<\/div>\n
Of earls o\u2019er the earth have I<\/i> had a sight of<\/div>\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n

Than is one of your number, a hero in armor;<\/div>\n
No low-ranking fellow adorned with his weapons,<\/div>\n
But launching them little, unless looks are deceiving,<\/div>\n
And striking appearance. Ere ye pass on your journey<\/div>\n
As treacherous spies to the land of the Scyldings<\/div>\n

65<\/span><\/p>\n

And farther fare, I fully must know now<\/div>\n
What race ye belong to. Ye far-away dwellers,<\/div>\n
Sea-faring sailors, my simple opinion<\/div>\n
Hear ye and hearken: haste is most fitting<\/div>\n
Plainly to tell me what place ye are come from.\u201d<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

THE GEATS REACH HEOROT.<\/h2>\n

[Beowulf courteously replies.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,<\/div>\n
War-troopers\u2019 leader, and word-treasure opened:<\/div>\n

[We are Geats.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,<\/div>\n
And Higelac\u2019s hearth-friends, from heroes unnumbered . . .<\/div>\n

[My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day.]<\/span><\/p>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

My father was known, a noble head-warrior<\/div>\n
Ecgtheow titled; many a winter<\/div>\n
He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,<\/div>\n
Old from his dwelling; each of the counselors<\/div>\n
Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.<\/div>\n

[Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest.]<\/span><\/p>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,<\/div>\n
The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,<\/div>\n
Folk-troop\u2019s defender: be free in thy counsels!<\/div>\n
To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,<\/div>\n
The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween<\/div>\n
[Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes?]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Naught of our message. Thou know\u2019st if it happen,<\/div>\n
As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,<\/div>\n
Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky<\/div>\n
By deeds very direful \u2019mid the Danemen exhibits<\/div>\n
Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

And the falling of dead. From feelings least selfish<\/div>\n
I can help\u00a0your king to free himself from this horrible creature.<\/span><\/div>\n
I am able to render counsel to Hrothgar,<\/div>\n
How he, wise and worthy, may worst the destroyer,<\/div>\n
If the anguish of sorrow should ever be lessened,<\/div>\n
Comfort come to him, and care-waves grow cooler,<\/div>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

Or ever hereafter he agony suffer<\/div>\n
And troubling distress, while towereth upward<\/div>\n
The handsomest of houses high on the summit.\u201d<\/div>\n

[The coast-guard reminds Beowulf that it is easier to say than to do.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Bestriding his stallion, the strand-watchman answered,<\/div>\n
The doughty retainer: \u201cThe difference surely<\/div>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2019Twixt words and works, the warlike shield-bearer<\/div>\n
Who judgeth wisely well shall determine.<\/div>\n
This band, I hear, beareth no malice<\/div>\n
[I am satisfied of your good intentions, and shall lead you to the palace.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
To the prince of the Scyldings. Pass ye then onward<\/div>\n
With weapons and armor. I shall lead you in person;<\/div>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

To my war-trusty vassals command I shall issue<\/div>\n
To keep from all injury your excellent vessal\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
[Your boat shall be well cared for during your stay here.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Your fresh-tarred craft, \u2019gainst every opposer<\/div>\n
Close by the sea-shore, till the curved-neck\u00e8d bark shall<\/div>\n
Waft back again the well-beloved hero<\/div>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

O\u2019er the way of the water to Weder dominions<\/div>\n
[He again compliments Beowulf.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
To warrior so great \u2019twill be granted sure<\/div>\n
In the storm of strife to stand secure.\u201d<\/div>\n
Onward they fared then (the vessel lay quiet,<\/div>\n
The broad-bosomed bark<\/span> was bound by its cable,<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

Firmly at anchor); the boar-signs glistened<\/div>\n
Bright on the visors vivid with gilding,<\/div>\n
Blaze-hardened, brilliant; the boar acted warden.<\/div>\n
The heroes hastened, hurried the liegemen<\/div>\n
Who descended together, till\u00a0they saw the great palace,<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

Court of the bold ones, that they easily thither<\/div>\n
Might fare on their journey; the aforementioned warrior<\/div>\n
Turning his courser, quoth as he left them:<\/div>\n

[The coast-guard, having discharged his duty, bids them God-speed.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Tis time I were faring; Father Almighty<\/div>\n
Grant you His grace, and give you to journey<\/div>\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe on your mission! To the sea I will get me<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst hostile warriors as warden to stand.\u201d<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

VI.<\/a><\/h2>\n

BEOWULF INTRODUCES HIMSELF AT THE PALACE.<\/h2>\n
The highway glistened with many-hued pebble,<\/div>\n
A by-path led the liegemen together.<\/div>\n
Firm and hand-locked the war-burnie glistened,<\/div>\n
The ring-sword radiant rang \u2019mid the armor<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

[As the party was approaching the palace together, they set their arms and armor against the wall.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
In warlike equipments. \u2019Gainst the wall of the building<\/div>\n
Their wide-fashioned war-shields they weary did set then,<\/div>\n
Battle-shields sturdy; benchward they turned then;<\/div>\n
Their battle-sarks rattled, the gear of the heroes;<\/div>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

The lances stood up then, all in a cluster,<\/div>\n
The arms of the seamen, ashen-shafts mounted<\/div>\n
With edges of iron: the armor-clad troopers<\/div>\n

[A Danish hero asks them whence and why they are come.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Were decked with weapons. Then a proud-mooded hero<\/div>\n
Asked of the champions questions of lineage:<\/div>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what borders bear ye your battle-shields plated,<\/div>\n
Gilded and gleaming, your gray-colored burnies,<\/div>\n
Helmets with visors and heap of war-lances?\u2014<\/div>\n
To Hrothgar the king I am servant and liegeman.<\/div>\n
\u2019Mong folk from far-lands found I have never<\/div>\n

[He expresses admiration for the strangers.]<\/span><\/p>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

Men so many of mien more courageous.<\/div>\n
I ween that from valor, nowise as outlaws,<\/div>\n
But from greatness of soul ye sought for King Hrothgar.\u201d<\/div>\n

[Beowulf replies.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then the strength-famous earlman answer rendered,<\/div>\n
The proud-mooded Wederchief replied to his question,<\/div>\n

[We are Higelac\u2019s table-companions, and bear an important commission to your prince.]<\/span><\/p>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

Hardy \u2019neath helmet: \u201cHigelac\u2019s mates are we;<\/div>\n
Beowulf hight<\/span> I. To the bairn<\/span> of Healfdene,<\/div>\n
The famous folk-leader, I freely will tell<\/div>\n
To thy prince my commission, if pleasantly hearing<\/div>\n
He\u2019ll grant we may greet him so gracious to all men.\u201d<\/div>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

Wulfgar replied then (he was prince of the Wendels,<\/div>\n
His boldness of spirit was known unto many,<\/div>\n
His prowess and prudence): \u201cThe prince of the Scyldings,<\/div>\n

[Wulfgar, the thane, says that he will go and ask Hrothgar whether he will see the strangers.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The friend-lord of Danemen, I will ask of thy journey,<\/div>\n
The giver of rings, as thou urgest me do it,<\/div>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

The folk-chief famous, and inform thee early<\/div>\n
What answer the good one mindeth to render me.\u201d<\/div>\n
He turned then hurriedly where Hrothgar was sitting,<\/div>\n
Old and hoary, his earlmen attending him;<\/div>\n
The strength-famous went till he stood at the shoulder<\/div>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the lord of the Danemen, of courteous thanemen<\/div>\n
The custom he minded. Wulfgar addressed then<\/div>\n
His friendly liegelord: \u201cFolk of the Geatmen<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[]<\/span>He thereupon urges his liegelord to receive the visitors courteously.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
O\u2019er the way of the waters are wafted hither,<\/div>\n
Faring from far-lands: the foremost in rank<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

The battle-champions Beowulf title.<\/div>\n
They make this petition: with thee, O my chieftain,<\/div>\n
To be granted a conference; O gracious King Hrothgar,<\/div>\n
Friendly answer refuse not to give them!<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar, too, is struck with Beowulf\u2019s appearance.]<\/span><\/p>\n

In war-trappings weeded<\/span> worthy they seem<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

Of earls to be honored; sure the atheling is doughty<\/div>\n
Who headed the heroes hitherward coming.\u201d<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

VII.<\/a><\/h2>\n

HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.<\/h2>\n

[Hrothgar remembers Beowulf as a youth, and also remembers his father.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Hrothgar<\/span> answered, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\n
\u201cI remember this man as the merest of striplings.<\/div>\n
His father long dead now was Ecgtheow titled,<\/div>\n
Him Hrethel the Geatman granted at home his<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

One only daughter; his battle-brave son<\/div>\n
Is come but now, sought a trustworthy friend.<\/div>\n
Seafaring sailors asserted it then,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is reported to have the strength of thirty men.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen carried<\/div>\n
As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men\u2019s grapple<\/div>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle.<\/div>\n

[God hath sent him to our rescue.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The holy Creator usward sent him,<\/div>\n
To West-Dane warriors, I ween<\/span>, for to render<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst Grendel\u2019s grimness gracious assistance:<\/div>\n
I shall give to the good one gift-gems for courage.<\/div>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

Hasten to bid them hither to speed them,<\/div>\n
To see assembled this circle of kinsmen;<\/div>\n
Tell them expressly they\u2019re welcome in sooth<\/span> to<\/div>\n
The men of the Danes.\u201d To the door of the building<\/div>\n

[<\/span>Wulfgar invites the strangers in.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Wulfgar went then, this word-message shouted:<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy victorious liegelord bade me to tell you,<\/div>\n
The East-Danes\u2019 atheling, that your origin knows he,<\/div>\n
And o\u2019er wave-billows wafted ye welcome are hither,<\/div>\n
Valiant of spirit. Ye straightway may enter<\/div>\n
Clad in corslets, cased in your helmets,<\/div>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

To see King Hrothgar. Here let your battle-boards,<\/div>\n
Wood-spears and war-shafts, await your conferring.\u201d<\/div>\n
The mighty one rose then, with many a liegeman,<\/div>\n
An excellent thane-group; some there did await them,<\/div>\n
And as bid of the brave one the battle-gear guarded.<\/div>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

Together they hied them, while the hero did guide them,<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath Heorot\u2019s roof; the high-minded went then<\/div>\n
Sturdy \u2019neath helmet till he stood in the building.<\/div>\n
Beowulf spake (his burnie<\/span> did glisten,<\/div>\n
His armor seamed over by the art of the craftsman):<\/div>\n

[Beowulf salutes Hrothgar, and then proceeds to boast of his youthful achievements.]<\/span><\/p>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHail thou, Hrothgar! I am Higelac\u2019s kinsman<\/div>\n
And vassal forsooth; many a wonder<\/div>\n
I dared as a stripling. The doings of Grendel,<\/div>\n
In far-off fatherland I fully did know of:<\/div>\n
Sea-farers tell us, this hall-building standeth,<\/div>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

Excellent edifice, empty and useless<\/div>\n
To all the earlmen after evenlight\u2019s glimmer<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath heaven\u2019s bright hues hath hidden its glory.<\/div>\n
This my earls then urged me, the most excellent of them,<\/div>\n
Carles<\/span> very clever, to come and assist thee,<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

Folk-leader Hrothgar; fully they knew of<\/div>\n

[His fight with the nickers, <\/span>sea monsters.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The strength of my body. Themselves they beheld me<\/div>\n
When I came from the contest, when covered with gore<\/div>\n
Foes I escaped from, where five I had bound,<\/div>\n
The giant-race wasted, in the waters destroying<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

The nickers by night, bore numberless sorrows,<\/div>\n
The Weders avenged (woes had they suffered)<\/div>\n
Enemies ravaged; alone now with Grendel<\/div>\n

[He intends to fight Grendel unaided.]<\/span><\/p>\n

I shall manage the matter, with the monster of evil,<\/div>\n
The giant, decide it. Thee I would therefore<\/div>\n

55<\/span><\/p>\n

Beg of thy bounty, Bright-Danish chieftain,<\/div>\n
Lord of the Scyldings, this single petition:<\/div>\n
Not to refuse me, defender of warriors,<\/div>\n
Friend-lord of folks, so far have I sought thee,<\/div>\n
That I<\/i> may unaided, my earlmen assisting me,<\/div>\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n

This brave-mooded war-band, purify Heorot.<\/div>\n
I have heard on inquiry, the horrible creature<\/div>\n

Since the monster uses no weapons,<\/span><\/p>\n

From veriest rashness recks<\/span> not for weapons;<\/div>\n
I this do scorn then, so be Higelac gracious,<\/div>\n
My liegelord belov\u00e8d, lenient of spirit,<\/div>\n

65<\/span><\/p>\n

To bear a blade or a broad-fashioned target<\/span>,<\/div>\n
A shield to the onset; only with hand-grip<\/div>\n

[I, too, shall disdain to use any.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then,<\/div>\n
Foeman with foeman; he fain must rely on<\/div>\n
The doom of the Lord whom death layeth hold of.<\/div>\n

[Should he crush me, he will eat my companions as he has eaten thy thanes.]<\/span><\/p>\n

70<\/span><\/p>\n

I ween<\/span> he will wish, if he win in the struggle,<\/div>\n
To eat in the war-hall earls of the Geat-folk,<\/div>\n
Boldly to swallow them, as of yore he did often<\/div>\n
The best of the Hrethmen! Thou needest not trouble<\/div>\n
A head-watch to give me; he will have me dripping<\/div>\n

[In case of my defeat, thou wilt not have the trouble of burying me.]<\/span><\/p>\n

75<\/span><\/p>\n

And dreary with gore, if death overtake me,<\/div>\n
Will bear me off bleeding, biting and mouthing me,<\/div>\n
The hermit will eat me, heedless of pity,<\/div>\n
Marking the moor-fens; no more wilt thou need then<\/div>\n

[Should I fall, send my armor to my lord, King Higelac.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Find me my food. If I fall in the battle,<\/div>\n

80<\/span><\/p>\n

Send to Higelac the armor that serveth<\/div>\n
To shield my bosom, the best of equipments,<\/div>\n
Richest of ring-mails . . .<\/div>\n

[Weird is supreme]<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

VIII.<\/a><\/h2>\n

HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF.\u2014Continued<\/i>.<\/h2>\n

[Hrothgar responds.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Hrothgar discoursed, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\n
\u201cTo defend our folk and to furnish assistance,<\/div>\n
Thou soughtest us hither, good friend Beowulf.<\/div>\n

[Reminiscences of Beowulf\u2019s father, Ecgtheow, omitted]<\/span><\/p>\n

[Hrothgar recounts to Beowulf the horrors of Grendel\u2019s persecutions.]<\/span><\/p>\n

It pains me in spirit to any to tell it,<\/div>\n
What grief in Heorot Grendel hath caused me,<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

What horror unlooked-for, by hatred unceasing.<\/div>\n
Waned is my war-band, wasted my hall-troop;<\/div>\n
Weird hath offcast them to the clutches of Grendel.<\/div>\n
God can easily hinder the scather<\/div>\n
From deeds so direful. Oft drunken with beer<\/div>\n

[My thanes have made many boasts, but have not executed them.]<\/span><\/p>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

O\u2019er the ale-vessel promised warriors in armor<\/div>\n
They would willingly wait on the wassailing-benches<\/div>\n
A grapple with Grendel, with grimmest of edges.<\/div>\n
Then this mead-hall at morning with murder was reeking,<\/div>\n
The building was bloody at breaking of daylight,<\/div>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

The bench-deals all flooded, dripping and bloodied,<\/div>\n
The folk-hall was gory: I had fewer retainers,<\/div>\n
Dear-beloved warriors, whom death had laid hold of.<\/div>\n

[Sit down to the feast, and give us comfort.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Sit at the feast now, thy intents unto heroes,<\/div>\n
Thy victor-fame show, as thy spirit doth urge thee!\u201d<\/div>\n

[A bench is made ready for Beowulf and his party.]<\/span><\/p>\n

For the men of the Geats then together assembled,<\/div>\n
In the beer-hall blithesome a bench was made ready;<\/div>\n
There warlike in spirit they went to be seated,<\/div>\n
Proud and exultant. A liegeman did service,<\/div>\n
Who a beaker embellished bore with decorum,<\/div>\n

[The gleeman sings.]<\/span><\/p>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

And gleaming-drink poured. The gleeman sang whilom<\/div>\n

[The heroes all rejoice together.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearty in Heorot; there was heroes\u2019 rejoicing,<\/div>\n
A numerous war-band of Weders and Danemen.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

IX.<\/a><\/h2>\n

UNFERTH TAUNTS BEOWULF.<\/h2>\n

[Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, is jealous of Beowulf, and undertakes to provoke him.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Unferth spoke <\/span>up . . .\u00a0 the journey\u00a0of Beowulf,<\/div>\n
Sea-farer doughty, gave sorrow to Unferth<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

And greatest chagrin, too, for granted he never<\/div>\n
That any man else on earth should attain to,<\/div>\n
Gain under heaven, more glory than he:<\/div>\n

[Did you take part in a swimming-match with Breca?]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArt thou that Beowulf with Breca did struggle,<\/div>\n
On the wide sea-currents at swimming contended,<\/div>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

[Where to humor your pride the ocean you tried.\u00a0 You foolishly risked your lives on the ocean.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
From vainest vaunting adventured your bodies<\/div>\n
In care of the waters? And no one was able<\/div>\n
. . .\u00a0to dissuade you<\/div>\n
Your difficult voyage; then ye ventured a-swimming,<\/div>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

Where your arms outstretching the streams ye did cover,<\/div>\n
The mere-ways measured, mixing and stirring them,<\/div>\n
Glided the ocean; angry the waves were,<\/div>\n
With the weltering of winter. In the water\u2019s possession,<\/div>\n
Ye toiled for a seven-night; he at swimming outdid thee,<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

In strength excelled thee. Then early at morning<\/div>\n
On the Heathoremes\u2019 shore the holm-currents tossed him,<\/div>\n
Sought he thenceward the home of his fathers . . .<\/div>\n

[20]<\/span><\/p>\n

[Breca outdid you entirely.]<\/span><\/p>\n

[Much more will Grendel outdo you, if you vie with him in prowess.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Though ever triumphant in onset of battle,<\/div>\n
A grim grappling, if Grendel thou darest<\/div>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

For the space of a night near-by to wait for!\u201d<\/div>\n

[Beowulf retaliates.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf answered, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\n
\u201cMy good friend Unferth, sure freely and wildly,<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[Unferth, you are drunk and cannot talk coherently.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Thou fuddled with beer of Breca hast spoken,<\/div>\n
Hast told of his journey! A fact I allege it,<\/div>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

That greater strength in the waters I had then,<\/div>\n
Ills in the ocean, than any man else had.<\/div>\n
We made agreement as the merest of striplings<\/div>\n
Promised each other (both of us then were<\/div>\n

[We simply kept an engagement made in early life.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Younkers in years) that we yet would adventure<\/div>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

Out on the ocean; it all we accomplished.<\/div>\n
While swimming the sea-floods, sword-blade unscabbarded<\/div>\n
Boldly we brandished, our bodies expected<\/div>\n
To shield from the sharks. He sure was unable<\/div>\n

[He could<\/i> not excel me, and I would<\/i> not excel him.]<\/span><\/p>\n

To swim on the waters further than I could,<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

More swift on the waves, nor would<\/i> I from him go.<\/div>\n
Then we two companions stayed in the ocean<\/div>\n

After five days the currents separated us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Five nights together, till the currents did part us,<\/div>\n
The weltering waters, weathers the bleakest,<\/div>\n
And nethermost night, and the north-wind whistled<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

Fierce in our faces; fell were the billows.<\/div>\n
The mere fishes\u2019 mood was mightily ruffled:<\/div>\n
And there against foemen my firm-knotted corslet,<\/div>\n
Hand-jointed, hardy, help did afford me;<\/div>\n
My battle-sark braided, brilliantly gilded,<\/div>\n

A horrible sea-beast attacked me, but I slew him.<\/span><\/p>\n

55<\/span><\/p>\n

Lay on my bosom. To the bottom then dragged me,<\/div>\n
A hateful fiend-scather, seized me and held me,<\/div>\n
Grim in his grapple: \u2019twas granted me, nathless,<\/div>\n
To pierce the monster with the point of my weapon,<\/div>\n
My obedient blade; battle offcarried<\/div>\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n

The mighty mere-creature<\/span> by means of my hand-blow.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

X.<\/a><\/h2>\n

BEOWULF SILENCES UNFERTH.\u2014GLEE IS HIGH.<\/h2>\n
\u201cSo ill-meaning enemies often did cause me<\/div>\n
Sorrow the sorest. I served them, in quittance,<\/div>\n

[My dear sword always served me faithfully.]<\/span><\/p>\n

With my dear-lov\u00e8d sword, as in sooth<\/span> it was fitting;<\/div>\n
They missed the pleasure of feasting abundantly,<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

Ill-doers evil, of eating my body,<\/div>\n
Of surrounding the banquet deep in the ocean;<\/div>\n
But wounded with edges early at morning<\/div>\n
They were stretched a-high on the strand of the ocean,<\/div>\n

[I put a stop to the outrages of the sea-monsters.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Put to sleep with the sword, that sea-going travelers<\/div>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

No longer thereafter were hindered from sailing<\/div>\n
The foam-dashing currents. Came a light from the east,<\/div>\n
God\u2019s beautiful beacon; the billows subsided,<\/div>\n
That well I could see the nesses<\/span> projecting,<\/div>\n

[Fortune helps the brave earl.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The blustering crags. Weird<\/span> often saveth<\/div>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

The undoomed hero if doughty his valor!<\/div>\n
But me did it fortune\u00a0to fell with my weapon<\/div>\n
Nine of the nickers<\/span>. Of night-struggle harder<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath dome of the heaven heard I but rarely,<\/div>\n
Nor of wight<\/span> more woeful in the waves of the ocean;<\/div>\n

20<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet I \u2019scaped with my life the grip of the monsters,<\/div>\n

[After that escape I drifted to Finland.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Weary from travel. Then the waters bare me<\/div>\n
To the land of the Finns, the flood with the current,<\/div>\n

[I have never heard of your doing any such bold deeds.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The weltering waves. Not a word hath been told me<\/div>\n
Of deeds so daring done by thee, Unferth,<\/div>\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n

And of sword-terror none; never hath Breca<\/div>\n
At the play of the battle, nor either of you two,<\/div>\n
Feat so fearless perform\u00e8d with weapons<\/div>\n
Glinting and gleaming . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

. . . . . . . . . . . . I utter no boasting;<\/div>\n

[You are a slayer of brothers, and will suffer damnation, wise as you may be.]<\/span><\/p>\n

30<\/span><\/p>\n

Though with cold-blooded cruelty thou killedst thy brothers,<\/div>\n
Thy nearest of kin; thou needs must in hell get<\/div>\n
Direful damnation, though doughty thy wisdom.<\/div>\n
I tell thee in earnest, offspring of Ecglaf,<\/div>\n
Never had Grendel such numberless horrors,<\/div>\n

35<\/span><\/p>\n

The direful demon, done to thy liegelord,<\/div>\n
Harrying in Heorot, if thy heart were as sturdy,<\/div>\n

Had your acts been as brave as your words\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Grendel had not ravaged your land so long\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thy mood as ferocious as thou dost describe them.<\/p>\n

He hath found out fully that the fierce-burning hatred,<\/div>\n
The edge-battle eager, of all of your kindred,<\/div>\n

40<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the Victory-Scyldings, need little dismay him:<\/div>\n
Oaths he exacteth, not any he spares<\/div>\n

[The monster is not afraid of the Danes,]<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the folk of the Danemen, but fighteth with pleasure,<\/div>\n
Killeth and feasteth, no contest expecteth<\/div>\n

but he will soon learn to dread the Geats.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Spear-Danish people. But the prowess and valor<\/div>\n

45<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the earls of the Geatmen early shall venture<\/div>\n
To give him a grapple. He shall go who is able<\/div>\n
Bravely to banquet, when the bright-light of morning<\/div>\n

[On the second day, any warrior may go unmolested to the mead-banquet.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Which the second day bringeth, the sun in its ether-robes,<\/div>\n
O\u2019er children of men shines from the southward!\u201d<\/div>\n

50<\/span><\/p>\n

Then the gray-haired, war-famed giver of treasure<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar\u2019s spirits are revived.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Was blithesome and joyous, the Bright-Danish ruler<\/div>\n
Expected assistance; the people\u2019s protector<\/div>\n

[The old king trusts Beowulf. The heroes are joyful.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Heard from Beowulf his bold resolution.<\/div>\n
There was laughter of heroes; loud was the clatter,<\/div>\n

55<\/span><\/p>\n

The words were winsome. Wealhtheow advanced then,<\/div>\n

[Queen Wealhtheow plays the hostess.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Consort of Hrothgar, of courtesy mindful,<\/div>\n
Gold-decked saluted the men in the building,<\/div>\n
And the freeborn woman the beaker presented<\/div>\n

[She offers the cup to her husband first.]<\/span><\/p>\n

To the lord of the kingdom, first of the East-Danes,<\/div>\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n

Bade him be blithesome when beer was a-flowing,<\/div>\n
Lief to his liegemen; he lustily tasted<\/div>\n
Of banquet and beaker, battle-famed ruler.<\/div>\n
The Helmingish lady then graciously circled<\/div>\n
\u2019Mid all the liegemen lesser and greater:<\/div>\n

[<\/span>She gives presents to the heroes.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

65<\/span><\/p>\n

Treasure-cups tendered, till time was afforded<\/div>\n
That the decorous-mooded, diademed folk-queen<\/div>\n

[Then she offers the cup to Beowulf, thanking God that aid has come.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Might bear to Beowulf the bumper o\u2019errunning;<\/div>\n
She greeted the Geat-prince, God she did thank,<\/div>\n
Most wise in her words, that her wish was accomplished,<\/div>\n

70<\/span><\/p>\n

That in any of earlmen she ever should look for<\/div>\n
Solace in sorrow. He accepted the beaker,<\/div>\n
Battle-bold warrior, at Wealhtheow\u2019s giving,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf states to the queen the object of his visit.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then equipped for combat quoth he in measures,<\/div>\n
Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\n

75<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI purposed in spirit when I mounted the ocean,<\/div>\n

[I determined to do or die.]<\/span><\/p>\n

When I boarded my boat with a band of my liegemen,<\/div>\n
I would work to the fullest the will of your people<\/div>\n
Or in foe\u2019s-clutches fastened fall in the battle.<\/div>\n
Deeds I shall do of daring and prowess,<\/div>\n

80<\/span><\/p>\n

Or the last of my life-days live in this mead-hall.\u201d<\/div>\n
These words to the lady were welcome and pleasing,<\/div>\n
The boast of the Geatman; with gold trappings broidered<\/div>\n
Went the freeborn folk-queen her fond-lord to sit by.<\/div>\n

[Glee is high.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then again as of yore was heard in the building<\/div>\n

85<\/span><\/p>\n

Courtly discussion, conquerors\u2019 shouting,<\/div>\n
Heroes were happy, till Healfdene\u2019s son would<\/div>\n
Go to his slumber to seek for refreshing;<\/div>\n
For the horrid hell-monster in the hall-building knew he<\/div>\n
A fight was determined,\u00a0since the light of the sun they<\/div>\n

90<\/span><\/p>\n

No longer could see, and lowering darkness<\/div>\n
O\u2019er all had descended, and dark under heaven<\/div>\n
Shadowy shapes came shying around them.<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar retires, leaving Beowulf in charge of the hall.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The liegemen all rose then. One saluted the other,<\/div>\n
Hrothgar Beowulf, in rhythmical measures,<\/div>\n

95<\/span><\/p>\n

Wishing him well, and, the wassail-hall giving<\/div>\n
To his care and keeping, quoth he departing:<\/div>\n
\u201cNot to any one else have I ever entrusted,<\/div>\n
But thee and thee only, the hall of the Danemen,<\/div>\n
Since high I could heave my hand and my buckler.<\/div>\n

100<\/span><\/p>\n

Take thou in charge now the noblest of houses;<\/div>\n
Be mindful of honor, exhibiting prowess,<\/div>\n
Watch \u2019gainst the foeman! Thou shalt want no enjoyments,<\/div>\n
Survive thou safely adventure so glorious!\u201d<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Public domain content<\/div>