{"id":1644,"date":"2019-07-10T02:24:52","date_gmt":"2019-07-10T02:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1644"},"modified":"2019-07-17T13:59:31","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T13:59:31","slug":"beowulf-4","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/beowulf-4\/","title":{"raw":"Beowulf 4: Hrothgar rewards Beowulf.","rendered":"Beowulf 4: Hrothgar rewards Beowulf."},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n

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

REJOICING OF THE DANES.<\/h2>\r\n[At early dawn, warriors from far and near come together to hear of the night\u2019s adventures.]<\/span>\r\n
In the mist of the morning many a warrior<\/div>\r\n
Stood round the gift-hall, as the story is told me:<\/div>\r\n
Folk-princes fared then from far and from near<\/div>\r\n
Through long-stretching journeys to look at the wonder,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
The footprints of the foeman. Few of the warriors<\/div>\r\n[Few warriors lamented Grendel\u2019s destruction.]<\/span>\r\n
Who gazed on the foot-tracks of the inglorious creature<\/div>\r\n
His parting from life pained very deeply,<\/div>\r\n
How, weary in spirit, off from those regions<\/div>\r\n
In combats conquered he carried his traces,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Fated and flying, to the flood of the nickers.<\/div>\r\n[Grendel\u2019s blood dyes the waters.]<\/span>\r\n
There in bloody billows bubbled the currents,<\/div>\r\n
The angry eddy was everywhere mingled<\/div>\r\n
And seething with gore, welling with sword-blood;<\/div>\r\n
He death-doomed had hid him, when reaved of his joyance<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
He laid down his life in the lair he had fled to,<\/div>\r\n
His heathenish spirit, where hell did receive him.<\/div>\r\n
Thence the friends from of old backward turned them,<\/div>\r\n
And many a younker from merry adventure,<\/div>\r\n
Striding their stallions, stout from the seaward,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Heroes on horses. There were heard very often<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is the hero of the hour.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf\u2019s praises; many often asserted<\/div>\r\n
That neither south nor north, in the circuit of waters,<\/div>\r\n[He is regarded as a probable successor to Hrothgar.]<\/span>\r\n
O\u2019er outstretching earth-plain, none other was better<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Mid bearers of war-shields, more worthy to govern,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Neath the arch of the ether. Not any, however,<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst the friend-lord muttered, mocking-words uttered<\/div>\r\n[But no word is uttered to derogate from the old king]<\/span>\r\n
Of Hrothgar the gracious (a good king he).<\/div>\r\n
Oft the famed ones permitted their fallow-skinned horses<\/div>\r\n
To run in rivalry, racing and chasing,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Where the fieldways appeared to them fair and inviting,<\/div>\r\n
Known for their excellence; oft a thane of the folk-lord,<\/div>\r\n[The gleeman sings the deeds of heroes.]<\/span>\r\n
A man of celebrity, mindful of rhythms,<\/div>\r\n
Who ancient traditions treasured in memory,<\/div>\r\n
New word-groups found properly bound:<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n\r\n[Beowulf is an honor to his race.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
He to all men became then far more beloved,<\/div>\r\n
Higelac\u2019s kinsman, to kindreds and races,<\/div>\r\n
To his friends much dearer; him malice assaulted.\u2014<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar gives thanks for the overthrow of the monster.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\u201cFor the sight we behold now, thanks to the Wielder<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Early be offered! Much evil I bided,<\/div>\r\n
Snaring from Grendel: \u00a0God can e\u2019er \u2019complish<\/div>\r\n
Wonder on wonder, Wielder of Glory!<\/div>\r\n[I had given up all hope, when this brave liegeman came to our aid.]<\/span>\r\n
But lately I reckoned ne\u2019er under heaven<\/div>\r\n
Comfort to gain me for any of sorrows,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
While the handsomest of houses horrid with bloodstain<\/div>\r\n
Gory uptowered; grief had offfrightened<\/div>\r\n
Each of the wise ones who weened not that ever<\/div>\r\n
The folk-troop\u2019s defences \u2019gainst foes they should strengthen,<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst sprites and monsters. Through the might of the Wielder<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
A doughty retainer hath a deed now accomplished<\/div>\r\n
Which erstwhile we all with our excellent wisdom<\/div>\r\n[If his mother yet liveth, well may she thank God for this son.]<\/span>\r\n
Failed to perform. May affirm very truly<\/div>\r\n
What woman soever in all of the nations<\/div>\r\n
Gave birth to the child, if yet she surviveth,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
That the long-ruling Lord was lavish to herward<\/div>\r\n
In the birth of the bairn. Now, Beowulf dear,<\/div>\r\n[Hereafter, Beowulf, thou shalt be my son.]<\/span>\r\n
Most excellent hero, I\u2019ll love thee in spirit<\/div>\r\n
As bairn of my body; bear well henceforward<\/div>\r\n
The relationship new. No lack shall befall thee<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Of earth-joys any I ever can give thee.<\/div>\r\n
Full often for lesser service I\u2019ve given<\/div>\r\n
Hero less hardy hoard-treasure precious,<\/div>\r\n[Thou hast won immortal distinction.]<\/span>\r\n
To a weaker in war-strife. By works of distinction<\/div>\r\n
Thou hast gained for thyself now that thy glory shall flourish<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Forever and ever. The All-Ruler quite thee<\/div>\r\n
With good from His hand as He hitherto did thee!\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf replies: I was most happy to render thee this service.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow\u2019s offspring:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cThat labor of glory most gladly achieved we,<\/div>\r\n
The combat accomplished, unquailing we ventured<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
The enemy\u2019s grapple; I would grant it much rather<\/div>\r\n
Thou wert able to look at the creature in person,<\/div>\r\n
Faint unto falling, the foe in his trappings!<\/div>\r\n
On murder-bed quickly I minded to bind him,<\/div>\r\n
With firm-holding fetters, that forced by my grapple<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Low he should lie in life-and-death struggle<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Less his body escape; I was wholly unable,<\/div>\r\n[I could not keep the monster from escaping, as God did not will that I should.]<\/span>\r\n
Since God did not will it, to keep him from going,<\/div>\r\n
Not held him that firmly, hated opposer;<\/div>\r\n
Too swift was the foeman. Yet safety regarding<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
He suffered his hand behind him to linger,<\/div>\r\n
His arm and shoulder, to act as watcher;<\/div>\r\n[He left his hand and arm behind.]<\/span>\r\n
No shadow of solace the woe-begone creature<\/div>\r\n
Found him there nathless: the hated destroyer<\/div>\r\n
Liveth no longer, lashed for his evils,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
But sorrow hath seized him, in snare-meshes hath him<\/div>\r\n
Close in its clutches, keepeth him writhing<\/div>\r\n
In baleful bonds: there banished for evil<\/div>\r\n
The man shall wait for the mighty tribunal,<\/div>\r\n[God will give him his deserts.]<\/span>\r\n
How the God of glory shall give him his earnings.\u201d<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Then the soldier kept silent, son of old Ecglaf,<\/div>\r\n[Unferth has nothing more to say, for Beowulf\u2019s actions speak louder than words.]<\/span>\r\n
From boasting and bragging of battle-achievements,<\/div>\r\n
Since the princes beheld there the hand that depended<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath the lofty hall-timbers by the might of the nobleman,<\/div>\r\n
Each one before him, the enemy\u2019s fingers;<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Each finger-nail strong steel most resembled,<\/div>\r\n
The heathen one\u2019s hand-spur, the hero-in-battle\u2019s<\/div>\r\n
Claw most uncanny; quoth they agreeing,<\/div>\r\n[No sword will harm the monster.]<\/span>\r\n
That not any excellent edges of brave ones<\/div>\r\n
Was willing to touch him, the terrible creature\u2019s<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Battle-hand bloody to bear away from him.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

HROTHGAR LAVISHES GIFTS UPON HIS DELIVERER.<\/h2>\r\n[Heorot is adorned with hands.]<\/span>\r\n
Then straight was ordered that Heorot inside<\/div>\r\n
With hands be embellished: a host of them gathered,<\/div>\r\n
Of men and women, who the wassailing-building<\/div>\r\n
The guest-hall begeared. Gold-flashing sparkled<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Webs on the walls then, of wonders a many<\/div>\r\n
To each of the heroes that look on such objects.<\/div>\r\n[The hall is defaced, however.]<\/span>\r\n
The beautiful building was broken to pieces<\/div>\r\n
Which all within with irons was fastened,<\/div>\r\n
Its hinges torn off: only the roof was<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Whole and uninjured when the horrible creature<\/div>\r\n
Outlawed for evil off had betaken him,<\/div>\r\n
Hopeless of living. \u2019Tis hard to avoid it<\/div>\r\n[A vague passage of five verses. . . omitted]<\/span>\r\n\r\n[Hrothgar lavishes gifts upon Beowulf.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the offspring of Healfdene offered to Beowulf<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
A golden standard, as reward for the victory,<\/div>\r\n
A banner embossed, burnie and helmet;<\/div>\r\n
Many men saw then a song-famous weapon<\/div>\r\n
Borne \u2019fore the hero. Beowulf drank of<\/div>\r\n
The cup in the building; that treasure-bestowing<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
He needed not blush for in battle-men\u2019s presence.<\/div>\r\n[Four handsomer gifts were never presented.]<\/span>\r\n
Ne\u2019er heard I that many men on the ale-bench<\/div>\r\n
In friendlier fashion to their fellows presented<\/div>\r\n
Four bright jewels with gold-work embellished.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Round the roof of the helmet a head-guarder outside<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Braided with wires, with bosses was furnished,<\/div>\r\n
That swords-for-the-battle fight-hardened might fail<\/div>\r\n
Boldly to harm him, when the hero proceeded<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar commands that eight finely caparisoned steeds be brought to Beowulf.]<\/span>\r\n
Forth against foemen. The defender of earls then<\/div>\r\n
Commanded that eight steeds with bridles<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Gold-plated, gleaming, be guided to hallward,<\/div>\r\n
Inside the building; on one of them stood then<\/div>\r\n
An art-broidered saddle embellished with jewels;<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas the sovereign\u2019s seat, when the son of King Healfdene<\/div>\r\n
Was pleased to take part in the play of the edges;<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
The famous one\u2019s valor ne\u2019er failed at the front when<\/div>\r\n
Slain ones were bowing. And to Beowulf granted<\/div>\r\n
The prince of the Ingwins, power over both,<\/div>\r\n
O\u2019er war-steeds and weapons; bade him well to enjoy them.<\/div>\r\n
In so manly a manner the mighty-famed chieftain,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Hoard-ward of heroes, with horses and jewels<\/div>\r\n
War-storms requited, that none e\u2019er condemneth<\/div>\r\n
Who willeth to tell truth with full justice.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BANQUET (continued<\/i>).\u2014THE SCOP\u2019S SONG OF FINN AND HN\u00c6F.<\/h2>\r\n[Each of Beowulf\u2019s companions receives a costly gift.]<\/span>\r\n
And the atheling of earlmen to each of the heroes<\/div>\r\n
Who the ways of the waters went with Beowulf,<\/div>\r\n
A costly gift-token gave on the mead-bench,<\/div>\r\n
Offered an heirloom, and ordered that that man<\/div>\r\n[The warrior killed by Grendel is to be paid for in gold, the wergild.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
With gold should be paid for, whom Grendel had erstwhile<\/div>\r\n
Wickedly slaughtered, as he more of them had done<\/div>\r\n
Had far-seeing God and the mood of the hero<\/div>\r\n
The fate not averted: the Father then governed<\/div>\r\n
All of the earth-dwellers, as He ever is doing;<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Hence insight for all men is everywhere fittest,<\/div>\r\n
Forethought of spirit! much he shall suffer<\/div>\r\n
Of lief and of loathsome who long in this present<\/div>\r\n
Useth the world in this woeful existence.<\/div>\r\n
There was music and merriment mingling together<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar\u2019s scop recalls events in the reign of his lord\u2019s father--omitted.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n

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

REJOICING OF THE DANES.<\/h2>\n

[At early dawn, warriors from far and near come together to hear of the night\u2019s adventures.]<\/span><\/p>\n

In the mist of the morning many a warrior<\/div>\n
Stood round the gift-hall, as the story is told me:<\/div>\n
Folk-princes fared then from far and from near<\/div>\n
Through long-stretching journeys to look at the wonder,<\/div>\n

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

The footprints of the foeman. Few of the warriors<\/div>\n

[Few warriors lamented Grendel\u2019s destruction.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Who gazed on the foot-tracks of the inglorious creature<\/div>\n
His parting from life pained very deeply,<\/div>\n
How, weary in spirit, off from those regions<\/div>\n
In combats conquered he carried his traces,<\/div>\n

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

Fated and flying, to the flood of the nickers.<\/div>\n

[Grendel\u2019s blood dyes the waters.]<\/span><\/p>\n

There in bloody billows bubbled the currents,<\/div>\n
The angry eddy was everywhere mingled<\/div>\n
And seething with gore, welling with sword-blood;<\/div>\n
He death-doomed had hid him, when reaved of his joyance<\/div>\n

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

He laid down his life in the lair he had fled to,<\/div>\n
His heathenish spirit, where hell did receive him.<\/div>\n
Thence the friends from of old backward turned them,<\/div>\n
And many a younker from merry adventure,<\/div>\n
Striding their stallions, stout from the seaward,<\/div>\n

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

Heroes on horses. There were heard very often<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is the hero of the hour.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf\u2019s praises; many often asserted<\/div>\n
That neither south nor north, in the circuit of waters,<\/div>\n

[He is regarded as a probable successor to Hrothgar.]<\/span><\/p>\n

O\u2019er outstretching earth-plain, none other was better<\/div>\n
\u2019Mid bearers of war-shields, more worthy to govern,<\/div>\n

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

\u2019Neath the arch of the ether. Not any, however,<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst the friend-lord muttered, mocking-words uttered<\/div>\n

[But no word is uttered to derogate from the old king]<\/span><\/p>\n

Of Hrothgar the gracious (a good king he).<\/div>\n
Oft the famed ones permitted their fallow-skinned horses<\/div>\n
To run in rivalry, racing and chasing,<\/div>\n

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

Where the fieldways appeared to them fair and inviting,<\/div>\n
Known for their excellence; oft a thane of the folk-lord,<\/div>\n

[The gleeman sings the deeds of heroes.]<\/span><\/p>\n

A man of celebrity, mindful of rhythms,<\/div>\n
Who ancient traditions treasured in memory,<\/div>\n
New word-groups found properly bound:<\/div>\n

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

[Beowulf is an honor to his race.]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
He to all men became then far more beloved,<\/div>\n
Higelac\u2019s kinsman, to kindreds and races,<\/div>\n
To his friends much dearer; him malice assaulted.\u2014<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar gives thanks for the overthrow of the monster.]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u201cFor the sight we behold now, thanks to the Wielder<\/div>\n

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

Early be offered! Much evil I bided,<\/div>\n
Snaring from Grendel: \u00a0God can e\u2019er \u2019complish<\/div>\n
Wonder on wonder, Wielder of Glory!<\/div>\n

[I had given up all hope, when this brave liegeman came to our aid.]<\/span><\/p>\n

But lately I reckoned ne\u2019er under heaven<\/div>\n
Comfort to gain me for any of sorrows,<\/div>\n

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

While the handsomest of houses horrid with bloodstain<\/div>\n
Gory uptowered; grief had offfrightened<\/div>\n
Each of the wise ones who weened not that ever<\/div>\n
The folk-troop\u2019s defences \u2019gainst foes they should strengthen,<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst sprites and monsters. Through the might of the Wielder<\/div>\n

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

A doughty retainer hath a deed now accomplished<\/div>\n
Which erstwhile we all with our excellent wisdom<\/div>\n

[If his mother yet liveth, well may she thank God for this son.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Failed to perform. May affirm very truly<\/div>\n
What woman soever in all of the nations<\/div>\n
Gave birth to the child, if yet she surviveth,<\/div>\n

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

That the long-ruling Lord was lavish to herward<\/div>\n
In the birth of the bairn. Now, Beowulf dear,<\/div>\n

[Hereafter, Beowulf, thou shalt be my son.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Most excellent hero, I\u2019ll love thee in spirit<\/div>\n
As bairn of my body; bear well henceforward<\/div>\n
The relationship new. No lack shall befall thee<\/div>\n

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

Of earth-joys any I ever can give thee.<\/div>\n
Full often for lesser service I\u2019ve given<\/div>\n
Hero less hardy hoard-treasure precious,<\/div>\n

[Thou hast won immortal distinction.]<\/span><\/p>\n

To a weaker in war-strife. By works of distinction<\/div>\n
Thou hast gained for thyself now that thy glory shall flourish<\/div>\n

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

Forever and ever. The All-Ruler quite thee<\/div>\n
With good from His hand as He hitherto did thee!\u201d<\/div>\n

[Beowulf replies: I was most happy to render thee this service.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow\u2019s offspring:<\/div>\n
\u201cThat labor of glory most gladly achieved we,<\/div>\n
The combat accomplished, unquailing we ventured<\/div>\n

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

The enemy\u2019s grapple; I would grant it much rather<\/div>\n
Thou wert able to look at the creature in person,<\/div>\n
Faint unto falling, the foe in his trappings!<\/div>\n
On murder-bed quickly I minded to bind him,<\/div>\n
With firm-holding fetters, that forced by my grapple<\/div>\n

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

Low he should lie in life-and-death struggle<\/div>\n
\u2019Less his body escape; I was wholly unable,<\/div>\n

[I could not keep the monster from escaping, as God did not will that I should.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Since God did not will it, to keep him from going,<\/div>\n
Not held him that firmly, hated opposer;<\/div>\n
Too swift was the foeman. Yet safety regarding<\/div>\n

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

He suffered his hand behind him to linger,<\/div>\n
His arm and shoulder, to act as watcher;<\/div>\n

[He left his hand and arm behind.]<\/span><\/p>\n

No shadow of solace the woe-begone creature<\/div>\n
Found him there nathless: the hated destroyer<\/div>\n
Liveth no longer, lashed for his evils,<\/div>\n

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

But sorrow hath seized him, in snare-meshes hath him<\/div>\n
Close in its clutches, keepeth him writhing<\/div>\n
In baleful bonds: there banished for evil<\/div>\n
The man shall wait for the mighty tribunal,<\/div>\n

[God will give him his deserts.]<\/span><\/p>\n

How the God of glory shall give him his earnings.\u201d<\/div>\n

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

Then the soldier kept silent, son of old Ecglaf,<\/div>\n

[Unferth has nothing more to say, for Beowulf\u2019s actions speak louder than words.]<\/span><\/p>\n

From boasting and bragging of battle-achievements,<\/div>\n
Since the princes beheld there the hand that depended<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath the lofty hall-timbers by the might of the nobleman,<\/div>\n
Each one before him, the enemy\u2019s fingers;<\/div>\n

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

Each finger-nail strong steel most resembled,<\/div>\n
The heathen one\u2019s hand-spur, the hero-in-battle\u2019s<\/div>\n
Claw most uncanny; quoth they agreeing,<\/div>\n

[No sword will harm the monster.]<\/span><\/p>\n

That not any excellent edges of brave ones<\/div>\n
Was willing to touch him, the terrible creature\u2019s<\/div>\n

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

Battle-hand bloody to bear away from him.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

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

HROTHGAR LAVISHES GIFTS UPON HIS DELIVERER.<\/h2>\n

[Heorot is adorned with hands.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then straight was ordered that Heorot inside<\/div>\n
With hands be embellished: a host of them gathered,<\/div>\n
Of men and women, who the wassailing-building<\/div>\n
The guest-hall begeared. Gold-flashing sparkled<\/div>\n

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

Webs on the walls then, of wonders a many<\/div>\n
To each of the heroes that look on such objects.<\/div>\n

[The hall is defaced, however.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The beautiful building was broken to pieces<\/div>\n
Which all within with irons was fastened,<\/div>\n
Its hinges torn off: only the roof was<\/div>\n

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

Whole and uninjured when the horrible creature<\/div>\n
Outlawed for evil off had betaken him,<\/div>\n
Hopeless of living. \u2019Tis hard to avoid it<\/div>\n

[A vague passage of five verses. . . omitted]<\/span><\/p>\n

[Hrothgar lavishes gifts upon Beowulf.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then the offspring of Healfdene offered to Beowulf<\/div>\n

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

A golden standard, as reward for the victory,<\/div>\n
A banner embossed, burnie and helmet;<\/div>\n
Many men saw then a song-famous weapon<\/div>\n
Borne \u2019fore the hero. Beowulf drank of<\/div>\n
The cup in the building; that treasure-bestowing<\/div>\n

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

He needed not blush for in battle-men\u2019s presence.<\/div>\n

[Four handsomer gifts were never presented.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Ne\u2019er heard I that many men on the ale-bench<\/div>\n
In friendlier fashion to their fellows presented<\/div>\n
Four bright jewels with gold-work embellished.<\/div>\n
\u2019Round the roof of the helmet a head-guarder outside<\/div>\n

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

Braided with wires, with bosses was furnished,<\/div>\n
That swords-for-the-battle fight-hardened might fail<\/div>\n
Boldly to harm him, when the hero proceeded<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar commands that eight finely caparisoned steeds be brought to Beowulf.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Forth against foemen. The defender of earls then<\/div>\n
Commanded that eight steeds with bridles<\/div>\n

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

Gold-plated, gleaming, be guided to hallward,<\/div>\n
Inside the building; on one of them stood then<\/div>\n
An art-broidered saddle embellished with jewels;<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas the sovereign\u2019s seat, when the son of King Healfdene<\/div>\n
Was pleased to take part in the play of the edges;<\/div>\n

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

The famous one\u2019s valor ne\u2019er failed at the front when<\/div>\n
Slain ones were bowing. And to Beowulf granted<\/div>\n
The prince of the Ingwins, power over both,<\/div>\n
O\u2019er war-steeds and weapons; bade him well to enjoy them.<\/div>\n
In so manly a manner the mighty-famed chieftain,<\/div>\n

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

Hoard-ward of heroes, with horses and jewels<\/div>\n
War-storms requited, that none e\u2019er condemneth<\/div>\n
Who willeth to tell truth with full justice.<\/div>\n
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XVII.<\/a><\/h2>\n

BANQUET (continued<\/i>).\u2014THE SCOP\u2019S SONG OF FINN AND HN\u00c6F.<\/h2>\n

[Each of Beowulf\u2019s companions receives a costly gift.]<\/span><\/p>\n

And the atheling of earlmen to each of the heroes<\/div>\n
Who the ways of the waters went with Beowulf,<\/div>\n
A costly gift-token gave on the mead-bench,<\/div>\n
Offered an heirloom, and ordered that that man<\/div>\n

[The warrior killed by Grendel is to be paid for in gold, the wergild.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With gold should be paid for, whom Grendel had erstwhile<\/div>\n
Wickedly slaughtered, as he more of them had done<\/div>\n
Had far-seeing God and the mood of the hero<\/div>\n
The fate not averted: the Father then governed<\/div>\n
All of the earth-dwellers, as He ever is doing;<\/div>\n

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

Hence insight for all men is everywhere fittest,<\/div>\n
Forethought of spirit! much he shall suffer<\/div>\n
Of lief and of loathsome who long in this present<\/div>\n
Useth the world in this woeful existence.<\/div>\n
There was music and merriment mingling together<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar\u2019s scop recalls events in the reign of his lord\u2019s father–omitted.]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t

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