{"id":1652,"date":"2019-07-10T03:18:07","date_gmt":"2019-07-10T03:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1652"},"modified":"2019-07-17T14:26:09","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T14:26:09","slug":"beowulf-5","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/beowulf-5\/","title":{"raw":"Beowulf 5: Grendel's mother takes revenge.","rendered":"Beowulf 5: Grendel’s mother takes revenge."},"content":{"raw":"
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\u00a0His mother moreover<\/span><\/div>\r\n[Grendel\u2019s mother comes to avenge her son.]<\/span>\r\n
Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on<\/div>\r\n
Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance<\/div>\r\n
For the death of her son. She came then to Heorot<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building<\/div>\r\n
Were lying in slumber. Soon there became then<\/div>\r\n
Return to the nobles, when the mother of Grendel<\/div>\r\n
Entered the folk-hall; the fear was less grievous<\/div>\r\n
By even so much as the vigor of maidens,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
War-strength of women, by warrior is reckoned,<\/div>\r\n
When well-carved weapon, worked with the hammer,<\/div>\r\n
Blade very bloody, brave with its edges,<\/div>\r\n
Strikes down the boar-sign that stands on the helmet.<\/div>\r\n
Then the hard-edg\u00e8d weapon was heaved in the building,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
The brand o\u2019er the benches, broad-lindens many<\/div>\r\n
Hand-fast were lifted; for helmet he recked<\/span> not,<\/div>\r\n
For armor-net broad, whom terror laid hold of.<\/div>\r\n
She went then hastily, outward would get her<\/div>\r\n
Her life for to save, when some one did spy her;<\/div>\r\n[She seizes a favorite thane of Hrothgar\u2019s.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Soon she had grappled one of the athelings<\/div>\r\n
Fast and firmly, when fenward she hied her;<\/div>\r\n
That one to Hrothgar was liefest<\/span> of heroes<\/div>\r\n
In rank of retainer where waters encircle,<\/div>\r\n
A mighty shield-warrior, whom she murdered at slumber,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
A broadly-famed battle-knight. Beowulf was absent,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf was asleep in another part of the palace.]<\/span>\r\n
But another apartment was erstwhile<\/span> devoted<\/div>\r\n
To the glory-decked Geatman when gold was distributed.<\/div>\r\n
There was hubbub in Heorot. The hand that was famous<\/div>\r\n
She grasped in its gore; grief was renewed then<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
In homes and houses: \u2019twas no happy arrangement<\/div>\r\n
In both of the quarters to barter and purchase<\/div>\r\n
With lives of their friends. Then the well-ag\u00e8d ruler,<\/div>\r\n
The gray-headed war-thane, was woeful in spirit,<\/div>\r\n
When his long-trusted liegeman lifeless he knew of,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is sent for.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
His dearest one gone. Quick from a room was<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf brought, brave and triumphant.<\/div>\r\n
As day was dawning in the dusk of the morning,<\/div>\r\n[He comes at Hrothgar\u2019s summons.]<\/span>\r\n
Went then that earlman, champion noble,<\/div>\r\n
Came with comrades, where the clever one bided<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Whether God all gracious would grant him a respite<\/div>\r\n
After the woe he had suffered. The war-worthy hero<\/div>\r\n
With a troop of retainers trod then the pavement<\/div>\r\n
(The hall-building groaned), till he greeted the wise one,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf inquires how Hrothgar had enjoyed his night\u2019s rest.]<\/span>\r\n
The earl of the Ingwins; asked if the night had<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
Fully refreshed him, as fain<\/span> he would have it.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

HROTHGAR\u2019S ACCOUNT OF THE MONSTERS.<\/h2>\r\n[Hrothgar laments the death of \u00c6schere, his shoulder-companion.]<\/span>\r\n
Hrothgar rejoined, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cAsk not of joyance! Grief is renewed to<\/div>\r\n
The folk of the Danemen. Dead is \u00c6schere . . .<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
My true-hearted counsellor, trusty adviser,<\/div>\r\n
Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle<\/div>\r\n
Our heads we protected, when troopers were clashing,<\/div>\r\n[He was my ideal hero.]<\/span>\r\n
And heroes were dashing; such an earl should be ever,<\/div>\r\n
An erst-worthy atheling, as \u00c6schere proved him.<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
The flickering death-spirit became in Heorot<\/div>\r\n
His hand-to-hand murderer; I cannot tell whither<\/div>\r\n
The cruel one turned in the carcass exulting . . .<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>This horrible creature came to avenge Grendel\u2019s death.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
By cramming discovered.\u00a0 The quarrel she wreaked then,<\/div>\r\n
That last night igone Grendel thou killedst<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
In gruesomest manner, with grim-holding clutches,<\/div>\r\n
Since too long he had lessened my liege-troop and wasted<\/div>\r\n
My folk-men so foully. He fell in the battle<\/div>\r\n
With forfeit of life, and another has followed,<\/div>\r\n
A mighty crime-worker, her kinsman avenging,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
And henceforth hath \u2018stablished her hatred unyielding,<\/div>\r\n
As it well may appear to many a liegeman,<\/div>\r\n
Who mourneth in spirit the treasure-bestower,<\/div>\r\n
Her heavy heart-sorrow; the hand is now lifeless<\/div>\r\n
Which\u00a0availed you in every wish that you cherished.<\/div>\r\n[I have heard my vassals speak of these two uncanny monsters who lived in the moors.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Land-people heard I, liegemen, this saying,<\/div>\r\n
Dwellers in halls, they had seen very often<\/div>\r\n
A pair of such mighty march-striding creatures,<\/div>\r\n
Far-dwelling spirits, holding the moorlands:<\/div>\r\n
One of them wore, as well they might notice,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
The image of woman, the other one wretched<\/div>\r\n
In guise of a man wandered in exile,<\/div>\r\n
Except he was huger than any of earthmen;<\/div>\r\n
Earth-dwelling people entitled him Grendel<\/div>\r\n
In days of yore: they know not their father,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Whe\u2019r ill-going spirits any were borne him<\/div>\r\n[The inhabit the most desolate and horrible places.]<\/span>\r\n
Ever before. They guard the wolf-coverts,<\/div>\r\n
Lands inaccessible, wind-beaten nesses,<\/div>\r\n
Fearfullest fen-deeps, where a flood from the mountains<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath mists of the nesses netherward rattles,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
The stream under earth: not far is it henceward<\/div>\r\n
Measured by mile-lengths that the mere-water standeth,<\/div>\r\n
Which forests hang over, with frost-whiting covered,<\/div>\r\n
A firm-rooted forest, the floods overshadow.<\/div>\r\n
There ever at night one an ill-meaning portent<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
A fire-flood may see; \u2019mong children of men<\/div>\r\n
None liveth so wise that wot of the bottom;<\/div>\r\n
Though harassed by hounds the heath-stepper seek for,<\/div>\r\n[Even the hounded deer will not seek refuge in these uncanny regions.]<\/span>\r\n
Fly to the forest, firm-antlered he-deer,<\/div>\r\n
Spurred from afar, his spirit he yieldeth,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
His life on the shore, ere in he will venture<\/div>\r\n
To cover his head. Uncanny the place is:<\/div>\r\n
Thence upward ascendeth the surging of waters,<\/div>\r\n
Wan to the welkin, when the wind is stirring<\/div>\r\n
The weathers unpleasing, till the air groweth gloomy,<\/div>\r\n[To thee only can I look for assistance.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
And the heavens lower. Now is help to be gotten<\/div>\r\n
From thee and thee only! The abode thou know\u2019st not,<\/div>\r\n
The dangerous place where thou\u2019rt able to meet with<\/div>\r\n
The sin-laden hero: seek if thou darest!<\/div>\r\n
For the feud I will fully fee thee with money,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
With old-time treasure, as erstwhile I did thee,<\/div>\r\n
With well-twisted jewels, if away thou shalt get thee.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BEOWULF SEEKS GRENDEL\u2019S MOTHER.<\/h2>\r\n
Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf exhorts the old king to arouse himself for action.]<\/span>\r\n
\u201cGrieve not, O wise one! for each it is better,<\/div>\r\n
His friend to avenge than with vehemence wail him;<\/div>\r\n
Each of us must the end-day abide of<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
His earthly existence; who is able accomplish<\/div>\r\n
Glory ere death! To battle-thane noble<\/div>\r\n
Lifeless lying, \u2019tis at last most fitting.<\/div>\r\n
Arise, O king, quick let us hasten<\/div>\r\n
To look at the footprint of the kinsman of Grendel!<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
I promise thee this now: to his place he\u2019ll escape not,<\/div>\r\n
To embrace of the earth, nor to mountainous forest,<\/div>\r\n
Nor to depths of the ocean, wherever he wanders.<\/div>\r\n
Practice thou now patient endurance<\/div>\r\n
Of each of thy sorrows, as I hope for thee soothly!\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar rouses himself. His horse is brought.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Then up sprang the old one, the All-Wielder thanked he,<\/div>\r\n
Ruler Almighty, that the man had outspoken.<\/div>\r\n
Then for Hrothgar a war-horse was decked with a bridle,<\/div>\r\n
Curly-maned courser. The clever folk-leader<\/div>\r\n[They start on the track of the female monster.]<\/span>\r\n
Stately proceeded: stepped then an earl-troop<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Of linden-wood bearers. Her footprints were seen then<\/div>\r\n
Widely in wood-paths, her way o\u2019er the bottoms,<\/div>\r\n
Where she faraway fared o\u2019er fen<\/span>-country murky,<\/div>\r\n
Bore away breathless the best of retainers<\/div>\r\n
Who pondered with Hrothgar the welfare of country.<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
The son of the athelings then went o\u2019er the stony,<\/div>\r\n
Declivitous cliffs, the close-covered passes,<\/div>\r\n
Narrow passages, paths unfrequented,<\/div>\r\n
Nesses abrupt, nicker-haunts many;<\/div>\r\n
One of a few of wise-mooded heroes,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
He onward advanced to view the surroundings,<\/div>\r\n
Till he found unawares woods of the mountain<\/div>\r\n
O\u2019er hoar-stones hanging, holt-wood unjoyful;<\/div>\r\n
The water stood under, welling and gory.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas irksome in spirit to all of the Danemen,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Friends of the Scyldings, to many a liegeman<\/div>\r\n[The sight of \u00c6schere\u2019s head causes them great sorrow.]<\/span>\r\n
Sad to be suffered, a sorrow unlittle<\/div>\r\n
To each of the earlmen, when to \u00c6schere\u2019s head they<\/div>\r\n
Came on the cliff. The current was seething<\/div>\r\n
With blood and with gore (the troopers gazed on it).<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
The horn anon sang the battle-song ready.<\/div>\r\n
The troop were all seated; they saw \u2019long the water then<\/div>\r\n[The water is filled with serpents and sea-dragons.]<\/span>\r\n
Many a serpent, mere<\/span>-dragons wondrous<\/div>\r\n
Trying the waters, nickers a-lying<\/div>\r\n
On the cliffs of the nesses, which at noonday full often<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Go on the sea-deeps their sorrowful journey,<\/div>\r\n
Wild-beasts and wormkind; away then they hastened<\/div>\r\n[One of them is killed by Beowulf.]<\/span>\r\n
Hot-mooded, hateful, they heard the great clamor,<\/div>\r\n
The war-trumpet winding. One did the Geat-prince<\/div>\r\n[50]<\/span>\r\n
Sunder from earth-joys, with arrow from bowstring,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
From his sea-struggle tore him, that the trusty war-missile<\/div>\r\n[The dead beast is a poor swimmer]<\/span>\r\n
Pierced to his vitals; he proved in the currents<\/div>\r\n
Less doughty at swimming whom death had offcarried.<\/div>\r\n
Soon in the waters the wonderful swimmer<\/div>\r\n
Was straitened most sorely with sword-pointed boar-spears,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Pressed in the battle and pulled to the cliff-edge;<\/div>\r\n
The liegemen then looked on the loath-fashioned stranger.<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf prepares for a struggle with the monster.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf donned then his battle-equipments,<\/div>\r\n
Cared little for life; inlaid and most ample,<\/div>\r\n
The hand-woven corslet which could cover his body,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Must the wave-deeps explore, that war might be powerless<\/div>\r\n
To harm the great hero, and the hating one\u2019s grasp might<\/div>\r\n
Not peril his safety; his head was protected<\/div>\r\n
By the light-flashing helmet that should mix with the bottoms,<\/div>\r\n
Trying the eddies, treasure-emblazoned,<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Encircled with jewels, as in seasons long past<\/div>\r\n
The weapon-smith worked it, wondrously made it,<\/div>\r\n
With swine-bodies fashioned it, that thenceforward no longer<\/div>\r\n
Brand might bite it, and battle-sword hurt it.<\/div>\r\n
And that was not least of helpers in prowess<\/div>\r\n[He has Unferth\u2019s sword in his hand.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
That Hrothgar\u2019s spokesman had lent him when straitened;<\/div>\r\n
And the hilted hand-sword was Hrunting entitled,<\/div>\r\n
Old and most excellent \u2019mong all of the treasures;<\/div>\r\n
Its blade was of iron, blotted with poison,<\/div>\r\n
Hardened with gore; it failed not in battle<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
Any hero under heaven in hand who it brandished,<\/div>\r\n
Who ventured to take the terrible journeys,<\/div>\r\n
The battle-field sought; not the earliest occasion<\/div>\r\n
That deeds of daring \u2019twas destined to \u2019complish.<\/div>\r\n[Unferth has little use for swords.]<\/span>\r\n
Ecglaf\u2019s kinsman minded not soothly,<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Exulting in strength, what erst he had spoken<\/div>\r\n
Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent to<\/div>\r\n
A sword-hero bolder; himself did not venture<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath the strife of the currents his life to endanger,<\/div>\r\n
To fame-deeds perform; there he forfeited glory,<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Repute for his strength. Not so with the other<\/div>\r\n
When he clad in his corslet had equipped him for battle.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BEOWULF\u2019S FIGHT WITH GRENDEL\u2019S MOTHER.<\/h2>\r\n[Beowulf makes a parting speech to Hrothgar.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cRecall now, oh, famous kinsman of Healfdene,<\/div>\r\n
Prince very prudent, now to part I am ready,<\/div>\r\n
Gold-friend of earlmen, what erst we agreed on,<\/div>\r\nIf I fail, act as a kind liegelord to my thanes<\/span>,<\/span>\r\n\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Should I lay down my life in lending thee assistance,<\/div>\r\n
When my earth-joys were over, thou wouldst evermore serve me<\/div>\r\n
In stead of a father; my faithful thanemen,<\/div>\r\n
My trusty retainers, protect thou and care for,<\/div>\r\n
Fall I in battle: and, Hrothgar belov\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Send unto Higelac the high-valued jewels<\/div>\r\n
Thou to me hast allotted. The lord of the Geatmen<\/div>\r\n
May perceive from the gold, the Hrethling may see it<\/div>\r\n[I should like my king to know how generous a lord I found thee to be.]<\/span>\r\n
When he looks on the jewels, that a gem-giver found I<\/div>\r\n
Good over-measure, enjoyed him while able.<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
And the ancient heirloom Unferth permit thou,<\/div>\r\n
The famed one to have, the heavy-sword splendid<\/div>\r\n
The hard-edg\u00e8d weapon; with Hrunting to aid me,<\/div>\r\n
I shall gain me glory, or grim-death shall take me.\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is eager for the fray.]<\/span>\r\n
The atheling of Geatmen uttered these words and<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Heroic did hasten, not any rejoinder<\/div>\r\n
Was willing to wait for; the wave-current swallowed<\/div>\r\n[He is a whole day reaching the bottom of the sea.]<\/span>\r\n
The doughty-in-battle. Then a day\u2019s-length elapsed ere<\/div>\r\n
He was able to see the sea at its bottom.<\/div>\r\n
Early she found then who fifty of winters<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
The course of the currents kept in her fury,<\/div>\r\n
Grisly and greedy, that the grim one\u2019s dominion<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Grendel\u2019s mother knows that some one has reached her domains.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
Some one of men from above was exploring.<\/div>\r\n
Forth did she grab them, grappled the warrior<\/div>\r\n
With horrible clutches; yet no sooner she injured<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
His body unscath\u00e8d: the burnie out-guarded,<\/div>\r\n
That she proved but powerless to pierce through the armor,<\/div>\r\n
The limb-mail locked, with loath-grabbing fingers.<\/div>\r\n
The sea-wolf bare then, when bottomward came she,<\/div>\r\n[She grabs him, and bears him to her den.]<\/span>\r\n
The ring-prince homeward, that he after was powerless<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
(He had daring to do it) to deal with his weapons,<\/div>\r\n
But many a mere-beast tormented him swimming,<\/div>\r\n[Sea-monsters bite and strike him.]<\/span>\r\n
Flood-beasts no few with fierce-biting tusks did<\/div>\r\n
Break through his burnie, the brave one pursued they.<\/div>\r\n
The earl then discovered he was down in some cavern<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Where no water whatever anywise harmed him,<\/div>\r\n
And the clutch of the current could come not anear him,<\/div>\r\n
Since the roofed-hall prevented; brightness a-gleaming<\/div>\r\n
Fire-light he saw, flashing resplendent.<\/div>\r\n
The good one saw then the sea-bottom\u2019s monster,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf attacks the mother of Grendel]<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
The mighty mere-woman; he made a great onset<\/div>\r\n
With weapon-of-battle, his hand not desisted<\/div>\r\n
From striking, that war-blade struck on her head then<\/div>\r\n
A battle-song greedy. The stranger perceived then<\/div>\r\n[The sword will not bite.]<\/span>\r\n
The sword would not bite, her life would not injure,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
But the falchion failed the folk-prince when straitened:<\/div>\r\n
Erst had it often onsets encountered,<\/div>\r\n
Oft cloven the helmet, the fated one\u2019s armor:<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas the first time that ever the excellent jewel<\/div>\r\n
Had failed of its fame. Firm-mooded after,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Not heedless of valor, but mindful of glory,<\/div>\r\n
Was Higelac\u2019s kinsman; the hero-chief angry<\/div>\r\n
Cast then his carved-sword covered with jewels<\/div>\r\n
That it lay on the earth, hard and steel-pointed;<\/div>\r\n[The hero throws down all weapons, and again trusts to his hand-grip].<\/span>\r\n
He hoped in his strength, his hand-grapple sturdy.<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
So any must act whenever he thinketh<\/div>\r\n
To gain him in battle glory unending,<\/div>\r\n
And is reckless of living. The lord of the War-Geats<\/div>\r\n
(He shrank not from battle) seized by the shoulder<\/div>\r\n
The mother of Grendel; then mighty in struggle<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Swung he his enemy, since his anger was kindled,<\/div>\r\n
That she fell to the floor. With furious grapple<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf falls.]<\/span>\r\n
She gave him requital\u00a0early thereafter,<\/div>\r\n
And stretched out to grab him; the strongest of warriors<\/div>\r\n
Faint-mooded stumbled, till he fell in his traces,<\/div>\r\n[The monster sits on him with drawn sword.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
Foot-going champion. Then she sat on the hall-guest<\/div>\r\n
And wielded her war-knife wide-bladed, flashing,<\/div>\r\n
For her son would take vengeance, her one only bairn.<\/div>\r\n[His armor saves his life.]<\/span>\r\n
His breast-armor woven bode on his shoulder;<\/div>\r\n
It guarded his life, the entrance defended<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Gainst sword-point and edges. Ecgtheow\u2019s son there<\/div>\r\n
Had fatally journeyed, champion of Geatmen,<\/div>\r\n
In the arms of the ocean, had the armor not given,<\/div>\r\n
Close-woven corslet, comfort and succor,<\/div>\r\n[God arranged for his escape.]<\/span>\r\n
And had God most holy not awarded the victory,<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
All-knowing Lord; easily did heaven\u2019s<\/div>\r\n
Ruler most righteous arrange it with justice;<\/div>\r\n
Uprose he erect ready for battle.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BEOWULF IS DOUBLE-CONQUEROR.<\/h2>\r\n[Beowulf grasps a giant-sword.]<\/span>\r\n
Then he saw mid the war-gems a weapon of victory,<\/div>\r\n
An ancient giant-sword, of edges a-doughty,<\/div>\r\n
Glory of warriors: of weapons \u2019twas choicest,<\/div>\r\n
Only \u2019twas larger than any man else was<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Able to bear to the battle-encounter,<\/div>\r\n
The good and splendid work of the giants.<\/div>\r\n
He grasped then the sword-hilt, knight of the Scyldings,<\/div>\r\n
Bold and battle-grim, brandished his ring-sword,<\/div>\r\n
Hopeless of living, hotly he smote her,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
[The fiend-woman\u2019s neck firmly it grappled,\u00a0and fells the female monster.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
Broke through her bone-joints, the bill fully pierced her<\/div>\r\n
Fate-curs\u00e8d body, she fell to the ground then:<\/div>\r\n
The hand-sword was bloody, the hero exulted.<\/div>\r\n
The brand was brilliant, brightly it glimmered,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Just as from heaven gemlike shineth<\/div>\r\n
The torch of the firmament. He glanced \u2019long the building,<\/div>\r\n
And turned by the wall then, Higelac\u2019s vassal<\/div>\r\n
Raging and wrathful raised his battle-sword<\/div>\r\n
Strong by the handle. The edge was not useless<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
To the hero-in-battle, but he speedily wished to<\/div>\r\n
Give Grendel requital for the many assaults he<\/div>\r\n
Had worked on the West-Danes not once, but often,<\/div>\r\n
When he slew in slumber the subjects of Hrothgar,<\/div>\r\n
Swallowed down fifteen sleeping retainers<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Of the folk of the Danemen, and fully as many<\/div>\r\n
Carried away, a horrible prey.<\/div>\r\n
He gave him requital, grim-raging champion,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf sees the body of Grendel, and cuts off his head.]<\/span>\r\n
When he saw on his rest-place weary of conflict<\/div>\r\n
Grendel lying, of life-joys bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
As the battle at Heorot erstwhile had scathed him;<\/div>\r\n
His body far bounded, a blow when he suffered,<\/div>\r\n
Death having seized him, sword-smiting heavy,<\/div>\r\n
And he cut off his head then. Early this noticed<\/div>\r\n
The clever carles who as comrades of Hrothgar<\/div>\r\n[The waters are gory.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Gazed on the sea-deeps, that the surging wave-currents<\/div>\r\n
Were mightily mingled, the mere-flood was gory:<\/div>\r\n
Of the good one the gray-haired together held converse,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is given up for dead.]<\/span>\r\n
The hoary of head, that they hoped not to see again<\/div>\r\n
The atheling ever, that exulting in victory<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
He\u2019d return there to visit the distinguished folk-ruler:<\/div>\r\n
Then many concluded the mere-wolf had killed him.<\/div>\r\n
The ninth hour came then. From the ness-edge departed<\/div>\r\n
The bold-mooded Scyldings; the gold-friend of heroes<\/div>\r\n
Homeward betook him. The strangers sat down then<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Soul-sick, sorrowful, the sea-waves regarding:<\/div>\r\n
They wished and yet weened not their well-loved friend-lord<\/div>\r\n[The giant-sword melts.]<\/span>\r\n
To see any more. The sword-blade began then,<\/div>\r\n
The blood having touched it, contracting and shriveling<\/div>\r\n
With battle-icicles; \u2019twas a wonderful marvel<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
That it melted entirely, likest to ice when<\/div>\r\n
The Father unbindeth the bond of the frost and<\/div>\r\n
Unwindeth the wave-bands, He who wieldeth dominion<\/div>\r\n
Of times and of tides: a truth-firm Creator.<\/div>\r\n
Nor took he of jewels more in the dwelling,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Lord of the Weders, though they lay all around him,<\/div>\r\n
Than the head and the handle handsome with jewels;<\/div>\r\n
The brand early melted, burnt was the weapon:<\/div>\r\n
So hot was the blood, the strange-spirit poisonous<\/div>\r\n[The hero swims back to the realms of day.]<\/span>\r\n
That in it did perish. He early swam off then<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Who had bided in combat the carnage of haters,<\/div>\r\n
Went up through the ocean; the eddies were cleans\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n
The spacious expanses, when the spirit from farland<\/div>\r\n
His life put aside and this short-lived existence.<\/div>\r\n
The seamen\u2019s defender came swimming to land then<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Doughty of spirit, rejoiced in his sea-gift,<\/div>\r\n
The bulky burden which he bore in his keeping.<\/div>\r\n
The excellent vassals advanced then to meet him,<\/div>\r\n
To God they were grateful, were glad in their chieftain,<\/div>\r\n
That to see him safe and sound was granted them.<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
From the high-minded hero, then, helmet and burnie<\/div>\r\n
Were speedily loosened: the ocean was putrid,<\/div>\r\n
The water \u2019neath welkin weltered with gore.<\/div>\r\n
Forth did they fare, then, their footsteps retracing,<\/div>\r\n
Merry and mirthful, measured the earth-way,<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
The highway familiar: men very daring<\/div>\r\n
Bare then the head from the sea-cliff, burdening<\/div>\r\n
Each of the earlmen, excellent-valiant.<\/div>\r\n[It takes four men to carry Grendel\u2019s head on a spear.]<\/span>\r\n
Four of them had to carry with labor<\/div>\r\n
The head of Grendel to the high towering gold-hall<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Upstuck on the spear, till fourteen most-valiant<\/div>\r\n
And battle-brave Geatmen came there going<\/div>\r\n
Straight to the palace: the prince of the people<\/div>\r\n
Measured the mead-ways, their mood-brave companion.<\/div>\r\n
The atheling of earlmen entered the building,<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Deed-valiant man, adorned with distinction,<\/div>\r\n
Doughty shield-warrior, to address King Hrothgar:<\/div>\r\n
Then hung by the hair, the head of Grendel<\/div>\r\n
Was borne to the building, where beer-thanes were drinking,<\/div>\r\n
Loth before earlmen and eke \u2019fore the lady:<\/div>\r\n90<\/span>\r\n
The warriors beheld then a wonderful sight.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a0His mother moreover<\/span><\/div>\n

[Grendel\u2019s mother comes to avenge her son.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on<\/div>\n
Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance<\/div>\n
For the death of her son. She came then to Heorot<\/div>\n

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

Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building<\/div>\n
Were lying in slumber. Soon there became then<\/div>\n
Return to the nobles, when the mother of Grendel<\/div>\n
Entered the folk-hall; the fear was less grievous<\/div>\n
By even so much as the vigor of maidens,<\/div>\n

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

War-strength of women, by warrior is reckoned,<\/div>\n
When well-carved weapon, worked with the hammer,<\/div>\n
Blade very bloody, brave with its edges,<\/div>\n
Strikes down the boar-sign that stands on the helmet.<\/div>\n
Then the hard-edg\u00e8d weapon was heaved in the building,<\/div>\n

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

The brand o\u2019er the benches, broad-lindens many<\/div>\n
Hand-fast were lifted; for helmet he recked<\/span> not,<\/div>\n
For armor-net broad, whom terror laid hold of.<\/div>\n
She went then hastily, outward would get her<\/div>\n
Her life for to save, when some one did spy her;<\/div>\n

[She seizes a favorite thane of Hrothgar\u2019s.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Soon she had grappled one of the athelings<\/div>\n
Fast and firmly, when fenward she hied her;<\/div>\n
That one to Hrothgar was liefest<\/span> of heroes<\/div>\n
In rank of retainer where waters encircle,<\/div>\n
A mighty shield-warrior, whom she murdered at slumber,<\/div>\n

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

A broadly-famed battle-knight. Beowulf was absent,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf was asleep in another part of the palace.]<\/span><\/p>\n

But another apartment was erstwhile<\/span> devoted<\/div>\n
To the glory-decked Geatman when gold was distributed.<\/div>\n
There was hubbub in Heorot. The hand that was famous<\/div>\n
She grasped in its gore; grief was renewed then<\/div>\n

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

In homes and houses: \u2019twas no happy arrangement<\/div>\n
In both of the quarters to barter and purchase<\/div>\n
With lives of their friends. Then the well-ag\u00e8d ruler,<\/div>\n
The gray-headed war-thane, was woeful in spirit,<\/div>\n
When his long-trusted liegeman lifeless he knew of,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is sent for.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

His dearest one gone. Quick from a room was<\/div>\n
Beowulf brought, brave and triumphant.<\/div>\n
As day was dawning in the dusk of the morning,<\/div>\n

[He comes at Hrothgar\u2019s summons.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Went then that earlman, champion noble,<\/div>\n
Came with comrades, where the clever one bided<\/div>\n

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

Whether God all gracious would grant him a respite<\/div>\n
After the woe he had suffered. The war-worthy hero<\/div>\n
With a troop of retainers trod then the pavement<\/div>\n
(The hall-building groaned), till he greeted the wise one,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf inquires how Hrothgar had enjoyed his night\u2019s rest.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The earl of the Ingwins; asked if the night had<\/div>\n

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

Fully refreshed him, as fain<\/span> he would have it.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

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

HROTHGAR\u2019S ACCOUNT OF THE MONSTERS.<\/h2>\n

[Hrothgar laments the death of \u00c6schere, his shoulder-companion.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Hrothgar rejoined, helm of the Scyldings:<\/div>\n
\u201cAsk not of joyance! Grief is renewed to<\/div>\n
The folk of the Danemen. Dead is \u00c6schere . . .<\/div>\n

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

My true-hearted counsellor, trusty adviser,<\/div>\n
Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle<\/div>\n
Our heads we protected, when troopers were clashing,<\/div>\n

[He was my ideal hero.]<\/span><\/p>\n

And heroes were dashing; such an earl should be ever,<\/div>\n
An erst-worthy atheling, as \u00c6schere proved him.<\/div>\n

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

The flickering death-spirit became in Heorot<\/div>\n
His hand-to-hand murderer; I cannot tell whither<\/div>\n
The cruel one turned in the carcass exulting . . .<\/div>\n

[<\/span>This horrible creature came to avenge Grendel\u2019s death.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By cramming discovered.\u00a0 The quarrel she wreaked then,<\/div>\n
That last night igone Grendel thou killedst<\/div>\n

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

In gruesomest manner, with grim-holding clutches,<\/div>\n
Since too long he had lessened my liege-troop and wasted<\/div>\n
My folk-men so foully. He fell in the battle<\/div>\n
With forfeit of life, and another has followed,<\/div>\n
A mighty crime-worker, her kinsman avenging,<\/div>\n

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

And henceforth hath \u2018stablished her hatred unyielding,<\/div>\n
As it well may appear to many a liegeman,<\/div>\n
Who mourneth in spirit the treasure-bestower,<\/div>\n
Her heavy heart-sorrow; the hand is now lifeless<\/div>\n
Which\u00a0availed you in every wish that you cherished.<\/div>\n

[I have heard my vassals speak of these two uncanny monsters who lived in the moors.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Land-people heard I, liegemen, this saying,<\/div>\n
Dwellers in halls, they had seen very often<\/div>\n
A pair of such mighty march-striding creatures,<\/div>\n
Far-dwelling spirits, holding the moorlands:<\/div>\n
One of them wore, as well they might notice,<\/div>\n

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

The image of woman, the other one wretched<\/div>\n
In guise of a man wandered in exile,<\/div>\n
Except he was huger than any of earthmen;<\/div>\n
Earth-dwelling people entitled him Grendel<\/div>\n
In days of yore: they know not their father,<\/div>\n

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

Whe\u2019r ill-going spirits any were borne him<\/div>\n

[The inhabit the most desolate and horrible places.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Ever before. They guard the wolf-coverts,<\/div>\n
Lands inaccessible, wind-beaten nesses,<\/div>\n
Fearfullest fen-deeps, where a flood from the mountains<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath mists of the nesses netherward rattles,<\/div>\n

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

The stream under earth: not far is it henceward<\/div>\n
Measured by mile-lengths that the mere-water standeth,<\/div>\n
Which forests hang over, with frost-whiting covered,<\/div>\n
A firm-rooted forest, the floods overshadow.<\/div>\n
There ever at night one an ill-meaning portent<\/div>\n

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

A fire-flood may see; \u2019mong children of men<\/div>\n
None liveth so wise that wot of the bottom;<\/div>\n
Though harassed by hounds the heath-stepper seek for,<\/div>\n

[Even the hounded deer will not seek refuge in these uncanny regions.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Fly to the forest, firm-antlered he-deer,<\/div>\n
Spurred from afar, his spirit he yieldeth,<\/div>\n

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

His life on the shore, ere in he will venture<\/div>\n
To cover his head. Uncanny the place is:<\/div>\n
Thence upward ascendeth the surging of waters,<\/div>\n
Wan to the welkin, when the wind is stirring<\/div>\n
The weathers unpleasing, till the air groweth gloomy,<\/div>\n

[To thee only can I look for assistance.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

And the heavens lower. Now is help to be gotten<\/div>\n
From thee and thee only! The abode thou know\u2019st not,<\/div>\n
The dangerous place where thou\u2019rt able to meet with<\/div>\n
The sin-laden hero: seek if thou darest!<\/div>\n
For the feud I will fully fee thee with money,<\/div>\n

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

With old-time treasure, as erstwhile I did thee,<\/div>\n
With well-twisted jewels, if away thou shalt get thee.\u201d<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

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

BEOWULF SEEKS GRENDEL\u2019S MOTHER.<\/h2>\n
Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\n

[Beowulf exhorts the old king to arouse himself for action.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrieve not, O wise one! for each it is better,<\/div>\n
His friend to avenge than with vehemence wail him;<\/div>\n
Each of us must the end-day abide of<\/div>\n

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

His earthly existence; who is able accomplish<\/div>\n
Glory ere death! To battle-thane noble<\/div>\n
Lifeless lying, \u2019tis at last most fitting.<\/div>\n
Arise, O king, quick let us hasten<\/div>\n
To look at the footprint of the kinsman of Grendel!<\/div>\n

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

I promise thee this now: to his place he\u2019ll escape not,<\/div>\n
To embrace of the earth, nor to mountainous forest,<\/div>\n
Nor to depths of the ocean, wherever he wanders.<\/div>\n
Practice thou now patient endurance<\/div>\n
Of each of thy sorrows, as I hope for thee soothly!\u201d<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar rouses himself. His horse is brought.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Then up sprang the old one, the All-Wielder thanked he,<\/div>\n
Ruler Almighty, that the man had outspoken.<\/div>\n
Then for Hrothgar a war-horse was decked with a bridle,<\/div>\n
Curly-maned courser. The clever folk-leader<\/div>\n

[They start on the track of the female monster.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Stately proceeded: stepped then an earl-troop<\/div>\n

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

Of linden-wood bearers. Her footprints were seen then<\/div>\n
Widely in wood-paths, her way o\u2019er the bottoms,<\/div>\n
Where she faraway fared o\u2019er fen<\/span>-country murky,<\/div>\n
Bore away breathless the best of retainers<\/div>\n
Who pondered with Hrothgar the welfare of country.<\/div>\n

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

The son of the athelings then went o\u2019er the stony,<\/div>\n
Declivitous cliffs, the close-covered passes,<\/div>\n
Narrow passages, paths unfrequented,<\/div>\n
Nesses abrupt, nicker-haunts many;<\/div>\n
One of a few of wise-mooded heroes,<\/div>\n

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

He onward advanced to view the surroundings,<\/div>\n
Till he found unawares woods of the mountain<\/div>\n
O\u2019er hoar-stones hanging, holt-wood unjoyful;<\/div>\n
The water stood under, welling and gory.<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas irksome in spirit to all of the Danemen,<\/div>\n

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

Friends of the Scyldings, to many a liegeman<\/div>\n

[The sight of \u00c6schere\u2019s head causes them great sorrow.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Sad to be suffered, a sorrow unlittle<\/div>\n
To each of the earlmen, when to \u00c6schere\u2019s head they<\/div>\n
Came on the cliff. The current was seething<\/div>\n
With blood and with gore (the troopers gazed on it).<\/div>\n

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

The horn anon sang the battle-song ready.<\/div>\n
The troop were all seated; they saw \u2019long the water then<\/div>\n

[The water is filled with serpents and sea-dragons.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Many a serpent, mere<\/span>-dragons wondrous<\/div>\n
Trying the waters, nickers a-lying<\/div>\n
On the cliffs of the nesses, which at noonday full often<\/div>\n

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

Go on the sea-deeps their sorrowful journey,<\/div>\n
Wild-beasts and wormkind; away then they hastened<\/div>\n

[One of them is killed by Beowulf.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot-mooded, hateful, they heard the great clamor,<\/div>\n
The war-trumpet winding. One did the Geat-prince<\/div>\n

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

Sunder from earth-joys, with arrow from bowstring,<\/div>\n

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

From his sea-struggle tore him, that the trusty war-missile<\/div>\n

[The dead beast is a poor swimmer]<\/span><\/p>\n

Pierced to his vitals; he proved in the currents<\/div>\n
Less doughty at swimming whom death had offcarried.<\/div>\n
Soon in the waters the wonderful swimmer<\/div>\n
Was straitened most sorely with sword-pointed boar-spears,<\/div>\n

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

Pressed in the battle and pulled to the cliff-edge;<\/div>\n
The liegemen then looked on the loath-fashioned stranger.<\/div>\n

[Beowulf prepares for a struggle with the monster.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf donned then his battle-equipments,<\/div>\n
Cared little for life; inlaid and most ample,<\/div>\n
The hand-woven corslet which could cover his body,<\/div>\n

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

Must the wave-deeps explore, that war might be powerless<\/div>\n
To harm the great hero, and the hating one\u2019s grasp might<\/div>\n
Not peril his safety; his head was protected<\/div>\n
By the light-flashing helmet that should mix with the bottoms,<\/div>\n
Trying the eddies, treasure-emblazoned,<\/div>\n

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

Encircled with jewels, as in seasons long past<\/div>\n
The weapon-smith worked it, wondrously made it,<\/div>\n
With swine-bodies fashioned it, that thenceforward no longer<\/div>\n
Brand might bite it, and battle-sword hurt it.<\/div>\n
And that was not least of helpers in prowess<\/div>\n

[He has Unferth\u2019s sword in his hand.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

That Hrothgar\u2019s spokesman had lent him when straitened;<\/div>\n
And the hilted hand-sword was Hrunting entitled,<\/div>\n
Old and most excellent \u2019mong all of the treasures;<\/div>\n
Its blade was of iron, blotted with poison,<\/div>\n
Hardened with gore; it failed not in battle<\/div>\n

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

Any hero under heaven in hand who it brandished,<\/div>\n
Who ventured to take the terrible journeys,<\/div>\n
The battle-field sought; not the earliest occasion<\/div>\n
That deeds of daring \u2019twas destined to \u2019complish.<\/div>\n

[Unferth has little use for swords.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Ecglaf\u2019s kinsman minded not soothly,<\/div>\n

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

Exulting in strength, what erst he had spoken<\/div>\n
Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent to<\/div>\n
A sword-hero bolder; himself did not venture<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath the strife of the currents his life to endanger,<\/div>\n
To fame-deeds perform; there he forfeited glory,<\/div>\n

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

Repute for his strength. Not so with the other<\/div>\n
When he clad in his corslet had equipped him for battle.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

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

BEOWULF\u2019S FIGHT WITH GRENDEL\u2019S MOTHER.<\/h2>\n

[Beowulf makes a parting speech to Hrothgar.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\n
\u201cRecall now, oh, famous kinsman of Healfdene,<\/div>\n
Prince very prudent, now to part I am ready,<\/div>\n
Gold-friend of earlmen, what erst we agreed on,<\/div>\n

If I fail, act as a kind liegelord to my thanes<\/span>,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Should I lay down my life in lending thee assistance,<\/div>\n
When my earth-joys were over, thou wouldst evermore serve me<\/div>\n
In stead of a father; my faithful thanemen,<\/div>\n
My trusty retainers, protect thou and care for,<\/div>\n
Fall I in battle: and, Hrothgar belov\u00e8d,<\/div>\n

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

Send unto Higelac the high-valued jewels<\/div>\n
Thou to me hast allotted. The lord of the Geatmen<\/div>\n
May perceive from the gold, the Hrethling may see it<\/div>\n

[I should like my king to know how generous a lord I found thee to be.]<\/span><\/p>\n

When he looks on the jewels, that a gem-giver found I<\/div>\n
Good over-measure, enjoyed him while able.<\/div>\n

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

And the ancient heirloom Unferth permit thou,<\/div>\n
The famed one to have, the heavy-sword splendid<\/div>\n
The hard-edg\u00e8d weapon; with Hrunting to aid me,<\/div>\n
I shall gain me glory, or grim-death shall take me.\u201d<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is eager for the fray.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The atheling of Geatmen uttered these words and<\/div>\n

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

Heroic did hasten, not any rejoinder<\/div>\n
Was willing to wait for; the wave-current swallowed<\/div>\n

[He is a whole day reaching the bottom of the sea.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The doughty-in-battle. Then a day\u2019s-length elapsed ere<\/div>\n
He was able to see the sea at its bottom.<\/div>\n
Early she found then who fifty of winters<\/div>\n

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

The course of the currents kept in her fury,<\/div>\n
Grisly and greedy, that the grim one\u2019s dominion<\/div>\n

[<\/span>Grendel\u2019s mother knows that some one has reached her domains.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Some one of men from above was exploring.<\/div>\n
Forth did she grab them, grappled the warrior<\/div>\n
With horrible clutches; yet no sooner she injured<\/div>\n

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

His body unscath\u00e8d: the burnie out-guarded,<\/div>\n
That she proved but powerless to pierce through the armor,<\/div>\n
The limb-mail locked, with loath-grabbing fingers.<\/div>\n
The sea-wolf bare then, when bottomward came she,<\/div>\n

[She grabs him, and bears him to her den.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The ring-prince homeward, that he after was powerless<\/div>\n

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

(He had daring to do it) to deal with his weapons,<\/div>\n
But many a mere-beast tormented him swimming,<\/div>\n

[Sea-monsters bite and strike him.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Flood-beasts no few with fierce-biting tusks did<\/div>\n
Break through his burnie, the brave one pursued they.<\/div>\n
The earl then discovered he was down in some cavern<\/div>\n

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

Where no water whatever anywise harmed him,<\/div>\n
And the clutch of the current could come not anear him,<\/div>\n
Since the roofed-hall prevented; brightness a-gleaming<\/div>\n
Fire-light he saw, flashing resplendent.<\/div>\n
The good one saw then the sea-bottom\u2019s monster,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf attacks the mother of Grendel]<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

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

The mighty mere-woman; he made a great onset<\/div>\n
With weapon-of-battle, his hand not desisted<\/div>\n
From striking, that war-blade struck on her head then<\/div>\n
A battle-song greedy. The stranger perceived then<\/div>\n

[The sword will not bite.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The sword would not bite, her life would not injure,<\/div>\n

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

But the falchion failed the folk-prince when straitened:<\/div>\n
Erst had it often onsets encountered,<\/div>\n
Oft cloven the helmet, the fated one\u2019s armor:<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas the first time that ever the excellent jewel<\/div>\n
Had failed of its fame. Firm-mooded after,<\/div>\n

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

Not heedless of valor, but mindful of glory,<\/div>\n
Was Higelac\u2019s kinsman; the hero-chief angry<\/div>\n
Cast then his carved-sword covered with jewels<\/div>\n
That it lay on the earth, hard and steel-pointed;<\/div>\n

[The hero throws down all weapons, and again trusts to his hand-grip].<\/span><\/p>\n

He hoped in his strength, his hand-grapple sturdy.<\/div>\n

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

So any must act whenever he thinketh<\/div>\n
To gain him in battle glory unending,<\/div>\n
And is reckless of living. The lord of the War-Geats<\/div>\n
(He shrank not from battle) seized by the shoulder<\/div>\n
The mother of Grendel; then mighty in struggle<\/div>\n

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

Swung he his enemy, since his anger was kindled,<\/div>\n
That she fell to the floor. With furious grapple<\/div>\n

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

She gave him requital\u00a0early thereafter,<\/div>\n
And stretched out to grab him; the strongest of warriors<\/div>\n
Faint-mooded stumbled, till he fell in his traces,<\/div>\n

[The monster sits on him with drawn sword.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Foot-going champion. Then she sat on the hall-guest<\/div>\n
And wielded her war-knife wide-bladed, flashing,<\/div>\n
For her son would take vengeance, her one only bairn.<\/div>\n

[His armor saves his life.]<\/span><\/p>\n

His breast-armor woven bode on his shoulder;<\/div>\n
It guarded his life, the entrance defended<\/div>\n

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

\u2019Gainst sword-point and edges. Ecgtheow\u2019s son there<\/div>\n
Had fatally journeyed, champion of Geatmen,<\/div>\n
In the arms of the ocean, had the armor not given,<\/div>\n
Close-woven corslet, comfort and succor,<\/div>\n

[God arranged for his escape.]<\/span><\/p>\n

And had God most holy not awarded the victory,<\/div>\n

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

All-knowing Lord; easily did heaven\u2019s<\/div>\n
Ruler most righteous arrange it with justice;<\/div>\n
Uprose he erect ready for battle.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

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

BEOWULF IS DOUBLE-CONQUEROR.<\/h2>\n

[Beowulf grasps a giant-sword.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Then he saw mid the war-gems a weapon of victory,<\/div>\n
An ancient giant-sword, of edges a-doughty,<\/div>\n
Glory of warriors: of weapons \u2019twas choicest,<\/div>\n
Only \u2019twas larger than any man else was<\/div>\n

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

Able to bear to the battle-encounter,<\/div>\n
The good and splendid work of the giants.<\/div>\n
He grasped then the sword-hilt, knight of the Scyldings,<\/div>\n
Bold and battle-grim, brandished his ring-sword,<\/div>\n
Hopeless of living, hotly he smote her,<\/div>\n

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

[The fiend-woman\u2019s neck firmly it grappled,\u00a0and fells the female monster.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Broke through her bone-joints, the bill fully pierced her<\/div>\n
Fate-curs\u00e8d body, she fell to the ground then:<\/div>\n
The hand-sword was bloody, the hero exulted.<\/div>\n
The brand was brilliant, brightly it glimmered,<\/div>\n

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

Just as from heaven gemlike shineth<\/div>\n
The torch of the firmament. He glanced \u2019long the building,<\/div>\n
And turned by the wall then, Higelac\u2019s vassal<\/div>\n
Raging and wrathful raised his battle-sword<\/div>\n
Strong by the handle. The edge was not useless<\/div>\n

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

To the hero-in-battle, but he speedily wished to<\/div>\n
Give Grendel requital for the many assaults he<\/div>\n
Had worked on the West-Danes not once, but often,<\/div>\n
When he slew in slumber the subjects of Hrothgar,<\/div>\n
Swallowed down fifteen sleeping retainers<\/div>\n

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

Of the folk of the Danemen, and fully as many<\/div>\n
Carried away, a horrible prey.<\/div>\n
He gave him requital, grim-raging champion,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf sees the body of Grendel, and cuts off his head.]<\/span><\/p>\n

When he saw on his rest-place weary of conflict<\/div>\n
Grendel lying, of life-joys bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\n

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

As the battle at Heorot erstwhile had scathed him;<\/div>\n
His body far bounded, a blow when he suffered,<\/div>\n
Death having seized him, sword-smiting heavy,<\/div>\n
And he cut off his head then. Early this noticed<\/div>\n
The clever carles who as comrades of Hrothgar<\/div>\n

[The waters are gory.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Gazed on the sea-deeps, that the surging wave-currents<\/div>\n
Were mightily mingled, the mere-flood was gory:<\/div>\n
Of the good one the gray-haired together held converse,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is given up for dead.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The hoary of head, that they hoped not to see again<\/div>\n
The atheling ever, that exulting in victory<\/div>\n

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

He\u2019d return there to visit the distinguished folk-ruler:<\/div>\n
Then many concluded the mere-wolf had killed him.<\/div>\n
The ninth hour came then. From the ness-edge departed<\/div>\n
The bold-mooded Scyldings; the gold-friend of heroes<\/div>\n
Homeward betook him. The strangers sat down then<\/div>\n

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

Soul-sick, sorrowful, the sea-waves regarding:<\/div>\n
They wished and yet weened not their well-loved friend-lord<\/div>\n

[The giant-sword melts.]<\/span><\/p>\n

To see any more. The sword-blade began then,<\/div>\n
The blood having touched it, contracting and shriveling<\/div>\n
With battle-icicles; \u2019twas a wonderful marvel<\/div>\n

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

That it melted entirely, likest to ice when<\/div>\n
The Father unbindeth the bond of the frost and<\/div>\n
Unwindeth the wave-bands, He who wieldeth dominion<\/div>\n
Of times and of tides: a truth-firm Creator.<\/div>\n
Nor took he of jewels more in the dwelling,<\/div>\n

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

Lord of the Weders, though they lay all around him,<\/div>\n
Than the head and the handle handsome with jewels;<\/div>\n
The brand early melted, burnt was the weapon:<\/div>\n
So hot was the blood, the strange-spirit poisonous<\/div>\n

[The hero swims back to the realms of day.]<\/span><\/p>\n

That in it did perish. He early swam off then<\/div>\n

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

Who had bided in combat the carnage of haters,<\/div>\n
Went up through the ocean; the eddies were cleans\u00e8d,<\/div>\n
The spacious expanses, when the spirit from farland<\/div>\n
His life put aside and this short-lived existence.<\/div>\n
The seamen\u2019s defender came swimming to land then<\/div>\n

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

Doughty of spirit, rejoiced in his sea-gift,<\/div>\n
The bulky burden which he bore in his keeping.<\/div>\n
The excellent vassals advanced then to meet him,<\/div>\n
To God they were grateful, were glad in their chieftain,<\/div>\n
That to see him safe and sound was granted them.<\/div>\n

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

From the high-minded hero, then, helmet and burnie<\/div>\n
Were speedily loosened: the ocean was putrid,<\/div>\n
The water \u2019neath welkin weltered with gore.<\/div>\n
Forth did they fare, then, their footsteps retracing,<\/div>\n
Merry and mirthful, measured the earth-way,<\/div>\n

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

The highway familiar: men very daring<\/div>\n
Bare then the head from the sea-cliff, burdening<\/div>\n
Each of the earlmen, excellent-valiant.<\/div>\n

[It takes four men to carry Grendel\u2019s head on a spear.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Four of them had to carry with labor<\/div>\n
The head of Grendel to the high towering gold-hall<\/div>\n

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

Upstuck on the spear, till fourteen most-valiant<\/div>\n
And battle-brave Geatmen came there going<\/div>\n
Straight to the palace: the prince of the people<\/div>\n
Measured the mead-ways, their mood-brave companion.<\/div>\n
The atheling of earlmen entered the building,<\/div>\n

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

Deed-valiant man, adorned with distinction,<\/div>\n
Doughty shield-warrior, to address King Hrothgar:<\/div>\n
Then hung by the hair, the head of Grendel<\/div>\n
Was borne to the building, where beer-thanes were drinking,<\/div>\n
Loth before earlmen and eke \u2019fore the lady:<\/div>\n

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

The warriors beheld then a wonderful sight.<\/div>\n
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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Public domain content<\/div>