{"id":1654,"date":"2019-07-10T03:18:41","date_gmt":"2019-07-10T03:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1654"},"modified":"2019-07-15T17:20:30","modified_gmt":"2019-07-15T17:20:30","slug":"beowulf-6","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/beowulf-6\/","title":{"raw":"Beowulf 6: Hrothgar praises Beowulf.","rendered":"Beowulf 6: Hrothgar praises Beowulf."},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n

XXV.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\nBEOWULF BRINGS HIS TROPHIES.\u2014HROTHGAR\u2019S GRATITUDE.<\/span>\r\n
\r\n\r\n[Beowulf relates his last exploit.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cLo! we blithely have brought thee, bairn of Healfdene,<\/div>\r\n
Prince of the Scyldings, these presents from ocean<\/div>\r\n
Which thine eye looketh on, for an emblem of glory.<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
I came off alive from this, narrowly \u2019scaping:<\/div>\r\n
In war \u2019neath the water the work with great pains I<\/div>\r\n
Performed, and the fight had been finished quite nearly,<\/div>\r\n
Had God not defended me. I failed in the battle<\/div>\r\n
Aught to accomplish, aided by Hrunting,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Though that weapon was worthy, but the Wielder of earth-folk<\/div>\r\n[God was fighting with me.]<\/span>\r\n
Gave me willingly to see on the wall a<\/div>\r\n
Heavy old hand-sword hanging in splendor<\/div>\r\n
(He guided most often the lorn and the friendless),<\/div>\r\n
That I swung as a weapon. The wards of the house then<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
I killed in the conflict (when occasion was given me).<\/div>\r\n
Then the battle-sword burned, the brand that was lifted,<\/div>\r\n
As the blood-current sprang, hottest of war-sweats;<\/div>\r\n
Seizing the hilt, from my foes I offbore it;<\/div>\r\n
I avenged as I ought to their acts of malignity,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
The murder of Danemen. I then make thee this promise,<\/div>\r\n[Heorot is freed from monsters.]<\/span>\r\n
Thou\u2019lt be able in Heorot careless to slumber<\/div>\r\n
With thy throng of heroes and the thanes of thy people<\/div>\r\n
Every and each, of greater and lesser,<\/div>\r\n
And thou needest not fear for them from the selfsame direction<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
As thou formerly fearedst, oh, folk-lord of Scyldings,<\/div>\r\n
End-day for earlmen.\u201d . . . .<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar moralizes.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
How all-ruling God from greatness of spirit<\/div>\r\n
Giveth wisdom to children of men,<\/div>\r\n
Manor and earlship: all things He ruleth.<\/div>\r\n
He often permitteth the mood-thought of man of<\/div>\r\n
The illustrious lineage to lean to possessions,<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Allows him earthly delights at his manor,<\/div>\r\n
A high-burg of heroes to hold in his keeping,<\/div>\r\n
Maketh portions of earth-folk hear him,<\/div>\r\n
And a wide-reaching kingdom so that, wisdom failing him,<\/div>\r\n
He himself is unable to reckon its boundaries;<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
He liveth in luxury, little debars him,<\/div>\r\n
Nor sickness nor age, no treachery-sorrow<\/div>\r\n
Becloudeth his spirit, conflict nowhere,<\/div>\r\n
No sword-hate, appeareth, but all of the world doth<\/div>\r\n
Wend as he wisheth; the worse he knoweth not,<\/div>\r\n90<\/span>\r\n
Till arrant arrogance inward pervading,<\/div>\r\n
Waxeth and springeth, when the warder is sleeping,<\/div>\r\n
The guard of the soul: with sorrows encompassed,<\/div>\r\n
Too sound is his slumber, the slayer is near him,<\/div>\r\n
Who with bow and arrow aimeth in malice.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
XXVI.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

HROTHGAR MORALIZES.\u2014REST AFTER LABOR.<\/h2>\r\n[A wounded spirit.]<\/span>\r\n
\u201cThen bruised in his bosom he with bitter-toothed missile<\/div>\r\n
Is hurt \u2019neath his helmet: from harmful pollution<\/div>\r\n
He is powerless to shield him by the wonderful mandates<\/div>\r\n
Of the loath-curs\u00e8d spirit; what too long he hath holden<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Him seemeth too small, savage he hoardeth,<\/div>\r\n
Nor boastfully giveth gold-plated rings,<\/div>\r\n
The fate of the future flouts and forgetteth<\/div>\r\n
Since God had erst given him greatness no little,<\/div>\r\n
Wielder of Glory. His end-day anear,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
It afterward happens that the bodily-dwelling<\/div>\r\n
Fleetingly fadeth, falls into ruins;<\/div>\r\n
Another lays hold who doleth the ornaments,<\/div>\r\n
The nobleman\u2019s jewels, nothing lamenting,<\/div>\r\n
Heedeth no terror. Oh, Beowulf dear,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Best of the heroes, from bale-strife defend thee,<\/div>\r\n
And choose thee the better, counsels eternal;<\/div>\r\n[Be not over proud: life is fleeting, and its strength soon wasteth away.]<\/span>\r\n
Beware of arrogance, world-famous champion!<\/div>\r\n
But a little-while lasts thy life-vigor\u2019s fulness;<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twill after hap early, that illness or sword-edge<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Shall part thee from strength, or the grasp of the fire,<\/div>\r\n
Or the wave of the current, or clutch of the edges,<\/div>\r\n
Or flight of the war-spear, or age with its horrors,<\/div>\r\n
Or thine eyes\u2019 bright flashing shall fade into darkness:<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twill happen full early, excellent hero,<\/div>\r\n[Hrothgar gives an account of his reign.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
That death shall subdue thee. So the Danes a half-century<\/div>\r\n
I held under heaven, helped them in struggles<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst many a race in middle-earth\u2019s regions,<\/div>\r\n
With ash-wood and edges, that enemies none<\/div>\r\n
On earth molested me. Lo! offsetting change, now,<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Sorrow after joy.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Came to my manor, grief after joyance,<\/div>\r\n
When Grendel became my constant visitor,<\/div>\r\n
Inveterate hater: I from that malice<\/div>\r\n
Continually travailed with trouble no little.<\/div>\r\n
Thanks be to God that I gained in my lifetime,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
To the Lord everlasting, to look on the gory<\/div>\r\n
Head with mine eyes, after long-lasting sorrow!<\/div>\r\n
Go to the bench now, battle-adorn\u00e8d<\/div>\r\n
Joy in the feasting: of jewels in common<\/div>\r\n
We\u2019ll meet with many when morning appeareth.\u201d<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
The Geatman was gladsome, ganged he immediately<\/div>\r\n
To go to the bench, as the clever one bade him.<\/div>\r\n
Then again as before were the famous-for-prowess,<\/div>\r\n
Hall-inhabiters, handsomely banqueted,<\/div>\r\n
Feasted anew. The night-veil fell then<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Dark o\u2019er the warriors. The courtiers rose then;<\/div>\r\n
The gray-haired was anxious to go to his slumbers,<\/div>\r\n
The hoary old Scylding. Hankered the Geatman,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is exhausted and seeks rest.]<\/span>\r\n
The champion doughty, greatly, to rest him:<\/div>\r\n
An earlman early outward did lead him,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Fagged from his faring, from far-country springing,<\/div>\r\n
Who for etiquette\u2019s sake all of a liegeman\u2019s<\/div>\r\n
Needs regarded, such as seamen at that time<\/div>\r\n
Were bounden to feel. The big-hearted rested;<\/div>\r\n
The building uptowered, spacious and gilded,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
The guest within slumbered, till the sable-clad raven<\/div>\r\n
Blithely foreboded the beacon of heaven.<\/div>\r\n
Then the bright-shining sun o\u2019er the bottoms came going;<\/div>\r\n
The warriors hastened, the heads of the peoples<\/div>\r\n
Were ready to go again to their peoples,<\/div>\r\n[The Geats prepare to leave Dane-land.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward<\/div>\r\n
Look for his vessel. The valiant one bade then,<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Unferth asks Beowulf to accept his sword as a gift. Beowulf thanks him.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,<\/div>\r\n
To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;<\/div>\r\n
He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then<\/div>\r\n
The blade of the brand: \u2019twas a brave-mooded hero.<\/div>\r\n
When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings,<\/div>\r\n
The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then<\/div>\r\n
On to the dais, where the other was sitting,<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
[<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

SORROW AT PARTING.<\/h2>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s farewell.]<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s offspring:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cWe men of the water wish to declare now<\/div>\r\n
Fared from far-lands, we\u2019re firmly determined<\/div>\r\n
To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it;<\/div>\r\n
Good was the greeting. If greater affection<\/div>\r\n
I am anywise able ever on earth to<\/div>\r\n
Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes,<\/div>\r\n
Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready<\/div>\r\n[I shall be ever ready to aid thee.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
For combat and conflict. O\u2019er the course of the waters<\/div>\r\n
Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror,<\/div>\r\n
As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee<\/div>\r\n
For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands.<\/div>\r\nMy liegelord will encourage me in aiding thee.<\/span>\r\n
I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Though young in years, he yet will permit me,<\/div>\r\n
By words and by works, ward of the people,<\/div>\r\n
Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee<\/div>\r\n
My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee,<\/div>\r\n
And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,<\/div>\r\n
He thereat may find him friends in abundance:<\/div>\r\n
Faraway countries he were better to seek for<\/div>\r\n
Who trusts in himself.\u201d Hrothgar discoursed then,<\/div>\r\n
Making rejoinder: \u201cThese words thou hast uttered<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
[All-knowing God hath given thy spirit!]<\/span><\/div>\r\nO Beowulf, thou art wise beyond thy years.<\/span>\r\n
Ne\u2019er heard I an earlman thus early in life<\/div>\r\n
More clever in speaking: thou\u2019rt cautious of spirit,<\/div>\r\n
Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent.<\/div>\r\n
I count on the hope that, happen it ever<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel\u2019s descendant,<\/div>\r\n
Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon<\/div>\r\n
Deprive thee of prince, of people\u2019s protector,<\/div>\r\n[Should Higelac die, the Geats could find no better successor than thou wouldst make.]<\/span>\r\n
And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never<\/div>\r\n
Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Gem-ward of heroes, than thou<\/i> mightest prove thee,<\/div>\r\n
If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern.<\/div>\r\n
Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better,<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that<\/div>\r\n
To both these peoples peace shall be common,<\/div>\r\n[Thou hast healed the ancient breach between our races.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
To Geat-folk and Danemen, the strife be suspended,<\/div>\r\n
The secret assailings they suffered in yore-days;<\/div>\r\n
And also that jewels be shared while I govern<\/div>\r\n
The wide-stretching kingdom, and that many shall visit<\/div>\r\n
Others o\u2019er the ocean with excellent gift-gems:<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
The ring-adorned bark shall bring o\u2019er the currents<\/div>\r\n
Presents and love-gifts. This people I know<\/div>\r\n
Tow\u2019rd foeman and friend firmly established,<\/div>\r\n
After ancient etiquette everywise blameless.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
Then the warden of earlmen gave him still farther,<\/div>\r\n[Parting gifts]<\/span>\r\n\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Kinsman of Healfdene, a dozen of jewels,<\/div>\r\n
Bade him safely seek with the presents<\/div>\r\n
His well-beloved people, early returning.<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Hrothgar kisses Beowulf and weeps.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished,<\/div>\r\n
Dear-lov\u00e8d liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
And clasp\u00e8d his neck; tears from him fell,<\/div>\r\n
From the gray-headed man: he two things expected,<\/div>\r\n
Ag\u00e8d and reverend, but rather the second,<\/div>\r\n
That bold in council they\u2019d meet thereafter.<\/div>\r\n
The man was so dear that he failed to suppress the<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Emotions that moved him, but in mood-fetters fastened<\/div>\r\n[The old king is deeply grieved to part with his benefactor.]<\/span>\r\n
The long-famous hero longeth in secret<\/div>\r\n
Deep in his spirit for the dear-beloved man<\/div>\r\n
Though not a blood-kinsman. Beowulf thenceward,<\/div>\r\n
Gold-splendid warrior, walked o\u2019er the meadows<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Exulting in treasure: the sea-going vessel<\/div>\r\n
Riding at anchor awaited its owner.<\/div>\r\n
As they pressed on their way then, the present of Hrothgar<\/div>\r\n[Giving liberally is the true proof of kingship.]<\/span>\r\n
Was frequently referred to: a folk-king indeed that<\/div>\r\n
Everyway blameless, till age did debar him<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
The joys of his might, which hath many oft injured.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

<\/h2>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n

XXV.<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

BEOWULF BRINGS HIS TROPHIES.\u2014HROTHGAR\u2019S GRATITUDE.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

[Beowulf relates his last exploit.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow:<\/div>\n
\u201cLo! we blithely have brought thee, bairn of Healfdene,<\/div>\n
Prince of the Scyldings, these presents from ocean<\/div>\n
Which thine eye looketh on, for an emblem of glory.<\/div>\n

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

I came off alive from this, narrowly \u2019scaping:<\/div>\n
In war \u2019neath the water the work with great pains I<\/div>\n
Performed, and the fight had been finished quite nearly,<\/div>\n
Had God not defended me. I failed in the battle<\/div>\n
Aught to accomplish, aided by Hrunting,<\/div>\n

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

Though that weapon was worthy, but the Wielder of earth-folk<\/div>\n

[God was fighting with me.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Gave me willingly to see on the wall a<\/div>\n
Heavy old hand-sword hanging in splendor<\/div>\n
(He guided most often the lorn and the friendless),<\/div>\n
That I swung as a weapon. The wards of the house then<\/div>\n

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

I killed in the conflict (when occasion was given me).<\/div>\n
Then the battle-sword burned, the brand that was lifted,<\/div>\n
As the blood-current sprang, hottest of war-sweats;<\/div>\n
Seizing the hilt, from my foes I offbore it;<\/div>\n
I avenged as I ought to their acts of malignity,<\/div>\n

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

The murder of Danemen. I then make thee this promise,<\/div>\n

[Heorot is freed from monsters.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Thou\u2019lt be able in Heorot careless to slumber<\/div>\n
With thy throng of heroes and the thanes of thy people<\/div>\n
Every and each, of greater and lesser,<\/div>\n
And thou needest not fear for them from the selfsame direction<\/div>\n

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

As thou formerly fearedst, oh, folk-lord of Scyldings,<\/div>\n
End-day for earlmen.\u201d . . . .<\/div>\n

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

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

How all-ruling God from greatness of spirit<\/div>\n
Giveth wisdom to children of men,<\/div>\n
Manor and earlship: all things He ruleth.<\/div>\n
He often permitteth the mood-thought of man of<\/div>\n
The illustrious lineage to lean to possessions,<\/div>\n

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

Allows him earthly delights at his manor,<\/div>\n
A high-burg of heroes to hold in his keeping,<\/div>\n
Maketh portions of earth-folk hear him,<\/div>\n
And a wide-reaching kingdom so that, wisdom failing him,<\/div>\n
He himself is unable to reckon its boundaries;<\/div>\n

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

He liveth in luxury, little debars him,<\/div>\n
Nor sickness nor age, no treachery-sorrow<\/div>\n
Becloudeth his spirit, conflict nowhere,<\/div>\n
No sword-hate, appeareth, but all of the world doth<\/div>\n
Wend as he wisheth; the worse he knoweth not,<\/div>\n

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

Till arrant arrogance inward pervading,<\/div>\n
Waxeth and springeth, when the warder is sleeping,<\/div>\n
The guard of the soul: with sorrows encompassed,<\/div>\n
Too sound is his slumber, the slayer is near him,<\/div>\n
Who with bow and arrow aimeth in malice.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
XXVI.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

HROTHGAR MORALIZES.\u2014REST AFTER LABOR.<\/h2>\n

[A wounded spirit.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen bruised in his bosom he with bitter-toothed missile<\/div>\n
Is hurt \u2019neath his helmet: from harmful pollution<\/div>\n
He is powerless to shield him by the wonderful mandates<\/div>\n
Of the loath-curs\u00e8d spirit; what too long he hath holden<\/div>\n

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

Him seemeth too small, savage he hoardeth,<\/div>\n
Nor boastfully giveth gold-plated rings,<\/div>\n
The fate of the future flouts and forgetteth<\/div>\n
Since God had erst given him greatness no little,<\/div>\n
Wielder of Glory. His end-day anear,<\/div>\n

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

It afterward happens that the bodily-dwelling<\/div>\n
Fleetingly fadeth, falls into ruins;<\/div>\n
Another lays hold who doleth the ornaments,<\/div>\n
The nobleman\u2019s jewels, nothing lamenting,<\/div>\n
Heedeth no terror. Oh, Beowulf dear,<\/div>\n

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

Best of the heroes, from bale-strife defend thee,<\/div>\n
And choose thee the better, counsels eternal;<\/div>\n

[Be not over proud: life is fleeting, and its strength soon wasteth away.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beware of arrogance, world-famous champion!<\/div>\n
But a little-while lasts thy life-vigor\u2019s fulness;<\/div>\n
\u2019Twill after hap early, that illness or sword-edge<\/div>\n

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

Shall part thee from strength, or the grasp of the fire,<\/div>\n
Or the wave of the current, or clutch of the edges,<\/div>\n
Or flight of the war-spear, or age with its horrors,<\/div>\n
Or thine eyes\u2019 bright flashing shall fade into darkness:<\/div>\n
\u2019Twill happen full early, excellent hero,<\/div>\n

[Hrothgar gives an account of his reign.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

That death shall subdue thee. So the Danes a half-century<\/div>\n
I held under heaven, helped them in struggles<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst many a race in middle-earth\u2019s regions,<\/div>\n
With ash-wood and edges, that enemies none<\/div>\n
On earth molested me. Lo! offsetting change, now,<\/div>\n

[<\/span>Sorrow after joy.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Came to my manor, grief after joyance,<\/div>\n
When Grendel became my constant visitor,<\/div>\n
Inveterate hater: I from that malice<\/div>\n
Continually travailed with trouble no little.<\/div>\n
Thanks be to God that I gained in my lifetime,<\/div>\n

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

To the Lord everlasting, to look on the gory<\/div>\n
Head with mine eyes, after long-lasting sorrow!<\/div>\n
Go to the bench now, battle-adorn\u00e8d<\/div>\n
Joy in the feasting: of jewels in common<\/div>\n
We\u2019ll meet with many when morning appeareth.\u201d<\/div>\n

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

The Geatman was gladsome, ganged he immediately<\/div>\n
To go to the bench, as the clever one bade him.<\/div>\n
Then again as before were the famous-for-prowess,<\/div>\n
Hall-inhabiters, handsomely banqueted,<\/div>\n
Feasted anew. The night-veil fell then<\/div>\n

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

Dark o\u2019er the warriors. The courtiers rose then;<\/div>\n
The gray-haired was anxious to go to his slumbers,<\/div>\n
The hoary old Scylding. Hankered the Geatman,<\/div>\n

[Beowulf is exhausted and seeks rest.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The champion doughty, greatly, to rest him:<\/div>\n
An earlman early outward did lead him,<\/div>\n

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

Fagged from his faring, from far-country springing,<\/div>\n
Who for etiquette\u2019s sake all of a liegeman\u2019s<\/div>\n
Needs regarded, such as seamen at that time<\/div>\n
Were bounden to feel. The big-hearted rested;<\/div>\n
The building uptowered, spacious and gilded,<\/div>\n

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

The guest within slumbered, till the sable-clad raven<\/div>\n
Blithely foreboded the beacon of heaven.<\/div>\n
Then the bright-shining sun o\u2019er the bottoms came going;<\/div>\n
The warriors hastened, the heads of the peoples<\/div>\n
Were ready to go again to their peoples,<\/div>\n

[The Geats prepare to leave Dane-land.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward<\/div>\n
Look for his vessel. The valiant one bade then,<\/div>\n

[<\/span>Unferth asks Beowulf to accept his sword as a gift. Beowulf thanks him.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,<\/div>\n
To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;<\/div>\n
He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted<\/div>\n

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

The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then<\/div>\n
The blade of the brand: \u2019twas a brave-mooded hero.<\/div>\n
When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings,<\/div>\n
The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then<\/div>\n
On to the dais, where the other was sitting,<\/div>\n

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

Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.<\/div>\n
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[<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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XXVII.<\/a><\/h2>\n

SORROW AT PARTING.<\/h2>\n

[Beowulf\u2019s farewell.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s offspring:<\/div>\n
\u201cWe men of the water wish to declare now<\/div>\n
Fared from far-lands, we\u2019re firmly determined<\/div>\n
To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly<\/div>\n

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

Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it;<\/div>\n
Good was the greeting. If greater affection<\/div>\n
I am anywise able ever on earth to<\/div>\n
Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes,<\/div>\n
Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready<\/div>\n

[I shall be ever ready to aid thee.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For combat and conflict. O\u2019er the course of the waters<\/div>\n
Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror,<\/div>\n
As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee<\/div>\n
For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands.<\/div>\n

My liegelord will encourage me in aiding thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen,<\/div>\n

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

Though young in years, he yet will permit me,<\/div>\n
By words and by works, ward of the people,<\/div>\n
Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee<\/div>\n
My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee,<\/div>\n
And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating,<\/div>\n

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

Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,<\/div>\n
He thereat may find him friends in abundance:<\/div>\n
Faraway countries he were better to seek for<\/div>\n
Who trusts in himself.\u201d Hrothgar discoursed then,<\/div>\n
Making rejoinder: \u201cThese words thou hast uttered<\/div>\n

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

[All-knowing God hath given thy spirit!]<\/span><\/div>\n

O Beowulf, thou art wise beyond thy years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ne\u2019er heard I an earlman thus early in life<\/div>\n
More clever in speaking: thou\u2019rt cautious of spirit,<\/div>\n
Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent.<\/div>\n
I count on the hope that, happen it ever<\/div>\n

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

That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel\u2019s descendant,<\/div>\n
Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon<\/div>\n
Deprive thee of prince, of people\u2019s protector,<\/div>\n

[Should Higelac die, the Geats could find no better successor than thou wouldst make.]<\/span><\/p>\n

And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never<\/div>\n
Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them,<\/div>\n

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

Gem-ward of heroes, than thou<\/i> mightest prove thee,<\/div>\n
If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern.<\/div>\n
Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better,<\/div>\n
Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that<\/div>\n
To both these peoples peace shall be common,<\/div>\n

[Thou hast healed the ancient breach between our races.]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

To Geat-folk and Danemen, the strife be suspended,<\/div>\n
The secret assailings they suffered in yore-days;<\/div>\n
And also that jewels be shared while I govern<\/div>\n
The wide-stretching kingdom, and that many shall visit<\/div>\n
Others o\u2019er the ocean with excellent gift-gems:<\/div>\n

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

The ring-adorned bark shall bring o\u2019er the currents<\/div>\n
Presents and love-gifts. This people I know<\/div>\n
Tow\u2019rd foeman and friend firmly established,<\/div>\n
After ancient etiquette everywise blameless.\u201d<\/div>\n
Then the warden of earlmen gave him still farther,<\/div>\n

[Parting gifts]<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Kinsman of Healfdene, a dozen of jewels,<\/div>\n
Bade him safely seek with the presents<\/div>\n
His well-beloved people, early returning.<\/div>\n

[<\/span>Hrothgar kisses Beowulf and weeps.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished,<\/div>\n
Dear-lov\u00e8d liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him,<\/div>\n

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

And clasp\u00e8d his neck; tears from him fell,<\/div>\n
From the gray-headed man: he two things expected,<\/div>\n
Ag\u00e8d and reverend, but rather the second,<\/div>\n
That bold in council they\u2019d meet thereafter.<\/div>\n
The man was so dear that he failed to suppress the<\/div>\n

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

Emotions that moved him, but in mood-fetters fastened<\/div>\n

[The old king is deeply grieved to part with his benefactor.]<\/span><\/p>\n

The long-famous hero longeth in secret<\/div>\n
Deep in his spirit for the dear-beloved man<\/div>\n
Though not a blood-kinsman. Beowulf thenceward,<\/div>\n
Gold-splendid warrior, walked o\u2019er the meadows<\/div>\n

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

Exulting in treasure: the sea-going vessel<\/div>\n
Riding at anchor awaited its owner.<\/div>\n
As they pressed on their way then, the present of Hrothgar<\/div>\n

[Giving liberally is the true proof of kingship.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Was frequently referred to: a folk-king indeed that<\/div>\n
Everyway blameless, till age did debar him<\/div>\n

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

The joys of his might, which hath many oft injured.<\/div>\n
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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Public domain content<\/div>