{"id":1666,"date":"2019-07-11T11:36:51","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T11:36:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1666"},"modified":"2019-07-17T14:34:23","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T14:34:23","slug":"beowulf-8","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/beowulf-8\/","title":{"raw":"Beowulf 8: Beowulf confronts the fire dragon.","rendered":"Beowulf 8: Beowulf confronts the fire dragon."},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n
\r\n

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

THE HOARD AND THE DRAGON.<\/h2>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
He sought of himself who sorely did harm him,<\/div>\r\n
But, for need very pressing, the servant of one of<\/div>\r\n
The sons of the heroes hate-blows evaded,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Seeking for shelter and the sin-driven warrior<\/div>\r\n
Took refuge within there. He early looked in it,<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0when the onset surprised him,<\/div>\r\n[The hoard.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
He a gem-vessel saw there: many of suchlike<\/div>\r\n
Ancient ornaments in the earth-cave were lying,<\/div>\r\n
As in days of yore some one of men of<\/div>\r\n
Illustrious lineage, as a legacy monstrous,<\/div>\r\n
There had secreted them, careful and thoughtful,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Dear-valued jewels. Death had offsnatched them,<\/div>\r\n
In the days of the past, and the one man moreover<\/div>\r\n
Of the flower of the folk who fared there the longest,<\/div>\r\n
Was fain to defer it, friend-mourning warder,<\/div>\r\n
A little longer to be left in enjoyment<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Of long-lasting treasure. A barrow all-ready<\/div>\r\n
Stood on the plain the stream-currents nigh to,<\/div>\r\n
New by the ness-edge, unnethe of approaching:<\/div>\r\n
The keeper of rings carried within a<\/div>\r\n
Ponderous deal of the treasure of nobles,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Of gold that was beaten . . . .<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
[<\/span>The fire-dragon]\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Dashed on his spirit. Then the ancient dusk-scather<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Found the great treasure standing all open,<\/div>\r\n
He who flaming and fiery flies to the barrows,<\/div>\r\n
Naked war-dragon, nightly escapeth<\/div>\r\n
Encompassed with fire; men under heaven<\/div>\r\n
Widely beheld him. \u2019Tis said that he looks for<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
The hoard in the earth, where old he is guarding<\/div>\r\n
The heathenish treasure; he\u2019ll be nowise the better.<\/div>\r\n[The dragon meets his match.]<\/span>\r\n
So three-hundred winters the waster of peoples<\/div>\r\n
Held upon earth that excellent hoard-hall,<\/div>\r\n
Till the forementioned earlman angered him bitterly:<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
The beat-plated beaker he bare to his chieftain<\/div>\r\n
And fullest remission for all his remissness<\/div>\r\n
Begged of his liegelord. Then the hoard was discovered,<\/div>\r\n
The treasure was taken, his petition was granted<\/div>\r\n[A man plunders the dragon\u2019s den]<\/span>\r\n
The lorn-mooded liegeman. His lord regarded<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
The old-work of earth-folk\u2014\u2019twas the earliest occasion.<\/div>\r\n
When the dragon awoke, the strife was renewed there;<\/div>\r\n
He snuffed \u2019long the stone then, stout-hearted found he<\/div>\r\n
The footprint of foeman; too far had he gone<\/div>\r\n
With cunning craftiness close to the head of<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
The fire-spewing dragon. So undoomed he may \u2019scape from<\/div>\r\n
Anguish and exile with ease who possesseth<\/div>\r\n
The favor of Heaven. The hoard-warden eagerly<\/div>\r\n
Searched o\u2019er the ground then, would meet with the person<\/div>\r\n
That caused him sorrow while in slumber reclining:<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
Gleaming and wild he oft went round the cavern,<\/div>\r\n
All of it outward; not any of earthmen<\/div>\r\n
Was seen in that desert. Yet he joyed in the battle,<\/div>\r\n
Rejoiced in the conflict: oft he turned to the barrow,<\/div>\r\n
Sought for the gem-cup; this he soon perceived then<\/div>\r\n[The dragon perceives that some one has disturbed his treasure.]<\/span>\r\n
That some man or other had discovered the gold,<\/div>\r\n
The famous folk-treasure. Not fain did the hoard-ward<\/div>\r\n
Wait until evening; then the ward of the barrow<\/div>\r\n
Was angry in spirit, the loath\u00e8d one wished to<\/div>\r\n
Pay for the dear-valued drink-cup with fire.<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Then the day was done as the dragon would have it,<\/div>\r\n
He no longer would wait on the wall, but departed<\/div>\r\n[The dragon is infuriated.]<\/span>\r\n
Fire-impelled, flaming. Fearful the start was<\/div>\r\n
To earls in the land, as it early thereafter<\/div>\r\n
To their giver-of-gold was grievously ended.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BRAVE THOUGH AGED.\u2014REMINISCENCES.<\/h2>\r\n[The dragon spits fire.]<\/span>\r\n
The stranger began then to vomit forth fire,<\/div>\r\n
To burn the great manor; the blaze then glimmered<\/div>\r\n
For anguish to earlmen, not anything living<\/div>\r\n
Was the hateful air-goer willing to leave there.<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
The war of the worm widely was noticed,<\/div>\r\n
The feud of the foeman afar and anear,<\/div>\r\n
How the enemy injured the earls of the Geatmen,<\/div>\r\n
Harried with hatred: back he hied to the treasure,<\/div>\r\n
To the well-hidden cavern ere the coming of daylight.<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
He had circled with fire the folk of those regions,<\/div>\r\n
With brand and burning; in the barrow he trusted,<\/div>\r\n
In the wall and his war-might: the weening deceived him.<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf hears of the havoc wrought by the dragon.]<\/span>\r\n
Then straight was the horror to Beowulf published,<\/div>\r\n
Early forsooth, that his own native homestead,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
The best of buildings, was burning and melting,<\/div>\r\n
Gift-seat of Geatmen. \u2019Twas a grief to the spirit<\/div>\r\n
Of the good-mooded hero, the greatest of sorrows:<\/div>\r\n[He fears that Heaven is punishing him for some crime.]<\/span>\r\n
The wise one weened then that wielding his kingdom<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst the ancient commandments, he had bitterly angered<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
The Lord everlasting: with lorn meditations<\/div>\r\n
His bosom welled inward, as was nowise his custom.<\/div>\r\n
The fire-spewing dragon fully had wasted<\/div>\r\n
The fastness of warriors, the water-land outward,<\/div>\r\n
The manor with fire. The folk-ruling hero,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Prince of the Weders, was planning to wreak him.<\/div>\r\n
The warmen\u2019s defender bade them to make him,<\/div>\r\n
Earlmen\u2019s atheling, an excellent war-shield<\/div>\r\n[He orders an iron shield to be made for since wood is useless.]<\/span>\r\n
Wholly of iron: fully he knew then<\/div>\r\n
That wood from the forest was helpless to aid him,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Shield against fire. The long-worthy ruler<\/div>\r\n
Must live the last of his limited earth-days,<\/div>\r\n
Of life in the world and the worm along with him,<\/div>\r\n
Though he long had been holding hoard-wealth in plenty.<\/div>\r\n[He determines to fight alone.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the ring-prince disdained to seek with a war-band,<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
With army extensive, the air-going ranger;<\/div>\r\n
He felt no fear of the foeman\u2019s assaults and<\/div>\r\n
He counted for little the might of the dragon,<\/div>\r\n
His power and prowess: for previously dared he<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s early triumphs referred to]<\/span>\r\n
A heap of hostility, hazarded dangers,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
War-thane, when Hrothgar\u2019s palace he cleans\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n
Conquering combatant, clutched in the battle<\/div>\r\n
The kinsmen of Grendel, of kindred detested.<\/div>\r\n[Higelac\u2019s death recalled.]<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Twas of hand-fights not least where Higelac was slaughtered,<\/div>\r\n
When the king of the Geatmen with clashings of battle . . .<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Ecgtheow\u2019s bairn o\u2019er the bight-courses swam then,<\/div>\r\n
Lone-goer lorn to his land-folk returning,<\/div>\r\n
Where Hygd to him tendered treasure and kingdom,<\/div>\r\n[Heardred\u2019s lack of capacity to rule.]<\/span>\r\n
Rings and dominion: her son she not trusted,<\/div>\r\n
To be able to keep the kingdom devised him<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Gainst alien races, on the death of King Higelac.<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s tact and delicacy recalled.]<\/span>\r\n
Yet the sad ones succeeded not in persuading the atheling<\/div>\r\n
In any way ever, to act as a suzerain<\/div>\r\n
To Heardred, or promise to govern the kingdom;<\/div>\r\n
Yet with friendly counsel in the folk he sustained him,<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Gracious, with honor, till he grew to be older . . .<\/div>\r\n
Distributed treasure, distinguished folk-leader.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas the end of his earth-days; injury fatal<\/div>\r\n
By swing of the sword he received as a greeting,<\/div>\r\n
Offspring of Higelac; Ongentheow\u2019s bairn<\/div>\r\n
Later departed to visit his homestead,<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
When Heardred was dead; let Beowulf rule them,<\/div>\r\n
Govern the Geatmen: good was that folk-king.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

BEOWULF SEEKS THE DRAGON.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S REMINISCENCES.<\/h2>\r\n
He planned requital for the folk-leader\u2019s ruin<\/div>\r\n
In days thereafter, to Eadgils the wretched<\/div>\r\n
Becoming an enemy. Ohthere\u2019s son then<\/div>\r\n
Went with a war-troop o\u2019er the wide-stretching currents<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
With warriors and weapons: with woe-journeys cold he<\/div>\r\n
After avenged him, the king\u2019s life he took.<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf has been preserved through many perils.]<\/span>\r\n
So he came off uninjured from all of his battles,<\/div>\r\n
Perilous fights, offspring of Ecgtheow,<\/div>\r\n
From his deeds of daring, till that day most momentous<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
When he fate-driven fared to fight with the dragon.<\/div>\r\n[With eleven comrades, he seeks the dragon.]<\/span>\r\n
With eleven companions the prince of the Geatmen<\/div>\r\n
Went lowering with fury to look at the fire-drake:<\/div>\r\n
Inquiring he\u2019d found how the feud had arisen,<\/div>\r\n
Hate to his heroes; the highly-famed gem-vessel<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Was brought to his keeping through the hand of th\u2019 informer.<\/div>\r\n[A guide leads the way, but]<\/span>\r\n
That in the throng was thirteenth of heroes,<\/div>\r\n
That caused the beginning of conflict so bitter,<\/div>\r\n
Captive and wretched, must sad-mooded thenceward\u00a0very reluctantly.<\/span><\/div>\r\n
Point out the place: he passed then unwillingly<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
To the spot where he knew of the notable cavern,<\/div>\r\n
The cave under earth, not far from the ocean,<\/div>\r\n
The anger of eddies, which inward was full of<\/div>\r\n
Jewels and wires: a warden uncanny,<\/div>\r\n
Warrior weaponed, wardered the treasure,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Old under earth; no easy possession<\/div>\r\n
For any of earth-folk access to get to.<\/div>\r\n
Then the battle-brave atheling sat on the naze-edge,<\/div>\r\n
While the gold-friend of Geatmen gracious saluted<\/div>\r\n
His fireside-companions: woe was his spirit,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Death-boding, wav\u2019ring; Weird very near him,<\/div>\r\n
Who must seize the old hero, his soul-treasure look for,<\/div>\r\n
Dragging aloof his life from his body:<\/div>\r\n
Not flesh-hidden long was the folk-leader\u2019s spirit.<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s retrospect reduced]<\/span>\r\n
BEOWULF\u2019S LAST BATTLE.<\/span><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Belov\u00e8d co-liegemen\u2014his last salutation:<\/div>\r\n
\u201cNo brand would I bear, no blade for the dragon,<\/div>\r\n
Wist I a way my word-boast to \u2019complish<\/div>\r\n
Else with the monster, as with Grendel I did it;<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
But fire in the battle hot I expect there,<\/div>\r\n
Furious flame-burning: so I fixed on my body<\/div>\r\n
Target and war-mail. The ward of the barrow<\/div>\r\n
I\u2019ll not flee from a foot-length, the foeman uncanny.<\/div>\r\n
At the wall \u2019twill befall us as Fate decreeth,<\/div>\r\nLet Fate decide between us.<\/span>\r\n\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Each one\u2019s Creator. I am eager in spirit,<\/div>\r\n
With the wing\u00e8d war-hero to away with all boasting.<\/div>\r\n
Bide on the barrow with burnies protected,<\/div>\r\n[Wait here till the battle is over.]<\/span>\r\n
Earls in armor, which of us<\/i> two may better<\/div>\r\n
Bear his disaster, when the battle is over.<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Tis no matter of yours, and man cannot do it,<\/div>\r\n
But me and me only, to measure his strength with<\/div>\r\n
The monster of malice, might-deeds to \u2019complish.<\/div>\r\n
I with prowess shall gain the gold, or the battle,<\/div>\r\n
Direful death-woe will drag off your ruler!\u201d<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
The mighty champion rose by his shield then,<\/div>\r\n
Brave under helmet, in battle-mail went he<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Neath steep-rising stone-cliffs, the strength he relied on<\/div>\r\n
Of one man alone: no work for a coward.<\/div>\r\n
Then he saw by the wall who a great many battles<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Had lived through, most worthy, when foot-troops collided,<\/div>\r\n[The place of strife is described]<\/span>\r\n
Stone-arches standing, stout-hearted champion,<\/div>\r\n
Saw a brook from the barrow bubbling out thenceward:<\/div>\r\n
The flood of the fountain was fuming with war-flame:<\/div>\r\n
Not nigh to the hoard, for season the briefest<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Could he brave, without burning, the abyss that was yawning,<\/div>\r\n
The drake was so fiery. The prince of the Weders<\/div>\r\n
Caused then that words came from his bosom,<\/div>\r\n
So fierce was his fury; the firm-hearted shouted:<\/div>\r\n
His battle-clear voice came in resounding<\/div>\r\n90<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Neath the gray-colored stone. Stirred was his hatred,<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[<\/span>Beowulf calls out under the stone arches.]<\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
The hoard-ward distinguished the speech of a man;<\/div>\r\n
Time was no longer to look out for friendship.<\/div>\r\n
The breath of the monster issued forth first,<\/div>\r\n
Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave:<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[The terrible encounter.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\n95<\/span>\r\n
The earth re-echoed. The earl \u2019neath the barrow<\/div>\r\n
Lifted his shield, lord of the Geatmen,<\/div>\r\n
Tow\u2019rd the terrible stranger: the ring-twisted creature\u2019s<\/div>\r\n
Heart was then ready to seek for a struggle.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
[Beowulf brandishes his sword.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
The excellent battle-king first brandished his weapon,<\/div>\r\n100<\/span>\r\n
The ancient heirloom, of edges unblunted,<\/div>\r\n
To the death-planners twain was terror from other.<\/div>\r\n
The lord of the troopers intrepidly stood then<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Gainst his high-rising shield, when the dragon coiled him<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[The dragon coils himself.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Quickly together: in corslet he bided.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
105<\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
He went then in blazes, bended and striding,<\/div>\r\n
Hasting him forward. His life and body<\/div>\r\n
The targe well protected, for time-period shorter<\/div>\r\n
Than wish demanded for the well-renowned leader,<\/div>\r\n
Where he then for the first day was forced to be victor,<\/div>\r\n110<\/span>\r\n
Famous in battle, as Fate had not willed it.<\/div>\r\n
The lord of the Geatmen uplifted his hand then,<\/div>\r\n
Smiting the fire-drake with sword that was precious,<\/div>\r\n
That bright on the bone the blade-edge did weaken,<\/div>\r\n
Bit more feebly than his folk-leader needed,<\/div>\r\n115<\/span>\r\n
Burdened with bale-griefs. Then the barrow-protector,<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[The dragon rages]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
When the sword-blow had fallen, was fierce in his spirit,<\/div>\r\n
Flinging his fires, flamings of battle<\/div>\r\n
Gleamed then afar: the gold-friend of Weders<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s sword fails him.]<\/span>\r\n
Boasted no conquests, his battle-sword failed him<\/div>\r\n120<\/span>\r\n
Naked in conflict, as by no means it ought to,<\/div>\r\n
Long-trusty weapon. \u2019Twas no slight undertaking<\/div>\r\n
That Ecgtheow\u2019s famous offspring would leave<\/div>\r\n
The drake-cavern\u2019s bottom; he must live in some region<\/div>\r\n
Other than this, by the will of the dragon,<\/div>\r\n125<\/span>\r\n
As each one of earthmen existence must forfeit.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas early thereafter the excellent warriors<\/div>\r\n[The combat is renewed.]<\/span>\r\n
Met with each other. Anew and afresh<\/div>\r\n
The hoard-ward took heart (gasps heaved then his bosom):<\/div>\r\n[The great hero is reduced to extremities.]<\/span>\r\n
Sorrow he suffered encircled with fire<\/div>\r\n130<\/span>\r\n
Who the people erst governed. His companions by no means<\/div>\r\n
Were banded about him, bairns of the princes,<\/div>\r\n[His comrades flee!]<\/span>\r\n
With valorous spirit, but they sped to the forest,<\/div>\r\n
Seeking for safety. The soul-deeps of one were<\/div>\r\n[Blood is thicker than water.]<\/span>\r\n
Ruffled by care: kin-love can never<\/div>\r\n135<\/span>\r\n
Aught in him waver who well doth consider.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
WIGLAF THE TRUSTY.\u2014BEOWULF IS DESERTED BY FRIENDS AND BY SWORD.<\/span><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n[Wiglaf remains true\u2014the ideal Teutonic liegeman.]<\/span>\r\n
The son of Weohstan was Wiglaf entitled,<\/div>\r\n
Shield-warrior precious, prince of the Scylfings,<\/div>\r\n
\u00c6lfhere\u2019s kinsman: he saw his dear liegelord<\/div>\r\n
Enduring the heat \u2019neath helmet and visor.<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him,<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf recalls Beowulf\u2019s generosity.]<\/span>\r\n
The W\u00e6gmunding warriors\u2019 wealth-bless\u00e8d homestead,<\/div>\r\n
Each of the folk-rights his father had wielded;<\/div>\r\n
He was hot for the battle, his hand seized the target,<\/div>\r\n
The yellow-bark shield, he unsheathed his old weapon,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Which was known among earthmen as the relic of Eanmund,<\/div>\r\n
Ohthere\u2019s offspring, whom, exiled and friendless,<\/div>\r\n
Weohstan did slay with sword-edge in battle,<\/div>\r\n
And carried his kinsman the clear-shining helmet,<\/div>\r\n
The ring-made burnie, the old giant-weapon<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
That Onela gave him, his boon-fellow\u2019s armor,<\/div>\r\n
Ready war-trappings: he the feud did not mention,<\/div>\r\n
Though he\u2019d fatally smitten the son of his brother.<\/div>\r\n
Many a half-year held he the treasures,<\/div>\r\n
The bill and the burnie, till his bairn became able,<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
Like his father before him, fame-deeds to \u2019complish;<\/div>\r\n
Then he gave him \u2019mong Geatmen a goodly array of<\/div>\r\n
Weeds for his warfare; he went from life then<\/div>\r\n
Old on his journey. \u2019Twas the earliest time then<\/div>\r\n[This is Wiglaf\u2019s first battle as liegeman of Beowulf.]<\/span>\r\n
That the youthful champion might charge in the battle<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless.<\/div>\r\n
Nor did kinsman\u2019s bequest quail at the battle:<\/div>\r\n
This the dragon discovered on their coming together.<\/div>\r\n
Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying,<\/div>\r\n
Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit:<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf appeals to the pride of the cowards.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
\u201cI remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup,<\/div>\r\n
We promised in the hall the lord of us all<\/div>\r\n
Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment,<\/div>\r\n
Swords and helmets, we\u2019d certainly quite him,<\/div>\r\n
Should need of such aid ever befall him:<\/div>\r\n[How we have forfeited our liegelord\u2019s confidence!]<\/span>\r\n\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously,<\/div>\r\n
Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels,<\/div>\r\n
Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen,<\/div>\r\n
Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement<\/div>\r\n
Our lord intended alone to accomplish,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Ward of his people, for most of achievements,<\/div>\r\n
Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk.<\/div>\r\n[Our lord is in sore need of us.]<\/span>\r\n
The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen<\/div>\r\n
Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes:<\/div>\r\n
Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor,<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight.<\/div>\r\n[I would rather die than go home without my suzerain.]<\/span>\r\n
God wot in me, \u2019tis mickle the liefer<\/div>\r\n
The blaze should embrace my body and eat it<\/div>\r\n
With my treasure-bestower. Meseemeth not proper<\/div>\r\n
To bear our battle-shields back to our country,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
\u2019Less first we are able to fell and destroy the<\/div>\r\n
Long-hating foeman, to defend the life of<\/div>\r\n[Surely he does not deserve to die alone.]<\/span>\r\n
The prince of the Weders. Well do I know \u2019tisn\u2019t<\/div>\r\n
Earned by his exploits, he only of Geatmen<\/div>\r\n
Sorrow should suffer, sink in the battle:<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Brand and helmet to us both shall be common,<\/div>\r\n
1<\/a><\/sup>Shield-cover, burnie.\u201d Through the bale-smoke he stalked then,<\/div>\r\n
Went under helmet to the help of his chieftain,<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf reminds Beowulf of his youthful boasts.]<\/span>\r\n
Briefly discoursing: \u201cBeowulf dear,<\/div>\r\n
Perform thou all fully, as thou formerly saidst,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
In thy youthful years, that while yet thou livedst<\/div>\r\n
Thou wouldst let thine honor not ever be lessened.<\/div>\r\n
Thy life thou shalt save, mighty in actions,<\/div>\r\n
Atheling undaunted, with all of thy vigor;<\/div>\r\n[The monster advances on them.]<\/span>\r\n
I\u2019ll give thee assistance.\u201d The dragon came raging,<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Wild-mooded stranger, when these words had been uttered<\/div>\r\n
(\u2019Twas the second occasion), seeking his enemies,<\/div>\r\n
Men that were hated, with hot-gleaming fire-waves;<\/div>\r\n
With blaze-billows burned the board to its edges:<\/div>\r\n
The fight-armor failed then to furnish assistance<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
To the youthful spear-hero: but the young-ag\u00e8d stripling<\/div>\r\n
Quickly advanced \u2019neath his kinsman\u2019s war-target,<\/div>\r\n
Since his own had been ground in the grip of the fire.<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf strikes at the dragon.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the warrior-king was careful of glory,<\/div>\r\n
He soundly smote with sword-for-the-battle,<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
That it stood in the head by hatred driven<\/span>;<\/div>\r\n
N\u00e6gling was shivered, the old and iron-made<\/div>\r\n[His sword fails him.]<\/span>\r\n
Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas denied him that edges of irons were able<\/div>\r\n
To help in the battle; the hand was too mighty<\/div>\r\n80<\/span>\r\n
Which every weapon, as I heard on inquiry,<\/div>\r\n
Outstruck in its stroke, when to struggle he carried<\/div>\r\n
The wonderful war-sword: it waxed him no better.<\/div>\r\n[The dragon advances on Beowulf again.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the people-despoiler\u2014third of his onsets\u2014<\/div>\r\n
Fierce-raging fire-drake, of feud-hate was mindful,<\/div>\r\n85<\/span>\r\n
Charged on the strong one, when chance was afforded,<\/div>\r\n
Heated and war-grim, seized on his neck<\/div>\r\n
With teeth that were bitter; he bloody did wax with<\/div>\r\n
Soul-gore seething; sword-blood in waves boiled.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\u00a0XXXVII.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

THE FATAL STRUGGLE.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S LAST MOMENTS.<\/h2>\r\n[Wiglaf defends Beowulf.]<\/span>\r\n
Then I heard that at need of the king of the people<\/div>\r\n
The upstanding earlman exhibited prowess,<\/div>\r\n
Vigor and courage, as suited his nature;<\/div>\r\n
1<\/a><\/sup>He his head did not guard, but the high-minded liegeman\u2019s<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Hand was consumed, when he succored his kinsman,<\/div>\r\n
So he struck the strife-bringing strange-comer lower,<\/div>\r\n
Earl-thane in armor, that in<\/i> went the weapon<\/div>\r\n
Gleaming and plated, that \u2019gan then the fire<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf draws his knife.]<\/span>\r\n
Later to lessen. The liegelord himself then<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Retained his consciousness, brandished his war-knife,<\/div>\r\n
Battle-sharp, bitter, that he bare on his armor:<\/div>\r\nand cuts the dragon.<\/span>\r\n
The Weder-lord cut the worm in the middle.<\/div>\r\n
They had felled the enemy (life drove out then<\/div>\r\n
Puissant prowess), the pair had destroyed him,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Land-chiefs related: so a liegeman should prove him,<\/div>\r\n
A thaneman when needed. To the prince \u2019twas the last of<\/div>\r\n
His era of conquest by his own great achievements,<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Beowulf\u2019s wound swells and burns.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
The latest of world-deeds. The wound then began<\/div>\r\n
Which the earth-dwelling dragon erstwhile had wrought him<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
To burn and to swell. He soon then discovered<\/div>\r\n
That bitterest bale-woe in his bosom was raging,<\/div>\r\n
Poison within. The atheling advanced then,<\/div>\r\n[He sits down exhausted.]<\/span>\r\n
That along by the wall, he prudent of spirit<\/div>\r\n
Might sit on a settle; he saw the giant-work,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
How arches of stone strengthened with pillars<\/div>\r\n
The earth-hall eternal inward supported.<\/div>\r\n
Then the long-worthy liegeman laved with his hand the<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf bathes his lord\u2019s head.]<\/span>\r\n
Far-famous chieftain, gory from sword-edge,<\/div>\r\n
Refreshing the face of his friend-lord and ruler,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Sated with battle, unbinding his helmet.<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf answered, of his injury spake he,<\/div>\r\n
His wound that was fatal (he was fully aware<\/div>\r\n
He had lived his allotted life-days enjoying<\/div>\r\n
The pleasures of earth; then past was entirely<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
His measure of days, death very near):<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf regrets that he has no son.]<\/span>\r\n
\u201cMy son I would give now my battle-equipments,<\/div>\r\n
Had any of heirs been after me granted,<\/div>\r\n
Along of my body. This people I governed<\/div>\r\n
Fifty of winters: no king \u2019mong my neighbors<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Dared to encounter me with comrades-in-battle,<\/div>\r\n
Try me with terror. The time to me ordered<\/div>\r\n
I bided at home, mine own kept fitly,<\/div>\r\n
Sought me no snares, swore me not many<\/div>\r\n[I can rejoice in a well-spent life.]<\/span>\r\n
Oaths in injustice. Joy over all this<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
I\u2019m able to have, though ill with my death-wounds;<\/div>\r\n
Hence the Ruler of Earthmen need not charge me<\/div>\r\n
With the killing of kinsmen, when cometh my life out<\/div>\r\n
Forth from my body. Fare thou with haste now<\/div>\r\n[Bring me the hoard, Wiglaf, that my dying eyes may be refreshed by a sight of it.]<\/span>\r\n
To behold the hoard \u2019neath the hoar-grayish stone,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Well-lov\u00e8d Wiglaf, now the worm is a-lying,<\/div>\r\n
Sore-wounded sleepeth, disseized of his treasure.<\/div>\r\n
Go thou in haste that treasures of old I,<\/div>\r\n
Gold-wealth may gaze on, together see lying<\/div>\r\n
The ether-bright jewels, be easier able,<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Having the heap of hoard-gems, to yield my<\/div>\r\n
Life and the land-folk whom long I have governed.\u201d<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

WIGLAF PLUNDERS THE DRAGON\u2019S DEN.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S DEATH.<\/h2>\r\n[Wiglaf fulfils his lord\u2019s behest.]<\/span>\r\n
Then heard I that Wihstan\u2019s son very quickly,<\/div>\r\n
These words being uttered, heeded his liegelord<\/div>\r\n
Wounded and war-sick, went in his armor,<\/div>\r\n
His well-woven ring-mail, \u2019neath the roof of the barrow.<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Then the trusty retainer treasure-gems many<\/div>\r\n[The dragon\u2019s den.]<\/span>\r\n
Victorious saw, when the seat he came near to,<\/div>\r\n
Gold-treasure sparkling spread on the bottom,<\/div>\r\n
Wonder on the wall, and the worm-creature\u2019s cavern,<\/div>\r\n
The ancient dawn-flier\u2019s, vessels a-standing,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Cups of the ancients of cleansers bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n
Robbed of their ornaments: there were helmets in numbers,<\/div>\r\n
Old and rust-eaten, arm-bracelets many,<\/div>\r\n
Artfully woven. Wealth can easily,<\/div>\r\n
Gold on the sea-bottom, turn into vanity<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Each one of earthmen, arm him who pleaseth!<\/div>\r\n
And he saw there lying an all-golden banner<\/div>\r\n
High o\u2019er the hoard, of hand-wonders greatest,<\/div>\r\n
Link\u00e8d with lacets: a light from it sparkled,<\/div>\r\n
That the floor of the cavern he was able to look on,<\/div>\r\n[The dragon is not there.]<\/span>\r\n
To examine the jewels. Sight of the dragon<\/div>\r\n
Not any was offered, but edge offcarried him.<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf bears the hoard away.]<\/span>\r\n
Then I heard that the hero the hoard-treasure plundered,<\/div>\r\n
The giant-work ancient reaved in the cavern,<\/div>\r\n
Bare on his bosom the beakers and platters,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
As himself would fain have it, and took off the standard,<\/div>\r\n
The brightest of beacons; the bill had erst injured<\/div>\r\n
(Its edge was of iron), the old-ruler\u2019s weapon,<\/div>\r\n
Him who long had watched as ward of the jewels,<\/div>\r\n
Who fire-terror carried hot for the treasure,<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
Rolling in battle, in middlemost darkness,<\/div>\r\n
Till murdered he perished. The messenger hastened,<\/div>\r\n
Not loth to return, hurried by jewels:<\/div>\r\n
Curiosity urged him if, excellent-mooded,<\/div>\r\n
Alive he should find the lord of the Weders<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Mortally wounded, at the place where he left him.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Mid the jewels he found then the famous old chieftain,<\/div>\r\n
His liegelord belov\u00e8d, at his life\u2019s-end gory:<\/div>\r\n
He thereupon \u2019gan to lave him with water,<\/div>\r\n
Till the point of his word pierc\u00e8d his breast-hoard.<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Beowulf spake (the gold-gems he noticed),<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf is rejoiced to see the jewels.]<\/span>\r\n
The old one in sorrow: \u201cFor the jewels I look on<\/div>\r\n
Thanks do I utter for all to the Ruler,<\/div>\r\n
Wielder of Worship, with words of devotion,<\/div>\r\n
The Lord everlasting, that He let me such treasures<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Gain for my people ere death overtook me.<\/div>\r\n
Since I\u2019ve bartered the ag\u00e8d life to me granted<\/div>\r\n
For treasure of jewels, attend ye henceforward<\/div>\r\n[He desires to be held in memory by his people.]<\/span>\r\n
The wants of the war-thanes; I can wait here no longer.<\/div>\r\n
The battle-famed bid ye to build them a grave-hill,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Bright when I\u2019m burned, at the brim-current\u2019s limit;<\/div>\r\n
As a memory-mark to the men I have governed,<\/div>\r\n
Aloft it shall tower on Whale\u2019s-Ness uprising,<\/div>\r\n
That earls of the ocean hereafter may call it<\/div>\r\n
Beowulf\u2019s barrow, those who barks ever-dashing<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
From a distance shall drive o\u2019er the darkness of waters.\u201d<\/div>\r\n[The hero\u2019s last gift]<\/span>\r\n
The bold-mooded troop-lord took from his neck then<\/div>\r\n
The ring that was golden, gave to his liegeman,<\/div>\r\n
The youthful war-hero, his gold-flashing helmet,<\/div>\r\n
His collar and war-mail, bade him well to enjoy them:<\/div>\r\n[and last words]<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
\u201cThou art latest left of the line of our kindred,<\/div>\r\n
Of W\u00e6gmunding people: Weird hath offcarried<\/div>\r\n
All of my kinsmen to the Creator\u2019s glory,<\/div>\r\n
Earls in their vigor: I shall after them fare.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Twas the aged liegelord\u2019s last-spoken word in<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
His musings of spirit, ere he mounted the fire,<\/div>\r\n
The battle-waves burning: from his bosom departed<\/div>\r\n
His soul to seek the sainted ones\u2019 glory.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

THE DEAD FOES.\u2014WIGLAF\u2019S BITTER TAUNTS.<\/h2>\r\n[Wiglaf is sorely grieved to see his lord look so un-warlike.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
It had wofully chanced then the youthful retainer<\/div>\r\n
To behold on earth the most ardent-belov\u00e8d<\/div>\r\n
At his life-days\u2019 limit, lying there helpless.<\/div>\r\n
The slayer too lay there, of life all bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Horrible earth-drake, harassed with sorrow:<\/div>\r\n[The dragon has plundered his last hoard.]<\/span>\r\n
The round-twisted monster was permitted no longer<\/div>\r\n
To govern the ring-hoards, but edges of war-swords<\/div>\r\n
Mightily seized him, battle-sharp, sturdy<\/div>\r\n
Leavings of hammers, that still from his wounds<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
The flier-from-farland fell to the earth<\/div>\r\n
Hard by his hoard-house, hopped he at midnight<\/div>\r\n
Not e\u2019er through the air, nor exulting in jewels<\/div>\r\n
Suffered them to see him: but he sank then to earthward<\/div>\r\n
Through the hero-chief\u2019s handwork. I heard sure it throve then<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Few warriors dared to face the monster.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
But few in the land of liegemen of valor,<\/div>\r\n
Though of every achievement bold he had proved him,<\/div>\r\n
To run \u2019gainst the breath of the venomous scather,<\/div>\r\n
Or the hall of the treasure to trouble with hand-blows,<\/div>\r\n
If he watching had found the ward of the hoard-hall<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
On the barrow abiding. Beowulf\u2019s part of<\/div>\r\n
The treasure of jewels was paid for with death;<\/div>\r\n
Each of the twain had attained to the end of<\/div>\r\n
Life so unlasting. Not long was the time till<\/div>\r\n[The cowardly thanes come out of the thicket.]<\/span>\r\n
The tardy-at-battle returned from the thicket,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
The timid truce-breakers ten all together,<\/div>\r\n
Who durst not before play with the lances<\/div>\r\n
In the prince of the people\u2019s pressing emergency;<\/div>\r\n[They are ashamed of their desertion.]<\/span>\r\n
But blushing with shame, with shields they betook them,<\/div>\r\n
With arms and armor where the old one was lying:<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
They gazed upon Wiglaf. He was sitting exhausted,<\/div>\r\n
Foot-going fighter, not far from the shoulders<\/div>\r\n
Of the lord of the people, would rouse him with water;<\/div>\r\n
No whit did it help him; though he hoped for it keenly,<\/div>\r\n
He was able on earth not at all in the leader<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Life to retain, and nowise to alter<\/div>\r\n
The will of the Wielder; the World-Ruler\u2019s power1<\/a><\/sup><\/div>\r\n
Would govern the actions of each one of heroes,<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf is ready to excoriate them.]<\/span>\r\n
As yet He is doing. From the young one forthwith then<\/div>\r\n
Could grim-worded greeting be got for him quickly<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Whose courage had failed him. Wiglaf discoursed then,<\/div>\r\n
Weohstan his son, sad-mooded hero,<\/div>\r\n[He begins to taunt them.]<\/span>\r\n
Looked on the hated: \u201cHe who soothness will utter<\/div>\r\n
Can say that the liegelord who gave you the jewels,<\/div>\r\n
The ornament-armor wherein ye are standing,<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
When on ale-bench often he offered to hall-men<\/div>\r\n
Helmet and burnie, the prince to his liegemen,<\/div>\r\n
As best upon earth he was able to find him,\u2014<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Surely our lord wasted his armor on poltroons.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
That he wildly wasted his war-gear undoubtedly<\/div>\r\n
When battle o\u2019ertook him. The troop-king no need had<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
To glory in comrades; yet God permitted him,<\/div>\r\n[He, however, got along without you]<\/span>\r\n
Victory-Wielder, with weapon unaided<\/div>\r\n
Himself to avenge, when vigor was needed.<\/div>\r\n
I life-protection but little was able<\/div>\r\n
To give him in battle, and I \u2019gan, notwithstanding,<\/div>\r\nWith some aid, I could have saved our liegelord<\/span>\r\n\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
Helping my kinsman (my strength overtaxing):<\/div>\r\n
He waxed the weaker when with weapon I smote on<\/div>\r\n
My mortal opponent, the fire less strongly<\/div>\r\n
Flamed from his bosom. Too few of protectors<\/div>\r\n
Came round the king at the critical moment.<\/div>\r\nGift-giving is over with your people: the ring-lord is dead.<\/span>\r\n\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Now must ornament-taking and weapon-bestowing,<\/div>\r\n
Home-joyance all, cease for your kindred,<\/div>\r\n
Food for the people; each of your warriors<\/div>\r\n
Must needs be bereav\u00e8d of rights that he holdeth<\/div>\r\n
In landed possessions, when faraway nobles<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Shall learn of your leaving your lord so basely,<\/div>\r\n[What is life without honor?]<\/span>\r\n
The dastardly deed. Death is more pleasant<\/div>\r\n
To every earlman than infamous life is!\u201d<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
XL.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

THE MESSENGER OF DEATH.<\/h2>\r\n[Wiglaf sends the news of Beowulf\u2019s death to liegemen near by.]<\/span>\r\n
Then he charged that the battle be announced at the hedge<\/div>\r\n
Up o\u2019er the cliff-edge, where the earl-troopers bided<\/div>\r\n
The whole of the morning, mood-wretched sat them,<\/div>\r\n
Bearers of battle-shields, both things expecting,<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
The end of his lifetime and the coming again of<\/div>\r\n
The liegelord belov\u00e8d. Little reserved he<\/div>\r\n
Of news that was known, who the ness-cliff did travel,<\/div>\r\n
But he truly discoursed to all that could hear him:<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>The messenger speaks.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
\u201cNow the free-giving friend-lord of the folk of the Weders,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
The folk-prince of Geatmen, is fast in his death-bed,<\/div>\r\n
By the deeds of the dragon in death-bed abideth;<\/div>\r\n
Along with him lieth his life-taking foeman<\/div>\r\n
Slain with knife-wounds: he was wholly unable<\/div>\r\n
To injure at all the ill-planning monster<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf sits by our dead lord.]<\/span>\r\n\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
With bite of his sword-edge. Wiglaf is sitting,<\/div>\r\n
Offspring of Wihstan, up over Beowulf,<\/div>\r\n
Earl o\u2019er another whose end-day hath reached him,<\/div>\r\n
Head-watch holdeth o\u2019er heroes unliving,<\/div>\r\n[Our lord\u2019s death will lead to attacks from our old foes.]<\/span>\r\n
For friend and for foeman. The folk now expecteth<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
A season of strife when the death of the folk-king<\/div>\r\n
To Frankmen and Frisians in far-lands is published.<\/div>\r\n
The war-hatred waxed warm \u2019gainst the Hugmen,<\/div>\r\n[Higelac\u2019s death recalled.]<\/span>\r\n
When Higelac came with an army of vessels<\/div>\r\n
Faring to Friesland, where the Frankmen in battle<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Humbled him and bravely with overmight \u2019complished<\/div>\r\n
That the mail-clad warrior must sink in the battle,<\/div>\r\n
Fell \u2019mid his folk-troop: no fret-gems presented<\/div>\r\n
The atheling to earlmen; aye was denied us<\/div>\r\n
Merewing\u2019s mercy. The men of the Swedelands<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
For truce or for truth trust I but little;<\/div>\r\n
But widely \u2019twas known that near Ravenswood Ongentheow<\/div>\r\n[H\u00e6thcyn\u2019s fall referred to.]<\/span>\r\n
Sundered H\u00e6thcyn the Hrethling from life-joys,<\/div>\r\n
When for pride overweening the War-Scylfings first did<\/div>\r\n
Seek the Geatmen with savage intentions.<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Early did Ohthere\u2019s age-laden father,<\/div>\r\n
Old and terrible, give blow in requital,<\/div>\r\n
Killing the sea-king, the queen-mother rescued,<\/div>\r\n
The old one his consort deprived of her gold,<\/div>\r\n
Onela\u2019s mother and Ohthere\u2019s also,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
And then followed the feud-nursing foemen till hardly,<\/div>\r\n
Reaved of their ruler, they Ravenswood entered.<\/div>\r\n
Then with vast-numbered forces he assaulted the remnant,<\/div>\r\n
Weary with wounds, woe often promised<\/div>\r\n
The livelong night to the sad-hearted war-troop:<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
Said he at morning would kill them with edges of weapons,<\/div>\r\n
Some on the gallows for glee to the fowls.<\/div>\r\n
Aid came after to the anxious-in-spirit<\/div>\r\n
At dawn of the day, after Higelac\u2019s bugle<\/div>\r\n
And trumpet-sound heard they, when the good one proceeded<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
And faring followed the flower of the troopers.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

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

THE MESSENGER\u2019S RETROSPECT.<\/h2>\r\n[The messenger continues, and refers to the feuds of Swedes and Geats. -- reduced here]<\/span>\r\n\r\n[The\u00a0warriors go sadly to look at Beowulf\u2019s lifeless body.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n90<\/span>\r\n
His slaughter-bed holding, him who rings had given them<\/div>\r\n
In days that were done; then the death-bringing moment<\/div>\r\n
Was come to the good one, that the king very warlike,<\/div>\r\n
Wielder of Weders, with wonder-death perished.<\/div>\r\n
First they beheld there a creature more wondrous,<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
[They also see the dragon.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\n95<\/span>\r\n
The worm on the field, in front of them lying,<\/div>\r\n
The foeman before them: the fire-spewing dragon,<\/div>\r\n
Ghostly and grisly guest in his terrors,<\/div>\r\n
Was scorched in the fire; as he lay there he measured<\/div>\r\n
Fifty of feet; came forth in the night-time<\/div>\r\n100<\/span>\r\n
To rejoice in the air, thereafter departing<\/div>\r\n
To visit his den; he in death was then fastened,<\/div>\r\n
He would joy in no other earth-hollowed caverns.<\/div>\r\n
There stood round about him beakers and vessels,<\/div>\r\n
Dishes were lying and dear-valued weapons,<\/div>\r\n105<\/span>\r\n
With iron-rust eaten, as in earth\u2019s mighty bosom<\/div>\r\n
A thousand of winters there they had rested:<\/div>\r\n[The hoard was under a magic spell.]<\/span>\r\n
That mighty bequest then with magic was guarded,<\/div>\r\n
Gold of the ancients, that earlman not any<\/div>\r\n
The ring-hall could touch, save Ruling-God only,<\/div>\r\n110<\/span>\r\n
Sooth-king of Vict\u2019ries gave whom He wished to<\/div>\r\n[God alone could give access to it.]<\/span>\r\n
(He is earth-folk\u2019s protector) to open the treasure,<\/div>\r\n
E\u2019en to such among mortals as seemed to Him proper.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
XLII.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

WIGLAF\u2019S SAD STORY.\u2014THE HOARD CARRIED OFF.<\/h2>\r\n
Then \u2019twas seen that the journey prospered him little<\/div>\r\n
Who wrongly within had the ornaments hidden<\/div>\r\n
Down \u2019neath the wall. The warden erst slaughtered<\/div>\r\n
Some few of the folk-troop: the feud then thereafter<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Was hotly aveng\u00e8d. \u2019Tis a wonder where,<\/div>\r\n
When the strength-famous trooper has attained to the end of<\/div>\r\n
Life-days allotted, then no longer the man may<\/div>\r\n
Remain with his kinsmen where mead-cups are flowing.<\/div>\r\n
So to Beowulf happened when the ward of the barrow,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Assaults, he sought for: himself had no knowledge<\/div>\r\n
How his leaving this life was likely to happen.<\/div>\r\n
So to doomsday, famous folk-leaders down did<\/div>\r\n
Call it with curses\u2014who \u2019complished it there\u2014<\/div>\r\n
That that man should be ever of ill-deeds convicted,<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
Confined in foul-places, fastened in hell-bonds,<\/div>\r\n
Punished with plagues, who this place should e\u2019er ravage.<\/div>\r\n
He cared not for gold: rather the Wielder\u2019s<\/div>\r\n
Favor preferred he first to get sight of.<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf addresses his comrades.]<\/span>\r\n
Wiglaf discoursed then, Wihstan his son:<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
\u201cOft many an earlman on one man\u2019s account must<\/div>\r\n
Sorrow endure, as to us it hath happened.<\/div>\r\n
The liegelord belov\u00e8d we could little prevail on,<\/div>\r\n
Kingdom\u2019s keeper, counsel to follow,<\/div>\r\n
Not to go to the guardian of the gold-hoard, but let him<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
Lie where he long was, live in his dwelling<\/div>\r\n
Till the end of the world. Met we a destiny<\/div>\r\n
Hard to endure: the hoard has been looked at,<\/div>\r\n
Been gained very grimly; too grievous the fate that<\/div>\r\n
The prince of the people pricked to come thither.<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
I<\/i> was therein and all of it looked at,<\/div>\r\n
The building\u2019s equipments, since access was given me,<\/div>\r\n
Not kindly at all entrance permitted<\/div>\r\n[He tells them of Beowulf\u2019s last moments.]<\/span>\r\n
Within under earth-wall. Hastily seized I<\/div>\r\n
And held in my hands a huge-weighing burden<\/div>\r\n35<\/span>\r\n
Of hoard-treasures costly, hither out bare them<\/div>\r\n
To my liegelord belov\u00e8d: life was yet in him,<\/div>\r\n
And consciousness also; the old one discoursed then<\/div>\r\n
Much and mournfully, commanded to greet you,<\/div>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s dying request.]<\/span>\r\n
Bade that remembering the deeds of your friend-lord<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
Ye build on the fire-hill of corpses a lofty<\/div>\r\n
Burial-barrow, broad and far-famous,<\/div>\r\n
As \u2019mid world-dwelling warriors he was widely most honored<\/div>\r\n
While he reveled in riches. Let us rouse us and hasten<\/div>\r\n
Again to see and seek for the treasure,<\/div>\r\n45<\/span>\r\n
The wonder \u2019neath wall. The way I will show you,<\/div>\r\n
That close ye may look at ring-gems sufficient<\/div>\r\n
And gold in abundance. Let the bier with promptness<\/div>\r\n
Fully be fashioned, when forth we shall come,<\/div>\r\n
And lift we our lord, then, where long he shall tarry,<\/div>\r\n50<\/span>\r\n
Well-beloved warrior, \u2019neath the Wielder\u2019s protection.\u201d<\/div>\r\n[Wiglaf charges them to build a funeral-pyre.]<\/span>\r\n
Then the son of Wihstan bade orders be given,<\/div>\r\n
Mood-valiant man, to many of heroes,<\/div>\r\n
Holders of homesteads, that they hither from far,<\/div>\r\n
Leaders of liegemen, should look for the good one<\/div>\r\n55<\/span>\r\n
With wood for his pyre: \u201cThe flame shall now swallow<\/div>\r\n
(The wan fire shall wax) the warriors\u2019 leader<\/div>\r\n
Who the rain of the iron often abided,<\/div>\r\n
When, sturdily hurled, the storm of the arrows<\/div>\r\n
Leapt o\u2019er linden-wall, the lance rendered service,<\/div>\r\n60<\/span>\r\n
Furnished with feathers followed the arrow.\u201d<\/div>\r\n
Now the wise-mooded son of Wihstan did summon<\/div>\r\n
The best of the braves from the band of the ruler<\/div>\r\n[He takes seven thanes, and enters the den.]<\/span>\r\n
Seven together; \u2019neath the enemy\u2019s roof he<\/div>\r\n
Went with the seven; one of the heroes<\/div>\r\n65<\/span>\r\n
Who fared at the front, a fire-blazing torch-light<\/div>\r\n
Bare in his hand. No lot then decided<\/div>\r\n
Who that hoard should havoc, when hero-earls saw it<\/div>\r\n
Lying in the cavern uncared-for entirely,<\/div>\r\n
Rusting to ruin: they rued then but little<\/div>\r\n70<\/span>\r\n
That they hastily hence hauled out the treasure,<\/div>\r\n[They push the dragon over the wall.]<\/span>\r\n
The dear-valued jewels; the dragon eke pushed they,<\/div>\r\n
The worm o\u2019er the wall, let the wave-currents take him,<\/div>\r\n
The waters enwind the ward of the treasures.<\/div>\r\n[The hoard is laid on a wain.]<\/span>\r\n
There wounden gold on a wain was uploaded,<\/div>\r\n75<\/span>\r\n
A mass unmeasured, the men-leader off then,<\/div>\r\n
The hero hoary, to Whale\u2019s-Ness was carried.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
XLIII.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

THE BURNING OF BEOWULF.<\/h2>\r\n[Beowulf\u2019s pyre.]<\/span>\r\n
The folk of the Geatmen got him then ready<\/div>\r\n
A pile on the earth strong for the burning,<\/div>\r\n
Behung with helmets, hero-knights\u2019 targets,<\/div>\r\n
And bright-shining burnies, as he begged they should have them;<\/div>\r\n5<\/span>\r\n
Then wailing war-heroes their world-famous chieftain,<\/div>\r\n
Their liegelord beloved, laid in the middle.<\/div>\r\n[The funeral-flame.]<\/span>\r\n
Soldiers began then to make on the barrow<\/div>\r\n
The largest of dead-fires: dark o\u2019er the vapor<\/div>\r\n
The smoke-cloud ascended, the sad-roaring fire,<\/div>\r\n10<\/span>\r\n
Mingled with weeping (the wind-roar subsided)<\/div>\r\n
Till the building of bone it had broken to pieces,<\/div>\r\n
Hot in the heart. Heavy in spirit<\/div>\r\n
They mood-sad lamented the men-leader\u2019s ruin;<\/div>\r\n
And mournful measures the much-grieving widow<\/div>\r\n15<\/span>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n20<\/span>\r\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\r\n[The Weders carry out their lord\u2019s last request.]<\/span>\r\n
The men of the Weders made accordingly<\/div>\r\n
A hill on the height, high and extensive,<\/div>\r\n
Of sea-going sailors to be seen from a distance,<\/div>\r\n
And the brave one\u2019s beacon built where the fire was,<\/div>\r\n25<\/span>\r\n
In ten-days\u2019 space, with a wall surrounded it,<\/div>\r\n
As wisest of world-folk could most worthily plan it.<\/div>\r\n
They placed in the barrow rings and jewels,<\/div>\r\n[<\/span>Rings and gems are laid in the barrow.]<\/span><\/span>\r\n
All such ornaments as erst in the treasure<\/div>\r\n
War-mooded men had won in possession:<\/div>\r\n30<\/span>\r\n
The earnings of earlmen to earth they entrusted,<\/div>\r\n
The gold to the dust, where yet it remaineth<\/div>\r\n
As useless to mortals as in foregoing eras.<\/div>\r\n
\u2019Round the dead-mound rode then the doughty-in-battle,<\/div>\r\n
Bairns of all twelve of the chiefs of the people,<\/div>\r\n[They mourn for their lord, and sing his praises.]<\/span>\r\n
More would they mourn, lament for their ruler,<\/div>\r\n
Speak in measure, mention him with pleasure,<\/div>\r\n
Weighed his worth, and his warlike achievements<\/div>\r\n
Mightily commended, as \u2019tis meet one praise his<\/div>\r\n
Liegelord in words and love him in spirit,<\/div>\r\n40<\/span>\r\n
When forth from his body he fares to destruction.<\/div>\r\n
So lamented mourning the men of the Geats,<\/div>\r\n
Fond-loving vassals, the fall of their lord,<\/div>\r\n[An ideal king.]<\/span>\r\n
Said he was kindest of kings under heaven,<\/div>\r\n
Gentlest of men, most winning of manner,<\/div>\r\n
Friendliest to folk-troops and fondest of honor.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with\r\nalmost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or\r\nre-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included\r\nwith this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/pre>","rendered":"
\n
\n
XXII.<\/a><\/h2>\n
THE HOARD AND THE DRAGON.<\/h2>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
He sought of himself who sorely did harm him,<\/div>\n
But, for need very pressing, the servant of one of<\/div>\n
The sons of the heroes hate-blows evaded,<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Seeking for shelter and the sin-driven warrior<\/div>\n
Took refuge within there. He early looked in it,<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*\u00a0\u00a0when the onset surprised him,<\/div>\n
[The hoard.]<\/span><\/p>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
He a gem-vessel saw there: many of suchlike<\/div>\n
Ancient ornaments in the earth-cave were lying,<\/div>\n
As in days of yore some one of men of<\/div>\n
Illustrious lineage, as a legacy monstrous,<\/div>\n
There had secreted them, careful and thoughtful,<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
Dear-valued jewels. Death had offsnatched them,<\/div>\n
In the days of the past, and the one man moreover<\/div>\n
Of the flower of the folk who fared there the longest,<\/div>\n
Was fain to defer it, friend-mourning warder,<\/div>\n
A little longer to be left in enjoyment<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
Of long-lasting treasure. A barrow all-ready<\/div>\n
Stood on the plain the stream-currents nigh to,<\/div>\n
New by the ness-edge, unnethe of approaching:<\/div>\n
The keeper of rings carried within a<\/div>\n
Ponderous deal of the treasure of nobles,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Of gold that was beaten . . . .<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
[<\/span>The fire-dragon]\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Dashed on his spirit. Then the ancient dusk-scather<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
Found the great treasure standing all open,<\/div>\n
He who flaming and fiery flies to the barrows,<\/div>\n
Naked war-dragon, nightly escapeth<\/div>\n
Encompassed with fire; men under heaven<\/div>\n
Widely beheld him. \u2019Tis said that he looks for<\/div>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
The hoard in the earth, where old he is guarding<\/div>\n
The heathenish treasure; he\u2019ll be nowise the better.<\/div>\n
[The dragon meets his match.]<\/span><\/p>\n
So three-hundred winters the waster of peoples<\/div>\n
Held upon earth that excellent hoard-hall,<\/div>\n
Till the forementioned earlman angered him bitterly:<\/div>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
The beat-plated beaker he bare to his chieftain<\/div>\n
And fullest remission for all his remissness<\/div>\n
Begged of his liegelord. Then the hoard was discovered,<\/div>\n
The treasure was taken, his petition was granted<\/div>\n
[A man plunders the dragon\u2019s den]<\/span><\/p>\n
The lorn-mooded liegeman. His lord regarded<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
The old-work of earth-folk\u2014\u2019twas the earliest occasion.<\/div>\n
When the dragon awoke, the strife was renewed there;<\/div>\n
He snuffed \u2019long the stone then, stout-hearted found he<\/div>\n
The footprint of foeman; too far had he gone<\/div>\n
With cunning craftiness close to the head of<\/div>\n
70<\/span><\/p>\n
The fire-spewing dragon. So undoomed he may \u2019scape from<\/div>\n
Anguish and exile with ease who possesseth<\/div>\n
The favor of Heaven. The hoard-warden eagerly<\/div>\n
Searched o\u2019er the ground then, would meet with the person<\/div>\n
That caused him sorrow while in slumber reclining:<\/div>\n
75<\/span><\/p>\n
Gleaming and wild he oft went round the cavern,<\/div>\n
All of it outward; not any of earthmen<\/div>\n
Was seen in that desert. Yet he joyed in the battle,<\/div>\n
Rejoiced in the conflict: oft he turned to the barrow,<\/div>\n
Sought for the gem-cup; this he soon perceived then<\/div>\n
[The dragon perceives that some one has disturbed his treasure.]<\/span><\/p>\n
That some man or other had discovered the gold,<\/div>\n
The famous folk-treasure. Not fain did the hoard-ward<\/div>\n
Wait until evening; then the ward of the barrow<\/div>\n
Was angry in spirit, the loath\u00e8d one wished to<\/div>\n
Pay for the dear-valued drink-cup with fire.<\/div>\n
85<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the day was done as the dragon would have it,<\/div>\n
He no longer would wait on the wall, but departed<\/div>\n
[The dragon is infuriated.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Fire-impelled, flaming. Fearful the start was<\/div>\n
To earls in the land, as it early thereafter<\/div>\n
To their giver-of-gold was grievously ended.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
XXXIII.<\/a><\/h2>\n
BRAVE THOUGH AGED.\u2014REMINISCENCES.<\/h2>\n
[The dragon spits fire.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The stranger began then to vomit forth fire,<\/div>\n
To burn the great manor; the blaze then glimmered<\/div>\n
For anguish to earlmen, not anything living<\/div>\n
Was the hateful air-goer willing to leave there.<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
The war of the worm widely was noticed,<\/div>\n
The feud of the foeman afar and anear,<\/div>\n
How the enemy injured the earls of the Geatmen,<\/div>\n
Harried with hatred: back he hied to the treasure,<\/div>\n
To the well-hidden cavern ere the coming of daylight.<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
He had circled with fire the folk of those regions,<\/div>\n
With brand and burning; in the barrow he trusted,<\/div>\n
In the wall and his war-might: the weening deceived him.<\/div>\n
[Beowulf hears of the havoc wrought by the dragon.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then straight was the horror to Beowulf published,<\/div>\n
Early forsooth, that his own native homestead,<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
The best of buildings, was burning and melting,<\/div>\n
Gift-seat of Geatmen. \u2019Twas a grief to the spirit<\/div>\n
Of the good-mooded hero, the greatest of sorrows:<\/div>\n
[He fears that Heaven is punishing him for some crime.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The wise one weened then that wielding his kingdom<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst the ancient commandments, he had bitterly angered<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
The Lord everlasting: with lorn meditations<\/div>\n
His bosom welled inward, as was nowise his custom.<\/div>\n
The fire-spewing dragon fully had wasted<\/div>\n
The fastness of warriors, the water-land outward,<\/div>\n
The manor with fire. The folk-ruling hero,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Prince of the Weders, was planning to wreak him.<\/div>\n
The warmen\u2019s defender bade them to make him,<\/div>\n
Earlmen\u2019s atheling, an excellent war-shield<\/div>\n
[He orders an iron shield to be made for since wood is useless.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Wholly of iron: fully he knew then<\/div>\n
That wood from the forest was helpless to aid him,<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
Shield against fire. The long-worthy ruler<\/div>\n
Must live the last of his limited earth-days,<\/div>\n
Of life in the world and the worm along with him,<\/div>\n
Though he long had been holding hoard-wealth in plenty.<\/div>\n
[He determines to fight alone.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the ring-prince disdained to seek with a war-band,<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
With army extensive, the air-going ranger;<\/div>\n
He felt no fear of the foeman\u2019s assaults and<\/div>\n
He counted for little the might of the dragon,<\/div>\n
His power and prowess: for previously dared he<\/div>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s early triumphs referred to]<\/span><\/p>\n
A heap of hostility, hazarded dangers,<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
War-thane, when Hrothgar\u2019s palace he cleans\u00e8d,<\/div>\n
Conquering combatant, clutched in the battle<\/div>\n
The kinsmen of Grendel, of kindred detested.<\/div>\n
[Higelac\u2019s death recalled.]<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2019Twas of hand-fights not least where Higelac was slaughtered,<\/div>\n
When the king of the Geatmen with clashings of battle . . .<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
Ecgtheow\u2019s bairn o\u2019er the bight-courses swam then,<\/div>\n
Lone-goer lorn to his land-folk returning,<\/div>\n
Where Hygd to him tendered treasure and kingdom,<\/div>\n
[Heardred\u2019s lack of capacity to rule.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Rings and dominion: her son she not trusted,<\/div>\n
To be able to keep the kingdom devised him<\/div>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2019Gainst alien races, on the death of King Higelac.<\/div>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s tact and delicacy recalled.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Yet the sad ones succeeded not in persuading the atheling<\/div>\n
In any way ever, to act as a suzerain<\/div>\n
To Heardred, or promise to govern the kingdom;<\/div>\n
Yet with friendly counsel in the folk he sustained him,<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
Gracious, with honor, till he grew to be older . . .<\/div>\n
Distributed treasure, distinguished folk-leader.<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas the end of his earth-days; injury fatal<\/div>\n
By swing of the sword he received as a greeting,<\/div>\n
Offspring of Higelac; Ongentheow\u2019s bairn<\/div>\n
Later departed to visit his homestead,<\/div>\n
75<\/span><\/p>\n
When Heardred was dead; let Beowulf rule them,<\/div>\n
Govern the Geatmen: good was that folk-king.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
XXXIV.<\/a><\/h2>\n
BEOWULF SEEKS THE DRAGON.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S REMINISCENCES.<\/h2>\n
He planned requital for the folk-leader\u2019s ruin<\/div>\n
In days thereafter, to Eadgils the wretched<\/div>\n
Becoming an enemy. Ohthere\u2019s son then<\/div>\n
Went with a war-troop o\u2019er the wide-stretching currents<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
With warriors and weapons: with woe-journeys cold he<\/div>\n
After avenged him, the king\u2019s life he took.<\/div>\n
[Beowulf has been preserved through many perils.]<\/span><\/p>\n
So he came off uninjured from all of his battles,<\/div>\n
Perilous fights, offspring of Ecgtheow,<\/div>\n
From his deeds of daring, till that day most momentous<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
When he fate-driven fared to fight with the dragon.<\/div>\n
[With eleven comrades, he seeks the dragon.]<\/span><\/p>\n
With eleven companions the prince of the Geatmen<\/div>\n
Went lowering with fury to look at the fire-drake:<\/div>\n
Inquiring he\u2019d found how the feud had arisen,<\/div>\n
Hate to his heroes; the highly-famed gem-vessel<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
Was brought to his keeping through the hand of th\u2019 informer.<\/div>\n
[A guide leads the way, but]<\/span><\/p>\n
That in the throng was thirteenth of heroes,<\/div>\n
That caused the beginning of conflict so bitter,<\/div>\n
Captive and wretched, must sad-mooded thenceward\u00a0very reluctantly.<\/span><\/div>\n
Point out the place: he passed then unwillingly<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
To the spot where he knew of the notable cavern,<\/div>\n
The cave under earth, not far from the ocean,<\/div>\n
The anger of eddies, which inward was full of<\/div>\n
Jewels and wires: a warden uncanny,<\/div>\n
Warrior weaponed, wardered the treasure,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Old under earth; no easy possession<\/div>\n
For any of earth-folk access to get to.<\/div>\n
Then the battle-brave atheling sat on the naze-edge,<\/div>\n
While the gold-friend of Geatmen gracious saluted<\/div>\n
His fireside-companions: woe was his spirit,<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
Death-boding, wav\u2019ring; Weird very near him,<\/div>\n
Who must seize the old hero, his soul-treasure look for,<\/div>\n
Dragging aloof his life from his body:<\/div>\n
Not flesh-hidden long was the folk-leader\u2019s spirit.<\/div>\n
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow\u2019s son:<\/div>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s retrospect reduced]<\/span><\/p>\n
BEOWULF\u2019S LAST BATTLE.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
Belov\u00e8d co-liegemen\u2014his last salutation:<\/div>\n
\u201cNo brand would I bear, no blade for the dragon,<\/div>\n
Wist I a way my word-boast to \u2019complish<\/div>\n
Else with the monster, as with Grendel I did it;<\/div>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
But fire in the battle hot I expect there,<\/div>\n
Furious flame-burning: so I fixed on my body<\/div>\n
Target and war-mail. The ward of the barrow<\/div>\n
I\u2019ll not flee from a foot-length, the foeman uncanny.<\/div>\n
At the wall \u2019twill befall us as Fate decreeth,<\/div>\n
Let Fate decide between us.<\/span><\/p>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
Each one\u2019s Creator. I am eager in spirit,<\/div>\n
With the wing\u00e8d war-hero to away with all boasting.<\/div>\n
Bide on the barrow with burnies protected,<\/div>\n
[Wait here till the battle is over.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Earls in armor, which of us<\/i> two may better<\/div>\n
Bear his disaster, when the battle is over.<\/div>\n
70<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2019Tis no matter of yours, and man cannot do it,<\/div>\n
But me and me only, to measure his strength with<\/div>\n
The monster of malice, might-deeds to \u2019complish.<\/div>\n
I with prowess shall gain the gold, or the battle,<\/div>\n
Direful death-woe will drag off your ruler!\u201d<\/div>\n
75<\/span><\/p>\n
The mighty champion rose by his shield then,<\/div>\n
Brave under helmet, in battle-mail went he<\/div>\n
\u2019Neath steep-rising stone-cliffs, the strength he relied on<\/div>\n
Of one man alone: no work for a coward.<\/div>\n
Then he saw by the wall who a great many battles<\/div>\n
80<\/span><\/p>\n
Had lived through, most worthy, when foot-troops collided,<\/div>\n
[The place of strife is described]<\/span><\/p>\n
Stone-arches standing, stout-hearted champion,<\/div>\n
Saw a brook from the barrow bubbling out thenceward:<\/div>\n
The flood of the fountain was fuming with war-flame:<\/div>\n
Not nigh to the hoard, for season the briefest<\/div>\n
85<\/span><\/p>\n
Could he brave, without burning, the abyss that was yawning,<\/div>\n
The drake was so fiery. The prince of the Weders<\/div>\n
Caused then that words came from his bosom,<\/div>\n
So fierce was his fury; the firm-hearted shouted:<\/div>\n
His battle-clear voice came in resounding<\/div>\n
90<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2019Neath the gray-colored stone. Stirred was his hatred,<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[<\/span>Beowulf calls out under the stone arches.]<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The hoard-ward distinguished the speech of a man;<\/div>\n
Time was no longer to look out for friendship.<\/div>\n
The breath of the monster issued forth first,<\/div>\n
Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[The terrible encounter.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
95<\/span><\/p>\n
The earth re-echoed. The earl \u2019neath the barrow<\/div>\n
Lifted his shield, lord of the Geatmen,<\/div>\n
Tow\u2019rd the terrible stranger: the ring-twisted creature\u2019s<\/div>\n
Heart was then ready to seek for a struggle.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[Beowulf brandishes his sword.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
The excellent battle-king first brandished his weapon,<\/div>\n
100<\/span><\/p>\n
The ancient heirloom, of edges unblunted,<\/div>\n
To the death-planners twain was terror from other.<\/div>\n
The lord of the troopers intrepidly stood then<\/div>\n
\u2019Gainst his high-rising shield, when the dragon coiled him<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[The dragon coils himself.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Quickly together: in corslet he bided.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
105<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He went then in blazes, bended and striding,<\/div>\n
Hasting him forward. His life and body<\/div>\n
The targe well protected, for time-period shorter<\/div>\n
Than wish demanded for the well-renowned leader,<\/div>\n
Where he then for the first day was forced to be victor,<\/div>\n
110<\/span><\/p>\n
Famous in battle, as Fate had not willed it.<\/div>\n
The lord of the Geatmen uplifted his hand then,<\/div>\n
Smiting the fire-drake with sword that was precious,<\/div>\n
That bright on the bone the blade-edge did weaken,<\/div>\n
Bit more feebly than his folk-leader needed,<\/div>\n
115<\/span><\/p>\n
Burdened with bale-griefs. Then the barrow-protector,<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[The dragon rages]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
When the sword-blow had fallen, was fierce in his spirit,<\/div>\n
Flinging his fires, flamings of battle<\/div>\n
Gleamed then afar: the gold-friend of Weders<\/div>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s sword fails him.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Boasted no conquests, his battle-sword failed him<\/div>\n
120<\/span><\/p>\n
Naked in conflict, as by no means it ought to,<\/div>\n
Long-trusty weapon. \u2019Twas no slight undertaking<\/div>\n
That Ecgtheow\u2019s famous offspring would leave<\/div>\n
The drake-cavern\u2019s bottom; he must live in some region<\/div>\n
Other than this, by the will of the dragon,<\/div>\n
125<\/span><\/p>\n
As each one of earthmen existence must forfeit.<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas early thereafter the excellent warriors<\/div>\n
[The combat is renewed.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Met with each other. Anew and afresh<\/div>\n
The hoard-ward took heart (gasps heaved then his bosom):<\/div>\n
[The great hero is reduced to extremities.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Sorrow he suffered encircled with fire<\/div>\n
130<\/span><\/p>\n
Who the people erst governed. His companions by no means<\/div>\n
Were banded about him, bairns of the princes,<\/div>\n
[His comrades flee!]<\/span><\/p>\n
With valorous spirit, but they sped to the forest,<\/div>\n
Seeking for safety. The soul-deeps of one were<\/div>\n
[Blood is thicker than water.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Ruffled by care: kin-love can never<\/div>\n
135<\/span><\/p>\n
Aught in him waver who well doth consider.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
WIGLAF THE TRUSTY.\u2014BEOWULF IS DESERTED BY FRIENDS AND BY SWORD.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
[Wiglaf remains true\u2014the ideal Teutonic liegeman.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The son of Weohstan was Wiglaf entitled,<\/div>\n
Shield-warrior precious, prince of the Scylfings,<\/div>\n
\u00c6lfhere\u2019s kinsman: he saw his dear liegelord<\/div>\n
Enduring the heat \u2019neath helmet and visor.<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him,<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf recalls Beowulf\u2019s generosity.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The W\u00e6gmunding warriors\u2019 wealth-bless\u00e8d homestead,<\/div>\n
Each of the folk-rights his father had wielded;<\/div>\n
He was hot for the battle, his hand seized the target,<\/div>\n
The yellow-bark shield, he unsheathed his old weapon,<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
Which was known among earthmen as the relic of Eanmund,<\/div>\n
Ohthere\u2019s offspring, whom, exiled and friendless,<\/div>\n
Weohstan did slay with sword-edge in battle,<\/div>\n
And carried his kinsman the clear-shining helmet,<\/div>\n
The ring-made burnie, the old giant-weapon<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
That Onela gave him, his boon-fellow\u2019s armor,<\/div>\n
Ready war-trappings: he the feud did not mention,<\/div>\n
Though he\u2019d fatally smitten the son of his brother.<\/div>\n
Many a half-year held he the treasures,<\/div>\n
The bill and the burnie, till his bairn became able,<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
Like his father before him, fame-deeds to \u2019complish;<\/div>\n
Then he gave him \u2019mong Geatmen a goodly array of<\/div>\n
Weeds for his warfare; he went from life then<\/div>\n
Old on his journey. \u2019Twas the earliest time then<\/div>\n
[This is Wiglaf\u2019s first battle as liegeman of Beowulf.]<\/span><\/p>\n
That the youthful champion might charge in the battle<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless.<\/div>\n
Nor did kinsman\u2019s bequest quail at the battle:<\/div>\n
This the dragon discovered on their coming together.<\/div>\n
Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying,<\/div>\n
Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit:<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf appeals to the pride of the cowards.]<\/span><\/p>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cI remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup,<\/div>\n
We promised in the hall the lord of us all<\/div>\n
Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment,<\/div>\n
Swords and helmets, we\u2019d certainly quite him,<\/div>\n
Should need of such aid ever befall him:<\/div>\n
[How we have forfeited our liegelord\u2019s confidence!]<\/span><\/p>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously,<\/div>\n
Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels,<\/div>\n
Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen,<\/div>\n
Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement<\/div>\n
Our lord intended alone to accomplish,<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
Ward of his people, for most of achievements,<\/div>\n
Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk.<\/div>\n
[Our lord is in sore need of us.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen<\/div>\n
Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes:<\/div>\n
Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor,<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight.<\/div>\n
[I would rather die than go home without my suzerain.]<\/span><\/p>\n
God wot in me, \u2019tis mickle the liefer<\/div>\n
The blaze should embrace my body and eat it<\/div>\n
With my treasure-bestower. Meseemeth not proper<\/div>\n
To bear our battle-shields back to our country,<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2019Less first we are able to fell and destroy the<\/div>\n
Long-hating foeman, to defend the life of<\/div>\n
[Surely he does not deserve to die alone.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The prince of the Weders. Well do I know \u2019tisn\u2019t<\/div>\n
Earned by his exploits, he only of Geatmen<\/div>\n
Sorrow should suffer, sink in the battle:<\/div>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
Brand and helmet to us both shall be common,<\/div>\n
1<\/a><\/sup>Shield-cover, burnie.\u201d Through the bale-smoke he stalked then,<\/div>\n
Went under helmet to the help of his chieftain,<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf reminds Beowulf of his youthful boasts.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Briefly discoursing: \u201cBeowulf dear,<\/div>\n
Perform thou all fully, as thou formerly saidst,<\/div>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
In thy youthful years, that while yet thou livedst<\/div>\n
Thou wouldst let thine honor not ever be lessened.<\/div>\n
Thy life thou shalt save, mighty in actions,<\/div>\n
Atheling undaunted, with all of thy vigor;<\/div>\n
[The monster advances on them.]<\/span><\/p>\n
I\u2019ll give thee assistance.\u201d The dragon came raging,<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
Wild-mooded stranger, when these words had been uttered<\/div>\n
(\u2019Twas the second occasion), seeking his enemies,<\/div>\n
Men that were hated, with hot-gleaming fire-waves;<\/div>\n
With blaze-billows burned the board to its edges:<\/div>\n
The fight-armor failed then to furnish assistance<\/div>\n
70<\/span><\/p>\n
To the youthful spear-hero: but the young-ag\u00e8d stripling<\/div>\n
Quickly advanced \u2019neath his kinsman\u2019s war-target,<\/div>\n
Since his own had been ground in the grip of the fire.<\/div>\n
[Beowulf strikes at the dragon.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the warrior-king was careful of glory,<\/div>\n
He soundly smote with sword-for-the-battle,<\/div>\n
75<\/span><\/p>\n
That it stood in the head by hatred driven<\/span>;<\/div>\n
N\u00e6gling was shivered, the old and iron-made<\/div>\n
[His sword fails him.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas denied him that edges of irons were able<\/div>\n
To help in the battle; the hand was too mighty<\/div>\n
80<\/span><\/p>\n
Which every weapon, as I heard on inquiry,<\/div>\n
Outstruck in its stroke, when to struggle he carried<\/div>\n
The wonderful war-sword: it waxed him no better.<\/div>\n
[The dragon advances on Beowulf again.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the people-despoiler\u2014third of his onsets\u2014<\/div>\n
Fierce-raging fire-drake, of feud-hate was mindful,<\/div>\n
85<\/span><\/p>\n
Charged on the strong one, when chance was afforded,<\/div>\n
Heated and war-grim, seized on his neck<\/div>\n
With teeth that were bitter; he bloody did wax with<\/div>\n
Soul-gore seething; sword-blood in waves boiled.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a0XXXVII.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
THE FATAL STRUGGLE.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S LAST MOMENTS.<\/h2>\n
[Wiglaf defends Beowulf.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then I heard that at need of the king of the people<\/div>\n
The upstanding earlman exhibited prowess,<\/div>\n
Vigor and courage, as suited his nature;<\/div>\n
1<\/a><\/sup>He his head did not guard, but the high-minded liegeman\u2019s<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Hand was consumed, when he succored his kinsman,<\/div>\n
So he struck the strife-bringing strange-comer lower,<\/div>\n
Earl-thane in armor, that in<\/i> went the weapon<\/div>\n
Gleaming and plated, that \u2019gan then the fire<\/div>\n
[Beowulf draws his knife.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Later to lessen. The liegelord himself then<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
Retained his consciousness, brandished his war-knife,<\/div>\n
Battle-sharp, bitter, that he bare on his armor:<\/div>\n
and cuts the dragon.<\/span><\/p>\n
The Weder-lord cut the worm in the middle.<\/div>\n
They had felled the enemy (life drove out then<\/div>\n
Puissant prowess), the pair had destroyed him,<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
Land-chiefs related: so a liegeman should prove him,<\/div>\n
A thaneman when needed. To the prince \u2019twas the last of<\/div>\n
His era of conquest by his own great achievements,<\/div>\n
[<\/span>Beowulf\u2019s wound swells and burns.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
The latest of world-deeds. The wound then began<\/div>\n
Which the earth-dwelling dragon erstwhile had wrought him<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
To burn and to swell. He soon then discovered<\/div>\n
That bitterest bale-woe in his bosom was raging,<\/div>\n
Poison within. The atheling advanced then,<\/div>\n
[He sits down exhausted.]<\/span><\/p>\n
That along by the wall, he prudent of spirit<\/div>\n
Might sit on a settle; he saw the giant-work,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
How arches of stone strengthened with pillars<\/div>\n
The earth-hall eternal inward supported.<\/div>\n
Then the long-worthy liegeman laved with his hand the<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf bathes his lord\u2019s head.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Far-famous chieftain, gory from sword-edge,<\/div>\n
Refreshing the face of his friend-lord and ruler,<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
Sated with battle, unbinding his helmet.<\/div>\n
Beowulf answered, of his injury spake he,<\/div>\n
His wound that was fatal (he was fully aware<\/div>\n
He had lived his allotted life-days enjoying<\/div>\n
The pleasures of earth; then past was entirely<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
His measure of days, death very near):<\/div>\n
[Beowulf regrets that he has no son.]<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cMy son I would give now my battle-equipments,<\/div>\n
Had any of heirs been after me granted,<\/div>\n
Along of my body. This people I governed<\/div>\n
Fifty of winters: no king \u2019mong my neighbors<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
Dared to encounter me with comrades-in-battle,<\/div>\n
Try me with terror. The time to me ordered<\/div>\n
I bided at home, mine own kept fitly,<\/div>\n
Sought me no snares, swore me not many<\/div>\n
[I can rejoice in a well-spent life.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Oaths in injustice. Joy over all this<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
I\u2019m able to have, though ill with my death-wounds;<\/div>\n
Hence the Ruler of Earthmen need not charge me<\/div>\n
With the killing of kinsmen, when cometh my life out<\/div>\n
Forth from my body. Fare thou with haste now<\/div>\n
[Bring me the hoard, Wiglaf, that my dying eyes may be refreshed by a sight of it.]<\/span><\/p>\n
To behold the hoard \u2019neath the hoar-grayish stone,<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
Well-lov\u00e8d Wiglaf, now the worm is a-lying,<\/div>\n
Sore-wounded sleepeth, disseized of his treasure.<\/div>\n
Go thou in haste that treasures of old I,<\/div>\n
Gold-wealth may gaze on, together see lying<\/div>\n
The ether-bright jewels, be easier able,<\/div>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
Having the heap of hoard-gems, to yield my<\/div>\n
Life and the land-folk whom long I have governed.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
WIGLAF PLUNDERS THE DRAGON\u2019S DEN.\u2014BEOWULF\u2019S DEATH.<\/h2>\n
[Wiglaf fulfils his lord\u2019s behest.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then heard I that Wihstan\u2019s son very quickly,<\/div>\n
These words being uttered, heeded his liegelord<\/div>\n
Wounded and war-sick, went in his armor,<\/div>\n
His well-woven ring-mail, \u2019neath the roof of the barrow.<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the trusty retainer treasure-gems many<\/div>\n
[The dragon\u2019s den.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Victorious saw, when the seat he came near to,<\/div>\n
Gold-treasure sparkling spread on the bottom,<\/div>\n
Wonder on the wall, and the worm-creature\u2019s cavern,<\/div>\n
The ancient dawn-flier\u2019s, vessels a-standing,<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
Cups of the ancients of cleansers bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\n
Robbed of their ornaments: there were helmets in numbers,<\/div>\n
Old and rust-eaten, arm-bracelets many,<\/div>\n
Artfully woven. Wealth can easily,<\/div>\n
Gold on the sea-bottom, turn into vanity<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
Each one of earthmen, arm him who pleaseth!<\/div>\n
And he saw there lying an all-golden banner<\/div>\n
High o\u2019er the hoard, of hand-wonders greatest,<\/div>\n
Link\u00e8d with lacets: a light from it sparkled,<\/div>\n
That the floor of the cavern he was able to look on,<\/div>\n
[The dragon is not there.]<\/span><\/p>\n
To examine the jewels. Sight of the dragon<\/div>\n
Not any was offered, but edge offcarried him.<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf bears the hoard away.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then I heard that the hero the hoard-treasure plundered,<\/div>\n
The giant-work ancient reaved in the cavern,<\/div>\n
Bare on his bosom the beakers and platters,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
As himself would fain have it, and took off the standard,<\/div>\n
The brightest of beacons; the bill had erst injured<\/div>\n
(Its edge was of iron), the old-ruler\u2019s weapon,<\/div>\n
Him who long had watched as ward of the jewels,<\/div>\n
Who fire-terror carried hot for the treasure,<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
Rolling in battle, in middlemost darkness,<\/div>\n
Till murdered he perished. The messenger hastened,<\/div>\n
Not loth to return, hurried by jewels:<\/div>\n
Curiosity urged him if, excellent-mooded,<\/div>\n
Alive he should find the lord of the Weders<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
Mortally wounded, at the place where he left him.<\/div>\n
\u2019Mid the jewels he found then the famous old chieftain,<\/div>\n
His liegelord belov\u00e8d, at his life\u2019s-end gory:<\/div>\n
He thereupon \u2019gan to lave him with water,<\/div>\n
Till the point of his word pierc\u00e8d his breast-hoard.<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
Beowulf spake (the gold-gems he noticed),<\/div>\n
[Beowulf is rejoiced to see the jewels.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The old one in sorrow: \u201cFor the jewels I look on<\/div>\n
Thanks do I utter for all to the Ruler,<\/div>\n
Wielder of Worship, with words of devotion,<\/div>\n
The Lord everlasting, that He let me such treasures<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
Gain for my people ere death overtook me.<\/div>\n
Since I\u2019ve bartered the ag\u00e8d life to me granted<\/div>\n
For treasure of jewels, attend ye henceforward<\/div>\n
[He desires to be held in memory by his people.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The wants of the war-thanes; I can wait here no longer.<\/div>\n
The battle-famed bid ye to build them a grave-hill,<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
Bright when I\u2019m burned, at the brim-current\u2019s limit;<\/div>\n
As a memory-mark to the men I have governed,<\/div>\n
Aloft it shall tower on Whale\u2019s-Ness uprising,<\/div>\n
That earls of the ocean hereafter may call it<\/div>\n
Beowulf\u2019s barrow, those who barks ever-dashing<\/div>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
From a distance shall drive o\u2019er the darkness of waters.\u201d<\/div>\n
[The hero\u2019s last gift]<\/span><\/p>\n
The bold-mooded troop-lord took from his neck then<\/div>\n
The ring that was golden, gave to his liegeman,<\/div>\n
The youthful war-hero, his gold-flashing helmet,<\/div>\n
His collar and war-mail, bade him well to enjoy them:<\/div>\n
[and last words]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cThou art latest left of the line of our kindred,<\/div>\n
Of W\u00e6gmunding people: Weird hath offcarried<\/div>\n
All of my kinsmen to the Creator\u2019s glory,<\/div>\n
Earls in their vigor: I shall after them fare.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u2019Twas the aged liegelord\u2019s last-spoken word in<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
His musings of spirit, ere he mounted the fire,<\/div>\n
The battle-waves burning: from his bosom departed<\/div>\n
His soul to seek the sainted ones\u2019 glory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
THE DEAD FOES.\u2014WIGLAF\u2019S BITTER TAUNTS.<\/h2>\n
[Wiglaf is sorely grieved to see his lord look so un-warlike.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
It had wofully chanced then the youthful retainer<\/div>\n
To behold on earth the most ardent-belov\u00e8d<\/div>\n
At his life-days\u2019 limit, lying there helpless.<\/div>\n
The slayer too lay there, of life all bereav\u00e8d,<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Horrible earth-drake, harassed with sorrow:<\/div>\n
[The dragon has plundered his last hoard.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The round-twisted monster was permitted no longer<\/div>\n
To govern the ring-hoards, but edges of war-swords<\/div>\n
Mightily seized him, battle-sharp, sturdy<\/div>\n
Leavings of hammers, that still from his wounds<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
The flier-from-farland fell to the earth<\/div>\n
Hard by his hoard-house, hopped he at midnight<\/div>\n
Not e\u2019er through the air, nor exulting in jewels<\/div>\n
Suffered them to see him: but he sank then to earthward<\/div>\n
Through the hero-chief\u2019s handwork. I heard sure it throve then<\/div>\n
[<\/span>Few warriors dared to face the monster.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
But few in the land of liegemen of valor,<\/div>\n
Though of every achievement bold he had proved him,<\/div>\n
To run \u2019gainst the breath of the venomous scather,<\/div>\n
Or the hall of the treasure to trouble with hand-blows,<\/div>\n
If he watching had found the ward of the hoard-hall<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
On the barrow abiding. Beowulf\u2019s part of<\/div>\n
The treasure of jewels was paid for with death;<\/div>\n
Each of the twain had attained to the end of<\/div>\n
Life so unlasting. Not long was the time till<\/div>\n
[The cowardly thanes come out of the thicket.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The tardy-at-battle returned from the thicket,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
The timid truce-breakers ten all together,<\/div>\n
Who durst not before play with the lances<\/div>\n
In the prince of the people\u2019s pressing emergency;<\/div>\n
[They are ashamed of their desertion.]<\/span><\/p>\n
But blushing with shame, with shields they betook them,<\/div>\n
With arms and armor where the old one was lying:<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
They gazed upon Wiglaf. He was sitting exhausted,<\/div>\n
Foot-going fighter, not far from the shoulders<\/div>\n
Of the lord of the people, would rouse him with water;<\/div>\n
No whit did it help him; though he hoped for it keenly,<\/div>\n
He was able on earth not at all in the leader<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
Life to retain, and nowise to alter<\/div>\n
The will of the Wielder; the World-Ruler\u2019s power1<\/a><\/sup><\/div>\n
Would govern the actions of each one of heroes,<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf is ready to excoriate them.]<\/span><\/p>\n
As yet He is doing. From the young one forthwith then<\/div>\n
Could grim-worded greeting be got for him quickly<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
Whose courage had failed him. Wiglaf discoursed then,<\/div>\n
Weohstan his son, sad-mooded hero,<\/div>\n
[He begins to taunt them.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Looked on the hated: \u201cHe who soothness will utter<\/div>\n
Can say that the liegelord who gave you the jewels,<\/div>\n
The ornament-armor wherein ye are standing,<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
When on ale-bench often he offered to hall-men<\/div>\n
Helmet and burnie, the prince to his liegemen,<\/div>\n
As best upon earth he was able to find him,\u2014<\/div>\n
[<\/span>Surely our lord wasted his armor on poltroons.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
That he wildly wasted his war-gear undoubtedly<\/div>\n
When battle o\u2019ertook him. The troop-king no need had<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
To glory in comrades; yet God permitted him,<\/div>\n
[He, however, got along without you]<\/span><\/p>\n
Victory-Wielder, with weapon unaided<\/div>\n
Himself to avenge, when vigor was needed.<\/div>\n
I life-protection but little was able<\/div>\n
To give him in battle, and I \u2019gan, notwithstanding,<\/div>\n
With some aid, I could have saved our liegelord<\/span><\/p>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
Helping my kinsman (my strength overtaxing):<\/div>\n
He waxed the weaker when with weapon I smote on<\/div>\n
My mortal opponent, the fire less strongly<\/div>\n
Flamed from his bosom. Too few of protectors<\/div>\n
Came round the king at the critical moment.<\/div>\n
Gift-giving is over with your people: the ring-lord is dead.<\/span><\/p>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
Now must ornament-taking and weapon-bestowing,<\/div>\n
Home-joyance all, cease for your kindred,<\/div>\n
Food for the people; each of your warriors<\/div>\n
Must needs be bereav\u00e8d of rights that he holdeth<\/div>\n
In landed possessions, when faraway nobles<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
Shall learn of your leaving your lord so basely,<\/div>\n
[What is life without honor?]<\/span><\/p>\n
The dastardly deed. Death is more pleasant<\/div>\n
To every earlman than infamous life is!\u201d<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
XL.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
THE MESSENGER OF DEATH.<\/h2>\n
[Wiglaf sends the news of Beowulf\u2019s death to liegemen near by.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then he charged that the battle be announced at the hedge<\/div>\n
Up o\u2019er the cliff-edge, where the earl-troopers bided<\/div>\n
The whole of the morning, mood-wretched sat them,<\/div>\n
Bearers of battle-shields, both things expecting,<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
The end of his lifetime and the coming again of<\/div>\n
The liegelord belov\u00e8d. Little reserved he<\/div>\n
Of news that was known, who the ness-cliff did travel,<\/div>\n
But he truly discoursed to all that could hear him:<\/div>\n
[<\/span>The messenger speaks.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cNow the free-giving friend-lord of the folk of the Weders,<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
The folk-prince of Geatmen, is fast in his death-bed,<\/div>\n
By the deeds of the dragon in death-bed abideth;<\/div>\n
Along with him lieth his life-taking foeman<\/div>\n
Slain with knife-wounds: he was wholly unable<\/div>\n
To injure at all the ill-planning monster<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf sits by our dead lord.]<\/span><\/p>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
With bite of his sword-edge. Wiglaf is sitting,<\/div>\n
Offspring of Wihstan, up over Beowulf,<\/div>\n
Earl o\u2019er another whose end-day hath reached him,<\/div>\n
Head-watch holdeth o\u2019er heroes unliving,<\/div>\n
[Our lord\u2019s death will lead to attacks from our old foes.]<\/span><\/p>\n
For friend and for foeman. The folk now expecteth<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
A season of strife when the death of the folk-king<\/div>\n
To Frankmen and Frisians in far-lands is published.<\/div>\n
The war-hatred waxed warm \u2019gainst the Hugmen,<\/div>\n
[Higelac\u2019s death recalled.]<\/span><\/p>\n
When Higelac came with an army of vessels<\/div>\n
Faring to Friesland, where the Frankmen in battle<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Humbled him and bravely with overmight \u2019complished<\/div>\n
That the mail-clad warrior must sink in the battle,<\/div>\n
Fell \u2019mid his folk-troop: no fret-gems presented<\/div>\n
The atheling to earlmen; aye was denied us<\/div>\n
Merewing\u2019s mercy. The men of the Swedelands<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
For truce or for truth trust I but little;<\/div>\n
But widely \u2019twas known that near Ravenswood Ongentheow<\/div>\n
[H\u00e6thcyn\u2019s fall referred to.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Sundered H\u00e6thcyn the Hrethling from life-joys,<\/div>\n
When for pride overweening the War-Scylfings first did<\/div>\n
Seek the Geatmen with savage intentions.<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
Early did Ohthere\u2019s age-laden father,<\/div>\n
Old and terrible, give blow in requital,<\/div>\n
Killing the sea-king, the queen-mother rescued,<\/div>\n
The old one his consort deprived of her gold,<\/div>\n
Onela\u2019s mother and Ohthere\u2019s also,<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
And then followed the feud-nursing foemen till hardly,<\/div>\n
Reaved of their ruler, they Ravenswood entered.<\/div>\n
Then with vast-numbered forces he assaulted the remnant,<\/div>\n
Weary with wounds, woe often promised<\/div>\n
The livelong night to the sad-hearted war-troop:<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
Said he at morning would kill them with edges of weapons,<\/div>\n
Some on the gallows for glee to the fowls.<\/div>\n
Aid came after to the anxious-in-spirit<\/div>\n
At dawn of the day, after Higelac\u2019s bugle<\/div>\n
And trumpet-sound heard they, when the good one proceeded<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
And faring followed the flower of the troopers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
XLI.<\/a><\/h2>\n
THE MESSENGER\u2019S RETROSPECT.<\/h2>\n
[The messenger continues, and refers to the feuds of Swedes and Geats. — reduced here]<\/span><\/p>\n
[The\u00a0warriors go sadly to look at Beowulf\u2019s lifeless body.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
90<\/span><\/p>\n
His slaughter-bed holding, him who rings had given them<\/div>\n
In days that were done; then the death-bringing moment<\/div>\n
Was come to the good one, that the king very warlike,<\/div>\n
Wielder of Weders, with wonder-death perished.<\/div>\n
First they beheld there a creature more wondrous,<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
[They also see the dragon.]<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
95<\/span><\/p>\n
The worm on the field, in front of them lying,<\/div>\n
The foeman before them: the fire-spewing dragon,<\/div>\n
Ghostly and grisly guest in his terrors,<\/div>\n
Was scorched in the fire; as he lay there he measured<\/div>\n
Fifty of feet; came forth in the night-time<\/div>\n
100<\/span><\/p>\n
To rejoice in the air, thereafter departing<\/div>\n
To visit his den; he in death was then fastened,<\/div>\n
He would joy in no other earth-hollowed caverns.<\/div>\n
There stood round about him beakers and vessels,<\/div>\n
Dishes were lying and dear-valued weapons,<\/div>\n
105<\/span><\/p>\n
With iron-rust eaten, as in earth\u2019s mighty bosom<\/div>\n
A thousand of winters there they had rested:<\/div>\n
[The hoard was under a magic spell.]<\/span><\/p>\n
That mighty bequest then with magic was guarded,<\/div>\n
Gold of the ancients, that earlman not any<\/div>\n
The ring-hall could touch, save Ruling-God only,<\/div>\n
110<\/span><\/p>\n
Sooth-king of Vict\u2019ries gave whom He wished to<\/div>\n
[God alone could give access to it.]<\/span><\/p>\n
(He is earth-folk\u2019s protector) to open the treasure,<\/div>\n
E\u2019en to such among mortals as seemed to Him proper.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
XLII.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
WIGLAF\u2019S SAD STORY.\u2014THE HOARD CARRIED OFF.<\/h2>\n
Then \u2019twas seen that the journey prospered him little<\/div>\n
Who wrongly within had the ornaments hidden<\/div>\n
Down \u2019neath the wall. The warden erst slaughtered<\/div>\n
Some few of the folk-troop: the feud then thereafter<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Was hotly aveng\u00e8d. \u2019Tis a wonder where,<\/div>\n
When the strength-famous trooper has attained to the end of<\/div>\n
Life-days allotted, then no longer the man may<\/div>\n
Remain with his kinsmen where mead-cups are flowing.<\/div>\n
So to Beowulf happened when the ward of the barrow,<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
Assaults, he sought for: himself had no knowledge<\/div>\n
How his leaving this life was likely to happen.<\/div>\n
So to doomsday, famous folk-leaders down did<\/div>\n
Call it with curses\u2014who \u2019complished it there\u2014<\/div>\n
That that man should be ever of ill-deeds convicted,<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
Confined in foul-places, fastened in hell-bonds,<\/div>\n
Punished with plagues, who this place should e\u2019er ravage.<\/div>\n
He cared not for gold: rather the Wielder\u2019s<\/div>\n
Favor preferred he first to get sight of.<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf addresses his comrades.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Wiglaf discoursed then, Wihstan his son:<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cOft many an earlman on one man\u2019s account must<\/div>\n
Sorrow endure, as to us it hath happened.<\/div>\n
The liegelord belov\u00e8d we could little prevail on,<\/div>\n
Kingdom\u2019s keeper, counsel to follow,<\/div>\n
Not to go to the guardian of the gold-hoard, but let him<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
Lie where he long was, live in his dwelling<\/div>\n
Till the end of the world. Met we a destiny<\/div>\n
Hard to endure: the hoard has been looked at,<\/div>\n
Been gained very grimly; too grievous the fate that<\/div>\n
The prince of the people pricked to come thither.<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
I<\/i> was therein and all of it looked at,<\/div>\n
The building\u2019s equipments, since access was given me,<\/div>\n
Not kindly at all entrance permitted<\/div>\n
[He tells them of Beowulf\u2019s last moments.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Within under earth-wall. Hastily seized I<\/div>\n
And held in my hands a huge-weighing burden<\/div>\n
35<\/span><\/p>\n
Of hoard-treasures costly, hither out bare them<\/div>\n
To my liegelord belov\u00e8d: life was yet in him,<\/div>\n
And consciousness also; the old one discoursed then<\/div>\n
Much and mournfully, commanded to greet you,<\/div>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s dying request.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Bade that remembering the deeds of your friend-lord<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
Ye build on the fire-hill of corpses a lofty<\/div>\n
Burial-barrow, broad and far-famous,<\/div>\n
As \u2019mid world-dwelling warriors he was widely most honored<\/div>\n
While he reveled in riches. Let us rouse us and hasten<\/div>\n
Again to see and seek for the treasure,<\/div>\n
45<\/span><\/p>\n
The wonder \u2019neath wall. The way I will show you,<\/div>\n
That close ye may look at ring-gems sufficient<\/div>\n
And gold in abundance. Let the bier with promptness<\/div>\n
Fully be fashioned, when forth we shall come,<\/div>\n
And lift we our lord, then, where long he shall tarry,<\/div>\n
50<\/span><\/p>\n
Well-beloved warrior, \u2019neath the Wielder\u2019s protection.\u201d<\/div>\n
[Wiglaf charges them to build a funeral-pyre.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Then the son of Wihstan bade orders be given,<\/div>\n
Mood-valiant man, to many of heroes,<\/div>\n
Holders of homesteads, that they hither from far,<\/div>\n
Leaders of liegemen, should look for the good one<\/div>\n
55<\/span><\/p>\n
With wood for his pyre: \u201cThe flame shall now swallow<\/div>\n
(The wan fire shall wax) the warriors\u2019 leader<\/div>\n
Who the rain of the iron often abided,<\/div>\n
When, sturdily hurled, the storm of the arrows<\/div>\n
Leapt o\u2019er linden-wall, the lance rendered service,<\/div>\n
60<\/span><\/p>\n
Furnished with feathers followed the arrow.\u201d<\/div>\n
Now the wise-mooded son of Wihstan did summon<\/div>\n
The best of the braves from the band of the ruler<\/div>\n
[He takes seven thanes, and enters the den.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Seven together; \u2019neath the enemy\u2019s roof he<\/div>\n
Went with the seven; one of the heroes<\/div>\n
65<\/span><\/p>\n
Who fared at the front, a fire-blazing torch-light<\/div>\n
Bare in his hand. No lot then decided<\/div>\n
Who that hoard should havoc, when hero-earls saw it<\/div>\n
Lying in the cavern uncared-for entirely,<\/div>\n
Rusting to ruin: they rued then but little<\/div>\n
70<\/span><\/p>\n
That they hastily hence hauled out the treasure,<\/div>\n
[They push the dragon over the wall.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The dear-valued jewels; the dragon eke pushed they,<\/div>\n
The worm o\u2019er the wall, let the wave-currents take him,<\/div>\n
The waters enwind the ward of the treasures.<\/div>\n
[The hoard is laid on a wain.]<\/span><\/p>\n
There wounden gold on a wain was uploaded,<\/div>\n
75<\/span><\/p>\n
A mass unmeasured, the men-leader off then,<\/div>\n
The hero hoary, to Whale\u2019s-Ness was carried.<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
XLIII.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
THE BURNING OF BEOWULF.<\/h2>\n
[Beowulf\u2019s pyre.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The folk of the Geatmen got him then ready<\/div>\n
A pile on the earth strong for the burning,<\/div>\n
Behung with helmets, hero-knights\u2019 targets,<\/div>\n
And bright-shining burnies, as he begged they should have them;<\/div>\n
5<\/span><\/p>\n
Then wailing war-heroes their world-famous chieftain,<\/div>\n
Their liegelord beloved, laid in the middle.<\/div>\n
[The funeral-flame.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Soldiers began then to make on the barrow<\/div>\n
The largest of dead-fires: dark o\u2019er the vapor<\/div>\n
The smoke-cloud ascended, the sad-roaring fire,<\/div>\n
10<\/span><\/p>\n
Mingled with weeping (the wind-roar subsided)<\/div>\n
Till the building of bone it had broken to pieces,<\/div>\n
Hot in the heart. Heavy in spirit<\/div>\n
They mood-sad lamented the men-leader\u2019s ruin;<\/div>\n
And mournful measures the much-grieving widow<\/div>\n
15<\/span><\/p>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
20<\/span><\/p>\n
*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*<\/div>\n
[The Weders carry out their lord\u2019s last request.]<\/span><\/p>\n
The men of the Weders made accordingly<\/div>\n
A hill on the height, high and extensive,<\/div>\n
Of sea-going sailors to be seen from a distance,<\/div>\n
And the brave one\u2019s beacon built where the fire was,<\/div>\n
25<\/span><\/p>\n
In ten-days\u2019 space, with a wall surrounded it,<\/div>\n
As wisest of world-folk could most worthily plan it.<\/div>\n
They placed in the barrow rings and jewels,<\/div>\n
[<\/span>Rings and gems are laid in the barrow.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
All such ornaments as erst in the treasure<\/div>\n
War-mooded men had won in possession:<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/p>\n
The earnings of earlmen to earth they entrusted,<\/div>\n
The gold to the dust, where yet it remaineth<\/div>\n
As useless to mortals as in foregoing eras.<\/div>\n
\u2019Round the dead-mound rode then the doughty-in-battle,<\/div>\n
Bairns of all twelve of the chiefs of the people,<\/div>\n
[They mourn for their lord, and sing his praises.]<\/span><\/p>\n
More would they mourn, lament for their ruler,<\/div>\n
Speak in measure, mention him with pleasure,<\/div>\n
Weighed his worth, and his warlike achievements<\/div>\n
Mightily commended, as \u2019tis meet one praise his<\/div>\n
Liegelord in words and love him in spirit,<\/div>\n
40<\/span><\/p>\n
When forth from his body he fares to destruction.<\/div>\n
So lamented mourning the men of the Geats,<\/div>\n
Fond-loving vassals, the fall of their lord,<\/div>\n
[An ideal king.]<\/span><\/p>\n
Said he was kindest of kings under heaven,<\/div>\n
Gentlest of men, most winning of manner,<\/div>\n
Friendliest to folk-troops and fondest of honor.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
 <\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with\r\nalmost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or\r\nre-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included\r\nwith this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/pre>\n\n\t\t\t 
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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t 
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t 
Public domain content<\/div>