Pro Epic Of Beowulf

Beowulf http://www.heorot.dk/beowulf-rede-text.html Prologue Listen! We --of the Spear-Danes in the days of yore, of those clan-kings-- heard of their glory. how those nobles performed courageous deeds. Often Scyld, Scef's son, from enemy hosts
5 from many peoples seized mead-benches; and terrorised the fearsome Heruli after first he was found helpless and destitute, he then knew recompense for that:- he waxed under the clouds, throve in honours, until to him each of the bordering tribes
10 beyond the whale-road had to submit, and yield tribute:- that was a good king! To him an heir was born then young in the yards, God sent him to comfort
the people; He had seen the dire distress
15 that they suffered before, leader-less a long while; them for that the Life-Lord, Ruler of Glory, granted honour on earth: Beowulf (Beaw) was famed --his renown spread wide-- Scyld's heir, in Northern lands.
20 So ought a young man by good deeds deserve, (and) by fine treasure-gifts, while in his father's keeping, that him in old age shall again stand by, willing companions, when war comes, people serve him: by glorious deeds must,
25 amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper. Then Scyld departed at the destined time, still in his full-strength, to fare in the protection of the Lord Frea; he they carried to the sea's surf, his dear comrades, as he himself had bid,
30 when he yet wielded words, that friend of the Scyldings, beloved ruler of the land, had ruled for a long time; there at the harbour stood with a ringed-prow, icy and keen to sail, a hero's vessel; they then laid down the beloved prince,
35 the giver of rings and treasure, in the bosom of the boat, the mighty by the mast; many riches were there, from far-off lands ornate armour and baubles were brought; I have not heard of a comelier keel adorned with weapons of battle and war-dress,
40 bill-blades and byrnies; there lay on his breast many treasures, which with him must, in the power of the waves, drift far off; in no way had they upon him fewer gifts bestowed with the wealth of a nation, than those did
45 who him in the beginning had sent forth alone upon the waves being but a child; yet then they set up the standard of gold, high over head; they let the sea bear, gave to the ocean, in them were troubled hearts,
50 mourning minds; men cannot say for certain, (neither) court-counsellors (nor) heroes under heaven, who received that cargo.

Then was in boroughs, Beowulf the Scylding (Beaw), beloved king of the people a long age
55 famed among the folk --his father having gone elsewhere, elder on earth-- until unto him in turn was born high Half-Dane, he ruled so long as he lived old and battle-fierce, the glad Scyldings; to him four sons in succession
60 woke in the world, the leader of the legions: Heorogar and Hrothgar and good Halga; I heard that Yrse was Onela's queen, the War-Scylfing's beloved embraced in bed.
Then was to Hrothgar success in warcraft given,
65 honour in war, so that his retainers eagerly served him until the young war-band grew into a mighty battalion; it came into his mind that a hall-house, he wished to command, a grand mead-hall, be built by men
70 which the sons of men should hear of forever, and there within share out all to young and old, such as God gave him, except the common land and the lives of men; Then, I heard, widely was the work commissioned
75 from many peoples throughout this middle-earth, to furnish this hall of the folk. For him in time it came to pass, early, through the men, that it was fully finished, the best of royal halls; he named it Heorot, he whose words weight had everywhere;
80 he did not lie when he boasted; rings he dealt out, riches at his feasts. The hall
towered, high and horn-gabled; it awaited the cruel surges of hateful flames; nor was the time yet nigh that the furious edge-malice of son-in-law and father-in-law,
85 arising from deadly enmity would inevitably awaken.
Part One: Beowulf versus Grendel
[Attack on Heorot] Then the bold spirit, impatiently endured dreary time, he who dwelt in darkness, he that every day heard noise of revelry loud in the hall; there was the harmony of the harp,
90 the sweet song of the poet; he spoke who knew how the origin of men to narrate from afar; said he that the almighty one wrought the earth, (that) fair, sublime field bounded by water; set up triumphant the sun and moon,
95 luminaries as lamps for the land-dwellers and adorned the corners of the earth with limbs and leaves; life too He formed for each of the species which lives and moves. So the lord's men lived in joys,
100 happily, until one began to execute atrocities, a fiend in hell; this ghastly demon was named Grendel, infamous stalker in the marches, he who held the moors, fen and desolate strong-hold; the land of
marsh-monsters,
105 the wretched creature ruled for a time since him the Creator had condemned with the kin of Cain; that killing avenged the eternal Lord, in which he slew Abel; this feud he did not enjoy, for He drove him far away,
110 the Ruler, for this crime, from mankind; thence unspeakable offspring all awoke: ogres and elves and spirits from the underworld; also giants, who strove with God for an interminable season; He gave them their reward for that.
115 He then went to visit and see --when night came-- the high house how it, the Ring-Danes after the beer-feast, had occupied; he found then therein the nobles' company slumbering after the feast; they did not know sorrow,
120 misery of men; that damned creature, grim and greedy, soon was ready, savage and cruel and from their rest seized thirty thanes; thence back he went proud in plunder to his home, faring
125 with the banquet of bodies to seek his shelter. Then was in the dark of dawn before the day Grendle's war-might revealed to the men; then it was after their feasting they raised up lament in a great morning-cry. The mighty chieftain,
130 the prince, old and good, sat in sorrow, The great mighty one suffered, anguish of thane-loss oppressed him when they the foe's tracks beheld, of the wicked ghoul; that strife was too strong, loathsome and lingering. Nor was it a longer time
135 but after a single night again he perpetuated more brutal slaughter, and it grieved him not, violence and viciousness, he was too entrenched in these. Then was it easily found, one who would somewhere else, further away, seek rest:
140 a bed among the bowers, when it was made clear to him, truly told, by an unmistakable token the enmity of the hall's occupier; he held himself then further and safer, he who shunned that fiend. Thus he ruled and challenged justice,
145 one against all, until empty stood that finest of houses; the time was long --the space of twelve winters-- that bitter anguish endured the friend, the shielder, --every woe, immense miseries; therefore to men became
150 to sons of men, clearly known in mournful ballads, that Grendle had contended long against Hrothgar, sustained fierce enmity, felony and feud, for many seasons continual strife; he did not want peace
155 with any man of the Danish contingent, to desist in life-destruction, to settle it with payment, none of the counsellors had any need to hope for noble recompense from the slayer's hands, but the wretch was persecuting
160 --the dark death-shade-- warriors old and young; he lay in wait and set snares, in the endless night he held the misty moors; men do not know where such hellish enigmas slink in their haunts. Thus many offences that foe of mankind,
165 that terrible lone traveller, often committed, hard humiliations; he dwelt in Heorot, the richly-adorned hall, in the black nights --by no means he the gift-throne was compelled to approach respectfully, the treasure, by the Maker, nor did he feel love for it--
170 That was great misery for the Friend of the Scyldings, a breaking of his spirit. Many often sat the mighty at counsel; pondered a plan, what by strong-minded men would be best, against the sudden horror, to do;
175 sometimes they pledged at holy temples sacred honouring, in words bid that them the demon-slayer would offer succour from the plight of the people; such was their habit: the hope of heathens; on hell they pondered
180 in the depths of their hearts; the Creator they did not know, the Judge of deeds, they were not aware of the Lord God, nor yet they the Helm of the Heavens were able to honour, Glory's Wielder. Woe be to him who must, through dire terror, thrust his soul
185 into fire's embrace; hope not for relief, or to change at all; well be he who may after death-day seek the Lord and in his Father's arms yearn towards Nirvana.

[Beowulf Comes to Heorot]

So then over the sorrow of the time the son of Half-Dane 190 continually brooded; the wise hero could not turn away woe; that strife was too strong, hateful and enduring, that on the people came fearfully cruel, violent trouble, the greatest night-evil. That from home heard Hygelac's thane, 195 a good man of the Geats, of Grendel's deeds; he was of mankind of the greatest strength, on that day in this life, noble and mighty; he ordered them a wave-crosser --a good one-- prepare; he said: the war-king 200 over swan-road he wished to seek, that mighty clan-chief, since he was in need of men; that adventure him, the clear-headed chaps, very little begrudged though he was dear to them, they urged on the valiant-hearted one, and observed the omens. 205 The worthy one had, from the Geatish peoples, chosen champions, those who were the boldest he could find; fifteen together, they sought the sea-wood, he led the warriors, that sea-skilled man, to the boundary of the shore. 210 Time passed by; the ship was on the waves, the boat under the cliffs; the ready warriors stepped up into the prow --the currents curled round, sea against sand-- the men bore into the bosom of boat bright arms and armour, 215 noble war-gear; the fellows shoved off, men on a welcome voyage, in a well-braced ship. Then they went over the water-waves urged by the wind, the foamy-necked floater, remarkably bird-like until in due time, on the second day, 220 the curved-prow had made the journey, so that the sailors sighted land, bright sea-cliffs, towering shores, wide headlands; then was the sea traversed, their sea-voyage at an end. Thence up quickly 225 the Wederas-warriors stepped onto land; moored their vessel; their mail-shirts clanked those war-garments; they thanked God that for them the wave-paths had been smooth. Then from the wall saw the ward of the Scyldings, 230 he who the sea-cliffs had the duty to guard, borne over the gang-plank, bright bossed-shields, eager war-devices; in him curiosity broke the thoughts of his heart: what these men were; then he went to the shore riding his horse, 235 the thane of Hrothgar; he forcefully shook his mighty wooden shaft, and with formal words asked: 'What are you armour-wearers bound in byrnies, who thus your tall keel over the sea-street leading came, 240 hither over the waters?' He was the coast-guardian, he held the sea-watch, so that on Danish land no enemies at all with a navy would not be able to ravage. 'Not here more openly began to come 245 lindenwood shield-bearers, nor you the leave-word of our war-makers certainly don't know our kinsmen's consent; never have I seen greater noble on earth than the one that you are, warrior in armour; this is no a mere retainer 250 made worthy by weapons; unless he is belied by his looks, a unique appearance! Now I must your lineage learn, ere you far hence, deceiving spies in the land of the Danes further fare; now you far-dwellers 255 you sea-sailors, hear my one-fold thought: speed is best for reporting, whence your comings are.'

He the eldest answered, the crew's captain, he unlocked his word-hoard: 260 'We are of the tribe of the Geat people and Hygelac's hearth-companions; my father was known to the folk, a noble vanguard-warrior, called Edgetheow, who saw many winters ere he passed away, 265 old, from our courtyards; he is readily recalled by each one of the wise widely throughout the world. We, by resolute resolve, your lord, the son of Half-Dane have come to seek, that protector of the people; be you a good guide to us; 270 we have, to that grand one, a great errand to the Danish lord; there shouldn't some secret be of this, I think. You know if it is as we truly have heard said, that amongst the Scyldings, some enemy, I know not what, 275 a furtive despoiler, in dark nights, sickeningly reveals unknown enmity, suffering and slaughter. I can on this matter, to Hrothgar, from a spacious spirit, give counsel, how he, wise and good, overcome the fiend-- 280 if for him a change ever should, from this suffering of miseries to remedy, come after-- and his hot wellings of melancholic care grow cooler; or else ever after, a time of torment, horrible hardship he will endure, so long as there remains, 285 in its high place, that best of houses. The guard made a speech, sitting there on his horse, --the unhesistating officer: 'He will --every sharp shield-warrior-- know the distinction between words and works, he who reasons rightly. 290 I hear it, that this is a legion loyal to the lord of the Scyldings; go forth bearing weapons and armour; I shall guide you; likewise, I the kin-thanes of mine will order, against any foes your vessel, 295 --newly tarred, ship on the sand-- to guard in honour, until it bears back, over the sea-streams, the dear man, --the swoop-necked wood -- to Wedermark; those who perform noble deeds-- to such as these it shall be granted 300 that the battle-rush he survive in one piece.' Then they went faring --the boat at rest awaited, it rode on the sand the broad-bosomed ship, on anchor fast-- boar-figures shone atop cheekguards adorned with gold; 305 glittering and fire-hard; life-guard they held; war-spirits raised; the men hastened, marched forward together, until they the timbered hall, glorious and gold-trimmed, were able to glimpse; that was the foremost --for earth-dwellers-- 310 of halls under the heavens, in it the ruler dwelt; its light glimmered over many lands. Then to them the fierce fellow --to that court of great men glorious-- he lead, that they to it could go directly; the worthy warrior 315 turned his horse, thereupon spoke words: 'Time it is for me to go. The Father all-ruling, with grace may He hold you sound on your sojourns! I will to the sea, against brutal dacoits keep watch.'

320 The street was paved with stones, the path guided the men together; war-byrnie shone harsh, linked by hand, ring-iron glittering, they sang in their arms, as they to the hall straight in their grim gear came marching; 325 they set down, sea-weary, their wide shields, the rims wondrous-hard against the wall of the hall, and bent down then to a bench; corslets rang-- the war-clothes of warriors; spears stood, seamen's weapons, all together, 330 silvery above a grove of ash; the iron-clad troop was honoured in weapons; then a proud noble the elite soldiers asked about the heroes: 'Whence ferry you plated shields, steel-hued shirts of mail and masked-helms, 335 this host of army-shafts? I am Hrothgar's herald and officer; I have not seen from a foreign land this many men looking braver in spirit; I expect that you from valour, not from exile, but from greatness of heart have sought out Hrothgar.' 340 Then him the renowned one answered --that proud prince of the Wedera nation-- spoke thereafter words, severe beneath his helmet: 'We are Hygelac's companions at table; Beowulf is my name; I wish to proclaim to the son of Half-Dane, 345 --that famed sovereign-- my errand to your lord, if he wishes to grant us that we him, the virtuous one, might greet.' Wulfgar began to speak --he was the Wendels' leader, his courage was well-known to many, 350 war-skill and wisdom--: 'I this from friend of the Danes, lord of the Scyldings, will inquire, from the giver of rings, --as you are petitioners-- from that famed sovereign about your quest, and to you the answer promptly make known 355 which to me the virtuous one sees fit to give.' He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar sat, old and very grey, amid his company of earls; he strode grandly so that he stood by the shoulders of the Danes' lord: he knew the custom of veteran-warriors; 360 Wulfgar made this speech to his friend and lord: 'Here have ventured, come from far away, over the expanse of the sea, men of the Geats; the eldest one of these elite warriors is called Beowulf; they are asking 365 that they, my lord, with you might exchange words; give them not refusal from your answers, gracious Hrothgar; they by their war-gear seem worthy of the esteem of nobles; indeed, the prince is powerful, 370 who the warriors led hither.'

Hrothgar spoke, --the Helm of the Scyldings--: 'I knew him when he was a youth; his old father was called Ecgtheow, to whom gave into his home Hrethel of the Geats 375 his only daughter; now his heir is come here bravely, seeking a steadfast friend. Further, it has been said by sea-farers, they who our gifts of coins ferried for the Geats thither in thanks, that he thirty 380 men's strength in the grip of his hand, renowned in war, has; him holy God, in benevolence, has sent to us, to the West-Danes, of this I have hope, against Grendel's terror; I the good man must 385 for his great daring offer precious treasures. Be you in haste, order to come in to see me the noble band of kinsmen all together; Say to them also in words, that they are welcome to the Danish land.' A word from within announced: 391 'To you I am commanded to say by my valorous lord, the leader of the East Danes, that he knows your noble history, and you are to him, over sea-swells, --bold in thought-- welcome hither; now you may enter in your war-gear, 396 under visored-helmets, to see Hrothgar; let battle-boards here await, and wooden slaughter-shafts, the result of words.' Then the mighty one arose, about him many warriors, the glorious troop of thanes; some waited there, 401 guarding the gear of war as the hardy leader bade; they hurried together; the hero led the way for them under Heorot's roof, severe under his helmet, until he stood in the hall. Beowulf spoke --on him a mail-coat gleamed, 406 a net of armour woven by smith's skilful art--: 'Be you, Hrothgar, whole. I am Hygelace's kinsman and retainer; I have many great labours undertaken in my youth; Grendel's enterprises have to me become, on my native soil, clearly known: 411 it is said by sea-farers that in this hall stands, --the best of buildings-- for each and every man, idle and useless, after evening-light under the firmament of heaven goes to hide. Then I was advised that, by my people, 416 the best ones, the clever chaps, sovereign Hrothgar, that it were thee I should seek, for that they the force of the strength of mine knew; themselves had looked on, when I returned from battle, stained with the blood of foes, where I bound five, 421 destroyed ogrish kin, and amid the waves slew nicors by night; I weathered distress in many a tight corner, avenged injury done the Wederas --they sought woe-- the foes I crushed, and now against Grendel I am bound, with that terrible creature, alone, to settle 426 the affair with the troll. I now then you, prince of the Bright-Danes, want to request, O protector of the Scyldings, one boon: that you not refuse me, O shield of warriors, liege and comrade of the folk, now that I have come thus far; 431 that I might alone, with my company of nobles and this hardy horde of warriors, clense Heorot; I have also heard that the evil creature in his recklessness heeds not weapons; then I it scorn --so that for me Hygelac may be 436 my liege-lord blithe in his heart-- that I bear a sword or broad shield, yellow-rim to war, but I with my grip shall fight with this fiend and over life strive, enemy against enemy; there must trust in 441 the judgement of the Lord, whichever one that Death takes; I expect that he will wish, if he can compass it, in the war-hall, the Geatish people to devour fearlessly, as he often did, the force of glorious warriors. You will have no need for my 446 head to shroud, but rather he will have me fiercely stained with gore, if me Death takes, he will bear my bloody corpse; he aims to bite, the lone prowler eats unmournfully, marking the limits of his moor enclosures; nor will you for the needs of my 451 body's funeral-provisions have any further concern. Send to Hygelac, if I am taken by battle, the best of battle-shrouds, the one that protects my breast, choicest of garments; that is Hrethel's relic, Wayland's work. Fate goes always as She must.'

456 Hrothgar spoke, the helm of the Scyldings: 'Fit to fight, you, my friend Beowulf, and for honour us have sought. Your father by striking began the greatest feud: he was Heatholaf's slayer by his own hand 461 of the Wylfings; then him his spear-kin for dread of troops could not shelter; thence he sought the South-Danes' folk over the welling of the waves, the Honour-Scyldings; at that time I had just begun to rule the Danish folk 466 and in my youth held the precious kingdom, the treasure-keep of heroes; then was Heregar dead, my elder brother unliving, the son of Half-Dane; he was better than I. Then the feud I settled with fees; 471 I sent the Wylfings across the water's ridge ancient treasures; he swore oaths to me. It sorrows me to say in my heart to any man Grendel has caused me what humiliations in Heorot with his thoughts of hatred, 476 carried out lightning-quick attacks; my hall-troop is waned, that war-band; they have been swept aside by Fate in Grendel's horrid violence; God can easily the rash ravager's deeds put an end to. Full oft have vowed, having drunk beer, 481 over ale-flagons, battle-men, that they in the beer-hall would await Grendel's onslaught with vicious edges. Then, this mead-hall was in the morning this noble hall stained with gore when the day lightened, 486 all of the benches smeared with blood the hall battle-gory; I had friends the fewer, cherished old battle-retinue, for these Death took them away. Sit now to feast and untie your thoughts of your glorious victories to the soldiers, as your heart urges.'

[Feast at Heorot] 491 Then the Geatish men were gathered together in the beer-hall, room was made on a bench, there the strong-souled went to sit down, proud in prowess a thane performed his office, he who in his hands bore an ornate ale-cup, 496 decanted pure sweet mead; a bard sang from time to time clear in Heorot; there was joy of heroes, no small host of Danes and Wederas.

Unferth spoke, the son of Edgelaf, who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings; 501 he unbound battle-runes --for him was the venture of Beowulf, brave seafarer's, a source of great displeasure, because he did not grant that any other man ever glorious deeds the more on middle-earth heeded under the heavens than he himself--: 506 'Are you the Beowulf, who contested against Breca on the broad sea, contended around the ocean-sound? Where you for bravado tempted the waters and for a foolish boast in deep sea risked your lives, you no man 511 --neither friend nor foe-- could dissuade from that sorrowful jaunt, when you rowed into the strait; there you sea-currents in your arms embraced, traversed the ocean-roads, with hands wove, gliding over the sea; the ocean in waves 516 welled, in winter's swells; you in the water's grasp toiled for seven nights; he got the better of you on the sea, he had more might. Then he in the morning on Heatho-Reams' shore was cast up by the sea; thence he sought his own homeland, 521 dear to his people, the land of the Brondings, the fair citadel, he had folk there, boroughs and rings; the entire boast with you the son of Beanstan truly fulfilled. I expect then for you worse results, 526 though you in war-assaults everywhere prevailed, grim combat, if you for Grendel dare the space of a night nearby wait.' Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'Listen, you a great deal --Unferth, my friend, 531 drunk on beer-- have spoken about Breca, told of his journey. Truth I claim that I sea-strength greater had, hardship on the waves, than any other man; we had it agreed, being lads, 536 and vowed --being both then still in the years of youth-- that we out on the ocean our lives would risk, and thus that we did. We had naked swords when we rowed on the ocean-sound, hard in our hands: we ourselves against whales 541 planned to defend; not a whit from me was he on the sea-waves far able to float, swifter on water, nor did I wish to part from him; then we together were on the sea, for the space of five nights, until the sea-waves drove us apart, 546 the water welling, the coldest of weathers, the darkening night and the north wind fierce turned against us; wild were the waves; then was the sea-fishes' wrath roused; there me against foes my body-shirt 551 strong and hand-linked, did me help, my battle-garment braided lay on my breast, adorned with gold; to the bottom of the sea I was drawn by the hostile foe-scather, it held me fast, cruel in grip; however, to it was granted 556 that I the monster reached with my point, with battle-bill; in the battle-rush I destroyed the mighty sea-beast with my hand.

Thus me often hateful attackers pressed sorely; I served them 561 with my dear sword, as it was fitting; they the feast did not have rejoicing, those perpetrators of crime, that they partook of me, sitting round a banquet near the sea-bed but in the morning by maiche-swords wounded, 566 along what is left by the waves up they lay put to sleep by swords, so that never since on the high waterway sea-travellers way did not hinder. Light came from the east, bright beacon of God, the sea became still, 571 so that I the headlands was able to see, windswept walls. Fate often spares the hero not fated to die when his courage endures. However it was my good fortune that I with my sword slew nine of the nicors; I have not heard by night 576 under heaven's vault of a more grievous fight, nor on the water-streams of a more wretched man; yet I the foes' grasp survived with my life, weary from my venture; then the sea bore me off flood following current onto the land of the Lapps, 581 the tossing boat. Not a whit of thee in such strife of conflict have I heard told, of bill-blade terror; Breca never yet at battle-play, nor either of you, so boldly performed a deed 586 with bright swords --I do not boast of this-- nevertheless, you your brothers' killer were, near relatives; for that you must with Hel suffer torment, though your mind is strong; I say to you in truth, son of Edgelaf, 591 that Grendel would have never so many atrocities committed, --that terrible demon-- to your leader, humiliation on Heorot, if your heart were, and your spirit so battle-fierce as you yourself tell but he has found that the fight he needs not, 596 that terrible storm of sword-edges of your nation, greatly to dread, of the Victory-Scyldings; he takes a forced toll, spares none of the Danish people, but he carries on his delight, slaying and despatching, he does not expect contest 601 from the Spear-Danes. But I shall him the Geats' might and courage, before long now, offer in war; a man will be able to go back, to mead bravely, when the morning-light over the sons of men of another day, 606 the sun clad in radiance, shines from the south.' Then was joyful the dispenser of treasures, with wizened hair and brave in battle for support he trusted the lord of the Bright-Danes heard in Beowulf the guardian of the folk, firmly-resolved intent; 611 There was the laughter of heroes, the noise made melody, words were joyful. Wealhtheow came forth, Hrothgar's queen, mindful of etiquette, greeted, gold-adorned, the men in the hall and then the noble lady gave out full cups, 616 first to the East-Danes homeland-guardian, bade him be blithe at the partaking of beer, beloved by the people; he took in delight feast-food and hall-cup, the victorious king; then she went among them, the lady of the Helmings, 621 to veteran and youth a portion to each, gave rich cups, until the time came that she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen, blossoming in spirit, carried a mead-cup; she greeted the Geatish prince, thanked God, 626 wise in her words, for that her wish was to be fulfilled, that she in any noble man could count on relief from wickedness. He took that full-cup, the slaughter-fierce warrior from Wealhtheow, and then spoke solemnly, made eager for war; 631 Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'I resolved that, when I mounted the water, sat down in the sea-boat amid my company of warriors, that I forthwith your people's will would work, or fall in slaughter, 636 fast in the fiend's grasp; I must perform this daring act of courage or the last day in this mead-hall of mine await.' The woman these words liked well, the vow-speech of the Geat; went gold-adorned, 641 the noble queen of the folk, to sit by her lord. Then were again, as before, in the hall, bold words spoken, the people full of joy, --victory-folk's clamour-- until presently the son of Half-Dane wished to seek 646 evening-rest; he knew that the ogre for the high hall had plotted an attack, ever since when they the sun's light could see; and darkening night all over, shadow-helm's shapes came slithering, 651 black beneath the skies. The troop all arose; greeted then the man the other man, Hrothgar Beowulf, and bid him health, the wine-hall's ruler, and spoke these words: 'I never to any man before entrusted, 656 since I hand and shield was able to raise, this strong-hall of the Danes, save to thee now; have now and hold this best of houses, focus on glory, show great valour, keep watch against the enemy; there shall be no dearth of your desires 661 if this courage-work you survive with your life.'

[The Fight with Grendel]

Then Hrothgar went with his band of heroes, the protector of the Scyldings, out of the hall; he wished to seek Wealhtheow, the queen as companion in bed; the glory of kings had, 666 against Grendel, --so men heard-- the hall-guard posted: special duty he held for the chief of the Danes, ogre-watch he kept. Indeed the prince of the Geats keenly trusted in his prodigious power, his Maker's favour, 671 then he from himself took iron-byrnie, helm from head, gave his adorned sword, the choicest of irons, to his retainer, and commanded him ward his battle-gear; the good man spoke then some promise-words, 676 Beowulf of the Geats, before he stepped into bed: 'I myself in martial-stature do not tally poorer in works of war then Grendel himself; therefore him with my sword I shall not slay, deprive of life, though I fully am able; 681 he knows not the finer skills that he may strike me back, hew my rimmed-shield, although he is renowned for malicious works but we at night must relinquish short sword if he dares to seek war without weapons, and then wise God, 686 on whichever hand, the holy Lord will allot glory, as seems fitting to Him.' The war-bold one then bent himself down --the cheek-bolster received the earl's face-- and round him many brave seaman sank down in hall-slumber; 691 none of them thought that he thence would his dear home again ever visit, his folk or his noble citadel, where he was nurtured for they had heard that far too many of them already in that wine-hall slaughtering Death had carried off 696 of the Danish people. But to them the Lord granted the woven-destiny of war-luck to the Wederas' men, solace and support, that they their foe, through the strength of one, all overcame, by his own might; truth is known 701 that mighty God mankind has ruled forever. In the colourless night came slinking the shadow-wanderer; the shooters slept, they that the horned-house were obliged to guard, all but one --it was known to men 706 that they could not, when the Maker did not wish it, by the malefactor be drawn under the shadows-- but he watching in angry indignation bided in rising rage for the result of battle.

Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs 711 Grendel walking, God's wrath he bore; the vile ravager meant from mankind a sample to snare in the high hall; he waded under the clouds until he the wine-hall, --the gold-hall of men-- mostly-certainly saw,
716 shining gold; it was not the first time that he Hrothgar's home had sought; he never in the days of his life, ere nor after, harder luck or hall-thanes found. He came then to the hall the fighter journeying, 721 cut-off from merriment; the door soon rushed open, firm with fire-forged bands, when he tapped it with his hands plotting evil then he tore open, now that he was enraged, the mouth of the building; straight after that on the tessellated floor the fiend treaded, 726 advanced angrily; from his eyes issued, most like a flame, a distorted light; he saw in the hall many warriors a sleeping company of kinsmen gathered together a great host of warriors. Then his heart laughed: 731 he intended to deprive, ere the day came, the cruel beast, from each one life from body, now had befallen him a hope of a full feast. It was not his fate again that he might more of mankind 736 partake of after that night; the mighty man beheld, the kinsman of Hygelac, how the cruel killer by means of a sudden attack wished to proceed. That the monster did not think to delay, but he quickly grasped, at the first occasion, 741 a sleeping warrior, rended without restraint, bit into the bone-locks, from the veins drank blood, swallowed great chunks; soon he had the unliving one all devoured, feet and hands; nearer he stepped forth, 746 taking then with his hands a stout-hearted warrior from his rest, reached towards him the foe with his palm; quickly he grasped the malice thoughts and clamped down on the arm. At once he found, the shepherd of atrocities, 751 that he had not met in middle-earth, in the expanse of the world, in another man a greater hand-grip; he in his heart grew fearing for life; none the sooner could he away; eager-to-go-hence was the thought in him, he wanted to flee into the darkness, 756 to seek the devils' concourse; his situation there was not like he in the days of his life ever had met. The good man then recalled, the kinsman of Hygelac, his evening-speech; upright he stood and laid hold of him tight; fingers burst; 761 the troll was striving to move outward, the earl stepped forward. The infamous one meant, anywhere he so was able, farther escape and away thence flee to his secret places in the fen; he knew his fingers' control in his enemy's grip, that was a bitter journey he 766 that the harm-warrior had taken to Heorot. The noble hall broke into a din; the Danes all were, --the citadel-dwellers-- each of the bold, earls in the flood of bitter drink; enraged were both fierce hall-wards; the hall resounded. 771 Then it was a great wonder that the wine-hall withstood the war-fighters, that it did not fall to the ground, the fair mansion but it so firm was inside and out with iron-bands skilfully smithed; there from the floor broke away 776 many mead-benches, I heard, adorned with gold, where the enemies struggled; it was not thought before, by the sages of the Scyldings, that it ever by means any men splendid and bone-adorned, could break it up, 781 cleverly cleave asunder, not unless fire's embrace swallowed it in inferno. Sound ascended up, new, nearby: the North-Danes stood in ghastly horror, in each one of them who from the wall weeping heard, 786 terrible screaming, God's adversary, a victoryless song, bewailing his wound, Hel's prisoner; he held him fast, he who was of men in might strongest on that day in this life.

791 The protector of earls had no wish for any reason the murderous guest to release alive, nor his life-days to any people counted as advantage. There many brandished warriors of Beowulf, old heirlooms, 796 they wished prince-lord's life defend, the legendary leader's, if they could do so; they did not know that, when they joined the fray, the bold-minded battle-men, and on each side thought to heaw, 801 to seek the soul: that the sin-scather any on earth, of the choicest of irons, of war-bills, none, could not at all greet him but he victory-weapons had forsworn, every blade-edge. His life-severing was bound to 806 on that day in this life be wretched, and the alien-spirit into the administration of fiends would journey far away; then he found, he who before many, miseries in his mind, on mankind 811 atrocities committed --he, who fought with God-- that him his body-shell would not obey, but him the daring kinsman of Hygelac had by the hand; each was by the other loathed while living; body-pain he felt, 816 the awful ogre; on his shoulder was a great wound apparent, sinows sprang asunder, bone-locks burst; to Beowulf was war-glory given; thence Grendel had to flee sick unto death under the hills of the fen, 821 to seek his joyless abode; he knew it more surely that was his life's end arrived, the day-count of his days. For the Danes were all, after that slaughter-storm, wishes come to pass: he had then cleansed, he who had before come from afar, 826 shrewd and strong-minded, the hall of Hrothgar, rescued from ruin; in his night's work he rejoiced, in valour from great deeds; to the East-Danes had the Geatmen's leader, his oath fulfilled; so too anguish all remedied, 831 grievous sorrow, that they had ere endured, and in hard distress had to suffer, no small misery; that was a clear sign, when the battle-bold one the hand placed, arm and shoulder --there was all together 836 the grip of Grendel-- under the gaping roof.

[Celebration at Heorot]

Then was in the morning, as I heard tell, about the gift-hall many warriors, folk-chiefs arrived from far and near across wide regions to behold the wonder, 841 the foe's foot-prints; his parting from life did not seem mournful to any man of those who the gloryless foe's track observed, how he weary away thence, vanquished by violence, to the nicors' mere 846 doomed and driven back left behind life-trails. There with blood was the water seething, terrible swirling of swells all mingled with boiling gore, with sword-blood it welled, doomed to die he hid himself, then, bereft of pleasure, 851 in his fen-refuge he laid down his life, his heathen soul; there Hel embraced him. Thence returned old companions, also many young, from the sport-chase, from the mere full-spirited, riding horses, 856 warriors on fair steeds, there was Beowulf's glory proclaimed; many often said that neither south nor north between the seas over the whole vast earth, no other under the sky's expanse was ne're better 861 shield-bearer, of a worthier kingdom; nor, however, the friend and lord, did they blame at all, gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king. At times the brave warriors let leap, in a contest raced fallow horses, 866 where to them the earth-roads seemed suitable, and known to be the best. At times the king's thane, a man laden with fine speech, remembering songs, he who very many of ancient traditions recalled scores, found new words 871 bound in truth; the man then began Beowulf's exploit skilfully to recite, and artfully utter an adept tale, varying his words; he spoke of almost everything that he of Sigmund had heard said, 876 of his deeds of glory: many uncanny things, the striving of Wael's son, his great journeys; those things of which the childen of men by no means knew, feuds and feats of arms, only Fitela with him, then he of such matters was wont to speak of, 881 uncle to his nephew, as they always were in every conflict comrades in need; they had a great many of the giantkind laid low with swords;

[Sigmund’s Story] for Sigmund arose, after the day of his death, no little fame, 886 since the fierce warrior had quelled the great serpent, the keeper of a hoard; beneath the hoary grey stone he, the prince's son, alone ventured a dangerous deed, Fitela was not with him; however it was granted him that the sword pierced 891 the wondrous wyrm, so that it stood fixed in the wall, the noble iron; the dragon perished in the slaughter; the fearsome one had ensured by courage that he the ring-hoard might possess at his own chosing; he loaded the sea-boat, 896 bore in the bosom of his ship the gleaming treasures, Wael's son --the wyrm in its heat melted-- he was of adventurers the most widely famed among nations, the warriors' protector, for deeds of valour --he had prospered by this-- 901 since Heremod's skirmishing had abated, affliction and spirit; he among the Etins was into enemy hands given up, quickly despatched; the surgings of sorrow him hindered too long; he to his people became, 906 to all of the nobels, a great mortal sorrow; moreover they often mourned, for in earlier times, the departure of the stouted-hearted king, many learned sages who to him for miseries' remedy had trusted and believed that that prince's son must prosper, 911 take up his father's rank, rule the folk, their treasury and citadel, the heroes' kingdom, homeland of the Scyldings; he by all became, the kinsman of Hygelac, by mankind, more esteemed; wickedness undid him.

916 Now and then racing, dusky streets on their mounts they traversed. Then was the morning light hurried and hastened; many retainers went determined to the high hall to see the strange wonder; the king himself too 921 from his wife's bower, the ward of the ring-hoard, stepped out splendid with his great troop, famed for his excellence, and his queen with him, passed down the meadhall-path, accompanied by maidens.

Hrothgar spoke --he went to the hall, 926 stood on the steps, observed the steep roof adorned with gold and Grendel's hand--: 'For this sight Thanks to the All-Ruler be swiftly forthcoming! I have suffered many injuries, griefs from Grendel; God can always work 931 wonder after wonder, glory's Keeper. It was not long past that I for me any for woes not hoped for the bredth of my life, to experience remedy when adorned with blood the most splendid house stood battle-gory: 936 woe widespread for each of the sages those who did not hope that in the span of their lives the nation's fortress from foes they could protect, from shucks and shines; now a warrior has, through the Lord's power, performed a deed 941 which we all before could not with schemes contrive; listen, that may say even so whichever woman as that begot this man, among mankind, if she yet lives, that to her the Old Measurer of Fate was gracious 946 in child-bearing. Now, I, Beowulf, you, the best of men, for me like a son would love in life; keep well henceforth this new kinship; there will not be any want of worldly wishes while I have power; 951 full oft I for less rewards have bestowed, honouring with treasure a humbler man, lesser at fighting; you for yourself have by deeds ensured, that your fame lives for ever and ever; may the All-Ruler you 956 reward with good, as He has now yet done!' Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'We the courage-works with great pleasure, endeavoured to fight, boldly risked the strength of an unknown foe. I would rather 961 that you him himself might have seen, the fiend in his full gear wearied by death; I him quickly in hard clasp on the bed of slaughter thought to fetter, that he because of the hand-grip of mine must 966 lie struggling for life, lest his body slip away; I him could not, when the Measurer of Fate did not wish it, hinder departing; nor I so readily kept him close, that mortal foe; he was too overpowering, the fiend in departing; however, he left his hand 971 to save his life, remaining behind, arm and shoulder; not with it though any the worthless creature, relief purchased; not the longer does he live, the hateful spoiler, struck down by sins but him the wound has 976 with violent grip narrowly enclosed in baleful bonds, there he must await, the creature stained with crimes, the great judgement, how him the glorious Measure of Fate wishes to decree.' Then the man was more silent, the son of Edgelaf, 981 in boast-speech of war-works when the noble men, by the strength of the prince over the high roof saw the hand, the fiend's fingers; on the front of each was, in the place of each nail very much like steel 986 heathenish hand-spurs, the war-creature's ungentle talon; everyone said that him no hard weapon would strike, pre-eminent iron, that of them (none) the demon's bloody battle-hand would injure.

991 Then the order was promptly given the interior of Heorot to furnish by hands; many there were, of men and women, who the wine-hall, the guest-hall prepared; gold-glittering shone woven tapestries along the walls, many wondrous sights 996 for each of the men, who on such stared; that bright building was badly broken up all inside secure with iron-bands, hinges sprung open; the roof alone remained entirely sound, when the ogre, 1001 guilty of wicked deeds turned in flight, despairing of life. That is not easy to flee from --try he who will-- but he must gain by strife, those who have souls, compelled by necessity, the mens' sons', 1006 the ground-dwellers' ready place, there his body, fast in his death-bed, sleeps after feasting. Then it was the time and occasion that to the hall went Half-Dane's son; the king himself wished to partake of the feast; 1011 I have not heard when a tribe in a greater force around their treasure-giver comported themselves better; they then sank down on the bench, the fame-bearers, rejoicing at the feast; they graciously received many full goblets of mead, their kinsmen, 1016 stout-hearted, in the high hall Hrothgar and Hrothulf the interior of Heorot was filled with friends; no treacherous-strokes the Folk-Scyldings made as yet. Then Beowulf was given the brand of Half-Dane, 1021 the golden banner in reward of victory, the adorned standard, helm and byrnie; the renowned treasure-sword many saw brought before the hero; Beowulf took the full flagon from the floor; of the reward-gift he did not, 1026 as payment, need to be ashamed; I have not heard that more graciously four treasures, adorned with gold, many men on ale-bench have given to others; around the helmet's roof --the head-guard-- 1031 was wound with wires the re-inforced crest guarded from without, that him what the files have left could not savagely, (could not) harm the wondrously-tempered (helm), when the shield-fighter against enemies had to go. The defender of earls then ordered eight horses, 1036 with decorated head-gear, led onto the hall-floor in under the ramparts; one of them stood, saddle skilfully adorned, ennobled with jewels; that was the battle-seat of the high king, when in sword-play the son of Half-Dane 1041 wished to engage; in the vanguard it never failed his warskill well-known, when the slain were falling; and then to Beowulf both of the treasures the protector of the Friends of Ing bestowed possession, horses and weapons; he ordered him to make good use of (them); 1046 so in a manly manner the famed chieftain, the hoard-ward of heroes, paid for war-clashes in horses and treasures; thus, one can never find fault in them he who wishes to tell the truth according to what is right.

Then, furthermore, to each one of the earl's company 1051 those with Beowulf travelled the sea-path, on the mead-bench he gave treasures, inherited relics, and the one man decreed to requite in gold whom Grendel first in wickedness quelled, as he would have more of them 1056 except for them wise God that fate had prevented, and this man's courage. The Measure of Fate controlled all for mankind, as he now still does; therefore understanding is best everywhere, the forethought of mind; he must abide much 1061 love and much hate he who long here in these days of strife would enjoy the world. There was song and sound at the same time all together before Half-Dane's battle-plotter, the glee-wood plucked, a lay often recited 1066 when a hall-performance Hrothgar's bard before the mead-bench was obliged to utter: concerning Finn's heirs, with whom, when disaster struck them, the hero of Half-Danes, Hnaef the Scylding, on the Frisian battle-field was fated to fall.

[The Finnsburg Episode] 1071 Truly, Hildeburh did not have need to praise the good faith of the Eotens; she was guiltless, bereft of her dear ones: --in the war-play-- her son and brother; they fell, in accorance with Fate, wounded by spear; that was a mournful woman. 1076 Not without reason did Hoc's daughter grieve over Fate's decree, when the morning came, then she under the sky could see the baleful slaughter of kinsmen, where before he had held the most joy in the world, war took all 1081 of Finn's thanes, except a few alone, so that he could not in that meeting-place the clash with Hengest conclude at all, nor the woeful remnant by battle dislodge from their position, the prince's thane, so they offered them settlement: 1086 that they for them the other dwelling would completely clear, hall and high seat, that they would half of it control with the Eotens' sons might have, and at the giving of treasure Folcwalden's son each day the Danes would honour, 1091 Hengest's company would revere with rings, with even as much precious possesions of ornate gold exactly as he the Frisian kind in the beer-hall would wish to embolden. Then they pledged on both sides 1096 firm compact of peace; Finn to Hengest with incontestable earnestness proclaimed an oath that he the woeful remnant, by sages' judgement, would hold in honour, that there any man by word nor by deed would not break the treaty, 1101 nor in malicious artifice ever complain, though they their ring-giver's killer followed, leaderless, and were thus forced by necessity; if then any Frisian by audacious speech the murderous feud were to remind (them), 1106 then it by sword's edge must be thereafter. The funeral fire was prepared, and Ingui's gold, raised from the hoard; the War-Scyldings' best battle-man was ready on the bier; at the funeral-pyre was easily seen 1111 the blood-stained mail-shirt, the swine all-golden, the boar hard as iron, the prince had many destroyed by wounds; great men had fallen in slaughter; then Hildeburh ordered at Hnaef's pier her own sun committed to the fire, 1116 the body-vessel burned, and put on the bier, the wretched woman at his shoulder, the lady lamented, sorrowed with songs; the warrior was laid out, spiralled into the clouds the greatest fire of the slain roared before the mound; heads melted, 1121 the wound-gates burst open, then blood sprang out, from the hate-bites of the body; the blaze swallowed all up, --the greediest guest-- those who there were taken by battle from both peoples; their vigour was dispersed.

The warriors returned then to seek their houses, 1126 bereft of friends, to see Frisia, their homes and high fort; yet Hengest the death-stained winter spent with Finn, in a place with no fellowship at all; he remembered his land, though he could not drive on the sea 1131 the ring-prowed ship: the sea welled in storm, fought against the wind; the winter locked the waves in icy bonds, until came another year to the courtyards, as it still does now, those which continuously carry out their seasons, 1136 gloriously bright weathers. Then winter was gone, fair was the Earth's breast; the exile was anxious to go, the guest of the dwellings; he of vengeance for grief sooner thought than of sea-path, and whether he a bitter encounter could bring about, 1141 for that he of the Eotens' sons inwardly remembered; so he did not refuse the worldly practice, when to him Hunlafing the battle-light, the finest blade he placed on (Hnaef's) lap; among the Eotens its edges were known. 1146 So too his mortal enemy's --Finn in turn received-- dire sword-onslaught in his own home, when concerning the fierce attack Guthlaf and Oslaf, following their sea-journey, declared their grief, blamed for their share of woes; he could not his restless spirit 1151 contain in his breast; then the hall were decorated with the foes' lives, so too Finn was slain, the king amid his troop, and the queen was seized; Scylding shooters ferried to the ships all of the house-goods of the nation's king, 1156 which they at Finn's estate could find: shining jewels and well-cut gems; they on the sea-path the noble lady ferried to the Danes, led to the people.

The lay was sung, the gleeman's tale; joy again sprang up, 1161 music rang out from the bench, cup-bearers served wine from wondrous vessels. Then Wealhtheow came forth, walking in a golden neck-ring to where the good pair sat, uncle and nephew; then their kinship was still together, each to the other true; Unferth the talker was also there 1166 sitting at the feet of the Scylding lord; each of them trusted his spirit, and that he had great courage, though he to his kin was not honourable in clash of blades; the Scylding lady then spoke: 'Receive this full cup, my noble lord, dispenser of treasure; you--be joyful, gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak with gentle words so ought a man to do; 1173 be gracious with the Geats, mindful of gifts which from near and far you now have; it has been said to me that you wish for a son, to have this leader of armies; Heorot is cleansed, the bright ring-hall; enjoy, while you may, 1178 many rewards, and leave to your kinsmen folk and kingdom when you must go forth to meet what is fated; I know my gracious Hrothulf, that he the youths wishes to hold in honour, if you earlier than he, 1183 friend of the Scyldings, leave behind the world, I think that he with good will repay our children, if he that at all remembers, what we for his sake and for his worldly renown, before, in his youth, bestowed our favours.' 1188 She turned then by the bench, where her boys were, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and heroes' sons, the young company all together; there sat the good Beowulf of the Geats by the two brothers.

The full cup was brought to him, and a friendly invitation 1193 proffered in words, and twisted gold kindly offered: two arm-ornaments, robe and rings, the largest necklace of those which I on earth have heard of; none under the sky I have heard of better 1198 from hoard-treasures of heroes, since Hama carried off to the battle-bright stronghold the Brosings' necklet, jewel and precious setting; he fled the cunning enmity of Eormenric, chose eternal benefit; That ring had Hygelac of the Geats, 1203 grandson of Swerting, on his last adventure, when under the banner he defended riches, warded slaughter-spoils; him Fate took away, after he from pride sought misery, feud with the Frisians; he then wore the ornament, 1208 the mysterious stone over the waves' cup, the mighty prince; he fell under the rimmed-shield. Passed then into the Franks' grasp the body of the king, mail-coat and the ring together; lesser warrior rifled the corpses 1213 after the slaughter of battle; the people of the Geats filled the field of corpses. The hall resounded with noise; Wealhtheow spoke; she spoke before the retinue: 'Make use of this ring, beloved Beowulf, young man, with good fortune, and take benefit from this corslet, 1218 the wealth of a nation, and prosper well, prove yourself with strength, and to these lads be gentle in teaching; I shall remember you for this requital; you have brought it about that you far and near always and forever men will praise, 1223 even as widely as the sea surrounds the home of the wind, walls; be while you live, prince, happy; I wish thee well, and rich in treasure; be you to my sons indulgent in deeds, possessing joy; 1228 here is each of the men true to the others generous in mind, in the protetion of their liege-lord; the thanes are united, the people alert, the warrior-retinue cheered by drink do as I bid.' She went then to her seat; there was the finest feast, 1233 the men drank wine; they did not know their fate, horrific destiny, as it had happened to many heroes, after evening came, and Hrothgar went to his quarters, the ruler to rest, the hall guarded 1238 countless earls, as they often had done before, they cleared away the benches from the floor; over it was spread bedding and bolsters; one of the beer-drinkers, eager and doomed, lay down in his hall-couch; they set at their heads battle-bossed shields, 1243 bright linden-wood; there on the bench was over each nobleman easily seen a battle-steep helm, ringed byrnie, (and) glorious mighty shaft; their custom was that they were often ready for a battle 1248 both at home and out harrying, and either of these, for just such times as for their liege-lord the need arose; they were a good platoon.

Part Two: Beowulf versus Grendel’s Mother
[Grendel’s Mother Attacks]

They sank then into sleep; one paid sorely for his evening rest, as had quite often happened, 1253 when the gold-hall Grendel warded, inflict wrong until the end came, death for crimes. That became manifest, widely known by men, that an avenger still lived after the misfortunes, for a long time 1258 after the war-trouble, Grendel's mother, lady troll-wife, remembered misery, she who the dreadful water had to inhabit, the cold currents, after strife arose through him, a sword-slayer to an only brother, 1263 father's kin; he went then stained, marked by the murder, fled human pleasures, lived in the wilds. Then awoke many fated spirits; Grendel was one of these, the hateful sword-outlaw, who found at Heorot 1268 a watching man biding for battle; there with him the troll came at close grips; yet he remembered the great strength, generous gift, which God gave him, and he on the One-Ruler's favour relied, 1273 comfort and support; by this he overcame the fiend, subdued the spirit of hell; then wretched he went, deprived of joy, to see his place of death, that foe of mankind. And his mother even now, greedy and gloomy-hearted wished to go forth, 1278 a sorrowful journey, to avenge her son's death; she came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes slept throught the hall; then there at once came about the earl's reversal of fortune, when inside passed Grendel's mother; the horror was less 1283 by even so much, as is maid's strength, --the war-violence of woman-- from an armed man, when adorned blade, by hammer forged, --sword stained with blood-- the boar-crest by edges firm, the opposing (helmet) is sheared. 1288 Then in the hall was drawn a hard-edged sword above the seats, many a broad bossed-shield held fast in hand; helmet was not heeded, (nor) broad byrnie, when the horror perceived him; she was in haste, wanted out of there, 1293 to protect her life, when she was discovered; quickly she a noble one had seized tightly, then she went to the fen; he was to Hrothgar the best-loved hero in the retinue's rank between the two seas 1298 mighty shield-warrior, whom she ripped from his rest, the glorious man --Beowulf was not there, but was in the other lodging assigned earlier after the treasure-giving to the mighty Geat-- a cry was in Heorot; she took from its gore 1303 a well-known arm; sorrow was renewed, it returned to their dwellings; that exchange was not good, which they on both sides were obliged to pay for with the lives of friends; then was the wise king, the grey battle-man, in a troubled spirit, 1308 when he the lordly thane unliving, the dearest one, knew was dead. Quickly to the bower was Beowulf fetched the victorious warrior; at day-break the notable earl went --noble champion-- 1313 himself with his companions where the wise one awaited whether for him the Ruler of Elves ever would wish, after the news of woe, to bring about a change for the better; then over the floor went the war-worthy man with his crowd of companions --the wood of the hall resounded-- 1318 he the wise (king) humbled with words: --the lord of the Ingwins-- asked if it had been for him, according to his hopes, a pleasing night.

Hrothgar spoke, the Helm of the Scyldings: 'Do not you ask after pleasures; sorrow is renewed 1323 for the Danish nation; Aeschere is dead, Yrmenlaf's elder brother, my confident and my chief counsellor, shoulder-companion, when we in war protected the head, when clashed with foot-soldiers, 1328 dashed boars (atop helmets); so ought a man be experienced and noble, as Aeschere was. In Heorot for him was a hand-slayer, restless death-spirit; I know not whether, glorying in the carcass, she undertook a return journey, 1333 contented by her feast; she avenged the feud in which you yester-night Grendel quelled through violent means in harsh embrace, because he for too long my people diminished and destroyed, he fell in the fight, 1338 having forfeited his life, and now the other has come, the mighty crime-wreaker, she wants to avenge her kinsman, and has very far carried her feud, as it must seem to many a thane, who for the treasure-giver weeps in his heart: 1343 hard mind-grief! now the hand has fallen away, which in all of you had sustained wishes. I it, land-dwellers, my people, hall-counsellors have heard tell that they saw two such 1348 massive marchers of no-man's land haunting the moors, alien spirits; one of them was, as they most certainly were able to discern, of the likeness of a woman; the other one wretchedly shaped in the form of a man trod in the tracks of an exile, 1353 except he was larger than any other man; in days of yore him 'Grendel' named the earth-dwellers; they did not know of his father, whether of them any were born previously of obscure spirits. They a secret land 1358 inhabited, wolf-slopes, windy water-capes, a dangerous passage over the fen-waters, where mountain-stream under the darkness of the headlands descended downward, the flood under the earth; it is not that far hence in mile-marks, that the mere stands; 1363 over it hangs frost-covered groves, tree held fast by its roots overshadows the water; there one may every night a horrible marvel see: fire on the water; not even the wise of them lives, of men's sons, that knows the bottom. 1368 Though the heath-stepper harrassed by hounds, the hart with strong horns, seeks the forest, put to flight from far, first he will give up his life, existence on the shore, before he will (leap) in to hide his head; it is not a pleasant place; 1373 thence a maelstrom of the waves rises up, dark to the clouds, when the wind stirs grievous storms, until the air grows dark, the skies weep. Now is the remedy dependent upon you alone once again; you do not know the region yet, 1378 terrible place where you might find the much-sinning creature; seek if you dare; for the feud you I would reward with wealth, with old treasures, as I did before, with twisted-gold, if you come away.'

[Beowulf Fights Grendel’s Mother]

1383 Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'Do not sorrow, wise man it is better for everyone that he his friend avenge, than he mourn over-much; each of us must await the end in the world of life: gain he who may 1388 glory before death; that is for the warrior, unliving, afterwards the best. Arise, O guardian of the kingdom, let us go quickly, Grendel's kin's trail survey; I swear it to thee: she will not be lost in the cover, 1393 nor in the embrace of the earth, nor in the mountain wood, nor in the ocean's depth, go where she will; this day you must have patience in each of the woes, as I expect you to.' The aged one leapt up, thanked God, 1398 mighty Lord, for what the man spoke; then was for Hrothgar a horse was bridled, a mount with braided mane; the wise ruler rode well-equipped; the foot-soldiers marched linden-wood bearers; tracks were 1403 along the forest-track widely seen, the trail over the grounds, went straight-forward over the murky moor, she carried of the kin-thanes the finest --without his soul-- of those who with Hrothgar had defended their home. 1408 Traversed then the nobles' son the steap stone slopes, the narrow lane, the tight single-file path, the unknown, uncertain water-crossing, precipitous headlands, the many homes of nicors; he with a few went ahead 1413 wise men surveying the field, until he by chance mountain-trees over a silvery-grey stone found hanging, the joyless forest; water stood below, bloody and stirred-up; for all of the Danes was, 1418 for the friends of the Scyldings, suffering in the heart to endure, for many thanes, awakening grief in each of the nobles, when Aeschere's --on the sea-cliff-- head encountered. The flood welled bloody --the folk stared at it-- 1423 with flaming gore; rapidly the horn sang, urgent song of departure; the troop all sat down; they saw then through the water many of the race of serpents, strange sea-dragon exploring the lake, also on the cape-slopes were lounging nicors, 1428 they in mid-morning often carry out grievous sorties on the sail-road, serpents and wild beasts; they rushed away bitter and swollen with rage; they perceived the clear note, war-horn wailing; one of the Geats' men 1433 with a shaft and bow separated it from life, of wave-struggle that in its heart stood, a strong war-arrow; it in the water was swimming the slower, when Death seized it; fast it was in the waves against boar-pikes 1438 savagely-hooked hard pressed, viciously attacked, and from the cape dragged out, wondrous spawn of the waves; men stared at the gruesome guest. Beowulf armed himself in noble garments, feared not at all for his life; 1443 it was necessary that his army-byrnie, braided by hands, broad and cunningly adorned, explore the lake, it the bone-chamber could protect, that him the battle-grip could not his heart, nor angry grasp of malice his life scathe, 1448 moreover the shining helm warded his head, that which the mere-depths must stir up, seek the mingling of waters adorned with riches, encircled with lordly-bands as in far-days it was wrought by weapons' smith, wonderfully lengthened, 1453 beset with swine-forms, so that it then no brond-blade nor battle-maiches to bite were not able. Not the least then of his mighty supports, that him in need lent Hrothgar's defender --was the long-hilted maiche-sword's name Hrunting-- 1458 it was one above of ancient treasures; edge was iron, with poison-twigs patterned, hardened with battle-blood; never had it in a fight failed any man, who it in hands brandished, he who terrifying journeys dared to enter upon, 1463 the domain of foes; it was not the first time that it courage-work had been obliged to perform. Indeed he could not have recalled, the kin of Ecgelaf, mighty in strength, that which he had said before, drunk on wine, when he lent that the weapon 1468 to a better swordsman, he himself did not dare under the waves' turmoil to risk his life, to carry out bravery; there he forfeited glory, fame from valour; it was not so for the other, when he himself for war had equipped.

1473 Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'Think now, glorious kinsman of Half-Dane, wise chieftain, now I am eager for the adventure, gold-friend of man, what we spoke of earlier: if I in employment of yours should 1478 be parted from life, that you for me ever would be, having passed on, in the place of a father; be you hand-bearer to my young retainers, hand-companions, if battle takes me, so too you the treasures, those which you gave me, 1483 beloved Hrothgar, send on to Hygelac; he then will able to in the gold observe, the lord of the Geats, to perceive, the son of Hrethel, when he on that treasures stares, that I one of noble virtues, a good king, had found, dispenser of rings, enjoyed while I could. 1488 And let Unferth the old heirloom, the glorious wave-sword, (let) the widely-known man have that hard-edged (sword); I for myself with Hrunting will gain glory, unless Death takes me.' After these words the man of the Weder-Geats 1493 hastened with courage; not in the least for a reply did he wish to await; the surging-lake enfolded the battle-warrior. Then it was a long part of a day, ere he the bottom could perceive, at once she found it out, --she who the floods' expanse, 1498 fiercely-ravenous, held a hundred half-years, wrathful and greedy-- that there one of the humans the realm of strange being explored from above; then she groped towards, seized the warrior in terrible clasps; Not the sooner she crushed inside 1503 his hale body; the ring-mail gave him protection from without, that she the soldier-garment could not penetrate, the interlocked limb-coat, with her loathsome fingers. Then the sea-wolf bore, when she had come to the bottom, the lord of those rings to her court, 1508 so he could not --no matter how brave he was-- wield his weapon, but him so many bizarre things smelled in the deep, many sea-beasts with battle-tusks tore at his army-mail, the horrors attacked. Then the earl saw 1513 that he in a hall of hatred --I know not which-- was, where not any water him oppressed at all, nor him, due to the the hall's roof, was not able to reach the sudden onrush of the flood; he saw firelight, a pale light shining vividly; 1518 then the good man saw the accursed one of the deep, the mighty mere-wife; he gave a powerful thrust to the battle-bill, did not withhold the swing of his hand, so that on her head the ring-marked sang out a greedy war-song; then the guest discovered 1523 that the battle-brand did not wish to bite, to crush life, rather the edge failed the noble in his need; it had endured already many hand-to-hand encounters, often split helm, the war-garments of the doomed; this was the first time 1528 for the precious treasure that its glory failed. Again was resolute, not at all slackening in courage, mindful of fame the kinsman of Hygelac then he threw aside the twisting pattern (sword), adorned with ornaments, the angry warrior, so that it lay on the earth, 1533 firm and steel-edged; he trusted to strength, his hand-grip of might; so must a man do, when he in war intends to gain long-lasting praise; he cares not for his life. Grabbed her then by the shoulder --not in the least regretting the feud-- 1538 the prince of the War-Geats, Grendel's mother; the hard man of conflict then heaved, now that he was enraged, the deadly foe, so that she fell to the floor; she again him quickly gave hand-reward with wrathful grips and clutched him against herself; 1543 then, weary in spirit, he stumbled, the strongest man, warrior on foot, so that he was in a fall; then she bestrode the guest in her hall, and drew her seax, broad and bright-edged; she wished to avenge her son, only offspring; on his shoulder lay 1548 woven breast-net; it protected life, against point and against edge it withstood entry. Then he would have perished, the son of Edgetheow, under the yawning ground, the champion of the Geats, except that him the war-byrnie provided help, 1553 firm army-net-- and holy God controlled the war-victory; the wise Lord, the Ruler of the heavens, decided it rightly, easily, thereupon he stood up again.

He saw then among the arms a victory-blessed bill, 1558 an old giantish sword with firm edges, an honour of warriors, it was the choicest weapon, but it was more than any other man to battle-play could carry, good and stately, the work of giants; 1563 he seized then the ring-hilt, champion of the Scyldings wild and furiously battle-fierce, he drew the ring-marked (sword) without hope of life, angrily struck, so that through her neck it clutched hard, broke bone-rings; the bill passed entirely through 1568 the doomed cloak of flesh; she fell on the floor; the sword was bloody, the warrior rejoiced in his work. The gleam flashed, the light stood within, even as from heaven shines brightly the sky's candle; he looked about the hall; 1573 moved along the wall, weapon raised fierce with hilts, Hygelac's thane, angry and single-minded; nor was that edge useless to the battle-man, but he quickly wished to repay Grendel for the many war-raids 1578 which he had carried out on the West-Danes much more often than on a single venture, when he Hrothgar's hearth-companions slaughter in their slumber, devoured in their sleep, of the folk of the Danes fifteen men, 1583 and other such had he carried out and off hideous haul; he paid him the reward of that, the fierce fighter, in that he saw in repose war-weary Grendel lying, lifeless, as he had injured him earlier 1588 in the conflict at Heorot --the corpse burst wide open, when it after death suffered a blow, a hard sword-stroke-- and then its head he cut off. Suddenly that saw the wise fellows, who with Hrothgar looked at the lake, that was turmoil of waves all stirred up 1593 the water coloured with blood; with blended-hair, aged, about the good man, together they spoke, that they that noble one did not expect again that he, triumphing in victory, would come to seek 1598 the glorious ruler; then it many agreed, that the sea-wolf him had destroyed. Then came then ninth hour of the day; they abandoned the cape, the brave Scyldings; he went home hence, the gold-friend of men; the guests looked about 1603 sick at heart, and stared into the mere, wished, and did not expect, that they their lord and friend himself would see. Then that sword began caused by the gore of battle in icycles of battle, the war-bill to wane; that was a great wonder 1608 that it all melted, so like ice, when frost's bond the Father loosens, unwinds water-ropes, who has control of times and seaons; that is the true Creator. He did not take into those dwelling, the leader of the Weder-Geats, 1613 more treasures, though he there saw a great number, but that head and the hilt as well shining with ornament; the sword had already melted, burned up the wavy-patterned (blade); that blood was so hot, the venomous foreign spirit who had perished there inside. 1618 Straightaway he was in the water, he who survived in strife, the enemies' fall in war; he dove up through the water, the turmoil of waves was all cleared, the vast regions, where the alien ghosts gave up their life-days and this borrowed world; 1623 he came then to the land, the seafarer's leader, swimming stout-hearted; he rejoiced in the sea-loot, the great burden, which he had with him. They went towards him, thanked God, the mighty band of thanes, they rejoiced for their lord, 1628 that they him sound were able to see; then the vigorous man was from helm and byrnie quickly loosened --the water grew still, the lake under the clouds, stained with the gore of death-- they fared forth thence along foot-paths 1633 happy in their hearts, traversed the trail over the earth, the familiar streets; the men, bold as kings, from that lake-cliff bore the head arduously, for all of them, full of spirit --four had to 1638 on the pole of the slain to carry with difficulty to the gold-hall Grendel's head-- until presently they came to the hall, brave army-keen fourteen of the Geats moving, with their lord of men, 1643 proud in the throng, trod on the plain near the mead-hall. Then came in marching the lord of the thanes, the deed-bold man exalted by glory, the battle-brave hero, to greet Hrothgar; then it was by the hair borne to the floor 1648 the head of Grendel, where men were drinking, dreadful for the earls, and the ladies with them, a wondrous spectacle; the men stared.

[Another Celebration at Heorot]

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'Listen, we you these sea-spoils, son of Half-Dane, 1653 lord of the Scyldings, gladly brought as token of glory, which you look at here. I it not easily survived with my life, war under water, work risked with trouble; at once was 1658 the warfare at an end, unless God shielded me; I could not in the battle with Hrunting bring about anything, though that weapon is excellent but to me granted men's Ruler that I saw on the wall hanging fair 1663 a mighty ancient sword --most often He has guided the one deprived of friend-- that I the weapon drew, slew then in the strife, when an opportunity was yielded to me, the house's guardians; then that battle-bill burned up, wavy-patterned, as the blood leapt out, 1668 the hottest sweat of war; I that hilt thence carried back from the fiends, foul-deeds avenged, deadly slaughter of Danes, as it was fitting. I promise it to you then, that you in Heorot may sleep without sorrow with your company of soldiers, 1673 and each thane of your nation, veterans and youths, that you for them need not dread, chieftain of the Scyldings, on that side, life-bale for earls, as you did before.' Then was the golden hilt to the old king 1678 to the grey battle-leader, given into his hand, the ancient work of giants; it had passed into the possession after the devils' fall of the lord of the Danes, the work of wondersmiths, and then this world gave up the angry-hearted creature, God's adversary 1683 guilty of murder, and his mother also; it passed into the power of the earthly kings the finest ones between the two seas, of those who in Scandinavia dealt out riches. Hrothgor spoke; he examined the hilt, 1688 the old heirloom, on which was engraved the origin of ancient strife, when the flood slew the pouring ocean, the race of giants-- they fared terribly; that was a tribe foreign to the eternal Lord; them the end-reward 1693 through the surging of waters the Ruler granted-- also was on the sword-hilt of shining gold in rune-staves rightly marked, it was set down and said, for whom the sword wrought, --choicest of irons-- had been first, 1698 with a twisted-hilt and serpent-patterned; then the wise man spoke, the son of Half-Dane all fell silent: 'That, indeed, may say he who truth and right performs among the folk, remembers all from far-back, old warden of the homeland; that this hero was 1703 born a greater man; the fame is established throughout the distant regions, Beowulf my friend, over each of the nations, of you; all you it with patience hold, strength with the wisdom of the heart; to you I shall continue to give my 1707 protection, as we spoke of before; you must be as a comfort all long-lasting to your people, to heroes a support. Heremod was not so to the sons of Edgewela, to the Honour-Scyldings; he grew not to their pleasure, but for slaughter 1712 and for annihilation of the people of the Danes; he felled in a furious spirit his companions at table, shoulder-comrades, until he alone passed, famous king, from the joys of man though him mighty God with joys of strength 1717 powerfully exalted over all men, further advanced yet in his heart grew to him the treasure of the breast eager for blood; not at all did he give rings to Danes for glory; he lived joylessly, so that he the strife's pain suffered, 1722 a great evil to the people for a long time. You learn by this, understand human virtue; I this tale for you recited, old and wise in winters. Wonder is to say how mighty God to mankind according to deep understanding dispenses wisdom, 1727 land and noble qualities; he has control of all; at times He in delight lets go the heart's thought of some man of glorious kin gives to him in his own homeland earthly bliss to command a stronghold of men, 1732 makes subject to him from the world's portions, a wide kingdom, that he himself can not in his ignorance conceive the end (of his rule); he lives on in abundance; they hinder him not a bit, sickness nor age, nor him evil sorrow 1737 darkens in his soul, nor strife anywhere sharp-hate appears, but to him all the world turns on his pleasure; he does not know it worse.

Until within him pride's portion grows and flourishes then the warder sleeps, 1742 the soul's keeper; the sleep is too sound, bound with troubles, the killer is very near, he who from his shaft-bow foully fires; then it is in the heart struck beneath the helm by the bitter dart --he cannot protect himself-- 1747 from the perversity of strange biddings of the wicked spirit; it seems to him too little what he rules too long; cruel-mindedly covets, he in arrogance never gives golden rings, and he then the future forgets and disregards, that which God gave him before, 1752 glory's Ruler, a share of honour it in the end finally comes to pass that the body, lent, fails; fated to death, it falls; another body takes up, who without regret shares out treasure, 1757 the earl's ancient wealth, and he heeds not fear. Guard yourself against this wicked strife, beloved Beowulf, finest man, and for yourself choose the better, the eternal gains; do not pay heed to pride, renowned champion; now is the glory of your strength 1762 for a while; presently in turn will be that you sickness or edge will part from strength, or grasp of fire, or surge of flood, or bite of blade, or flight of spear, or repulsive old-age; or the brightness of the eyes 1767 weakens and dims; very soon will be that you, warrior, Death overpowers. So I the Half-Danes a hundred seasons have ruled under the skies and in war sheltered them, from many tribes throughout this middle-earth, 1772 from ash-shafts and sword-edges, so that I for myself any, under the expanse of the heavens, adversary I did not account. Listen, to me in the homeland for that a reversal came, sorrow after joy, since Grendel became an old contender, invader of mine, 1777 I from that persecution endured continually great sorrow of spirit; thanks be for that to the Measurer of Fate, eternal Lord, from that I survived alive, so that I on the head sword-bloodied after ancient strife could gaze with my eyes! 1782 Go now to the bench, join in the pleasure-banquet, honoured by your battle; we must very many treasures share between us when it is morning.' The Geat was glad-hearted, went straightaway to seek the bench, as the wise one had commanded; 1787 then it was again as before for bold warriors, for those sitting in the hall they prepared a fine feast once again; the helm of night darkened, dark over the company of warriors; the veterans all arose; the blended-haired one wishes to seek his bed, 1792 the aged Scylding; the Geat exceedingly much, valiant shield-warrior, desired rest; at once him the hall-thane the weary journeyer from afar guided forth, who for courtesy looked after everything 1797 of the hero's needs, such as in those days warrior-sailors were obliged to have; rested him then, the large-hearted man; the hall towered vaulted and gold-adorned; the guest slept inside until the black raven, the joy of the sky 1802 declared glad-heartedly.

[Beowulf Returns Home] Then came bright hurrying, fighters hastening; the nobles were back to their people eager to fare; he wished far thence, the high-spirited visitor, to seek his ship. 1807 He then directed the tough man to wear Hrunting the son of Edgelaf, bid him take his sword, beloved iron; said thanks to him for the loan, quoth: he the war-friend marked well, skilled in war; he did not in words blame 1812 the maiche's edge; he was a proud man. And then, eager to be going, ready in arms, were the warriors, the one honoured by the Danes went, noble to the high seat, where the other was, the battle-bold hero greeted Hrothgar.

1817 Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'Now we sea-farers wish to say having come from afar, that we are anxious to seek Hygelac; we here were well entertained in our desires; you have treated us well. 1822 If then on earth I can (do) anything of your affections earn more, lord of men, than I have done yet, with feats of arms, I am ready at once, if I find it out over the flood's expanse, 1827 that you neighbouring-tribes oppress with terror, as enemies to you sometimes did, I to you a thousand thanes will bring, heroes as help. I know of Hygelac, the lord of the Geats, though he is young, 1832 the keeper of the folk, that he would support me with words and with deeds, so that I might honour you rightly and to you in aid bring a forest of spears, the support of strength, where you be needful of men. If him, on the other hand, Hrethric to the Geatish court 1837 decides (to go), chieftain's son, he shall there be able many friends to find; distant lands are better sought by one who is powerful himself.' Hrothgar spoke to him in reply: 'To you these sayings of words the wise Lord 1842 has sent into mind; I have not heard more intelligently at such young age man make a speech; you are strong in power and wise in your heart, judicious word-speaker; I consider it likely if it happens, that from you the spear takes, 1847 a horrendous battle Hrethel's heir, sickness or iron your ruler, the guardian of the folk, and you have your life, that the Sea-Geats could not have better by choosing any other king, 1852 hoard-ward of heroes, if you wish to rule your kinsman's kingdom. Your spirit and heart me pleases so well the longer (I know them), dear Beowulf; you have achieved that for the folk shall the people of the Geats and the Spear-Danes 1857 in mutual peace, and strife subside, hostilities, which they endured before; shall be, while I rule the wide kingdom, wealth in common, many an other with good things will greet over the gannet's bath; 1862 the ring-prowed ship shall bring over the high seas offerings and tokens of friendship; I know these nations both towards foe and towards friend firmly disposed, blameless in everything, in the ancient manner.' Then again to him the protector of earls gave to him, 1867 the son of Half-Dane, twelve treasures; he commanded him with these gifts his own dear nation to seek in safety, to return quickly; kissed then, the king the upright noble, the chieftain of the Scyldings, the best thane 1872 and took him by the neck; tears fell from him, from the silver and gold whiskers; in him were both thoughts old and deeply wise, the second stronger, that they afterwards might meet, brave in a formal summit; the man was so dear to him 1877 that he the welling of his breast could not hold back but him in his heart in firm bounds of thought for the dear man a remote longing burned in his blood. Him Beowulf thence, warrior proud with gold, trod the grass-mound, 1882 triumphing in treasure. The sea-goer awaited its lord and owner, which rode at its anchor; later on the journey was the gift of Hrothgar often praised; that was one king, in everything blameless, until age deprived him 1887 of strength's delights, a thing which continually harms many.

They came than to the flood full of spirit of the young warriors; ring-mail they wore interlocked limb-shirts; the land-guard perceived the return of heroes, as he did before; 1892 he did not with insult from the cliff's promontory greet the guests, but rode towards them, said that welcome to the people of the Wederas the fighters with bright covering he went to the ship; then was on sand the sea-curved boat 1897 laden with war-garments the ringed-prow with horses and treasure; the mast towered over Hrothgar's hoard-wealth; he to the boat-guard a bound gold sword gave, so that he afterwards was 1902 on the mead-bench by the treasure the worthier, by the inherited relic. Departed him on the ship to trouble deep water; he left the Danes' land; then was by the mast a mighty sea-garment, sail fastened by rope; the sea-beam thundered; 1907 there the wave-floater was not (by) wind over the waves hindered in its venture; the sea-goers went, the foamy-necked floated forth over the waves, bound prow over the ocean-streams, until they the Geatish cliffs could perceive, 1912 the well-known headlands; the keel rushed up weather-beaten, rested on the land. Quickly was at the water the ready harbour-guard, he who already for a long time for the beloved men eager at the current gazed far; 1917 moored in the sand the broad-bosomed ship firm with anchor-bounds, lest the force of the waves the winsome timbers might carry away; he ordered then to carry up the nobles' treasure, trappings and gold ornaments; it was not far thence for them 1922 to seek the giver of treasures Hygelac son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home himself with his companions near the sea-wall. The building was splendid, the king of princely valour, the high hall, Hygd very young, 1927 wise, well-thriving, through few winters in the walled town had lived, Haereth's daughter was not mean though nor too grudging of gifts to the people of the Geats, of treasure-wealth. She showed violent arrogance, 1932 the lusty queen of the folk, terrible crimes; dared not any of the bold to risk, of the dear companions, except her great lord, that on her by day stared with his eyes but for him slaughter-bonds he might consider prescribed, 1937 woven by hands; quickly then was after seizure a maiche was appointed, that it, shadow-marked, was obliged to settle, make known the evil of the death; such queenly manner is not for a lady to perform, though she be matchless, 1942 that peace-weaver deprives life, owing to a false injury, of beloved man. However, it was cut off at the heel by Hemming's kinsman; the ale-drinkers further told that evil for the people she practised less, 1947 malice and enmity, since she first was given, gold-adorned, to the young champion, of noble ancestry, when she to Offa's hall over the dusky flood by her father's wisdom sought in her journey where she afterwards fully 1952 on the throne, for goodness famed, the fated span of her life her living she used well, held high-love for the heroes' lord, of all mankind, I have heard, the finest between the seas, 1957 of the mighty race. Because Offa was in gifts and in war, a spear-keen man; widely honoured, ruled in wisdom his homeland; then, exceedingly sad, he arose a help to heroes, the kinsman of Hemming, 1962 grandson of Garmund, powerful over strife.

Then the hardy man went with his hand-picked retinue himself along the sand treading the sea-plain, the wide strand; the world-candle shone, the sun eagerly from the south; they had survived the journey, 1967 strode quickly, to where the Shield of Heroes, --the bane of Ongentheow-- inside his citadel, the young war-king, they heard (that there) the good man alloted rings. To Hygelac was Beowulf's journey promptly reported, 1972 that there in enclosed homestead, the defender of warriors, shield-companion (still) living came, from the war-play unharmed going to to the court; quickly was cleared, as the king bade, for the visitors on foot the floor within; 1977 then he sat down with the same man, he who had survived the fight, kinsman with kinsman, after the liege-lord through ceremonious speech his loyal subject had greeted, in emphatic words, mead-draughts passed round through that spacious room Haereth's daughter, 1982 --she loved the people-- bore goblets to the hands of the illustrious ones. Hygelac began his hall-companion in that high hall to question courteously, his curiosity burst forth, whatever the Sea-Geats' adventures were: 1987 'How fared you on the way, dear Beowulf, when you suddenly resolved far away to seek conflict over the salt water, combat in Heorot? Moreover, did you Hrothgar's widely known woes at all ameliorate, 1992 for the famed chieftain? I of this with anxious care of the heart seethed with wellings of sorrow, I did not trust the venture of my dear man; I begged you at length, that you the slaughter-ghast would not challenge at all, let the South-Danes settle themselves 1997 the war with Grendel; to God I speak thanks, for that I you sound am permitted to see.' Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'It is not secret, lord Hygelac, that great meeting, to many men, 2002 what a time of struggle between the two of us, me and Grendel, occurred in that place where he great multitudes for the Victory-Scyldings brought about sorrows, lifelong misery; I avenged it all, thus there is need to boast --of Grendel's kinsmen, 2007 evil upon the earth-- of that clash at dawn, he who lives the longest of that hateful race, enveloped in malice. I first came there to that ring-hall to greet Hrothgar; straightaway to me the famed kinsman of Half-Dane, 2012 after he the purpose of the heart of mine knew, with his own sons he appointed a seat; The troop was joyful; I have not seen in my whole life under heaven's vault a hall-sitters' mead-revelry greater. At times the renowned queen, 2017 the peace-pledge of peoples, passed over all of the floor, urged on the young boys; often twisted-rings she gave to the warriors, before she went to her seat; from time to time before the band of experienced warriors Hrothgar's daughter to nobles continuously to the end bore the ale-flagon, 2022 those I Freawaru the ones on the floor I heard name her, when she the studded cup gave to heroes, she is promised, young, gold-adorned, to gracious son of Froda; this has arranged the Friend of the Scyldings, 2027 the kingdom's shepherd, and counsel reckons it that he with this woman a great part of the slaughter-feuds, conflicts will settle. Very seldom anywhere after the fall of a leader (even) a little while the murderous spear bends down, though the bride be good. 2032 This then may displease the chief of the Heatho-Bards' and every thane of that people, when he with the maiden walks on the floor: that the noble sons of the Danes, her veteran troop, are entertained, on them glisten ancient heirlooms, 2037 hard and ring-adorned, the Heatho-Bards' treasure, so long as they those weapons were able to wield.

Until they had led to disaster in the shield-play their dear companions and their own lives. Then speaks at the beer-drinking, he who sees a ring-precious object, 2042 the old ash-warrior, he who remembers all the spear-death of men --in him is a fierce heart-- he begins sad-spirited in a young champion, by the musing of his heart, to tempt his mind, to awaken war-horror, and speaks these words: 2047 "Can you, my friend, recognise that maiche, which your father bore into the fight, under his army-mask on the last campaign, precious iron, there the Danes slew him, controlled the slaying-field, when retribution failed, 2052 after the heroes' fall, the fierce Scyldings? Now here of those slayers the son of one or other of them, exultant in trappings, goes across the floor, boasts of murder, and wears the treasure which you by right ought to possess." 2057 Thus he incites and reminds every time with grievous words, until that time comes that the woman's thane for his father's deeds from the bite of a bill-blade sleeps, stained in blood, having forfeited life; him the other thence 2062 escapes alive, the land is readily known to him. Then are broken on both sides the sworn oaths of earls; then in Ingeld murderous hate will well up and in him the love of woman surges of grief will become cooler; 2067 Therefore I the Heathobards' loyalty do not consider, the alliance's portion, for the Danes untreacherous, enduring friendship. I ought speak further again about Grendel, that you may readily know, giver of treasure, what then happened, 2072 the hand-fight of heroes when heaven's gem had glided over the earth, the ireful guest came, terrible, fierce in the evening to visit us, where we, unharmed, warded the hall, where was for Hondscio a sinking battle 2077 deadly evil for the doomed man; he fell first, the girded champion; for him Grendel was, the famed thane of distinction, a slayer by mouth, the beloved man's body swallowed up completely; not the sooner out yet empty-handed, 2082 the slayer bloody-toothed, wickedness in mind, from the gold-hall did he wish to go but he, famed for his strength, tested me, gripped with an eager hand; a pouch hung down spacious and strange, with cleverly-wrought clasps held fast, 2087 it was cunningly all devised with devil's crafts and dragon's skins; he me there inside, guiltless, the daring instigator wished to stuff, as one of many; he could not do so, 2092 since I in anger stood erect. It is too long to recount how I the scourge of the people for each of his evils paid in hand-requital where I, my lord, your people honoured by acts; he escaped away 2097 for a little while, enjoyed the joy of life; yet from him the right, a vestige, remainded behind hand in Heorot, and he wretched thence, gloomy in his heart, sank into the depths of the mere. To me for the bloody battle the Friend of the Scyldings 2102 with objects of plated gold in plenty rewarded, many treasures, when morning came, and we to the feast had sat down where was song and glee: old Scylding who has heard tell of many things, from long ago narrated; 2107 at times this battle-daring one the harp for pleasure the old-wood played; sometimes recited a song, true and tragic; sometimes strange tales he related rightly, the open-hearted king; at times he began again, bound in his age, 2112 the ancient war-soldier, to mourn for his youth, his battle-strength; his heart welled inside, when he, wise in winter, recalled many things. So we there inside a whole long day took pleasure, until came night 2117 another to men; then was again swiftly ready for grief-revenge Grendel's mother, she journeyed full of sorrow; Death had taken her son, the war-hate of the Wederas; the horrible woman avenged her child, killed a warrior 2122 savagely; there was from Aeschere, the old, wise lore-counsellor, life departed. Nor could they him, when morning came, weary of death the Danish people cremate in fire, nor lay on the funeral bale, 2127 the beloved man; she had carried off the corpse in fiend's embrace beneath the mountain stream; that was for Hrothgar the most bitter grief which the ruler of the people long had received. Then me the chieftain, by your life, 2132 implored with troubled mind, that I in the waters' tumult perform a noble act, risk life, accomplish glory; he promised me rewards. Then I the welling waters', as is widely known, wrathful ghastly guard of the deep found; 2137 there a while we were sharing a hand; the water welled with gore, and I cut off the head in that deep-hall of Grendel's mother with mighty edges, not easily thence I carried off my life; I was not doomed yet 2142 but to me the protector of heroes again gave many treasures, the kinsman of Half-Dane.'

So the king of the people lived according to proper custom; I by no means the gifts had lost, strength's reward, but he gave me treasures, 2147 the son of Half-Dane, according to my own glory, these I to thee, warrior-king, wish to bring, graciously to offer; still is all in thee dependent upon your favour; I have few near kinsmen except you Hygelac.' 2152 Then he commanded to be brought in the boar-crested standard, the battle-steep helm, hoar-silver byrnie, the beautiful war-sword; the tale thereafter uttered: 'To me this battle-equipment Hrothgar gave, the clever ruler; with some words he ordered, 2157 that I first you its legacy relate; he said it owned King Heorogar, the leader of the Scyldings a long time; no sooner for that to his son did he wish to give, to bold Heoroweard, though he was loyal to him, 2162 the breast-armour. Use it all well.' I heard that with the treasure four mares swift, all alike, followed behind, apple-yellow; he to him offered the gifts, horses and riches. So should a kinsman act: 2167 not at all malice-nets weave for others, with hidden arts contrive death of hand-companions. To Hygelac was in fierce strife his nephew very loyal, and each the other's benefit remembered; 2172 I heard that he the neck-ring gave to Hygd, the exquisite marvel-jewel, which Wealhtheow gave him, chieftain's daughter, three horses also supple and bright with saddles; then was her, after receiving the ring, breast adorned. 2177 Thus he was bold, the son of Edgetheow, man famed in war, for good deeds; he led his life for glory, never, having drunk, slew his hearth-companions; a troubled heart was not in him, but he mankind's greatest strength, 2182 --that ample gift, which God gave him-- he held, battle-daring. Long had he been abject so the sons of the Geats did not reckon him good, nor to him on the mead-bench much honour the commander of the troops would grant; 2187 they especially said, that he was slack, no bold noble; a turn-around came to the glory-blessed man for each of these miseries. Then the protector of heroes ordered to be fetched in, the war-noble king, Hrethel's heirloom, 2192 fitted out in gold; there was not among the Geats then a better precious treasure in the manner of a sword; that he in Beowulf's lap layed, and gave him seven thousand hides of land, residence and ruler's seat. Theirs was both together 2197 in that nation inherited land, earth by ancestral privelege, to the second more of that broad kingdom to him who was higher.

Part Three: Beowulf versus the Dragon
[The Dragon Wakes] After that it came to pass in later days in battle-clashes, when Hygelac lay dead, 2202 and for Heardred battle-maiches, under the cover of his shield, became the instruments of his death, when they sought him out in the victory-tribe, the fierce battle-ready warriors, the Battle-Scilfings, with enmity they attacked the nephew of Hereric; 2207 thereupon to Beowulf the broad kingdom passed into his hands; he ruled well for fifty winters --then he was a wise king, an old warden of the fatherland-- until one began in the dark nights, a dragon to rule, 2212 he who in a high house watched over a hoard, a stark stone barrow; the path below lay unknown to men. There went inside a man, I know not which, and he groped near the heathen hoard, his hands wrapped round 2217 an ornamented bauble, he paid for that afterwards; though he who sleeping had been tricked by thief's cunning; the people discovered that, the neighbouring folk of men, that he was enraged.

He was not at all in control of the skill of the worm-hoard, 2222 of his own desire, he who sorely injured him, because of dire-distress a thief of I know not which sons of men fled hostile blows, in need of a hall and there within raged, a man haunted by guilt, immediately watched over; 2227 then against the stranger stood horror and terror; nevertheless upon the wicked one […?] 2230 […?] poured peril. He sought treasure-gold, there was many such, in that earth-hall, ancient treasures, as they in former days some man, 2234 this great legacy of a noble kind, full of thought, had hid there these dear treasures; all of them Death took in earlier times, and then were yet one of the old warriors of that people, the one who moved about there longest, 2239 the friend-grieving warden, he hoped to delay that much, so that he for a little while the long-kept treasure would be able to enjoy. The barrow all-ready occupied the plain near the water-waves, new on the headland, made secure by difficult-craft; 2244 there inside bore of the treasure of earls a hoard of rings a hand-fashioned share of plated gold; some words he spoke: 'Now hold you, Earth, now the heroes cannot earls' possessions. Listen, it formerly from you 2249 was obtained by good men; war-death has taken away, terrible murder of life, of crimes each one, my beloved people, they gave this up to me: they had seen joy in the hall; he I have not, who might wield sword or make beautiful this gilded flagon, 2254 this precious drinking vessel; the veteran warriors are ill elsewhere; must the stern helmet adorned with gold stripped of its ornaments; the burnishers slumbers, they who war-masks ought to brighten; also so the army's coats of mail, which in battle endured 2259 over the shattering of shield-boards the bite of iron, decays along with the men; byrnie's ring may not with war-fighter fare widely, alongside heroes; there was not harp's joy, delight of glee-wood, nor good hawk 2264 soaring through the hall, nor swift horse trampling the courtyard; baleful death has many of my living kin sent forth.' Thus sad at heart in grief he bemoaned one after all, unhappily passed 2269 days and nights, until the flood of Death reached to his heart. Hoard-joy he found, the old twilight-scather, standing open, he who, burning, seeks barrows, the naked malevolent dragon; he flies by night, 2274 encircled in fire; him earth-dwellers He has to seek harm in the ground, where he heathen gold guards, wise in winters; he is not a bit better for that. So the people-scather three hundred winters 2279 ruled in the earth of one of the hoard-halls, vastly powerful, until one angered him, a man in pride: he bore to his liege-lord the gold-adorned cup, begged peace-truce from his lord; then was the hoard ransacked, 2284 rings' hoard borne off, a boon was granted to the wretched man; a lord examined the ancient work of men for the first time. then the worm awoke, --quarrel was renewed-- he sniffed along the stone, the harsh-hearted one found 2289 the foot-print of his foe; he too far forward had stepped in his stealthy craft near the dragon's head. Provided that, one not doomed may easily survive woe and hardship, he who the Ruler's grace protects. The hoard-ward sought 2294 eagerly along the ground, he wished to find the man, the one who him in his slumber had sorely harmed; hot and fierce-minded, he often circled among the mounds all round the outside --not any man there in that wilderness, but he rejoiced in battle, 2299 of battle-work --sometimes he turned back to the barrow, sought the treasure-cup; he suddenly discovered, that a certain man had distrubed the gold, the high treasures; the hoard-ward waited with great difficulty, until evening came; 2304 then was enraged the keeper of the barrow, he wished the injury to repay with flame, the dear drinking-vessel. Then the day was departed to the joy of the wyrm; he did not lie within the wall, (nor) wished to wait, but with bale-fire set forth, 2309 infused with flame; this beginning was terrible for the people in the land, as it soon was upon their treasure-giver painfully ended.

Then the demon began to spew flames, to burn bright houses; the gleam of fire rose 2314 to the horror of the men; nor there anything alive the hateful air-flier wished to leave; the war-strength of that wyrm was widely seen, the malice of the darkly cunning one near and far, how the war-scather the people of the Geats 2319 hated and humiliated; back to his hoard he shot, the hidden lord-hall ere the time of day; the inhabitants of the land had been seized by flame, in blaze and in fire; his barrow he trusted, his war-skill and his walls; him this belief deceived. 2324 Then was to Beowulf the danger made known quickly in truth, that his own home, the finest of dwellings, in waves of heat melted, the throne of the Geats; that was to the good man a grief in his heart, of the mind-sorrows the greatest; 2329 the wise man thought that he the Ruler against ancient law eternal Lord had bitterly angered; inside his breast welled with thoughts of gloom, such was not usual for him. The fire-drake had the fortress of the people, 2334 by the coast-land, the stronghold ground down with flames; him for that the war-king, the chief of the Wederas, studied vengeance; then he ordered to be made for him, a warriors' protector, all of iron, the lord of earls, 2339 a wonderous war-board; he readily knew, that him tree-wood could not help, linden-wood against fire. He had to his seafaring-days, the old, good noble, abide the end of life in the world, and the wyrm together, 2344 though the hoard-wealth he had held long. Then he scorned, the rings' lord, that he the wide-flier would seek out with a troop, a large army; he did not the strife dread for himself, nor him the wyrm's fire esteem a bit, 2349 power and courage, for that he before many, narrowly risking, hostilities survived, battle-clashes, since he Hrothgar's, --victory-favoured man-- hall cleansed, and in war overwhelmed Grendel's race, 2354 hateful kind. Not the least was the hand-to-hand encounter, where one slew Hygelac, after the Geats' king, in war's rushes, the lord and friend of the folk, in Frisia, Hrethel's heir, died in the drink of sword, 2359 beaten down by bill-blades. Then Beowulf came by his own strength, he made use of the sea; he had in his arms thirty warriors' battle-gear, when he mounted the ocean; not at all did the Hetwares had need to be exaulting 2364 over the fighting on foot, who forth against him bore linden-wood shields; few came back from that warrior to visit their homes. He crossed over then the flowing expanse of waters, the son of of Edgetheow, wretched and solitary, back to the people, 2369 there Hygd bade him hoard and kingdom, rings and throne: in her son she did not trust that he against foreign peoples the ancestral throne had the power to hold when Hygelac was dead; not the sooner the destitute ones could find 2374 in the noble one by any means, that he to Heardred would be a lord, or the kingdom wished to accept; yet he to him among the folk upheld with the counsels of a friend, graciously in honour, until he grew older, 2379 ruled the Weder-Geats. Him banished men from across the sea sought, sons of Ohthere; they had rebelled against the Helm of the Scylfings, the finest of sea-kings who there in Sweden dispensed treasure, 2384 famed chieftain; to him it became the end; there he for his hospitality received a mortal-wound, from sword's swing, the son of Hygelac; and he went back, Ongentheow's son to seek his home, after Heardred lay dead; 2389 the throne he let Beowulf hold, to rule the Geats; that was a good king.

He for the prince's fall requital remembered in later days, to Eadgils he became a friend in his plight; with men he supported 2394 over the wide sea the son of Ohtere, with warriors and weapons; he had vengeance then in cold grief-bringing ventures, he deprived the king of his life: so he each of the enmities had survived, dire conflicts, the son of Ecgetheow, 2399 deeds of courage, until the one day, when he with the serpent must struggle. Then he went, one of twelve, swollen with anger, the lord of the Geats, to behold the dragon; he had heard then whence this feud arose, 2404 wicked hostility for men: to his bosom came the precious vessel, through the informer's hand; he was in that group the thirteenth men, he who this strife's origin brought about, the gloomy-minded captive; he was obliged, humbly, thence 2409 to lead the way to the place; he went against his will to where the earth-hall he alone knew, the cairn under the ground near the surging of the sea, the struggle of the waves; it was full inside of jewels and intricate metal-work; an unpleasant guard, 2414 ready, eager war-fighter held golden treasures old under the earth; that was not an easy bargain, to obtain for any man. Then on the headland sat the violence-hard king, while prosperity bid to his hearth-companions, 2419 the gold-friend of the Geats; in him his heart was sad, restless and slaughter-eager, fate all too near which the old man must greet, seeking the treasure of his soul, sever asunder life from limb; it was not for long then 2424 the nobleman's life would be wound in his flesh. Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: 'In youth I many war-storms survived, in battle-times; I remember all of that; I was seven-winters (old) when me the lord of treasure, 2429 the lord and friend of the folk, took from my father; held and had me King Hrethel, gave me treasure and feast, recalled kinship; I was not by him in life less in aught, a man in citadel, than each of his own sons, 2434 Herebeald and Haethcyn or my Hygelac. For the eldest was, unfittingly, by a kinsman's deeds a death-bed strewed, when him Haethcyn from a horn-bow his friend and lord struck down with an arrow, 2439 missed his mark and his kinsman shot dead, the one brother the other with a bloody bolt; that was an irreparable fight, grieviously wronged, heart-wearying in the breast; yet must though the noble unavenged be parted from life. 2444 In the same way it is tragic for an old man to abide that his son rides young on the gallows: then he utters a dirge, a sorrowing song, that his son hangs for the pleasure of the raven, and he can not him help, 2449 old and experienced, any provide; ever is reminded each morning, of the other-world journey of his son; another he heeds not to wait for within the strongholds, guardian of inheritance, when the one he has 2454 through Death's compulsion experienced deeds; he sees, sad and sorrowful, in his son's dwelling a wine-hall wasted, a wind-swept resting place bereft of joy; the riders sleep, heroes hidden in graves; there is not sound of harp, 2459 revelry in the courts, such as long ago there was.

He goes then to his bed, sings a song of sorrow, one man on account of one man; it seemed to him all too roomy, the fields and the dwelling-place. Thus the Helm of the Wederas on account of Herebeald heart's sorrow, 2464 welling, endured: not a whit could he on that life-slayer settle a feud; nor the more for that warrior could he show hatred with hostile acts, though he by him was not loved; he then with that sorrow, which on him that sorely befell, 2469 he gave over human joys, choose God's light; to his heirs he left, as does a fortunate man, the land and the folk-citadel, when he departed from life. Then was injury and strife of the Swedes and the Geats over the wide water a quarrel shared, 2474 hard military-spite, after Hrethel died, and to him Ongentheow's heirs were vigorous and martial; they did not wish friendship to hold across the ocean, but around Hreosnabeorh horrible, malicious raiding often committed 2479 that kin-friends of mine avenged, feud and crime, as it was famous, though one of the two with his life paid, a hard bargain; for Hathcyn was, the Geats' lord, war impending. 2484 Then I heard in the morning that one kinsman the other with bill's edges took vengeance on the slayer, there Ongentheow is attacked by Eofor; the war-helm slipped asunder, the aged Scylfing fell battle-pale. The hand remembered 2489 feuds a-plenty, did not withhold life-blow. I to him the treasures, which he had given me, repaid in war, as was granted to me, with flashing sword; he gave me land, earth, the joy of homeland; there was not for him any need, 2494 that he among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes or in the Swedish Kingdom needed to seek a worse war-eager fighter, to buy with wealth: always, in the foot-troop, I him wished to go before, alone in the vanguard, and thus must I always 2499 act in battle, while this sword endures that which me, early and later, has often served, since I, in front of the legions, of Daeghrefn was his slayer by hand, the champion of the Hugas; in no way the precious ornaments to the Frisian king, 2504 breast-adorning, was he able to bring, but rather with his contingent fell the banner's keeper, the noble in courage; blade's edge was not the killer but my battle-grip on him his heart's beats, his bone-house, broke. Now I must with bill's edge, 2509 hand and hard sword fight for the hoard.'

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] Beowulf declared, spoke vow-words for the last time: 'I have risked many wars in my youth; yet I wish, old, wise warden of the folk, to seek vendetta, 2514 to earn renown, if me that wreaker of evil from his earth-hall ventures out to greet.' He then saluted each of the men, bold helm-bearers for the final time, dear companions: 'I would not bear a sword, 2519 a weapon against the wyrm, if I knew how against the monster else I might grapple for glory, as I did before with Grendel but I there furious fire's heat expect, fierce and poisonous; therefore I have on me 2524 shield-board and byrnie; nor will I from the barrow's guard flee a foot but for us it must happen at the wall as Fate allots us, the Creator of all men; I am bold in spirit that I against the war-flier forbear from boast. 2529 You, await here on the barrow, clad in byrnies, warriors in war-gear, which better can during the slaughter-clash survive wound of the two of us; it is not your adventure, nor in the power of men, save mine alone.' 2534 He knew that against the beast he would deal out his strength, achieve noble rank; 'I must with courage gain the gold, or war takes, terrible deadly wound, your lord.' Then he arose by means of his shield, the bold warrior, 2539 severe under his helm, he wore sword-shirt under stone cliffs, trusted in the strength of a single man; such is not the coward's way. He saw then by the wall, he who a great number, nobly good, wars survived, 2544 battle-clashes, when armies collided; it stood by the stone-arch, a stream out from there breaking out of the barrow; there was the brook's surge hot with deadly fire, he could not near the hoard without burning for any space of time 2549 endure the depths on account of the dragon's fire. Then he let from his breast, when he was angered, the Weder-Geat's leader, a word burst out, the staunch-hearted one roared; his voice came in, ringing battle-clear beneath the hoary grey stone; 2554 hate was aroused, the hoard-guard knew man's voice; there was not more time to ask for peace; first came forth the monster's breath out of the stone, hot battle-vapour; the earth thundered; 2559 the warrior below the barrow swung his shield-boss against the terror-guest, the Geats' lord; then was the ring-coiled one's heart incited to seek strife; his sword before drew the good war-king, ancient heirloom, 2564 imprudent with sword-edges; was in each of the harm-intending ones terror of the other; firm-spirited stood with his steep bossed-shield the brave leader of the friends, while the serpent coiled together swiftly; He in war-gear waited; 2569 went then burning gliding coiled, hastening to his destiny; the shield defended well life and body for a lesser time the famed chieftain, then his mind desired, where he that time for the first day 2574 had to wield it, as Fate had not decreed for him glory in battle: he raised up his hand, the Geatish lord; the ghastly-hued one he struck with his ancestoral sword, so that the edge weakened bright on bone, bit less fiercely 2579 than its tribe-king had need driven in distress. Then the barrow's ward was after the war-blow in a fierce spirit; he spewed slaughter-fire; widely spread battle-light. Of war-victory did not boast 2584 the gold-friend of the Geats; his war-bill failed, naked in the violence, as it should not have, the excellent old iron; that was not an easy accomplishment, that the famed son of Edgetheow this earth should be willing to give up; 2589 he was obliged to be about to inhabit a dwelling elsewhere, as must every man abandon loaned-days. It was not long to when that the fierce enemies again met each other: the hoard-guardian heartened himself, his breast swelled with breath, 2594 another time; cruelly suffered, encircled in fire, he who had once ruled a nation. Not at all him in a troop the hand-companions, nobles' sons, around him stood with valour in battle, but they sunk to the forest, 2599 to protect life; in one of them surged his heart with sorrows; kinship can never aught be altered, in him who thinks properly.

Wiglaf he was called, son of Weohstan, noble shield-fighter, man of the Scylfings, 2604 kinsman of Aelfhere; he saw his liege-lord under the war-mask suffering heat; he remembered then the honour that he had given him before, lush dwelling-place of the Waegmundings, to each folk-rights, as his father had owned; 2609 then he could not hold back, his hand seized his round shield, yellow lindenwood, he drew his ancient sword; it was among men the legacy of Eanmund, son of Ohthere; of him in battle was, of the friendless exile, Weohstan his slayer 2614 by maiche's edges, and to his kinsman he brought back bright-gleaming helm, ringed byrnie, an old ogrish sword; that to him Onela returned, his kinsman's war-garment, war-devised clothing; he did not speak of the feud, 2619 though he his brother's son had slain; he held the treasures for many seasons, bill and byrnie, until his son could accomplish noble deeds like his old father; then, among the Geats, he gave him war-clothing, 2624 of all kinds, in countless number, then he went from life, wise, on the way forth. Then was the first time for the young champion, that he the rush of war with his noble lord had to perform; his spirited heart in him did not melt away, nor the remainder of his strength 2629 fail in the fight; then the wyrm had discovered, when they together had come. Wiglaf spoke, many proper words he said to his companions --his heart was sad in him--: 'I recall that time, where we partook of mead, 2634 when we promised to our lord in the beer-hall, he who gave us rings, that we to him for the war-gear wished to repay, if for him such a need arose, with helmets and hard swords. Because of that he chose us from the army 2639 for this adventure of his own desire; he deemed us worthy of renown, and gave me these treasures, because he us spear-warriors considered excellent, bold helm-bearers, though the lord for us this valiant work intended alone 2644 to perform, the keeper of the folk, because he of men the most glories has achieved, the most audacious deeds. Now is the day come that our liege-lord has need of strength of good war-men; let us go to, 2649 aid the battle-leader, while the heat lasts, the fierce fire-terror. God knows of me that to me it is much more agreeable, that my body with my gold-giver the fire embraces; it does not seem proper to me, that we bear shields 2654 back to our land, unless we first can fell the foe, defend the life of the chief of the Wederas; I know well, that his deeds of old are not such, that he alone should of the Geats' retinue sorrow suffer, 2659 to sink in strife; for the two of us must sword and helm, byrnie and rich shroud both share.' Then he waded through the smoke of slaughter, bore his war-head to the support of his lord; a few words he spoke: 'Dear Beowulf, carry out all well, 2664 as you in youth-life long ago said, that you would not allow, with you still living, glory to fail; you must now in bold deeds, a noble firm in mind, with all of your strength, defend your life; I shall support you.' 2669 After those words the wrathful wyrm came, awful cruel visitor a second time, with hostile, gleaming flood of fire to seek his foes the hated humans; the flame came forth in waves, burned shield to the boss; the byrnie could not 2674 to the young spear-fighter lend support but the young man, under his kinsman's shield courageously advanced, when his own was consumed by fire. Then again the war-king remembered his strength, with mighty force struck 2679 with his battle-bill, so that it stood in (the serpent's) head driven by violence; Naegling burst asunder, failed in the fight Beowulf's sword ancient and silver-streaked; it was not granted to him, that for him irons' edges could 2684 help in battle: the hand was too strong, that each one of the blades --I heard-- in stroke he over-taxed; when he bore to battle a weapon hardened by wounds, it was not any better for him. Then the scourge of people a third time, 2689 the fierce fire-drake enmity in mind, rushed at the brave man, when he was yielded space, hot and battle-fierce, (Beowulf's) whole neck he clamped between sharp fangs; he was drenched in life-blood; gore gushed in waves.

2694 I heard that then at the need of the folk-king the nobleman alongside displayed courage, strength and boldness, as was natural to him; he did not heed (the dragon's) head, though the hand was burned of the spirited man, there he his strength helped, 2699 that he the hostile outsider struck somewhat lower, the warrior in his war-gear, so that the sword sank in gleaming and golden so that the fire began to weaken after that. Then again the king himself gathered his wits, drew a slaughter-seax 2704 bitter and battle-sharp, that he wore on his byrnie; The Helm of the Wederas cut through the wyrm in the middle. The foe they felled --their courage driving out life-- and then the both of them him had destroyed, the noble kinsmen; so ought a man to be, 2709 a thane in need. That was for the chieftain the last time of victory by his own deeds, in the world of action. Then the wound began, which him the earth-dragon had caused earlier, to swelter and to swell; he soon discovered that, 2714 it him in the breast welled with deadly evil, poison inside. Then the noble went, so that he by the wall wise in thought sat on a seat; he looked on the giants' work how the stone-arches on firm pillars 2719 the eternal earth-hall supported within. Then with his hands, sword-bloody, the renowned chieftain, the immensely good thane his friend and lord washed with water, weary of battle, and unfastened his helm; 2724 Beowulf spoke; he spoke despite his injury, the slaughter-wretched wound --he readily knew that he the length of his days had fulfilled, joy of earth; then was all departed his number of days, death exceedingly near 2729 'Now I to my son I would have wished to give war-garments, if it had been granted to me such that any guardian of inheritance would be after this body remaining; I ruled the people fifty winters; there was not a folk-king 2734 of my neighbours --of any of them-- who me with war-friends dared to greet, to threaten with terror; I on earth awaited destiny, ruled my own well, did not seek cunning hostility, nor swore me many 2739 oaths unjustly; I all of it can, sick with mortal-injuries, have rejoicing, because he will not need to reproach me, the Ruler of men, for dire murder of kin, when departs my life from body. Now go you quickly 2744 to examine the hoard under the hoary grey stone, dear Wiglaf, now the wyrm lies dead, sleeping sorely wounded, deprived of treasure be now in haste, that I the ancient wealth, the possession of gold might perceive, readily behold 2749 sparkling cleverly-cut gems, so that I can the more pleasantly for treasure-wealth leave my life and nation, that long I ruled.'

Then I heard swiftly the son of Weohstan, after the word-speech the wounded lord, 2754 listened to the battle-sick one, bore a net of rings, woven battle-shirt under the barrow's roof. He saw then victorious, when he went by the seat, the spirited young thane, many precious jewels, glittering gold close to the ground, 2759 wonders on the wall, and the wyrm's den, the old twilight-flier, beakers standing, the vessels of men of old lacking a burnisher, stripped of adornments; there was a multitude of helms old and rusty, many arm-rings 2764 cleverly fastened --treasure easily may, gold in the ground, any one of mankind overpower, hide he who will-- also he saw hanging a standard all-golden high over the hoard, the greatest of hand-wrought wonders, 2769 linked with skill of hands; from it light issued, so that he on the ground could perceive, look over the ornament; there was not of the wyrm any appearance, for him the blade-edge took. Then I heard in the mound the hoard plundered, 2774 old work of giants, one man, him on his bosom loaded goblets and plates of his own judgement he also took the banner, the brightest beacon; the bill had already wounded --the edge was iron-- of that old lord 2779 him who the treasures' protector was for a long while; the fire-terror had endured hot for sake of the hoard, fiercely welling up in the middle of nights until he died in violence. The messenger was in haste, eager for return, 2784 urged on by treasures; curiosity burst in him, whether bold-hearted he would meet alive in that place, the chief of the Wederas ill in strength, where he had left him earlier; he then with that treasures to the glorious chieftain, 2789 his lord, found bleeding, of life at an end; he again began on him to sprinkle water, until the word's point broke through the breast-hoard, the old one on the youth saw gold: 2794 'I, for these riches, to the Lord of All, thanks to the Glory-King say by words, to the eternal Lord, which I look on here, that I was able for my people before my death-day to gain such riches, 2799 now I for the hoard of treasures have paid with my old span of life. Tend still the need of the nation. I cannot be here longer; order war-famed men to construct a mound bright after the fire, at the ocean's cape; 2804 it shall to remind my people tower high on headland of whales, so that it sea-farers then will name Beowulf's Barrow, those who ships over the seas' mists drive from afar.' 2809 Took him from his neck the golden ring, the valiant chief, to the thane gave, to the young spear-warrior, gold-adorned helm, ring and byrnie, told him to use them well: 'You are the last remainder of our race, 2814 of the Waegmundings; Fate has swept off all of my kinsmen into destined death, earls in their strength; I must go after them.' That was for the old man the final word of the thoughts of his breast, ere he chose funeral fire, 2819 hot furious seething; yet from him went his soul to seek truth-fast judgement.

[Beowulf’s Funeral]

Then it went with the young man painfully, that he saw on the ground the dearest man at the end of his life 2824 miserably enduring; the slayer also lay, the terrible earth-dragon bereft of life, balefully beaten down; the ring-hoard longer the wickedly coiled wyrm could not control, rather him irons' edges took off, 2829 the hard, battle-notched leavings of hammers, so that the wide-flier, stilled by wounds, fell to the ground near the hoard-store; not at all through the air flying turned in the middle of nights, proud of his prized possessions, 2834 manifested an appearance, but he fell to earth by the battle-leader's work of his own hands. Indeed it on land few men succeeded, possessors of strength, I have heard, though he in all deeds were daring; 2839 that he against the poison-scourge's breath rushed, or its ring-hall stirred up with hands, if he a watching warden found living in the barrow; for Beowulf was the noble treasures' share, repaid with death; 2844 each of them had arrived at the end of his loaned life. It was not long to when that the battle-shirkers gave up the forest, cowardly troth-breakers, ten together, who had not dared before with javelins to fight 2849 in their liege-lord's great need but they, shamed, bore shields, war-clothing, to where the old man lay; they looked at Wiglaf; he sat wearied, the foot-soldier near the shoulders of his lord; 2854 he tried to rouse him with water, but it availed him not a bit; he could not on earth, though he wished well, in that first-spear preserve life, nor the Ruler's man turn back: the judgement of God would rule the deeds 2859 of all men, as it still does now. Then there was from that young man a grim answer easily got, for him who earlier had lost his courage; Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan's son, a man sore at heart looked on the unloved men: 2864 'That, indeed, may say he who wishes to speak the truth, that the liege-lord, he who gave you treasures, cavalry-gear, that you stand in there-- when he on the ale-bench often gave to hall-sitters helm and byrnie, 2869 the chieftain to his thanes such as he the grandest anywhere far or near was able to find-- that he completely war-clothing grievously threw away, when fighting befell him; not at all the folk-king his companions in arms 2874 need to boast about; yet God granted him, victories' Ruler, that he avenged himself, one with a blade, when for him was need of valour. I him life-protection little could provide in war, and yet began 2879 beyond my measure to aid my kinsman; ever was it the weaker when I struck with sword, the deadly enemy, fire less fiercely surged from the seat of intellect; leaders too few thronged around the chieftain, when distress came to him. 2884 How must treasure-receipt and sword-giving all native joy for your kin, delight cease! Of land-rights must of your clan every man become deprived, when nobles 2889 from afar learn of your flight, gloryless dead: death is better for all men than a life of dishonour.'

Then he commanded battle-result to be announced at the stronghold, up over the cliff-edge, where that warrior-band 2894 the morning-long day sat sad in spirit, shield-bearers, in expectation of two things: the end of his days or the return of the dear man. On little was he silent of the new tidings, he who rode the headland, 2899 but he truly said over all: 'Now is the wish-giver of the Wederas' nation, the lord of the Geats unmoving on his death-bed, remaining in the repose of slaughter by the wyrm's deeds; beside him lies his life-contender 2904 sick with seax-wounds: he could not with his sword on that fearsome being in any way inflict wounds; Wiglaf sits over Beowulf, the son of Weohstan, one earl over another unliving, 2909 he holds, weary in his mind, head-watch over beloved and loathed. Now for the nation one expects time of warfare when unsecret to the Franks and Frisians, the fall of the king, widely becomes; the quarrel was shaped 2914 fierce against the Hugas, when Hygelac came faring with a fleet onto the Frisians' land where him the Hetware attacked in battle, it happened in courage with over-strength, that the mailed-warrior had to bow down; 2919 he fell among the foot-troop; not at all ornaments gave the lord to his retinue; for us was ever after the Merovingian (king's) kindness withheld. I do not from the Swedes peace or truce expect a bit, but it was widely known 2924 that Ongentheow of life deprived Haethcyn Hrethel's son at Raven's Wood, when for arrogance first sought out the Geatish people the War-Scilfings at once him the wise, old father of Ohthere, 2929 ancient and terrible, returned onslaught by hand; he destroyed the sea-wise man, he honoured his wife, the old, wisened woman bereft of her gold, Onela's mother and Ohthere's and then he followed those life-enemies, 2934 until they escaped with difficulty, into Raven's Wood, without a lord; then he besieged the huge (sacred) grove, the survivors of swords weary with wounds; he often threatened woes to the wretched company in the length of the night; 2939 said: he in the morning by the edges of a maiche he would sacrifice one of them on the gallow-tree as game for the birds; relief came back to the sorrow-spirited ones together with early day, when they Hygelac's horn and trumpet, 2944 and his battle-yell recognised, then the good man came, with the tribe's veteran warriors travelling on the path. The bloody swathe of the Swedes and Geats, the slaughter-rush of men was widely seen; how the folk between them awoke a feud; 2949 then the good man went with his fellow kinsmen, old and wise, greated saddened, to seek a citadel; the warrior Ongentheow retreated higher up, he had of Hygelac's battle-skill heard, the proud man's war-craft; he did not trust his resistance, 2954 that he the sea-men could oppose, against battle travellers defend the hoard, children and women; he fell back thence old behind the earth-wall; then pursuit was offered to the Swedish nation, the standards of Hygelac 2959 that place of refuge forth overran, when the Hrethelings pressed forward into that entrenchment. There was Ongentheow by edges of swords, the grizzle-haired was compelled to pause, so that the tribe-king had to submit 2964 to the sole judgement of Eofor; him wrathfully Wulf, Wonred's son, reached with his weapon, so that from him by the blow blood in streams sprang forth beneath his hair; he was not frightened though, the aged Scilfing, but quickly repaid 2969 with a more terrible response for that slaughter-stroke, when the tribe-king turned thither; he could not, the brave son of Wonred, to the old fellow offer onslaught by hand, rather he him on his head had sheared his helm, 2974 so that he, blood-stained, had to bow down; he fell on the field; he was not doomed yet, but he recovered himself, though the wound touched him; Let he, the hard thane of Hygelac, broad maiche, when his brother lay dead, 2979 the old ogrish sword, the giantish helm break over the shield-wall; then the king bowed down, the shepherd of the folk, was struck to his life. Then there were many, who bandaged his kinsman, they quickly raised him up, when room was made for them, 2984 so that they the place of slaughter were able to control; then plunder the one man the other, he took from Ongentheow his iron byrnie, his hard hilted sword, and his helmet too; the hoary one's armour he bore to Hygelac; 2989 he took the treasures and fairly pledged to him rewards among the people, and did so; he paid for the war-onslaught, the lord of the Geats, Hrethel's heir, when he returned home, to Eofor and Wulf with an abundance of treasure; 2994 he gave them both a hundred thousand worth of land and interlocked rings --he needed not the gifts scorn, (any) man on middle-earth, since they gained those glories in fighting-- and then to Eofor he gave his only daughter, 2998 a honour to the home, as pledge of friendship. That is the feud and the enmity, the slaughterous hate of men, for which I have woe, they shall attack us, the Swedish nation, when they learn our lord 3003 is lifeless, he who formerly preserved against despisers our hoard and kingdom, after fall of heroes, bold Scyldings, supported the welfare of the folk, or moreover accomplished noble deeds. For me haste is best, 3008 that we the people-king look upon there, and that one bring, he who gave us rings, on a journey to the pyre; nor must a part only melt with that great-spirited one, but there is the treasure's hoard, gold uncounted, bitterly purchased, 3013 and now at last with his own life bought the rings: then the blaze must devour, the fire cover, no man shall wear these treasures in remembrance, no pretty girl shall have on her neck ring-adornment, 3018 but must, sad-hearted, bereft of gold, often, not once, tread in alien land, now the cohort-leader has laid aside laughter pleasure and merriment. Therefore a spear must be on many a cold morning grasped in palms, 3023 raised in hands, not at all the sound of harp to wake the warrior, but the black raven, eager over the doomed, speaking many things, telling the eagle, how he succeeded in eating, when he with the wolf despoiled the slain.' 3028 So the bold men was teller of hateful tidings; he did not lie much in deeds or in words. The troop all arose; they went unhappily under the eagle's headland, with welling tears, to gaze upon the wondor; 3033 they found then on the sand, soulless, ruling over his bed of rest, the who gave them rings in earlier times; then it was the end-day come for good men, that the war-king, the Wederas' chieftain, died a wondrous death. 3038 First they saw there a rarer creature, the wyrm on the ground just opposite there, the loathsome one lying dead: the fire-drake was a grim gruesome guest burnt by flames; it was fifty foot-measures 3043 long as it lay; in air-joy it had ruled the times of the night, down again had gone to seek its den; it was then still in death, it had of earth-caverns enjoyed its end. They stood by him goblets and beakers, 3048 lay plates and precious swords, eaten through by rust, as if they had in the embrace of the earth a thousand winters remained there; then was that legacy of exceedingly powerful, gold of men of yore, encompassed by an incantation, 3053 that the ring-hall could not touch any man, unless God himself, victories' Truth-king allowed he who He wished --He is man's protector-- to open the hoard, even so to every man as it seemed fitting to Him.
3058 Then it was seen that the venture did not benefit who he unrightly had hidden inside, vengeance under the walls; this warden earlier slew one man of a few; then was the feud wrathfully avenged. It is a wondor where then
3063 a man famed for courage should meet end of his fated life, when he can no longer one among his kinsmen, inhabit a mead-hall; thus it was for Beowulf, when he the barrow's ward sought treacherous quarrels: he himself did not know
3068 through what his parting from this world must bring about. Thus until judgement's day deeply declared the great princes, who put it there, that the man would be guilty of crimes, banned from sacred places, in hell-bonds fast, wommum
3073 reproached for his transgressions, he who plundered that place; he was not liberal with gold (nor) had he readily the kindness of a lord ever shown. Wiglaf spoke, the son of Weohstan, 'Often must many men, for the will of one,
3078 endure exile, as it has happened to us; we could not convince the beloved prince, the keeper of the kingdom, by any counsel, that he not greet the gold-ward, let him lie, where he long had been,
3083 inhabiting his abodes until the world's end; he held to his noble destiny; the hoard is exposed, grimly gained; that was granted too harshly which him impelled thither. I was there inside and looked over all of it,
3088 the trappings of the hall, when the way was cleared for me, not at all sweetly was the errand allowed inside the earthwall; I seized in haste much with my hands, a mighty burden of hoard-treasures, bore it out hither
3093 to my king; he was still alive then, wise and knowing; he spoke much on many things, old in his grief, and commanded me greet you all, bid that you build in accord of your friend's deeds in in the cremation place a high barrow,
3098 large and splendid, as he was of men a warrior most honoured thought this wide earth, while he the prosperity of a city could enjoy. Let us now hasten another time to see and to seek in that heap of cunningly wrought things,
3103 a wonder under the walls; I shall guide you, so that you sufficient close-up will see rings and broad gold; let the bier be ready, quickly prepared, when we come out, and then carry our lord,
3108 beloved man, where he must long in the Ruler's protection endure.' He then commanded to direct, the son of Weohstan, the battle-brave hero, many warriors, house-holders, that they the pyre-wood
3113 to fetch from afar, folk-chieftains, to the good man: 'Now must the fire devour, the dim flame grow, the ruler of warriors, he who often endured shower of iron, when the storm of arrows, impelled by bow-strings,
3118 shot over the shield-wall; shaft held true to task, its feather-trappings eager, arrow-head followed.' Indeed the wise son of Weohstan summoned from the troop of king's thanes, seven altogether, the best;
3123 he went, one of eight, under the evil roof one battle-man bore in his hands a fire-brand, he who went in the fore-front. It was not in a casting of lots, who would plunder that hoard, when unprotected any part
3128 the men saw remaining in the hall, lying frail; little did anyone mourn that they quickly carried out precious treasures; the dragon too they shoved, the wyrm over the cliff-wall, they let the waves take,
3133 the flood enfold, that keeper of baubles; that was braided gold loaded on the waggon, of each kind countless, to the prince bore, hoary grey from battle, to the whale's headland. Then for him prepared the people of the Geats
3138 a pyre on the earth, not trifling, hung with helmets, with battle-shields, with bright byrnies, as he had requested; they laid then in the midst the famed chieftain, the lamenting heroes, their beloved lord;
3143 then began on the barrow the greatest bale-fire, the warriors to kindle; wood-smoke arose, swarthy over the heat, the roaring flame woven with weeping --the tumult of winds lay still-- until it the bone-house had broken
3148 hot at heart; despairing in their hearts they bemoaned their grief, their liege-lord's death; so too a death-dirge a solitary Geatish woman wove for Beowulf, cruelly bound, sang she sang sorrowful, earnestly of fortune
3153 that she for herself days of harm fiercely dreaded, of multitude of slaughter-feasts, terror of troops, rapine and bondage. Heaven swallowed the smoke; then wrought the Wederas' people a barrow on the hill, it was high and broad,
3158 for wave-farers widely visible, and they constructed in ten days the war-chief's beacon, the leavings of the fire, with a wall they encircled, as it most worthily the very wisest men could devise;
3163 they placed in the barrow rings and brooches, all such trappings, as before from the hoard hostile men had taken away; the treasure of heroes they let the earth hold, gold on gold in the gritty soil, where it now still lives,
3168 as useless to men as it was before. Then around the mound rode the battle-brave sons of nobles, twelve in all, they wished to bewail their sorrow, to mourn their king, to pronounce elegy, and speak about the man;
3173 they praised his heroic deeds and his works of courage, exalted his majesty. As it is fitting, that one his friend and lord honours in words, cherish in one's spirit, when he must forth from his body be led;
3178 thus bemourned the people of the Geats their lord's fall, his hearth-companions: they said that he was, of all kings of the world, the most generous of men, and the most gracious, the most protective of his people, and the most eager for honour.