Speaker 1: Section one lo praise of the prowess of people kings
Speaker 1: of spear armed Danes. In days long sped we have heard,
Speaker 1: and what honor the athelings won oft skill'd the skeffing
Speaker 1: from squadroned foes from many a tribe. The mead bench
Speaker 1: tore owing the earls. Since erst he lay friendless a foundling,
Speaker 1: Fate repaid him for he waxed under welkin in wealth
Speaker 1: he throve till before him the folk, both far and near,
Speaker 1: who house by the whil path heard his mandate, gave
Speaker 1: him gifts. A good king he to him an heir
Speaker 1: was afterward born a son in his halls, whom Heaven
Speaker 1: sent to favor the folk. Feeling there woe that erst
Speaker 1: they had lacked an earl for leader so long a while,
Speaker 1: the Lord endowed him with wielder of wonder, with worlds
Speaker 1: renowned famed was this Beowulf far flew the boast of
Speaker 1: him son of skilled in the Scandian lands. So becomes
Speaker 1: it a youth to quit him well with his father's
Speaker 1: friends by fee and gift that to aid him aged
Speaker 1: in after days come warriors willing should war draw nigh
Speaker 1: liege men loyal by lauded deeds, shall an earl have
Speaker 1: honor in every clan. Fourth he fared at the fated moment, sturdy,
Speaker 1: skilled to the shelter of God. Then they bore him
Speaker 1: over the ocean's billow loving clansmen. As late he charged
Speaker 1: them while wielded words. The winsome skilled, the leader beloved,
Speaker 1: who long had ruled in the roadstead rocked a ring
Speaker 1: dight vessel ice flecked outbound etheling's barge. There laid they
Speaker 1: down their darling lord on the breast of the boat,
Speaker 1: the breaker of rings by the mast. The mighty one,
Speaker 1: many treasure fetched from far, was freighted with him. No
Speaker 1: ship have I known so nobly dight with weapons of
Speaker 1: war and weeds of battle, with breast plate and blade
Speaker 1: on his bosom, lay a heaped hoard, that hence should
Speaker 1: go far o'er the flood, with him floating away. No
Speaker 1: less these loaded the lordly gifts Thanes huge treasure than
Speaker 1: those had done who in former time forth had sent
Speaker 1: him soul on the seas a suckling child high o'er
Speaker 1: his head. They hoist the standard a gold wove banner.
Speaker 1: Let billows take him gave him to ocean grave. Were
Speaker 1: their spirits mournful their mood No man is able to
Speaker 1: say in sooth, no son of the halls, no hero
Speaker 1: neath heaven, who harbored that freight. Now Beowulf bode in
Speaker 1: the burg of the Skildings, leader, beloved and long. He
Speaker 1: ruled in fame with all folk, since his father had
Speaker 1: gone away from the world, till awoke an heir, haughty
Speaker 1: health dane, who held through life sage and sturdy the
Speaker 1: Skildings glad. Then one after one there woke to him,
Speaker 1: to the chieftain of clansmen children four hey o Agar,
Speaker 1: then Hrothgar, then Halga brave, And I heard that Blank
Speaker 1: was Blank's queen. The hartho Skilfings help mate dear to
Speaker 1: Rothsgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat,
Speaker 1: that all his kin obeyed him gladly, till great grew
Speaker 1: his band of youthful comrades. It came in his mind
Speaker 1: to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, a master mead
Speaker 1: house mightier far than ever was seen by the sons
Speaker 1: of earth, and within it. Then to old and young
Speaker 1: he would all alot that the Lord had sent him,
Speaker 1: save only the land and the lives of his men.
Speaker 1: Wide I heard was the work commanded for many a tribe,
Speaker 1: this mid earth, round to fashion the folkstead. It fell
Speaker 1: as he ordered, in rapid achievement. That ready it stood
Speaker 1: there of halls, the noblest herot he named it, whose
Speaker 1: message had might in many a land, not reckless of promise,
Speaker 1: the rings he dealt treasure at banquet. There towered the
Speaker 1: hall high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting of furious flame.
Speaker 1: Nor far was that day when father and son in
Speaker 1: law stood in feud for warfare and hatred, that woke
Speaker 1: again with envy and anger, and evil spirit endured the
Speaker 1: dole in his dark abode, that he heard each day
Speaker 1: the din of revel. High in the hall. Their harps
Speaker 1: rang out clear song of the singer he sang, who
Speaker 1: knew tales of the early time of man. How the
Speaker 1: Almighty made the earth fairest fields enfolded by water, set
Speaker 1: triumphant sun and moon for a light to lighten the
Speaker 1: land dwellers, and braided bright the breast of earth with
Speaker 1: limbs and leaves, made life for all of mortal beings
Speaker 1: that breathe and move, So lived the clansmen in cheer
Speaker 1: and revel a winsome life till one began to fashion
Speaker 1: evils that field of hell Grendell. This monster Grim was
Speaker 1: called march Reaver, mighty in Moorland, living in fen and fastness,
Speaker 1: fief of the giants, the hapless White a while had
Speaker 1: kept since the Creator his exile doomed on kin of
Speaker 1: Cain was the killing avenged by sovereign God for slaughtered
Speaker 1: able ill fared his feud, and far was he driven
Speaker 1: for the slaughter's sake. From sight of men of Cain
Speaker 1: awoke all that woeful breed etins and elves and evil spirits,
Speaker 1: as as well as the giants that warred with God.
Speaker 1: Weary while but their wage was paid them, went he
Speaker 1: forth to find at fall of night that haughty house
Speaker 1: and heed, wherever the ring Danes out reveled to rest
Speaker 1: had gone. Found within it the atheling band, asleep after feasting,
Speaker 1: and fearless of sorrow of human hardship. Unhallowed, White, grim
Speaker 1: and greedy, he grasped betimes, wrathful, reckless, from resting places,
Speaker 1: thrifty of the thanes, And thence he rushed fain of
Speaker 1: his fell, spoil, faring homeward, laden with slaughter his lair
Speaker 1: to seek. Then, at the dawning, as day was breaking,
Speaker 1: the might of Grendel to men was known. Then after
Speaker 1: Wasael was wail uplifted loud moan. In the morn the
Speaker 1: mighty chief, atheling, excellent, unblithe, sat labored in woe for
Speaker 1: the loss of his Thanes. When once had been traced
Speaker 1: the trail of the fiend. Spirit accursed too cruel, that
Speaker 1: sorrow too long, too loathsome not late the respite, with
Speaker 1: night returning, a new began ruthless murder. He wrecked no
Speaker 1: whit firm in his guilt of the feud and crime.
Speaker 1: They were easy to find, who elsewhere sought in room
Speaker 1: remote their rest at night, bed in the bowers, When
Speaker 1: that bale was shown, was seen in sooth with shortest
Speaker 1: token the hall Fane's hate. Such held themselves far and fast.
Speaker 1: Who the fiend out ran, thus ruled unrighteous, and raged
Speaker 1: his fill one against all, until empty stood that lordly building,
Speaker 1: And long it bodes so twelve years tied the trouble
Speaker 1: he bore, sovereign of skildings, sorrows in plenty, boundless cares.
Speaker 1: There came unhidden tidings true to the tribes of men
Speaker 1: in sorrowful songs. How ceaselessly Grendel grassed Hrothgar, What hate
Speaker 1: he bore him, what murder and massacre? Many a year
Speaker 1: feud unfading, refused consent to deal with any of Daneland's earls,
Speaker 1: make pact of peace, or compound for gold. Still less
Speaker 1: did the wise men ween to get great fee for
Speaker 1: the feud from his fiendish hands. But the evil one
Speaker 1: ambushed ye old and young, death, shadow, dark and dogged them,
Speaker 1: still blured or lurked in the livelong night of misty.
Speaker 1: Morland's men may say not where the haunts of these
Speaker 1: hell roons be. Such heaping of horrors The hater of men,
Speaker 1: lonely Roamer wrought unceasing harassings heavy or herat he lorded
Speaker 1: gold bright hall in gloomy nights, And ne'er could the
Speaker 1: Prince approach his throne twas judgment of God, or have
Speaker 1: joy in his hall. Sore was the sorrow to Skilding's
Speaker 1: friend heartre misery. Many nobles sat assembled and searched out counsel.
Speaker 1: How it were best for bold hearted men against harassing
Speaker 1: terror to try their hand whilst they vowed in their
Speaker 1: heathen fanes althar offerings, asked with words that the slayer
Speaker 1: of souls would succor give them for the pain of
Speaker 1: their people their practice. This their heathen hope. Twas hell
Speaker 1: they thought of in mood of their mind. Almighty they
Speaker 1: knew not doomsmen of deeds and dreadful Lord, nor Heaven's
Speaker 1: helmet heeded they, ever, wielder of wonder. Woe for that
Speaker 1: man who, in harm and hatred hails his soul to
Speaker 1: fiery embraces, nor favor nor change awaits he ever, but
Speaker 1: well for him, that after death day may draw to
Speaker 1: his lord and friendship find in the Father's arms. Thus
Speaker 1: seethed unceasing, the son of health Dane, with the woe
Speaker 1: of these days. Not wisest men essaged his sorrow to
Speaker 1: sore or the anguish, loathly and long that lay on
Speaker 1: his folk, most baneful of burdens and bales of the night.
Speaker 1: This heard in his home Hegelock's, thean great among geats
Speaker 1: of Grendel's doings. He was the mightiest man of valor
Speaker 1: in that same day of this our life, stalwart and
Speaker 1: stately a stout wave walker, he bade make ready yon battle.
Speaker 1: King said he far o'er the swan road. He fain
Speaker 1: would seek the noble monarch who needed men. The prince's
Speaker 1: journey by prudent folk was little blamed, though they loved
Speaker 1: him dear. They whetted the hero and hailed good omens.
Speaker 1: And now the bold one from bands of geats comrades
Speaker 1: chose the keenest of warriors ere he could find. With
Speaker 1: fourteen men the sea wood he sought, and sailor proved
Speaker 1: led them on to the land's confines. Time had now
Speaker 1: flown afloat was the ship boat under bluff. On board
Speaker 1: they climbed warriors ready. Waves were charning sea with sand.
Speaker 1: The sailors bore on the breast of the bark their
Speaker 1: bright array, their mail and weapons. The men pushed off
Speaker 1: on its willing way. The well braced craft then moved
Speaker 1: o'er the waters by might of the wind that bark
Speaker 1: like a bird, with breast of foam, till in season dew.
Speaker 1: On the second day the curved prow such course had
Speaker 1: run that sailors now could see the land, sea cliffs shining,
Speaker 1: steep high hills, headlands broad. Their haven was found. Their
Speaker 1: journey ended up then quickly the waders clansmen climbed ashore,
Speaker 1: anchored their sea wood with armor clashing and gear of battle.
Speaker 1: God they thanked for passing in peace o'er the paths
Speaker 1: of the sea. Now saw from the cliff a skilding clansman,
Speaker 1: a warden that watched the water side, how they bore
Speaker 1: o'er the gangway, glittering shields war gear. In readiness, wonder
Speaker 1: seized him to know what manner of men they were.
Speaker 1: Straight to the strand his steed, he rode Hrothgar's henchmen
Speaker 1: with hand of might. He shook his spear and spake
Speaker 1: in parley, who are ye, then, ye armed men, mailed
Speaker 1: folk that yon mighty vessel have urged Thus over the
Speaker 1: ocean ways here o'er the waters. A warden I sentinel
Speaker 1: set o'er the sea march here, lest any foe to
Speaker 1: the folk of Danes, with harrying fleet should harm the land.
Speaker 1: No aliens ever at ease. Thus bore them linden wielders.
Speaker 1: Yet word of leave, clearly ye lack from clansmen. Here
Speaker 1: my folk's agreement. A greater ne'er saw eye of warriors
Speaker 1: in world than is one of you Yon hero in harness,
Speaker 1: no henchmen, he worthied by weapons, if witness his features,
Speaker 1: his peerless presence. I pray you, though, tell your folk
Speaker 1: and home lest hens ye fair suspect to wander your
Speaker 1: way as spies in Danish land now dwellers Afar ocean travelers,
Speaker 1: take from me simple advice. The sooner the better I
Speaker 1: hear of the country. Whence ye came to him, the
Speaker 1: stateliest spake in answer, the warrior's leader his word Horde unlocked.
Speaker 1: We are by kin of the clan of Geats, and
Speaker 1: Hagelac's own hearth fellows. We to folk Afar was my
Speaker 1: father known noble atheling eke thou named full of winters.
Speaker 1: He fared away aged from earth. He is honored still
Speaker 1: through width of the world by wise men, all to
Speaker 1: thy lord and liege in loyal mood. We hasten hither
Speaker 1: to helf Dane's son people protector, be pleased to advise
Speaker 1: us to that mighty one. Come we on, Michel errand
Speaker 1: to the Lord of the Danes, nor dee my right
Speaker 1: that ought be hidden. We hear thou knowest if sooth
Speaker 1: it is the saying of men that amid the Skildings,
Speaker 1: a scathing monster, dark ill doer in dusky nights, shows
Speaker 1: terrific his rage, unmatched hatred and murder to Hrothgar, I,
Speaker 1: in greatness of soul, would succor bring so the wise
Speaker 1: and brave may worst his foes. If ever the end
Speaker 1: of ills is fated of cruel contest, If cure shall
Speaker 1: follow and the boiling care waves cooler grow, else ever,
Speaker 1: afterward anguish days, he shall suffer in sorrow while stands
Speaker 1: in place high on its hill that house unpeered astride
Speaker 1: his steed, the strand ward answered clansmen unquailing. The keen,
Speaker 1: souled fane must be skilled to sever and sunder duly
Speaker 1: words and works. If he well intends, I gather this
Speaker 1: band is graciously bent to the Skilding's master. March then
Speaker 1: bearing weapons and weeds the way I show you. I
Speaker 1: will bid my men your boat meanwhile to guard for
Speaker 1: fear lest foemen come your new tarred ship by shore
Speaker 1: of ocean, faithfully watching till once again it waft o'er
Speaker 1: the waters. These well loved veanes, winding necked wood to
Speaker 1: waders bounds heroes such as the hest of fate shall
Speaker 1: succor and save from the shock of war. They bent
Speaker 1: them to march. The boat lay still fettered by cable
Speaker 1: and fast at anchor. Broad bosomed ship then shone the
Speaker 1: boors over the cheek guard chased with gold, keen and
Speaker 1: gleaming guard. It kept o'er the man of war. As
Speaker 1: marched along heroes in haste till the hall. They saw
Speaker 1: broad of gable and bright with gold. That was the
Speaker 1: fairest mid folk of Earth, of houses neath heaven where
Speaker 1: Hrothgar lived, And the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar.
Speaker 1: The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright burg of the boldest
Speaker 1: bade them go straightway hither. Steed then turned hardy hero
Speaker 1: and hailed them. Thus tis time that I fare from you, Father,
Speaker 1: Almighty and grace and mercy, guard you well safe in
Speaker 1: your seekings, seaward I go against hostile warriors. Hold my watch.
Speaker 1: End of section one, Section two. Stone bright the street,
Speaker 1: it showed the way to the crowd of clansmen, corselets glistened,
Speaker 1: hand forged hard on their harness, bright the steel ring
Speaker 1: sang as they strode along in mail of battle, and
Speaker 1: marched to the hall. There weary of ocean the wall along.
Speaker 1: They set their bucklers, their broad shields down, and bowed
Speaker 1: them to bench. The breastplates clanged war gear of men,
Speaker 1: their weapons stacked, spears of the seafarers stood together. Gray
Speaker 1: tipped that iron band, and was worthily weaponed. A warrior
Speaker 1: proud asked of the heroes their home and kin. Whence
Speaker 1: now bear ye burnished shields, harness, gray and helmet's grim
Speaker 1: spears in multitude, Messenger, I Hrothgar's herald heroes, so many
Speaker 1: ne'er met I as strangers of mood, so strong tis
Speaker 1: plain for that prowess, not plunged into exile, for high
Speaker 1: hearted valor Hrothgar, Ye seek him the sturdy in war.
Speaker 1: Bespake with words, proud earl of the Wedd'er's answer, Maid
Speaker 1: Hardy neath helmet haiglachs wee fellows at board. I am
Speaker 1: Beowulf named. I am seeking to say to the son
Speaker 1: of half Dane, this mission of mine to thy master lord,
Speaker 1: the doughty Prince. If he deign at all grace, that
Speaker 1: we greet him the good one. Now, Wulfgar spake, the
Speaker 1: Wendell's chieftain, whose might of mind to many was known
Speaker 1: his courage and counsel, the King of Danes, the Skilding's friend,
Speaker 1: I fain will tell the breaker of rings as the boon.
Speaker 1: Thou askest the famed prince of thy faring hither and
Speaker 1: swiftly after such answer, bring as the doughty monarch may
Speaker 1: deign to give hide. Then in haste to where Hrothgar sat,
Speaker 1: white haired and old his earls about him, till the
Speaker 1: stout fine stood at the shoulder there of the Danish king,
Speaker 1: good courtier. He Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord, hither
Speaker 1: have fared to thee far come men o'er the paths
Speaker 1: of ocean, people of Geatland, and the stateliest there by
Speaker 1: his sturdy band is Beowulf, named this boon. They seek
Speaker 1: that they, my master, may with thee have speech at will,
Speaker 1: nor spurn their prayer to give them hearing. Gracious Wrothgar,
Speaker 1: in we of the warrior worthy. They methinks of our
Speaker 1: liking their leader most surely a hero that hither his
Speaker 1: henchman has led. Hrothgar answered, helmet of Skildings. I knew
Speaker 1: him of yore in his youthful days. His aged father
Speaker 1: was ec Thou named to whom at home gave Hrethel
Speaker 1: the Geat his only daughter, their offspring Bold fares hither
Speaker 1: to seek the steadfast friend. And seamen too have sed
Speaker 1: me this who carried my gifts to the Geatish court.
Speaker 1: Thither for thanks he has thirty men's heft of grasp
Speaker 1: in the grip of his hand. The bold in battle
Speaker 1: blessed God out of his mercy. This man hath sent
Speaker 1: to Danes of the west, as I ween, indeed, against
Speaker 1: horror of Grendel, I hope to give the good youth
Speaker 1: gold for his gallant thought. Be thou in haste, and
Speaker 1: bid them hither, clan of kinsmen, to come before me,
Speaker 1: and add this word. They are welcome guests to folk
Speaker 1: of the Danes. To the door of the hall, Wulfgar went,
Speaker 1: and the word declared to you this message my master
Speaker 1: sends east Danes, king that your kin he knows hardy heroes,
Speaker 1: and hails you all. Welcome hither o'er waves of the sea.
Speaker 1: Ye may wend your way in war attire and under
Speaker 1: helmets Hrothgar greet. But let here the battle shields bide
Speaker 1: your parley, and wooden war shafts wait its end up
Speaker 1: rose the mighty one ringed with his men, brave band
Speaker 1: of Thanes. Some bode without battle gear, guarding, as bade
Speaker 1: the chief. Then hide that troop where the herald led
Speaker 1: them under Herod's roof. The hero strode hardy meaf helm
Speaker 1: till the hearth he near'd Beowulf spake his breastplate gleamed
Speaker 1: war net woe by wit of the smith, Thou Hrothgar,
Speaker 1: Hail Hagilax, I kinsman and follower, fame a plenty have
Speaker 1: I gained in youth These grendel deeds I heard in
Speaker 1: my homeland. Heralded clear sea farers say, how stands this
Speaker 1: hall of building's best for your band of Thanes? Empty
Speaker 1: and idle when evening sun in the harbor of heaven
Speaker 1: is hidden away. So my vassals advised me, well, brave
Speaker 1: and wise, the best of men, O sovereign Hrothgar, to
Speaker 1: seek thee here for my nerve and my might. They
Speaker 1: knew full well themselves had seen me from slaughter, come,
Speaker 1: blood flecked from foes where five I bound, and that
Speaker 1: wild brew worsted I the waves. I slew nikors by night,
Speaker 1: in need and peril, avenging the waiters whose woe they sought,
Speaker 1: crushing the grim ones grendel. Now monster cruel be mine
Speaker 1: to quell in single battle. So from thee thou, sovereign
Speaker 1: of the Shining Danes, Skilding's bulwark a boon I seek,
Speaker 1: and friend of the folk, refuse it, not o warrior's shield.
Speaker 1: Now I've wandered far that I alone with my liegemen
Speaker 1: here this hardy band, may herot purge. More I hear
Speaker 1: that the monster dire in his wanton mood of weapons
Speaker 1: recks not hence shall I scorn, so hide gluck stay,
Speaker 1: king of my kindred kind to me brand or buckler
Speaker 1: to bear in the fight gold colored targe. But with
Speaker 1: grip alone, must I front the fiend and fight for
Speaker 1: life foe against foe. Then faith be his in the
Speaker 1: doom of the lord whom death shall take. Fain I
Speaker 1: ween if the fight he win in this hall of
Speaker 1: gold my geatish band, will he fearless eat as oft
Speaker 1: before my noblest thanes, nor need'st thou then to hide
Speaker 1: my head for his? Shall I be died in gore?
Speaker 1: If death must take me and my blood cover'd body,
Speaker 1: he'll bear as prey, ruthless devour it the roamer lonely
Speaker 1: with my life blood redden his lair in the fen.
Speaker 1: No further for me needs food, prepare to Hagelock's end,
Speaker 1: if Hill'd should take me best of war weeds warding
Speaker 1: my breast armor excellent heirloom of Hrethel and work of
Speaker 1: wheland Fair's weird as she must. Hrothgar spake the Skilding's
Speaker 1: helmet for fight. Defensive friend, my Beowulf, to succor and
Speaker 1: save thou hast sought us here thy father's combat. A
Speaker 1: feud enkindled when Haathelof with hand, he slew among the
Speaker 1: Wilfings his waider kin for horror of fighting, fear'd to
Speaker 1: hold him. Fleeing, he sought our south Dane over surge
Speaker 1: of ocean, the honor Skildings. When first I was ruling,
Speaker 1: the folk of Danes wielded youthful, this widespread realm, this
Speaker 1: hoard hold of heroes. Hey Oigar was dead. My elder
Speaker 1: brother had breathed his last half danes Bairn. He was
Speaker 1: better than I. Straightway the feud with fee I settled
Speaker 1: to the Wilfing scent o'er watery ridges treasures olden oath,
Speaker 1: he swore me. Sore is my soul to say to
Speaker 1: any of the race of man, what ruth for me?
Speaker 1: And harot? Grendel, with hate hath wrought what sudden harryings
Speaker 1: haul folk fail me, My warriors wane, for weird hath
Speaker 1: swept them into Grendel's grasp. But God is able this
Speaker 1: deadly foe from his deeds to turn boasted full oft
Speaker 1: as my beer. They drank earls o'er the ale cup,
Speaker 1: armed men that they would bide in the beer hall.
Speaker 1: Here Grendel's attack with terror of blades. Then was this
Speaker 1: mead house at morning tide died with gore. When the
Speaker 1: daylight broke, all the boards of the benches blood besprinkled
Speaker 1: gory the hall. I had heroes, the less doughty, dear
Speaker 1: ones that death had reft. But sit to the banquet,
Speaker 1: unbind thy words, hardy hero as heart shall prompt. Thee
Speaker 1: gathered together the Geatish men in the banquet hall, on
Speaker 1: bench assigned sturdy spirited, sat them down, hardy hearted. A
Speaker 1: henchman attended, carried the carven cup in hand, served the
Speaker 1: clear mead oft minstrel sang blythe in herot heroes reveled
Speaker 1: no dearth of warriors. Waiter and Dane unfaith spake the
Speaker 1: son of Ecglaff, who sat at the feet of the
Speaker 1: Skilding's lord, unbound. The battle runs Beowulf's quest sturdy seafarers
Speaker 1: sorely galled him. Ever, he envied that other men should
Speaker 1: more achieve in Middle Earth of fame under heaven than
Speaker 1: he himself. Art thou that Beowulf, Breca's rival, who emulous
Speaker 1: swam on the open sea, when for pride the pair
Speaker 1: of you proved the floods, and wantonly dared in waters
Speaker 1: deep to risk your lives. No living man, or leaf
Speaker 1: or loath from your labor dire could you dissuade from
Speaker 1: swimming the main ocean tides with your arms. Ye cover'd
Speaker 1: with strenuous hands. The sea streets measured swam o'er the waters.
Speaker 1: Winter's storm rolled the rough waves in realm of sea,
Speaker 1: A senite strove Ye in swimming he topped thee had
Speaker 1: more of Maine him. At morning tide, Billow's bore to
Speaker 1: the battling ramas. Whence he hied to his home. So
Speaker 1: dear beloved of his liegemen, to land of brondings, fastness,
Speaker 1: fair where his folk he ruled town and treasure. In
Speaker 1: triumph o'er thee Anstan's barn, his boast achieved, so ween
Speaker 1: I for thee a worse adventure. Though in buffet of battle,
Speaker 1: Thou brave hast been in struggle grim if Grendel's approach,
Speaker 1: Thou darest wait through the watch of night Berewolf spake
Speaker 1: barn of ech Thou what a deal? Hast uttered dear
Speaker 1: my unferth, drunken with beer of Breca, now told of
Speaker 1: his triumph. Truth, I claim it that I had more
Speaker 1: of might in the sea than any man else more
Speaker 1: ocean endurance. We twain had talked in time of youth
Speaker 1: and made our boast. We were merely boys, stripling still
Speaker 1: to stake our lives far at sea, and so we
Speaker 1: performed it naked swords. As we swam along, we held
Speaker 1: in hand with hope to guard us against the whales.
Speaker 1: Not a whit from me could he float afar o'er
Speaker 1: the flood of waves. Haste o'er the billows, nor him
Speaker 1: I abandoned. Together we twain on the tide's abode, five
Speaker 1: nights full till the flood divided us, churning waves and
Speaker 1: chillist weather. Darkling night, and the northern wind, ruthless, rushed
Speaker 1: on us. Rough was the surge. Now the wrath of
Speaker 1: the sea fish rose apace yet me against the monsters.
Speaker 1: My mailed coat, hard and hand linked help afforded battle.
Speaker 1: Sark braided my breast to ward, garnished with gold, there
Speaker 1: grasped me firm and hailed me to bottom the hated
Speaker 1: foe with grimmest grip. Twas granted me though to pierce
Speaker 1: the monster with point of sword, with blade of battle.
Speaker 1: Huge beast of the sea was whelmed by the hurly
Speaker 1: through hand of mine me. Thus often the evil monster's
Speaker 1: thronging threatened with thrust of my sword, the darling I
Speaker 1: dealt them due return. Nowise had they bliss from their
Speaker 1: booty than to devour their victim. Vengeful creatures seated to
Speaker 1: banquet at bottom of sea. But at break of day
Speaker 1: my brand sore hurt on the edge of ocean. Up
Speaker 1: they lay put to sleep by the sword, and since
Speaker 1: by them on the fathomless sea ways, sailor folk are
Speaker 1: never molested. Light from east came bright God's beacon. The
Speaker 1: billows sank so that I saw the sea cliff's high,
Speaker 1: windy walls for weird oft saveth earl undoomed if he
Speaker 1: doughty be. And so it came that I kill'd with
Speaker 1: my sword. Nine of the Nyikors of night fought battles.
Speaker 1: Ne'er heard I a harder neath Heaven's dome, nor adrift
Speaker 1: on the deep, a more desolate man. Yet I came
Speaker 1: unharmed from that hostile clutch, though spent with swimming the
Speaker 1: sea up bore me flood of the tide on Finnish
Speaker 1: land the welling waters. No wise of thee have I
Speaker 1: heard men tell such terror of falcians, bitter battle breca
Speaker 1: ne'er yet not one of you pair in the play
Speaker 1: of war such daring deed has done at all with
Speaker 1: bloody brand. I boast not of it, though thou wast
Speaker 1: the bane of thy brethren, Dear, thy closest kin, whence
Speaker 1: curse of hell awaits thee well as thy wit may serve.
Speaker 1: For I say in sooth thou, son of Ecglaf, never
Speaker 1: had Grendel these grim deeds wrought monster dire on thy master,
Speaker 1: Dear in Harot, such havoc if heart of thine were
Speaker 1: as battle bold as thy boast is loud, But he
Speaker 1: has found no feud will happen from sword clash, dread
Speaker 1: of your Danish clan. He vaunts him safe from the
Speaker 1: victor skildings, He forces, pledges, favors none of the land
Speaker 1: of Danes, but lustily murders, fights and feasts, nor feud
Speaker 1: he dreads from speared ane men. But speedily now shall
Speaker 1: I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats,
Speaker 1: shall bid him battle blithe to mead go he that
Speaker 1: listeth when light of dawn this marks orrow morning. O'er
Speaker 1: men of earth, ether robed sun from the south shall
Speaker 1: beam joyous. Then was the jewel giver, hoar haired, war
Speaker 1: brave help awaited the bright Danes prince from Beowulf, hearing folks,
Speaker 1: good shepherd, such firm resolve. Then was laughter of Liegemen, loud,
Speaker 1: resounding with winsome words. Came wealthaw forth, Queen of Hrothgar,
Speaker 1: heedful of courtesy, gold decked, greeting the guests in hall,
Speaker 1: and the high born lady handed the cup first to
Speaker 1: the east Danes. Heir and warden bade him be blithe
Speaker 1: at the beer carouse the land's beloved one lustily took
Speaker 1: he banquet and beaker battle famed king through the hall.
Speaker 1: Then went the helmings. Lady, too younger and older everywhere
Speaker 1: carried the cup till come the moment when the ring
Speaker 1: graced Queen the royal hearted to Beowulf bore the beaker
Speaker 1: of me. She greeted the Geat's Lord God. She thanked
Speaker 1: in wisdom's words that her will was granted, that at
Speaker 1: last on a hero her hope could lean for comfort
Speaker 1: and terrors. The cup he took hardy in war from
Speaker 1: whale Thow's hand, and answer uttered the eager for combat.
Speaker 1: Beowulf spake, Baron of eck Thou, this was my thought,
Speaker 1: when my fanes and I bent to the ocean and
Speaker 1: entered our boat, that I would work the will of
Speaker 1: your people fully, or fighting fall in death in fiend's
Speaker 1: grip fast, I am firm to do an earl's brave deed,
Speaker 1: or end the days of this life of mine. In
Speaker 1: the mead hall here well these words to the woman
Speaker 1: seemed Beowulf's battle boast bright with gold. The stately dame,
Speaker 1: by her spouse, sat down again as erst began in hall,
Speaker 1: warriors wassail and words of power the proud band's revel
Speaker 1: till presently the son of half Dane hastened to seek
Speaker 1: rest for the night. He knew there waited fight for
Speaker 1: the fiend in that festal hall. When the sheen of
Speaker 1: the sun they saw no more, and dusk of night sank,
Speaker 1: darkling nigh, and shadowy shapes came striding on Wan under Welkin.
Speaker 1: The warriors rose man to man. He made harangue Hrothgar
Speaker 1: to Beowulf, bade him hail, let him wield the wine hall.
Speaker 1: A word, he added, never to any man, eerst I
Speaker 1: trusted since I could heave up hand and shield this
Speaker 1: noble Dane hall. Till now to thee, have now and
Speaker 1: hold this house unpeered. Remember thy glory, thy might declare,
Speaker 1: watch for the foe. No wish shall fail thee. If
Speaker 1: thou bidest the battle with bold one life and of
Speaker 1: section two Section three.
Speaker 2: Then Roskaw went with his hero train defense of Sildings
Speaker 2: forth from hall fain would the war lord wilt thou
Speaker 2: seek couch of his queen, the King of Glory against
Speaker 2: this grendel A guard had set so heroes heard a
Speaker 2: whole defender who warded the monarch and watched for the monster.
Speaker 2: In truth, the Gheet's prince gladly trusted his mettle, his might,
Speaker 2: the mercy of God cast off, then his corselet of
Speaker 2: iron helmet from head to his henchmen, gave choicest of weapons,
Speaker 2: the well chased sword, bidding him guard the gear of battle.
Speaker 3: Spake.
Speaker 2: Then his vaunt, the valiant man beowulf Gate e're the
Speaker 2: bed be sought or force in fight? No feebler I
Speaker 2: count me in grim war deeds than Grendel deems him
Speaker 2: not with the sword. Then to sleep of death his
Speaker 2: life will I give, though it lie in my power.
Speaker 2: No skill is his to strike against me my shield
Speaker 2: to Hugh, though he hardy be bold in battle, we
Speaker 2: both this knight shall spurn the sword if he seek
Speaker 2: me here unweaponed for war. Let wisest God, sacred Lord,
Speaker 2: on which side soever doomed as he deemeth right reclined.
Speaker 2: Then the chieftain and cheek pillows held the head of
Speaker 2: the Earl, while all about him seamen hardy on ball
Speaker 2: beds sank. None of them thought that, thence their steps
Speaker 2: to the folk and fastness. It fostered them to the
Speaker 2: land they loved would lead them back full well. They
Speaker 2: wist that on warrior's many battle death seized in the
Speaker 2: banquet hall of Danish clan. But comfort and help war weal.
Speaker 2: Weaving to wade of folk, the master gave that by
Speaker 2: might have won over their enemy, all prevailed by single strength.
Speaker 2: In sooth tis told that highest God o'er human kind
Speaker 2: hath wielded. Ever through one night striding came the walker
Speaker 2: in shadow. Warriors slept, whose hest was to guard the
Speaker 2: gabled hall, all save one. Twas widely known that against
Speaker 2: God's will, the ghostly ravager Hymn could not hurl to
Speaker 2: haunts of darkness. Wakeful ready with warrior's wrath, bold he
Speaker 2: bided the battle's issue. Then from the moorland by misty crags,
Speaker 2: with God's ralph laden Grendel came the monster was minded
Speaker 2: of mankind, now sundry to seize in the stately house.
Speaker 2: Under welcome, he walked till the wine palace. There gold
Speaker 2: hall of men he gladly discerned, flashing with fretwork. Not
Speaker 2: first time this that he the home of Rothcar sought,
Speaker 2: Yet ne'er in his life, day late or early, such
Speaker 2: hardy heroes such hall Thanes found to the house. The
Speaker 2: warrior walked apace, parted from peace. The portal opened it,
Speaker 2: though with forged bolts. Fast when his fist had struck it,
Speaker 2: and baleful, he burst in his blatant rage the house's
Speaker 2: mouth all hastily. Then o'er fair paved floor. The fiend
Speaker 2: trod on ireful. He strode there, streamed from his eyes
Speaker 2: fearful flashes like flame to see he spied in hall
Speaker 2: the hero band, kin and clansmen clustered asleep. Hardy liegemen.
Speaker 2: Then laughed his heart, for the monster was minded ere morn,
Speaker 2: should dawn savage to sever the soul of each life
Speaker 2: from body, Since lustful Banquet waited his will, but weird
Speaker 2: forbade him to seize any more of men on earth.
Speaker 2: After that evening eagerly watched Heiglack's clansman, his cursed foe,
Speaker 2: how he would fare in fell attack, Not that the
Speaker 2: monster was minded to pause straightway. He seized a sleeping
Speaker 2: warrior for the first and tore him fiercely asunder the
Speaker 2: bone frame, bit drank blood in streams, swallowed him piecemeal swiftly.
Speaker 2: Thus the lifeless course was clear, devoured e'n feet and hands.
Speaker 2: Then farther he hied for the hardy hero. With hand
Speaker 2: he grasped, felt for the foe, with fiendish claw for
Speaker 2: the hero, reclining, who clutched it boldly, prompt to answer,
Speaker 2: propped on his arm. Soon then saw that shepherd of
Speaker 2: evils that never he met in this middle world in
Speaker 2: the ways of Earth, another white with heavier hand, gripe
Speaker 2: at heart he feared, sorrowed in soul none the sooner escaped.
Speaker 2: Fain would he flee his fastness, seek the den of devils.
Speaker 2: No doings now such as oft he had done in
Speaker 2: days of old. Then bethought him the hardy higlock, thane
Speaker 2: of his boasted evening. Up he bounded, grasped firm his foe,
Speaker 2: whose fingers cracked. The fiend made off, but the earl
Speaker 2: close followed. The monster meant if he might at all,
Speaker 2: to fling himself free and far away, fly to the fence.
Speaker 2: Knew his fingers power in the gripe of the grim one,
Speaker 2: gruesome marsh to herod. This monster of harm had made
Speaker 2: Din filled the room. The Danes were bereft, castle dwellers
Speaker 2: and clansmen, All earls of their ale angry were both
Speaker 2: so savage hall guards the house resounded wonder it was
Speaker 2: the wine hall, firm, in the strain of their struggle,
Speaker 2: stood to earth. The fair house fell not too fast.
Speaker 2: It was within and without by its iron bands, craftily clamped,
Speaker 2: though there crashed from sill. Many a mead bench men
Speaker 2: have told me, gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled,
Speaker 2: so well had weened the wisest sildings, that not ever
Speaker 2: at all might any man that bone decked brave house
Speaker 2: break asunder crush by craft, unless clasp of fire and
Speaker 2: smoke engulfed it again. Uprose din redoubled, Danes of the
Speaker 2: north with fear and frenzy were filled each one who
Speaker 2: from the war that wailing heard God's foe sounding his
Speaker 2: grisly song, cry of the conquered, clamorous pain from captive
Speaker 2: of hell too closely held him, he who of men
Speaker 2: in might was strongest in that same day of this
Speaker 2: our life. Not in any wise would the Earl's defense
Speaker 2: suffer that slaughterrous stranger to live, unless dealing his days
Speaker 2: and years to men on earth. Now many an earl
Speaker 2: of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral feigned the life of their
Speaker 2: lord to shield to their praise at Prince, if power
Speaker 2: were theirs. Never they knew as they neared the foe,
Speaker 2: hardy hearted heroes of war, aiming their swords on every
Speaker 2: side the accursed to kill. No keenest blade, no fairest
Speaker 2: of Fucians fashioned on earth could harm or hurt that
Speaker 2: hideous fiend. He was safe by his spells, from sword
Speaker 2: of battle, from edge of iron. Yet his end and
Speaker 2: parting on that same day of this hour life woeful
Speaker 2: should be, and his wandering soul far off flit to
Speaker 2: the fiend's domain. Soon he found who in former days
Speaker 2: harmful in heart and hated of God. On many a
Speaker 2: man such murder wrought that the frame of his body
Speaker 2: failed him. Now for him, the keen, souled kinsman of higlack,
Speaker 2: held in hand, hateful alive was to each other, the
Speaker 2: outlawed dire took mortal hurt. A mighty wound showed on
Speaker 2: his shoulder, and sinews cracked in the bone frame burst
Speaker 2: to Beowulf. Now the glory was given, and Grendel, thence death,
Speaker 2: sick his den in the dark moor, sought noisome abode.
Speaker 1: He knew too.
Speaker 2: Well that here was the last of life, an end
Speaker 2: of his days on earth.
Speaker 1: To all the Danes.
Speaker 2: By that bloody battle the boon had come from ravage,
Speaker 2: had rescued the roving stranger Rothgar's hall. The hardy and
Speaker 2: wise one had perched it anew. His night work pleased him,
Speaker 2: his deed and its honor to eastern Danes, had the
Speaker 2: valiant geat his vaunt made good all their sorrow and
Speaker 2: ill are suaged, their bale of battle borne so long,
Speaker 2: and all the dole they erst endured pain a plenty
Speaker 2: twas proof of this, when the hardy in fight a
Speaker 2: hand laid down arm and shoulder, all indeed of Grendel's
Speaker 2: gripe neath the gabled roof. Many at morning, as men
Speaker 2: have told me, warriors gathered the gift hall round. Folk
Speaker 2: leaders faring from far and near o'er wide stretched ways
Speaker 2: the wonder to view traces of the traitor not troublous,
Speaker 2: seemed the enemy's end to any man who saw by
Speaker 2: the gait of the graceless foe. How the weary hearted
Speaker 2: away from thence baffled in battle and band his steps
Speaker 2: death marked, dragged to the devil's near bloody. The billows
Speaker 2: were boiling there, turbid, the tide of tumbling waves, horribly
Speaker 2: seething with sword blood hot by that doomed one died, who,
Speaker 2: in den of the moor, laid forlorn his life. Are
Speaker 2: down his heathen soul, and Hell received it home. Then
Speaker 2: rode the hoary clansmen from that merry journey, and many
Speaker 2: a youth on horse whe the hardy warrior's back from
Speaker 2: the mere. Then Beowulf's glory. Eager they echoed, and all
Speaker 2: averred that from sea to sea, or south or north,
Speaker 2: there was no other in Earth's domain under vault of
Speaker 2: Heaven more valiant found of warriors, none more worthy to
Speaker 2: rule on their lord beloved. They laid no slight gracious
Speaker 2: rofka a good king. He From time to time the
Speaker 2: tried in battle their gray steeds, set to gallop a main,
Speaker 2: and ran a race when the road seemed fair. From
Speaker 2: time to time a fane of the king, who had
Speaker 2: made many vaunts, was mindful of verses stored with sagas
Speaker 2: and songs of old bound word to word in well
Speaker 2: knit rhyme, wielded his lay. This warrior soon of Beowulf's
Speaker 2: quest right cleverly sang and artfully added an excellent tale
Speaker 2: in well ranged words, of the warlike deeds he had
Speaker 2: heard in Sagre of Sigamund. Strange the story, he said
Speaker 2: it all the walesings, wanderings wide, his struggles, which never
Speaker 2: were told to tribes of men, the feuds and the frauds,
Speaker 2: save to Fetella. Only when of these doings he deigned
Speaker 2: to speak uncle to nephew. As ever, the twain stood
Speaker 2: side by side in stress of war, and multitude of
Speaker 2: the monster kind they had felled with their swords. Of
Speaker 2: Sigamund grew when he passed from life no little praise
Speaker 2: for the doughty and combat. A dragon killed that herded
Speaker 2: the Horde under hoary rock. The atheling dared the deed
Speaker 2: alone fearful quest, nor was for teller there. Yet so
Speaker 2: it befell his fortune. Pierced that wondrous worm on the wall,
Speaker 2: it struck best blade, the dragon died in its blood.
Speaker 2: Thus had the dread one, by daring, achieved over the
Speaker 2: Ringhorde to rule at will himself. To pleasure. A sea
Speaker 2: boat he loaded and bore on its bosom, the beaming
Speaker 2: gold Son of Wales. The worm was consumed. He had,
Speaker 2: of all heroes the highest renown among races of men,
Speaker 2: this refuge of warriors for deeds of daring that decked
Speaker 2: his name. Since the hand and heart of Herremund grew
Speaker 2: slack in battle, he swiftly banished to mingle with monsters
Speaker 2: at mercy of foes to death was betrayed for torrents
Speaker 2: of sorrow had lamed him too long a mode of
Speaker 2: care to earls and bafflings. All he proved oft, indeed,
Speaker 2: in earlier days for the warrior's wafaring. Wise men mourned,
Speaker 2: who had hoped of him help from harm and bail,
Speaker 2: and had thought their sovereign's son would thrive follow his
Speaker 2: father his folk protect the Horde and the stronghold hero's land,
Speaker 2: home of sildings. But here, faines, said the kinsmen of
Speaker 2: higlack kindess seemed to all. The other was urged to crime,
Speaker 2: and afresh to the race the fallow roads by swift
Speaker 2: steeds measured the morning sun was climbing higher. Clan's men
Speaker 2: hastened to the high built wall. Those hearty minded the
Speaker 2: wonder to witness warden of treasure crowned with glory, the
Speaker 2: king himself with stately band from the bride bower Strode,
Speaker 2: and with him the Queen and her crowd of maidens
Speaker 2: measured the path to the mead house. Fair Rothgar spake
Speaker 2: to the hall. He went, stood by the steps the
Speaker 2: steep roof saw garnished with gold in Grendel's hand.
Speaker 1: For the sight I.
Speaker 2: See to the sovereign ruler be speedy. Thanks a throng
Speaker 2: of sorrows I have borne from Grendel. But God's still
Speaker 2: works wonder on wonder the warden of glory. It was,
Speaker 2: but now that I never more, for woes that weighed
Speaker 2: on me, waited help long as I lived, When laved
Speaker 2: in blood, stood sword gore stained this stateliest house, widespread
Speaker 2: woe for wise men, all who had no hope to
Speaker 2: hinder ever foes, infernal and fiendish sprites from Havoc and hall.
Speaker 2: This hero, now, by the wielder's might, a work has
Speaker 2: done that not all of us erst could ever do
Speaker 2: by wilent wisdom. Lo well can she say, whoso of
Speaker 2: women this warrior bore among sons of men? If still
Speaker 2: she liveth that the God of the Ages was good
Speaker 2: to her in the birth of her bairn. Now Beowulf,
Speaker 2: thee of heroes, best I shall heartily love as mine
Speaker 2: own my son. Preserve thou. Ever this kinship knew, Thou
Speaker 2: shalt never lack wealth of the world that I wield
Speaker 2: as mine full of. For less have I large as
Speaker 2: showered my precious hoarde on a punier man, less stout
Speaker 2: in struggle thyself hast now fulfilled such deeds that thy
Speaker 2: fame shall endure through all the ages as ever he
Speaker 2: did well, May the wielder reward thee. Still Beowulf, spake
Speaker 2: Baron of eck Thou this work of war most willingly.
Speaker 2: We have fought this fight and fearlessly dared force of
Speaker 2: the foe. Fain too, were I hadst thou but seen himself.
Speaker 2: What time the fiend, in his trappings tottered to fall? Swiftly?
Speaker 2: I thought, in strongest gripe on his bed of death,
Speaker 2: to bind him down, that he, in the heart of
Speaker 2: this hand of mine, should breathe his last. But he
Speaker 2: broke away. Here I might not the maker wiled not
Speaker 2: hinder from flight, and firm enough hold the life destroyer too.
Speaker 2: Sturdy was he, the ruthless and running for rescue. However,
Speaker 2: he left behind him his hand in pledge, arm and shoulder.
Speaker 2: Nor aught of help could the cursed one thus procure
Speaker 2: it all none the longer liveth he loathsome fiend sunk
Speaker 2: in his sins, But sorrow holds him tightly, grasped in
Speaker 2: gripe of anguish, in baleful bonds, where abide he must
Speaker 2: evil outlaw such awful doom as the mighty maker shall
Speaker 2: meet him out more silent seemed the son of eglaf
Speaker 2: em boast speech of his battle deeds, Since Athling's all
Speaker 2: through the Earl's great prowess beheld that hand on the
Speaker 2: high roof, gazing foeman's fingers. The fore part of each
Speaker 2: of the sturdy nails to steel was likest heathen's hand spear,
Speaker 2: hostile warrior's chlor uncanny. Twas clear they said that him.
Speaker 2: No blade of the brave could touch, how keen soever,
Speaker 2: or cut away that battle hand, bloody from baneful foe.
Speaker 2: End of section three.
Speaker 4: Section four, there was hurry and hest in hurrat Now
Speaker 4: poor hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng
Speaker 4: of men and women, the wine haul to cleanse the
Speaker 4: guest room, to garnish gold gage on the hangings that
Speaker 4: were wove on the wall, and wonders many to delight
Speaker 4: each mortal that looks upon them. Though braced within by
Speaker 4: iron bands, that building bright was broken, sorely rent were
Speaker 4: its hinges. The roof alone held safe and sound. When
Speaker 4: seared with cro the fiendish foe his flight essayed of life,
Speaker 4: despairing no light thing that the flight for safety, say it,
Speaker 4: who will force of fate? He shall find his way
Speaker 4: to the refuge, ready for race of man, for soul,
Speaker 4: possessors and sons of earth, And there his body, on
Speaker 4: bed of death shall rest. After revel arrived was the
Speaker 4: hour when to hall proceeded half Dean's son, the king
Speaker 4: himself would sit to banquet. Ne'er heard I of host
Speaker 4: in haughtier throng more graciously gathered round, giver of rings,
Speaker 4: bowed then to bench. Those bearers of glory fain of
Speaker 4: the feasting, fatally received many a mead cup. The mighty
Speaker 4: in spirit kinsman who sat in the sumptuous hall Trothgar
Speaker 4: and Hrothulf Herath now was filled with friends the folk
Speaker 4: of Skildings. Ne'er yet had tried the traitor's deed to
Speaker 4: Berewulf gave the bane of half Dean, a gold wove banner,
Speaker 4: gerdon of triumph, broidered battle flag, breastplate and helmet, and
Speaker 4: a splendid sword was seen of many borne to the
Speaker 4: brave one Berewulf took cup in hall for such costly gifts.
Speaker 4: He suffer'd no shame in that soldier throng, for I
Speaker 4: heard a few heroes in heartier mood with four such
Speaker 4: gifts so fashioned, with gold on the ale bench honoring others.
Speaker 4: Thus or the roof of the helmet high, a ridge
Speaker 4: wound with wires kept ward o'er the head, lest the
Speaker 4: relict of files should fierce, inveighed sharp in the strife.
Speaker 4: When that shielded hero should go to grapple against his foes,
Speaker 4: then the earl's defense on the floor bade lead coursers
Speaker 4: eight with carven head gear. Adown the hall, one horse
Speaker 4: was decked, the saddle all shining and set in jewels.
Speaker 4: Twas the battle seat of the best of kings. When
Speaker 4: to play of swords, the son of half Dean was
Speaker 4: fain to fare ne'er failed his valor in the crush
Speaker 4: of combat, when corpses fell to beowulf over them. Both
Speaker 4: then gave the refuge of ingwine's right and power o'er
Speaker 4: war steeds and weapons, wished him joy of them manfully.
Speaker 4: Thus the mighty Prince hoard guard for heroes that hard fight,
Speaker 4: repaid with steeds and treasures contemned by none who is
Speaker 4: willing to say the sooth aright. And the Lord of
Speaker 4: earls to each that came with Berewulf over the briny
Speaker 4: ways an heirloom there at the ell bench gave precious gift,
Speaker 4: and the price bade pay in gold for him whom
Speaker 4: grendel Est murdered, and fain of them more had killed,
Speaker 4: had not what wisest God their word averted, and the
Speaker 4: man's brave mood. The maker then ruled human kind as
Speaker 4: here and now therefore is in sight always best and
Speaker 4: forethought of mind, how much awaits him of leaf and
Speaker 4: of loath, who long time here through days of warfare,
Speaker 4: this world endures. Then song and music mingled sounds, and
Speaker 4: the presence of half Dean's head of armies, and harping
Speaker 4: was heard with the hero lay as throftgart singer the
Speaker 4: hall Joy woke along the mead seats, making his song
Speaker 4: of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn, half
Speaker 4: Dean's hero Naf the Skilding was fated to fall in
Speaker 4: the Frisian slaughter. Hilburg needed not hold in value her
Speaker 4: enemy's honor. Innocent both were the loved one she lost
Speaker 4: at the Linden play Ban and brother they bowed to fate,
Speaker 4: stricken by spears twas a sorrow woman. None doubted why
Speaker 4: the daughter of Hoc bewailed her doom. When dawning came
Speaker 4: and under the sky she saw them lying kinsmen murdered.
Speaker 4: When most she had ken of the sweets of the
Speaker 4: world by war were swept two Finn's own liegemen, and
Speaker 4: few were left in the parleying place. He could ply,
Speaker 4: no longer weapon nor war could he wage on Hengest
Speaker 4: and rescue his remnants by right of arms from the princess.
Speaker 4: Than a pact he offered another dwelling, the Danes should
Speaker 4: have hall and high seat, and half the power should
Speaker 4: fall to them in Frisian land and at the figifts
Speaker 4: Fulkwald's sun day by day. The Danes should honor the
Speaker 4: folk of Hengest favor with rings, even as truly with
Speaker 4: treasure and jewels with fretted gold. As his Frisian kin
Speaker 4: he meant to honor in ale Hall. There pacts of
Speaker 4: peace they plighted further on both sides, firmly Finn to
Speaker 4: Hengest with oath upon honor, openly promised that woeful remnant,
Speaker 4: with wise men's aid, nobly to govern. So none of
Speaker 4: the guests, by word or work should warp the treaty,
Speaker 4: or with malice of mind bemoan themselves as forced to
Speaker 4: follow their fee giver's slayer ladless men, as their lot ordained,
Speaker 4: should Frisian moreover with Foemen's taunt that murderous hatred to
Speaker 4: mind recall, then edge of the sword must seal his doom.
Speaker 4: Oaths were given, and ancient gold heaped from Horde, the
Speaker 4: hardy skillding battle fane best on his bail fire lay
Speaker 4: all on the byre were plain to see the gory sark,
Speaker 4: the gilded swine crest, boar of hard iron, and Eathling's
Speaker 4: many slain by the sword of the slaughter they fell.
Speaker 4: It was Hildeberth's headst at Neft's on pire, the burn
Speaker 4: of her body on brands to lay his bones to
Speaker 4: burn on the baial fire placed at his uncle's side,
Speaker 4: and sorrowful dirgers bewept them. The woman great wailing ascended,
Speaker 4: then wound up to Bulkan. The wildest of death fires
Speaker 4: roared o'er the hillock heads. All were melted, gashes burst,
Speaker 4: and blood gushed out from bites of the body. Balefire
Speaker 4: devoured greediest spirit, though spared not by war, out of
Speaker 4: either folk. Their flower was gone. Then hastened those heroes
Speaker 4: their home to see, friendless, to find the Frisian land
Speaker 4: houses and highburg hangeth still through the death dyed winter
Speaker 4: dwelt with Finn holding pact. Yet of home he minded,
Speaker 4: though powerless his ring decked prow to drive over the waters.
Speaker 4: Now waves rolled fierce, lashed by the winds or winter
Speaker 4: locked them in icy fetters, then fared another year to
Speaker 4: mene dwellings. As yet they do the sun bright skies
Speaker 4: that their season, ever duly await far off. Winter was
Speaker 4: driven fair lay Earth's breast, and Fain was the rover
Speaker 4: the guest to depart, though more gladly. He pondered on
Speaker 4: wreaking his vengeance than roaming the deep, and how to
Speaker 4: hasten the hot encounter where sons of the Frisians were
Speaker 4: sure to be so we escaped not the common doom.
Speaker 4: When hung with laughing the light of battle, best of blades,
Speaker 4: his bosom pierced, its edge was famed with the Frisian
Speaker 4: earls on Fierce's heart. Thinn there fell likewise on him self.
Speaker 4: At home. The horrid saw death for Guthlaf and Oslaf
Speaker 4: of grim attack had sorrowing told from seaways landed mourning
Speaker 4: their woes. Finn's wavering spirit bode not imprest. The burg
Speaker 4: was reddened with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain
Speaker 4: king amid clansmen. The queen was taken to their ship.
Speaker 4: The Skilding warriors bore all the chattels. The chieftain owned
Speaker 4: whatever they found in Finn's domain of gems and jewels.
Speaker 4: The gentle wife o'er paths of the deep to the Danes,
Speaker 4: they bore led to her land. The lay was finished.
Speaker 4: The gleam AND's song. Then glad rose the revel bench
Speaker 4: boy brightened bearers draw from their wonder bats wine comes.
Speaker 4: We'll pow forth under gold crown goes where the good
Speaker 4: pair sit Uncle and nephew, two each to the other,
Speaker 4: one kindred in amity unfirth. The spokesman of the Skilding
Speaker 4: Lord's feet. Sat men had faith in his spirit, his
Speaker 4: keenness of courage, though kinsmen had found him unsure. At
Speaker 4: the sword play, the Skilding Queen spoke, quoth of this cup,
Speaker 4: my king and lord, breaker of rings, and blithe be
Speaker 4: thou gold friend of men to the geats. Here speak
Speaker 4: such words of mildness as men should use. Be glad
Speaker 4: with thy geats of those gifts, be mindful or near
Speaker 4: or far which now thou hast, men say to me
Speaker 4: a son, Thou wishest yon hero to hold thy haraths, perjured,
Speaker 4: jewel hall brightest enjoy Thou canst with many a largis,
Speaker 4: and leave to thy kin folk and realm. When forth
Speaker 4: thou goest to greet thy doom for gracious I deem
Speaker 4: my Wrotholf, willing to hold and rule nobly our youths.
Speaker 4: If thou yield up, first, prince of Skildings, thy part
Speaker 4: in the world, I ween with good, he will well
Speaker 4: requite offspring of hours, when all he minds that for
Speaker 4: him we did in his helpless days of gift and
Speaker 4: grace to gain him honor. Then she turned to the
Speaker 4: seat where her sons were placed Threatrick and Rothmond, with heroes,
Speaker 4: bands young men together. The Geat too sat there berewulf
Speaker 4: brave the brothers between a cup she gave him with
Speaker 4: kindly greeting and winsome words of wound and gold. She
Speaker 4: offered to honor him armed jewels, twain, corselet and rings,
Speaker 4: and of collars. The noblest that ever I knew the
Speaker 4: earth around, ne'er heard I so mighty neath Heaven's dome
Speaker 4: a hoard gem of heroes. Since Hammer bore to his
Speaker 4: bright built burg the brisings, necklace, jewel and gem casket,
Speaker 4: jealousy fled he or Menroc's hate chose help eternal. He
Speaker 4: gallach Geat, grandson of Sweating. On the last of his raids.
Speaker 4: This ring bore with him under his manner the booty
Speaker 4: defending the war spoil warding, but word overwhelmed him. What
Speaker 4: time in his daring dangers he sought feud with Frisians.
Speaker 4: Fairest of gems he bore with him of the beaker
Speaker 4: of waves, sovereigns, strong under shield he died, fell the
Speaker 4: corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, gear of
Speaker 4: the breast, and that gorgeous ring. Weaker warriors won the
Speaker 4: spoil after gripe of battle from Geetland's lord, and held
Speaker 4: the death field. Din rose in hall built pulse, spake
Speaker 4: amid warriors, and said, this jewel enjoy in thy jockund youth.
Speaker 4: Berewulf loved these battle weeds, where a royal treasure and
Speaker 4: richly thrive, preserve thy strength, and these striplings here counsel
Speaker 4: in kindness requital be mine has done such deeds that
Speaker 4: for days to come. Thou art famed among folk, both
Speaker 4: far and near, so wide as washeth the wave of ocean,
Speaker 4: his windy walls, through the ways of life. Prosper o Prince,
Speaker 4: I pray for the rich possessions to son of mine,
Speaker 4: be helpful indeed, and uphold his joys. Here every earl
Speaker 4: to the other is true, mild of mood to the master.
Speaker 4: Loyal thines are friendly, the throng obedient liegemen are reveling.
Speaker 4: List and obey went then to her place that was
Speaker 4: proudest of feasts, flowed wine for the warriors. Word they
Speaker 4: knew not destiny dire, and the doom to be seen
Speaker 4: by many an earl when eve should come and throth
Speaker 4: our homeward hasten away royal to rest. The room was
Speaker 4: guarded by an army of earls. As erste was done,
Speaker 4: they bared the bench balls abroad, they spread beds and bolsters.
Speaker 4: One beer carouser, in danger of doom, lay down in
Speaker 4: the hall. At their heads, they said, their shields of
Speaker 4: war butler's bright on the bench were there over each
Speaker 4: eighthling easy to see the high battle helmet, the haughty spear,
Speaker 4: the corselet of rings. Twas their customs, so ever to
Speaker 4: be for battle, prepared at home, or harrying, which it were,
Speaker 4: even as off does evil threaten their sovereign king. They
Speaker 4: were clansmen good. Then sank they to sleep with sorrow
Speaker 4: when bought his rest of the evening, as oft time
Speaker 4: had happened, and when Grendel guarded that golden hall, evil
Speaker 4: wrought till his end drew nigh slaughter for sins twas
Speaker 4: seen and told how an avenger survived the fiend, as
Speaker 4: was learnt afar the livelong time after that grim fight,
Speaker 4: Grendel's mother, Monster of women, mourned her woe. She was
Speaker 4: doomed to dwell in the dreary waters cold sea courses
Speaker 4: since Cain cut down with edge of the sword, his
Speaker 4: only brother, his father's offspring. Outlawed, he fled, marked with
Speaker 4: murder from men's delights, warded the wilds there woke from him.
Speaker 4: Such fate sent ghosts as Grendel, who wore wolf horrid.
Speaker 4: At herot found a warrior watching and waiting the fray
Speaker 4: with whom the grisly one grappled a main. But the
Speaker 4: man remembered his mighty power, the glorious gift that God
Speaker 4: had sent him in his maker's mercy, put his trust
Speaker 4: for comfort and help. So he conquered the foe, felled
Speaker 4: the fiend, who fled abject, reft of joy, to the
Speaker 4: realms of death mankind's foe, and his mother, now gloomy
Speaker 4: and grin, would go that quest of sorrow, the death
Speaker 4: of her son to avenge to her. At came she
Speaker 4: where helmet had danes slept in the hall too soon
Speaker 4: came back old ills of the earls, when in she
Speaker 4: burst the mother of Grendel. Less grim though that terror,
Speaker 4: and as terror of woman in war is less might
Speaker 4: have made than of men in arms. When Hammer forged
Speaker 4: the falcon heart, sword gore stain, though swine of the
Speaker 4: helm crested with keen blade carves. A man then was
Speaker 4: in the hall, the hard edge drawn, the swords on
Speaker 4: the settles and shields. A many firm held in hand,
Speaker 4: nor helmet minded, nor harness of mail, whom that horror seized.
Speaker 4: Haste was hers. She would hie afar and save her life.
Speaker 4: When the liegeman saw her yet a single eightling up
Speaker 4: she seized fast and firm as she fled to the moor.
Speaker 4: He was four rothguard of heroes, the dearest of trusty vassals,
Speaker 4: betwixt the seas, whom she killed on his couch, A
Speaker 4: clansman famous in battle, brave, nor was berewulf. There another
Speaker 4: house had been held apart, after giving of gold for
Speaker 4: the Geat renowned Uproar filled her roths the hand all
Speaker 4: had viewed. Blood fleck she bore with her bail was
Speaker 4: returned dole in the dwellings towards dire exchange, where Dane
Speaker 4: and Geat were doomed to gear the lives of loved
Speaker 4: ones long tried. King the hoary hero at heart, was
Speaker 4: sad when he knew his noble no more lived and dead.
Speaker 4: Indeed was his dearest thane to his bow was berewolf
Speaker 4: brought in haste dauntless victor. As daylight broke along with
Speaker 4: his earl's the oightling lord with his clownsmen came where
Speaker 4: the king abode, waiting to see if the wielder of
Speaker 4: all would turn this tale of trouble and woe. Strode
Speaker 4: over floor the famed in strife with his hand companions.
Speaker 4: The hall resounded, wishing to greet the wise old king
Speaker 4: in Gwine's lord. He asked if the knight had passed
Speaker 4: in peace to the prince's mind. End of section four.
Speaker 5: Section five, Rothgar spake, helmet of skildings, ask not of pleasure.
Speaker 5: Pain is renewed to Danish folk. Dead is iskhaire of
Speaker 5: irmen Lath the elder brother, my sage adviser and stay
Speaker 5: in council shoulder comrade. In stress of fight, when warriors
Speaker 5: clash'd and we warded our heads hewed the helm boars
Speaker 5: hero fam'd should be every earl as I caree was,
Speaker 5: but here in hirot a hand hath slain him of
Speaker 5: wandering death. Sprite, I WoT not whither proud of the
Speaker 5: prey her path she took fain of her fill. The
Speaker 5: feud she aveng'd that yester night unyieldingly. Grendel in grimmest
Speaker 5: grasp thou killidst seeing how long these liegemen mine. He
Speaker 5: ruin'd and ravaged, reft of life in arms he fell.
Speaker 5: Now another comes, keen and cruel, akin to Avenge, faring
Speaker 5: far in feud of blood, so that many a thane
Speaker 5: shall think who e'er sorrows in soul for that sharer
Speaker 5: of rings. This is hardest of heart bales. The hand
Speaker 5: lies low that once was willing. Each wish to please
Speaker 5: land dwellers here, and liegemen mine who house by those
Speaker 5: parts I have heard relate that such a pair they
Speaker 5: have sometimes seen march Stalker's mighty, the moorland haunting wondering spirits.
Speaker 5: One of them seem'd so far as my folk could
Speaker 5: fairly judge of womankind, and one accursed in man's guise,
Speaker 5: trod the misery track of exile, though huger than human bulk,
Speaker 5: Grendel in days long gone they named him folk of
Speaker 5: the land. His father. They knew not, nor any brood
Speaker 5: that was borne to him, of treacherous spirits. Untrod is
Speaker 5: their home, by wolf cliffs haunt they and windy headlands,
Speaker 5: fenways fearful where flows the stream from mountains, gliding to
Speaker 5: gloom of the rocks underground flood not far is it
Speaker 5: hence in measure of miles, that the mere expands, and
Speaker 5: o'er it the frost bound forest hanging sturdily rooted shadows
Speaker 5: the wave by night is a wonder weird to see
Speaker 5: fire on the waters. So wise lived none of the
Speaker 5: sons of men to search those depths. Nay, though the heathrover,
Speaker 5: harried by dogs, the horn proud heart, this halt should
Speaker 5: seek long distance, driven his dear life. First on the rink,
Speaker 5: he yields ere he brathe the plunge to hide his head.
Speaker 5: Tis no happy place. Thence the welter of waters washes
Speaker 5: up one to welkin when winds bestir evil storms and
Speaker 5: air grows dusk, and the heavens weep. Now is help
Speaker 5: once more with thee alone the land thou know'st not
Speaker 5: place of fear, Where thou findest out that sinflect being seek.
Speaker 5: If thou dare, I will reward thee for waging this
Speaker 5: fight with ancient treasure, as erst I did with winding gold.
Speaker 5: If thou winnest back. Beowulf spake bairn of egthial sorrow
Speaker 5: not sage. It beseems us better friends to avenge than
Speaker 5: fruitlessly mourn them. Each of us all must his men
Speaker 5: abide in the ways of the world. So win who
Speaker 5: may glory ere death when his days are told. That
Speaker 5: is the warrior's worthiest doom. Rise o realm warder ride
Speaker 5: we anon and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel.
Speaker 5: No harbor shall hide her. Heed my promise, enfolding of
Speaker 5: field or forested mountain, or floor of the flood. Let
Speaker 5: her flee whence she will. But thou this day endure
Speaker 5: in patience, as I ween thou wilt thy woes. Each
Speaker 5: one leapt up the gray beard God. He thanked Mighty
Speaker 5: Lord for the man's brave words for Hrothgar. Soon a
Speaker 5: horse was saddled wave maine steed. The sovereign wise stately
Speaker 5: rode on his shield. Armed men followed in force. The
Speaker 5: footprints led along the woodland widely seen a path o'er
Speaker 5: the plain where she passed and trod the murky moor
Speaker 5: of men at arms. She bore the bravest and best
Speaker 5: one dead, him who with throthgar the homestead ruled on.
Speaker 5: Then went the atheling born o'er stone cliffs, steep and
Speaker 5: straight defiles, narrow passes and unknown ways, headlands sheer, and
Speaker 5: the haunts of the niccoors foremost. He fared a few
Speaker 5: at his side of the wisest men the ways to scan,
Speaker 5: till he found in a flash the forested hill hanging
Speaker 5: over the hoary rock, a woeful wood. The waves below
Speaker 5: were dyed in blood. The danish Men had sorrow of
Speaker 5: soul and for skildings all for many a hero twas
Speaker 5: hard to bear ill for earls when I scare his head.
Speaker 5: They found by the flood on the fall, and there
Speaker 5: waves were welling. The warriors saw hot with blood, but
Speaker 5: the horn sang oft battle song bold. The band sat
Speaker 5: down and watched on the water, worm like things, sea
Speaker 5: dragons strange that sounded the deep, and nicors that lay
Speaker 5: on the ledge of the nests, such as oft essay
Speaker 5: at hour of morn, on the road of sails, their
Speaker 5: ruthless quest, and sea snakes and monsters. These started away,
Speaker 5: swollen and savage. That song to hear that wore horn's blast.
Speaker 5: The warden of gillats with bolt from bow, then balked
Speaker 5: of life of wave work one monster amid its heart
Speaker 5: went the keen war shaft in water. It seemed less
Speaker 5: doughty in swimming whom death had seized. Swift on the
Speaker 5: billows with boar spears well hooked and barbed. It was
Speaker 5: hard beset done to death, and dragg'd on the headland
Speaker 5: wave roamer. Wond'rous warriors view'd the grisly quest, then girt
Speaker 5: him Beowulf in martial mail, nor mourn'd for his life.
Speaker 5: His breastplate broad and bright of hues woven by hand.
Speaker 5: Should the waters dry, well could it ward the warrior's body,
Speaker 5: that battle should break on his breast in vain, nor
Speaker 5: harm his heart by the hand of a foe. And
Speaker 5: the helmet white that his head protected was destin'd to
Speaker 5: dare the deeps of the flood. The wave whirl wind
Speaker 5: twas wound with chains, deck'd with gold, as in days
Speaker 5: of yore. The weapon smith work'd it wondrously with swine
Speaker 5: forms set it that swords nowise brandished in battle could
Speaker 5: bite that helm. Nor was that the meanest of mighty
Speaker 5: helps which Shrothgar's orator offer'd at need hrunting, they named
Speaker 5: the hilted sword of old time. Heir looms easily. First
Speaker 5: iron was its edge, all etch'd with poison, with battle,
Speaker 5: blood hardened, nor blenched it at fight in a hero's hand,
Speaker 5: who held it ever on paths of peril, prepared to
Speaker 5: go to folkstead of foes. Not first time this it
Speaker 5: was destined to do a daring task. For he bore
Speaker 5: not in mind the Baon of echgluff, sturdy and strong,
Speaker 5: that speech he had made drunk with wine. Now this
Speaker 5: weapon he lent to a stouter swordsman himself, though durst
Speaker 5: not under welter of waters, wager his life as loyal liegemen.
Speaker 5: So lost he his glory, honor of earls with the other.
Speaker 5: Not so who girded him now for the grim encounter.
Speaker 5: Beowulf spake, Bairon of echt have mind, thou, honored offspring
Speaker 5: of half Dane gold, friend of men. Now I go
Speaker 5: on this quest sovereign wise what once was said, if
Speaker 5: in thy cause it came that I should lose my life,
Speaker 5: thou wouldst loyal bide to me, though fallen in father's place.
Speaker 5: Be guardian thou to this group of my thanes. My
Speaker 5: warrior friends. If war should seize me and the goodly gifts,
Speaker 5: thou gavest me, Hrothgar beloved to Higalac send Gaatlund's king
Speaker 5: may Ken by the Goldrethel's son see when he stares
Speaker 5: at the treasure, that I got, mere friend for goodness,
Speaker 5: famed and joy'd, while I could in my duel bestower
Speaker 5: and let unfaith wield this wondrous sword. Earl far honored
Speaker 5: this ere gloom, precious hard of edge, with thrunting, I
Speaker 5: seek doom of glory, or death shall take me. After
Speaker 5: these words, the wader gayat Lord boldly hastened, biding never
Speaker 5: answer at all. The ocean floods clos'd o'er the hero,
Speaker 5: long while of the day fled ere he felt the
Speaker 5: floor of the sea. Soon found the fiend who the
Speaker 5: flood domain. Sword hungry held these hundred winters, greedy and
Speaker 5: grim that some guest from above, some man was raiding
Speaker 5: her monster realm. She grasped out for him with grisly claws,
Speaker 5: and the warrior seiz'd, yet scathed, she not his body.
Speaker 5: Hail the breastplate hindered as she strove to shatter the
Speaker 5: sark of war. The linked harness with loathsome hand then
Speaker 5: bore this brine wolf. When bottom she touch'd the lord
Speaker 5: of rings to the lair she haunted. Whiles vainly he strove,
Speaker 5: though his valor held weapon to wield against wondrous monsters
Speaker 5: that sore beset him. Sea beasts many tried with fierce
Speaker 5: tusks to tear his mail, and swarmed on the stranger.
Speaker 5: But soon he marked he was now in some hall
Speaker 5: he knew not which where water never could work him harm,
Speaker 5: nor through the roof could reach him. Ever, fangs of
Speaker 5: the flood firelight he saw, beams of a blaze that
Speaker 5: brightly shone. Then the warrior was ware of that wolf
Speaker 5: of the deep, mere wife monstrous for mighty stroke, he
Speaker 5: swung his blade, and the blow withheld not then sang
Speaker 5: on her head. That seemly blade, its war song wild.
Speaker 5: But the warrior, found the light of battle, was loath
Speaker 5: to bite, to harm the heart. Its hard edge failed.
Speaker 5: The noble, at need yet had known of old strife
Speaker 5: hand to hand, and had helmet's cloven doomed men's fighting
Speaker 5: gear first time. This for the gleaming blade that its
Speaker 5: glory fell firms still stood nor failed in valor, heedful
Speaker 5: of high deeds, high glax kinsmen flung away fretted sword
Speaker 5: featly jeweled the angry earl on earth. It lay steel,
Speaker 5: edged and stiff his strength he trusted hand gripe of might.
Speaker 5: So man shall do whenever in war he weens to
Speaker 5: earn him lasting fame, nor fears for his life, seized
Speaker 5: them by shoulder, shrank not from combat. The Giatish war
Speaker 5: Prince Grendel's mother flung then the fierce one, filled with
Speaker 5: wrath his deadly foe, that she fell to ground. Swift
Speaker 5: on her part, she paid him back with grisly grasp
Speaker 5: and grappled with spent with struggle, stumbled the warrior, fiercest
Speaker 5: of fighting men, fell adown on the hall guest. She
Speaker 5: hurled herself, hence her short sword broad and brown edged
Speaker 5: the bairn to avenge the sole born's sun on his
Speaker 5: shoulder lay braided breast mail, barring Deathwithstanding entrance of edge
Speaker 5: or blade, life would have ended for Ecgthiao's son under
Speaker 5: wide earth, for that Earl of Giats, had his armor
Speaker 5: of war not aided him, battled net hard, and Holy
Speaker 5: God wielded the victory. Wisest maker to Lord of Heaven
Speaker 5: allowed his cause, and easily rose the earl erect mid
Speaker 5: the battle gear saw he a blade, triumphant old sword
Speaker 5: of eotense with edge of proof, warrior's heirloom weapon unmatched
Speaker 5: save only twas more than other men to bandy of
Speaker 5: battle could bear at all, as the giants had wrought
Speaker 5: it ready and keen seized. Then its chain hilt the
Speaker 5: skilding's chieftain, bold and battle grim brandished the sword reckless
Speaker 5: of life, and so wrathfully smote that it gripped her
Speaker 5: neck and grasped her hard her bone rings, breaking the
Speaker 5: blade pierced through that fated one's flesh to floor. She
Speaker 5: sank bloody. The blade he was, blithe of his deed,
Speaker 5: then blazed forth light twas bright within as when from
Speaker 5: the sky there shines unclouded Heaven's candle the hall. He
Speaker 5: scann'd by the wall. Then went he, his weapon raised
Speaker 5: high by its hilts, the hygelac thane, angry and eager,
Speaker 5: that edge was not useless to the warrior. Now he
Speaker 5: wished with speed Grendel to Gwerdon for grim raids many
Speaker 5: for the war. He wag'd on western Danes oftener far
Speaker 5: than an only time, when of Hrothgar's half companions he
Speaker 5: slew in slumber, in sleep, devour'd fifteen men of the
Speaker 5: folk of Danes, and as many others outward, bore his
Speaker 5: horrible prey well paid for that. The wrathful prince for
Speaker 5: now prone, He saw Grendel stretch'd there, spent with war,
Speaker 5: spoil'd of life, so scathed had left him Heorot's battle.
Speaker 5: The body sprang far when after death it endured the
Speaker 5: blow sword stroked savage that severed its head. Soon then
Speaker 5: saw the sage companions, who waited with Throthgar, watching the flood,
Speaker 5: that the tossing water's turbid grew blood stain'd. The mere
Speaker 5: old men, together, hoary haired of the hero spake the
Speaker 5: war barrier. Would not they weened again, proud of conquest,
Speaker 5: come to seek their mighty master. To many, it seemed
Speaker 5: the wolf of the waves had won his life. The
Speaker 5: ninth hour came. The noble skildings left the headland homeward
Speaker 5: went the gold friend of men. But the guests sat on,
Speaker 5: stared at the surges, sick in heart, and wished, yet
Speaker 5: weened not their winsome lord again to see now that
Speaker 5: sword began from blood of the fight in battle droppings
Speaker 5: war blade to wane, twas a wondrous thing, that all
Speaker 5: of it melted as ice is wont When frosty fetters,
Speaker 5: the father loosens, unwines the wave bonds, wielding all seasons
Speaker 5: and times the true God he nor took from that
Speaker 5: dwelling the Duke of the gayats save only the head
Speaker 5: and that hilt withal blazoned with duels. The blade had melted,
Speaker 5: burned was the bright sword. Her blood was so hot,
Speaker 5: so poisoned the hell sprite who perish'd within there Soon
Speaker 5: he was swimming, who safe saw in combat downfall of demons,
Speaker 5: up dove through the flood. The clashing waters were cleansed,
Speaker 5: now waste of waves, where the wandering fiend her life
Speaker 5: days left, and this lapsing world swam then to strand,
Speaker 5: the sailor's refuge, sturdy in spirit of sea, booty, glad
Speaker 5: of burden, brave, he bore with him, went then to
Speaker 5: greet him and God. They thanked the thane band choice
Speaker 5: of their chieftain, blithe that safe and sound they could
Speaker 5: see him again soon from the hardy one, helmet and
Speaker 5: armor deftly they doffed, now drows'd the mere water meath
Speaker 5: welkin with war blood stain'd. Forth they fared by the footpaths,
Speaker 5: thence merry at heart the highways measured well known roads.
Speaker 5: Courageous men carried the head from the cliff by the sea,
Speaker 5: an arduous task for all the band, the firm in fight,
Speaker 5: since four were needed on the shaft of slaughter strenuously
Speaker 5: to bear to the gold hall Grendel's head. So presently
Speaker 5: to the palace there foemen fearless, fourteen gaiats marching came
Speaker 5: their master of clan mighty amid them. The meadow ways
Speaker 5: trod strode. Then within the sovereign Thane fearless in fight
Speaker 5: of fame, renowned hardy hero Rothgar to greet, and next
Speaker 5: by the hair into hall was borne Grendel's head, where
Speaker 5: the henchmen were drinking an awe to clan and queen alike,
Speaker 5: a monster of marvel. The men look'd on Beowulf, spake,
Speaker 5: bairn of egtheow lo Now this sea booty, son of
Speaker 5: half Dane, lord of Skildings, We've lustily brought thee sign
Speaker 5: of glory. Thou seest it here. Not lightly did I,
Speaker 5: with my life escape in war under water. This work
Speaker 5: I essayed with endless effort, And even so my strength
Speaker 5: had been lost. Had the Lord not shielded me. Not
Speaker 5: a wit could I with fronting do in work of war.
Speaker 5: Though the weapon is good, yet a sword. The Sovereign
Speaker 5: of men vouchsafed me to spy on the wall there
Speaker 5: in splendor, hanging old, gigantic, how oft he guides the
Speaker 5: friendless wight. And I fought with that brand, felling in fight,
Speaker 5: since fate was with me. The house's wardens. That war
Speaker 5: sword then all burn'd bright blade, when the blood gush'd
Speaker 5: o'er it battle sweat hot. But the hilt I brought
Speaker 5: back from my foes so avenged I their fiendish deeds
Speaker 5: death fall of Danes, as was dew and right. And
Speaker 5: this is my hest that in heorot now safe, thou
Speaker 5: canst sleep with thy soldier band, and every thane of
Speaker 5: all thy folk, both old and young, no evil fear
Speaker 5: Skilding's lord from that side again aught ill for thy earls,
Speaker 5: as erst thou must. Then the golden hilt for that
Speaker 5: gray haired leader hoary hero in hand was laid giant
Speaker 5: wrought old so owned and enjoyed it. After downfall of devils,
Speaker 5: the Danish lord wonder Smith's work, since the world was
Speaker 5: rid of that grim souled fiend, the foe of God
Speaker 5: murder marked and his mother as well. Now it passed
Speaker 5: into power of the people's king. Best of all that
Speaker 5: the oceans bound, who have scattered the gold o'er Scandia's isle.
Speaker 5: Hrothcas spake the hilt he viewed herloom old, where was
Speaker 5: etched the rise of that far off fight, where the
Speaker 5: floods o'erwhelmed raging waves. The race of giants, fearful their fate,
Speaker 5: a folk estranged from God eternal. Whence guerden dieu in
Speaker 5: that waste of waters the wielder paid them so on
Speaker 5: the guard of shining gold. In Runic staves, it was
Speaker 5: rightly said for whom the serpent traced sword was wrought
Speaker 5: best of blades in by gone days, and the hilt
Speaker 5: well wound. The wise one spake, son of Hielfdane silent,
Speaker 5: were all lo So may he say, who sooth and
Speaker 5: right follows mid folk of far times mindful a land
Speaker 5: warden old that this earl belongs to the better breed
Speaker 5: so borne aloft thy fame must fly, O friend, my Beowulf,
Speaker 5: far and wide o'er folk stead's many Firmly, thou shalt
Speaker 5: all maintain mighty strength with mood of wisdom. Love of mine.
Speaker 5: Will I assure thee as a while ago, I promis'd
Speaker 5: thou shalt prove a stay in future, in far years
Speaker 5: to folk of thine, to the heroes, a help was
Speaker 5: not heremod Thus to offspring of ech Gula, honor skildings
Speaker 5: nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter, for
Speaker 5: doom of death. To the Danish man, he slew wrath,
Speaker 5: swollen his shoulder, comrades companions at board, so he passed alone, chieftain,
Speaker 5: haughty from human cheer. Though him the maker with might
Speaker 5: endowed delights of power and uplifted high above all men,
Speaker 5: yet blood fierce his mind. His breast Horde grew no
Speaker 5: bracelets gave he to Danes as was due. He endur'd
Speaker 5: all joyless, strain of struggle and stress of woe, long
Speaker 5: feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson of virtue.
Speaker 5: Advise thee. This verse I have said for thee wise,
Speaker 5: from laps to winters wondrous seems how to sons of men,
Speaker 5: Almighty God, in the strength of his spirit sendeth wisdom, estate,
Speaker 5: high station. He swayeth all things, whiles he letteth right
Speaker 5: lustily fare the heart of the hero of high born
Speaker 5: race in seat ancestral assigns him bliss his folks, sure
Speaker 5: fortress in fee to hold, puts in his power great
Speaker 5: parts of the earth, empire so ample that end of
Speaker 5: it this want of wisdom weeneth none. So he waxes
Speaker 5: in wealth. No wise can harm him, illness or age,
Speaker 5: No evil cares shadow his spirit, no sword, hate threatens
Speaker 5: from ever an enemy. All the world wends at his will.
Speaker 5: No worse he knoweth, till all within him obstinate pride
Speaker 5: waxes and wakes, while the warden slumbers. The spirit's sentry
Speaker 5: sleep is too fast, which masters his might, and the
Speaker 5: murderer nears stealthily, shooting the shafts from.
Speaker 3: His bow under harness. His heart then is hit indeed
Speaker 3: by sharpest shafts, and no shelter avails from foul behest
Speaker 3: of the hellish fiend him seems too little, what long
Speaker 3: he possess'd greedy and grim, no golden rings he gives
Speaker 3: for his pride. The promised future forgets he and spurns
Speaker 3: with all God has sent him, wonder wielder of wealth
Speaker 3: and fame. Yet in the end it ever comes that
Speaker 3: the frame of the body, fragile yields fated falls, and
Speaker 3: there follows another who joyously the jewels divides the royal
Speaker 3: riches nor wrecks of his forbear ban. Then such baleful
Speaker 3: thoughts Beowulf, dearest, best of men, and the better part
Speaker 3: choose profit, eternal and temper thy pride, warrior famous. The
Speaker 3: flower of thy might lasts now a while, but ere
Speaker 3: long it shall be that sickness or sword thy strength
Speaker 3: shall minish, or fang of fire, or flooding billow, or
Speaker 3: bite of blade or brandish spear, or odious age, or
Speaker 3: the eyes clear beam wax, dull and darken death. Even
Speaker 3: thee in haste shall overwhelm thou, hero of war. So
Speaker 3: the ring Danes these half years a hundred I ruled
Speaker 3: wielded neath welkin, and warded them bravely from mighty ones
Speaker 3: Many or Middle Earth, from spear and sword, till it
Speaker 3: seemed for me no foe could be found under fold
Speaker 3: of the sky. Lo sudden, the shift to me seated secure,
Speaker 3: came grief for joy when Grendel began to harry my home,
Speaker 3: the hellish foe for those ruthless raids unresting, I suffered
Speaker 3: heart sorrow heavy heaven be thanked, Lord eternal, for life
Speaker 3: extended that I on this head, all hewn and bloody,
Speaker 3: after long evil with eyes may gaze. Go to the bench.
Speaker 3: Now be glad at banquet, warrior worthy, A wealth of
Speaker 3: treasure at dawn of day be dealt between us. Gladdlad
Speaker 3: was the Geat's lord, going betimes to seek his seat,
Speaker 3: as the Sage commanded afresh as before for the famed
Speaker 3: in battle for the band of the hall was a
Speaker 3: banquet dight nobly anew the night helm darkened, dust o'er
Speaker 3: the drinkers, the doughty ones rose for the hoary headed
Speaker 3: would hasten to rest aged, shilding and eager, the Geat
Speaker 3: shield fighter sturdy for sleeping yearned him wander weary warrior
Speaker 3: guest from far a hall thane heralded forth, who by
Speaker 3: custom courtly cared for all needs of a thane as
Speaker 3: in those of old days, Warrior wanderers wont to have
Speaker 3: so slumbered the stout heart stately the hall rose gabled
Speaker 3: in gilt, where the slept on till a raven black
Speaker 3: the rapture of heaven, blithe heart boded, bright came flying
Speaker 3: shine after shadow. The swordsman hastened athelings. All were eager
Speaker 3: homeward forth to fare and far from thence the great
Speaker 3: hearted guest would guide his keel. Bade then the hardy
Speaker 3: ones hrunting be brought to the sun of Etchlaf. The
Speaker 3: sword bade him take excellent iron, and uttered his thanks
Speaker 3: for it. Quoth that he counted it keen in battle.
Speaker 3: War friend winsome with words, he slander'd not edge of
Speaker 3: the blade twas a big hearted man, now eager for
Speaker 3: parting and armed at point warriors waited while went to
Speaker 3: his host. That darling of Danes, the doughty atheling to
Speaker 3: high seat hastened and Hrothgar greeted. Be Wolf, spoke Bairn
Speaker 3: of egg. Thou lo we sea farers say our will
Speaker 3: far come men that we fain would seek higelac. Now
Speaker 3: we here have found hosts to our heart. Thou hast
Speaker 3: harbored us well, if ever on earth I am able
Speaker 3: to win me more of thy love, O, Lord of men,
Speaker 3: aught anew than I now have done for work of war.
Speaker 3: I am willing still if it come to me ever
Speaker 3: across the seas that neighbor foreman annoy and fright thee,
Speaker 3: as they that hate thee erewhile have used thousands than
Speaker 3: of Thanes, I shall bring heroes to help thee of Higelac.
Speaker 3: I know ward of his folk, that though few his years,
Speaker 3: the Lord of the Gates will give me aid by
Speaker 3: word and by work, that well I may serve thee,
Speaker 3: wielding the war wood to win thy triumph, and lending
Speaker 3: thee might when thou lackest men. If thy Hrethric should
Speaker 3: come to court of Gates, a sovereign son, he will
Speaker 3: surely there find his friends a far off land. Each
Speaker 3: man should visit who vaunts him brave him. Then, answering
Speaker 3: hroth Gar, spake these words of thine, the wisest God
Speaker 3: sent to thy soul. No sajr counsel from so young
Speaker 3: in years e'er yet have I heard thou art strong
Speaker 3: of main, and in mind art weary art wise in words?
Speaker 3: I ween indeed, if ever it hap that hrethels e'er
Speaker 3: by spear be seized by sword, grim battle, by illness
Speaker 3: or iron, Thine elder and Lord, People's leader and life
Speaker 3: be thine. No seemlier man will the sea gates find
Speaker 3: at all to choose for their chief and king, for hoard,
Speaker 3: God of heroes. If hold thou wilt thy kinsman's kingdom,
Speaker 3: thy keen mind pleases me, the longer the better, Bewolf loved,
Speaker 3: Thou hast brought it about that both are peoples, sons
Speaker 3: of the Geat and spear. Dane folk shall have mutual
Speaker 3: peace and from murderous strife, such as once they waged
Speaker 3: from war. Refrain, long as I rule this realm so wide,
Speaker 3: Let our hoards be common. Let heroes with gold each
Speaker 3: other greet o'er the gannet's bath, and the ring prowbear
Speaker 3: o'er rolling waves, tokens of love. I true my landfolk,
Speaker 3: toward friend and foe, are firmly join'd and honor they
Speaker 3: keep in the olden way to him in the hall.
Speaker 3: Then half Dane's son gave treasures twelve, and the trust
Speaker 3: of earls bade him fair with the gifts to his folk.
Speaker 3: Beloved hailed to his home, and in haste return then
Speaker 3: kiss'd the King of Kin renown'd the Shulding's chieftain, that
Speaker 3: choicest thane, and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the
Speaker 3: tears of the hoary headed, heavy with winters. He had chances, twain,
Speaker 3: but he clung to this, that each should look on
Speaker 3: the other again, and hear him in hall. Was this
Speaker 3: hero so dear to him his breast's wild billows He
Speaker 3: banned in vain, safe in his soul, a secret longing
Speaker 3: locked in his mind for that loved man burned in
Speaker 3: his blood. Then Beowulf strode, glad of his gold gifts.
Speaker 3: The grass plot o'er warrior, blithe the wave roamer bode,
Speaker 3: riding at anchor, its owner awaiting. As they hastened onward
Speaker 3: Hrothgar's gift. They lauded at length twas a lord unpeered
Speaker 3: every way blameless till age had broken it spareth no mortal,
Speaker 3: his splendid might came now to ocean. The ever courageous,
Speaker 3: hardy henchmen, their harness bearing woven warsacks, the warden marked
Speaker 3: trusty as ever. The Earl's return from the height of
Speaker 3: the hill, no hostile words reached the guests as he
Speaker 3: rode to greet them, but welcome. He called to that
Speaker 3: weder clan as the sheen mailed spoilers to ship. Marched
Speaker 3: on then on the strand with street steeds and treasure
Speaker 3: and armor. Their roomy and ring edite ship was heavily
Speaker 3: laden high. Its mast rose over Hrothgar's hoarded gems. A
Speaker 3: sword to the boat guard. Beowulf gave mounted with gold
Speaker 3: on the mead bench, since he was better esteemed that
Speaker 3: blade possessing heirloom old their ocean keel boarding, they drove
Speaker 3: through the deep and Daneland left. A sea cloth was
Speaker 3: set a sail with ropes firm to the mast. The
Speaker 3: flood timbers moaned, nor did wind over billows. That wave
Speaker 3: swimmer blow across from her course. The craft sped on
Speaker 3: foam necked. It floated forth o'er the waves, keel firm,
Speaker 3: bound over briny currents till they got them sight of
Speaker 3: the Geatish cliffs, home known Headlands High. The boat, stirred
Speaker 3: by winds on the strand, up drove helpful at haven.
Speaker 3: The harbor guard stood, who long already for loved companions
Speaker 3: by the water, had waited and watched afar. He bound
Speaker 3: to the beach. The broad bosomed ship with anchor bands
Speaker 3: lest ocean billows that trusty timber should tear away. Then
Speaker 3: Beowulf bade them bear the treasure, gold and jewels. No
Speaker 3: journey far was it, thence to go to the giver
Speaker 3: of rings. Higelacth at home. He dwelt by the sea wall,
Speaker 3: close himself and clan haughty that house a hero the
Speaker 3: king hide the hall, and higg'd right, young, wise and wary.
Speaker 3: Though winter's few in those fortress walls, she had found
Speaker 3: a home Harrith's daughter, Nor humble her ways, nor grudge
Speaker 3: she gifts to the geatish men of precious treasure. Not
Speaker 3: Thrith's pride showed she folk queen famed, or that fell
Speaker 3: Deceit was none so daring that durst make bold save
Speaker 3: her lord alone of the liegemen, dear that lady full
Speaker 3: in the face to look. But forged fetters he found
Speaker 3: his lot, bonds of death and brief the respite. Soon
Speaker 3: as they seized him his sword, doom was spoken, and
Speaker 3: the burnished blade a baleful murder proclaimed and closed. No
Speaker 3: queenly way for woman to practice. Though peerless, she that
Speaker 3: the weaver of peace from warrior deer by wrath and
Speaker 3: lying his life should reave. But Hemming's kinsman hindered this,
Speaker 3: for over their ale men also told that of these
Speaker 3: folk horrors, fewer she wrought onslaughts of evil. After she
Speaker 3: went gold decked bride to the brave young prince Atheling
Speaker 3: haughty and Offa's haul or the fallow flood, at her
Speaker 3: father's bidding safely sought where since she prospered royal throned,
Speaker 3: rich in goods, fain of the fair life, fate had
Speaker 3: sent her and leel in love to the lord of warriors.
Speaker 3: He of all heroes I heard of ever from sea
Speaker 3: to sea, of the sons of earth, most excellent seemed.
Speaker 3: Hence Offa was praised for his fighting and feeing by
Speaker 3: far off men. The spear bold warrior wisely he ruled
Speaker 3: over his empire. Umer woke to him help of heroes.
Speaker 3: Hemming's kinsman, grandson of garmand grim in war, hastened the
Speaker 3: hardy one henchmen with him sandy strand of the sea
Speaker 3: to tread and widespread ways. The world's great candle sun
Speaker 3: shone from south. They strode along with sturdy steps to
Speaker 3: the spot they knew where the battle king young, his
Speaker 3: burg within slayer of ungan Thoe shared the rings shelter
Speaker 3: of heroes to Higelac. Beowulf's coming was quickly told that
Speaker 3: there in the court the clansman's refuge, this shield companions,
Speaker 3: sound and alive. Hail from the hero play. Homeward strode
Speaker 3: with haste in the hall by highest order. Room for
Speaker 3: the rovers was readily made by his sovereign. He sat,
Speaker 3: come safe from battle, kinsmen, by kinsmen, his kindly lord
Speaker 3: he first had greeted in gracious form with manly words.
Speaker 3: The mead dispensing came through the high haul. Harrath's daughter
Speaker 3: winsome to warriors, wine cup bore to the hands of
Speaker 3: the heroes. Higelac then his comrade fairly with question ply
Speaker 3: in the lofty hall, sore, longing to know what manner
Speaker 3: of sojourn the sea gates made. What came of thy quest,
Speaker 3: my kinsman, Beowulf, when thy yearning suddenly swept thee yonder
Speaker 3: battle to seek o'er the briny sea combat in heroat Crothgar,
Speaker 3: couldst thou aid at all the honored chief in his
Speaker 3: wide known woes with waves of care, my sad heart
Speaker 3: seethed I sore, mistrusted my loved one's venture. Long I
Speaker 3: begged Thee by no means to seek that slaughtering monster,
Speaker 3: But suffer the South Danes to settle their feud themselves
Speaker 3: with Grendel. Now God be thanked that safe and sound
Speaker 3: I can see Thee now be wulf spake the bairn
Speaker 3: of Edge. Thou tis no unhidden higelac lord to many
Speaker 3: men that meeting of hours struggle grim between Grendel and me,
Speaker 3: which we fought on the field, where full too many
Speaker 3: sorrows he wrought for the shielding victors, evils unending these
Speaker 3: all I avenged. No boast can be from breed of
Speaker 3: Grendel any on earth, For that uproar at dawn from
Speaker 3: the longest lived of the loathsome race in fleshly fold.
Speaker 3: But first I went Hrothgart to greet in the hall
Speaker 3: of Gifts, where half Dane's kinsmen high renowned, stood, as
Speaker 3: my purpose was plain to him, assign'd me a seat
Speaker 3: by his son and heir. The liegemen were lusty my
Speaker 3: life days. Never such merry men over mead in hall
Speaker 3: have I heard under heaven the high born queen People's
Speaker 3: peace bringer passed through the hall, cheered the young clansmen
Speaker 3: clasps of gold ere. She sought her seat to sundry,
Speaker 3: gave off to the heroes Hrothgaw's daughter to earls. In
Speaker 3: turn the ale cup tendered she whom I heard these
Speaker 3: hall companions fray owaru name. When fretted gold she proffered
Speaker 3: the warriors promised, is she gold decked maid to the
Speaker 3: glad son of Freuda, sage the seams to the shilding's friends,
Speaker 3: Kingdom's keeper. He counts it wise the woman to wedsoe
Speaker 3: and ward off feud store of slaughter. But seldom ever,
Speaker 3: when men are slain does the murder speak sink but
Speaker 3: briefest while though the bride be fair, nor haply will
Speaker 3: like it. The heathen bard lord, and as little each
Speaker 3: of his liegemen all when a thane of the Danes
Speaker 3: in that doughty throng goes with a lady along their hall,
Speaker 3: and on him the old time heirlooms glisten hard and
Speaker 3: ring decked. Hethe Bard's treasure weapons that once they wielded
Speaker 3: fair until they lost it at the linden play. Liegemen
Speaker 3: leel and their lives as well. Then over the ale
Speaker 3: on this heirloom, gazing some ash wielder old who has
Speaker 3: all in mind that spear death of men. He is
Speaker 3: stern of mood, heavy of heart. In the hero young
Speaker 3: tests the temper and tries the soul, and war hate
Speaker 3: wakens with words like these, canst thou not, comrade? Can
Speaker 3: that sword which to the fray thy father carried in
Speaker 3: his final feud neath the fighting mask, dearest of blades,
Speaker 3: when the Danish slew him and wielded the war place
Speaker 3: on whither guild's fall after havoc of heroes, those hardy shieldings.
Speaker 3: Now the son of a certain slaughtering Dane, proud of
Speaker 3: his treasure, paces this hall, joys in the killing, and
Speaker 3: carries the jewel that rightfully ought to be owned by thee.
Speaker 3: Thus he urges and eggs him all the time with
Speaker 3: keenest words, till occasion offers that fray Owaru's thane for
Speaker 3: his father's deed, after bite of brand in his blood,
Speaker 3: must slumber, losing his life. But that Liegeman flies living
Speaker 3: away for the land he kens and thus be broken
Speaker 3: on both their sides. Oaths of the earls. When Ingeld's
Speaker 3: breast wells with war hate and wife love. Now after
Speaker 3: the care billows cooler grows. So I hold not high
Speaker 3: the heathobard's faith due to the Danes or their during
Speaker 3: love and pact of peace. But I pass from that,
Speaker 3: turning to Grendel, o giver of treasure, and saying in
Speaker 3: full now how the fight resulted, hand Frey of heroes,
Speaker 3: When Heaven's jewel had fled o'er far fields, that fierce
Speaker 3: sprite came night foe savage to seek us out where
Speaker 3: safe and sound we entered the hall to Hanshue. Then
Speaker 3: was that harassing deadly? His fall there was fated. He
Speaker 3: first was slain, girded warrior Grendel on him, turned murderous
Speaker 3: mouth on our mighty kinsmen, and all of the braves
Speaker 3: man body devoured. Yet none the earlier, empty handed, would
Speaker 3: the bloody tooth murderer, mindful of bail outward, go from
Speaker 3: the gold decked hall. But me he attacked, in his
Speaker 3: terror of might, with greedy hand, grasped me a glove
Speaker 3: hung by him, wide and wondrous wound with bands, and
Speaker 3: in artful. Wise it was all wrought by devilish craft
Speaker 3: of dragon skins. Meitherin an innocent man, the fiendish foe
Speaker 3: was fain to thrust with many another he might not sow.
Speaker 3: When I, all angrily upright, stood twere long to relate
Speaker 3: how that land destroyer I paid in kind for his
Speaker 3: cruel deeds. Yet there, my prince, this people of thine,
Speaker 3: got fame by my fighting. He fled away, and a
Speaker 3: little space his life preserved. But there stayed behind him,
Speaker 3: his stronger hand left in harout heartsick. Thence on the
Speaker 3: floor of the ocean that outcast fell me for this struggle.
Speaker 3: The Shilding's friend paid in plenty, with plates of gold,
Speaker 3: with many a treasure. When morn had come and we
Speaker 3: all at the banquet board sat down, then was song
Speaker 3: and glee. The gray haired Shilding, much tested, told of
Speaker 3: the times of yore. Whiles the hero, his harp bestirred,
Speaker 3: would of delight now lays he chanted of sooth and sadness,
Speaker 3: or set aright legends of wonder the wide hearted king,
Speaker 3: or for years of his youth he would yearn at
Speaker 3: times for strength of old struggles. Now stricken with age,
Speaker 3: hoary hero, his heart surged full, when wise with winters
Speaker 3: he wailed their flight. Thus in the hall the whole
Speaker 3: of that day at ease we feasted till fell or
Speaker 3: earth another night anon full ready in greed of vengeance.
Speaker 3: Grendel's mother set forth all doleful dead, was her son
Speaker 3: through war, he of wedders, now woman monstrous with fury
Speaker 3: fell a foemen. She slew, avenging her offspring from asher
Speaker 3: old loyal counselor life was gone, Nor might they even
Speaker 3: when morning broke. Those Danish people their death done. Comrade
Speaker 3: burn with brands on bale fire lay the man they
Speaker 3: mourn'd under mountain stream. She had carried the corpse with
Speaker 3: cruel hands for Hrothgar. That was the heaviest sorrow of
Speaker 3: all that had laden the lord of his folk, the leader.
Speaker 3: Then by thy life besought me sad was his soul
Speaker 3: in the sea wave's coil, to play the hero and
Speaker 3: hazard my being for glory of prowess my garden. He
Speaker 3: pledg'd I then in the waters. Tis widely known that
Speaker 3: Seafloor guardian Savage found hand to hand there a while
Speaker 3: we struggled billows well blood in the briny hall her head.
Speaker 3: I hewed with a hardy blade from Grendel's mother and
Speaker 3: gained my life, though not without danger. My doom was
Speaker 3: not yet Then the haven of heroes, half Dane's son
Speaker 3: gave me ingardon great gifts of price. So held this
Speaker 3: king to the customs, old that I wanted for naught.
Speaker 3: In the wage I gained the mead of my might.
Speaker 3: He made me gifts half Dane's heir for my own disposal.
Speaker 3: Now to thee, my prince, I prooffer them all gladly,
Speaker 3: give them thy grace alone can find me favor few,
Speaker 3: and indeed have I of kinsmen save Higelac thee. Then
Speaker 3: he bade them bear him the bore head standard in battle,
Speaker 3: helm high and breastplate gray, the splendid sword. Then spake
Speaker 3: in form me this war gear the wise old Prince
Speaker 3: Hrothgar gave, and his hest he added that its story
Speaker 3: be straightway, said to thee Awhile it was held by
Speaker 3: Haragar king for long time, lord of the land of Shildings,
Speaker 3: yet not to his son. The sovereign left it to
Speaker 3: daring Heroward dear as he was to him his harness
Speaker 3: of battle. Well hold thou it all, And I heard
Speaker 3: that soon passed o'er the path of this treasure, all
Speaker 3: apple fallow four good steeds each like the other's arms
Speaker 3: and horses he gave to the king. So should kinsmen
Speaker 3: be not weave one another the net of wiles, or
Speaker 3: with deep hid treachery, death, contrive for neighbor and comrade.
Speaker 3: His nephew was ever by hardy Higelac held full dear,
Speaker 3: and each kept watch o'er the other's wheel. I heard
Speaker 3: too the necklace to Higgott, he presented wonder wrought treasure,
Speaker 3: which wial Thou gave him Sovereign's daughter. Three steeds he
Speaker 3: added slender and saddle gay. Since such gift the gem
Speaker 3: gleamed bright on the breast of the queen. Thus showed
Speaker 3: his strain. The son of Edge Thou as a man,
Speaker 3: remarked for mighty deeds and acts of honor at ale.
Speaker 3: He slew not comrade or kin, nor cruel. His mood,
Speaker 3: though of sons of earth, his strength was greatest, a
Speaker 3: glorious gift that God had sent the splendid leader. Long
Speaker 3: was he spurn'd and worthless by Geatish warriors held him
Speaker 3: at meed. The master of clans failed full off to
Speaker 3: favor at all, slacken, shiftless. The strong men deemed him
Speaker 3: profitless prince, but payment came to the warrior, honored for
Speaker 3: all his woes. Then the bulwark of earls bade bring
Speaker 3: within hardy chieftain Hrethel's heirloom garnish'd with gold no geat
Speaker 3: e'er new in shape of a sword, a statelier prize.
Speaker 3: The brand he laid in Beowulf's lap, and of hides
Speaker 3: assign'd him seven thousand, with house and high seat. They
Speaker 3: held in common Land alike by their line of birth
Speaker 3: inheritance home, but hire the king because of his rule
Speaker 3: over the realm itself. Now further, it fell, with the
Speaker 3: flight of years, with Harrying's horrid that Higelac perished, and
Speaker 3: herdred too by hewing of swords under the shield wall,
Speaker 3: slaughtered lay when him at the van of his victor
Speaker 3: folk sought hardy heroes heatho schilfings in arms o'erwhelming heroic's nephew.
Speaker 3: Then Beowulf came as king this broad realm to wield,
Speaker 3: and he ruled it well fifty winters, a wise old
Speaker 3: prince warding his land, until one began, in the dark
Speaker 3: of night a dragon to rage in the grave on
Speaker 3: the hill. A hoard it guarded in the stone barrow
Speaker 3: steep a straight path reached it unknown to mortals. Some man, however,
Speaker 3: came by chance that cave within to the heathen horde
Speaker 3: in hand. He took a golden goblet, nor gave he
Speaker 3: it back, stole with it away while the watcher slept
Speaker 3: by thievish wiles. For the warden's wrath, Prince and people
Speaker 3: must pay betimes.
Speaker 6: Section seven. That way he went, with no will of
Speaker 6: his own, in danger of life, to the dragon's hoard.
Speaker 6: But for pressure of peril some prince's thing, he fled
Speaker 6: in fear the fatal scourge, seeking shelter a sinful man,
Speaker 6: and entered in. At the awful sight, tottered that guest,
Speaker 6: and terror seized him. Yet the wretched fugitive rallied Anon
Speaker 6: from fright and fear. Ere he fled away and took
Speaker 6: the cup from that treasure horde. Of such Besides, there
Speaker 6: was story enough heirlooms old the earth below which some
Speaker 6: earl forgotten in ancient years. Left the last of his
Speaker 6: lofty race heedfully there had hidden away dearest treasure, for
Speaker 6: death of yore had hurried all hence, and he alone
Speaker 6: left to live the last of the clan weeping his friends,
Speaker 6: yet wished to bide, warding the treasure his one delight,
Speaker 6: though brief, his respite car new, ready to strand and
Speaker 6: sea waves stood anear hard by the headland, hidden and closed.
Speaker 6: There laid within it his lordly heirlooms, and heaped hoard
Speaker 6: of heavy gold, that warden of rings. Few words he spake.
Speaker 6: Now hold thou earth, since heroes may not what earls
Speaker 6: have owned, lo erst from thee brave men brought it,
Speaker 6: But battle, death, seized and cruel killing my clansmen all
Speaker 6: robbed them of life and a leechman's joys. None have
Speaker 6: I left to lift the sword, or to cleanse the
Speaker 6: carven cup of price beaker bright, my brave are gone,
Speaker 6: and the helmet hard, All haughty with gold shall part
Speaker 6: from its plaiting polishers sleep, who could brighten and burnish
Speaker 6: the battle mask, and those weeds of war that were
Speaker 6: wont to brave over bicker of shields, the bite of
Speaker 6: steel rust with their bearer, the ringed male fares not
Speaker 6: far with famous chieftain at side of hero. No harp's delight,
Speaker 6: no glee, wood's gladness. No good hawk now flies through
Speaker 6: the hall, nor horses, fleet, stamp in the bergstead, battle
Speaker 6: and death, the flower of my race have reft away,
Speaker 6: mournful of mood. Thus he moaned his woe alone for
Speaker 6: them all, and unblithe wept by day and by night,
Speaker 6: till death fell wave or whelmed his heart, his horde
Speaker 6: of bliss, that old ill doer open found who blazing
Speaker 6: at twilight the barrows haunteth naked foe dragon flying by night,
Speaker 6: folded in fire. The folk of Earth dread him, sore
Speaker 6: 'tis his doom to seek hoard in the graves and
Speaker 6: heathen gold, to watch many wintered nor wins. He thereby
Speaker 6: powerful this plague of the people. Thus held the house
Speaker 6: of the Horde in Earth three hundred winters till one
Speaker 6: aroused wrath in his breast to the ruler, bearing that
Speaker 6: costly cup, and the king implored for bond of peace.
Speaker 6: So the barrow was plumbered, borne off was booty. His
Speaker 6: boon was granted. That wretched man and his ruler saw
Speaker 6: first time what was fashioned in far off days. When
Speaker 6: the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled or the stone
Speaker 6: he snuffed, the stark heart found footprint of Foe, who
Speaker 6: so far had gone in his hidden craft by the
Speaker 6: creature's head. So may the undoomed easily flee evils and exile,
Speaker 6: if only he gained the grace of the wielder, that
Speaker 6: warden of gold or the ground went seeking, greedy to
Speaker 6: find the man who brought him such wrong. In sleep,
Speaker 6: savage and burning. The barrow he circled all without nor
Speaker 6: was any there none in the waste. Yet war he desired,
Speaker 6: was eager for battle. The barrel he entered, sought the cup,
Speaker 6: and discovered soon that some one of the mortals had
Speaker 6: searched his treasure, his lordly gold. The guardian waited ill,
Speaker 6: enduring till evening came. Boiling with wrath, was the barrel's keeper,
Speaker 6: and fame with flame the foe to pay for the
Speaker 6: dear cup's loss. Now day was fled, as the worm
Speaker 6: had wished by its wall. No more was it glad
Speaker 6: to bide, But burning flew folded in flame, a fearful
Speaker 6: beginning for suns of the soil, And soon it came
Speaker 6: in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end.
Speaker 6: Then the baleful fiend, its fire belched out, and bright
Speaker 6: homes burned. The blaze stood high all landsfolk frighting. No
Speaker 6: living thing would that loathly one leave as aloft it flew.
Speaker 6: Wide was the dragon's warring scene, its fiendish fury, far
Speaker 6: and near as the grim destroyer those Gaetish people hated
Speaker 6: and hounded too hidden lair to its hoard, It hastened
Speaker 6: at hint of dawn, folk of the land. It had
Speaker 6: lapped in flame, with bale and brand in its barrow.
Speaker 6: It trusted its battling and bulwarks. That boast was vain
Speaker 6: to Beowulf. Then the bale was told quickly and truly
Speaker 6: the king's own home of buildings, the best in brand.
Speaker 6: Waves melted the gift throne of gates to the good
Speaker 6: old man. Sad in heart twas heaviest sorrow. The sage
Speaker 6: assumed that his sovereign god he had angered, breaking ancient law,
Speaker 6: and embittered the lord. His breast within with black thoughts
Speaker 6: welled as his wont was never the folk's own fastness.
Speaker 6: That fiery dragon with flame had destroyed, and the stronghold
Speaker 6: all washed by waves. But the warlike king, prince of
Speaker 6: the waiter's plotted vengeance warriors bulwark, he bade them work
Speaker 6: all of iron. The Earl's commander, a war shield wondrous
Speaker 6: well he knew that forest wood against fire were worthless.
Speaker 6: Lyndon could aid not Atheling Brave, he was fated to
Speaker 6: finish this fleeting life, his days on earth, and the
Speaker 6: dragon with him, though long it had watched or the
Speaker 6: wealth of the Horde shame. He reckoned sharer of rings
Speaker 6: to follow the flier afar with a host, a broad
Speaker 6: flung band. Nor the battle feared he, nor deemed he
Speaker 6: dreadful the dragon's warring, its vigor and valor ventures desperate,
Speaker 6: he had passed a plenty and perils of war, contest crash.
Speaker 6: Since conqueror proud Rothgar's Hall, he had wholly purged, and
Speaker 6: in grapple had killed the Ken of Grendel. Loathsome breed,
Speaker 6: not least was that of hand to hand fights with
Speaker 6: Hegelach fell when the ruler of Gates, in rush of battle,
Speaker 6: lord of his folk in the Frisian Land, son of Rethel,
Speaker 6: by sword, drafts, guide by brands, down beaten, thence Beowulf
Speaker 6: fled through strength of himself and his swimming power, though alone,
Speaker 6: and his arms were laden with thirty coats of mail.
Speaker 6: When he came to the sea. Nor yet might hetwarres
Speaker 6: haughtily boast their craft of contest, who carried against him
Speaker 6: shields to the fight, But few escaped from strife with
Speaker 6: the hero to their homes. Then swam over ocean Echthiao's son,
Speaker 6: lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land, where Hygd made him
Speaker 6: offer of hoard and realm rings and royal seat, reckoning
Speaker 6: not the strength of her son to save their kingdom
Speaker 6: from hostile hordes after Hegelach's death. No sooner for this
Speaker 6: could the stricken ones in any wise move that Atheling's
Speaker 6: mind over young Hardred's head as lord and ruler of
Speaker 6: all the realm to be. Yet the hero upheld him
Speaker 6: with helpful words, aided in honor till older grown he
Speaker 6: wielded the wetter geats wandering exile sought him oward the seas.
Speaker 6: The sons of Outre, who had spurned the sway of
Speaker 6: the Skilfing's helmet. The bravest and best that broke the
Speaker 6: rings in Swedish land of the sea King's line, haughty hero, hence.
Speaker 5: Herdrid's end.
Speaker 6: For shelter he gave them sword. Death came the blades
Speaker 6: fell blow to Bairn of Hygelact, But the son of
Speaker 6: Augenthial sought again house and home when herdrid fell, leaving Beowulf,
Speaker 6: lord of Gates and gift Seats master a good king.
Speaker 6: He the fall of his lord, he was fain to
Speaker 6: requite in after days, and to Edgull's he proved friend
Speaker 6: to the friendless, and forces sent over the sea to
Speaker 6: the son of Otre, weapons and warriors well repaid he
Speaker 6: those care paths cold when the king lou thus safe
Speaker 6: through struggles, The son of Echthial had passed a plenty
Speaker 6: through peril's dire with daring deeds, till this day was
Speaker 6: come that doomed him. Now with the dragons to strive
Speaker 6: with Comrade's eleven, the Lord of Gates, swollen in rage,
Speaker 6: went seeking the dragon he had heard. Whence all the
Speaker 6: harm arose, and the killing of klansmen, that cup of
Speaker 6: price on the lap of the lord had been laid
Speaker 6: by the finder in the throng. Was this one thirteenth man,
Speaker 6: starter of all the strife and ill, care laden, captive, cringing,
Speaker 6: thence forced and reluctant, he led them on till he
Speaker 6: came in ken of that cavern hall the barrow dealt
Speaker 6: near Billowy Surge's flood of ocean within twas full of wire,
Speaker 6: gold and jewels. A jealous warden warrior, trusty the treasures
Speaker 6: held lurked in his lair, nor light the task of
Speaker 6: entrance for any of the earth born men. Sat on
Speaker 6: the headland. The hero king spake words of hail to
Speaker 6: his hearth, companion's gold, friend of Gates, all gloomy, his
Speaker 6: soul wavering, death bound, weird, full nigh ready stood to
Speaker 6: greet the gray haired man, to seize his soul, Horde,
Speaker 6: sunder apart, life and body not long would be the
Speaker 6: warrior's spirit in wound with flush. Beowulf spake the barn
Speaker 6: of Echthial through store of struggles, I strove in youth
Speaker 6: mighty feuds, I mind them all. I was seven years
Speaker 6: old when the Sovereign of Ring's, friend of his folk
Speaker 6: from my father, took me, had me and held me
Speaker 6: rethel the king with food and fee, faithful in kinship
Speaker 6: ne'er while I lived there. He loathlier found me barn
Speaker 6: in the burgh. Then his birthright sons Hairbelled and Hasteth
Speaker 6: and Higelac mine for the eldest of these by unmeet
Speaker 6: chants by kinsman's deed was the death bed strewn when
Speaker 6: Hyacinth killed him with horny bow. His own dear liege
Speaker 6: laid low with an arrow, missed the mark, and his
Speaker 6: mate shot down, one brother the other with bloody shaft.
Speaker 6: A felis fight and a fearful sin horror to rethel.
Speaker 6: Yet hard as it was unavenged, must the athelen die
Speaker 6: too awful? It is for an aged man to bide
Speaker 6: and bear that his barn so young, rides on the gallows.
Speaker 6: A rhyme, he makes sorrow song for his son, there
Speaker 6: hanging as rapture of ravens. No rescue now can come
Speaker 6: from the old disabled man. Still is he minded? As
Speaker 6: his morning breaks of the air, gone elsewhere another he
Speaker 6: hopes not he will by to see his burg within
Speaker 6: as ward for his wealth. Now the one has found
Speaker 6: doom of death that the deed incurred. Forlorn, he looks
Speaker 6: on the lodge of his son, wine hall, waste and
Speaker 6: wind swept chambers, reft of revel. The writer sleepeth, the
Speaker 6: hero far hidden. No harp resounds in the courts, no
Speaker 6: wastle as once was heard. Then he goes to his
Speaker 6: chamber a grief song, chants alone for his lost two
Speaker 6: large all seems homestead and house. So the helmet of
Speaker 6: wedders hid in his heart for harrabuild waves of woe.
Speaker 6: No way could he take to avenge on the slayer
Speaker 6: slaughter so foul, nor en could he harass that hero
Speaker 6: at all with loathing deed, though he loved him not,
Speaker 6: And so for the sorrow his soul endured men's gladness.
Speaker 6: He gave up, and God's light chose lands and cities.
Speaker 6: He left his sons as the wealthy do. When he
Speaker 6: went from earth, there was strife and struggle TwixT Swede
Speaker 6: and Gait over the width of waters. War arose, hard,
Speaker 6: battle horror. When Rethel died and Ongenthal's offspring grew strife,
Speaker 6: keen bold nor brooked o'er the seas packed of peace,
Speaker 6: but pushed their boats to harass and hatred Rosnabord. Men
Speaker 6: of my folk for that feud had vengeance. For woeful
Speaker 6: war tis widely known, though one of them bought it
Speaker 6: with blood of his own heart, a bargain hard for
Speaker 6: hethsin prov'd fatal that fray for the first of gates
Speaker 6: at morn i heard was the murderer kill'd by kinsmen
Speaker 6: for kinsmen with clash of sword. When Ongenthau met eofor
Speaker 6: there wide split the war helm wan, he fell hoary
Speaker 6: skillfing the hand that smote him of feud was mindful,
Speaker 6: nor flinch'd from the death blow. For all that he
Speaker 6: gave me, my gleaming sword repaid him at war such
Speaker 6: power I wielded for lordly treasure. With land he entrusted
Speaker 6: me homestead and house. He had no need from Swedish realm,
Speaker 6: or from spear Dane folk, or from the men of
Speaker 6: gifts to get him help some warrior worse for wage
Speaker 6: to buy. Ever, I fought in the front of all
Speaker 6: soul to the fore, and so shall I fight while
Speaker 6: I bide in life. And this blade shall last that
Speaker 6: early and late hath loyal proved, Since for my daughtiness
Speaker 6: Dachfrin fell slain by my hand. The Hugos champion nor fared.
Speaker 6: He thence to the Frisian king with the booty back
Speaker 6: and breast adornments, but slain in struggle. That standard bearer
Speaker 6: fell Athleen brave. Not with blade was he slain, but
Speaker 6: his bones were broken by brownie gripe his heart waves stifled.
Speaker 6: The sword edge now hard blade, and my hand for
Speaker 6: the horde shall strive. Beowulf spake, and a battle vow
Speaker 6: made his last of all. I have lived through many
Speaker 6: wars in my youth. Now once again, old folk defender feud.
Speaker 6: Will I seek do doughty deeds. If the dark destroyer
Speaker 6: forth from his cavern, come to fight me, Then hailed
Speaker 6: he the helmeted heroes, all for the last time, greeting
Speaker 6: his leechman, dear comrades of war. I should carry no
Speaker 6: weapon nor sword to the serpent. If sure I knew
Speaker 6: how with such enemy, else my vows I could gain
Speaker 6: as I did in Grendel's day. But fire in this fight.
Speaker 6: I must fear me now and poisonous breath. So I
Speaker 6: bring with me breastplate and board from the barrow's keeper,
Speaker 6: no foot, breadth, flee eye. One fight shall end our
Speaker 6: war by the wall, as weird allots all mankind's master.
Speaker 6: My mood is bold, but forbears to boast or this
Speaker 6: battling flier. Now abide by the barrow, ye breastplate mailed,
Speaker 6: Ye heroes in harness, which of us twain better from
Speaker 6: the battle rush bare his wounds. Wait ye the finish.
Speaker 6: The fight is not yours, nor meet for any but
Speaker 6: me alone. To measure might with this monster. Here and
Speaker 6: play the hero heartily, I shall win that wealth or
Speaker 6: war shall seize cruel, killing your king and lord.
Speaker 7: Up.
Speaker 6: Stood then with shield, the sturdy champion stay'd by the
Speaker 6: strength of his single manhood and hearty neath helmet, his
Speaker 6: harness bore under cleft of the cliffs. No cowards path
Speaker 6: soon spied by the wall, that warrior, chief, survivor of
Speaker 6: many a victory field where foemen fought with furious clashings
Speaker 6: in arch of stone, and within a stream that broke
Speaker 6: from the barrel. The brooklet's wave was hot with fire
Speaker 6: the Horde that way he never could hope, unharmed, to
Speaker 6: near or endure those deeps. For the dragon's flame then
Speaker 6: let from his breast, for he burst with rage the
Speaker 6: waiter gate prince a word outgo stormed. The stark heart
Speaker 6: stern went ringing and clear his cry neath the cliff
Speaker 6: rocks gray. The horde guard heard a human voice. His
Speaker 6: rage was enkindled. No respite now for pact of peace.
Speaker 6: The poisoned breath of that foul worm first came forth
Speaker 6: from the cave hot reek of fight, the rocks resounded
Speaker 6: stout by the stone way his shield he raised Lord
Speaker 6: of the Gates against the loathed one, while with courage
Speaker 6: keen that coiled foe came seeking strife. The sturdy king
Speaker 6: had drawn his sword, not dull of edge, heirloom old,
Speaker 6: and each of the two felt fear of his foe,
Speaker 6: though fierce their mood. Stoutly stood with his shield high,
Speaker 6: raised the warrior king as the worm now coiled together
Speaker 6: a maine. The mailed one waited, now spire by spire,
Speaker 6: fast sped and glided that blazing serpent. The shield protected
Speaker 6: soul and body a shorter while for the hero king,
Speaker 6: then his heart desired, could his will have wielded the
Speaker 6: welcome respite but once in his life, But weird denied it,
Speaker 6: and victory's honors his arm. He lifted Lord of the Gates.
Speaker 6: The grim foes smote with Athleen's heirloom. Its edge was
Speaker 6: turned brown, blade on the bone, and bit more feebly
Speaker 6: than its noble master had need of. Then in his
Speaker 6: baleful stress, then the barrows keeper waxed full wild. For
Speaker 6: that weighty blow cast deadly flames wide, drove in far
Speaker 6: those vicious fires, no victor's glory. The Gate's lord boasted
Speaker 6: his brand had failed, naked in battle, as never it
Speaker 6: should excellent iron. Twas no easy path that Echthiau's honored
Speaker 6: air must tread, or the planet to the place of
Speaker 6: the foe. For against his will he must win a
Speaker 6: home elsewhere, far as must all men leaving this lapsing life.
Speaker 6: Not long it was ere those champions grimly closed again.
Speaker 6: The hoard guard was heartened high heaved his breast once more,
Speaker 6: and by peril was pressed again, enfolded in flames, the
Speaker 6: folk commander nor yet about him. His bands of comrades,
Speaker 6: son of Ethlings, armed, stood with warlike front to the woods.
Speaker 6: They bent them their lives to save. But the soul
Speaker 6: of one with care was cumbered. Kinship true can never
Speaker 6: be marred in a noble mind. If his name was
Speaker 6: Welston's son, Lynden Thane loved the lord of Skilphings, Alpher's kinsman,
Speaker 6: his king he now saw with heat under helmet, hard oppressed,
Speaker 6: he minded the prizes his prince had given him, wealthy
Speaker 6: seat of Weigdemen's line, and folk writes that his father
Speaker 6: owned Not long he lingered the linden yellow his shield.
Speaker 6: He seized the old sword he drew as heirloom of
Speaker 6: Enmund Earth dwellers knew it who was slain by the
Speaker 6: sword edge son of Otaire, friendless, exiled erst in fray,
Speaker 6: killed by Wilston, who won for his kin. Brown, bright helmet, breastplate,
Speaker 6: ringed old sword of Jotun's anils, gift, weeds of war,
Speaker 6: of the warrior's thing, battle gear brave. Though a brother's
Speaker 6: child had been felled, the feud was unfelt by Onelah
Speaker 6: For winters this war gear. Wailston kept breastplate and board
Speaker 6: till his barn had groaned, earlship to earn as the
Speaker 6: old Sire did. Then he gave him mid Gates the
Speaker 6: gear of battle portion huge. When he passed from life,
Speaker 6: fared aged fourth for the first time, now with his
Speaker 6: leader Lord the Liegeman Young was bidden to share the
Speaker 6: shock of battle neither softened his soul nor the Sire's
Speaker 6: bequest weakened in war. So the worm found out. When
Speaker 6: once in fight the foes had met, Wickliff spake and
Speaker 6: his words were sage, sad in spirit. He said to
Speaker 6: his comrades, I remember the time when mead we took
Speaker 6: what promise we made to this Prince of ours in
Speaker 6: the banquet hall, to our breaker of rings for gear
Speaker 6: of combat, to him give requital for hard sword and helmet,
Speaker 6: if hap should bring stress of this sort. Himself, who
Speaker 6: chose us from all his army to aid him, now
Speaker 6: urged us to glory, and gave these treasures because he
Speaker 6: counted us keen with the spear and hearty neath helm.
Speaker 6: Though this hero work our leader hoped unhelped and alone
Speaker 6: to finish for us folk defender, who hath got him
Speaker 6: glory greater than all men for daring deeds. Now the
Speaker 6: day is come that our noble master has need of
Speaker 6: the might of warriors. Stout. Let us stride along the
Speaker 6: hero to help, while the heat is about him, glowing
Speaker 6: and grim. For God is my witness, I am far
Speaker 6: more famed. The fire should seize along with my lord
Speaker 6: these limbs of mine unsuiting, it seems our shields to
Speaker 6: bear homeward. Hence save here we essay to fell the
Speaker 6: foe and defend the life of the Wedder's lord. I
Speaker 6: WoT twere shame on the law of our land. If
Speaker 6: alone the king out of Gaetish warriors woe endur'd and
Speaker 6: sank in the struggle. My sword and helmet, breastplate and
Speaker 6: board for us both shall serve through slaughter. Reek strode
Speaker 6: he to succor his chieftain, his battle helm bore and
Speaker 6: brief words spake balwolf, dearest, do all bravely, as in
Speaker 6: youthful days of your thou voust that while life should last,
Speaker 6: thou wouldst let know wise thy glory droop. Now great
Speaker 6: indeeds athlen steadfast with all thy strength, shield thy life.
Speaker 6: I will stand to help thee. At the words, the
Speaker 6: worm came once again, murderous monster, mad with rage, with
Speaker 6: fire billows flaming its foes to seek the hated men.
Speaker 6: In heat waves burned that board to the boss, and
Speaker 6: the breastplate failed to shelter at all. The spear Thane, young,
Speaker 6: yet quickly under his kinsman shield, went eager the earl,
Speaker 6: since his own was now all burned by the blaze.
Speaker 6: The bold king again had mind of his glory with might,
Speaker 6: his glave was driven into the dragon's head blow nerved
Speaker 6: by hate, but nagling was shivered. Broken in battle was
Speaker 6: Baleo's sword, old and gray twas granted him. Not that ever,
Speaker 6: the edge of iron at all could help him at strife.
Speaker 6: Too strong was his hand, so the tale was told,
Speaker 6: and he tried too far with strength of stroke, all
Speaker 6: swords he wielded, though sturdy their steel, they steadied him.
Speaker 6: Not then, for the third time thought on its feud.
Speaker 6: That folk destroyer fired dread dragon and rushed on the
Speaker 6: hero where room aloud, battle grim burning, its bitter teeth
Speaker 6: closed on his neck and covered him with waves of
Speaker 6: blood from his breast that welled end of Section seven.
Speaker 7: Section eight. Twas now men say, in his sovereign's need,
Speaker 7: that the Earl made known his noble strain, craft and
Speaker 7: keenness and courage, enduring, heedless of harm. Though his hand
Speaker 7: was burned, hardy hearted, he helped his kinsman a little
Speaker 7: lower the loathsome beast he smote with his sword. His
Speaker 7: steel drove vin bright and burnished. That blaze began to
Speaker 7: lose and lessen. At last the king wielded his wits again,
Speaker 7: war knife, drew a biting blade by his breastplate hanging,
Speaker 7: and the wedder's helm smoke that warm asunder felled. The
Speaker 7: foe flung forth its life. So had they killed it
Speaker 7: kinsmen both athelings twain. Thus an earl should be in
Speaker 7: danger's day of deeds of valor. This conqueror's hour of
Speaker 7: the king was last of his work in the world.
Speaker 7: The wound began which that dragon of earth had erst inflicted,
Speaker 7: to swell and smart, and soon he found in his
Speaker 7: breast was boiling, baleful and deep pain of poison. The
Speaker 7: prince walked on wise in his thought to the wall
Speaker 7: of rock, then sat and stared at the structure of giants,
Speaker 7: where arch of stone and steadfast column upheld forever that
Speaker 7: hall in earth. Yet here must the hand of the henchman, peerless,
Speaker 7: lave with water his winsome lord, the king and conqueror,
Speaker 7: covered with blood, with struggles spent and unspan his helmet.
Speaker 7: Beowulf spake in spite of his hurt, his mortal wound
Speaker 7: full well. He knew his portion now was past and
Speaker 7: gone of earthly bliss, and all had fled of his
Speaker 7: file of days, and death was near. I would fain
Speaker 7: bestow on son of mine this gear of war were
Speaker 7: given me, now that any heir should after me come
Speaker 7: of my proper blood. This people I ruled fifty winters,
Speaker 7: no folk king. Was there none at all of the
Speaker 7: neighboring clans who war would wage me with Warrior's friends
Speaker 7: and threaten me with horrors at home. I bided what
Speaker 7: fate might come, and I cared for mine own feuds.
Speaker 7: I sought not, nor falsely swore ever on oath for
Speaker 7: all these things. Though fatally wounded, fain am I from
Speaker 7: the ruler of man. No wrath shall seize me, when
Speaker 7: life from my frame must flee away for killing of kinsmen.
Speaker 7: Now quickly go and gaze on that hoard beneath the
Speaker 7: hoary rock wiglff loved. Now the worm lies low, sleeps,
Speaker 7: heart sore of his spoil, breathing and fair in haste,
Speaker 7: I would fain behold the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, have
Speaker 7: joy in the jewels and gems, lay down softlier for
Speaker 7: sight of this splendid horde. My life and lordship I
Speaker 7: long have held. I have heard that swiftly the son
Speaker 7: of Werston at wish and word of his wounded king,
Speaker 7: war sick warrior, woven mail coat battle sark boreneath the
Speaker 7: barrow's roof. Then the clansmen, keen of conquest, proud passing
Speaker 7: the seat, saw a store of jewels and glistening gold.
Speaker 7: The ground along by the wall were marvels and many
Speaker 7: a vessel In the den of the dragon, the dawn
Speaker 7: flier old unburnished bowls of bygone men, reft of richness,
Speaker 7: rusty helms of the olden age, and arm rings, many
Speaker 7: wondrously woven. Such wealth of gold booty from barrow can
Speaker 7: burden with pride each human wight let him hide it,
Speaker 7: who will? His glance too, fell on a gold wove
Speaker 7: banner high o'er the horde of handiwork, noblest, brilliantly broidered,
Speaker 7: so bright its gleam all the earth floor. He easily
Speaker 7: saw and viewed all these vessels. No vestige now was
Speaker 7: seen of the serpent. The sword had taken him. Then
Speaker 7: I heard the hill of its hoard was reft old
Speaker 7: work of giants. By one alone. He burdened his bosom
Speaker 7: with beakers and plait at his own good will, and
Speaker 7: the ensign took brightest of beacons. The blade of his lord,
Speaker 7: its edge was iron, had injured deep one that had
Speaker 7: guarded the golden horde many a year, and its murder
Speaker 7: fires spread hot round the barrow in horror billows at
Speaker 7: midnight hour till it met its doom. Hastened the herald
Speaker 7: the horde so spurred him his track to retrace. He
Speaker 7: was troubled by doubt. High souled hero, if haply he'd
Speaker 7: find alive where he left him, the lord of waiters,
Speaker 7: weakening fast by the wall of the cave. So he
Speaker 7: carried the load his lord and king. He found all
Speaker 7: bleeding famous chief at the lapse of life. The liegeman
Speaker 7: again plashed him with water, till point of word broke
Speaker 7: through the breast hord. Beowulf spake sage and sad as
Speaker 7: he stared at the gold, for the gold and treasure,
Speaker 7: to God, my thanks to the wielder of wonders. With
Speaker 7: words I say for what I behold, to Heaven's Lord,
Speaker 7: for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk,
Speaker 7: or ever the day of my death be run. Now
Speaker 7: I've bartered here for booty of treasure, the last of
Speaker 7: my life. So look ye well to the needs of
Speaker 7: my land. No longer I tarry a barrow, Bid ye
Speaker 7: the battle fand raise for my ashes twill shine by
Speaker 7: the shore of the flood to folk of mine. Memorial
Speaker 7: fare on Ron's head land high uplifted that ocean wanderers
Speaker 7: oft may hail Beowulf's sparrow, as back from far they
Speaker 7: drive their keels o'er the darkling wave. From his neck.
Speaker 7: He unclasp'd the collar of gold valorous king to his vassal,
Speaker 7: gave it with bright gold helmet, breastplate and ring to
Speaker 7: the youthful Thane. Bade him use them in joy. Thou
Speaker 7: art end and remnant of all our race. The wagmunding
Speaker 7: name for word, hath swept them all my line to
Speaker 7: the land of doom earls in their glory, I after
Speaker 7: them go. This word was the last which the wise
Speaker 7: old man harbored in heart ere hot death. Waves of
Speaker 7: bale fire he chose from his bosom, fled his soul
Speaker 7: to seek the saint's reward. It was heavy hap for
Speaker 7: that hero young on his lord beloved to look and
Speaker 7: find him lying on earth with life at end sorrowful sight.
Speaker 7: But the slayer too awful earth dragon, empty of breath,
Speaker 7: lay felt in fight, nor fain of its treasure. Could
Speaker 7: the writhing monster rule it more? For edges of iron
Speaker 7: had ended its days hard in battle, sharp hammers leaving
Speaker 7: and that flier Afar had fallen to the ground, hushed
Speaker 7: by its hurt, its hoard all near, no longer lusty,
Speaker 7: aloft to whirl at midnight, making its merriment seen, proud
Speaker 7: of its prizes prone, it sank by the handiwork of
Speaker 7: the hero king forsooth among folk, but few achieve, though
Speaker 7: sturdy and strong, as stories tell me, and never so daring,
Speaker 7: Indeed a valor the perilous breath of a poison foe
Speaker 7: to brave and to rush on the ring board hall,
Speaker 7: whenever his watch the warden keeps bold in the barrow.
Speaker 7: Beowulf paid the price of death for that precious horde,
Speaker 7: and each of the foes had found the end of
Speaker 7: this fleeting life. Befell ere long that the laggards in
Speaker 7: war the wood had left trothbreakers cowards, ten together, fearing
Speaker 7: before to flourish a spear in the sore distress of
Speaker 7: their sovereign lord. Now in their shame their shields they
Speaker 7: carried armor of fight. Where the old man lay, and
Speaker 7: they gazed on Wiglaff. Wearied, he sat at his sovereign's shoulder,
Speaker 7: shieldsmen good to wake him with water. Nowise it availed,
Speaker 7: though well he wished it in world. No more could
Speaker 7: he bury her life for that leader of battles, nor
Speaker 7: baffle the will of all wielding God. Doom of the
Speaker 7: lord was law, or the deeds of every man, as
Speaker 7: it is to day grim was the answer easy to
Speaker 7: get from the youth for those that had yielded to
Speaker 7: fear Wiglaf spoke the son of Weiersten, mournful. He looked
Speaker 7: on those men unloved, who sooth will speak, can say
Speaker 7: indeed that the ruler who gave you golden rings and
Speaker 7: the harness of war in which ye stand for he
Speaker 7: at ale bench oftentimes bestowed on hal folk, helm and breastplate,
Speaker 7: Lord to liegemen. The likeliest gear which nearer or far
Speaker 7: he could find to give, threw away and wasted these
Speaker 7: weeds of battle on men who failed. When the foemen came.
Speaker 7: Not at all could the king of his comrades in
Speaker 7: arms venture to vaunt, though the victory wielder God gave
Speaker 7: him grace that he got revenge soul with his sword
Speaker 7: in stress and need to rescue his life, twas little
Speaker 7: that I could serve him in struggle, Yet shift I
Speaker 7: made hopeless. It seemed to help my kinsmen, its strength
Speaker 7: ever waned when with weapon I struck that fatal foe,
Speaker 7: and the fire less strongly flowed from its head. Too
Speaker 7: few the heroes in throe of contest that thronged to
Speaker 7: our king. Now gift of treasure and girding of sword,
Speaker 7: joy of the house and home delight shall fail your
Speaker 7: folk his freehold land. Every clansman within your kin shall lose,
Speaker 7: and li eve when Lord's high born hear afar of
Speaker 7: that flight of yours a fameless deed. Yea death is
Speaker 7: better for liegemen all than a life of shame. That
Speaker 7: battle toil bade he at Burg to announce at the
Speaker 7: fort on the cliff, where full of sorrow, all the
Speaker 7: morning earls had sat daring shieldsmen in doubt of twain.
Speaker 7: Would they wail as dead or welcome home their lord
Speaker 7: beloved little kept back of the tidings new, but told
Speaker 7: them all the herald that up the headland road now
Speaker 7: the willing giver to weder folk. In death bed lies
Speaker 7: the Lord of Gates. On the slaughter bed sleeps by
Speaker 7: the serpent's deed, and beside him is stretched that slayer
Speaker 7: of men with knife wounds, sick no sword availed on
Speaker 7: the awesome thing in any wise to work a wound.
Speaker 7: Their wig laugh sitteth Wilston's barn by Beowulf's side, the
Speaker 7: living earl by the other dead, and heavy of heart,
Speaker 7: a head watch keeps or friend and foe. Now our
Speaker 7: folk may look for waging of war when once unhidden
Speaker 7: to Frisian and Frank, the fall of the king is
Speaker 7: spread afar. The strike began when hot on the Hugos
Speaker 7: Hagelac fell and fared with his fleet to the Frisian
Speaker 7: land him There the hetwaras humbled in war, plied with
Speaker 7: such prowess, their power overwhelming that the bold in battle
Speaker 7: bowed beneath it and fell in fight to his friends.
Speaker 7: No wise could that earl give treasure. And ever since
Speaker 7: the Marrowing's favor has failed us wholly nor aught. Expect
Speaker 7: I of peace and faith from Swedish folk. Twas spread
Speaker 7: afar how ungan thou reft at ravenswood hyketh and brethling
Speaker 7: of hope and life. When the folk of Gates for
Speaker 7: the first time sought in wanton pride, the warlike skilfings.
Speaker 7: Soon the sage old Sire of Altaire ancient and awful
Speaker 7: gave answering blow. The sea king he slew, and his
Speaker 7: spouse redeemed. His good wife rescued, though robbed of her gold,
Speaker 7: mother of Oterr and Onela. Then he followed his foes,
Speaker 7: who fled before him, sore beset, and stole their way,
Speaker 7: bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. With his host, he
Speaker 7: besieged there what swords had left, the weary and wounded woes.
Speaker 7: He threatened the whole night through to that hard pressed throng.
Speaker 7: Some with the morrow his swords should kill, some should
Speaker 7: go to the gallows tree for rapture of ravens. But
Speaker 7: rescue came with dawn of day for those desperate men,
Speaker 7: when they heard the horn of Higlac sound tones of
Speaker 7: his trumpet. The trusty king had followed their trail with
Speaker 7: faithful band. The bloody swath of Swedes and Gates, and
Speaker 7: the storm of their strife were seen afar. How folk
Speaker 7: against folk, the fight had wakened. The ancient king, with
Speaker 7: his atheling band, sought his citadel, sorrowing much ongan. Though
Speaker 7: Earl went up to his burg, he had tested Heiglac's hardihood.
Speaker 7: The proud one's prowess would prove it no longer defied
Speaker 7: no more those fighting wanderers, nor hoped from the seamen
Speaker 7: to save his hoard, his barn, and his bride. So
Speaker 7: he bent him again old to his earth walls. Yet
Speaker 7: after him came with slaughter for swedes the standards of
Speaker 7: Higlac over peaceful plains in pride, advancing till threthlings fought
Speaker 7: in the fenced town. Then ungan thought with edge of sword.
Speaker 7: The hoary bearded was held at bay, and the folk
Speaker 7: king there was forced to suffer yeofor's anger in ire
Speaker 7: at the king wolf wan riding with weapons struck, and
Speaker 7: the chieftain's blood for that blow in streams flowed neath
Speaker 7: his hair. No fear felt he stout old skilfing, but
Speaker 7: straightway repaid in better bargain that bitter stroke, and faced
Speaker 7: his foe with fell intent. Nor swift enough was the
Speaker 7: son of one rid answer to render the aged chief
Speaker 7: too soon on his head the helm was cloven, blood bedecked.
Speaker 7: He bowed to earth and fell adown. Not doomed was
Speaker 7: he yet, and well he waxed, though the wound was sore.
Speaker 7: Then the hardy Haiglak fane when his brother fell with
Speaker 7: broad brand smote Giant's sword, crashing through Giant's helm across
Speaker 7: the shield wall, sank the king, his folk's old herdsman
Speaker 7: fatally hurt. There were many to bind the brother's wounds
Speaker 7: and lift him fast, as fate allowed his people to
Speaker 7: wield the place of war. But yofor took from Ungenthal
Speaker 7: earl from other the eye, iron breastplate, hard sword, hilted
Speaker 7: and helmet too, and the hoar chief's harness to Higelac carried,
Speaker 7: who took the trappings and truly promised rich fee mid folk,
Speaker 7: and fulfilled it. So for that grim strike gave the
Speaker 7: Gaetish lord Rethel's offspring. When home he came to Yofur
Speaker 7: and Wolf a wealth of treasure. Each of them had
Speaker 7: a hundred thousand in land and linked rings. Nor at
Speaker 7: less price reckoned mid earth men such mighty deeds. And
Speaker 7: to yofor he gave his only daughter in pledge of grace,
Speaker 7: the pride of his home. Such is the feud, the
Speaker 7: foeman's rage, death, hate of men. So I deem it
Speaker 7: sure that the Swedish folk will seek us home for
Speaker 7: this fall of their friends. The fighting Skilfings when once
Speaker 7: they learned that our warrior leader lifeless lies, who land
Speaker 7: and hoard ever defended from all his foes, furthered his
Speaker 7: folk's will, finished his course a hardy hero. Now haste
Speaker 7: is best that we go to gaze on our gaytish lord,
Speaker 7: and bear the bountiful breaker of rings to the funeral pyre.
Speaker 7: No fragments merely shall burn with the warrior wealth of jewels,
Speaker 7: gold untold and gained in terror treasure. At last, with
Speaker 7: his life obtained, all of that booty the brands shall take,
Speaker 7: fire shall eat it. No earl must carry memorial jewel.
Speaker 7: No maiden fair shall wreathe her neck with noble ring.
Speaker 7: Nay sad in spirit and shorn of her gold oft
Speaker 7: shall she pass o'er paths of exile. Now, our Lord,
Speaker 7: all laughter has laid aside, all mirth and revel. Many
Speaker 7: a spear morning cold shall be clasped, a main lifted aloft,
Speaker 7: Nor shall lilt of harp those warriors wake, But the
Speaker 7: wan hewed raven fain o'er the fallen his feast shall
Speaker 7: praise and boast to the eagle, how bravely he ate
Speaker 7: when he and the wolf were wasting the slain, So
Speaker 7: he told his sorrowful tidings, and little he lied the
Speaker 7: loyal man of word or of work. The warriors rose sad.
Speaker 7: They climbed to the cliff of eagles, went welling with
Speaker 7: tears the wonder to view found on the sand there
Speaker 7: stretched at rest their lifeless lord, who had lavished rings
Speaker 7: of old upon them. Ending day had dawned on the
Speaker 7: doughty one death had seized in woeful slaughter the waiter's king.
Speaker 7: There saw they, besides the strangest, being loathsome lying their
Speaker 7: leader near prone on the field. The fiery dragon, fearful
Speaker 7: fiend with flame, was scorched, reckoned by feet. It was
Speaker 7: fifty measures in length as it lay aloft ere while
Speaker 7: it had reveled by night and anon came back seeking
Speaker 7: its den. Now in death's sure clutch, it had come
Speaker 7: to the end of its earth Hall joys by it.
Speaker 7: There stood the stoops and jars, dishes lay there, and
Speaker 7: dear decked swords eaten with rest as on earth's lamp,
Speaker 7: resting a thousand winters. They waited there for all that
Speaker 7: heritage huge, that gold of bygone men, was bound by
Speaker 7: a spell, so the treasure hall could be touched by
Speaker 7: none of human kind, save that Heaven's king, God himself
Speaker 7: might give whom he would helper of heroes the hoard
Speaker 7: to open. Even such a man, as it seemed to him,
Speaker 7: meet perilous path. It proved he trod who heinously hid
Speaker 7: that hall within wealth under wall. Its watcher had killed
Speaker 7: one of a few, and the feud was avenged in
Speaker 7: woeful fashion. Wondrous seems it what manner a man of
Speaker 7: might and valor oft ends his life when the earl
Speaker 7: no longer in mead hall may live with loving friends.
Speaker 7: So Beowulf, when that barrow's wooden he sought, and the
Speaker 7: struggle himself knew not in what wise he should wend
Speaker 7: from the world at last, for Princess Potent, who placed
Speaker 7: the gold with a curse to doomsday, covered it deep,
Speaker 7: so that marked with sin, the man should be hedged
Speaker 7: with horrors, and hell bounds fast racked with plagues. Who
Speaker 7: should rob their horde. Yet no greed for gold, but
Speaker 7: the grace of Heaven ever had the king kept in view.
Speaker 7: Wig Laugh, spoke the son of Worston, at the mandate
Speaker 7: of one oft warriors. Many sorrow may suffer, and so
Speaker 7: must we the people's shepherds showed not aught of care
Speaker 7: for our counsel. King beloved that guardian of gold. He
Speaker 7: should grapple, not urged we, but let him lie where
Speaker 7: he long had been, in his Earth's hall, waiting at
Speaker 7: the end of the world, the hest of heaven. This
Speaker 7: hoard is ours, but grievously gotten too grim the fate
Speaker 7: which thither carried our King and Lord. I was within there,
Speaker 7: and all I viewed the chambered treasure when chance allowed me,
Speaker 7: and my path was made in no pleasant wise under
Speaker 7: the earth wall. Eager I seized such heap from the
Speaker 7: hoard as hands could bear, and hurriedly carried it hither
Speaker 7: back to my legion, Lord alive, he was still still
Speaker 7: wielding his wits. The wise old man spake much in
Speaker 7: his sorrow, and sent you greetings, and bade yet ye
Speaker 7: build when he breathe no more on the place of
Speaker 7: his balefire, a barrel high memorial. Mighty of men, was
Speaker 7: he worthiest warrior wide earth over the while he had
Speaker 7: joy of his jewels and burgh. Let us set out
Speaker 7: in haste now the second time, to see and search
Speaker 7: this store of treasure. These wall hid wonders, the way
Speaker 7: I show you where gathered near, ye may gaze your
Speaker 7: fill at broad golden rings. Let the bier soon made
Speaker 7: be all in order. When out we come our King
Speaker 7: and Captain, to carry thither man beloved, where long he
Speaker 7: shall bide safe in the shelter of sovereign God. Then
Speaker 7: the barn of Worston bade command hardy chief to heroes,
Speaker 7: many that owned their homesteads hither to bring firewood from
Speaker 7: far or the folk they ruled. For the famed one's funeral,
Speaker 7: fire shall devour and wan flame's feed on the fearless
Speaker 7: warrior who oft stood stout in the iron shower, when
Speaker 7: sped from string a storm of arrows shot, or the
Speaker 7: shield wall the shaft held firm featly feathered. Followed the
Speaker 7: barb and now the sage, young son of Worston seven,
Speaker 7: chose of the chieftain's thains the best. He found that
Speaker 7: band within, and went with these warriors, one of eight,
Speaker 7: under hostile roof in hand, one bore a lighted torch
Speaker 7: and led the way. No lots they cast for keeping
Speaker 7: the horde. When once the warriors saw it in hall
Speaker 7: altogether without a guardian, lying there lost and little they mourned.
Speaker 7: When they had hastily hailed it out, Dear bought treasure
Speaker 7: the drag, and they cast the worm o'er the wall
Speaker 7: for the wave to take, and surges swallowed that shepherd
Speaker 7: of gems. Then the woven gold on a wain was
Speaker 7: laden countless quite, and the king was born hoary hero
Speaker 7: to crone's nest. Then fashioned for him the folk of
Speaker 7: Gates firm on the earth a funeral pile, and hung
Speaker 7: it with helmets and harness of war and breastplates, bright
Speaker 7: as the boon, he asked, and they laid it amid
Speaker 7: the mighty chieftain heroes, mourning their master.
Speaker 1: Dear.
Speaker 7: Then on the hill that hugest of bale fires, the
Speaker 7: warriors wakened. Wood smoke rose black over blaze, and blent
Speaker 7: was the roar of flame, with weeping. The wind was
Speaker 7: still till the fire had broken the frame of bones,
Speaker 7: hot at the heart. In heavy mood their misery moaned
Speaker 7: they their master's death.
Speaker 1: Wailing her woe.
Speaker 7: The widow old her hair upbound for Beowulf's death, sung
Speaker 7: in her sorrow, and said full oft she dreaded the
Speaker 7: doleful days to come. Deaths a now and doom of
Speaker 7: battle and shame. The smoke by the sky was devoured.
Speaker 7: The folk of the waiters fashioned there on the headland
Speaker 7: a barrow, broad and high by ocean farers descried in
Speaker 7: ten days time their toil had raised it the battle
Speaker 7: brave's beacon, round brands of the pyre. A wall they
Speaker 7: built the worthiest ever that wit could prompt in their
Speaker 7: wisest men, they placed in the barrow that precious booty,
Speaker 7: the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile hardy
Speaker 7: heroes from hoard in cave, trusting the ground with treasure
Speaker 7: of earls, gold in the earth wherever it lies, useless
Speaker 7: to men as of yore. It was then about that
Speaker 7: barrow the battle keen road, Athelingbourne, a band of twelve
Speaker 7: lament to make to mourn their king, chant, their dirge,
Speaker 7: and their chieftain honor. They praised his earlship, his acts
Speaker 7: of prowess worthily witnessed, and well it is that men
Speaker 7: their master friend mightily laud heartily love, when hence he
Speaker 7: goes from life in the body forlorn away. Thus made
Speaker 7: their mourning. The men of Gateland, for their heroes, passing
Speaker 7: his hearth come companions quoth that of all the kings
Speaker 7: of earth, of men, he was mildest and most beloved
Speaker 7: to his kin, the kindest, keenest for praise. End of
Speaker 7: Section eight, end of Beowulf