BEOWULF
PRELUDEOFTHEFOUNDEROFTHEDANISHHOUSE
LO，praiseoftheprowessofpeople-kingsofspear-armedDanes，indayslongsped，wehaveheard，andwhathonortheathelingswon！
OftScyldtheScefingfromsquadronedfoes，frommanyatribe，themead-benchtore，awingtheearls。Sinceersthelayfriendless，afoundling，faterepaidhim：
forhewaxedunderwelkin，inwealthhethrove，tillbeforehimthefolk，bothfarandnear，whohousebythewhale-path，heardhismandate，gavehimgifts：agoodkinghe！
Tohimanheirwasafterwardborn，asoninhishalls，whomheavensenttofavorthefolk，feelingtheirwoethatersttheyhadlackedanearlforleadersolongawhile；theLordendowedhim，theWielderofWonder，withworld'srenown。
FamedwasthisBeowulf：[1]farflewtheboastofhim，sonofScyld，intheScandianlands。
Sobecomesitayouthtoquithimwellwithhisfather'sfriends，byfeeandgift，thattoaidhim，aged，inafterdays，comewarriorswilling，shouldwardrawnigh，liegemenloyal：bylaudeddeedsshallanearlhavehonorineveryclan。
Forthhefaredatthefatedmoment，sturdyScyldtotheshelterofGod。
Thentheyborehimovertoocean'sbillow，lovingclansmen，aslatehechargedthem，whilewieldedwordsthewinsomeScyld，theleaderbelovedwholonghadruled……
Intheroadsteadrockedaring-dightvessel，ice-flecked，outbound，atheling'sbarge：
therelaidtheydowntheirdarlinglordonthebreastoftheboat，thebreaker-of-rings，[2]
bythemastthemightyone。Manyatreasurefetchedfromfarwasfreightedwithhim。
NoshiphaveIknownsonoblydightwithweaponsofwarandweedsofbattle，withbreastplateandblade：onhisbosomlayaheapedhoardthathenceshouldgofaro'erthefloodwithhimfloatingaway。
Nolesstheseloadedthelordlygifts，thanes'hugetreasure，thanthosehaddonewhoinformertimeforthhadsenthimsoleontheseas，asucklingchild。
Higho'erhisheadtheyhoistthestandard，agold-wovebanner；letbillowstakehim，gavehimtoocean。Graveweretheirspirits，mournfultheirmood。Nomanisabletosayinsooth，nosonofthehalls，nohero'neathheaven，——whoharboredthatfreight！
[1]Not，ofcourse，BeowulftheGreat，herooftheepic。[2]
Kenningforkingorchieftainofacomitatus：hebreaksoffgoldfromthespiralrings——oftenwornonthearm——andsorewardshisfollowers。
I
NowBeowulfbodeintheburgoftheScyldings，leaderbeloved，andlongheruledinfamewithallfolk，sincehisfatherhadgoneawayfromtheworld，tillawokeanheir，haughtyHealfdene，whoheldthroughlife，sageandsturdy，theScyldingsglad。
Then，oneafterone，therewoketohim，tothechieftainofclansmen，childrenfour：
Heorogar，thenHrothgar，thenHalgabrave；
andIheardthat——was——'squeen，theHeathoscylfing'shelpmatedear。
ToHrothgarwasgivensuchgloryofwar，suchhonorofcombat，thatallhiskinobeyedhimgladlytillgreatgrewhisbandofyouthfulcomrades。Itcameinhismindtobidhishenchmenahalluprear，iamastermead-house，mightierfarthaneverwasseenbythesonsofearth，andwithinit，then，tooldandyounghewouldallallotthattheLordhadsenthim，saveonlythelandandthelivesofhismen。
Wide，Iheard，wastheworkcommanded，formanyatribethismid-earthround，tofashionthefolkstead。Itfell，asheordered，inrapidachievementthatreadyitstoodthere，ofhallsthenoblest：Heorot[1]henameditwhosemessagehadmightinmanyaland。
Notrecklessofpromise，theringshedealt，treasureatbanquet：theretoweredthehall，high，gabledwide，thehotsurgewaitingoffuriousflame。[2]Norfarwasthatdaywhenfatherandson-in-lawstoodinfeudforwarfareandhatredthatwokeagain。[3]
Withenvyandangeranevilspiritenduredthedoleinhisdarkabode，thatheheardeachdaythedinofrevelhighinthehall：thereharpsrangout，clearsongofthesinger。Hesangwhoknew[4]
talesoftheearlytimeofman，howtheAlmightymadetheearth，fairestfieldsenfoldedbywater，set，triumphant，sunandmoonforalighttolightentheland-dwellers，andbraidedbrightthebreastofearthwithlimbsandleaves，madelifeforallofmortalbeingsthatbreatheandmove。
Solivedtheclansmenincheerandrevelawinsomelife，tillonebegantofashionevils，thatfieldofhell。
Grendelthismonstergrimwascalled，march-riever[5]mighty，inmoorlandliving，infenandfastness；fiefofthegiantsthehaplesswightawhilehadkeptsincetheCreatorhisexiledoomed。
OnkinofCainwasthekillingavengedbysovranGodforslaughteredAbel。
Illfaredhisfeud，[6]andfarwashedriven，fortheslaughter'ssake，fromsightofmen。
OfCainawokeallthatwofulbreed，Etins[7]andelvesandevil-spirits，aswellasthegiantsthatwarredwithGodwearywhile：buttheirwagewaspaidthem！
[1]Thatis，"TheHart，"or"Stag，"socalledfromdecorationsinthegablesthatresembledtheantlersofadeer。ThishallhasbeencarefullydescribedinapamphletbyHeyne。Thebuildingwasrectangular，withoppositedoors——mainlywestandeast——andahearthinthemiddleofthsingleroom。Arowofpillarsdowneachside，atsomedistancefromthewalls，madeaspacewhichwasraisedalittleabovethemainfloor，andwasfurnishedwithtworowsofseats。Ononeside，usuallysouth，wasthehigh-seatmidwaybetweenthedoors。Oppositethis，ontheotherraisedspace，wasanotherseatofhonor。Atthebanquetsoontobedescribed，Hrothgarsatinthesouthorchiefhigh-seat，andBeowulfoppositetohim。Thesceneforaflying（seebelow，v。499）wasthusveryeffectivelyset。Planksontrestles——the"board"oflaterEnglishliterature——formedthetablesjustinfrontofthelongrowsofseats，andweretakenawayafterbanquets，whentheretainerswerereadytostretchthem-selvesoutforsleeponthebenches。[2]Firewastheusualendofthesehalls。Seev。781below。OnethinksofthesplendidsceneattheendoftheNibelungen，oftheNialssaga，ofSaxo'sstoryofAmlethus，andmanyalessfamousinstance。[3]ItistobesupposedthatallhearersofthispoemknewhowHrothgar'shallwasburnt，——perhapsintheunsuccessfulattackmadeonhimbyhisson-in-lawIngeld。[4]Askilledminstrel。TheDanesareheathens，asoneistoldpresently；butthislayofbeginningsistakenfromGenesis。[5]Adisturberoftheborder，onewhosalliesfromhishauntinthefenandroamsoverthecountrynearby。Thisprobablypagannuisanceisnowfurnishedwithbiblicalcredentialsasafiendordevilingoodstanding，sothatallChristianEnglishmenmightreadabouthim。"Grendel"maymeanonewhogrindsandcrushes。[6]Cain's。[7]Giants。
II
WENTheforthtofindatfallofnightthathaughtyhouse，andheedwherevertheRing-Danes，outrevelled，toresthadgone。
Foundwithinittheathelingbandasleepafterfeastingandfearlessofsorrow，ofhumanhardship。Unhallowedwight，grimandgreedy，hegraspedbetimes，wrathful，reckless，fromresting-places，thirtyofthethanes，andthenceherushedfainofhisfellspoil，faringhomeward，ladenwithslaughter，hislairtoseek。
Thenatthedawning，asdaywasbreaking，themightofGrendeltomenwasknown；
thenafterwassailwaswailuplifted，loudmoaninthemorn。Themightychief，athelingexcellent，unblithesat，laboredinwoeforthelossofhisthanes，whenoncehadbeentracedthetrailofthefiend，spiritaccurst：toocruelthatsorrow，toolong，tooloathsome。Notlatetherespite；
withnightreturning，anewbeganruthlessmurder；hereckednowhit，firminhisguilt，ofthefeudandcrime。
Theywereeasytofindwhoelsewheresoughtinroomremotetheirrestatnight，bedinthebowers，[1]whenthatbalewasshown，wasseeninsooth，withsuresttoken，——
thehall-thane's[2]hate。Suchheldthemselvesfarandfastwhothefiendoutran！
Thusruledunrighteousandragedhisfilloneagainstall；untilemptystoodthatlordlybuilding，andlongitbodeso。
Twelveyears'tidethetroublehebore，sovranofScyldings，sorrowsinplenty，boundlesscares。Therecameunhiddentidingstruetothetribesofmen，insorrowfulsongs，howceaselesslyGrendelharassedHrothgar，whathateheborehim，whatmurderandmassacre，manyayear，feudunfading，——refusedconsenttodealwithanyofDaneland'searls，makepactofpeace，orcompoundforgold：
stilllessdidthewisemenweentogetgreatfeeforthefeudfromhisfiendishhands。
Buttheeviloneambushedoldandyoungdeath-shadowdark，anddoggedthemstill，lured，orlurkedinthelivelongnightofmistymoorlands：menmaysaynotwherethehauntsoftheseHell-Runes[3]be。
Suchheapingofhorrorsthehaterofmen，lonelyroamer，wroughtunceasing，harassingsheavy。O'erHeorothelorded，gold-brighthall，ingloomynights；
andne'ercouldtheprince[4]approachhisthrone，——'twasjudgmentofGod，——orhavejoyinhishall。
SorewasthesorrowtoScyldings'-friend，heart-rendingmisery。Manynoblessatassembled，andsearchedoutcounselhowitwerebestforbold-heartedmenagainstharassingterrortotrytheirhand。
Whilestheyvowedintheirheathenfanesaltar-offerings，askedwithwords[5]
thattheslayer-of-soulswouldsuccorgivethemforthepainoftheirpeople。Theirpracticethis，theirheathenhope；'twasHelltheythoughtofinmoodoftheirmind。Almightytheyknewnot，DoomsmanofDeedsanddreadfulLord，norHeaven's-Helmetheededtheyever，Wielder-of-Wonder。——Woeforthatmanwhoinharmandhatredhaleshissoultofieryembraces；——norfavornorchangeawaitsheever。Butwellforhimthatafterdeath-daymaydrawtohisLord，andfriendshipfindintheFather'sarms！
[1]Thesmallerbuildingswithinthemainenclosurebutseparatefromthehall。[2]Grendel。[3]"Sorcerers-of-hell。"[4]
Hrothgar，whoisthe"Scyldings'-friend"of170。[5]Thatis，informalorprescribedphrase。
III
THUSseethedunceasingthesonofHealfdenewiththewoeofthesedays；notwisestmenassuagedhissorrow；toosoretheanguish，loathlyandlong，thatlayonhisfolk，mostbanefulofburdensandbalesofthenight。
ThisheardinhishomeHygelac'sthane，greatamongGeats，ofGrendel'sdoings。
Hewasthemightiestmanofvalorinthatsamedayofthisourlife，stalwartandstately。Astoutwave-walkerhebademakeready。Yonbattle-king，saidhe，faro'ertheswan-roadhefainwouldseek，thenoblemonarchwhoneededmen！
Theprince'sjourneybyprudentfolkwaslittleblamed，thoughtheylovedhimdear；
theywhettedthehero，andhailedgoodomens。
AndnowtheboldonefrombandsofGeatscomradeschose，thekeenestofwarriorse'erhecouldfind；withfourteenmenthesea-wood[1]hesought，and，sailorproved，ledthemontotheland'sconfines。
Timehadnowflown；[2]afloatwastheship，boatunderbluff。Onboardtheyclimbed，warriorsready；waveswerechurningseawithsand；thesailorsboreonthebreastofthebarktheirbrightarray，theirmailandweapons：themenpushedoff，onitswillingway，thewell-bracedcraft。
Thenmovedo'erthewatersbymightofthewindthatbarklikeabirdwithbreastoffoam，tillinseasondue，onthesecondday，thecurvedprowsuchcoursehadrunthatsailorsnowcouldseetheland，sea-cliffsshining，steephighhills，headlandsbroad。Theirhavenwasfound，theirjourneyended。UpthenquicklytheWeders'[3]clansmenclimbedashore，anchoredtheirsea-wood，witharmorclashingandgearofbattle：Godtheythankedorpassinginpeaceo'erthepathsofthesea。
NowsawfromthecliffaScyldingclansman，awardenthatwatchedthewater-side，howtheyboreo'erthegangwayglitteringshields，war-gearinreadiness；wonderseizedhimtoknowwhatmannerofmentheywere。
Straighttothestrandhissteedherode，Hrothgar'shenchman；withhandofmightheshookhisspear，andspakeinparley。
"Whoareye，then，yearmedmen，mailedfolk，thatyonmightyvesselhaveurgedthusovertheoceanways，hereo'erthewaters？AwardenI，sentinelseto'erthesea-marchhere，lestanyfoetothefolkofDaneswithharryingfleetshouldharmtheland。
Noalienseverateasethusborethem，linden-wielders：[4]yetword-of-leaveclearlyyelackfromclansmenhere，myfolk'sagreement。——Agreaterne'ersawI
ofwarriorsinworldthanisoneofyou，——
yonheroinharness！Nohenchmanheworthiedbyweapons，ifwitnesshisfeatures，hispeerlesspresence！Iprayyou，though，tellyourfolkandhome，lesthenceyefaresuspecttowanderyourwayasspiesinDanishland。Now，dwellersafar，ocean-travellers，takefrommesimpleadvice：thesoonerthebetterIhearofthecountrywhenceyecame。"
[1]Ship。[2]Thatis，sinceBeowulfselectedhisshipandledhismentotheharbor。[3]OneoftheauxiliarynamesoftheGeats。[4]Or：Notthusopenlyevercamewarriorshither；yet……
IV
Tohimthestateliestspakeinanswer；
thewarriors'leaderhisword-hoardunlocked：——
"WearebykinoftheclanofGeats，andHygelac'sownhearth-fellowswe。
Tofolkafarwasmyfatherknown，nobleatheling，Ecgtheownamed。
Fullofwinters，hefaredawayagedfromearth；heishonoredstillthroughwidthoftheworldbywisemenall。
Tothylordandliegeinloyalmoodwehastenhither，toHealfdene'sson，people-protector：bepleasedtoadviseus！
Tothatmighty-onecomeweonmickleerrand，tothelordoftheDanes；nordeemIrightthataughtbehidden。Wehear——thouknowestifsoothitis——thesayingofmen，thatamidtheScyldingsascathingmonster，darkill-doer，induskynightsshowsterrifichisrageunmatched，hatredandmurder。ToHrothgarI
ingreatnessofsoulwouldsuccorbring，sotheWise-and-Brave[1]mayworsthisfoes，——
ifevertheendofillsisfated，ofcruelcontest，ifcureshallfollow，andtheboilingcare-wavescoolergrow；
elseeverafterwardanguish-daysheshallsufferinsorrowwhilestandsinplacehighonitshillthathouseunpeered！"
Astridehissteed，thestrand-wardanswered，clansmanunquailing："Thekeen-souledthanemustbeskilledtoseverandsunderdulywordsandworks，ifhewellintends。
Igather，thisbandisgraciouslybenttotheScyldings'master。March，then，bearingweaponsandweedsthewayIshowyou。
Iwillbidmymenyourboatmeanwhiletoguardforfearlestfoemencome，——
yournew-tarredshipbyshoreofoceanfaithfullywatchingtillonceagainitwafto'erthewatersthosewell-lovedthanes，——winding-neck'dwood，——toWeders'bounds，heroessuchasthehestoffateshallsuccorandsavefromtheshockofwar。"
Theybentthemtomarch，——theboatlaystill，fetteredbycableandfastatanchor，broad-bosomedship。——Thenshonetheboars[2]
overthecheek-guard；chasedwithgold，keenandgleaming，guarditkepto'erthemanofwar，asmarchedalongheroesinhaste，tillthehalltheysaw，broadofgableandbrightwithgold：
thatwasthefairest，'midfolkofearth，ofhouses'neathheaven，whereHrothgarlived，andthegleamofitlightenedo'erlandsafar。
Thesturdyshieldsmanshowedthatbrightburg-of-the-boldest；badethemgostraightwaythither；hissteedthenturned，hardyhero，andhailedthemthus：——
"TistimethatIfarefromyou。FatherAlmightyingraceandmercyguardyouwell，safeinyourseekings。SeawardIgo，'gainsthostilewarriorsholdmywatch。"
[1]Hrothgar。[2]Beowulf'shelmethasseveralboar-imagesonit；
heisthe"manofwar"；andtheboar-helmetguardshimastypicalrepresentativeofthemarchingpartyasawhole。TheboarwassacredtoFreyr，whowasthefavoritegodoftheGermanictribesabouttheNorthSeaandtheBaltic。Ruderepresentationsofwarriorsshowtheboaronthehelmetquiteaslargeasthehelmetitself。
V
STONE-BRIGHTthestreet：[1]itshowedthewaytothecrowdofclansmen。Corseletsglistenedhand-forged，hard；ontheirharnessbrightthesteelringsang，astheystrodealonginmailofbattle，andmarchedtothehall。
There，wearyofocean，thewallalongtheysettheirbucklers，theirbroadshields，down，andbowedthemtobench：thebreastplatesclanged，war-gearofmen；theirweaponsstacked，spearsoftheseafarersstoodtogether，gray-tippedash：thatironbandwasworthilyweaponed！——Awarriorproudaskedoftheheroestheirhomeandkin。
"Whence，now，bearyeburnishedshields，harnessgrayandhelmetsgrim，spearsinmultitude？Messenger，I，Hrothgar'sherald！Heroessomanyne'ermetIasstrangersofmoodsostrong。
'Tisplainthatforprowess，notplungedintoexile，forhigh-heartedvalor，Hrothgaryeseek！"
Himthesturdy-in-warbespakewithwords，proudearloftheWedersanswermade，hardy'neathhelmet：——"Hygelac's，we，fellowsatboard；IamBeowulfnamed。
IamseekingtosaytothesonofHealfdenethismissionofmine，tothymaster-lord，thedoughtyprince，ifhedeignatallgracethatwegreethim，thegoodone，now。"
Wulfgarspake，theWendles'chieftain，whosemightofmindtomanywasknown，hiscourageandcounsel："ThekingofDanes，theScyldings'friend，Ifainwilltell，theBreaker-of-Rings，astheboonthouaskest，thefamedprince，ofthyfaringhither，and，swiftlyafter，suchanswerbringasthedoughtymonarchmaydeigntogive。"
HiedtheninhastetowhereHrothgarsatwhite-hairedandold，hisearlsabouthim，tillthestoutthanestoodattheshoulderthereoftheDanishking：goodcourtierhe！
Wulfgarspaketohiswinsomelord：——
"Hitherhavefaredtotheefar-comemeno'erthepathsofocean，peopleofGeatland；
andthestateliesttherebyhissturdybandisBeowulfnamed。Thisboontheyseek，thatthey，mymaster，maywiththeehavespeechatwill：norspurntheirprayertogivethemhearing，graciousHrothgar！
Inweedsofthewarriorworthythey，methinks，ofourliking；theirleadermostsurely，aherothathitherhishenchmenhasled。"
[1]Eithermerelypaved，thestrataviaoftheRomans，orelsethoughtofasasortofmosaic，anextravaganttouchliketherecklesswasteofgoldonthewallsandroofsofahall。
VI
HROTHGARanswered，helmetofScyldings：——
"Iknewhimofyoreinhisyouthfuldays；
hisagedfatherwasEcgtheownamed，towhom，athome，gaveHretheltheGeathisonlydaughter。Theiroffspringboldfareshithertoseekthesteadfastfriend。
Andseamen，too，havesaidmethis，——
whocarriedmygiftstotheGeatishcourt，thitherforthanks，——hehasthirtymen'sheftofgraspinthegripeofhishand，thebold-in-battle。BlessedGodoutofhismercythismanhathsenttoDanesoftheWest，asIweenindeed，againsthorrorofGrendel。Ihopetogivethegoodyouthgoldforhisgallantthought。
Bethouinhaste，andbidthemhither，clanofkinsmen，tocomebeforeme；
andaddthisword，——theyarewelcomegueststofolkoftheDanes。"
[TothedoorofthehallWulfgarwent]andtheworddeclared：——
"Toyouthismessagemymastersends，East-Danes'king，thatyourkinheknows，hardyheroes，andhailsyouallwelcomehithero'erwavesofthesea！
Yemaywendyourwayinwar-attire，andunderhelmetsHrothgargreet；
butletherethebattle-shieldsbideyourparley，andwoodenwar-shaftswaititsend。"
Uprosethemightyone，ringedwithhismen，bravebandofthanes：somebodewithout，battle-gearguarding，asbadethechief。
Thenhiedthattroopwheretheheraldledthem，underHeorot'sroof：[theherostrode，]
hardy'neathhelm，tillthehearthheneared。
Beowulfspake，——hisbreastplategleamed，war-netwovenbywitofthesmith：——
"ThouHrothgar，hail！Hygelac'sI，kinsmanandfollower。FameaplentyhaveIgainedinyouth！TheseGrendel-deedsIheardinmyhome-landheraldedclear。
Seafarerssayhowstandsthishall，ofbuildingsbest，foryourbandofthanesemptyandidle，wheneveningsunintheharborofheavenishiddenaway。
Somyvassalsadvisedmewell，——
braveandwise，thebestofmen，——
OsovranHrothgar，toseektheehere，formynerveandmymighttheyknewfullwell。
Themselveshadseenmefromslaughtercomeblood-fleckedfromfoes，wherefiveIbound，andthatwildbroodworsted。I'thewavesIslewnicors[1]bynight，inneedandperilavengingtheWeders，[2]whosewoetheysought，——
crushingthegrimones。Grendelnow，monstercruel，beminetoquellinsinglebattle！So，fromthee，thousovranoftheShining-Danes，Scyldings'-bulwark，aboonIseek，——
and，Friend-of-the-folk，refuseitnot，OWarriors'-shield，nowI'vewanderedfar，——
thatIalonewithmyliegemenhere，thishardyband，mayHeorotpurge！
MoreIhear，thatthemonsterdire，inhiswantonmood，ofweaponsrecksnot；
henceshallIscorn——soHygelacstay，kingofmykindred，kindtome！——
brandorbucklertobearinthefight，gold-coloredtarge：butwithgripealonemustIfrontthefiendandfightforlife，foeagainstfoe。ThenfaithbehisinthedoomoftheLordwhomdeathshalltake。
Fain，Iween，ifthefighthewin，inthishallofgoldmyGeatishbandwillhefearlesseat，——asoftbefore，——
mynoblestthanes。Norneed'stthouthentohidemyhead；[3]forhisshallIbe，dyedingore，ifdeathmusttakeme；
andmyblood-coveredbodyhe'llbearasprey，ruthlessdevourit，theroamer-lonely，withmylife-bloodreddenhislairinthefen：
nofurtherformeneed'stfoodprepare！
ToHygelacsend，ifHild[4]shouldtakeme，bestofwar-weeds，wardingmybreast，armorexcellent，heirloomofHrethelandworkofWayland。[5]FaresWyrd[6]asshemust。"
[1]Thenicor，saysBugge，isahippopotamus；awalrus，saystenBrink。Butthatwater-goblinwhocoversthespacefromOldNickofjesttotheNeckanandNixofpoetryandtale，isalloneneeds，andNicorisagoodnameforhim。[2]Hisownpeople，theGeats。[3]Thatis，coveritaswithaface-cloth。"Therewillbenoneedoffuneralrites。"[4]PersonificationofBattle。[5]TheGermanicVulcan。[6]Thismightypower，whomtheChristianpoetcanstillrevere，hasherethegeneralforceof"Destiny。"
VII
HROTHGARspake，theScyldings'-helmet：——
"Forfightdefensive，FriendmyBeowulf，tosuccorandsave，thouhastsoughtushere。
Thyfather'scombat[1]afeudenkindledwhenHeatholafwithhandheslewamongtheWylfings；hisWederkinforhorroroffightingfearedtoholdhim。
Fleeing，hesoughtourSouth-Danefolk，oversurgeofoceantheHonor-Scyldings，whenfirstIwasrulingthefolkofDanes，wielded，youthful，thiswidespreadrealm，thishoard-holdofheroes。Heorogarwasdead，myelderbrother，hadbreathedhislast，Healfdene'sbairn：hewasbetterthanI！
Straightwaythefeudwithfee[2]Isettled，totheWylfingssent，o'erwateryridges，treasuresolden：oathshe[3]sworeme。
SoreismysoultosaytoanyoftheraceofmanwhatruthformeinHeorotGrendelwithhatehathwrought，whatsuddenharryings。Hall-folkfailme，mywarriorswane；forWyrdhathsweptthemintoGrendel'sgrasp。ButGodisablethisdeadlyfoefromhisdeedstoturn！
Boastedfulloft，asmybeertheydrank，earlso'ertheale-cup，armedmen，thattheywouldbideinthebeer-hallhere，Grendel'sattackwithterrorofblades。
Thenwasthismead-houseatmorningtidedyedwithgore，whenthedaylightbroke，alltheboardsofthebenchesblood-besprinkled，gorythehall：Ihadheroestheless，doughtydear-onesthatdeathhadreft。
——Butsittothebanquet，unbindthywords，hardyhero，asheartshallpromptthee。"
Gatheredtogether，theGeatishmeninthebanquet-hallonbenchassigned，sturdy-spirited，satthemdown，hardy-hearted。Ahenchmanattended，carriedthecarvencupinhand，servedtheclearmead。OftminstrelssangblitheinHeorot。Heroesrevelled，nodearthofwarriors，WederandDane。
[1]Thereisnoirrelevancehere。HrothgarseesinBeowulf'smissionaheritageofduty，areturnofthegoodofficeswhichtheDanishkingrenderedtoBeowulf'sfatherintimeofdireneed。[2]Money，forwergild，orman-price。[3]Ecgtheow，Beowulf'ssire。
VIII
UNFERTHspake，thesonofEcglaf，whosatatthefeetoftheScyldings'lord，unboundthebattle-runes。[1]——Beowulf'squest，sturdyseafarer's，sorelygalledhim；
everheenviedthatothermenshouldmoreachieveinmiddle-earthoffameunderheaventhanhehimself。——
"ArtthouthatBeowulf，Breca'srival，whoemulousswamontheopensea，whenforpridethepairofyouprovedthefloods，andwantonlydaredinwatersdeeptoriskyourlives？Nolivingman，orlieforloath，fromyourlabordirecouldyoudissuade，fromswimmingthemain。
Ocean-tideswithyourarmsyecovered，withstrenuoushandsthesea-streetsmeasured，swamo'erthewaters。Winter'sstormrolledtheroughwaves。Inrealmofseaasennightstroveye。Inswimminghetoppedthee，hadmoreofmain！Himatmorning-tidebillowsboretotheBattlingReamas，whencehehiedtohishomesodearbelovedofhisliegemen，tolandofBrondings，fastnessfair，wherehisfolkheruled，townandtreasure。Intriumpho'ertheeBeanstan'sbairn[2]hisboastachieved。
SoweenIfortheeaworseadventure——thoughinbuffetofbattlethoubravehastbeen，instrugglegrim，——ifGrendel'sapproachthoudarstawaitthroughthewatchofnight！"
Beowulfspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Whatadealhastuttered，dearmyUnferth，drunkenwithbeer，ofBrecanow，toldofhistriumph！TruthIclaimit，thatIhadmoreofmightintheseathananymanelse，moreocean-endurance。
Wetwainhadtalked，intimeofyouth，andmadeourboast，——weweremerelyboys，striplingsstill，——tostakeourlivesfaratsea：andsoweperformedit。
Nakedswords，asweswamalong，weheldinhand，withhopetoguardusagainstthewhales。Notawhitfrommecouldhefloatafaro'erthefloodofwaves，hasteo'erthebillows；norhimIabandoned。
Togetherwetwainonthetidesabodefivenightsfulltilltheflooddividedus，churningwavesandchillestweather，darklingnight，andthenorthernwindruthlessrushedonus：roughwasthesurge。
Nowthewrathofthesea-fishroseapace；
yetme'gainstthemonstersmymailedcoat，hardandhand-linked，helpafforded，——
battle-sarkbraidedmybreasttoward，garnishedwithgold。Theregraspedmefirmandhaledmetobottomthehatedfoe，withgrimmestgripe。'Twasgrantedme，though，topiercethemonsterwithpointofsword，withbladeofbattle：hugebeastoftheseawaswhelmedbythehurlythroughhandofmine。
[1]"Beganthefight。"[2]Breca。
IX
MEthusoftentheevilmonstersthrongingthreatened。Withthrustofmysword，thedarling，Idealtthemduereturn！
Nowisehadtheyblissfromtheirbootythentodevourtheirvictim，vengefulcreatures，seatedtobanquetatbottomofsea；
butatbreakofday，bymybrandsorehurt，ontheedgeofoceanuptheylay，puttosleepbythesword。Andsince，bythemonthefathomlesssea-wayssailor-folkarenevermolested。——Lightfromeast，camebrightGod'sbeacon；thebillowssank，sothatIsawthesea-cliffshigh，windywalls。ForWyrdoftsavethearlundoomedifhedoughtybe！
AndsoitcamethatIkilledwithmyswordnineofthenicors。Ofnight-foughtbattlesne'erheardIaharder'neathheaven'sdome，noradriftonthedeepamoredesolateman！
YetIcameunharmedfromthathostileclutch，thoughspentwithswimming。Theseaupboreme，floodofthetide，onFinnishland，thewellingwaters。NowiseoftheehaveIheardmentellsuchterroroffalchions，bitterbattle。Brecane'eryet，notoneofyoupair，intheplayofwarsuchdaringdeedhasdoneatallwithbloodybrand，——Iboastnotofit！——
thoughthouwastthebane[1]ofthybrethrendear，thyclosestkin，whencecurseofhellawaitsthee，wellasthywitmayserve！
ForIsayinsooth，thousonofEcglaf，neverhadGrendelthesegrimdeedswrought，monsterdire，onthymasterdear，inHeorotsuchhavoc，ifheartofthinewereasbattle-boldasthyboastisloud！
Buthehasfoundnofeudwillhappen；
fromsword-clashdreadofyourDanishclanhevauntshimsafe，fromtheVictor-Scyldings。
Heforcespledges，favorsnoneofthelandofDanes，butlustilymurders，fightsandfeasts，norfeudhedreadsfromSpear-Danemen。ButspeedilynowshallIprovehimtheprowessandprideoftheGeats，shallbidhimbattle。Blithetomeadgohethatlisteth，whenlightofdawnthismorrowmorningo'ermenofearth，ether-robedsunfromthesouthshallbeam！"
JoyousthenwastheJewel-giver，hoar-haired，war-brave；helpawaitedtheBright-Danes'prince，fromBeowulfhearing，folk'sgoodshepherd，suchfirmresolve。
Thenwaslaughterofliegemenloudresoundingwithwinsomewords。CameWealhtheowforth，queenofHrothgar，heedfulofcourtesy，gold-decked，greetingtheguestsinhall；
andthehigh-bornladyhandedthecupfirsttotheEast-Danes'heirandwarden，badehimbeblitheatthebeer-carouse，theland'sbelovedone。Lustilytookhebanquetandbeaker，battle-famedking。
ThroughthehallthenwenttheHelmings'Lady，toyoungerandoldereverywherecarriedthecup，tillcomethemomentwhenthering-gracedqueen，theroyal-hearted，toBeowulfborethebeakerofmead。
ShegreetedtheGeats'lord，Godshethanked，inwisdom'swords，thatherwillwasgranted，thatatlastonaheroherhopecouldleanforcomfortinterrors。Thecuphetook，hardy-in-war，fromWealhtheow'shand，andanswerutteredtheeager-for-combat。
Beowulfspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Thiswasmythought，whenmythanesandI
benttotheoceanandenteredourboat，thatIwouldworkthewillofyourpeoplefully，orfightingfallindeath，infiend'sgripefast。Iamfirmtodoanearl'sbravedeed，orendthedaysofthislifeofmineinthemead-hallhere。"
Wellthesewordstothewomanseemed，Beowulf'sbattle-boast。——Brightwithgoldthestatelydamebyherspousesatdown。
Again，aserst，beganinhallwarriors'wassailandwordsofpower，theproud-band'srevel，tillpresentlythesonofHealfdenehastenedtoseekrestforthenight；heknewtherewaitedfightforthefiendinthatfestalhall，whenthesheenofthesuntheysawnomore，andduskofnightsankdarklingnigh，andshadowyshapescamestridingon，wanunderwelkin。Thewarriorsrose。
Mantoman，hemadeharangue，HrothgartoBeowulf，badehimhail，lethimwieldthewinehall：awordheadded：——
"NevertoanymanerstItrusted，sinceIcouldheaveuphandandshield，thisnobleDane-Hall，tillnowtothee。
Havenowandholdthishouseunpeered；
rememberthyglory；thymightdeclare；
watchforthefoe！Nowishshallfailtheeifthoubidestthebattlewithbold-wonlife。"
[1]Murder。
X
THENHrothgarwentwithhishero-train，defence-of-Scyldings，forthfromhall；
fainwouldthewar-lordWealhtheowseek，couchofhisqueen。TheKing-of-GloryagainstthisGrendelaguardhadset，soheroesheard，ahall-defender，whowardedthemonarchandwatchedforthemonster。
Intruth，theGeats'princegladlytrustedhismettle，hismight，themercyofGod！
Castoffthenhiscorseletofiron，helmetfromhead；tohishenchmangave，——
choicestofweapons，——thewell-chasedsword，biddinghimguardthegearofbattle。
SpakethenhisVauntthevaliantman，BeowulfGeat，erethebedbesought：——
"OfforceinfightnofeeblerIcountme，ingrimwar-deeds，thanGrendeldeemshim。
Notwiththesword，then，tosleepofdeathhislifewillIgive，thoughitlieinmypower。
Noskillishistostrikeagainstme，myshieldtohewthoughhehardybe，boldinbattle；weboth，thisnight，shallspurnthesword，ifheseekmehere，unweaponed，forwar。LetwisestGod，sacredLord，onwhichsidesoeverdoomdecreeashedeemethright。"
Reclinedthenthechieftain，andcheek-pillowsheldtheheadoftheearl，whileallabouthimseamenhardyonhall-bedssank。
Noneofthemthoughtthatthencetheirstepstothefolkandfastnessthatfosteredthem，tothelandtheyloved，wouldleadthemback！
Fullwelltheywistthatonwarriorsmanybattle-deathseized，inthebanquet-hall，ofDanishclan。Butcomfortandhelp，war-wealweaving，toWederfolktheMastergave，that，bymightofone，overtheirenemyallprevailed，bysinglestrength。Insooth'tistoldthathighestGodo'erhumankindhathwieldedever！——Thro'wannightstriding，camethewalker-in-shadow。Warriorssleptwhosehestwastoguardthegabledhall，——
allsaveone。'TwaswidelyknownthatagainstGod'swilltheghostlyravagerhim[1]couldnothurltohauntsofdarkness；
wakeful，ready，withwarrior'swrath，boldhebidedthebattle'sissue。
[1]Beowulf，——the"one。"
XI
THENfromthemoorland，bymistycrags，withGod'swrathladen，Grendelcame。
Themonsterwasmindedofmankindnowsundrytoseizeinthestatelyhouse。
Underwelkinhewalked，tillthewine-palacethere，gold-hallofmen，hegladlydiscerned，flashingwithfretwork。Notfirsttime，this，thathethehomeofHrothgarsought，——
yetne'erinhislife-day，lateorearly，suchhardyheroes，suchhall-thanes，found！
Tothehousethewarriorwalkedapace，partedfrompeace；[1]theportalopended，thoughwithforgedboltsfast，whenhisfistshadstruckit，andbalefulheburstinhisblatantrage，thehouse'smouth。Allhastily，then，o'erfair-pavedfloorthefiendtrodon，irefulhestrode；therestreamedfromhiseyesfearfulflashes，likeflametosee。
Hespiedinhallthehero-band，kinandclansmenclusteredasleep，hardyliegemen。Thenlaughedhisheart；
forthemonsterwasminded，eremornshoulddawn，savage，toseverthesoulofeach，lifefrombody，sincelustybanquetwaitedhiswill！ButWyrdforbadehimtoseizeanymoreofmenonearthafterthatevening。EagerlywatchedHygelac'skinsmanhiscursedfoe，howhewouldfareinfellattack。
Notthatthemonsterwasmindedtopause！
Straightwayheseizedasleepingwarriorforthefirst，andtorehimfiercelyasunder，thebone-framebit，drankbloodinstreams，swallowedhimpiecemeal：swiftlythusthelifelesscorsewascleardevoured，e'enfeetandhands。Thenfartherhehied；
forthehardyherowithhandhegrasped，feltforthefoewithfiendishclaw，fortheheroreclining，——whoclutcheditboldly，prompttoanswer，proppedonhisarm。
Soonthensawthatshepherd-of-evilsthatneverhemetinthismiddle-world，inthewaysofearth，anotherwightwithheavierhand-gripe；athearthefeared，sorrowedinsoul，——nonethesoonerescaped！
Fainwouldheflee，hisfastnessseek，thedenofdevils：nodoingsnowsuchasofthehaddoneindaysofold！
ThenbethoughthimthehardyHygelac-thaneofhisboastatevening：uphebounded，graspedfirmhisfoe，whosefingerscracked。
Thefiendmadeoff，buttheearlclosefollowed。
Themonstermeant——ifhemightatall——
toflinghimselffree，andfarawayflytothefens，——knewhisfingers'powerinthegripeofthegrimone。GruesomemarchtoHeorotthismonsterofharmhadmade！
Dinfilledtheroom；theDaneswerebereft，castle-dwellersandclansmenall，earls，oftheirale。Angrywereboththosesavagehall-guards：thehouseresounded。
Wonderitwasthewine-hallfirminthestrainoftheirstrugglestood，toearththefairhousefellnot；toofastitwaswithinandwithoutbyitsironbandscraftilyclamped；thoughtherecrashedfromsillmanyamead-bench——menhavetoldme——
gaywithgold，wherethegrimfoeswrestled。
SowellhadweenedthewisestScyldingsthatnoteveratallmightanymanthatbone-decked，bravehousebreakasunder，crushbycraft，——unlessclaspoffireinsmokeengulfedit。——Againuprosedinredoubled。DanesoftheNorthwithfearandfrenzywerefilled，eachone，whofromthewallthatwailingheard，God'sfoesoundinghisgrislysong，cryoftheconquered，clamorouspainfromcaptiveofhell。Toocloselyheldhimhewhoofmeninmightwasstrongestinthatsamedayofthisourlife。
[1]Thatis，hewasa"lostsoul，"doomedtohell。
XII
NOTinanywisewouldtheearls'-defence[1]
sufferthatslaughterousstrangertolive，uselessdeeminghisdaysandyearstomenonearth。NowmanyanearlofBeowulfbrandishedbladeancestral，fainthelifeoftheirlordtoshield，theirpraisedprince，ifpowerweretheirs；
nevertheyknew，——astheynearedthefoe，hardy-heartedheroesofwar，aimingtheirswordsoneverysidetheaccursedtokill，——nokeenestblade，nofarestoffalchionsfashionedonearth，couldharmorhurtthathideousfiend！
Hewassafe，byhisspells，fromswordofbattle，fromedgeofiron。Yethisendandpartingonthatsamedayofthisourlifewofulshouldbe，andhiswanderingsoulfaroffflittothefiends'domain。
Soonhefound，whoinformerdays，harmfulinheartandhatedofGod，onmanyamansuchmurderwrought，thattheframeofhisbodyfailedhimnow。
Forhimthekeen-souledkinsmanofHygelacheldinhand；hatefulalivewaseachtoother。Theoutlawdiretookmortalhurt；amightywoundshowedonhisshoulder，andsinewscracked，andthebone-frameburst。ToBeowulfnowtheglorywasgiven，andGrendelthencedeath-sickhisdeninthedarkmoorsought，noisomeabode：heknewtoowellthatherewasthelastoflife，anendofhisdaysonearth。——ToalltheDanesbythatbloodybattletheboonhadcome。
FromravagehadrescuedtherovingstrangerHrothgar'shall；thehardyandwiseonehadpurgeditanew。Hisnight-workpleasedhim，hisdeedanditshonor。ToEasternDaneshadthevaliantGeathisvauntmadegood，alltheirsorrowandillsassuaged，theirbaleofbattlebornesolong，andallthedoletheyerstenduredpaina-plenty。——'Twasproofofthis，whenthehardy-in-fightahandlaiddown，armandshoulder，——all，indeed，ofGrendel'sgripe，——'neaththegabledroof。
[1]KenningforBeowulf。
XIII
MANYatmorning，asmenhavetoldme，warriorsgatheredthegift-hallround，folk-leadersfaringfromfarandnear，o'erwide-stretchedways，thewondertoview，traceofthetraitor。Nottroublousseemedtheenemy'sendtoanymanwhosawbythegaitofthegracelessfoehowtheweary-hearted，awayfromthence，baffledinbattleandbanned，hisstepsdeath-markeddraggedtothedevils'mere。
Bloodythebillowswereboilingthere，turbidthetideoftumblingwaveshorriblyseething，withsword-bloodhot，bythatdoomedonedyed，whoindenofthemoorlaidforlornhislifeadown，hisheathensoul，andhellreceivedit。
Homethenrodethehoaryclansmenfromthatmerryjourney，andmanyayouth，onhorseswhite，thehardywarriors，backfromthemere。ThenBeowulf'sgloryeagertheyechoed，andallaverredthatfromseatosea，orsouthornorth，therewasnootherinearth'sdomain，undervaultofheaven，morevaliantfound，ofwarriorsnonemoreworthytorule！
（Ontheirlordbelovedtheylaidnoslight，graciousHrothgar：agoodkinghe！）
Fromtimetotime，thetried-in-battletheirgraysteedssettogallopamain，andranaracewhentheroadseemedfair。
Fromtimetotime，athaneoftheking，whohadmademanyvaunts，andwasmindfulofverses，storedwithsagasandsongsofold，boundwordtowordinwell-knitrime，weldedhislay；thiswarriorsoonofBeowulf'squestrightcleverlysang，andartfullyaddedanexcellenttale，inwell-rangedwords，ofthewarlikedeedshehadheardinsagaofSigemund。
Strangethestory：hesaiditall，——
theWaelsing'swanderingswide，hisstruggles，whichneverweretoldtotribesofmen，thefeudsandthefrauds，savetoFitelaonly，whenofthesedoingshedeignedtospeak，uncletonephew；aseverthetwainstoodsidebysideinstressofwar，andmultitudeofthemonsterkindtheyhadfelledwiththeirswords。OfSigemundgrew，whenhepassedfromlife，nolittlepraise；
forthedoughty-in-combatadragonkilledthatherdedthehoard：[1]underhoaryrocktheathelingdaredthedeedalonefearfulquest，norwasFitelathere。
Yetsoitbefell，hisfalchionpiercedthatwondrousworm，——onthewallitstruck，bestblade；thedragondiedinitsblood。
Thushadthedread-onebydaringachievedoverthering-hoardtoruleatwill，himselftopleasure；asea-boatheloaded，andboreonitsbosomthebeaminggold，sonofWaels；thewormwasconsumed。
Hehadofallheroesthehighestrenownamongracesofmen，thisrefuge-of-warriors，fordeedsofdaringthatdeckedhisnamesincethehandandheartofHeremodgrewslackinbattle。He，swiftlybanishedtominglewithmonstersatmercyoffoes，todeathwasbetrayed；fortorrentsofsorrowhadlamedhimtoolong；aloadofcaretoearlsandathelingsallheproved。
Oftindeed，inearlierdays，forthewarrior'swayfaringwisemenmourned，whohadhopedofhimhelpfromharmandbale，andhadthoughttheirsovran'ssonwouldthrive，followhisfather，hisfolkprotect，thehoardandthestronghold，heroes'land，homeofScyldings。——Buthere，thanessaid，thekinsmanofHygelackinderseemedtoall：theother[2]wasurgedtocrime！
Andafreshtotherace，[3]thefallowroadsbyswiftsteedsmeasured！Themorningsunwasclimbinghigher。Clansmenhastenedtothehigh-builthall，thosehardy-minded，thewondertowitness。Wardenoftreasure，crownedwithglory，thekinghimself，withstatelybandfromthebride-bowerstrode；
andwithhimthequeenandhercrowdofmaidensmeasuredthepathtothemead-housefair。
[1]"Guardedthetreasure。"[2]Sc。Heremod。[3]Thesingerhassunghislays，andtheepicresumesitsstory。Thetime-relationsarenotaltogethergoodinthislongpassagewhichdescribestherejoicingsof"thedayafter"；butthepresentshiftfromtheridersontheroadtothefolkatthehallisnotveryviolent，andisofapiecewiththegeneralstyle。
XIV
HROTHGARspake，——tothehallhewent，stoodbythesteps，thesteeproofsaw，garnishedwithgold，andGrendel'shand：——
"ForthesightIseetotheSovranRulerbespeedythanks！AthrongofsorrowsIhavebornefromGrendel；butGodstillworkswonderonwonder，theWarden-of-Glory。
ItwasbutnowthatInevermoreforwoesthatweighedonmewaitedhelplongasIlived，when，lavedinblood，stoodsword-gore-stainedthisstateliesthouse，——
widespreadwoeforwisemenall，whohadnohopetohindereverfoesinfernalandfiendishspritesfromhavocinhall。Thisheronow，bytheWielder'smight，aworkhasdonethatnotallofuserstcouldeverdobywileandwisdom。Lo，wellcanshesaywhosoofwomenthiswarriorboreamongsonsofmen，ifstillsheliveth，thattheGodoftheageswasgoodtoherinthebirthofherbairn。Now，Beowulf，thee，ofheroesbest，Ishallheartilyloveasmineown，myson；preservethoueverthiskinshipnew：thoushaltneverlackwealthoftheworldthatIwieldasmine！
FulloftforlesshaveIlargessshowered，myprecioushoard，onapunierman，lessstoutinstruggle。Thyselfhastnowfulfilledsuchdeeds，thatthyfameshallendurethroughalltheages。Aseverhedid，wellmaytheWielderrewardtheestill！"
Beowulfspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Thisworkofwarmostwillinglywehavefought，thisfight，andfearlesslydaredforceofthefoe。Fain，too，wereI
hadstthoubutseenhimself，whattimethefiendinhistrappingstotteredtofall！
Swiftly，Ithought，instrongestgripeonhisbedofdeathtobindhimdown，thatheinthehentofthishandofmineshouldbreathehislast：buthebrokeaway。
HimImightnot——theMakerwillednot——
hinderfromflight，andfirmenoughholdthelife-destroyer：toosturdywashe，theruthless，inrunning！Forrescue，however，heleftbehindhimhishandinpledge，armandshoulder；noraughtofhelpcouldthecursedonethusprocureatall。
Nonethelongerlivethhe，loathsomefiend，sunkinhissins，butsorrowholdshimtightlygraspedingripeofanguish，inbalefulbonds，wherebidehemust，eviloutlaw，suchawfuldoomastheMightyMakershallmetehimout。"
MoresilentseemedthesonofEcglaf[1]
inboastfulspeechofhisbattle-deeds，sinceathelingsall，throughtheearl'sgreatprowess，beheldthathand，onthehighroofgazing，foeman'sfingers，——theforepartofeachofthesturdynailstosteelwaslikest，——
heathen's"hand-spear，"hostilewarrior'sclawuncanny。'Twasclear，theysaid，thathimnobladeofthebravecouldtouch，howkeensoever，orcutawaythatbattle-handbloodyfrombanefulfoe。
[1]Unferth，Beowulf'ssometimeopponentintheflyting。