XV
THEREwashurryandhestinHeorotnowforhandstobedeckit，anddensewasthethrongofmenandwomenthewine-halltocleanse，theguest-roomtogarnish。Gold-gayshonethehangingsthatwerewoveonthewall，andwondersmanytodelighteachmortalthatlooksuponthem。
Thoughbracedwithinbyironbands，thatbuildingbrightwasbrokensorely；[1]
rentwereitshinges；theroofaloneheldsafeandsound，when，searedwithcrime，thefiendishfoehisflightessayed，oflifedespairing。——Nolightthingthat，theflightforsafety，——essayitwhowill！
Forcedoffate，heshallfindhiswaytotherefugereadyforraceofman，forsoul-possessors，andsonsofearth；
andtherehisbodyonbedofdeathshallrestafterrevel。
ArrivedwasthehourwhentohallproceededHealfdene'sson：
thekinghimselfwouldsittobanquet。
Ne'erheardIofhostinhaughtierthrongmoregraciouslygatheredroundgiver-of-rings！
Bowedthentobenchthosebearers-of-glory，fainofthefeasting。Featlyreceivedmanyamead-cupthemighty-in-spirit，kinsmenwhosatinthesumptuoushall，HrothgarandHrothulf。Heorotnowwasfilledwithfriends；thefolkofScyldingsne'eryethadtriedthetraitor'sdeed。
ToBeowulfgavethebairnofHealfdeneagold-wovebanner，guerdonoftriumph，broideredbattle-flag，breastplateandhelmet；
andasplendidswordwasseenofmanybornetothebraveone。Beowulftookcupinhall：[2]forsuchcostlygiftshesufferednoshameinthatsoldierthrong。
ForIheardoffewheroes，inheartiermood，withfoursuchgifts，sofashionedwithgold，ontheale-benchhonoringothersthus！
O'ertheroofofthehelmethigh，aridge，woundwithwires，keptwardo'erthehead，lesttherelict-of-files[3]shouldfierceinvade，sharpinthestrife，whenthatshieldedheroshouldgotograppleagainsthisfoes。
Thentheearls'-defence[4]onthefloor[5]badeleadcourserseight，withcarvenhead-gear，adownthehall：onehorsewasdeckedwithasaddleallshiningandsetinjewels；
'twasthebattle-seatofthebestofkings，whentoplayofswordsthesonofHealfdenewasfaintofare。Ne'erfailedhisvalorinthecrushofcombatwhencorpsesfell。
ToBeowulfoverthemboththengavetherefuge-of-Ingwinesrightandpower，o'erwar-steedsandweapons：wishedhimjoyofthem。
Manfullythusthemightyprince，hoard-guardforheroes，thathardfightrepaidwithsteedsandtreasurescontemnedbynonewhoiswillingtosaythesootharight。
[1]Thereisnohorribleinconsistencyheresuchasthecriticsstriveandcryabout。InspiteoftheruinthatGrendelandBeowulfhadmadewithinthehall，theframeworkandroofheldfirm，andswiftrepairsmadetheinteriorhabitable。Tapestrieswerehungonthewalls，andwillinghandspreparedthebanquet。
[2]Fromitsformaluseinotherplaces，thisphrase，totakecupinhall，or"onthefloor，"wouldseemtomeanthatBeowulfstooduptoreceivehisgifts，drinktothedonor，andsaythanks。[3]Kenningforsword。[4]Hrothgar。Heisalsothe"refugeofthefriendsofIng，"below。Ingbelongstomyth。[5]
Horsesarefrequentlyledorriddenintothehallwherefolksitatbanquet：soinChaucer'sSquire'stale，intheballadofKingEstmere，andintheromances。
XVI
ANDthelordofearls，toeachthatcamewithBeowulfoverthebrinyways，anheirloomthereattheale-benchgave，preciousgift；andtheprice[1]badepayingoldforhimwhomGrendelerstmurdered，——andfainofthemmorehadkilled，hadnotwisestGodtheirWyrdaverted，andtheman's[2]bravemood。TheMakerthenruledhumankind，ashereandnow。
Thereforeisinsightalwaysbest，andforethoughtofmind。Howmuchawaitshimofliefandofloath，wholongtimehere，throughdaysofwarfarethisworldendures！
ThensongandmusicmingledsoundsinthepresenceofHealfdene'shead-of-armies[3]
andharpingwasheardwiththehero-layasHrothgar'ssingerthehall-joywokealongthemead-seats，makinghissongofthatsuddenraidonthesonsofFinn。[4]
Healfdene'shero，HnaeftheScylding，wasfatedtofallintheFrisianslaughter。[5]
Hildeburhneedednotholdinvalueherenemies'honor！[6]Innocentbothwerethelovedonesshelostatthelinden-play，bairnandbrother，theybowedtofate，strickenbyspears；'twasasorrowfulwoman！
NonedoubtedwhythedaughterofHocbewailedherdoomwhendawningcame，andundertheskyshesawthemlying，kinsmenmurdered，wheremostshehadkennedofthesweetsoftheworld！Bywarwereswept，too，Finn'sownliegemen，andfewwereleft；
intheparleying-place[7]hecouldplynolongerweapon，norwarcouldhewageonHengest，andrescuehisremnantbyrightofarmsfromtheprince'sthane。Apactheoffered：
anotherdwellingtheDanesshouldhave，hallandhigh-seat，andhalfthepowershouldfalltotheminFrisianland；
andatthefee-gifts，Folcwald'ssondaybydaytheDanesshouldhonor，thefolkofHengestfavorwithrings，evenastruly，withtreasureandjewels，withfrettedgold，ashisFrisiankinhemeanttohonorinale-hallthere。
Pactofpeacetheyplightedfurtheronbothsidesfirmly。FinntoHengestwithoath，uponhonor，openlypromisedthatwofulremnant，withwise-men'said，noblytogovern，sononeoftheguestsbywordorworkshouldwarpthetreaty，[8]
orwithmaliceofmindbemoanthemselvesasforcedtofollowtheirfee-giver'sslayer，lordlessmen，astheirlotordained。
ShouldFrisian，moreover，withfoeman'staunt，thatmurderoushatredtomindrecall，thenedgeoftheswordmustsealhisdoom。
Oathsweregiven，andancientgoldheapedfromhoard。——ThehardyScylding，battle-thanebest，[9]onhisbalefirelay。
Allonthepyrewereplaintoseethegorysark，thegildedswine-crest，boarofhardiron，andathelingsmanyslainbythesword：attheslaughtertheyfell。
ItwasHildeburh'shest，atHnaef'sownpyrethebairnofherbodyonbrandstolay，hisbonestoburn，onthebalefireplaced，athisuncle'sside。Insorrowfuldirgesbeweptthemthewoman：greatwailingascended。
Thenwounduptowelkinthewildestofdeath-fires，roaredo'erthehillock：[10]headsallweremelted，gashesburst，andbloodgushedoutfrombites[11]ofthebody。Balefiredevoured，greediestspirit，thosesparednotbywaroutofeitherfolk：theirflowerwasgone。
[1]Man-price，wergild。[2]Beowulf's。[3]Hrothgar。[4]ThereisnoneedtoassumeagapintheMs。AsbeforeaboutSigemundandHeremod，sonow，thoughatgreaterlength，aboutFinnandhisfeud，alayischantedorrecited；andtheepicpoet，countingonhisreaders'familiaritywiththestory，——afragmentofitstillexists，——simplygivestheheadings。[5]Theexactstorytowhichthisepisoderefersinsummaryisnottobedetermined，butthefollowingaccountofitisreasonableandhasgoodsupportamongscholars。Finn，aFrisianchieftain，whoneverthelesshasa"castle"outsidetheFrisianborder，marriesHildeburh，aDanishprincess；andherbrother，Hnaef，withmanyotherDanes，paysFinnavisit。Relationsbetweenthetwopeopleshavebeenstrainedbefore。Somethingstartstheoldfeudanew；
andthevisitorsareattackedintheirquarters。Hnaefiskilled；
soisasonofHildeburh。Manyfallonbothsides。Peaceispatchedup；astatelyfuneralisheld；andthesurvivingvisitorsbecomeinawayvassalsorliegemenofFinn，goingbackwithhimtoFrisia。Somattersrestawhile。HengestisnowleaderoftheDanes；butheissetuponrevengeforhisformerlord，Hnaef。
Probablyheiskilledinfeud；buthisclansmen，GuthlafandOslaf，gatherattheirhomeaforceofsturdyDanes，comebacktoFrisia，stormFinn'sstronghold，killhim，andcarrybacktheirkinswomanHildeburh。[6]The"enemies"mustbetheFrisians。[7]
Battlefield。——Hengestisthe"prince'sthane，"companionofHnaef。"Folcwald'sson"isFinn。[8]Thatis，FinnwouldgoverninallhonorthefewDanishwarriorswhowereleft，provided，ofcourse，thatnoneofthemtriedtorenewthequarreloravengeHnaeftheirfallenlord。If，again，oneofFinn'sFrisiansbeganaquarrel，heshoulddiebythesword。[9]Hnaef。[10]Thehighplacechosenforthefuneral：seedescriptionofBeowulf'sfuneral-pileattheendofthepoem。[11]Wounds。
XVII
THENhastenedthoseheroestheirhometosee，friendless，tofindtheFrisianland，housesandhighburg。Hengeststillthroughthedeath-dyedwinterdweltwithFinn，holdingpact，yetofhomeheminded，thoughpowerlesshisring-deckedprowtodriveoverthewaters，nowwavesrolledfiercelashedbythewinds，orwinterlockedtheminicyfetters。Thenfaredanotheryeartomen'sdwellings，asyettheydo，thesunbrightskies，thattheirseasoneverdulyawait。Faroffwinterwasdriven；
fairlayearth'sbreast；andfainwastherover，theguest，todepart，thoughmoregladlyheponderedonwreakinghisvengeancethanroamingthedeep，andhowtohastenthehotencounterwheresonsoftheFrisiansweresuretobe。
Soheescapednotthecommondoom，whenHunwith"Lafing，"thelight-of-battle，bestofblades，hisbosompierced：
itsedgewasfamedwiththeFrisianearls。
Onfierce-heartFinntherefelllikewise，onhimselfathome，thehorridsword-death；
forGuthlafandOslafofgrimattackhadsorrowingtold，fromsea-wayslanded，mourningtheirwoes。[1]Finn'swaveringspiritbodenotinbreast。Theburgwasreddenedwithbloodoffoemen，andFinnwasslain，kingamidclansmen；thequeenwastaken。
TotheirshiptheScyldingwarriorsboreallthechattelsthechieftainowned，whatevertheyfoundinFinn'sdomainofgemsandjewels。Thegentlewifeo'erpathsofthedeeptotheDanestheybore，ledtoherland。
Thelaywasfinished，thegleeman'ssong。Thengladrosetherevel；
bench-joybrightened。Bearersdrawfromtheir"wonder-vats"wine。ComesWealhtheowforth，undergold-crowngoeswherethegoodpairsit，uncleandnephew，trueeachtotheotherone，kindredinamity。UnferththespokesmanattheScyldinglord'sfeetsat：menhadfaithinhisspirit，hiskeennessofcourage，thoughkinsmenhadfoundhimunsureatthesword-play。TheScyldingqueenspoke：
"Quaffofthiscup，mykingandlord，breakerofrings，andblithebethou，gold-friendofmen；totheGeatsherespeaksuchwordsofmildnessasmanshoulduse。
BegladwiththyGeats；ofthosegiftsbemindful，ornearorfar，whichnowthouhast。
Mensaytome，assonthouwishestyonherotohold。ThyHeorotpurged，jewel-hallbrightest，enjoywhilethoucanst，withmanyalargess；andleavetothykinfolkandrealmwhenforththougoesttogreetthydoom。ForgraciousIdeemmyHrothulf，[2]willingtoholdandrulenoblyouryouths，ifthouyieldupfirst，princeofScyldings，thypartintheworld。
Iweenwithgoodhewillwellrequiteoffspringofours，whenallhemindsthatforhimwedidinhishelplessdaysofgiftandgracetogainhimhonor！"
Thensheturnedtotheseatwherehersonswereplaced，HrethricandHrothmund，withheroes'bairns，youngmentogether：theGeat，too，satthere，Beowulfbrave，thebrothersbetween。
[1]Thatis，thesetwoDanes，escapinghome，hadtoldthestoryoftheattackonHnaef，theslayingofHengest，andalltheDanishwoes。Collectingaforce，theyreturntoFrisiaandkillFinninhishome。[2]NephewtoHrothgar，withwhomhesubsequentlyquarrels，andeldercousintothetwoyoungsonsofHrothgarandWealhtheow，——theirnaturalguardianintheeventoftheking'sdeath。ThereissomethingfinelyfeminineinthisspeechofWealhtheow's，apartfromitssomewhatirregularandirrelevantsequenceoftopics。BothsheandherlordprobablydistrustHrothulf；butshebidsthekingtobeofgoodcheer，and，turningtothesuspect，heapsaffectionateassurancesonhisprobity。"MyownHrothulf"willsurelynotforgetthesefavorsandbenefitsofthepast，butwillrepaythemtotheorphanedboy。
XVIII
ACUPshegavehim，withkindlygreetingandwinsomewords。Ofwoundengold，sheoffered，tohonorhim，arm-jewelstwain，corseletandrings，andofcollarsthenoblestthateverIknewtheeartharound。
Ne'erheardIsomighty，'neathheaven'sdome，ahoard-gemofheroes，sinceHamaboretohisbright-builtburgtheBrisings'necklace，jewelandgemcasket。——Jealousyfledhe，Eormenric'shate：chosehelpeternal。
HygelacGeat，grandsonofSwerting，onthelastofhisraidsthisringborewithhim，underhisbannerthebootydefending，thewar-spoilwarding；butWyrdo'erwhelmedhimwhattime，inhisdaring，dangershesought，feudwithFrisians。Fairestofgemsheborewithhimoverthebeaker-of-waves，sovranstrong：undershieldhedied。
FellthecorpseofthekingintokeepingofFranks，gearofthebreast，andthatgorgeousring；
weakerwarriorswonthespoil，aftergripeofbattle，fromGeatland'slord，andheldthedeath-field。
Dinroseinhall。
Wealhtheowspakeamidwarriors，andsaid：——
"Thisjewelenjoyinthyjocundyouth，Beowulflov'd，thesebattle-weedswear，aroyaltreasure，andrichlythrive！
Preservethystrength，andthesestriplingsherecounselinkindness：requitalbemine。
Hastdonesuchdeeds，thatfordaystocomethouartfamedamongfolkbothfarandnear，sowideaswasheththewaveofOceanhiswindywalls。Throughthewaysoflifeprosper，Oprince！Iprayfortheerichpossessions。Tosonofminebehelpfulindeedandupholdhisjoys！
Hereeveryearltotheotheristrue，mildofmood，tothemasterloyal！
Thanesarefriendly，thethrongobedient，liegemenarerevelling：listandobey！"
Wentthentoherplace。——Thatwasproudestoffeasts；
flowedwineforthewarriors。Wyrdtheyknewnot，destinydire，andthedoomtobeseenbymanyanearlwheneveshouldcome，andHrothgarhomewardhastenaway，royal，torest。Theroomwasguardedbyanarmyofearls，aserstwasdone。
Theybaredthebench-boards；abroadtheyspreadbedsandbolsters。——Onebeer-carouserindangerofdoomlaydowninthehall。——
Attheirheadstheysettheirshieldsofwar，bucklersbright；onthebenchwerethereovereachatheling，easytosee，thehighbattle-helmet，thehaughtyspear，thecorseletofrings。'Twastheircustomsoevertobeforbattleprepared，athome，orharrying，whichitwere，evenasoftasevilthreatenedtheirsovranking。——Theywereclansmengood。
XIX
THENsanktheytosleep。Withsorrowoneboughthisrestoftheevening，——asofttimehadhappenedwhenGrendelguardedthatgoldenhall，evilwrought，tillhisenddrewnigh，slaughterforsins。'Twasseenandtoldhowanavengersurvivedthefiend，aswaslearnedafar。Thelivelongtimeafterthatgrimfight，Grendel'smother，monsterofwomen，mournedherwoe。
Shewasdoomedtodwellinthedrearywaters，coldsea-courses，sinceCaincutdownwithedgeoftheswordhisonlybrother，hisfather'soffspring：outlawedhefled，markedwithmurder，frommen'sdelightswardedthewilds。——Therewokefromhimsuchfate-sentghostsasGrendel，who，war-wolfhorrid，atHeorotfoundawarriorwatchingandwaitingthefray，withwhomthegrislyonegrappledamain。
Butthemanrememberedhismightypower，thegloriousgiftthatGodhadsenthim，inhisMaker'smercyputhistrustforcomfortandhelp：soheconqueredthefoe，felledthefiend，whofledabject，reftofjoy，totherealmsofdeath，mankind'sfoe。Andhismothernow，gloomyandgrim，wouldgothatquestofsorrow，thedeathofhersontoavenge。
ToHeorotcameshe，wherehelmetedDanessleptinthehall。Toosooncamebackoldillsoftheearls，wheninsheburst，themotherofGrendel。Lessgrim，though，thatterror，e'enasterrorofwomaninwarisless，mightofmaid，thanofmeninarmswhen，hammer-forged，thefalchionhard，swordgore-stained，throughswineofthehelm，crested，withkeenbladecarvesamain。
Thenwasinhallthehard-edgedrawn，theswordsonthesettles，[1]andshieldsa-manyfirmheldinhand：norhelmetmindednorharnessofmail，whomthathorrorseized。
Hastewashers；shewouldhieafarandsaveherlifewhentheliegemensawher。
Yetasingleathelingupsheseizedfastandfirm，asshefledtothemoor。
HewasforHrothgarofheroesthedearest，oftrustyvassalsbetwixttheseas，whomshekilledonhiscouch，aclansmanfamous，inbattlebrave。——NorwasBeowulfthere；
anotherhousehadbeenheldapart，aftergivingofgold，fortheGeatrenowned。——
UproarfilledHeorot；thehandallhadviewed，blood-flecked，sheborewithher；balewasreturned，doleinthedwellings：'twasdireexchangewhereDaneandGeatweredoomedtogivethelivesoflovedones。Long-triedking，thehoaryhero，atheartwassadwhenheknewhisnoblenomorelived，anddeadindeedwashisdearestthane。
TohisbowerwasBeowulfbroughtinhaste，dauntlessvictor。Asdaylightbroke，alongwithhisearlstheathelinglord，withhisclansmen，camewherethekingabodewaitingtoseeiftheWielder-of-Allwouldturnthistaleoftroubleandwoe。
Strodeo'erfloorthefamed-in-strife，withhishand-companions，——thehallresounded，——
wishingtogreetthewiseoldking，Ingwines'lord；heaskedifthenighthadpassedinpeacetotheprince'smind。
[1]Theyhadlaidtheirarmsonthebenchesnearwheretheyslept。
XX
HROTHGARspake，helmet-of-Scyldings：——
"Asknotofpleasure！PainisrenewedtoDanishfolk。DeadisAeschere，ofYrmenlaftheelderbrother，mysageadviserandstayincouncil，shoulder-comradeinstressoffightwhenwarriorsclashedandwewardedourheads，hewedthehelm-boars；herofamedshouldbeeveryearlasAescherewas！
ButhereinHeorotahandhathslainhimofwanderingdeath-sprite。Iwotnotwhither，[1]
proudoftheprey，herpathshetook，fainofherfill。Thefeudsheavengedthatyesternight，unyieldingly，Grendelingrimmestgraspthoukilledst，——
seeinghowlongtheseliegemenmineheruinedandravaged。Reftoflife，inarmshefell。Nowanothercomes，keenandcruel，herkintoavenge，faringfarinfeudofblood：
sothatmanyathaneshallthink，whoe'ersorrowsinsoulforthatsharerofrings，thisishardestofheart-bales。Thehandlieslowthatoncewaswillingeachwishtoplease。
Land-dwellershere[2]andliegemenmine，whohousebythoseparts，Ihaveheardrelatethatsuchapairtheyhavesometimesseen，march-stalkersmightythemoorlandhaunting，wanderingspirits：oneofthemseemed，sofarasmyfolkcouldfairlyjudge，ofwomankind；andone，accursed，inman'sguisetrodthemisery-trackofexile，thoughhugerthanhumanbulk。
Grendelindayslonggonetheynamedhim，folkoftheland；hisfathertheyknewnot，noranybroodthatwasborntohimoftreacherousspirits。Untrodistheirhome；
bywolf-cliffshaunttheyandwindyheadlands，fenwaysfearful，whereflowsthestreamfrommountainsglidingtogloomoftherocks，undergroundflood。Notfarisithenceinmeasureofmilesthatthemereexpands，ando'eritthefrost-boundforesthanging，sturdilyrooted，shadowsthewave。
Bynightisawonderweirdtosee，fireonthewaters。Sowiselivednoneofthesonsofmen，tosearchthosedepths！
Nay，thoughtheheath-rover，harriedbydogs，thehorn-proudhart，thisholtshouldseek，longdistancedriven，hisdearlifefirstonthebrinkheyieldserehebravetheplungetohidehishead：'tisnohappyplace！
Thencethewelterofwaterswashesupwantowelkinwhenwindsbestirevilstorms，andairgrowsdusk，andtheheavensweep。Nowishelponcemorewiththeealone！Thelandthouknowstnot，placeoffear，wherethoufindestoutthatsin-fleckedbeing。Seekifthoudare！
Iwillrewardthee，forwagingthisfight，withancienttreasure，aserstIdid，withwindinggold，ifthouwinnestback。"
[1]Hesurmisespresentlywheresheis。[2]Theconnectionisnotdifficult。Thewordsofmourning，ofacutegrief，aresaid；andaccordingtoGermanicsequenceofthought，inexorablehere，thenextandonlytopicisrevenge。Butisitpossible？Hrothgarleadsuptohisappealandpromisewithaskillfulandofteneffectivedescriptionofthehorrorswhichsurroundthemonster'shomeandawaittheattemptofanavengingfoe。
XXI
BEOWULFspake，bairnofEcgtheow：
"Sorrownot，sage！Itbeseemsusbetterfriendstoavengethanfruitlesslymournthem。
Eachofusallmusthisendabideinthewaysoftheworld；sowinwhomaygloryeredeath！Whenhisdaysaretold，thatisthewarrior'sworthiestdoom。
Rise，Orealm-warder！Rideweanon，andmarkthetrailofthemotherofGrendel。
Noharborshallhideher——heedmypromise！——
enfoldingoffieldorforestedmountainorflooroftheflood，letherfleewhereshewill！
Butthouthisdayendureinpatience，asIweenthouwilt，thywoeseachone。"
Leapedupthegraybeard：Godhethanked，mightyLord，fortheman'sbravewords。
ForHrothgarsoonahorsewassaddledwave-manedsteed。Thesovranwisestatelyrodeon；hisshield-armedmenfollowedinforce。Thefootprintsledalongthewoodland，widelyseen，apatho'ertheplain，whereshepassed，andtrodthemurkymoor；ofmen-at-armssheborethebravestandbestone，dead，himwhowithHrothgarthehomesteadruled。
Onthenwenttheatheling-borno'erstone-cliffssteepandstraitdefiles，narrowpassesandunknownways，headlandssheer，andthehauntsoftheNicors。
Foremosthe[1]fared，afewathissideofthewisermen，thewaystoscan，tillhefoundinaflashtheforestedhillhangingoverthehoaryrock，awofulwood：thewavesbelowweredyedinblood。TheDanishmenhadsorrowofsoul，andforScyldingsall，formanyahero，'twashardtobear，illforearls，whenAeschere'sheadtheyfoundbythefloodontheforelandthere。
Waveswerewelling，thewarriorssaw，hotwithblood；butthehornsangoftbattle-songbold。Thebandsatdown，andwatchedonthewaterworm-likethings，sea-dragonsstrangethatsoundedthedeep，andnicorsthatlayontheledgeoftheness——
suchasoftessayathourofmornontheroad-of-sailstheirruthlessquest，——
andsea-snakesandmonsters。Thesestartedaway，swollenandsavagethatsongtohear，thatwar-horn'sblast。ThewardenofGeats，withboltfrombow，thenbalkedoflife，ofwave-work，onemonster，amiditsheartwentthekeenwar-shaft；inwateritseemedlessdoughtyinswimmingwhomdeathhadseized。
Swiftonthebillows，withboar-spearswellhookedandbarbed，itwashardbeset，donetodeathanddraggedontheheadland，wave-roamerwondrous。Warriorsviewedthegrislyguest。
ThengirthimBeowulfinmartialmail，normournedforhislife。
Hisbreastplatebroadandbrightofhues，wovenbyhand，shouldthewaterstry；
wellcoulditwardthewarrior'sbodythatbattleshouldbreakonhisbreastinvainnorharmhisheartbythehandofafoe。
Andthehelmetwhitethathisheadprotectedwasdestinedtodarethedeepsoftheflood，throughwave-whirlwin：'twaswoundwithchains，deckedwithgold，asindaysofyoretheweapon-smithworkeditwondrously，withswine-formssetit，thatswordsnowise，brandishedinbattle，couldbitethathelm。
NorwasthatthemeanestofmightyhelpswhichHrothgar'soratorofferedatneed：
"Hrunting"theynamedthehiltedsword，ofold-timeheirloomseasilyfirst；
ironwasitsedge，alletchedwithpoison，withbattle-bloodhardened，norblencheditatfightinhero'shandwhohelditever，onpathsofperilpreparedtogotofolkstead[2]offoes。Notfirsttimethisitwasdestinedtodoadaringtask。
Forheborenotinmind，thebairnofEcglafsturdyandstrong，thatspeechhehadmade，drunkwithwine，nowthisweaponhelenttoastouterswordsman。Himself，though，durstnotunderwelterofwaterswagerhislifeasloyalliegeman。Solosthehisglory，honorofearls。Withtheothernotso，whogirdedhimnowforthegrimencounter。
[1]Hrothgarisprobablymeant。[2]Meetingplace。
XXI
BEOWULFspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Havemind，thouhonoredoffspringofHealfdenegold-friendofmen，nowIgoonthisquest，sovranwise，whatoncewassaid：
ifinthycauseitcamethatI
shouldlosemylife，thouwouldstloyalbidetome，thoughfallen，infather'splace！
Beguardian，thou，tothisgroupofmythanes，mywarrior-friends，ifWarshouldseizeme；
andthegoodlygiftsthougavestme，Hrothgarbeloved，toHygelacsend！
Geatland'skingmaykenbythegold，Hrethel'ssonsee，whenhestaresatthetreasure，thatIgotmeafriendforgoodnessfamed，andjoyedwhileIcouldinmyjewel-bestower。
AndletUnferthwieldthiswondroussword，earlfar-honored，thisheirloomprecious，hardofedge：withHruntingI
seekdoomofglory，orDeathshalltakeme。"
AfterthesewordstheWeder-Geatlordboldlyhastened，bidingneveransweratall：theoceanfloodsclosedo'erthehero。Longwhileofthedayflederehefeltthefloorofthesea。
Soonfoundthefiendwhotheflood-domainsword-hungryheldthesehundredwinters，greedyandgrim，thatsomeguestfromabove，someman，wasraidinghermonster-realm。
Shegraspedoutforhimwithgrislyclaws，andthewarriorseized；yetscathedshenothisbodyhale；thebreastplatehindered，asshestrovetoshatterthesarkofwar，thelinkedharness，withloathsomehand。
Thenborethisbrine-wolf，whenbottomshetouched，thelordofringstothelairshehauntedwhilesvainlyhestrove，thoughhisvalorheld，weapontowieldagainstwondrousmonstersthatsorebesethim；sea-beastsmanytriedwithfiercetuskstotearhismail，andswarmedonthestranger。Butsoonhemarkedhewasnowinsomehall，heknewnotwhich，wherewaternevercouldworkhimharm，northroughtheroofcouldreachhimeverfangsoftheflood。Firelighthesaw，beamsofablazethatbrightlyshone。
Thenthewarriorwaswareofthatwolf-of-the-deep，mere-wifemonstrous。Formightystrokeheswunghisblade，andtheblowwithheldnot。
Thensangonherheadthatseemlybladeitswar-songwild。Butthewarriorfoundthelight-of-battle[1]wasloathtobite，toharmtheheart：itshardedgefailedthenobleatneed，yethadknownofoldstrifehandtohand，andhadhelmetscloven，doomedmen'sfighting-gear。Firsttime，this，forthegleamingbladethatitsgloryfell。
Firmstillstood，norfailedinvalor，heedfulofhighdeeds，Hygelac'skinsman；
flungawayfrettedsword，featlyjewelled，theangryearl；onearthitlaysteel-edgedandstiff。Hisstrengthhetrusted，hand-gripeofmight。Somanshalldowheneverinwarheweenstoearnhimlastingfame，norfearsforhislife！
Seizedthenbyshoulder，shranknotfromcombat，theGeatishwar-princeGrendel'smother。
Flungthenthefierceone，filledwithwrath，hisdeadlyfoe，thatshefelltoground。
Swiftonherpartshepaidhimbackwithgrislygrasp，andgrappledwithhim。
Spentwithstruggle，stumbledthewarrior，fiercestoffighting-men，felladown。
Onthehall-guestshehurledherself，henthershortsword，broadandbrown-edged，[2]thebairntoavenge，thesole-bornson。——Onhisshoulderlaybraidedbreast-mail，barringdeath，withstandingentranceofedgeorblade。
LifewouldhaveendedforEcgtheow'sson，underwideearthforthatearlofGeats，hadhisarmorofwarnotaidedhim，battle-nethard，andholyGodwieldedthevictory，wisestMaker。
TheLordofHeavenallowedhiscause；
andeasilyrosetheearlerect。
[1]Kenningfor"sword。"Hruntingisbewitched，laidunderaspellofuselessness，alongwithallotherswords。[2]Thisbrownofswords，evidentlymeaningburnished，bright，continuestobeafavoriteadjectiveinthepopularballads。
XXIII
'MIDthebattle-gearsawheabladetriumphant，old-swordofEotens，withedgeofproof，warriors'heirloom，weaponunmatched，——saveonly'twasmorethanothermentobandy-of-battlecouldbearatall——
asthegiantshadwroughtit，readyandkeen。
Seizedthenitschain-hilttheScyldings'chieftain，boldandbattle-grim，brandishedthesword，recklessoflife，andsowrathfullysmotethatitgrippedherneckandgraspedherhard，herbone-ringsbreaking：thebladepiercedthroughthatfated-one'sflesh：tofloorshesank。
Bloodytheblade：hewasblitheofhisdeed。
Thenblazedforthlight。'Twasbrightwithinaswhenfromtheskythereshinesuncloudedheaven'scandle。Thehallhescanned。
Bythewallthenwenthe；hisweaponraisedhighbyitshiltstheHygelac-thane，angryandeager。Thatedgewasnotuselesstothewarriornow。HewishedwithspeedGrendeltoguerdonforgrimraidsmany，forthewarhewagedonWestern-Danesoftenerfarthananonlytime，whenofHrothgar'shearth-companionsheslewinslumber，insleepdevoured，fifteenmenofthefolkofDanes，andasmanyothersoutwardbore，hishorribleprey。Wellpaidforthatthewrathfulprince！FornowpronehesawGrendelstretchedthere，spentwithwar，spoiledoflife，soscathedhadlefthimHeorot'sbattle。Thebodysprangfarwhenafterdeathitenduredtheblow，sword-strokesavage，thatsevereditshead。
Soon，[1]then，sawthesagecompanionswhowaitedwithHrothgar，watchingtheflood，thatthetossingwatersturbidgrew，blood-stainedthemere。Oldmentogether，hoary-haired，oftheherospake；
thewarriorwouldnot，theyweened，again，proudofconquest，cometoseektheirmightymaster。Tomanyitseemedthewolf-of-the-waveshadwonhislife。
Theninthhourcame。ThenobleScyldingslefttheheadland；homewardwentthegold-friendofmen。[2]Buttheguestssaton，staredatthesurges，sickinheart，andwished，yetweenednot，theirwinsomelordagaintosee。
Nowthatswordbegan，frombloodofthefight，inbattle-droppings，[3]
war-blade，towane：'twasawondrousthingthatallofitmeltedasiceiswontwhenfrostyfetterstheFatherloosens，unwindsthewave-bonds，wieldingallseasonsandtimes：thetrueGodhe！
NortookfromthatdwellingthedukeoftheGeatssaveonlytheheadandthathiltwithalblazonedwithjewels：thebladehadmelted，burnedwasthebrightsword，herbloodwassohot，sopoisonedthehell-spritewhoperishedwithinthere。
Soonhewasswimmingwhosafesawincombatdownfallofdemons；up-dovethroughtheflood。
Theclashingwaterswerecleansednow，wasteofwaves，wherethewanderingfiendherlife-daysleftandthislapsingworld。
Swamthentostrandthesailors'-refuge，sturdy-in-spirit，ofsea-bootyglad，ofburdenbraveheborewithhim。
Wentthentogreethim，andGodtheythanked，thethane-bandchoiceoftheirchieftainblithe，thatsafeandsoundtheycouldseehimagain。
Soonfromthehardyonehelmetandarmordeftlytheydoffed：nowdrowsedthemere，water'neathwelkin，withwar-bloodstained。
Forththeyfaredbythefootpathsthence，merryatheartthehighwaysmeasured，well-knownroads。Courageousmencarriedtheheadfromthecliffbythesea，anarduoustaskforalltheband，thefirminfight，sincefourwereneededontheshaft-of-slaughter[4]strenuouslytobeartothegold-hallGrendel'shead。
Sopresentlytothepalacetherefoemenfearless，fourteenGeats，marchingcame。Theirmaster-of-clanmightyamidthemthemeadow-waystrod。
Strodethenwithinthesovranthanefearlessinfight，offamerenowned，hardyhero，Hrothgartogreet。
AndnextbythehairintohallwasborneGrendel'shead，wherethehenchmenweredrinking，anawetoclanandqueenalike，amonsterofmarvel：themenlookedon。
[1]AfterthekillingofthemonsterandGrendel'sdecapitation。
[2]Hrothgar。[3]Thebladeslowlydissolvesinblood-staineddropslikeicicles。[4]Spear。
XXIV
BEOWULFspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Lo，now，thissea-booty，sonofHealfdene，LordofScyldings，we'velustilybroughtthee，signofglory；thouseestithere。
NotlightlydidIwithmylifeescape！
InwarunderwaterthisworkIessayedwithendlesseffort；andevensomystrengthhadbeenlosthadtheLordnotshieldedme。
NotawhitcouldIwithHruntingdoinworkofwar，thoughtheweaponisgood；
yetaswordtheSovranofMenvouchsafedmetospyonthewallthere，insplendorhanging，old，gigantic，——howoftHeguidesthefriendlesswight！——andIfoughtwiththatbrand，fellinginfight，sincefatewaswithme，thehouse'swardens。Thatwar-swordthenallburned，brightblade，whenthebloodgushedo'erit，battle-sweathot；butthehiltIbroughtbackfrommyfoes。SoavengedItheirfiendishdeedsdeath-fallofDanes，aswasdueandright。
Andthisismyhest，thatinHeorotnowsafethoucanstsleepwiththysoldierband，andeverythaneofallthyfolkbotholdandyoung；noevilfear，Scyldings'lord，fromthatsideagain，aughtillforthyearls，aserstthoumust！"
Thenthegoldenhilt，forthatgray-hairedleader，hoaryhero，inhandwaslaid，giant-wrought，old。Soownedandenjoyeditafterdownfallofdevils，theDanishlord，wonder-smiths'work，sincetheworldwasridofthatgrim-souledfiend，thefoeofGod，murder-marked，andhismotheraswell。
Nowitpassedintopowerofthepeople'sking，bestofallthattheoceansboundwhohavescatteredtheirgoldo'erScandia'sisle。
Hrothgarspake——thehiltheviewed，heirloomold，wherewasetchedtheriseofthatfar-offfightwhenthefloodso'erwhelmed，ragingwaves，theraceofgiants（fearfultheirfate！），afolkestrangedfromGodEternal：whenceguerdondueinthatwasteofwaterstheWielderpaidthem。
Soontheguardofshininggoldinrunicstavesitwasrightlysaidforwhomtheserpent-tracedswordwaswrought，bestofblades，inbygonedays，andthehiltwellwound。——Thewise-onespake，sonofHealfdene；silentwereall：——
"Lo，somayhesaywhosoothandrightfollows'midfolk，offartimesmindful，aland-wardenold，[1]thatthisearlbelongstothebetterbreed！So，bornealoft，thyfamemustfly，OfriendmyBeowulf，farandwideo'erfolksteadsmany。Firmlythoushaltallmaintain，mightystrengthwithmoodofwisdom。LoveofminewillIassurethee，as，awhileago，Ipromised；thoushaltproveastayinfuture，infar-offyears，tofolkofthine，totheheroesahelp。WasnotHeremodthustooffspringofEcgwela，Honor-Scyldings，norgrewfortheirgrace，butforgrislyslaughter，fordoomofdeathtotheDanishmen。
Heslew，wrath-swollen，hisshoulder-comrades，companionsatboard！Sohepassedalone，chieftainhaughty，fromhumancheer。
ThoughhimtheMakerwithmightendowed，delightsofpower，andupliftedhighaboveallmen，yetblood-fiercehismind，hisbreast-hoard，grew，nobraceletsgavehetoDanesaswasdue；heenduredalljoylessstrainofstruggleandstressofwoe，longfeudwithhisfolk。Herefindthylesson！
Ofvirtueadvisethee！ThisverseIhavesaidforthee，wisefromlapsedwinters。WondrousseemshowtosonsofmenAlmightyGodinthestrengthofHisspiritsendethwisdom，estate，highstation：Heswayethallthings。
WhilesHelettethrightlustilyfaretheheartoftheheroofhigh-bornrace，——
inseatancestralassignshimbliss，hisfolk'ssurefortressinfeetohold，putsinhispowergreatpartsoftheearth，empiresoample，thatendofitthiswanter-of-wisdomweenethnone。
Sohewaxesinwealth，nowisecanharmhimillnessorage；noevilcaresshadowhisspirit；nosword-hatethreatensfromeveranenemy：alltheworldwendsathiswill，noworseheknoweth，tillallwithinhimobstinatepridewaxesandwakeswhilethewardenslumbers，thespirit'ssentry；sleepistoofastwhichmastershismight，andthemurderernears，stealthilyshootingtheshaftsfromhisbow！
[1]Thatis，"whoeverhasaswideauthorityasIhaveandcanremembersofarbacksomanyinstancesofheroism，maywellsay，asIsay，thatnobetterheroeverlivedthanBeowulf。"
XXV
"UNDERharnesshisheartthenishitindeedbysharpestshafts；andnoshelteravailsfromfoulbehestofthehellishfiend。[1]
Himseemstoolittlewhatlonghepossessed。
Greedyandgrim，nogoldenringshegivesforhispride；thepromisedfutureforgetsheandspurns，withallGodhassenthim，Wonder-Wielder，ofwealthandfame。
Yetintheenditevercomesthattheframeofthebodyfragileyields，fatedfalls；andtherefollowsanotherwhojoyouslythejewelsdivides，theroyalriches，norrecksofhisforebear。
Ban，then，suchbalefulthoughts，Beowulfdearest，bestofmen，andthebetterpartchoose，profiteternal；andtemperthypride，warriorfamous！Theflowerofthymightlastsnowawhile：buterelongitshallbethatsicknessorswordthystrengthshallminish，orfangoffire，orfloodingbillow，orbiteofblade，orbrandishedspear，orodiousage；ortheeyes'clearbeamwaxdullanddarken：Deatheventheeinhasteshallo'erwhelm，thouheroofwar！
SotheRing-Danesthesehalf-yearsahundredIruled，wielded'neathwelkin，andwardedthembravelyfrommighty-onesmanyo'ermiddle-earth，fromspearandsword，tillitseemedformenofoecouldbefoundunderfoldofthesky。
Lo，suddentheshift！TomeseatedsecurecamegriefforjoywhenGrendelbegantoharrymyhome，thehellishfoe；
forthoseruthlessraids，unrestingIsufferedheart-sorrowheavy。Heavenbethanked，LordEternal，forlifeextendedthatIonthisheadallhewnandbloody，afterlongevil，witheyesmaygaze！
——Gotothebenchnow！Begladatbanquet，warriorworthy！Awealthoftreasureatdawnofday，bedealtbetweenus！"
GladwastheGeats'lord，goingbetimestoseekhisseat，astheSagecommanded。
Afresh，asbefore，forthefamed-in-battle，forthebandofthehall，wasabanquetdightnoblyanew。TheNight-Helmdarkeneddusko'erthedrinkers。
Thedoughtyonesrose：
forthehoary-headedwouldhastentorest，agedScylding；andeagertheGeat，shield-fightersturdy，forsleepingyearned。
Himwander-weary，warrior-guestfromfar，ahall-thaneheraldedforth，whobycustomcourtlycaredforallneedsofathaneasinthoseolddayswarrior-wandererswonttohave。
Soslumberedthestout-heart。Statelythehallrosegabledandgiltwheretheguestsleptontillaravenblacktherapture-of-heaven[2]
blithe-heartboded。Brightcameflyingshineaftershadow。Theswordsmenhastened，athelingsallwereeagerhomewardforthtofare；andfarfromthencethegreat-heartedguestwouldguidehiskeel。
Badethenthehardy-oneHruntingbebroughttothesonofEcglaf，theswordbadehimtake，excellentiron，andutteredhisthanksforit，quoththathecounteditkeeninbattle，"war-friend"winsome：withwordsheslanderednotedgeoftheblade：'twasabig-heartedman！
Noweagerforpartingandarmedatpointwarriorswaited，whilewenttohishostthatDarlingofDanes。Thedoughtyathelingtohigh-seathastenedandHrothgargreeted。
[1]Thatis，heisnowundefendedbyconsciencefromthetemptations（shafts）ofthedevil。[2]Kenningforthesun。——
Thisisastrangerolefortheraven。Heisthewarrior'sbirdofbattle，exultsinslaughterandcarnage；hisjoyhereisacomplimenttothesunrise。
XXVI
BEOWULFspake，bairnofEcgtheow：——
"Lo，weseafarerssayourwill，far-comemen，thatwefainwouldseekHygelacnow。Weherehavefoundhoststoourheart：thouhastharboreduswell。
IfeveronearthIamabletowinmemoreofthylove，Olordofmen，aughtanew，thanInowhavedone，forworkofwarIamwillingstill！
Ifitcometomeeveracrosstheseasthatneighborfoemenannoyandfrightthee，——
astheythathatetheeerewhilehaveused，——
thousandsthenofthanesIshallbring，heroestohelpthee。OfHygelacIknow，wardofhisfolk，that，thoughfewhisyears，thelordoftheGeatswillgivemeaidbywordandbywork，thatwellImayservethee，wieldingthewar-woodtowinthytriumphandlendingtheemightwhenthoulackestmen。
IfthyHrethricshouldcometocourtofGeats，asovran'sson，hewillsurelytherefindhisfriends。Afar-offlandeachmanshouldvisitwhovauntshimbrave。"
Himthenanswering，Hrothgarspake：——
"ThesewordsofthinethewisestGodsenttothysoul！Nosagercounselfromsoyounginyearse'eryethaveIheard。
Thouartstrongofmainandinmindartwary，artwiseinwords！IweenindeedifeverithapthatHrethel'sheirbyspearbeseized，bysword-grimbattle，byillnessoriron，thineelderandlord，people'sleader，——andlifebethine，——
noseemliermanwilltheSea-Geatsfindatalltochoosefortheirchiefandking，forhoard-guardofheroes，ifholdthouwiltthykinsman'skingdom！Thykeenmindpleasesmethelongerthebetter，Beowulfloved！
Thouhastbroughtitaboutthatbothourpeoples，sonsoftheGeatandSpear-Danefolk，shallhavemutualpeace，andfrommurderousstrife，suchasoncetheywaged，fromwarrefrain。
LongasIrulethisrealmsowide，letourhoardsbecommon，letheroeswithgoldeachothergreeto'erthegannet's-bath，andtheringed-prowbearo'errollingwavestokensoflove。Itrowmylandfolktowardsfriendandfoearefirmlyjoined，andhonortheykeepintheoldenway。"
Tohiminthehall，then，Healfdene'ssongavetreasurestwelve，andthetrust-of-earlsbadehimfarewiththegiftstohisfolkbeloved，haletohishome，andinhastereturn。
Thenkissedthekingofkinrenowned，Scyldings'chieftain，thatchoicestthane，andfellonhisneck。Fastflowedthetearsofthehoary-headed。Heavywithwinters，hehadchancestwain，butheclungtothis，[1]——
thateachshouldlookontheotheragain，andhearhiminhall。Wasthisherosodeartohim。
hisbreast'swildbillowshebannedinvain；
safeinhissoulasecretlonging，lockedinhismind，forthatlovedmanburnedinhisblood。ThenBeowulfstrode，gladofhisgold-gifts，thegrass-ploto'er，warriorblithe。Thewave-roamerboderidingatanchor，itsownerawaiting。
Astheyhastenedonward，Hrothgar'sgifttheylaudedatlength。——'Twasalordunpeered，everywayblameless，tillagehadbroken——itsparethnomortal——hissplendidmight。
[1]Thatis，hemightormightnotseeBeowulfagain。Oldashewas，thelatterchancewaslikely；butheclungtotheformer，hopingtoseehisyoungfriendagain"andexchangebravewordsinthehall。"
XXVII
CAMEnowtooceantheever-courageoushardyhenchmen，theirharnessbearing，wovenwar-sarks。Thewardenmarked，trustyasever，theearl'sreturn。
Fromtheheightofthehillnohostilewordsreachedtheguestsasherodetogreetthem；
but"Welcome！"hecalledtothatWederclanasthesheen-mailedspoilerstoshipmarchedon。
Thenonthestrand，withsteedsandtreasureandarmortheirroomyandring-dightshipwasheavilyladen：highitsmastroseoverHrothgar'shoardedgems。
Aswordtotheboat-guardBeowulfgave，mountedwithgold；onthemead-benchsincehewasbetteresteemed，thatbladepossessing，heirloomold。——Theirocean-keelboarding，theydrovethroughthedeep，andDanelandleft。
Asea-clothwasset，asailwithropes，firmtothemast；theflood-timbersmoaned；[1]
nordidwindoverbillowsthatwave-swimmerblowacrossfromhercourse。Thecraftspedon，foam-neckeditfloatedfortho'erthewaves，keelfirm-boundoverbrinycurrents，tilltheygotthemsightoftheGeatishcliffs，home-knownheadlands。Hightheboat，stirredbywinds，onthestrandupdrove。
Helpfulathaventheharbor-guardstood，wholongalreadyforlovedcompanionsbythewaterhadwaitedandwatchedafar。
Heboundtothebeachthebroad-bosomedshipwithanchor-bands，lestocean-billowsthattrustytimbershouldtearaway。
ThenBeowulfbadethembearthetreasure，goldandjewels；nojourneyfarwasitthencetogotothegiverofrings，HygelacHrethling：athomehedweltbythesea-wallclose，himselfandclan。
Haughtythathouse，aherotheking，highthehall，andHygd[2]rightyoung，wiseandwary，thoughwintersfewinthosefortresswallsshehadfoundahome，Haereth'sdaughter。Norhumbleherways，norgrudgedshegiftstotheGeatishmen，ofprecioustreasure。NotThryth'sprideshowedshe，folk-queenfamed，orthatfelldeceit。
Wasnonesodaringthatdurstmakebold（saveherlordalone）oftheliegemendearthatladyfullinthefacetolook，butforgedfettershefoundhislot，bondsofdeath！Andbrieftherespite；
soonastheyseizedhim，hissword-doomwasspoken，andtheburnishedbladeabalefulmurderproclaimedandclosed。Noqueenlywayforwomantopractise，thoughpeerlessshe，thattheweaver-of-peace[3]fromwarriordearbywrathandlyinghislifeshouldreave！
ButHemming'skinsmanhinderedthis。——
Forovertheiralemenalsotoldthatofthesefolk-horrorsfewershewrought，onslaughtsofevil，aftershewent，gold-deckedbride，tothebraveyoungprince，athelinghaughty，andOffa'shallo'erthefallowfloodatherfather'sbiddingsafelysought，wheresincesheprospered，royal，throned，richingoods，fainofthefairlifefatehadsenther，andlealinlovetothelordofwarriors。
He，ofallheroesIheardofeverfromseatosea，ofthesonsofearth，mostexcellentseemed。HenceOffawaspraisedforhisfightingandfeeingbyfar-offmen，thespear-boldwarrior；wiselyheruledoverhisempire。Eomerwoketohim，helpofheroes，Hemming'skinsman，GrandsonofGarmund，griminwar。
[1]Withthespeedoftheboat。[2]QueentoHygelac。Sheispraisedbycontrastwiththeantitype，Thryth，justasBeowulfwaspraisedbycontrastwithHeremod。[3]Kenningfor"wife。"
XXVIII
HASTENEDthehardyone，henchmenwithhim，sandystrandoftheseatotreadandwidespreadways。Theworld'sgreatcandle，sunshonefromsouth。Theystrodealongwithsturdystepstothespottheyknewwherethebattle-kingyoung，hisburgwithin，slayerofOngentheow，sharedtherings，shelter-of-heroes。ToHygelacBeowulf'scomingwasquicklytold，——
thatthereinthecourttheclansmen'srefuge，theshield-companionsoundandalive，halefromthehero-playhomewardstrode。
Withhasteinthehall，byhighestorder，roomfortheroverswasreadilymade。
Byhissovranhesat，comesafefrombattle，kinsmanbykinsman。Hiskindlylordhefirsthadgreetedingraciousform，withmanlywords。Themeaddispensing，camethroughthehighhallHaereth'sdaughter，winsometowarriors，wine-cupboretothehandsoftheheroes。Hygelacthenhiscomradefairlywithquestionpliedintheloftyhall，sorelongingtoknowwhatmannerofsojourntheSea-Geatsmade。
"Whatcameofthyquest，mykinsmanBeowulf，whenthyyearningssuddenlyswepttheeyonderbattletoseeko'erthebrinysea，combatinHeorot？Hrothgarcouldstthouaidatall，thehonoredchief，inhiswide-knownwoes？Withwavesofcaremysadheartseethed；Isoremistrustedmylovedone'sventure：longIbeggedtheebynomeanstoseekthatslaughteringmonster，butsuffertheSouth-DanestosettletheirfeudthemselveswithGrendel。NowGodbethankedthatsafeandsoundIcanseetheenow！"
Beowulfspake，thebairnofEcgtheow：——
"'Tisknownandunhidden，HygelacLord，tomanymen，thatmeetingofours，strugglegrimbetweenGrendelandme，whichwefoughtonthefieldwherefulltoomanysorrowshewroughtfortheScylding-Victors，evilsunending。TheseallIavenged。
NoboastcanbefrombreedofGrendel，anyonearth，forthatuproaratdawn，fromthelongest-livedoftheloathsomeraceinfleshlyfold！——ButfirstIwentHrothgartogreetinthehallofgifts，whereHealfdene'skinsmanhigh-renowned，soonasmypurposewasplaintohim，assignedmeaseatbyhissonandheir。
Theliegemenwerelusty；mylife-daysneversuchmerrymenovermeadinhallhaveIheardunderheaven！Thehigh-bornqueen，people'speace-bringer，passedthroughthehall，cheeredtheyoungclansmen，claspsofgold，ereshesoughtherseat，tosundrygave。
OfttotheheroesHrothgar'sdaughter，toearlsinturn，theale-cuptendered，——
shewhomIheardthesehall-companionsFreawaruname，whenfrettedgoldsheprofferedthewarriors。Promisedisshe，gold-deckedmaid，tothegladsonofFroda。
SagethisseemstotheScylding's-friend，kingdom's-keeper：hecountsitwisethewomantowedsoandwardofffeud，storeofslaughter。Butseldomeverwhenmenareslain，doesthemurder-spearsinkbutbriefestwhile，thoughthebridebefair！[1]
"NorhaplywilllikeittheHeathobardlord，andaslittleeachofhisliegemenall，whenathaneoftheDanes，inthatdoughtythrong，goeswiththeladyalongtheirhall，andonhimtheold-timeheirloomsglistenhardandring-decked，Heathobard'streasure，weaponsthatoncetheywieldedfairuntiltheylostatthelinden-play[2]
liegemanlealandtheirlivesaswell。
Then，overtheale，onthisheirloomgazing，someash-wielderoldwhohasallinmindthatspear-deathofmen，[3]——heissternofmood，heavyatheart，——intheheroyoungteststhetemperandtriesthesoulandwar-hatewakens，withwordslikethese：——
Canstthounot，comrade，kenthatswordwhichtothefraythyfathercarriedinhisfinalfeud，'neaththefighting-mask，dearestofblades，whentheDanishslewhimandwieldedthewar-placeonWithergild'sfall，afterhavocofheroes，thosehardyScyldings？
Now，thesonofacertainslaughteringDane，proudofhistreasure，pacesthishall，joysinthekilling，andcarriesthejewel[4]
thatrightfullyoughttobeownedbythee！_
Thusheurgesandeggshimallthetimewithkeenestwords，tilloccasionoffersthatFreawaru'sthane，forhisfather'sdeed，afterbiteofbrandinhisbloodmustslumber，losinghislife；butthatliegemanflieslivingaway，forthelandhekens。
Andthusbebrokenonboththeirsidesoathsoftheearls，whenIngeld'sbreastwellswithwar-hate，andwife-lovenowafterthecare-billowscoolergrows。
"So[5]IholdnothightheHeathobards'faithduetotheDanes，ortheirduringloveandpactofpeace。——ButIpassfromthat，turningtoGrendel，Ogiver-of-treasure，andsayinginfullhowthefightresulted，hand-frayofheroes。Whenheaven'sjewelhadfledo'erfarfields，thatfiercespritecame，night-foesavage，toseekusoutwheresafeandsoundwesentriedthehall。
ToHondsciothenwasthatharassingdeadly，hisfalltherewasfated。Hefirstwasslain，girdedwarrior。Grendelonhimturnedmurderousmouth，onourmightykinsman，andallofthebraveman'sbodydevoured。
Yetnonetheearlier，empty-handed，wouldthebloody-toothedmurderer，mindfulofbale，outwardgofromthegold-deckedhall：
butmeheattackedinhisterrorofmight，withgreedyhandgraspedme。Aglovehungbyhim[6]
wideandwondrous，woundwithbands；
andinartfulwiseitallwaswrought，bydevilishcraft，ofdragon-skins。
Metherein，aninnocentman，thefiendishfoewasfaintothrustwithmanyanother。Hemightnotso，whenIallangrilyuprightstood。
'Twerelongtorelatehowthatland-destroyerIpaidinkindforhiscrueldeeds；
yetthere，myprince，thispeopleofthinegotfamebymyfighting。Hefledaway，andalittlespacehislifepreserved；
buttherestaidbehindhimhisstrongerhandleftinHeorot；heartsickthenceontheflooroftheoceanthatoutcastfell。
MeforthisstruggletheScyldings'-friendpaidinplentywithplatesofgold，withmanyatreasure，whenmornhadcomeandweallatthebanquet-boardsatdown。
Thenwassongandglee。Thegray-hairedScylding，muchtested，toldofthetimesofyore。
Whilestheherohisharpbestirred，wood-of-delight；nowlayshechantedofsoothandsadness，orsaidarightlegendsofwonder，thewide-heartedking；
orforyearsofhisyouthhewouldyearnattimes，forstrengthofoldstruggles，nowstrickenwithage，hoaryhero：hisheartsurgedfullwhen，wisewithwinters，hewailedtheirflight。
Thusinthehallthewholeofthatdayateasewefeasted，tillfello'erearthanothernight。Anonfullreadyingreedofvengeance，Grendel'smothersetforthalldoleful。Deadwashersonthroughwar-hateofWeders；now，womanmonstrouswithfuryfellafoemansheslew，avengedheroffspring。FromAeschereold，loyalcouncillor，lifewasgone；
normighttheye'en，whenmorningbroke，thoseDanishpeople，theirdeath-donecomradeburnwithbrands，onbalefirelaythemantheymourned。Undermountainstreamshehadcarriedthecorpsewithcruelhands。
ForHrothgarthatwastheheaviestsorrowofallthathadladenthelordofhisfolk。
Theleaderthen，bythylife，besoughtme（sadwashissoul）inthesea-waves'coiltoplaytheheroandhazardmybeingforgloryofprowess：myguerdonhepledged。
Itheninthewaters——'tiswidelyknown——
thatsea-floor-guardiansavagefound。
Hand-to-handthereawhilewestruggled；
billowswelledblood；inthebrinyhallherheadIhewedwithahardybladefromGrendel'smother，——andgainedmylife，thoughnotwithoutdanger。Mydoomwasnotyet。
Thenthehaven-of-heroes，Healfdene'sson，gavemeinguerdongreatgiftsofprice。
Note：[1]Beowulfgiveshisunclethekingnotmeregossipofhisjourney，butastatesmanlikeforecastoftheoutcomeofcertainpoliciesattheDanishcourt。Talkofinterpolationhereisabsurd。AsbothBeowulfandHygelacknow，——andthefolkforwhomtheBeowulfwasputtogetheralsoknew，——FrodawaskingoftheHeathobards（probablytheLangobards，oncenearneighborsofAngleandSaxontribesonthecontinent），andhadfalleninfightwiththeDanes。Hrothgarwillsetasidethisfeudbygivinghisdaughteras"peace-weaver"andwifetotheyoungkingIngeld，sonoftheslainFroda。ButBeowulf，ongeneralprinciplesandfromhisobservationoftheparticularcase，foretellstrouble。Note：[2]Playofshields，battle。ADanishwarriorcutsdownFrodainthefight，andtakeshisswordandarmor，leavingthemtoason。Thissonisselectedtoaccompanyhismistress，theyoungprincessFreawaru，tohernewhomewhensheisIngeld'squeen。HeedlesslyhewearstheswordofFrodainhall。AnoldwarriorpointsitouttoIngeld，andeggshimontovengeance。AthisinstigationtheDaneiskilled；butthemurderer，afraidofresults，andknowingtheland，escapes。Sotheoldfeudmustbreakoutagain。[3]Thatis，theirdisastrousbattleandtheslayingoftheirking。[4]Thesword。[5]Beowulfreturnstohisforecast。Thingsmightwellgosomewhatasfollows，hesays；sketchesalittletragicstory；andwiththisprophecybyillustrationreturnstothetaleofhisadventure。
[6]Notanactualglove，butasortofbag。
XXXI
"Soheldthiskingtothecustomsold，thatIwantedfornoughtinthewageIgained，themeedofmymight；hemademegifts，Healfdene'sheir，formyowndisposal。
Nowtothee，myprince，Iprofferthemall，gladlygivethem。Thygracealonecanfindmefavor。FewindeedhaveIofkinsmen，save，Hygelac，thee！"
Thenhebadethembearhimtheboar-headstandard，thebattle-helmhigh，andbreastplategray，thesplendidsword；thenspakeinform：——
"Methiswar-gearthewiseoldprince，Hrothgar，gave，andhishestheadded，thatitsstorybestraightwaysaidtothee。——
AwhileitwasheldbyHeorogarking，forlongtimelordofthelandofScyldings；
yetnottohissonthesovranleftit，todaringHeoroweard，——dearashewastohim，hisharnessofbattle。——Wellholdthouitall！"
AndIheardthatsoonpassedo'erthepathofthistreasure，allapple-fallow，fourgoodsteeds，eachliketheothers，armsandhorseshegavetotheking。Soshouldkinsmenbe，notweaveoneanotherthenetofwiles，orwithdeep-hidtreacherydeathcontriveforneighborandcomrade。HisnephewwaseverbyhardyHygelacheldfulldear，andeachkeptwatcho'ertheother'sweal。
Iheard，too，thenecklacetoHygdhepresented，wonder-wroughttreasure，whichWealhtheowgavehimsovran'sdaughter：threesteedsheadded，slenderandsaddle-gay。Sincesuchgiftthegemgleamedbrightonthebreastofthequeen。
ThusshowedhisstrainthesonofEcgtheowasamanremarkedformightydeedsandactsofhonor。Ataleheslewnotcomradeorkin；norcruelhismood，thoughofsonsofearthhisstrengthwasgreatest，agloriousgiftthatGodhadsentthesplendidleader。Longwashespurned，andworthlessbyGeatishwarriorsheld；
himatmeadthemaster-of-clansfailedfullofttofavoratall。
Slackandshiftlessthestrongmendeemedhim，profitlessprince；butpaymentcame，tothewarriorhonored，forallhiswoes。——
Thenthebulwark-of-earls[1]badebringwithin，hardychieftain，Hrethel'sheirloomgarnishedwithgold：noGeate'erknewinshapeofaswordastatelierprize。
ThebrandhelaidinBeowulf'slap；
andofhidesassignedhimseventhousand，[2]
withhouseandhigh-seat。Theyheldincommonlandalikebytheirlineofbirth，inheritance，home：buthigherthekingbecauseofhisruleo'ertherealmitself。
Nowfurtheritfellwiththeflightofyears，withharryingshorrid，thatHygelacperished，[3]
andHeardred，too，byhewingofswordsundertheshield-wallslaughteredlay，whenhimatthevanofhisvictor-folksoughthardyheroes，Heatho-Scilfings，inarmso'erwhelmingHereric'snephew。
ThenBeowulfcameaskingthisbroadrealmtowield；andheruleditwellfiftywinters，[4]awiseoldprince，wardinghisland，untilOnebeganinthedarkofnight，aDragon，torage。
Inthegraveonthehillahoarditguarded，inthestone-barrowsteep。Astraitpathreachedit，unknowntomortals。Someman，however，camebychancethatcavewithintotheheathenhoard。[5]Inhandhetookagoldengoblet，norgaveheitback，stolewithitaway，whilethewatcherslept，bythievishwiles：forthewarden'swrathprinceandpeoplemustpaybetimes！
[1]Hygelac。[2]Thisisgenerallyassumedtomeanhides，thoughthetextsimplysays"seventhousand。"AhideinEnglandmeantabout120acres，though"thesizeoftheacrevaried。"[3]OnthehistoricalraidintoFrankishterritorybetween512and520A。D。
Thesubsequentcourseofevents，asgatheredfromhintsofthisepic，ispartlytoldinScandinavianlegend。[4]Thechronologyofthisepic，asscholarshaveworkeditout，wouldmakeBeowulfwelloverninetyyearsofagewhenhefightsthedragon。Butthefiftyyearsofhisreignneednotbetakenashistoricalfact。
[5]Thetextisherehopelesslyillegible，andonlythegeneraldriftofthemeaningcanberescued。Foronething，wehavetheoldmythofadragonwhoguardshiddentreasure。Butwiththisrunsthestoryofsomenoble，lastofhisrace，whohidesallhiswealthwithinthisbarrowandtherechantshisfarewelltolife'sglories。Afterhisdeaththedragontakespossessionofthehoardandwatchesoverit。Acondemnedorbanishedman，desperate，hidesinthebarrow，discoversthetreasure，andwhilethedragonsleeps，makesoffwithagoldenbeakerorthelike，andcarriesitforpropitiationtohismaster。Thedragondiscoversthelossandexactsfearfulpenaltyfromthepeopleroundabout。
XXXII
THATwayhewentwithnowillofhisown，indangeroflife，tothedragon'shoard，butforpressureofperil，someprince'sthane。
Hefledinfearthefatalscourge，seekingshelter，asinfulman，andenteredin。Attheawfulsighttotteredthatguest，andterrorseizedhim；
yetthewretchedfugitiveralliedanonfromfrightandfearerehefledaway，andtookthecupfromthattreasure-hoard。
Ofsuchbesidestherewasstoreenough，heirloomsold，theearthbelow，whichsomeearlforgotten，inancientyears，leftthelastofhisloftyrace，heedfullytherehadhiddenaway，dearesttreasure。Fordeathofyorehadhurriedallhence；andhealonelefttolive，thelastoftheclan，weepinghisfriends，yetwishedtobidewardingthetreasure，hisonedelight，thoughbriefhisrespite。Thebarrow，new-ready，tostrandandsea-wavesstoodanear，hardbytheheadland，hiddenandclosed；
therelaidwithinithislordlyheirloomsandheapedhoardofheavygoldthatwardenofrings。Fewwordshespake：
"Nowholdthou，earth，sinceheroesmaynot，whatearlshaveowned！Lo，erstfromtheebravemenbroughtit！Butbattle-deathseizedandcruelkillingmyclansmenall，robbedthemoflifeandaliegeman'sjoys。
NonehaveIlefttoliftthesword，ortocleansethecarvencupofprice，beakerbright。Mybravearegone。
Andthehelmethard，allhaughtywithgold，shallpartfromitsplating。Polisherssleepwhocouldbrightenandburnishthebattle-mask；
andthoseweedsofwarthatwerewonttobraveoverbickerofshieldsthebiteofsteelrustwiththeirbearer。Theringedmailfaresnotfarwithfamouschieftain，atsideofhero！Noharp'sdelight，noglee-wood'sgladness！Nogoodhawknowfliesthroughthehall！Norhorsesfleetstampintheburgstead！Battleanddeaththeflowerofmyracehavereftaway。"
Mournfulofmood，thushemoanedhiswoe，alone，forthemall，andunblitheweptbydayandbynight，tilldeath'sfellwaveo'erwhelmedhisheart。Hishoard-of-blissthatoldill-doeropenfound，who，blazingattwilightthebarrowshaunteth，nakedfoe-dragonflyingbynightfoldedinfire：thefolkofearthdreadhimsore。'Tishisdoomtoseekhoardinthegraves，andheathengoldtowatch，many-wintered：norwinshethereby！
Powerfulthisplague-of-the-peoplethusheldthehouseofthehoardinearththreehundredwinters；tillOnearousedwrathinhisbreast，totherulerbearingthatcostlycup，andthekingimploredforbondofpeace。Sothebarrowwasplundered，borneoffwasbooty。Hisboonwasgrantedthatwretchedman；andhisrulersawfirsttimewhatwasfashionedinfar-offdays。
Whenthedragonawoke，newwoewaskindled。
O'erthestonehesnuffed。Thestark-heartfoundfootprintoffoewhosofarhadgoneinhishiddencraftbythecreature'shead。——
Somaytheundoomedeasilyfleeevilsandexile，ifonlyhegainthegraceofTheWielder！——Thatwardenofgoldo'erthegroundwentseeking，greedytofindthemanwhowroughthimsuchwronginsleep。
Savageandburning，thebarrowhecircledallwithout；norwasanythere，noneinthewaste……Yetwarhedesired，waseagerforbattle。Thebarrowheentered，soughtthecup，anddiscoveredsoonthatsomeoneofmortalshadsearchedhistreasure，hislordlygold。Theguardianwaitedill-enduringtilleveningcame；
boilingwithwrathwasthebarrow'skeeper，andfainwithflamethefoetopayforthedearcup'sloss。——Nowdaywasfledasthewormhadwished。Byitswallnomorewasitgladtobide，butburningflewfoldedinflame：afearfulbeginningforsonsofthesoil；andsoonitcame，inthedoomoftheirlord，toadreadfulend。