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。