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。