XXXIII
　　THENthebalefulfienditsfirebelchedout，andbrighthomesburned。Theblazestoodhighalllandsfolkfrighting。Nolivingthingwouldthatloathlyoneleaveasaloftitflew。
　　Widewasthedragon'swarringseen，itsfiendishfuryfarandnear，asthegrimdestroyerthoseGeatishpeoplehatedandhounded。Tohiddenlair，toitshoardithastenedathintofdawn。
　　Folkofthelandithadlappedinflame，withbaleandbrand。Initsbarrowittrusted，itsbattlingandbulwarks：thatboastwasvain！
　　ToBeowulfthenthebalewastoldquicklyandtruly：theking'sownhome，ofbuildingsthebest，inbrand-wavesmelted，thatgift-throneofGeats。Tothegoodoldmansadinheart，'twasheaviestsorrow。
　　ThesageassumedthathissovranGodhehadangered，breakingancientlaw，andembitteredtheLord。Hisbreastwithinwithblackthoughtswelled，ashiswontwasnever。
　　Thefolk'sownfastnessthatfierydragonwithflamehaddestroyed，andthestrongholdallwashedbywaves；butthewarlikeking，princeoftheWeders，plottedvengeance。
　　Warriors'-bulwark，hebadethemworkallofiron——theearl'scommander——
　　awar-shieldwondrous：wellheknewthatforest-woodagainstfirewereworthless，lindencouldaidnot。——Athelingbrave，hewasfatedtofinishthisfleetinglife，[1]
　　hisdaysonearth，andthedragonwithhim，thoughlongithadwatchedo'erthewealthofthehoard！——
　　Shamehereckonedit，sharer-of-rings，tofollowtheflyer-afarwithahost，abroad-flungband；northebattlefearedhe，nordeemedhedreadfulthedragon'swarring，itsvigorandvalor：venturesdesperatehehadpasseda-plenty，andperilsofwar，contest-crash，since，conquerorproud，Hrothgar'shallhehadwhollypurged，andingrapplehadkilledthekinofGrendel，loathsomebreed！Notleastwasthatofhand-to-handfightswhereHygelacfell，whentherulerofGeatsinrushofbattle，lordofhisfolk，intheFrisianland，sonofHrethel，bysword-draughtsdied，bybrandsdown-beaten。ThenceBeowulffledthroughstrengthofhimselfandhisswimmingpower，thoughalone，andhisarmswereladenwiththirtycoatsofmail，whenhecametothesea！
　　NoryetmightHetwaras[2]haughtilyboasttheircraftofcontest，whocarriedagainsthimshieldstothefight：butfewescapedfromstrifewiththeherotoseektheirhomes！
　　ThenswamoveroceanEcgtheow'ssonlonelyandsorrowful，seekinghisland，whereHygdmadehimofferofhoardandrealm，ringsandroyal-seat，reckoningnaughtthestrengthofhersontosavetheirkingdomfromhostilehordes，afterHygelac'sdeath。
　　Nosoonerforthiscouldthestrickenonesinanywisemovethatatheling'smindoveryoungHeardred'sheadaslordandrulerofalltherealmtobe：
　　yettheheroupheldhimwithhelpfulwords，aidedinhonor，till，oldergrown，hewieldedtheWeder-Geats。——Wanderingexilessoughthimo'erseas，thesonsofOhtere，whohadspurnedtheswayoftheScylfings'-helmet，thebravestandbestthatbroketherings，inSwedishland，ofthesea-kings'line，haughtyhero。[3]HenceHeardred'send。
　　Forshelterhegavethem，sword-deathcame，theblade'sfellblow，tobairnofHygelac；
　　butthesonofOngentheowsoughtagainhouseandhomewhenHeardredfell，leavingBeowulflordofGeatsandgift-seat'smaster。——Agoodkinghe！
　　[1]Literally"loan-days，"daysloanedtoman。[2]Chattuarii，atribethatdweltalongtheRhine，andtookpartinrepellingtheraidof（Hygelac）Chocilaicus。[3]Onla，sonofOngentheow，whopursueshistwonephewsEanmundandEadgilstoHeardred'scourt，wheretheyhavetakenrefugeaftertheirunsuccessfulrebellion。
　　InthefightingHeardrediskilled。
　　XXXIV
　　THEfallofhislordhewasfaintorequiteinafterdays；andtoEadgilsheprovedfriendtothefriendless，andforcessentovertheseatothesonofOhtere，weaponsandwarriors：wellrepaidhethosecare-pathscoldwhenthekingheslew。[1]
　　ThussafethroughstrugglesthesonofEcgtheowhadpassedaplenty，throughperilsdire，withdaringdeeds，tillthisdaywascomethatdoomedhimnowwiththedragontostrive。
　　WithcomradeseleventhelordofGeatsswolleninragewentseekingthedragon。
　　Hehadheardwhencealltheharmaroseandthekillingofclansmen；thatcupofpriceonthelapofthelordhadbeenlaidbythefinder。
　　Inthethrongwasthisonethirteenthman，starterofallthestrifeandill，care-ladencaptive；cringingthenceforcedandreluctant，heledthemontillhecameinkenofthatcavern-hall，thebarrowdelvednearbillowysurges，floodofocean。Within'twasfullofwire-goldandjewels；ajealouswarden，warriortrusty，thetreasuresheld，lurkedinhislair。Notlightthetaskofentranceforanyofearth-bornmen！
　　Satontheheadlandtheheroking，spakewordsofhailtohishearth-companions，gold-friendofGeats。Allgloomyhissoul，wavering，death-bound。Wyrdfullnighstoodreadytogreetthegray-hairedman，toseizehissoul-hoard，sunderapartlifeandbody。Notlongwouldbethewarrior'sspiritenwoundwithflesh。
　　Beowulfspake，thebairnofEcgtheow：——
　　"ThroughstoreofstrugglesIstroveinyouth，mightyfeuds；Imindthemall。
　　Iwassevenyearsoldwhenthesovranofrings，friend-of-his-folk，frommyfathertookme，hadme，andheldme，Hretheltheking，withfoodandfee，faithfulinkinship。
　　Ne'er，whileIlivedthere，heloathlierfoundme，bairnintheburg，thanhisbirthrightsons，HerebealdandHaethcynandHygelacmine。
　　Fortheeldestofthese，byunmeetchance，bykinsman'sdeed，wasthedeath-bedstrewn，whenHaethcynkilledhimwithhornybow，hisowndearliegelaidlowwithanarrow，missedthemarkandhismateshotdown，onebrothertheother，withbloodyshaft。
　　Afeelessfight，[2]andafearfulsin，horrortoHrethel；yet，hardasitwas，unavengedmusttheathelingdie！
　　Tooawfulitisforanagedmantobideandbear，thathisbairnsoyoungridesonthegallows。Arimehemakes，sorrow-songforhissontherehangingasraptureofravens；norescuenowcancomefromtheold，disabledman！
　　Stillisheminded，asmorningbreaks，oftheheirgoneelsewhere；[3]anotherhehopesnothewillbidetoseehisburgwithinaswardforhiswealth，nowtheonehasfounddoomofdeaththatthedeedincurred。
　　Forlornhelooksonthelodgeofhisson，wine-hallwasteandwind-sweptchambersreftofrevel。Theridersleepeth，thehero，far-hidden；[4]noharpresounds，inthecourtsnowassail，asoncewasheard。
　　[1]Thatis，BeowulfsupportsEadgilsagainstOnela，whoisslainbyEadgilsinrevengeforthe"care-paths"ofexileintowhichOnelaforcedhim。[2]Thatis，thekingcouldclaimnowergild，orman-price，fromonesonforthekillingoftheother。[3]
　　Usualeuphemismfordeath。[4]Sc。inthegrave。
　　XXXV
　　"THENhegoestohischamber，agrief-songchantsaloneforhislost。Toolargeallseems，homesteadandhouse。Sothehelmet-of-WedershidinhisheartforHerebealdwavesofwoe。Nowaycouldhetaketoavengeontheslayerslaughtersofoul；
　　nore'encouldheharassthatheroatallwithloathingdeed，thoughhelovedhimnot。
　　Andsoforthesorrowhissoulendured，men'sgladnesshegaveupandGod'slightchose。
　　Landsandcitieshelefthissons（asthewealthydo）whenhewentfromearth。
　　Therewasstrifeandstruggle'twixtSwedeandGeato'erthewidthofwaters；wararose，hardbattle-horror，whenHretheldied，andOngentheow'soffspringgrewstrife-keen，bold，norbrookedo'ertheseaspactofpeace，butpushedtheirhoststoharassinhatredbyHreosnabeorh。
　　Menofmyfolkforthatfeudhadvengeance，forwofulwar（'tiswidelyknown），thoughoneofthemboughtitwithbloodofhisheart，abargainhard：forHaethcynprovedfatalthatfray，forthefirst-of-Geats。
　　Atmorn，Iheard，wasthemurdererkilledbykinsmanforkinsman，[1]withclashofsword，whenOngentheowmetEoforthere。
　　Widesplitthewar-helm：wanhefell，hoaryScylfing；thehandthatsmotehimoffeudwasmindful，norflinchedfromthedeath-blow。
　　——"Forallthathe[2]gaveme，mygleamingswordrepaidhimatwar，——suchpowerIwielded，——
　　forlordlytreasure：withlandheentrustedme，homesteadandhouse。HehadnoneedfromSwedishrealm，orfromSpear-Danefolk，orfrommenoftheGifths，togethimhelp，——
　　somewarriorworseforwagetobuy！
　　EverIfoughtinthefrontofall，soletothefore；andsoshallIfightwhileIbideinlifeandthisbladeshalllastthatearlyandlatehathloyalprovedsinceformydoughtinessDaeghrefnfell，slainbymyhand，theHugas'champion。
　　NorfaredhethencetotheFrisiankingwiththebootyback，andbreast-adornments；
　　but，slaininstruggle，thatstandard-bearerfell，athelingbrave。Notwithbladewasheslain，buthisboneswerebrokenbybrawnygripe，hisheart-wavesstilled。——Thesword-edgenow，hardbladeandmyhand，forthehoardshallstrive。"
　　Beowulfspake，andabattle-vowmadehislastofall："Ihavelivedthroughmanywarsinmyyouth；nowonceagain，oldfolk-defender，feudwillIseek，dodoughtydeeds，ifthedarkdestroyerforthfromhiscaverncometofightme！"
　　Thenhailedhethehelmetedheroesall，forthelasttimegreetinghisliegemendear，comradesofwar："Ishouldcarrynoweapon，noswordtotheserpent，ifsureIknewhow，withsuchenemy，elsemyvowsIcouldgainasIdidinGrendel'sday。
　　ButfireinthisfightImustfearmenow，andpoisonousbreath；soIbringwithmebreastplateandboard。[3]Fromthebarrow'skeepernofootbreadthfleeI。Onefightshallendourwarbythewall，asWyrdallots，allmankind'smaster。Mymoodisboldbutforbearstoboasto'erthisbattling-flyer。
　　——Nowabidebythebarrow，yebreastplate-mailed，yeheroesinharness，whichofustwainbetterfrombattle-rushbearhiswounds。
　　Waityethefinish。Thefightisnotyours，normeetforanybutmealonetomeasuremightwiththismonsterhereandplaythehero。HardilyI
　　shallwinthatwealth，orwarshallseize，cruelkilling，yourkingandlord！"
　　Upstoodthenwithshieldthesturdychampion，stayedbythestrengthofhissinglemanhood，andhardy'neathhelmethisharnessboreundercleftofthecliffs：nocoward'spath！
　　Soonspiedbythewallthatwarriorchief，survivorofmanyavictory-fieldwherefoemenfoughtwithfuriousclashings，anarchofstone；andwithin，astreamthatbrokefromthebarrow。Thebrooklet'swavewashotwithfire。Thehoardthatwayhenevercouldhopeunharmedtonear，orendurethosedeeps，[4]forthedragon'sflame。
　　Thenletfromhisbreast，forheburstwithrage，theWeder-Geatprinceawordoutgo；
　　stormedthestark-heart；sternwentringingandclearhiscry'neaththecliff-rocksgray。
　　Thehoard-guardheardahumanvoice；
　　hisragewasenkindled。Norespitenowforpactofpeace！Thepoison-breathofthatfoulwormfirstcameforthfromthecave，hotreek-of-fight：therocksresounded。
　　Stoutbythestone-wayhisshieldheraised，lordoftheGeats，againsttheloathed-one；
　　whilewithcouragekeenthatcoiledfoecameseekingstrife。Thesturdykinghaddrawnhissword，notdullofedge，heirloomold；andeachofthetwofeltfearofhisfoe，thoughfiercetheirmood。
　　Stoutlystoodwithhisshieldhigh-raisedthewarriorking，asthewormnowcoiledtogetheramain：themailed-onewaited。
　　Now，spirebyspire，fastspedandglidedthatblazingserpent。Theshieldprotected，soulandbodyashorterwhileforthehero-kingthanhisheartdesired，couldhiswillhavewieldedthewelcomerespitebutonceinhislife！ButWyrddeniedit，andvictory'shonors。——HisarmheliftedlordoftheGeats，thegrimfoesmotewithatheling'sheirloom。Itsedgewasturnedbrownblade，onthebone，andbitmorefeeblythanitsnoblemasterhadneedoftheninhisbalefulstress。——Thenthebarrow'skeeperwaxedfullwildforthatweightyblow，castdeadlyflames；widedroveandfarthoseviciousfires。Novictor'sglorytheGeats'lordboasted；hisbrandhadfailed，nakedinbattle，asneveritshould，excellentiron！——'TwasnoeasypaththatEcgtheow'shonoredheirmusttreadovertheplaintotheplaceofthefoe；
　　foragainsthiswillhemustwinahomeelsewherefar，asmustallmen，leavingthislapsinglife！——Notlongitwaserethosechampionsgrimlyclosedagain。
　　Thehoard-guardwasheartened；highheavedhisbreastoncemore；andbyperilwaspressedagain，enfoldedinflames，thefolk-commander！
　　Noryetabouthimhisbandofcomrades，sonsofathelings，armedstoodwithwarlikefront：tothewoodstheybentthem，theirlivestosave。Butthesoulofonewithcarewascumbered。Kinshiptruecanneverbemarredinanoblemind！
　　[1]EoforforWulf。——TheimmediateprovocationforEoforinkilling"thehoaryScylfing，"Ongentheow，isthatthelatterhasjuststruckWulfdown；buttheking，Haethcyn，isalsoavengedbytheblow。Seethedetaileddescriptionbelow。[2]Hygelac。[3]
　　Shield。[4]Thehollowpassage。
　　XXXVI
　　WIGLAFhisnamewas，Weohstan'sson，linden-thaneloved，thelordofScylfings，Aelfhere'skinsman。Hiskinghenowsawwithheatunderhelmethardoppressed。
　　Hemindedtheprizeshisprincehadgivenhim，wealthyseatoftheWaegmundingline，andfolk-rightsthathisfatherownedNotlonghelingered。Thelindenyellow，hisshield，heseized；theoldswordhedrew：——
　　asheirloomofEanmundearth-dwellersknewit，whowasslainbythesword-edge，sonofOhtere，friendlessexile，erstinfraykilledbyWeohstan，whowonforhiskinbrown-brighthelmet，breastplateringed，oldswordofEotens，Onela'sgift，weedsofwarofthewarrior-thane，battle-gearbrave：thoughabrother'schildhadbeenfelled，thefeudwasunfeltbyOnela。[1]
　　Forwintersthiswar-gearWeohstankept，breastplateandboard，tillhisbairnhadgrownearlshiptoearnastheoldsiredid：
　　thenhegavehim，midGeats，thegearofbattle，portionhuge，whenhepassedfromlife，faredagedforth。Forthefirsttimenowwithhisleader-lordtheliegemanyoungwasbiddentosharetheshockofbattle。
　　Neithersoftenedhissoul，northesire'sbequestweakenedinwar。[2]Sothewormfoundoutwhenonceinfightthefoeshadmet！
　　Wiglafspake，——andhiswordsweresage；
　　sadinspirit，hesaidtohiscomrades：——
　　"Irememberthetime，whenmeadwetook，whatpromisewemadetothisprinceofoursinthebanquet-hall，toourbreaker-of-rings，forgearofcombattogivehimrequital，forhard-swordandhelmet，ifhapshouldbringstressofthissort！Himselfwhochoseusfromallhisarmytoaidhimnow，urgedustoglory，andgavethesetreasures，becausehecounteduskeenwiththespearandhardy'neathhelm，thoughthishero-workourleaderhopedunhelpedandalonetofinishforus，——folk-defenderwhohathgothimglorygreaterthanallmenfordaringdeeds！Nowthedayiscomethatournoblemasterhasneedofthemightofwarriorsstout。Letusstridealongtheherotohelpwhiletheheatisabouthimglowingandgrim！ForGodismywitnessIamfarmorefainthefireshouldseizealongwithmylordtheselimbsofmine！[3]
　　Unsuitingitseemsourshieldstobearhomewardhence，savehereweessaytofellthefoeanddefendthelifeoftheWeders'lord。Iwot'twereshameonthelawofourlandifalonethekingoutofGeatishwarriorswoeenduredandsankinthestruggle！Myswordandhelmet，breastplateandboard，forusbothshallserve！"
　　Throughslaughter-reekstrodehetosuccorhischieftain，hisbattle-helmbore，andbriefwordsspake：——
　　"Beowulfdearest，doallbravely，asinyouthfuldaysofyorethouvowedstthatwhilelifeshouldlastthouwouldstletnowisethyglorydroop！Now，greatindeeds，athelingsteadfast，withallthystrengthshieldthylife！Iwillstandtohelpthee。"
　　Atthewordsthewormcameonceagain，murderousmonstermadwithrage，withfire-billowsflaming，itsfoestoseek，thehatedmen。Inheat-wavesburnedthatboard[4]totheboss，andthebreastplatefailedtoshelteratallthespear-thaneyoung。
　　Yetquicklyunderhiskinsman'sshieldwenteagertheearl，sincehisownwasnowallburnedbytheblaze。Theboldkingagainhadmindofhisglory：withmighthisglaivewasdrivenintothedragon'shead，——
　　blownervedbyhate。ButNaegling[5]wasshivered，brokeninbattlewasBeowulf'ssword，oldandgray。'Twasgrantedhimnotthatevertheedgeofironatallcouldhelphimatstrife：toostrongwashishand，sothetaleistold，andhetriedtoofarwithstrengthofstrokeallswordshewielded，thoughsturdytheirsteel：theysteadedhimnought。
　　Thenforthethirdtimethoughtonitsfeudthatfolk-destroyer，fire-dreaddragon，andrushedonthehero，whereroomallowed，battle-grim，burning；itsbitterteethclosedonhisneck，andcoveredhimwithwavesofbloodfromhisbreastthatwelled。
　　[1]Thatis，althoughEanmundwasbrother'ssontoOnela，theslayingoftheformerbyWeohstanisnotfeltascauseoffeud，andisrewardedbygiftoftheslainman'sweapons。[2]BothWiglafandthesworddidtheirduty。——ThefollowingisoneoftheclassicpassagesforillustratingthecomitatusasthemostconspicuousGermanicinstitution，anditsunderlyingsenseofduty，basedpartlyontheideaofloyaltyandpartlyonthepracticalbasisofbenefitsreceivedandrepaid。[3]Sc。"thantobidesafelyhere，"——acommonfigureofincompletecomparison。
　　[4]Wiglaf'swoodenshield。[5]Geringwouldtranslate"kinsmanofthenail，"asbotharemadeofiron。
　　XXXVII
　　'TWASnow，mensay，inhissovran'sneedthattheearlmadeknownhisnoblestrain，craftandkeennessandcourageenduring。
　　Heedlessofharm，thoughhishandwasburned，hardy-hearted，hehelpedhiskinsman。
　　Alittlelowertheloathsomebeasthesmotewithsword；hissteeldroveinbrightandburnished；thatblazebegantoloseandlessen。Atlastthekingwieldedhiswitsagain，war-knifedrew，abitingbladebyhisbreastplatehanging，andtheWeders'-helmsmotethatwormasunder，felledthefoe，flungforthitslife。
　　Sohadtheykilledit，kinsmenboth，athelingstwain：thusanearlshouldbeindanger'sday！——Ofdeedsofvalorthisconqueror's-hourofthekingwaslast，ofhisworkintheworld。Thewoundbegan，whichthatdragon-of-earthhaderstinflicted，toswellandsmart；andsoonhefoundinhisbreastwasboiling，balefulanddeep，painofpoison。Theprincewalkedon，wiseinhisthought，tothewallofrock；
　　thensat，andstaredatthestructureofgiants，wherearchofstoneandsteadfastcolumnupheldforeverthathallinearth。
　　Yetheremustthehandofthehenchmanpeerlesslavewithwaterhiswinsomelord，thekingandconquerorcoveredwithblood，withstrugglespent，andunspanhishelmet。
　　Beowulfspakeinspiteofhishurt，hismortalwound；fullwellheknewhisportionnowwaspastandgoneofearthlybliss，andallhadfledofhisfileofdays，anddeathwasnear：
　　"Iwouldfainbestowonsonofminethisgearofwar，weregivenmenowthatanyheirshouldaftermecomeofmyproperblood。ThispeopleIruledfiftywinters。Nofolk-kingwasthere，noneatall，oftheneighboringclanswhowarwouldwagemewith'warriors'-friends'[1]
　　andthreatmewithhorrors。AthomeIbidedwhatfatemightcome，andIcaredformineown；
　　feudsIsoughtnot，norfalselysworeeveronoath。Forallthesethings，thoughfatallywounded，fainamI！
　　FromtheRuler-of-Mannowrathshallseizeme，whenlifefrommyframemustfleeaway，forkillingofkinsmen！Nowquicklygoandgazeonthathoard'neaththehoaryrock，Wiglafloved，nowthewormlieslow，sleeps，heart-sore，ofhisspoilbereaved。
　　Andfareinhaste。Iwouldfainbeholdthegorgeousheirlooms，goldenstore，havejoyinthejewelsandgems，laydownsoftlierforsightofthissplendidhoardmylifeandthelordshipIlonghaveheld。"
　　[1]Thatis，swords。
　　XXXVIII
　　IHAVEheardthatswiftlythesonofWeohstanatwishandwordofhiswoundedking，——
　　war-sickwarrior，——wovenmail-coat，battle-sark，bore'neaththebarrow'sroof。
　　Thentheclansmankeen，ofconquestproud，passingtheseat，[1]sawstoreofjewelsandglisteninggoldthegroundalong；
　　bythewallweremarvels，andmanyavesselinthedenofthedragon，thedawn-flierold：
　　unburnishedbowlsofbygonemenreftofrichness；rustyhelmsoftheoldenage；andarm-ringsmanywondrouslywoven。——Suchwealthofgold，bootyfrombarrow，canburdenwithprideeachhumanwight：lethimhideitwhowill！——
　　Hisglancetoofellonagold-wovebannerhigho'erthehoard，ofhandiworknoblest，brilliantlybroidered；sobrightitsgleam，alltheearth-floorheeasilysawandviewedallthesevessels。Novestigenowwasseenoftheserpent：theswordhadta'enhim。
　　Then，Iheard，thehillofitshoardwasreft，oldworkofgiants，byonealone；
　　heburdenedhisbosomwithbeakersandplateathisowngoodwill，andtheensigntook，brightestofbeacons。——Thebladeofhislord——itsedgewasiron——hadinjureddeeponethatguardedthegoldenhoardmanyayearanditsmurder-firespreadhotroundthebarrowinhorror-billowsatmidnighthour，tillitmetitsdoom。
　　Hastedtheherald，thehoardsospurredhimhistracktoretrace；hewastroubledbydoubt，high-souledhero，ifhaplyhe'dfindalive，wherehelefthim，thelordofWeders，weakeningfastbythewallofthecave。
　　Sohecarriedtheload。Hislordandkinghefoundallbleeding，famouschiefatthelapseoflife。Theliegemanagainplashedhimwithwater，tillpointofwordbrokethroughthebreast-hoard。Beowulfspake，sageandsad，ashestaredatthegold。——
　　"Forthegoldandtreasure，toGodmythanks，totheWielder-of-Wonders，withwordsIsay，forwhatIbehold，toHeaven'sLord，forthegracethatIgivesuchgiftstomyfolkoreverthedayofmydeathberun！
　　NowI'vebarteredhereforbootyoftreasurethelastofmylife，solookyewelltotheneedsofmyland！NolongerItarry。
　　Abarrowbidyethebattle-fannedraiseformyashes。'Twillshinebytheshoreoftheflood，tofolkofminememorialfaironHronesHeadlandhighuplifted，thatocean-wanderersoftmayhailBeowulf'sBarrow，asbackfromfartheydrivetheirkeelso'erthedarklingwave。"
　　Fromhisneckheunclaspedthecollarofgold，valorousking，tohisvassalgaveitwithbright-goldhelmet，breastplate，andring，totheyouthfulthane：badehimusetheminjoy。
　　"ThouartendandremnantofallourracetheWaegmundingname。ForWyrdhathsweptthem，allmyline，tothelandofdoom，earlsintheirglory：Iafterthemgo。"
　　Thiswordwasthelastwhichthewiseoldmanharboredinhearterehotdeath-wavesofbalefirehechose。Fromhisbosomfledhissoultoseekthesaints'reward。
　　[1]WhereBeowulflay。
　　XXXIX
　　ITwasheavyhapforthatheroyoungonhislordbelovedtolookandfindhimlyingonearthwithlifeatend，sorrowfulsight。Buttheslayertoo，awfulearth-dragon，emptyofbreath，layfelledinfight，nor，fainofitstreasure，couldthewrithingmonsterruleitmore。
　　Foredgesofironhadendeditsdays，hardandbattle-sharp，hammers'leaving；[1]
　　andthatflier-afarhadfallentogroundhushedbyitshurt，itshoardallnear，nolongerlustyalofttowhirlatmidnight，makingitsmerrimentseen，proudofitsprizes：proneitsankbythehandiworkofthehero-king。
　　Forsoothamongfolkbutfewachieve，——thoughsturdyandstrong，asstoriestellme，andneversodaringindeedofvalor，——
　　theperilousbreathofapoison-foetobrave，andtorushonthering-boardhall，wheneverhiswatchthewardenkeepsboldinthebarrow。Beowulfpaidthepriceofdeathforthatprecioushoard；
　　andeachofthefoeshadfoundtheendofthisfleetinglife。
　　Befellerelongthatthelaggardsinwarthewoodhadleft，trothbreakers，cowards，tentogether，fearingbeforetoflourishaspearinthesoredistressoftheirsovranlord。
　　Nowintheirshametheirshieldstheycarried，armoroffight，wheretheoldmanlay；
　　andtheygazedonWiglaf。Weariedhesatathissovran'sshoulder，shieldsmangood，towakehimwithwater。[2]Nowiseitavailed。
　　Thoughwellhewishedit，inworldnomorecouldhebarrierlifeforthatleader-of-battlesnorbafflethewillofall-wieldingGod。
　　DoomoftheLordwaslawo'erthedeedsofeveryman，asitisto-day。
　　Grimwastheanswer，easytoget，fromtheyouthforthosethathadyieldedtofear！
　　Wiglafspake，thesonofWeohstan，——
　　mournfulhelookedonthosemenunloved：——
　　"Whosoothwillspeak，cansayindeedthattherulerwhogaveyougoldenringsandtheharnessofwarinwhichyestand——forheatale-benchoften-timesbestowedonhall-folkhelmandbreastplate，lordtoliegemen，thelikeliestgearwhichnearoffarhecouldfindtogive，——
　　threwawayandwastedtheseweedsofbattle，onmenwhofailedwhenthefoemencame！
　　Notatallcouldthekingofhiscomrades-in-armsventuretovaunt，thoughtheVictory-Wielder，God，gavehimgracethathegotrevengesolewithhisswordinstressandneed。
　　Torescuehislife，'twaslittlethatI
　　couldservehiminstruggle；yetshiftImade（hopelessitseemed）tohelpmykinsman。
　　Itsstrengtheverwaned，whenwithweaponIstruckthatfatalfoe，andthefirelessstronglyflowedfromitshead。——Toofewtheheroesinthroeofcontestthatthrongedtoourking！
　　Nowgiftoftreasureandgirdingofsword，joyofthehouseandhome-delightshallfailyourfolk；hisfreehold-landeveryclansmanwithinyourkinshallloseandleave，whenlordshighbornhearafarofthatflightofyours，afamelessdeed。Yea，deathisbetterforliegemenallthanalifeofshame！"
　　[1]Whathadbeenleftormadebythehammer；well-forged。[2]
　　Tryingtorevivehim。
　　XL
　　THATbattle-toilbadeheatburgtoannounce，atthefortonthecliff，where，fullofsorrow，allthemorningearlshadsat，daringshieldsmen，indoubtoftwain：
　　wouldtheywailasdead，orwelcomehome，theirlordbeloved？Little[1]keptbackofthetidingsnew，buttoldthemall，theheraldthatuptheheadlandrode。——
　　"Nowthewilling-givertoWederfolkindeath-bedlies；theLordofGeatsontheslaughter-bedsleepsbytheserpent'sdeed！
　　Andbesidehimisstretchedthatslayer-of-menwithknife-woundssick：[2]noswordavailedontheawesomethinginanywisetoworkawound。ThereWiglafsitteth，Weohstan'sbairn，byBeowulf'sside，thelivingearlbytheotherdead，andheavyofheartahead-watch[3]keepso'erfriendandfoe。——NowourfolkmaylookforwagingofwarwhenonceunhiddentoFrisianandFrankthefallofthekingisspreadafar。——ThestrifebeganwhenhotontheHugas[4]HygelacfellandfaredwithhisfleettotheFrisianland。
　　HimtheretheHetwarashumbledinwar，pliedwithsuchprowesstheirpowero'erwhelmingthatthebold-in-battlebowedbeneathitandfellinfight。Tohisfriendsnowisecouldthatearlgivetreasure！AndeversincetheMerowings'favorhasfaileduswholly。
　　NoraughtexpectIofpeaceandfaithfromSwedishfolk。'TwasspreadafarhowOngentheowreftatRavenswoodHaethcynHrethlingofhopeandlife，whenthefolkofGeatsforthefirsttimesoughtinwantonpridetheWarlike-Scylfings。
　　Soonthesageoldsire[5]ofOhtere，ancientandawful，gaveansweringblow；
　　thesea-king[6]heslew，andhisspouseredeemed，hisgoodwiferescued，thoughrobbedofhergold，motherofOhtereandOnela。
　　Thenhefollowedhisfoes，whofledbeforehimsorebesetandstoletheirway，bereftofaruler，toRavenswood。
　　Withhishosthebesiegedtherewhatswordshadleft，thewearyandwounded；woeshethreatenedthewholenightthroughtothathard-pressedthrong：
　　somewiththemorrowhisswordshouldkill，someshouldgotothegallows-treeforraptureofravens。ButrescuecamewithdawnofdayforthosedesperatemenwhentheyheardthehornofHygelacsound，tonesofhistrumpet；thetrustykinghadfollowedtheirtrailwithfaithfulband。
　　[1]Nothing。[2]Dead。[3]Death-watch，guardofhonor，"lyke-wake。"[4]AnamefortheFranks。[5]Ongentheow。[6]
　　Haethcyn。
　　XLI
　　"THEbloodyswathofSwedesandGeatsandthestormoftheirstrife，wereseenafar，howfolkagainstfolkthefighthadwakened。
　　Theancientkingwithhisathelingbandsoughthiscitadel，sorrowingmuch：
　　Ongentheowearlwentuptohisburg。
　　HehadtestedHygelac'shardihood，theproudone'sprowess，wouldproveitnolonger，defiednomorethosefighting-wanderersnorhopedfromtheseamentosavehishoard，hisbairnandhisbride：sohebenthimagain，old，tohisearth-walls。YetafterhimcamewithslaughterforSwedesthestandardsofHygelaco'erpeacefulplainsinprideadvancing，tillHrethelingsfoughtinthefencedtown。[1]
　　ThenOngentheowwithedgeofsword，thehoary-bearded，washeldatbay，andthefolk-kingtherewasforcedtosufferEofor'sanger。Inire，atthekingWulfWonredingwithweaponstruck；
　　andthechieftain'sblood，forthatblow，instreamsflowed'neathhishair。Nofearfelthe，stoutoldScylfing，butstraightwayrepaidinbetterbargainthatbitterstrokeandfacedhisfoewithfellintent。
　　NorswiftenoughwasthesonofWonredanswertorendertheagedchief；
　　toosoononhisheadthehelmwascloven；
　　blood-bedeckedhebowedtoearth，andfelladown；notdoomedwasheyet，andwellhewaxed，thoughthewoundwassore。
　　ThenthehardyHygelac-thane，[2]
　　whenhisbrotherfell，withbroadbrandsmote，giants'swordcrashingthroughgiants'-helmacrosstheshield-wall：sanktheking，hisfolk'soldherdsman，fatallyhurt。
　　Thereweremanytobindthebrother'swoundsandlifthim，fastasfateallowedhispeopletowieldtheplace-of-war。
　　ButEofortookfromOngentheow，earlfromother，theiron-breastplate，hardswordhilted，andhelmettoo，andthehoar-chief'sharnesstoHygelaccarried，whotookthetrappings，andtrulypromisedrichfee'midfolk，——andfulfilleditso。
　　ForthatgrimstrifegavetheGeatishlord，Hrethel'soffspring，whenhomehecame，toEoforandWulfawealthoftreasure，Eachofthemhadahundredthousand[3]
　　inlandandlinkedrings；noratlesspricereckonedmid-earthmensuchmightydeeds！
　　AndtoEoforhegavehisonlydaughterinpledgeofgrace，theprideofhishome。
　　"Suchisthefeud，thefoeman'srage，death-hateofmen：soIdeemitsurethattheSwedishfolkwillseekushomeforthisfalloftheirfriends，thefighting-Scylfings，whenoncetheylearnthatourwarriorleaderlifelesslies，wholandandhoardeverdefendedfromallhisfoes，furtheredhisfolk'sweal，finishedhiscourseahardyhero。——Nowhasteisbest，thatwegotogazeonourGeatishlord，andbearthebountifulbreaker-of-ringstothefuneralpyre。Nofragmentsmerelyshallburnwiththewarrior。Wealthofjewels，golduntoldandgainedinterror，treasureatlastwithhislifeobtained，allofthatbootythebrandsshalltake，fireshalleatit。Noearlmustcarrymemorialjewel。Nomaidenfairshallwreatheherneckwithnoblering：
　　nay，sadinspiritandshornofhergold，oftshallshepasso'erpathsofexilenowourlordalllaughterhaslaidaside，allmirthandrevel。Manyaspearmorning-coldshallbeclaspedamain，liftedaloft；norshallliltofharpthosewarriorswake；butthewan-huedraven，faino'erthefallen，hisfeastshallpraiseandboasttotheeaglehowbravelyheatewhenheandthewolfwerewastingtheslain。"
　　Sohetoldhissorrowfultidings，andlittle[4]helied，theloyalmanofwordorofwork。Thewarriorsrose；
　　sad，theyclimbedtotheCliff-of-Eagles，went，wellingwithtears，thewondertoview。
　　Foundonthesandthere，stretchedatrest，theirlifelesslord，whohadlavishedringsofolduponthem。Ending-dayhaddawnedonthedoughty-one；deathhadseizedinwofulslaughtertheWeders'king。
　　Theresawthey，besides，thestrangestbeing，loathsome，lyingtheirleadernear，proneonthefield。Thefierydragon，fearfulfiend，withflamewasscorched。
　　Reckonedbyfeet，itwasfiftymeasuresinlengthasitlay。Alofterewhileithadrevelledbynight，andanoncomeback，seekingitsden；nowindeath'ssureclutchithadcometotheendofitsearth-halljoys。
　　Byittherestoodthestoupsandjars；
　　disheslaythere，anddear-deckedswordseatenwithrust，as，onearth'slapresting，athousandwinterstheywaitedthere。
　　Forallthatheritagehuge，thatgoldofbygonemen，wasboundbyaspell，[5]
　　sothetreasure-hallcouldbetouchedbynoneofhumankind，——savethatHeaven'sKing，Godhimself，mightgivewhomhewould，HelperofHeroes，thehoardtoopen，——
　　evensuchamanasseemedtohimmeet。
　　[1]Thelinemaymean：tillHrethelingsstormedonthehedgedshields，——i。e。theshield-wallorhedgeofdefensivewar——
　　Hrethelings，ofcourse，areGeats。[2]Eofor，brothertoWulfWonreding。[3]Sc。"valuein"hidesandtheweightofthegold。
　　[4]Notatall。[5]Laidonitwhenitwasputinthebarrow。
　　Thisspell，orinourdaysthe"curse，"eitherpreventeddiscoveryorbroughtdireillsonthefinderandtaker。
　　XLII
　　APERILOUSpath，itproved，he[1]trodwhoheinouslyhid，thathallwithin，wealthunderwall！Itswatcherhadkilledoneofafew，[2]andthefeudwasavengedinwofulfashion。Wondrousseemsit，whatmanneramanofmightandvaloroftendshislife，whentheearlnolongerinmead-hallmaylivewithlovingfriends。
　　SoBeowulf，whenthatbarrow'swardenhesought，andthestruggle；himselfknewnotinwhatwiseheshouldwendfromtheworldatlast。
　　For[3]princespotent，whoplacedthegold，withacursetodoomsdaycovereditdeep，sothatmarkedwithsinthemanshouldbe，hedgedwithhorrors，inhell-bondsfast，rackedwithplagues，whoshouldrobtheirhoard。
　　Yetnogreedforgold，butthegraceofheaven，everthekinghadkeptinview。[4]
　　Wiglafspake，thesonofWeohstan：——
　　"Atthemandateofone，oftwarriorsmanysorrowmustsuffer；andsomustwe。
　　Thepeople's-shepherdshowednotaughtofcareforourcounsel，kingbeloved！
　　Thatguardianofgoldheshouldgrapplenot，urgedwe，butlethimliewherehelonghadbeeninhisearth-hallwaitingtheendoftheworld，thehestofheaven。——Thishoardisoursbutgrievouslygotten；toogrimthefatewhichthithercarriedourkingandlord。
　　Iwaswithinthere，andallIviewed，thechamberedtreasure，whenchanceallowedme（andmypathwasmadeinnopleasantwise）
　　undertheearth-wall。Eager，Iseizedsuchheapfromthehoardashandscouldbearandhurriedlycarriedithitherbacktomyliegeandlord。Alivewashestill，stillwieldinghiswits。Thewiseoldmanspakemuchinhissorrow，andsentyougreetingsandbadethatyebuild，whenhebreathednomore，ontheplaceofhisbalefireabarrowhigh，memorialmighty。Ofmenwasheworthiestwarriorwideeartho'erthewhilehehadjoyofhisjewelsandburg。
　　Letussetoutinhastenow，thesecondtimetoseeandsearchthisstoreoftreasure，thesewall-hidwonders，——thewayIshowyou，——
　　where，gatherednear，yemaygazeyourfillatbroad-goldandrings。Letthebier，soonmade，beallinorderwhenoutwecome，ourkingandcaptaintocarrythither——manbeloved——wherelongheshallbidesafeintheshelterofsovranGod。"
　　ThenthebairnofWeohstanbadecommand，hardychief，toheroesmanythatownedtheirhomesteads，hithertobringfirewoodfromfar——o'erthefolktheyruled——
　　forthefamed-one'sfuneral。"Fireshalldevourandwanflamesfeedonthefearlesswarriorwhooftstoodstoutintheiron-shower，when，spedfromthestring，astormofarrowsshoto'ertheshield-wall：theshaftheldfirm，featlyfeathered，followedthebarb。"
　　AndnowthesageyoungsonofWeohstansevenchoseofthechieftain'sthanes，thebesthefoundthatbandwithin，andwentwiththesewarriors，oneofeight，underhostileroof。Inhandoneborealightedtorchandledtheway。
　　Nolotstheycastforkeepingthehoardwhenoncethewarriorssawitinhall，altogetherwithoutaguardian，lyingtherelost。Andlittletheymournedwhentheyhadhastilyhaleditout，dear-boughttreasure！Thedragontheycast，theworm，o'erthewallforthewavetotake，andsurgesswallowedthatshepherdofgems。
　　Thenthewovengoldonawainwasladen——
　　countlessquite！——andthekingwasborne，hoaryhero，toHrones-Ness。
　　[1]Probablythefugitiveismeantwhodiscoveredthehoard。TenBrinkandGeringassumethatthedragonismeant。"Hid"maywellmeanhere"tookwhileinhiding。"[2]Thatis"oneandafewothers。"ButBeowulfseemstobeindicated。[3]TenBrinkpointsoutthestronglyheathencharacterofthispartoftheepic。
　　Beowulf'sendcame，sotheoldtraditionran，fromhisunwittinginterferencewithspell-boundtreasure。[4]Ahardsaying，variouslyinterpreted。Inanycase，itisthesomewhatclumsyeffortoftheChristianpoettotonedowntheheathenismofhismaterialbyanedifyingobservation。
　　XLIII
　　THENfashionedforhimthefolkofGeatsfirmontheearthafuneral-pile，andhungitwithhelmetsandharnessofwarandbreastplatesbright，astheboonheasked；
　　andtheylaidamiditthemightychieftain，heroesmourningtheirmasterdear。
　　Thenonthehillthathugestofbalefiresthewarriorswakened。Wood-smokeroseblackoverblaze，andblentwastheroarofflamewithweeping（thewindwasstill），tillthefirehadbrokentheframeofbones，hotattheheart。Inheavymoodtheirmiserymoanedthey，theirmaster'sdeath。
　　Wailingherwoe，thewidow[1]old，herhairupbound，forBeowulf'sdeathsunginhersorrow，andsaidfulloftshedreadedthedolefuldaystocome，deathsenow，anddoomofbattle，andshame。——Thesmokebytheskywasdevoured。
　　ThefolkoftheWedersfashionedthereontheheadlandabarrowbroadandhigh，byocean-farersfardescried：
　　intendays'timetheirtoilhadraisedit，thebattle-brave'sbeacon。Roundbrandsofthepyreawalltheybuilt，theworthiesteverthatwitcouldpromptintheirwisestmen。
　　Theyplacedinthebarrowthatpreciousbooty，theroundsandtheringstheyhadrefterewhile，hardyheroes，fromhoardincave，——
　　trustingthegroundwithtreasureofearls，goldintheearth，whereeveritliesuselesstomenasofyoreitwas。
　　Thenaboutthatbarrowthebattle-keenrode，atheling-born，abandoftwelve，lamenttomake，tomourntheirking，chanttheirdirge，andtheirchieftainhonor。
　　Theypraisedhisearlship，hisactsofprowessworthilywitnessed：andwellitisthatmentheirmaster-friendmightilylaud，heartilylove，whenhencehegoesfromlifeinthebodyforlornaway。
　　ThusmadetheirmourningthemenofGeatland，fortheirhero'spassinghishearth-companions：
　　quoththatofallthekingsofearth，ofmenhewasmildestandmostbeloved，tohiskinthekindest，keenestforpraise。
　　[1]NothingissaidofBeowulf'swifeinthepoem，butBuggesurmisesthatBeowulffinallyacceptedHygd'sofferofkingdomandhoard，and，aswasusual，tookherintothebargain。