BEOWULF

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Hwæt! Wé Gárdena in géardagum

Listen! We --of the Spear-Danes in the days of yore,

þéodcyninga þrym gefrúnon·

of those clan-kings-- heard of their glory.

hú ðá æþelingas ellen fremedon.

how those nobles performed courageous deeds.

Oft Scyld Scéfing sceaþena þréatum

Often Scyld, Scef's son, from enemy hosts

monegum maégþum meodosetla oftéah·

from many peoples seized mead-benches;

egsode Eorle syððan aérest wearð

and terrorised the fearsome Heruli after first he was

féasceaft funden hé þæs frófre gebád·

found helpless and destitute, he then knew recompense for that:-

wéox under wolcnum· weorðmyndum þáh

he waxed under the clouds, throve in honours,

oð þæt him aéghwylc þára ymbsittendra

until to him each of the bordering tribes

ofer hronráde hýran scolde,

beyond the whale-road had to submit,

gomban gyldan· þæt wæs gód cyning.

and yield tribute:- that was a good king!

Ðaém eafera wæs æfter cenned

To him a heir was born then

geong in geardum þone god sende

young in the yards, God sent him

folce tó frófre· fyrenðearfe ongeat·

to comfort the people; He had seen the dire distress

þæt híe aér drugon aldorléase

that they suffered before, leader-less

lange hwíle· him þæs líffréä

a long while; them for that the Life-Lord,

wuldres wealdend woroldáre forgeaf:

Ruler of Glory, granted honour on earth:

Béowulf wæs bréme --blaéd wíde sprang--

Beowulf (Beaw) was famed --his renown spread wide--

Scyldes eafera Scedelandum in.

Scyld's heir, in Northern lands.

Swá sceal geong guma góde gewyrcean

So ought a young man by good deeds deserve,

fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme

(and) by fine treasure-gifts, while in his father's keeping,

þæt hine on ylde eft gewunigen

that him in old age shall again stand by,

wilgesíþas þonne wíg cume·

willing companions, when war comes,

léode gelaésten: lofdaédum sceal

people serve him: by glorious deeds must,

in maégþa gehwaére man geþéön.

amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper.

Him ðá Scyld gewát tó gescæphwíle

Then Scyld departed at the destined time,

**26-52**

felahrór féran on fréan waére·

still in his full-strength, to fare in the protection of the Lord Frea;

hí hyne þá ætbaéron tó brimes faroðe

he they carried to the sea's surf,

swaése gesíþas swá hé selfa bæd

his dear comrades, as he himself had bid,

þenden wordum wéold wine Scyldinga

when he yet wielded words, that friend of the Scyldings,

léof landfruma lange áhte·

beloved ruler of the land, had ruled for a long time;

þaér æt hýðe stód hringedstefna

there at the harbour stood with a ringed-prow,

ísig ond útfús æþelinges fær·

icy and keen to sail, a hero's vessel;

álédon þá léofne þéoden

they then laid down the beloved prince,

béaga bryttan on bearm scipes

the giver of rings and treasure, in the bosom of the boat,

maérne be mæste· þaér wæs mádma fela

the mighty by the mast; many riches were there,

of feorwegum frætwa gelaéded·

from far-off lands ornate armour and baubles were brought;

ne hýrde ic cýmlícor céol gegyrwan

I have not heard of a comelier keel adorned

hildewaépnum ond heaðowaédum

with weapons of battle and war-dress,

billum ond byrnum· him on bearme læg

bill-blades and byrnies; there lay on his breast

mádma mænigo þá him mid scoldon

many treasures, which with him must,

on flódes aéht feor gewítan·

in the power of the waves, drift far off;

nalæs hí hine laéssan lácum téodan

in no way had they upon him fewer gifts bestowed

þéodgestréonum þonne þá dydon

with the wealth of a nation, than those did

þe hine æt frumsceafte forð onsendon

who him in the beginning had sent forth

aénne ofer ýðe umborwesende·

alone upon the waves being but a child;

þá gýt híe him ásetton segen gyldenne

yet then they set up the standard of gold,

héah ofer héafod· léton holm beran·

high over head; they let the sea bear,

géafon on gársecg· him wæs geómor sefa

gave to the ocean, in them were troubled hearts,

murnende mód· men ne cunnon

mourning minds; men cannot

secgan tó sóðe seleraédenne

say for certain, (neither) court-counsellors

hæleð under heofenum hwá þaém hlæste onféng.

(nor) heroes under heaven, who received that cargo.

I
Ðá wæs on burgum Béowulf Scyldinga		Then was in boroughs, Beowulf the Scylding (Beaw),
léof léodcyning longe þráge		beloved king of the people a long age
folcum gefraége --fæder ellor hwearf	55	famed among the folk --his father having gone elsewhere,
aldor of earde-- oþ þæt him eft onwóc		elder on earth-- until unto him in turn was born
héah Healfdene héold þenden lifde		high Half-Dane, he ruled so long as he lived
gamol ond gúðréouw glæde Scyldingas·		old and battle-fierce, the glad Scyldings;
ðaém féower bearn forðgerímed		to him four sons in succession
in worold wócun weoroda raéswan:	60	woke in the world, the leader of the legions:
Heorogár ond Hróðgár ond Hálga til·		Heorogar and Hrothgar and good Halga;
hýrde ic þæt Ýrse wæs Onelan cwén		I heard that Yrse was Onela's queen,
Heaðo-Scilfingas healsgebedda.		the War-Scylfing's belovèd embraced in bed.
Þá wæs Hróðgáre herespéd gyfen		Then was to Hrothgar success in warcraft given,
wíges weorðmynd þæt him his winemágas	65	honour in war, so that his retainers
georne hýrdon oðð þæt séo geogoð gewéox		eagerly served him until the young war-band grew
magodriht micel· him on mód bearn		into a mighty battalion; it came into his mind
þæt healreced hátan wolde		that a hall-house, he wished to command,
medoærn micel men gewyrcean		a grand mead-hall, be built by men
þone yldo bearn aéfre gefrúnon	70	which the sons of men should hear of forever,
ond þaér on innan eall gedaélan		and there within share out all
geongum ond ealdum swylc him god sealde		to young and old, such as God gave him,
búton folcscare ond feorum gumena·		except the common land and the lives of men;
ða ic wíde gefrægn weorc gebannan		Then, I heard, widely was the work commissioned
manigre maégþe geond þisne middangeard·	75	from many peoples throughout this middle-earth,
folcstede frætwan. Him on fyrste gelomp		to furnish this hall of the folk. For him in time it came to pass,
aédre mid yldum þæt hit wearð ealgearo		early, through the men, that it was fully finished,
healærna maést· scóp him Heort naman		the best of royal halls; he named it Heorot,
sé þe his wordes geweald wíde hæfde·		he whose words weight had everywhere;
hé béot ne áléh· béagas daélde	80	he did not lie when he boasted; rings he dealt out,
sinc æt symle. Sele hlífade		riches at his feasts. The hall towered,
héah ond horngéap· heaðowylma bád		high and horn-gabled; it awaited the cruel surges
láðan líges· ne wæs hit lenge þá gén		of hateful flames; nor was the time yet nigh
þæt se ecghete áþumswéoran		that the furious edge-malice of son-in-law and father-in-law,
æfter wælníðe wæcnan scolde.	85	arising from deadly enmity would inevitably awaken.
Ðá se ellengaést earfoðlíce		Then the bold spirit, impatiently
þráge geþolode sé þe in þýstrum bád		endured dreary time, he who dwelt in darkness,
þæt hé dógora gehwám dréam gehýrde		he that every day heard noise of revelry
hlúdne in healle· þaér wæs hearpan swég		loud in the hall; there was the harmony of the harp,
swutol sang scopes· sægde sé þe cúþe	90	the sweet song of the poet; he spoke who knew how	90ff.
frumsceaft fíra feorran reccan·		the origin of men to narrate from afar;
cwæð þæt se ælmihtiga eorðan worhte		said he that the almighty one wrought the earth,
wlitebeorhtne wang swá wæter bebúgeð·		(that) fair, sublime field bounded by water;
gesette sigehréþig sunnan ond mónan		set up triumphant the sun and moon,
léoman tó léohte land-búendum	95	luminaries as lamps for the land-dwellers
ond gefrætwade foldan scéatas		and adorned the corners of the earth
leomum ond léafum· líf éac gesceóp		with limbs and leaves; life too He formed
cynna gehwylcum þára ðe cwice hwyrfaþ·		for each of the species which lives and moves.
Swá ðá drihtguman dréamum lifdon		So the lord's men lived in joys,
éadiglice oð ðæt án ongan	100	happily, until one began
fyrene fremman féond on helle·		to execute atrocities, a fiend in hell;
wæs se grimma gaést Grendel háten		this ghastly demon was named Grendel,
maére mearcstapa sé þe móras héold		infamous stalker in the marches, he who held the moors,
fen ond fæsten· fífelcynnes eard		fen and desolate strong-hold; the land of marsh-monsters,
wonsaélí wer weardode hwíle	105	the wretched creature ruled for a time
siþðan him scyppend forscrifen hæfde		since him the Creator had condemned
in Caines cynne þone cwealm gewræc		with the kin of Cain; that killing avenged
éce drihten þæs þe hé Ábel slóg·		the eternal Lord, in which he slew Abel;
ne gefeah hé þaére faéhðe ac hé hine feor forwræc		this feud he did not enjoy, for He drove him far away,
metod for þý máne mancynne fram·	110	the Ruler, for this crime, from mankind;
þanon untýdras ealle onwócon		thence unspeakable offspring all awoke:
eotenas ond ylfe ond orcnéäs		ogres and elves and spirits from the underworld;
swylce gígantas þá wið gode wunnon		also giants, who strove with God
lange þráge· hé him ðæs léan forgeald.		for an interminable season; He gave them their reward for that.

II
Gewát ðá néosian syþðan niht becóm	115	He then went to visit and see --when night came--
héän húses· hú hit Hring-Dene		the high house how it, the Ring-Danes
æfter béorþege gebún hæfdon·		after the beer-feast, had occupied;
fand þá ðaér inne æþelinga gedriht		he found then therein the nobles' company
swefan æfter symble· sorge ne cúðon		slumbering after the feast; they did not know sorrow,
wonsceaft wera· wiht unhaélo	120	misery of men; that damned creature,
grim ond graédig gearo sóna wæs		grim and greedy, soon was ready,
réoc ond réþe ond on ræste genam		savage and cruel and from their rest seized
þrítig þegna· þanon eft gewát		thirty thanes; thence back he went
húðe hrémig tó hám faran		proud in plunder to his home, faring
mid þaére wælfylle wíca néosan.	125	with the banquet of bodies to seek his shelter.
Ðá wæs on úhtan mid aérdæge		Then was in the dark of dawn before the day
Grendles gúðcræft gumum undyrne·		Grendle's war-might revealed to the men;
þá wæs æfter wiste wóp up áhafen		then it was after their feasting they raised up lament
micel morgenswég. Maére þéoden		in a great morning-cry. The mighty chieftain,
æþeling aérgod unblíðe sæt·	130	the prince, old and good, sat in sorrow,
þolode ðrýðswýð þegnsorge dréah		The great mighty one suffered, anguish of thane-loss oppressed him
syðþan híe þæs láðan lást scéawedon,		when they the foe's tracks beheld,
wergan gástes· wæs þæt gewin tó strang		of the wicked ghoul; that strife was too strong,
láð ond longsum. Næs hit lengra fyrst		loathsome and lingering. Nor was it a longer time
ac ymb áne niht eft gefremede	135	but after a single night again he perpetuated
morðbeala máre ond nó mearn fore,		more brutal slaughter, and it grieved him not,
faéhðe ond fyrene· wæs tó fæst on þám.		violence and viciousness, he was too entrenched in these.
Þá wæs éaðfynde þé him elles hwaér		Then was it easily found, one who would somewhere else,
gerúmlícor ræste sóhte		further away, seek rest:
bed æfter búrum ðá him gebéacnod wæs	140	a bed among the bowers, when it was made clear to him,
gesægd sóðlíce sweotolan tácne		truly told, by an unmistakable token
healðegnes hete· héold hyne syðþan		the enmity of the hall's occupier; he held himself then
fyr ond fæstor sé þaém féonde ætwand.		further and safer, he who shunned that fiend.
Swá ríxode ond wið rihte wan		Thus he ruled and challenged justice,
ána wið eallum oð þæt ídel stód	145	one against all, until empty stood
húsa sélest· wæs séo hwíl micel,		that finest of houses; the time was long
twelf wintra tíd torn geþolode		--the space of twelve winters-- that bitter anguish endured
wine Scyldenda, wéana gehwelcne		the friend, the shielder, --every woe,
sídra sorga· forðám secgum wearð		immense miseries; therefore to men became
ylda bearnum undyrne cúð,	150	to sons of men, clearly known
gyddum geómore þætte Grendel wan		in mournful ballads, that Grendle had contended
hwíle wið Hróþgár· heteníðas wæg		long against Hrothgar, sustained fierce enmity,
fyrene ond faéhðe fela misséra,		felony and feud, for many seasons
singále sæce· sibbe ne wolde		continual strife; he did not want peace
wið manna hwone mægenes Deniga,	155	with any man of the Danish contingent,
feorhbealo feorran, féa þingian		to desist in life-destruction, to settle it with payment,
né þaér naénig witena wénan þorfte		none of the counsellors had any need to hope for
beorhtre bóte tó banan folmum		noble recompense from the slayer's hands,
ac se aéglaéca éhtende wæs		but the wretch was persecuting
deorc déaþscua duguþe ond geogoþe	160	--the dark death-shade-- warriors old and young;
seomade ond syrede· sinnihte héold		he lay in wait and set snares, in the endless night he held
mistige móras· men ne cunnon		the misty moors; men do not know
hwyder helrúnan hwyrftum scríþað.		where such hellish enigmas slink in their haunts.
Swá fela fyrena féond mancynnes		Thus many offences that foe of mankind,
atol ángengea oft gefremede,	165	that terrible lone traveller, often committed,
heardra hýnða· Heorot eardode		hard humiliations; he dwelt in Heorot,
sincfáge sel sweartum nihtum		the richly-adorned hall, in the black nights
--nó hé þone gifstól grétan móste,		--by no means he the gift-throne was compelled to approach respectfully,
máþðum for metode, né his myne wisse--		the treasure, by the Maker, nor did he feel love for it--
Þæt wæs wraéc micel wine Scyldinga,	170	That was great misery for the Friend of the Scyldings,
módes brecða. Monig oft gesæt		a breaking of his spirit. Many often sat
ríce tó rúne· raéd eahtedon·		the mighty at counsel; pondered a plan,
hwæt swíðferhðum sélest waére		what by strong-minded men would be best,
wið faérgryrum tó gefremmanne·		against the sudden horror, to do;
hwílum híe gehéton æt hærgtrafum	175	sometimes they pledged at holy temples
wígweorþunga· wordum baédon		sacred honouring, in words bid
þæt him gástbona géoce gefremede		that them the demon-slayer would offer succour
wið þéodþréaum· swylc wæs þéaw hyra·		from the plight of the people; such was their habit:
haéþenra hyht· helle gemundon		the hope of heathens; on hell they pondered	179-189
in módsefan· metod híe ne cúþon	180	in the depths of their hearts; the Creator they did not know,
daéda démend· ne wiston híe drihten god		the Judge of deeds, they were not aware of the Lord God,
né híe húru heofena helm herian ne cúþon		nor yet they the Helm of the Heavens were able to honour,
wuldres waldend. Wá bið þaém ðe sceal		Glory's Wielder. Woe be to him who must,
þurh slíðne níð sáwle bescúfan		through dire terror, thrust his soul
in fýres fæþm, frófre ne wénan,	185	into fire's embrace; hope not for relief,
wihte gewendan· wél bið þaém þe mót		or to change at all; well be he who may
æfter déaðdæge drihten sécean		after death-day seek the Lord
ond tó fæder fæþmum freoðo wilnian.		and in his Father's arms yearn towards Nirvana.

III
Swá ðá maélceare maga Healfdenes		So then over the sorrow of the time the son of Half-Dane
singála séað· ne mihte snotor hæleð	190	continually brooded; the wise hero could not
wéan onwendan· wæs þæt gewin tó swýð		turn away woe; that strife was too strong,
láþ ond longsum þe on ðá léode becóm,		hateful and enduring, that on the people came
nýdwracu níþgrim nihtbealwa maést.		fearfully cruel, violent trouble, the greatest night-evil.
Þæt fram hám gefrægn Higeláces þegn		That from home heard Hygelac's thane,
gód mid Géatum, Grendles daéda·	195	a good man of the Geats, of Grendel's deeds;
sé wæs moncynnes mægenes strengest		he was of mankind of the greatest strength,
on þaém dæge þysses lífes		on that day in this life,
æþele ond éacen· hét him ýðlidan		noble and mighty; he ordered them a wave-crosser
gódne gegyrwan· cwæð: hé gúðcyning		--a good one-- prepare; he said: the war-king
ofer swanráde sécean wolde	200	over swan-road he wished to seek,
maérne þéoden þá him wæs manna þearf·		that mighty clan-chief, since he was in need of men;
ðone síðfæt him snotere ceorlas		that adventure him, the clear-headed chaps,
lýt hwón lógon þéah hé him léof waére		very little begrudged though he was dear to them,
hwetton higerófne· haél scéawedon.		they urged on the valiant-hearted one, and observed the omens.
Hæfde se góda Géata léoda	205	The worthy one had, from the Geatish peoples,
cempan gecorone þára þe hé cénoste		chosen champions, those who were the boldest he
findan mihte· fíftýna sum		could find; fifteen together,
sundwudu sóhte· secg wísade		they sought the sea-wood, he led the warriors,
lagucræftig mon landgemyrcu.		that sea-skilled man, to the boundary of the shore.
Fyrst forð gewát· flota wæs on ýðum	210	Time passed by; the ship was on the waves,
bát under beorge· beornas gearwe		the boat under the cliffs; the ready warriors
on stefn stigon --stréamas wundon,		stepped up into the prow --the currents curled round,
sund wið sande-- secgas baéron		sea against sand-- the men bore
on bearm nacan beorhte frætwe		into the bosom of boat bright arms and armour,
gúðsearo geatolíc· guman út scufon	215	noble war-gear; the fellows shoved off,
weras on wilsíð wudu bundenne.		men on a welcome voyage, in a well-braced ship.
Gewát þá ofer waégholm winde gefýsed		Then they went over the water-waves urged by the wind,
flota fámíheals fugle gelícost		the foamy-necked floater, remarkably bird-like
oð þæt ymb ántid óþres dógores		until in due time, on the second day,
wundenstefna gewaden hæfde	220	the curved-prow had made the journey,
þæt ða líðende land gesáwon,		so that the sailors sighted land,
brimclifu blícan, beorgas stéape		bright sea-cliffs, towering shores,
side saénæssas· þá wæs sund liden		wide headlands; then was the sea traversed,
éoletes æt ende. Þanon up hraðe		their sea-voyage at an end. Thence up quickly
Wedera léode on wang stigon·	225	the Wederas-warriors stepped onto land;
saéwudu saéldon· syrcan hrysedon		moored their vessel; their mail-shirts clanked
gúðgewaédo· gode þancedon		those war-garments; they thanked God
þæs þe him ýþláde éaðe wurdon.		that for them the wave-paths had been smooth.
Þá of wealle geseah weard Scildinga		Then from the wall saw the ward of the Scyldings,
sé þe holmclifu healdan scolde·	230	he who the sea-cliffs had the duty to guard,
beran ofer bolcan beorhte randas		borne over the gang-plank, bright bossed-shields,
fyrdsearu fúslicu· hine fyrwyt bræc		eager war-devices; in him curiosity broke
módgehygdum hwæt þá men waéron·		the thoughts of his heart: what these men were;
gewát him þá tó waroðe wicge rídan		then he went to the shore riding his horse,
þegn Hróðgáres· þrymmum cwehte	235	the thane of Hrothgar; he forcefully shook
mægenwudu mundum· meþelwordum frægn:		his mighty wooden shaft, and with formal words asked:
'Hwæt syndon gé searohæbbendra		'What are you armour-wearers
byrnum werede þe þus brontne céol		bound in byrnies, who thus your tall keel
ofer lagustraéte laédan cwómon		over the sea-street leading came,
hider ofer holmas?'	240	hither over the waters?'
Hé wæs endesaéta· aégwearde héold		He was the coast-guardian, he held the sea-watch,
þé on land Dena láðra naénig		so that on Danish land no enemies at all
mid scipherge sceðþan ne meahte·		with a navy would not be able to ravage.
'Nó hér cúðlícor cuman ongunnon		'Not here more openly began to come
lindhæbbende né gé léafnesword	245	lindenwood shield-bearers, nor you the leave-word
gúðfremmendra gearwe ne wisson		of our war-makers certainly don't know
mága gemédu· naéfre ic máran geseah		our kinsmen's consent; never have I seen greater
eorla ofer eorþan ðonne is éower sum,		noble on earth than the one that you are,
secg on searwum· nis þæt seldguma		warrior in armour; this is no a mere retainer
waépnum geweorðad· næfne him his wlite léoge,	250	made worthy by weapons; unless he is belied by his looks,
aénlic ansýn! Nú ic éower sceal		a unique appearance! Now I must your
frumcyn witan aér gé fyr heonan		lineage learn, ere you far hence,
léasscéaweras on land Dena		deceiving spies in the land of the Danes
furþur féran· Nú gé feorbúend		further fare; now you far-dwellers
merelíðende mínne gehýrað	255	you sea-sailors, hear my
ánfealdne geþóht: ofost is sélest		one-fold thought: speed is best
tó gecýðanne hwanan éowre cyme syndon.'		for reporting, whence your comings are.'

IIII
Him se yldesta andswarode·		He the eldest answered,
werodes wísa wordhord onléac:		the crew's captain, he unlocked his word-hoard:
'Wé synt gumcynnes Géata léode	260	'We are of the tribe of the Geat people
ond Higeláces heorðgenéatas·		and Hygelac's hearth-companions;
wæs mín fæder folcum gecýþed		my father was known to the folk,
æþele ordfruma Ecgþéow háten·		a noble vanguard-warrior, called Edgetheow,
gebád wintra worn aér hé on weg hwurfe		who saw many winters ere he passed away,
gamol of geardum· hine gearwe geman	265	old, from our courtyards; he is readily recalled
witena wélhwylc wíde geond eorþan.		by each one of the wise widely throughout the world.
Wé þurh holdne hige hláford þínne		We, by resolute resolve, your lord,
sunu Healfdenes sécean cwómon		the son of Half-Dane have come to seek,
léodgebyrgean· wes þú ús lárena gód·		that protector of the people; be you a good guide to us;
habbað wé tó þaém maéran micel aérende	270	we have, to that grand one, a great errand
Deniga fréän· ne sceal þaér dyrne sum		to the Danish lord; there shouldn't some secret
wesan þæs ic wéne. Þú wást gif hit is		be of this, I think. You know if it is
swá wé sóþlíce secgan hýrdon		as we truly have heard said,
þæt mid Scyldingum sceaðona ic nát hwylc		that amongst the Scyldings, some enemy, I know not what,
déogol daédhata deorcum nihtum	275	a furtive despoiler, in dark nights,
éaweð þurh egsan uncúðne níð		sickeningly reveals unknown enmity,
hýnðu ond hráfyl. Ic þæs Hróðgár mæg		suffering and slaughter. I can on this matter, to Hrothgar,
þurh rúmne sefan raéd gelaéran·		from a spacious spirit, give counsel,
hú hé fród ond gód, féond oferswýðeþ--		how he, wise and good, overcome the fiend--
gyf him edwendan aéfre scolde	280	if for him a change ever should,
bealuwa bisigu bót eft cuman--		from this suffering of miseries to remedy, come after--
ond þá cearwylmas cólran wurðaþ		and his hot wellings of melancholic care grow cooler;
oððe á syþðan earfoðþráge		or else ever after, a time of torment,
þréanýd þolað þenden þaér wunað		horrible hardship he will endure, so long as there remains,
on héahstede húsa sélest.'	285	in its high place, that best of houses.
Weard maþelode ðaér on wicge sæt		The guard made a speech, sitting there on his horse,
ombeht unforht: 'AÉghwæþres sceal		--the unhesistating officer: 'He will --every
scearp scyldwiga gescád witan		sharp shield-warrior-- know the distinction
worda ond worca sé þe wél þenceð.		between words and works, he who reasons rightly.
Ic þæt gehýre· þæt þis is hold weorod	290	I hear it, that this is a legion loyal
fréan Scyldinga· gewítaþ forð beran		to the lord of the Scyldings; go forth bearing
waépen ond gewaédu· ic éow wísige·		weapons and armour; I shall guide you;
swylce ic maguþegnas míne háte		likewise, I the kin-thanes of mine will order,
wið féonda gehwone flotan éowerne		against any foes your vessel,
níwtyrwydne nacan on sande	295	--newly tarred, ship on the sand--
árum healdan oþ ðæt eft byreð		to guard in honour, until it bears back,
ofer lagustréamas léofne mannan		over the sea-streams, the dear man,
wudu wundenhals tó Wedermearce·		--the swoop-necked wood -- to Wedermark;
gódfremmendra swylcum gifeþe bið		those who perform noble deeds-- to such as these it shall be granted
þæt þone hilderaés hál gedígeð.'	300	that the battle-rush he survive in one piece.'
Gewiton him þá féran --flota stille bád·		Then they went faring --the boat at rest awaited,
seomode on sole sidfaéþmed scip		it rode on the sand the broad-bosomed ship,
on ancre fæst-- eoforlíc scionon		on anchor fast-- boar-figures shone
ofer hléorberan gehroden golde·		atop cheekguards adorned with gold;
fáh ond fýrheard ferhwearde héold·	305	glittering and fire-hard; life-guard they held;
gúþmód grummon· guman ónetton·		war-spirits raised; the men hastened,
sigon ætsomne oþ þæt hý sæltimbred		marched forward together, until they the timbered hall,
geatolíc ond goldfáh ongyton mihton·		glorious and gold-trimmed, were able to glimpse;
þæt wæs foremaérost foldbúendum		that was the foremost --for earth-dwellers--
receda under roderum on þaém se ríca bád·	310	of halls under the heavens, in it the ruler dwelt;
líxte se léoma ofer landa fela.		its light glimmered over many lands.
Him þá hildedéor hof módigra		Then to them the fierce fellow --to that court of great men
torht getaéhte þæt híe him tó mihton		glorious-- he lead, that they to it could
gegnum gangan· gúðbeorna sum		go directly; the worthy warrior
wicg gewende· word æfter cwæð:	315	turned his horse, thereupon spoke words:
'Maél is mé tó féran. Fæder alwalda		'Time it is for me to go. The Father all-ruling,
mid árstafum éowic gehealde		with grace may He hold you
síða gesunde! Ic tó saé wille		sound on your sojourns! I will to the sea,
wið wráð werod wearde healdan.'		against brutal dacoits keep watch.'

V
Straét wæs stánfáh· stíg wísode	320	The street was paved with stones, the path guided
gumum ætgædere· gúðbyrne scán		the men together; war-byrnie shone
heard hondlocen hringíren scír		harsh, linked by hand, ring-iron glittering,
song in searwum· þá híe tó sele furðum		they sang in their arms, as they to the hall straight
in hyra gryregeatwum gangan cwómon·		in their grim gear came marching;
setton saéméþe síde scyldas	325	they set down, sea-weary, their wide shields,
rondas regnhearde wið þæs recedes weal·		the rims wondrous-hard against the wall of the hall,
bugon þá tó bence· byrnan hringdon		and bent down then to a bench; corslets rang--
gúðsearo gumena· gáras stódon		the war-clothes of warriors; spears stood,
saémanna searo samod ætgædere		seamen's weapons, all together,
æscholt ufan graég· wæs se írenþréat	330	silvery above a grove of ash; the iron-clad troop was
waépnum gewurþad· þá ðaér wlonc hæleð		honoured in weapons; then a proud noble
óretmecgas æfter hæleþum frægn:		the elite soldiers asked about the heroes:
'Hwanon ferigeað gé faétte scyldas		'Whence ferry you plated shields,
graége syrcan ond grímhelmas		steel-hued shirts of mail and masked-helms,
heresceafta héap? Ic eom Hróðgáres	335	this host of army-shafts? I am Hrothgar's
ár ond ombiht· ne seah ic elþéodige		herald and officer; I have not seen from a foreign land
þus manige men módiglícran·		this many men looking braver in spirit;
wén' ic þæt gé for wlenco nalles for wraécsíðum		I expect that you from valour, not from exile,
ac for higeþrymmum Hróðgár sóhton.'		but from greatness of heart have sought out Hrothgar.'
Him þá ellenróf andswarode	340	Then him the renowned one answered
wlanc Wedera léod word æfter spræc		--that proud prince of the Wedera nation-- spoke thereafter words,
heard under helme: 'Wé synt Higeláces		severe beneath his helmet: 'We are Hygelac's
béodgenéatas· Béowulf is mín nama·		companions at table; Beowulf is my name;
wille ic ásecgan sunu Healfdenes		I wish to proclaim to the son of Half-Dane,
maérum þéodne min aérende	345	--that famed sovereign-- my errand
aldre þínum gif hé ús geunnan wile		to your lord, if he wishes to grant us
þæt wé hine swá gódne grétan móton.'		that we him, the virtuous one, might greet.'
Wulfgár maþelode --þæt wæs Wendla léod·		Wulfgar began to speak --he was the Wendels' leader,
wæs his módsefa manegum gecýðed		his courage was well-known to many,
wíg ond wísdóm--: 'Ic þæs wine Deniga	350	war-skill and wisdom--: 'I this from friend of the Danes,
fréan Scildinga frínan wille		lord of the Scyldings, will inquire,
béaga bryttan· swá þú béna eart·		from the giver of rings, --as you are petitioners--
þéoden maérne ymb þínne síð		from that famed sovereign about your quest,
ond þé þá andsware aédre gecýðan		and to you the answer promptly make known
ðe mé se góda ágifan þenceð.'	355	which to me the virtuous one sees fit to give.'
Hwearf þá hrædlíce þaér Hróðgár sæt		He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar sat,
eald ond anhár mid his eorla gedriht·		old and very grey, amid his company of earls;
éode ellenróf þæt hé for eaxlum gestód		he strode grandly so that he stood by the shoulders
Deniga fréän: cúþe hé duguðe þéaw·		of the Danes' lord: he knew the custom of veteran-warriors;
Wulfgár maðelode tó his winedrihtne:	360	Wulfgar made this speech to his friend and lord:
'Hér syndon geferede feorran cumene		'Here have ventured, come from far away,
ofer geofenes begang Géata léode·		over the expanse of the sea, men of the Geats;
þone yldestan óretmecgas		the eldest one of these elite warriors
Béowulf nemnað· hý bénan synt		is called Beowulf; they are asking
þæt híe, þéoden min, wið þé móton	365	that they, my lord, with you might
wordum wrixlan· nó ðú him wearne getéoh		exchange words; give them not refusal
ðínra gegncwida, glædman Hróðgár·		from your answers, gracious Hrothgar;
hý on wíggetáwum wyrðe þinceað		they by their war-gear seem worthy
eorla geæhtlan· húru se aldor déah		of the esteem of nobles; indeed, the prince is powerful,
sé þaém heaðorincum hider wísade.'	370	who the warriors led hither.'

VI
Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:		Hrothgar spoke, --the Helm of the Scyldings--:
'Ic hine cúðe cnihtwesende·		'I knew him when he was a youth;
wæs his ealdfæder Ecgþéo háten		his old father was called Ecgtheow,
ðaém tó hám forgeaf Hréþel Géata		to whom gave into his home Hrethel of the Geats
ángan dohtor· is his eaforan nú	375	his only daughter; now his heir is
heard hér cumen· sóhte holdne wine.		come here bravely, seeking a steadfast friend.
Ðonne sægdon þæt saélíþende		Further, it has been said by sea-farers,
þá ðe gifsceattas Géata fyredon		they who our gifts of coins ferried for the Geats
þyder tó þance· þæt hé þrítiges		thither in thanks, that he thirty
manna mægencræft on his mundgripe	380	men's strength in the grip of his hand,
heaþoróf hæbbe· hine hálig god		renowned in war, has; him holy God,
for árstafum ús onsende		in benevolence, has sent to us,
tó West-Denum· þæs ic wén hæbbe·		to the West-Danes, of this I have hope,
wið Grendles gryre· ic þaém gódan sceal		against Grendel's terror; I the good man must
for his módþræce mádmas béodan.	385	for his great daring offer precious treasures.
Béo ðú on ofeste· hát in gáän		Be you in haste, order to come in
séon sibbegedriht samod ætgædere·		to see me the noble band of kinsmen all together;
gesaga him éac wordum þæt híe sint wilcuman		Say to them also in words, that they are welcome
Deniga léodum.'		to the Danish land.'
Word inne ábéad:		A word from within announced:
'Éow hét secgan sigedrihten mín	391	'To you I am commanded to say by my valorous lord,
aldor Éast-Dena þæt hé éower æþelu can		the leader of the East Danes, that he knows your noble history,
ond gé him syndon ofer saéwylmas		and you are to him, over sea-swells,
heardhicgende hider wilcuman·		--bold in thought-- welcome hither;
nú gé móton gangan in éowrum gúðgeatáwum		now you may enter in your war-gear,
under heregríman Hróðgár geseon·	396	under visored-helmets, to see Hrothgar;
laétað hildebord hér onbidan,		let battle-boards here await,
wuduwælsceaftas, worda geþinges.'		and wooden slaughter-shafts, the result of words.'
Árás þá se ríca, ymb hine rinc manig		Then the mighty one arose, about him many warriors,
þrýðlíc þegna héap· sume þaér bidon·		the glorious troop of thanes; some waited there,
heaðoréaf héoldon swá him se hearda bebéad·	401	guarding the gear of war as the hardy leader bade;
snyredon ætsomne· þá secg wísode		they hurried together; the hero led the way for them
under Heorotes hróf·		under Heorot's roof,
heard under helme þæt hé on héoðe gestód.		severe under his helmet, until he stood in the hall.
Béowulf maðelode --on him byrne scán		Beowulf spoke --on him a mail-coat gleamed,
searonet seowed smiþes orþancum--:	406	a net of armour woven by smith's skilful art--:
'Wæs þú, Hróðgár, hál. Ic eom Higeláces		'Be you, Hrothgar, whole. I am Hygelace's
maég ond magoðegn· hæbbe ic maérða fela		kinsman and retainer; I have many great labours
ongunnen on geogoþe· mé wearð Grendles þing		undertaken in my youth; Grendel's enterprises have to me become,
on mínre éþeltyrf undyrne cúð:		on my native soil, clearly known:
secgað saélíðend þæt þæs sele stande	411	it is said by sea-farers that in this hall stands,
reced sélesta rinca gehwylcum		--the best of buildings-- for each and every man,
ídel ond unnyt siððan aéfenléoht		idle and useless, after evening-light
under heofenes hádor beholen weorþeð.		under the firmament of heaven goes to hide.
Þá mé þæt gelaérdon léode míne		Then I was advised that, by my people,
þá sélestan snotere ceorlas,	416	the best ones, the clever chaps,
þéoden Hróðgár, þæt ic þé sóhte		sovereign Hrothgar, that it were thee I should seek,
for þan híe mægenes cræft míne cúþon·		for that they the force of the strength of mine knew;
selfe ofersáwon ðá ic of searwum cwóm		themselves had looked on, when I returned from battle,
fáh from féondum þaér ic fífe geband·		stained with the blood of foes, where I bound five,
ýðde eotena cyn ond on ýðum slóg	421	destroyed ogrish kin, and amid the waves slew
niceras nihtes· nearoþearfe dréah·		nicors by night; I weathered distress in many a tight corner,
wræc Wedera níð --wéan áhsodon--		avenged injury done the Wederas --they sought woe--
forgrand gramum ond nú wið Grendel sceal		the foes I crushed, and now against Grendel I am bound,
wið þám áglaécan ána gehégan		with that terrible creature, alone, to settle
ðing wið þyrse. Ic þé nú ðá,	426	the affair with the troll. I now then you,
brego Beorht-Dena, biddan wille,		prince of the Bright-Danes, want to request,
eodor Scyldinga, ánre béne:		O protector of the Scyldings, one boon:
þæt ðú mé ne forwyrne, wígendra hléo		that you not refuse me, O shield of warriors,
fréowine folca, nú ic þus feorran cóm·		liege and comrade of the folk, now that I have come thus far;
þæt ic móte ána, mínra eorla gedryht	431	that I might alone, with my company of nobles
ond þes hearda héap, Heorot faélsian·		and this hardy horde of warriors, clense Heorot;
hæbbe ic éac ge-áhsod þæt sé aéglaéca		I have also heard that the evil creature
for his wonhýdum waépna ne recceð·		in his recklessness heeds not weapons;
ic þæt þonne forhicge --swá mé Higelác síe		then I it scorn --so that for me Hygelac may be
mín mondrihten módes blíðe--	436	my liege-lord blithe in his heart--
þæt ic sweord bere oþðe sídne scyld		that I bear a sword or broad shield,
geolorand tó gúþe ac ic mid grápe sceal		yellow-rim to war, but I with my grip shall
fón wið féonde ond ymb feorh sacan,		fight with this fiend and over life strive,
láð wið láþum· ðaér gelýfan sceal		enemy against enemy; there must trust in
dryhtnes dóme sé þe hine déað nimeð·	441	the judgement of the Lord, whichever one that Death takes;
wén' ic þæt hé wille gif hé wealdan mót		I expect that he will wish, if he can compass it,
in þaém gúðsele Géotena léode		in the war-hall, the Geatish people
etan unforhte swá hé oft dyde,		to devour fearlessly, as he often did,
mægenhréð manna. Ná þú mínne þearft		the force of glorious warriors. You will have no need for my
hafalan hýdan ac hé mé habban wile	446	head to shroud, but rather he will have me
déore fahne gif mec déað nimeð		fiercely stained with gore, if me Death takes,
byreð blódig wæl· byrgean þenceð·		he will bear my bloody corpse; he aims to bite,
eteð ángenga unmurnlíce·		the lone prowler eats unmournfully,
mearcað mórhopu· nó ðú ymb mínes ne þearft		marking the limits of his moor enclosures; nor will you for the needs of my
líces feorme leng sorgian.	451	body's funeral-provisions have any further concern.
Onsend Higeláce gif mec hild nime		Send to Hygelac, if I am taken by battle,
beaduscrúda betst þæt míne bréost wereð,		the best of battle-shrouds, the one that protects my breast,
hrægla sélest· þæt is Hraédlan láf		choicest of garments; that is Hrethel's relic,
Wélandes geweorc. Gaéð á wyrd swá hío scel.'		Wayland's work. Fate goes always as She must.'

VII
Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:	456	Hrothgar spoke, the helm of the Scyldings:
'Fére fyhtum, þú, wine mín Béowulf,		'Fit to fight, you, my friend Beowulf,
ond for árstafum úsic sóhtest.		and for honour us have sought.
Geslóh þín fæder faéhðe maéste:		Your father by striking began the greatest feud:
wearþ hé Heaþoláfe tó handbonan		he was Heatholaf's slayer by his own hand
mid Wilfingum· ðá hine gára cyn	461	of the Wylfings; then him his spear-kin
for herebrógan habban ne mihte·		for dread of troops could not shelter;
þanon hé gesóhte Súð-Dena folc		thence he sought the South-Danes' folk
ofer ýða gewealc, Ár-Scyldinga·		over the welling of the waves, the Honour-Scyldings;
ðá ic furþum wéold folce Deninga		at that time I had just begun to rule the Danish folk
ond on geogoðe héold gimmeríce	466	and in my youth held the precious kingdom,
hordburh hæleþa· ðá wæs Heregár déad		the treasure-keep of heroes; then was Heregar dead,
mín yldra maég unlifigende		my elder brother unliving,
bearn Healfdenes· sé wæs betera ðonne ic.		the son of Half-Dane; he was better than I.
Siððan þá faéhðe féo þingode·		Then the feud I settled with fees;
sende ic Wylfingum ofer wæteres hrycg	471	I sent the Wylfings across the water's ridge
ealde mádmas· hé mé áþas swór.		ancient treasures; he swore oaths to me.
Sorh is mé tó secganne on sefan mínum		It sorrows me to say in my heart
gumena aéngum hwæt mé Grendel hafað		to any man Grendel has caused me what
hýnðo on Heorote mid his heteþancum		humiliations in Heorot with his thoughts of hatred,
faérníða gefremed· is mín fletwerod	476	carried out lightning-quick attacks; my hall-troop is
wíghéap gewanod· híe wyrd forswéop		waned, that war-band; they have been swept aside by Fate
on Grendles gryre· god éaþe mæg		in Grendel's horrid violence; God can easily
þone dolsceaðan daéda getwaéfan.		the rash ravager's deeds put an end to.
Ful oft gebéotedon béore druncne		Full oft have vowed, having drunk beer,
ofer ealowaége óretmecgas	481	over ale-flagons, battle-men,
þæt híe in béorsele bídan woldon		that they in the beer-hall would await
Grendles gúþe mid gryrum ecga.		Grendel's onslaught with vicious edges.
Ðonne wæs þéos medoheal on morgentíd		Then, this mead-hall was in the morning
drihtsele dréorfáh þonne dæg lixte,		this noble hall stained with gore when the day lightened,
eal bencþelu blóde bestýmed	486	all of the benches smeared with blood
heall heoru-dréore· áhte ic holdra þý laés,		the hall battle-gory; I had friends the fewer,
déorre duguðe þé þá déað fornam.		cherished old battle-retinue, for these Death took them away.
Site nú tó symle ond onsaél meoto		Sit now to feast and untie your thoughts
sigehréð secgum swá þín sefa hwette.'		of your glorious victories to the soldiers, as your heart urges.'
Þá wæs Géatmæcgum geador ætsomne	491	Then the Geatish men were gathered together
on béorsele benc gerýmed		in the beer-hall, room was made on a bench,
þaér swíðferhþe sittan éodon		there the strong-souled went to sit down,
þrýðum dealle þegn nytte behéold		proud in prowess a thane performed his office,
sé þe on handa bær hroden ealowaége		he who in his hands bore an ornate ale-cup,
scencte scír wered· scop hwílum sang	496	decanted pure sweet mead; a bard sang from time to time
hádor on Heorote· þaér wæs hæleða dréam,		clear in Heorot; there was joy of heroes,
duguð unlýtel Dena ond Wedera.		no small host of Danes and Wederas.

VIII

Hunferð maþelode Ecgláfes bearn

Unferth spoke, the son of Edgelaf,

**499-606**

þe æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga·

who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings;

onband beadurúne --wæs him Béowulfes síð

501

he unbound battle-runes --for him was the venture of Beowulf,

módges merefaran micel æfþunca

brave seafarer's, a source of great displeasure,

forþon þe hé ne úþe þæt aénig óðer man

because he did not grant that any other man

aéfre maérða þon má middangeardes

ever glorious deeds the more on middle-earth

gehédde under heofenum þonne hé sylfa--:

heeded under the heavens than he himself--:

'Eart þú sé Béowulf sé þe wið Brecan wunne

506

'Are you the Beowulf, who contested against Breca

**506-81**

on sídne saé ymb sund flite?

on the broad sea, contended around the ocean-sound?

Ðaér git for wlence wada cunnedon

Where you for bravado tempted the waters

ond for dolgilpe on déop wæter

and for a foolish boast in deep sea

aldrum néþdon né inc aénig mon

risked your lives, you no man

né léof né láð beléan mihte

511

--neither friend nor foe-- could dissuade

sorhfullne síð þa git on sund réön·

from that sorrowful jaunt, when you rowed into the strait;

þaér git éagorstréam earmum þehton·

there you sea-currents in your arms embraced,

maéton merestraéta mundum brugdon·

traversed the ocean-roads, with hands wove,

glidon ofer gársecg· geofon ýþum

gliding over the sea; the ocean in waves

wéol wintrys wylm· git on wæteres aéht

516

welled, in winter's swells; you in the water's grasp

seofon niht swuncon· hé þé æt sunde oferflát·

toiled for seven nights; he got the better of you on the sea,

hæfde máre mægen. Þá hine on morgentíd

he had more might. Then he in the morning

on Heaþo-Raémes holm up ætbær·

on Heatho-Reams' shore was cast up by the sea;

ðonon hé gesóhte swaésne éðel,

thence he sought his own homeland,

léof his léodum, lond Brondinga

521

dear to his people, the land of the Brondings,

freoðoburh fægere þaér hé folc áhte

the fair citadel, he had folk there,

burh ond béagas· béot eal wið þé

boroughs and rings; the entire boast with you

sunu Béanstánes sóðe gelaéste.

the son of Beanstan truly fulfilled.

Ðonne wéne ic tó þé wyrsan geþingea

I expect then for you worse results,

ðéah þú heaðoraésa gehwaér dohte

526

though you in war-assaults everywhere prevailed,

grimre gúðe gif þú Grendles dearst

grim combat, if you for Grendel dare

nihtlongne fyrst néän bídan.'

the space of a night nearby wait.'

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Hwæt, þú worn fela, wine mín Hunferð,

'Listen, you a great deal --Unferth, my friend,

béore druncen ymb Brecan spraéce·

531

drunk on beer-- have spoken about Breca,

sægdest from his síðe. Sóð ic talige

told of his journey. Truth I claim

þæt ic merestrengo máran áhte

that I sea-strength greater had,

earfeþo on ýþum ðonne aénig óþer man·

hardship on the waves, than any other man;

wit þæt gecwaédon cnihtwesende

we had it agreed, being lads,

ond gebéotedon --waéron bégen þá git

536

and vowed --being both then still

on geogoðféore-- þæt wit on gársecg út

in the years of youth-- that we out on the ocean

aldrum néðdon ond þæt geæfndon swá.

our lives would risk, and thus that we did.

Hæfdon swurd nacod þá wit on sund réön

We had naked swords when we rowed on the ocean-sound,

heard on handa: wit unc wið hronfixas

hard in our hands: we ourselves against whales

werian þóhton· nó hé wiht fram mé

541

planned to defend; not a whit from me was he

flódýþum feor fléotan meahte

on the sea-waves far able to float,

hraþor on holme· nó ic fram him wolde·

swifter on water, nor did I wish to part from him;

ðá wit ætsomne on saé waéron

then we together were on the sea,

fíf nihta fyrst oþ þæt unc flód tódráf

for the space of five nights, until the sea-waves drove us apart,

wado weallende wedera cealdost

546

the water welling, the coldest of weathers,

nípende niht ond norþanwind

the darkening night and the north wind

heaðogrim ondhwearf· hréo waéron ýþa·

fierce turned against us; wild were the waves;

wæs merefixa mód onhréred·

then was the sea-fishes' wrath roused;

þaér mé wið láðum lícsyrce mín

there me against foes my body-shirt

heard hondlocen helpe gefremede·

551

strong and hand-linked, did me help,

beadohrægl bróden on bréostum læg

my battle-garment braided lay on my breast,

golde gegyrwed· mé tó grunde téah

adorned with gold; to the bottom of the sea I was drawn

fáh féondscaða· fæste hæfde

by the hostile foe-scather, it held me fast,

grim on grápe· hwæþre mé gyfeþe wearð

cruel in grip; however, to it was granted

þæt ic áglaécan orde geraéhte

556

that I the monster reached with my point,

hildebille· heaþoraés fornam

with battle-bill; in the battle-rush I destroyed

mihtig meredéor þurh míne hand.

the mighty sea-beast with my hand.

VIIII
Swá mec gelóme láðgetéonan		Thus me often hateful attackers
þréatedon þearle· ic him þénode		pressed sorely; I served them
déoran sweorde swá hit gedéfe wæs·	561	with my dear sword, as it was fitting;
næs híe ðaére fylle geféan hæfdon		they the feast did not have rejoicing,
mánfordaédlan þæt híe mé þégon·		those perpetrators of crime, that they partook of me,
symbel ymbsaéton saégrunde néah		sitting round a banquet near the sea-bed
ac on mergenne mécum wunde		but in the morning by maiche-swords wounded,
be ýðláfe uppe laégon	566	along what is left by the waves up they lay
sweordum áswefede þæt syðþan ná		put to sleep by swords, so that never since
ymb brontne ford brimlíðende		on the high waterway sea-travellers
láde ne letton. Léoht éastan cóm		way did not hinder. Light came from the east,
beorht béacen godes· brimu swaþredon		bright beacon of God, the sea became still,
þæt ic saénæssas geséon mihte	571	so that I the headlands was able to see,
windige weallas. Wyrd oft nereð		windswept walls. Fate often spares
unfaégne eorl þonne his ellen déah.		the hero not fated to die when his courage endures.
Hwæþere mé gesaélde þæt ic mid sweorde ofslóh		However it was my good fortune that I with my sword slew
niceras nigene· nó ic on niht gefrægn		nine of the nicors; I have not heard by night
under heofones hwealf heardran feohtan	576	under heaven's vault of a more grievous fight,
né on égstréamum earmran mannon·		nor on the water-streams of a more wretched man;
hwaþere ic fára feng féore gedígde		yet I the foes' grasp survived with my life,
siþes wérig· ðá mec saé oþbær		weary from my venture; then the sea bore me off
flód æfter faroðe on Finna land		flood following current onto the land of the Lapps,
wudu weallendu. Nó ic wiht fram þé	581	the tossing boat. Not a whit of thee
swylcra searoníða secgan hýrde		in such strife of conflict have I heard told,
billa brógan· Breca naéfre gít		of bill-blade terror; Breca never yet
æt heaðoláce né gehwæþer incer		at battle-play, nor either of you,
swá déorlíce daéd gefremede		so boldly performed a deed
fágum sweordum --nó ic þæs gylpe--	586	with bright swords --I do not boast of this--
þéah ðú þínum bróðrum tó banan wurde		nevertheless, you your brothers' killer were,
héafodmaégum· þæs þú in helle scealt		near relatives; for that you must with Hel
werhðo dreogan þéah þín wit duge·		suffer torment, though your mind is strong;
secge ic þé to sóðe, sunu Ecgláfes,		I say to you in truth, son of Edgelaf,
þæt naéfre Grendel swá fela gryra gefremede	591	that Grendel would have never so many atrocities committed,
atol aéglaéca ealdre þínum,		--that terrible demon-- to your leader,
hýnðo on Heorote gif þín hige waére		humiliation on Heorot, if your heart were,
sefa swá searogrim swá þú self talast		and your spirit so battle-fierce as you yourself tell
ac hé hafað onfunden þæt hé þá faéhðe ne þearf		but he has found that the fight he needs not,
atole ecgþræce éower léode	596	that terrible storm of sword-edges of your nation,
swíðe onsittan Sige-Scyldinga·		greatly to dread, of the Victory-Scyldings;
nymeð nýdbáde· naénegum árað		he takes a forced toll, spares none
léode Deniga ac hé lust wigeð·		of the Danish people, but he carries on his delight,
swefeð ond sendeþ· secce ne wéneþ		slaying and despatching, he does not expect contest
tó Gár-Denum. Ac ic him Géata sceal	601	from the Spear-Danes. But I shall him the Geats'
eafoð ond ellen ungeára nú		might and courage, before long now,
gúþe gebéodan· gaéþ eft, sé þe mót		offer in war; a man will be able to go back,
tó medo módig siþþan morgenléoht		to mead bravely, when the morning-light
ofer ylda bearn óþres dógores		over the sons of men of another day,
sunne sweglwered súþan scíneð.'	606	the sun clad in radiance, shines from the south.'
Þá wæs on sálum sinces brytta		Then was joyful the dispenser of treasures,
gamolfeax ond gúðróf géoce gelýfde		with wizened hair and brave in battle for support he trusted
brego Beorht-Dena gehýrde on Béowulfe		the lord of the Bright-Danes heard in Beowulf
folces hyrde fæstraédne geþóht·		the guardian of the folk, firmly-resolved intent;
ðaér wæs hæleþa hleahtor· hlyn swynsode·	611	There was the laughter of heroes, the noise made melody,
word waéron wynsume. Éode Wealhþéow forð		words were joyful. Wealhtheow came forth,
cwén Hróðgáres cynna gemyndig		Hrothgar's queen, mindful of etiquette,
grétte goldhroden guman on healle		greeted, gold-adorned, the men in the hall
ond þá fréolíc wíf ful gesealde		and then the noble lady gave out full cups,
aérest Éast-Dena éþelwearde·	616	first to the East-Danes homeland-guardian,
bæd hine blíðne æt þaére béorþege		bade him be blithe at the partaking of beer,
léodum léofne· hé on lust geþeah		beloved by the people; he took in delight
symbel ond seleful sigeróf kyning·		feast-food and hall-cup, the victorious king;
ymb-éode þá ides Helminga		then she went among them, the lady of the Helmings,
duguþe ond geogoþe daél aéghwylcne·	621	to veteran and youth a portion to each,
sincfato sealde oþ þæt saél álamp		gave rich cups, until the time came
þæt hío Béowulfe, béaghroden cwén		that she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen,
móde geþungen medoful ætbær·		blossoming in spirit, carried a mead-cup;
grétte Géata léod· gode þancode		she greeted the Geatish prince, thanked God,
wísfæst wordum þæs ðe hire se willa gelamp	626	wise in her words, for that her wish was to be fulfilled,
þæt héo on aénigne eorl gelýfde		that she in any noble man could count on
fyrena frófre. Hé þæt ful geþeah		relief from wickedness. He took that full-cup,
wælréow wiga æt Wealhþéön		the slaughter-fierce warrior from Wealhtheow,
ond þá gyddode gúþe gefýsed·		and then spoke solemnly, made eager for war;
Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:	631	Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
'Ic þæt hogode· þá ic on holm gestáh·		'I resolved that, when I mounted the water,
saébát gesæt mid mínra secga gedriht·		sat down in the sea-boat amid my company of warriors,
þaét ic ánunga éowra léoda		that I forthwith your people's
willan geworhte oþðe on wæl crunge		will would work, or fall in slaughter,
féondgrápum fæst· ic gefremman sceal	636	fast in the fiend's grasp; I must perform
eorlíc ellen oþðe endedæg		this daring act of courage or the last day
on þisse meoduhealle mínne gebídan.'		in this mead-hall of mine await.'
Ðám wífe þá word wél lícodon		The woman these words liked well,
gilpcwide Géates· éode goldhroden		the vow-speech of the Geat; went gold-adorned,
fréolicu folccwén tó hire fréan sittan.	641	the noble queen of the folk, to sit by her lord.
Þá wæs eft swá aér inne on healle		Then were again, as before, in the hall,
þrýðword sprecen, ðéod on saélum,		bold words spoken, the people full of joy,
sigefolca swég oþ þæt semninga		--victory-folk's clamour-- until presently
sunu Healfdenes sécean wolde		the son of Half-Dane wished to seek
aéfenræste· wiste þaém áhlaécan	646	evening-rest; he knew that the ogre
tó þaém héahsele hilde geþinged		for the high hall had plotted an attack,
siððan híe sunnan léoht geséon meahton		ever since when they the sun's light could see;
oþðe nípende niht ofer ealle		and darkening night all over,
scaduhelma gesceapu scríðan cwóman		shadow-helm's shapes came slithering,
wan under wolcnum. Werod eall árás·	651	black beneath the skies. The troop all arose;
gegrétte þá guma guman óþerne		greeted then the man the other man,
Hróðgár Béowulf ond him haél ábéad		Hrothgar Beowulf, and bid him health,
wínærnes geweald ond þæt word ácwæð:		the wine-hall's ruler, and spoke these words:
'Naéfre ic aénegum men aér álýfde·		'I never to any man before entrusted,
siþðan ic hond ond rond hebban mihte·	656	since I hand and shield was able to raise,
ðrýþærn Dena búton þé nú ðá·		this strong-hall of the Danes, save to thee now;
hafa nú ond geheald húsa sélest·		have now and hold this best of houses,
gemyne maérþo· mægenellen cýð·		focus on glory, show great valour,
waca wið wráþum· ne bið þé wilna gád		keep watch against the enemy; there shall be no dearth of your desires
gif þú þæt ellenweorc aldre gedígest.'	661	if this courage-work you survive with your life.'

Ðá him Hróþgár gewát mid his hæleþa gedryht

Then Hrothgar went with his band of heroes,

eodur Scyldinga út of healle·

the protector of the Scyldings, out of the hall;

wolde wígfruma Wealhþéo sécan

he wished to seek Wealhtheow,

cwén tó gebeddan· hæfde kyningwuldor

the queen as companion in bed; the glory of kings had,

Grendle tógéanes· swá guman gefrungon·

666

against Grendel, --so men heard--

seleweard áseted: sundornytte behéold

the hall-guard posted: special duty he held

ymb aldor Dena· eotonweard' ábéad.

for the chief of the Danes, ogre-watch he kept.

Húru Géata léod georne trúwode

Indeed the prince of the Geats keenly trusted

módgan mægnes, metodes hyldo

in his prodigious power, his Maker's favour,

ðá hé him of dyde ísernbyrnan

671

then he from himself took iron-byrnie,

helm of hafelan· sealde his hyrsted sweord

helm from head, gave his adorned sword,

írena cyst ombihtþegne

the choicest of irons, to his retainer,

ond gehealdan hét hildegeatwe·

and commanded him ward his battle-gear;

gespræc þá se góda gylpworda sum

the good man spoke then some promise-words,

Béowulf Géata aér hé on bed stige:

676

Beowulf of the Geats, before he stepped into bed:

'Nó ic mé an herewæsmun hnágran talige

'I myself in martial-stature do not tally poorer

gúþgeweorca þonne Grendel hine·

in works of war then Grendel himself;

forþan ic hine sweorde swebban nelle,

therefore him with my sword I shall not slay,

aldre benéotan þéah ic eal mæge·

deprive of life, though I fully am able;

nát hé þára góda þæt hé mé ongéan sléä·

681

he knows not the finer skills that he may strike me back,

rand gehéawe þéah ðe hé róf síe

hew my rimmed-shield, although he is renowned

níþgeweorca ac wit on niht sculon

for malicious works but we at night must

secge ofersittan gif hé gesécean dear

relinquish short sword if he dares to seek

wíg ofer waépen ond siþðan wítig god

war without weapons, and then wise God,

on swá hwæþere hond hálig dryhten

686

on whichever hand, the holy Lord

maérðo déme swá him gemet þince.'

will allot glory, as seems fitting to Him.'

Hylde hine þá heaþodéor --hléorbolster onféng

The war-bold one then bent himself down --the cheek-bolster received

eorles andwlitan-- ond hine ymb monig

the earl's face-- and round him many

snellíc saérinc selereste gebéah·

brave seaman sank down in hall-slumber;

naénig heora þóhte þæt hé þanon scolde

691

none of them thought that he thence would

eft eardlufan aéfre gesécean

his dear home again ever visit,

folc oþðe fréoburh þaér hé áféded wæs

his folk or his noble citadel, where he was nurtured

ac híe hæfdon gefrúnen þæt híe aér tó fela micles

for they had heard that far too many of them already

in þaém wínsele wældéað fornam

in that wine-hall slaughtering Death had carried off

Denigea léode. Ac him dryhten forgeaf

696

of the Danish people. But to them the Lord granted

wígspéda gewiofu Wedera léodum

the woven-destiny of war-luck to the Wederas' men,

frófor ond fultum þæt híe féond heora

solace and support, that they their foe,

ðurh ánes cræft ealle ofercómon

through the strength of one, all overcame,

selfes mihtum· sóð is gecýþed,

by his own might; truth is known

þæt mihtig god manna cynnes

701

that mighty God mankind

weold wídeferhð. Cóm on wanre niht

has ruled forever. In the colourless night came

scríðan sceadugenga· scéotend swaéfon

slinking the shadow-wanderer; the shooters slept,

**703-60**

þá þæt hornreced healdan scoldon

they that the horned-house were obliged to guard,

ealle búton ánum --þæt wæs yldum cúþ

all but one --it was known to men

þæt híe ne móste· þá metod nolde·

706

that they could not, when the Maker did not wish it,

se synscaþa under sceadu bregdan--

by the malefactor be drawn under the shadows--

ac hé wæccende wráþum on andan

but he watching in angry indignation

bád bolgenmód beadwa geþinges.

bided in rising rage for the result of battle.

XI
Ðá cóm of móre under misthleoþum		Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs
Grendel gongan· godes yrre bær·	711	Grendel walking, God's wrath he bore;
mynte se mánscaða manna cynnes		the vile ravager meant from mankind
sumne besyrwan in sele þám héan·		a sample to snare in the high hall;
wód under wolcnum tó þæs þe hé wínreced		he waded under the clouds until he the wine-hall,
goldsele gumena gearwost wisse		--the gold-hall of men-- mostly-certainly saw,
faéttum fáhne· ne wæs þæt forma síð	716	shining gold; it was not the first time
þæt hé Hróþgáres hám gesóhte·		that he Hrothgar's home had sought;
naéfre hé on aldordagum aér ne siþðan		he never in the days of his life, ere nor after,
heardran haéle healðegnas fand.		harder luck or hall-thanes found.
Cóm þá to recede rinc síðian		He came then to the hall the fighter journeying,
dréamum bedaéled· duru sóna onarn	721	cut-off from merriment; the door soon rushed open,
fýrbendum fæst syþðan hé hire folmum æthrán		firm with fire-forged bands, when he tapped it with his hands
onbraéd þá bealohýdig ðá hé gebolgen wæs,		plotting evil then he tore open, now that he was enraged,
recedes múþan· raþe æfter þon		the mouth of the building; straight after that
on fágne flór féond treddode·		on the tessellated floor the fiend treaded,
éode yrremód· him of éagum stód	726	advanced angrily; from his eyes issued,
ligge gelícost léoht unfaéger·		most like a flame, a distorted light;
geseah hé in recede rinca manige		he saw in the hall many warriors
swefan sibbegedriht samod ætgædere		a sleeping company of kinsmen gathered together
magorinca héap. Þá his mód áhlóg:		a great host of warriors. Then his heart laughed:
mynte þæt hé gedaélde aér þon dæg cwóme	731	he intended to deprive, ere the day came,
atol áglaéca ánra gehwylces		the cruel beast, from each one
líf wið líce þá him álumpen wæs		life from body, now had befallen him
wistfylle wén. Ne wæs þæt wyrd þá gén		a hope of a full feast. It was not his fate again
þæt hé má móste manna cynnes		that he might more of mankind
ðicgean ofer þá niht· þrýðswýð behéold	736	partake of after that night; the mighty man beheld,
maég Higeláces hú se mánscaða		the kinsman of Hygelac, how the cruel killer
under faérgripum gefaran wolde.		by means of a sudden attack wished to proceed.
Né þæt se áglaéca yldan þóhte		That the monster did not think to delay,
ac hé geféng hraðe forman síðe		but he quickly grasped, at the first occasion,
slaépendne rinc slát unwearnum·	741	a sleeping warrior, rended without restraint,
bát bánlocan· blód édrum dranc·		bit into the bone-locks, from the veins drank blood,
synsnaédum swealh· sóna hæfde		swallowed great chunks; soon he had
unlyfigendes ealgefeormod		the unliving one all devoured,
fét ond folma· forð néar ætstóp·		feet and hands; nearer he stepped forth,
nam þá mid handa higeþíhtigne	746	taking then with his hands a stout-hearted
rinc on ræste· raéhte ongéan		warrior from his rest, reached towards him
féond mid folme· hé onféng hraþe		the foe with his palm; quickly he grasped
inwitþancum ond wið earm gesæt.		the malice thoughts and clamped down on the arm.
Sóna þæt onfunde fyrena hyrde·		At once he found, the shepherd of atrocities,
þæt hé ne métte middangeardes	751	that he had not met in middle-earth,
eorþan scéatta on elran men		in the expanse of the world, in another man
mundgripe máran· hé on móde wearð		a greater hand-grip; he in his heart grew
forht on ferhðe· nó þý aér fram meahte·		fearing for life; none the sooner could he away;
hyge wæs him hinfús· wolde on heolster fléon,		eager-to-go-hence was the thought in him, he wanted to flee into the darkness,
sécan déofla gedræg· ne wæs his drohtoð þaér	756	to seek the devils' concourse; his situation there was not
swylce hé on ealderdagum aér gemétte.		like he in the days of his life ever had met.
Gemunde þá se góda maég Higeláces		The good man then recalled, the kinsman of Hygelac,
aéfenspraéce· uplang ástód		his evening-speech; upright he stood
ond him fæste wiðféng· fingras burston·		and laid hold of him tight; fingers burst;
eoten wæs útweard· eorl furþur stóp.	761	the troll was striving to move outward, the earl stepped forward.
Mynte se maéra hwaér hé meahte swá		The infamous one meant, anywhere he so was able,
wídre gewindan ond on weg þanon		farther escape and away thence
fléon on fenhopu· wiste his fingra geweald		flee to his secret places in the fen; he knew his fingers' control
on grames grápum· þæt he wæs géocorsíð		in his enemy's grip, that was a bitter journey he
þæt sé hearmscaþa to Heorute átéah.	766	that the harm-warrior had taken to Heorot.
Dryhtsele dynede· Denum eallum wearð		The noble hall broke into a din; the Danes all were,
ceasterbúendum cénra gehwylcum		--the citadel-dwellers-- each of the bold,
eorlum ealuscerwen· yrre waéron bégen		earls in the flood of bitter drink; enraged were both
réþe renweardas· reced hlynsode.		fierce hall-wards; the hall resounded.
Þá wæs wundor micel þæt se wínsele	771	Then it was a great wonder that the wine-hall
wiðhæfde heaþodéorum· þæt hé on hrúsan ne féol		withstood the war-fighters, that it did not fall to the ground,
faéger foldbold ac hé þæs fæste wæs		the fair mansion but it so firm was
innan ond útan írenbendum		inside and out with iron-bands
searoþoncum besmiþod· þaér fram sylle ábéag		skilfully smithed; there from the floor broke away
medubenc monig míne gefraége	776	many mead-benches, I heard,
golde geregnad þaér þá graman wunnon·		adorned with gold, where the enemies struggled;
þæs ne wéndon aér witan Scyldinga·		it was not thought before, by the sages of the Scyldings,
þæt hit á mid gemete manna aénig		that it ever by means any men
betlíc ond bánfág tóbrecan meahte,		splendid and bone-adorned, could break it up,
listum tólúcan nymþe líges fæþm	781	cleverly cleave asunder, not unless fire's embrace
swulge on swaþule. Swég up ástág		swallowed it in inferno. Sound ascended up,
níwe geneahhe· Norð-Denum stód		new, nearby: the North-Danes stood
atelíc egesa ánra gehwylcum		in ghastly horror, in each one of
þára þe of wealle wóp gehýrdon,		them who from the wall weeping heard,
gryreléoð galan godes andsacan	786	terrible screaming, God's adversary,
sigeléasne sang, sár wánigean		a victoryless song, bewailing his wound,
helle hæfton· héold hine fæste		Hel's prisoner; he held him fast,
sé þe manna wæs mægene strengest		he who was of men in might strongest
on þaém dæge þysses lífes.		on that day in this life.

XII
Nolde eorla hléo aénige þinga	791	The protector of earls had no wish for any reason
þone cwealmcuman cwicne forlaétan		the murderous guest to release alive,
né his lífdagas léoda aénigum		nor his life-days to any people
nytte tealde. Þær genehost brægd		counted as advantage. There many brandished
eorl Béowulfes ealde láfe·		warriors of Beowulf, old heirlooms,
wolde fréadrihtnes feorh ealgian	796	they wished prince-lord's life defend,
maéres þéodnes ðaér híe meahton swá·		the legendary leader's, if they could do so;
híe þæt ne wiston þá híe gewin drugon		they did not know that, when they joined the fray,
heardhicgende hildemecgas		the bold-minded battle-men,
ond on healfa gehwone héawan þóhton,		and on each side thought to heaw,
sáwle sécan: þone synscaðan	801	to seek the soul: that the sin-scather
aénig ofer eorþan írenna cyst		any on earth, of the choicest of irons,
gúðbilla nán grétan nolde		of war-bills, none, could not at all greet him
ac hé sigewaépnum forsworen hæfde		but he victory-weapons had forsworn,
ecga gehwylcre. Scolde his aldorgedál		every blade-edge. His life-severing was bound to
on ðaém dæge þysses lífes	806	on that day in this life
earmlíc wurðan ond se ellorgást		be wretched, and the alien-spirit
on féonda geweald feor síðian·		into the administration of fiends would journey far away;
ðá þæt onfunde sé þe fela aéror		then he found, he who before many,
módes myrðe manna cynne		miseries in his mind, on mankind
fyrene gefremede --he, fág wið god--	811	atrocities committed --he, who fought with God--
þæt him se líchoma laéstan nolde		that him his body-shell would not obey,
ac hine se módega maég Hygeláces		but him the daring kinsman of Hygelac
hæfde be honda· wæs gehwæþer óðrum		had by the hand; each was by the other
lifigende láð· lícsár gebád		loathed while living; body-pain he felt,
atol aéglaéca· him on eaxle wearð	816	the awful ogre; on his shoulder was
syndolh sweotol· seonowe onsprungon·		a great wound apparent, sinows sprang asunder,
burston bánlocan· Béowulfe wearð		bone-locks burst; to Beowulf was
gúðhréð gyfeþe· scolde Grendel þonan		war-glory given; thence Grendel had to
feorhséoc fléön under fenhleoðu,		flee sick unto death under the hills of the fen,
sécean wynléas wíc· wiste þé geornor	821	to seek his joyless abode; he knew it more surely
þæt his aldres wæs ende gegongen		that was his life's end arrived,
dógera dægrím. Denum eallum wearð		the day-count of his days. For the Danes were all,
æfter þám wælraése willa gelumpen:		after that slaughter-storm, wishes come to pass:
hæfde þá gefaélsod sé þe aér feorran cóm		he had then cleansed, he who had before come from afar,
snotor ond swýðferhð sele Hróðgáres,	826	shrewd and strong-minded, the hall of Hrothgar,
genered wið níðe· nihtweorce gefeh		rescued from ruin; in his night's work he rejoiced,
ellenmaérþum· hæfde Éast-Denum		in valour from great deeds; to the East-Danes had
Géatmecga léod gilp gelæsted·		the Geatmen's leader, his oath fulfilled;
swylce oncýþðe ealle gebétte		so too anguish all remedied,
inwidsorge þé híe aér drugon	831	grievous sorrow, that they had ere endured,
ond for þréanýdum þolian scoldon		and in hard distress had to suffer,
torn unlýtel· þæt wæs tácen sweotol		no small misery; that was a clear sign,
syþðan hildedéor hond álegde		when the battle-bold one the hand placed,
earm ond eaxle --þaér wæs eal geador		arm and shoulder --there was all together
Grendles grápe-- under géapne hróf.	836	the grip of Grendel-- under the gaping roof.

XIII

Ðá wæs on morgen míne gefraége

Then was in the morning, as I heard tell,

ymb þá gifhealle gúðrinc monig

about the gift-hall many warriors,

férdon folctogan feorran ond néän

folk-chiefs arrived from far and near

geond wídwegas wundor scéawian

across wide regions to behold the wonder,

láþes lástas· nó his lífgedál

841

the foe's foot-prints; his parting from life did not

sárlíc þúhte secga aénegum

seem mournful to any man

þára þe tírléases trode scéawode·

of those who the gloryless foe's track observed,

hú hé wérigmód on weg þanon

how he weary away thence,

níða ofercumen on nicera mere

vanquished by violence, to the nicors' mere

faége ond geflýmed feorhlástas bær.

846

doomed and driven back left behind life-trails.

Ðaér wæs on blóde brim weallende,

There with blood was the water seething,

atol ýða geswing eal gemenged

terrible swirling of swells all mingled

háton heolfre heorodréore wéol·

with boiling gore, with sword-blood it welled,

déaðfaége déog siððan dréama léas

doomed to die he hid himself, then, bereft of pleasure,

in fenfreoðo feorh álegde

851

in his fen-refuge he laid down his life,

haéþene sáwle· þaér him hel onféng.

his heathen soul; there Hel embraced him.

Þanon eft gewiton ealdgesíðas

Thence returned old companions,

swylce geong manig of gomenwáþe

also many young, from the sport-chase,

fram mere módge méarum rídan

from the mere full-spirited, riding horses,

beornas on blancum· ðaér wæs Béowulfes

856

warriors on fair steeds, there was Beowulf's

maérðo maéned· monig oft gecwæð

glory proclaimed; many often said

þætte súð né norð be saém twéonum

that neither south nor north between the seas

ofer eormengrund óþer naénig

over the whole vast earth, no other

under swegles begong sélra naére

under the sky's expanse was ne're better

rondhæbbendra, ríces wyrðra·

861

shield-bearer, of a worthier kingdom;

né híe húru winedrihten wiht ne lógon

nor, however, the friend and lord, did they blame at all,

glædne Hróðgár ac þæt wæs gód cyning.

gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king.

Hwílum heaþorófe hléapan léton

At times the brave warriors let leap,

on geflit faran fealwe méaras

in a contest raced fallow horses,

ðaér him foldwegas fægere þúhton

866

where to them the earth-roads seemed suitable,

cystum cúðe. Hwílum cyninges þegn

and known to be the best. At times the king's thane,

guma gilphlæden gidda gemyndig

a man laden with fine speech, remembering songs,

sé ðe ealfela ealdgesegena

he who very many of ancient traditions

worn gemunde word óþer fand

recalled scores, found new words

sóðe gebunden· secg eft ongan

871

bound in truth; the man then began

síð Béowulfes snyttrum styrian

Beowulf's exploit skilfully to recite,

ond on spéd wrecan spel geráde,

and artfully utter an adept tale,

wordum wrixlan· wélhwylc gecwæð

varying his words; he spoke of almost everything

þæt hé fram Sigemunde secgan hyrde

that he of Sigmund had heard said,

**875-900**

ellendaédum: uncúþes fela

876

of his deeds of glory: many uncanny things,

Wælsinges gewin wíde síðas

the striving of Wael's son, his great journeys;

þára þe gumena bearn gearwe ne wiston

those things of which the childen of men by no means knew,

faéhðe ond fyrena búton Fitela mid hine,

feuds and feats of arms, only Fitela with him,

þonne hé swulces hwæt secgan wolde

then he of such matters was wont to speak of,

éäm his nefan swá híe á waéron

881

uncle to his nephew, as they always were

æt níða gehwám nýdgesteallan·

in every conflict comrades in need;

hæfdon ealfela eotena cynnes

they had a great many of the giantkind

sweordum gesaéged· Sigemunde gesprong

laid low with swords; for Sigmund arose,

æfter déaðdæge dóm unlýtel

after the day of his death, no little fame,

syþðan wíges heard wyrm ácwealde

886

since the fierce warrior had quelled the great serpent,

hordes hyrde· hé under hárne stán

the keeper of a hoard; beneath the hoary grey stone he,

æþelinges bearn ána genéðde

the prince's son, alone ventured

frécne daéde ne waés him Fitela mid·

a dangerous deed, Fitela was not with him;

hwæþre him gesaélde ðæt þæt swurd þurhwód

however it was granted him that the sword pierced

wraétlícne wyrm þæt hit on wealle ætstód

891

the wondrous wyrm, so that it stood fixed in the wall,

dryhtlíc íren· draca morðre swealt·

the noble iron; the dragon perished in the slaughter;

hæfde áglaéca elne gegongen

the fearsome one had ensured by courage

þæt hé béahhordes brúcan móste

that he the ring-hoard might possess

selfes dóme· saébát gehléod·

at his own chosing; he loaded the sea-boat,

bær on bearm scipes beorhte frætwa

896

bore in the bosom of his ship the gleaming treasures,

Wælses eafera --wyrm hát gemealt--

Wael's son --the wyrm in its heat melted--

sé wæs wreccena wíde maérost

he was of adventurers the most widely famed

ofer werþéode wígendra hléo

among nations, the warriors' protector,

ellendaédum --hé þæs aér onðáh--

for deeds of valour --he had prospered by this--

siððan Heremódes hild sweðrode,

901

since Heremod's skirmishing had abated,

earfoð ond ellen· he mid eotenum wearð

affliction and spirit; he among the Etins was

on féonda geweald forð forlácen

into enemy hands given up,

snúde forsended· hine sorhwylmas

quickly despatched; the surgings of sorrow him

lemede tó lange· hé his léodum wearð

hindered too long; he to his people became,

eallum æþellingum tó aldorceare·

906

to all of the nobels, a great mortal sorrow;

swylce oft bemearn aérran maélum

moreover they often mourned, for in earlier times,

swíðferhþes síð snotor ceorl monig

the departure of the stouted-hearted king, many learnèd sages

sé þe him bealwa tó bóte gelýfde

who to him for miseries' remedy had trusted and believed

þæt þæt ðéodnes bearn geþéon scolde,

that that prince's son must prosper,

fæderæþelum onfón, folc gehealdan

911

take up his father's rank, rule the folk,

hord ond hléoburh hæleþa ríce

their treasury and citadel, the heroes' kingdom,

éðel Scyldinga· hé þaér eallum wearð

homeland of the Scyldings; he by all became,

maég Higeláces manna cynne

the kinsman of Hygelac, by mankind,

fréondum gefægra· hine fyren onwód.

more esteemed; wickedness undid him.

Hwílum flítende fealwe straéte

916

Now and then racing, dusky streets

méarum maéton. Ðá waés morgenléoht

on their mounts they traversed. Then was the morning light

scofen ond scynded· éode scealc monig

hurried and hastened; many retainers went

swíðhicgende tó sele þám héan

determined to the high hall

searowundor séon· swylce self cyning

to see the strange wonder; the king himself too

of brýdbúre béahhorda weard

921

from his wife's bower, the ward of the ring-hoard,

tryddode tírfæst getrume micle

stepped out splendid with his great troop,

cystum gecýþed ond his cwén mid him

famed for his excellence, and his queen with him,

medostigge mæt mægþa hóse.

passed down the meadhall-path, accompanied by maidens.

XIIII
Hróðgár maþelode --hé to héalle géong·		Hrothgar spoke --he went to the hall,
stód on stapole· geseah stéapne hróf	926	stood on the steps, observed the steep roof
golde fáhne ond Grendles hond--:		adorned with gold and Grendel's hand--:
'Ðisse ansýne alwealdan þanc		'For this sight Thanks to the All-Ruler
lungre gelimpe! Fela ic láþes gebád,		be swiftly forthcoming! I have suffered many injuries,
grynna æt Grendle· á mæg god wyrcan		griefs from Grendel; God can always work
wunder æfter wundre, wuldres hyrde.	931	wonder after wonder, glory's Keeper.
Ðaét wæs ungeára þæt ic aénigra mé		It was not long past that I for me any
wéana ne wénde tó wídan feore		for woes not hoped for the bredth of my life,
bóte gebídan þonne blóde fáh		to experience remedy when adorned with blood
húsa sélest heorodréorig stód:		the most splendid house stood battle-gory:
wéa wídscofen witena gehwylcne	936	woe widespread for each of the sages
ðára þe ne wéndon þæt híe wídeferhð		those who did not hope that in the span of their lives
léoda landgeweorc láþum beweredon		the nation's fortress from foes they could protect,
scuccum ond scinnum· ná scealc hafað		from shucks and shines; now a warrior has,
þurh drihtnes miht daéd gefremede		through the Lord's power, performed a deed
ðe wé ealle aér ne meahton	941	which we all before could not
snyttrum besyrwan· hwæt, þæt secgan mæg		with schemes contrive; listen, that may say
efne swá hwylc mægþa swá ðone magan cende		even so whichever woman as that begot this man,
æfter gumcynnum gyf héo gýt lyfað		among mankind, if she yet lives,
þæt hyre ealdmetod éste waére		that to her the Old Measurer of Fate was gracious
bearngebyrdo. Nú ic, Béowulf, þec,	946	in child-bearing. Now, I, Beowulf, you,
secg betosta, mé for sunu wylle		the best of men, for me like a son would
fréogan on ferhþe· heald forð tela		love in life; keep well henceforth
níwe sibbe· ne bið þé aénigre gád		this new kinship; there will not be any want
worolde wilna þé ic geweald hæbbe·		of worldly wishes while I have power;
ful oft ic for laéssan léan teohhode	951	full oft I for less rewards have bestowed,
hordweorþunge hnáhran rince		honouring with treasure a humbler man,
saémran æt sæcce· þú þé self hafast		lesser at fighting; you for yourself have
daédum gefremed þæt þín dóm lyfað		by deeds ensured, that your fame lives
áwa tó aldre· alwalda þec		for ever and ever; may the All-Ruler you
góde forgylde swá hé nú gýt dyde!'	956	reward with good, as He has now yet done!'
Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:		Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
'Wé þæt ellenweorc éstum miclum		'We the courage-works with great pleasure,
feohtan fremedon· frécne genéðdon		endeavoured to fight, boldly risked
eafoð uncúþes. Úþe ic swíþor		the strength of an unknown foe. I would rather
þæt ðú hine selfne geséon móste	961	that you him himself might have seen,
féond on frætewum fylwérigne·		the fiend in his full gear wearied by death;
ic him hrædlíce heardan clammum		I him quickly in hard clasp
on wælbedde wríþan þóhte		on the bed of slaughter thought to fetter,
þæt hé for handgripe mínum scolde		that he because of the hand-grip of mine must
licgean lífbysig bútan his líc swice·	966	lie struggling for life, lest his body slip away;
ic hine ne mihte þá metod nolde		I him could not, when the Measurer of Fate did not wish it,
ganges getwaéman· nó ic him þæs georne ætfealh		hinder departing; nor I so readily kept him close,
feorhgeníðlan· wæs tó foremihtig		that mortal foe; he was too overpowering,
féond on féþe· hwæþere, hé his folme forlét		the fiend in departing; however, he left his hand
tó lífwraþe lást weardian,	971	to save his life, remaining behind,
earm ond eaxle· nó þaér aénige swá þéah		arm and shoulder; not with it though any
féasceaft guma frófre gebohte·		the worthless creature, relief purchased;
nó þý leng leofað láðgetéona		not the longer does he live, the hateful spoiler,
synnum geswenced ac hyne sár hafað		struck down by sins but him the wound has
in níðgripe nearwe befongen	976	with violent grip narrowly enclosed
balwon bendum ðaér ábídan sceal		in baleful bonds, there he must await,
maga máne fáh miclan dómes·		the creature stained with crimes, the great judgement,
hú him scír metod scrífan wille.'		how him the glorious Measure of Fate wishes to decree.'
Ðá wæs swígra secg sunu Ecgláfes		Then the man was more silent, the son of Edgelaf,
on gylpspraéce gúðgeweorca	981	in boast-speech of war-works
siþðan æþelingas eorles cræfte		when the noble men, by the strength of the prince
ofer héanne hróf hand scéawedon		over the high roof saw the hand,
feondes fingras· foran aéghwylc wæs		the fiend's fingers; on the front of each was,
steda nægla gehwylc stýle gelícost		in the place of each nail very much like steel
haéþenes handsporu hilderinces	986	heathenish hand-spurs, the war-creature's
egl unhéoru· aéghwylc gecwæð		ungentle talon; everyone said
þæt him heardra nán hrínan wolde		that him no hard weapon would strike,
íren aérgód, þæt ðæs áhlaécan		pre-eminent iron, that of them (none) the demon's
blódge beadufolme onberan wolde.		bloody battle-hand would injure.

XV
Ðá wæs háten hreþe Heort innanweard	991	Then the order was promptly given the interior of Heorot
folmum gefrætwod· fela þaéra wæs		to furnish by hands; many there were,
wera ond wífa þe þæt wínreced		of men and women, who the wine-hall,
gestsele gyredon· goldfág scinon		the guest-hall prepared; gold-glittering shone
web æfter wágum wundorsíona fela		woven tapestries along the walls, many wondrous sights
secga gehwylcum þára þe on swylc starað·	996	for each of the men, who on such stared;
wæs þæt beorhte bold tóbrocen swíðe		that bright building was badly broken up
eal inneweard írenbendum fæst,		all inside secure with iron-bands,
heorras tóhlidene· hróf ána genæs		hinges sprung open; the roof alone remained
ealles ansund þé se áglaéca		entirely sound, when the ogre,
fyrendaédum fág on fléam gewand	1001	guilty of wicked deeds turned in flight,
aldres orwéna. Nó þæt ýðe byð		despairing of life. That is not easy
to befléönne --fremme sé þe wille--		to flee from --try he who will--
ac gesacan sceal sáwlberendra		but he must gain by strife, those who have souls,
nýde genýdde, niþða bearna		compelled by necessity, the mens' sons',
grundbúendra gearwe stówe	1006	the ground-dwellers' ready place,
þaér his líchoma legerbedde fæst		there his body, fast in his death-bed,
swefeþ æfter symle. Þá wæs saél ond maél		sleeps after feasting. Then it was the time and occasion
þæt tó healle gang Healfdenes sunu·		that to the hall went Half-Dane's son;
wolde self cyning symbel þicgan·		the king himself wished to partake of the feast;
ne gefrægen ic þá maégþe máran weorode	1011	I have not heard when a tribe in a greater force
ymb hyra sincgyfan sél gebaéran·		around their treasure-giver comported themselves better;
bugon þá tó bence blaédágande		they then sank down on the bench, the fame-bearers,
fylle gefaégon· fægere geþaégon		rejoicing at the feast; they graciously received
medoful manig mágas þára		many full goblets of mead, their kinsmen,
swíðhicgende on sele þám héan	1016	stout-hearted, in the high hall
Hróðgár ond Hróþulf· Heorot innan wæs		Hrothgar and Hrothulf· the interior of Heorot was
fréondum áfylled· nalles fácenstafas		filled with friends; no treacherous-strokes
Þéod-Scyldingas þenden fremedon.		the Folk-Scyldings made as yet.
Forgeaf þá Béowulfe brand Healfdenes		Then Beowulf was given the brand of Half-Dane,
segen gyldenne sigores tó léane	1021	the golden banner in reward of victory,
hroden hiltecumbor, helm ond byrnan·		the adorned standard, helm and byrnie;
maére máðþumsweord manige gesáwon		the renowned treasure-sword many saw
beforan beorn beran· Béowulf geþah		brought before the hero; Beowulf took
ful on flette· nó hé þaére feohgyfte		the full flagon from the floor; of the reward-gift he did not,
for scótenum scamigan ðorfte·	1026	as payment, need to be ashamed;
ne gefrægn ic fréondlícor féower mádmas		I have not heard that more graciously four treasures,
golde gegyrede gummanna fela		adorned with gold, many men
in ealobence óðrum gesellan·		on ale-bench have given to others;
ymb þæs helmes hróf héafodbeorge		around the helmet's roof --the head-guard--
wírum bewunden walan útan héold	1031	was wound with wires the re-inforced crest guarded from without,
þæt him féla láf frécne ne meahton		that him what the files have left could not savagely,
scúrheard sceþðan þonne scyldfreca		(could not) harm the wondrously-tempered (helm), when the shield-fighter
ongéan gramum gangan scolde.		against enemies had to go.
Heht ðá eorla hléo eahta méaras		The defender of earls then ordered eight horses,
faétedhléore on flet téön	1036	with decorated head-gear, led onto the hall-floor
in under eoderas· þára ánum stód		in under the ramparts; one of them stood,
sadol searwum fáh since gewurþad·		saddle skilfully adorned, ennobled with jewels;
þæt wæs hildesetl héahcyninges		that was the battle-seat of the high king,
ðonne sweorda gelác sunu Healfdenes		when in sword-play the son of Half-Dane
efnan wolde· naéfre on óre læg	1041	wished to engage; in the vanguard it never failed
wídcúþes wíg ðonne walu féollon·		his warskill well-known, when the slain were falling;
ond ðá Béowulfe béga gehwæþres		and then to Beowulf both of the treasures
eodor Ingwina onweald getéah		the protector of the Friends of Ing bestowed possession,
wicga ond waépna· hét hine wél brúcan·		horses and weapons; he ordered him to make good use of (them);
swá manlíce maére þéoden	1046	so in a manly manner the famed chieftain,
hordweard hæleþa heaþoraésas geald		the hoard-ward of heroes, paid for war-clashes
méarum ond mádmum swá hý naéfre man lyhð		in horses and treasures; thus, one can never find fault in them
sé þe secgan wile sóð æfter rihte.		he who wishes to tell the truth according to what is right.

XVI

Ðá gýt aéghwylcum eorla drihten

Then, furthermore, to each one of the earl's company

þára þe mid Béowulfe brimléade teah

1051

those with Beowulf travelled the sea-path,

on þære medubence máþðum gesealde

on the mead-bench he gave treasures,

yrfeláfe ond þone aénne heht

inherited relics, and the one man decreed

golde forgyldan þone ðe Grendel aér

to requite in gold whom Grendel first

máne ácwealde swá hé hyra má wolde

in wickedness quelled, as he would have more of them

nefne him wítig god wyrd forstóde

1056

except for them wise God that fate had prevented,

ond ðæs mannes mód. Metod eallum wéold

and this man's courage. The Measure of Fate controlled all

gumena cynnes, swá hé nú gít déëð·

for mankind, as he now still does;

forþan bið andgit aéghwaér sélest

therefore understanding is best everywhere,

ferhðes foreþanc· fela sceal gebídan

the forethought of mind; he must abide much

léofes ond láþes sé þe longe hér

1061

love and much hate he who long here

on ðyssum windagum worolde brúceð.

in these days of strife would enjoy the world.

Þaér wæs sang ond swég samod ætgædere

There was song and sound at the same time all together

fore Healfdenes hildewísan,

before Half-Dane's battle-plotter,

gomenwudu gréted, gid oft wrecen

the glee-wood plucked, a lay often recited

ðonne healgamen Hróþgáres scop

1066

when a hall-performance Hrothgar's bard

**1066-1162**

æfter medobence maénan scolde:

before the mead-bench was obliged to utter:

Finnes eaferum ðá híe se faér begeat

concerning Finn's heirs, with whom, when disaster struck them,

hæleð Healfdena· Hnæf Scyldinga

the hero of Half-Danes, Hnaef the Scylding,

in Fréswæle feallan scolde.

on the Frisian battle-field was fated to fall.

Né húru Hildeburh herian þorfte

1071

Truly, Hildeburh did not have need to praise

eotena tréowe· unsynnum wearð

the good faith of the Eotens; she was guiltless,

beloren léofum æt þám hildplegan

bereft of her dear ones: --in the war-play--

bearnum ond bróðrum· híe on gebyrd hruron

her son and brother; they fell, in accorance with Fate,

gáre wunde· þæt wæs geómuru ides.

wounded by spear; that was a mournful woman.

Nalles hólinga Hóces dohtor

1076

Not without reason did Hoc's daughter

meotodsceaft bemearn syþðan morgen cóm

grieve over Fate's decree, when the morning came,

ðá héo under swegle geséon meahte

then she under the sky could see

morþorbealo mága þaér hé aér maéste héold

the baleful slaughter of kinsmen, where before he had held the most

worolde wynne· wíg ealle fornam

joy in the world, war took all

Finnes þegnas nemne féaum ánum

1081

of Finn's thanes, except a few alone,

þæt hé ne mehte on þaém meðelstede

so that he could not in that meeting-place

wíg Hengeste wiht gefeohtan

the clash with Hengest conclude at all,

né þá wéaláfe wíge forþringan

nor the woeful remnant by battle dislodge from their position,

þéodnes ðegne ac hig him geþingo budon:

the prince's thane, so they offered them settlement:

þæt híe him óðer flet eal gerýmdon

1086

that they for them the other dwelling would completely clear,

healle ond héahsetl þæt híe healfre geweald

hall and high seat, that they would half of it control

wið eotena bearn ágan móston

with the Eotens' sons might have,

ond æt feohgyftum Folcwaldan sunu

and at the giving of treasure Folcwalden's son

dógra gehwylce Dene weorþode·

each day the Danes would honour,

Hengestes héap hringum wenede

1091

Hengest's company would revere with rings,

efne swá swíðe sincgestréonum

with even as much precious possesions

faéttan goldes swá hé Frésena cyn

of ornate gold exactly as he the Frisian kind

on béorsele byldan wolde.

in the beer-hall would wish to embolden.

Ðá híe getruwedon on twá healfa

Then they pledged on both sides

fæste frioðuwaére· Fin Hengeste

1096

firm compact of peace; Finn to Hengest

elne unflitme áðum benemde

with incontestable earnestness proclaimed an oath

þæt hé þá wéaláfe weotena dóme

that he the woeful remnant, by sages' judgement,

árum héolde þæt ðaér aénig mon

would hold in honour, that there any man

wordum né worcum waére ne braéce

by word nor by deed would not break the treaty,

né þurh inwitsearo aéfre gemaénden

1101

nor in malicious artifice ever complain,

ðéah híe hira béaggyfan banan folgedon

though they their ring-giver's killer followed,

ðéodenléase, þá him swá geþearfod wæs·

leaderless, and were thus forced by necessity;

gyf þonne Frýsna hwylc frécnen spraéce

if then any Frisian by audacious speech

ðæs morþorhétes myndgiend waére

the murderous feud were to remind (them),

þonne hit sweordes ecg syððan scolde.

1106

then it by sword's edge must be thereafter.

Ád wæs geæfned ond incge gold

The funeral fire was prepared, and Ingui's gold,

áhæfen of horde· Here-Scyldinga

raised from the hoard; the War-Scyldings'

betst beadorinca wæs on baél gearu·

best battle-man was ready on the bier;

æt þaém áde wæs éþgesýne

at the funeral-pyre was easily seen

swátfáh syrce swýn ealgylden

1111

the blood-stained mail-shirt, the swine all-golden,

eofer írenheard æþeling manig

the boar hard as iron, the prince had many

wundum áwyrded· sume on wæle crungon·

destroyed by wounds; great men had fallen in slaughter;

hét ðá Hildeburh æt Hnæfes áde

then Hildeburh ordered at Hnaef's pier

hire selfre sunu sweoloðe befæstan,

her own sun committed to the fire,

bánfatu bærnan ond on baél dóön

1116

the body-vessel burned, and put on the bier,

earme on eaxle· ides gnornode·

the wretched woman at his shoulder, the lady lamented,

geómrode giddum· gúðrinc ástáh·

sorrowed with songs; the warrior was laid out,

wand tó wolcnum wælfýra maést

spiralled into the clouds the greatest fire of the slain

hlynode for hláwe· hafelan multon·

roared before the mound; heads melted,

bengeato burston ðonne blód ætspranc,

1121

the wound-gates burst open, then blood sprang out,

láðbite líces· líg ealle forswealg,

from the hate-bites of the body; the blaze swallowed all up,

gaésta gífrost, þára ðe þaér gúð fornam

--the greediest guest-- those who there were taken by battle

béga folces· wæs hira blaéd scacen.

from both peoples; their vigour was dispersed.

XVII

Gewiton him ðá wígend wíca néosian

The warriors returned then to seek their houses,

fréondum befeallen, Frýsland geséon,

1126

bereft of friends, to see Frisia,

hámas ond héaburh· Hengest ðá gýt

their homes and high fort; yet Hengest

wælfágne winter wunode mid Finn

the death-stained winter spent with Finn,

eal unhlitine· eard gemunde

in a place with no fellowship at all; he remembered his land,

þéah þe ne meahte on mere drífan

though he could not drive on the sea

hringedstefnan: holm storme wéol·

1131

the ring-prowed ship: the sea welled in storm,

won wið winde· winter ýþe beléac

fought against the wind; the winter locked the waves

ísgebinde oþ ðæt óþer cóm

in icy bonds, until came another

géar in geardas swá nú gýt déëð·

year to the courtyards, as it still does now,

þá ðe syngáles séle bewitiað

those which continuously carry out their seasons,

wuldortorhtan weder. Ðá wæs winter scacen,

1136

gloriously bright weathers. Then winter was gone,

fæger foldan bearm· fundode wrecca

fair was the Earth's breast; the exile was anxious to go,

gist of geardum· hé tó gyrnwræce

the guest of the dwellings; he of vengeance for grief

swíðor þóhte þonne tó saéláde·

sooner thought than of sea-path,

gif hé torngemót þurhtéon mihte

and whether he a bitter encounter could bring about,

þæt hé eotena bearn inne gemunde·

1141

for that he of the Eotens' sons inwardly remembered;

swá hé ne forwyrnde woroldraédenne

so he did not refuse the worldly practice,

þonne him Húnláfing, hildeléoman

when to him Hunlafing the battle-light,

billa sélest on bearm dyde·

the finest blade he placed on (Hnaef's) lap;

þæs waéron mid eotenum ecge cúðe.

among the Eotens its edges were known.

Swylce ferhðfrecan Fin eft begeat

1146

So too his mortal enemy's --Finn in turn received--

sweordbealo slíðen æt his selfes hám

dire sword-onslaught in his own home,

siþðan grimne gripe Gúðláf ond Ósláf

when concerning the fierce attack Guthlaf and Oslaf,

æfter saésíðe sorge maéndon·

following their sea-journey, declared their grief,

ætwiton wéana daél· ne meahte waéfre mód

blamed for their share of woes; he could not his restless spirit

forhabban in hreþre· ðá wæs heal hroden

1151

contain in his breast; then the hall were decorated

féonda féorum· swilce Fin slægen

with the foes' lives, so too Finn was slain,

cyning on corþre ond séo cwén numen·

the king amid his troop, and the queen was seized;

scéotend Scyldinga tó scypon feredon

Scylding shooters ferried to the ships

eal ingesteald eorðcyninges·

all of the house-goods of the nation's king,

swylce híe æt Finnes hám findan meahton

1156

which they at Finn's estate could find:

sigla searogimma· híe on saéláde

shining jewels and well-cut gems; they on the sea-path

drihtlíce wíf tó Denum feredon·

the noble lady ferried to the Danes,

laéddon tó léodum. Léoð wæs ásungen

led to the people. The lay was sung,

gléomannes gyd· gamen eft ástáh·

the gleeman's tale; joy again sprang up,

beorhtode bencswég· byrelas sealdon

1161

music rang out from the bench, cup-bearers served

wín of wunderfatum. Þá cwóm Wealhþéo forð

wine from wondrous vessels. Then Wealhtheow came forth,

gán under gyldnum béage þaér þá gódan twégen

walking in a golden neck-ring to where the good pair

sæton suhtergefæderan þá gýt wæs hiera sib ætgædere,

sat, uncle and nephew; then their kinship was still together,

aéghwylc óðrum trýwe· swylce þaér Hunferþ þyle

each to the other true; Unferth the þyle was also there

æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga· gehwylc hiora his ferhþe tréowde

1166

sitting at the feet of the Scylding lord; each of them trusted his spirit,

þæt hé hæfde mód micel þéah þe hé his mágum naére

and that he had great courage, though he to his kin was not

árfæst æt ecga gelácum· spræc ðá ides Scyldinga:

honourable in clash of blades; the Scylding lady then spoke:

'Onfóh þissum fulle, fréodrihten mín,

'Receive this full cup, my noble lord,

sinces brytta· þú on saélum wes,

dispenser of treasure; you--be joyful,

goldwine gumena, ond tó Géatum spræc

gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak

mildum wordum swá sceal man dóön·

with gentle words so ought a man to do;

béo wið Géatas glæd, geofena gemyndig

1173

be gracious with the Geats, mindful of gifts

néan ond feorran þú nú hafast·

which from near and far you now have;

mé man sægde þæt þú ðé for sunu wolde

it has been said to me that you wish for a son,

hereric habban· Heorot is gefaélsod

to have this leader of armies; Heorot is cleansed,

béahsele beorhta· brúc þenden þú móte

the bright ring-hall; enjoy, while you may,

** 1177-87**

manigra médo ond þínum mágum laéf

1178

many rewards, and leave to your kinsmen

folc ond ríce þonne ðú forð scyle

folk and kingdom when you must go forth

metodsceaft séön· ic mínne can

to meet what is fated; I know my

glædne Hróþulf· þæt hé þá geogoðe wile

gracious Hrothulf, that he the youths wishes

árum healdan gyf þú aér þonne hé,

to hold in honour, if you earlier than he,

wine Scildinga, worold oflaétest

1183

friend of the Scyldings, leave behind the world,

wéne ic þæt hé mid góde gyldan wille

I think that he with good will repay

uncran eaferan gif hé þæt eal gemon·

our children, if he that at all remembers,

hwæt wit tó willan ond tó worðmyndum

what we for his sake and for his worldly renown,

umborwesendum aér árna gefremedon.'

before, in his youth, bestowed our favours.'

Hwearf þá bí bence þaér hyre byre waéron

1188

She turned then by the bench, where her boys were,

Hréðríc ond Hróðmund ond hæleþa bearn

Hrethric and Hrothmund, and heroes' sons,

giogoð æt gædere· þaér se góda sæt

the young company all together; there sat the good

Béowulf Géata be þaém gebróðrum twaém.

Beowulf of the Geats by the two brothers.

XVIII

Him wæs ful boren ond fréondlaþu

The full cup was brought to him, and a friendly invitation

wordum bewægned ond wundengold

1193

proffered in words, and twisted gold

éstum geéawed: earmréade twá

kindly offered: two arm-ornaments,

hrægl ond hringas, healsbéaga maést

robe and rings, the largest necklace

þára þe ic on foldan gefrægen hæbbe·

of those which I on earth have heard of;

naénigne ic under swegle sélran hýrde

none under the sky I have heard of better

hordmádmum hæleþa syþðan Háma ætwæg

1198

from hoard-treasures of heroes, since Hama carried off

tó herebyrhtan byrig Brósinga mene

to the battle-bright stronghold the Brosings' necklet,

sigle ond sincfæt· searoníðas fealh

jewel and precious setting; he fled the cunning enmity

Eormenríces· gecéas écne raéd·

of Eormenric, chose eternal benefit;

þone hring hæfde Higelác Géata

That ring had Hygelac of the Geats,

**1202-14**

nefa Swertinges nýhstan síðe

1203

grandson of Swerting, on his last adventure,

siðþan hé under segne sinc ealgode·

when under the banner he defended riches,

wælréaf werede· hyne wyrd fornam

warded slaughter-spoils; him Fate took away,

syþðan hé for wlenco wéan áhsode

after he from pride sought misery,

faéhðe tó Frýsum· hé þá frætwe wæg

feud with the Frisians; he then wore the ornament,

eorclanstánas ofer ýða ful

1208

the mysterious stone over the waves' cup,

ríce þéoden· hé under rande gecranc.

the mighty prince; he fell under the rimmed-shield.

Gehwearf þá in Francna fæþm feorh cyninges

Passed then into the Franks' grasp the body of the king,

bréostgewaédu ond se béah somod·

mail-coat and the ring together;

wyrsan wígfrecan wæl réafeden

lesser warrior rifled the corpses

æfter gúðsceare· Géata léode

1213

after the slaughter of battle; the people of the Geats

hréawíc héoldon. Heal swége onféng·

filled the field of corpses. The hall resounded with noise;

Wealhðéo maþelode· héo fore þaém werede spræc:

Wealhtheow spoke; she spoke before the retinue:

'Brúc ðisses béages, Béowulf léofa

'Make use of this ring, belovèd Beowulf,

hyse, mid haéle ond þisses hrægles néot

young man, with good fortune, and take benefit from this corslet,

þéod gestreona ond geþéoh tela·

1218

the wealth of a nation, and prosper well,

cen þec mid cræfte ond þyssum cnyhtum wes

prove yourself with strength, and to these lads be

lára líðe· ic þé þæs léan geman·

gentle in teaching; I shall remember you for this requital;

hafast þú geféred þæt ðé feor ond néah

you have brought it about that you far and near

ealne wídeferhþ weras ehtigað

always and forever men will praise,

efne swá síde swá saé bebúgeð,

1223

even as widely as the sea surrounds

windgeard, weallas· wes þenden þú lifige,

the home of the wind, walls; be while you live,

æþeling, éadig· ic þé an tela

prince, happy; I wish thee well,

sincgestréona· béo þú suna mínum

and rich in treasure; be you to my sons

daédum gedéfe, dréamhealdende·

indulgent in deeds, possessing joy;

hér is aéghwylc eorl óþrum getrýwe

1228

here is each of the men true to the others

módes milde mandrihtne hléo·

generous in mind, in the protetion of their liege-lord;

þegnas syndon geþwaére þéod ealgearo

the thanes are united, the people alert,

druncne dryhtguman dóð swá ic bidde.'

the warrior-retinue cheered by drink do as I bid.'

Éode þá tó setle· þaér wæs symbla cyst·

She went then to her seat; there was the finest feast,

druncon wín weras· wyrd ne cúþon

1233

the men drank wine; they did not know their fate,

geósceaft grimme swá hit ágangen wearð

horrific destiny, as it had happened

eorla manegum syþðan aéfen cwóm

to many heroes, after evening came,

ond him Hróþgár gewát tó hofe sínum

and Hrothgar went to his quarters,

ríce tó ræste reced weardode

the ruler to rest, the hall guarded

unrím eorla swá híe oft aér dydon

1238

countless earls, as they often had done before,

bencþelu beredon· hit geondbraéded wearð

they cleared away the benches from the floor; over it was spread

beddum ond bolstrum· béorscealca sum

bedding and bolsters; one of the beer-drinkers,

fús ond faége fletræste gebéag·

eager and doomed, lay down in his hall-couch;

setton him tó héafdon hilderandas

they set at their heads battle-bossed shields,

bordwudu beorhtan· þaér on bence wæs

1243

bright linden-wood; there on the bench was

ofer æþelinge ýþgeséne

over each nobleman easily seen

heaþostéapa helm hringed byrne

a battle-steep helm, ringed byrnie,

þrecwudu þrymlíc· wæs þéaw hyra

(and) glorious mighty shaft; their custom was

þæt híe oft waéron an wíg gearwe

that they were often ready for a battle

gé æt hám gé on herge gé gehwæþer þára

1248

both at home and out harrying, and either of these,

efne swylce maéla swylce hira mandryhtne

for just such times as for their liege-lord

þearf gesaélde· wæs séo þéod tilu.

the need arose; they were a good platoon.

XVIIII
Sigon þá tó slaépe· sum sáre angeald		They sank then into sleep; one paid sorely
æfenræste swá him ful oft gelamp		for his evening rest, as had quite often happened,
siþðan goldsele Grendel warode·	1253	when the gold-hall Grendel warded,
unriht æfnde oþ þæt ende becwóm,		inflict wrong until the end came,
swylt æfter synnum. Þæt gesýne wearþ		death for crimes. That became manifest,
wídcúþ werum þætte wrecend þá gýt		widely known by men, that an avenger still
lifde æfter láþum lange þráge		lived after the misfortunes, for a long time
æfter gúðceare Grendles módor	1258	after the war-trouble, Grendel's mother,
ides áglaécwíf yrmþe gemunde		lady troll-wife, remembered misery,
sé þe wæteregesan wunian scolde		she who the dreadful water had to inhabit,
cealde stréamas siþðan camp him wearð		the cold currents, after strife arose through him,
tó ecgbanan ángan bréþer		a sword-slayer to an only brother,
fæderenmaége· hé þá fág gewát	1263	father's kin; he went then stained,
morþre gemearcod mandréam fléön·		marked by the murder, fled human pleasures,
wésten warode. Þanon wóc fela		lived in the wilds. Then awoke many
geósceaftgásta· wæs þaéra Grendel sum,		fated spirits; Grendel was one of these,
heorowearh hetelíc· sé æt Heorote fand		the hateful sword-outlaw, who found at Heorot
wæccendne wer wíges bidan·	1268	a watching man biding for battle;
þaér him áglaéca ætgráepe wearð·		there with him the troll came at close grips;
hwæþre hé gemunde mægenes strenge		yet he remembered the great strength,
gimfæste gife ðe him god sealde		generous gift, which God gave him,
ond him tó anwaldan áre gelýfde		and he on the One-Ruler's favour relied,
frófre ond fultum· ðý hé þone féond ofercwóm·	1273	comfort and support; by this he overcame the fiend,
gehnaégde helle gást· þá hé héan gewát		subdued the spirit of hell; then wretched he went,
dréame bedaéled déaþwíc séön,		deprived of joy, to see his place of death,
mancynnes féond. Ond his módor þá gýt		that foe of mankind. And his mother even now,
gífre ond galgmód gegán wolde		greedy and gloomy-hearted wished to go forth,
sorhfulne síð, sunu déoð wrecan·	1278	a sorrowful journey, to avenge her son's death;
cóm þá to Heorote ðaér Hring-Dene		she came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes
geond þæt sæld swaéfun· þá ðaér sóna wearð		slept throught the hall; then there at once came about
edhwyrft eorlum siþðan inne fealh		the earl's reversal of fortune, when inside passed
Grendles módor· wæs se gryre laéssa		Grendel's mother; the horror was less
efne swá micle swá bið mægþa cræft	1283	by even so much, as is maid's strength,
wíggryre wífes bewaépned men		--the war-violence of woman-- from an armed man,
þonne heoru bunden hamere geþuren		when adorned blade, by hammer forged,
sweord swáte fáh swín ofer helme		--sword stained with blood-- the boar-crest
ecgum dyhttig andweard scireð.		by edges firm, the opposing (helmet) is sheared.
Þá wæs on healle heardecg togen	1288	Then in the hall was drawn a hard-edged
sweord ofer setlum, sídrand manig		sword above the seats, many a broad bossed-shield
hafen handa fæst· helm ne gemunde		held fast in hand; helmet was not heeded,
byrnan síde þá hine se bróga angeat·		(nor) broad byrnie, when the horror perceived him;
héo wæs on ofste· wolde út þanon,		she was in haste, wanted out of there,
féore beorgan þá héo onfunden wæs·	1293	to protect her life, when she was discovered;
hraðe héo æþelinga ánne hæfde		quickly she a noble one had
fæste befangen· þá héo tó fenne gang·		seized tightly, then she went to the fen;
sé wæs Hróþgáre hæleþa léofost		he was to Hrothgar the best-loved hero
on gesíðes hád be saém twéonum		in the retinue's rank between the two seas
ríce randwiga þone ðe héo on ræste ábréat	1298	mighty shield-warrior, whom she ripped from his rest,
blaédfæstne beorn --næs Béowulf ðaér		the glorious man --Beowulf was not there,
ac wæs óþer in aér geteohhod		but was in the other lodging assigned earlier
æfter máþðumgife maérum Géate--		after the treasure-giving to the mighty Geat--
hréam wearð in Heorote· héo under heolfre genam		a cry was in Heorot; she took from its gore
cúþe folme· cearu wæs geníwod,	1303	a well-known arm; sorrow was renewed,
geworden in wícun· ne wæs þæt gewrixle til		it returned to their dwellings; that exchange was not good,
þæt híe on bá healfa bicgan scoldon		which they on both sides were obliged to pay for
fréonda féorum· þá wæs fród cyning		with the lives of friends; then was the wise king,
hár hilderinc on hréonmóde		the grey battle-man, in a troubled spirit,
syðþan hé aldorþegn unlyfigendne	1308	when he the lordly thane unliving,
þone déorestan déadne wisse.		the dearest one, knew was dead.
Hraþe wæs tó búre Béowulf fetod		Quickly to the bower was Beowulf fetched
sigoréadig secg· samod aérdæge		the victorious warrior; at day-break
éode eorla sum æþele cempa		the notable earl went --noble champion--
self mid gesíðum þaér se snotera bád	1313	himself with his companions where the wise one awaited
hwæþre him Alfwalda aéfre wille		whether for him the Ruler of Elves ever would wish,
æfter wéaspelle wyrpe gefremman·		after the news of woe, to bring about a change for the better;
gang ðá æfter flóre fyrdwyrðe man		then over the floor went the war-worthy man
mid his handscale --healwudu dynede--		with his crowd of companions --the wood of the hall resounded--
þæt hé þone wísan wordum hnægde	1318	he the wise (king) humbled with words:
fréan Ingwina· frægn gif him waére		--the lord of the Ingwins-- asked if it had been for him,
æfter néodlaðu niht getaése.		according to his hopes, a pleasing night.

Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:

Hrothgar spoke, the Helm of the Scyldings:

'Ne frín þú æfter saélum· sorh is geníwod

'Do not you ask after pleasures; sorrow is renewed

Denigea léodum· déad is Æschere

1323

for the Danish nation; Æschere is dead,

Yrmenláfes yldra bróþor

Yrmenlaf's elder brother,

mín rúnwita ond mín raédbora

my confident and my chief counsellor,

eaxlgestealla ðonne wé on orlege

shoulder-companion, when we in war

hafelan weredon þonne hniton féþan

protected the head, when clashed with foot-soldiers,

eoferas cnysedan· swylc eorl scolde

1328

dashed boars (atop helmets); so ought a man

wesan aérgód swylc Æschere wæs.

be experienced and noble, as Æschere was.

Wearð him on Heorote tó handbanan

In Heorot for him was a hand-slayer,

wælgaést waéfre· ic ne wát hwæþer

restless death-spirit; I know not whether,

atol aése wlanc eftsíðas téah

glorying in the carcass, she undertook a return journey,

fylle gefraégnod· héo þá faéhðe wræc

1333

contented by her feast; she avenged the feud

þe þú gystran niht Grendel cwealdest

in which you yester-night Grendel quelled

þurh haéstne hád heardum clammum

through violent means in harsh embrace,

forþan hé tó lange léode míne

because he for too long my people

wanode ond wyrde hé æt wíge gecrang

diminished and destroyed, he fell in the fight,

ealdres scyldig ond nú óþer cwóm

1338

having forfeited his life, and now the other has come,

mihtig mánscaða· wolde hyre maég wrecan·

the mighty crime-wreaker, she wants to avenge her kinsman,

gé feor hafað faéhðe gestaéled

and has very far carried her feud,

þæs þe þincean mæg þegne monegum

as it must seem to many a thane,

sé þe æfter sincgyfan on sefan gréoteþ:

who for the treasure-giver weeps in his heart:

hreþerbealo hearde· nú séo hand ligeð

1343

hard mind-grief! now the hand has fallen away,

sé þe éow wélhwylcra wilna dohte.

which in all of you had sustained wishes.

Ic þæt londbúend léode míne

I it, land-dwellers, my people,

seleraédende secgan hýrde

hall-counsellors have heard tell

þæt híe gesáwon swylce twégen

that they saw two such

micle mearcstapan móras healdan,

1348

massive marchers of no-man's land haunting the moors,

ellorgaéstas· ðaéra óðer wæs

alien spirits; one of them was,

þæs þe híe gewislícost gewitan meahton

as they most certainly were able to discern,

idese onlícnæs· óðer earmsceapen

of the likeness of a woman; the other one wretchedly shaped

on weres wæstmum wraéclástas træd

in the form of a man trod in the tracks of an exile,

næfne hé wæs mára þonne aénig man óðer·

1353

except he was larger than any other man;

þone on géardagum Grendel nemdon

in days of yore him 'Grendel' named

foldbúende· nó híe fæder cunnon·

the earth-dwellers; they did not know of his father,

hwæþer him aénig wæs aér ácenned

whether of them any were born previously

dyrnra gásta. Híe dýgel lond

of obscure spirits. They a secret land

**1357-67**

warigeað wulfhleoþu windige næssas

1358

inhabited, wolf-slopes, windy water-capes,

frécne fengelád ðaér fyrgenstréam

a dangerous passage over the fen-waters, where mountain-stream

under næssa genipu niþer gewíteð

under the darkness of the headlands descended downward,

flód under foldan· nis þæt feor heonon

the flood under the earth; it is not that far hence

mílgemearces þæt se mere standeð·

in mile-marks, that the mere stands;

ofer þaém hongiað hrímge bearwas·

1363

over it hangs frost-covered groves,

wudu wyrtum fæst wæter oferhelmað·

tree held fast by its roots overshadows the water;

þaér mæg nihta gehwaém níðwundor séon

there one may every night a horrible marvel see:

fýr on flóde· nó þæs fród leofað

fire on the water; not even the wise of them lives,

gumena bearna þæt þone grund wite.

of men's sons, that knows the bottom.

Ðéah þe haéðstapa hundum geswenced

1368

Though the heath-stepper harrassed by hounds,

heorot hornum trum holtwudu séce

the hart with strong horns, seeks the forest,

feorran geflýmed· aér hé feorh seleð

put to flight from far, first he will give up his life,

aldor on ófre aér hé in wille

existence on the shore, before he will (leap) in

hafelan helan· nis þæt héoru stów·

to hide his head; it is not a pleasant place;

þonon ýðgeblond úp ástígeð

1373

thence a maelström of the waves rises up,

won tó wolcnum þonne wind styreþ

dark to the clouds, when the wind stirs

láð gewidru oð þæt lyft drysmaþ·

grievous storms, until the air grows dark,

roderas réotað. Nú is se raéd gelang

the skies weep. Now is the remedy dependent upon

eft æt þé ánum· eard gít ne const

you alone once again; you do not know the region yet,

frécne stówe ðaér þú findan miht

1378

terrible place where you might find

felasinnigne secg· séc gif þú dyrre·

the much-sinning creature; seek if you dare;

ic þé þá faéhðe féo léanige

for the feud you I would reward with wealth,

ealdgestréonum swá ic aér dyde,

with old treasures, as I did before,

wundungolde gyf þú on weg cymest.'

with twisted-gold, if you come away.'

XXI
Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:	1383	Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
'Ne sorga, snotor guma· sélre bið aéghwaém		'Do not sorrow, wise man· it is better for everyone
þæt hé his fréond wrece þonne hé fela murne·		that he his friend avenge, than he mourn over-much;
úre aéghwylc sceal ende gebídan		each of us must await the end
worolde lífes: wyrce sé þe móte		in the world of life: gain he who may
dómes aér déaþe· þæt bið drihtguman,	1388	glory before death; that is for the warrior,
unlifgendum æfter sélest.		unliving, afterwards the best.
Árís, ríces weard, uton hraþe féran		Arise, O guardian of the kingdom, let us go quickly,
Grendles mágan gang scéawigan·		Grendel's kin's trail survey;
ic hit þé geháte: nó hé on helm losaþ		I swear it to thee: she will not be lost in the cover,
né on foldan fæþm né on fyrgenholt	1393	nor in the embrace of the earth, nor in the mountain wood,
né on gyfenes grund· gá þaér hé wille·		nor in the ocean's depth, go where she will;
ðýs dógor þú geþyld hafa		this day you must have patience
wéana gehwylces swá ic þé wéne tó.'		in each of the woes, as I expect you to.'
Áhléop ðá se gomela, gode þancode		The agèd one leapt up, thanked God,
mihtigan drihtne þæs se man gespræc·	1398	mighty Lord, for what the man spoke;
þá wæs Hróðgáre hors gebaéted		then was for Hrothgar a horse was bridled,
wicg wundenfeax· wísa fengel		a mount with braided mane; the wise ruler
geatolíc gende· gumféþa stóp		rode well-equipped; the foot-soldiers marched
lindhæbbendra· lástas waéron		linden-wood bearers; tracks were
æfter waldswaþum wíde gesýne,	1403	along the forest-track widely seen,
gang ofer grundas gegnum for		the trail over the grounds, went straight-forward
ofer myrcan mór magoþegna bær		over the murky moor, she carried of the kin-thanes
þone sélestan sáwolléasne		the finest --without his soul--
þára þe mid Hróðgáre hám eahtode.		of those who with Hrothgar had defended their home.
Oferéode þá æþelinga bearn	1408	Traversed then the nobles' son
stéap stánhliðo stíge nearwe		the steep stone slopes, the narrow ways,
enge ánpaðas uncúð gelád		the tight single-file paths, the unknown, uncertain water-crossings,
neowle næssas nicorhúsa fela·		the precipitous headlands, the many homes of nicors;
hé féara sum beforan gengde		he with a few went ahead
wísra monna wong scéawian	1413	wise men surveying the field,
oþ þæt hé faéringa fyrgenbéamas		until he by chance mountain-trees
ofer hárne stán hleonian funde		over a silvery-grey stone found hanging,
wynléasne wudu· wæter under stód		the joyless forest; water stood below,
dréorig ond gedréfed· Denum eallum wæs		bloody and stirred-up; for all of the Danes was,
winum Scyldinga wærce on móde	1418	for the friends of the Scyldings, suffering in the heart
tó geþolianne, ðegne monegum		to endure, for many thanes,
oncýð eorla gehwaém syðþan Æscheres		awakening grief in each of the nobles, when Æschere's
on þám holmclife hafelan métton.		--on the sea-cliff-- head encountered.
Flód blóde wéol --folc tó saégon--		The flood welled bloody --the folk stared at it--
hátan heolfre· horn stundum song	1423	with flaming gore; rapidly the horn sang,
fúslíc forðléoð· féþa eal gesæt·		urgent song of departure; the troop all sat down;
gesáwon ðá æfter wætere wyrmcynnes fela		they saw then through the water many of the race of serpents,
sellice saédracan sund cunnian,		strange sea-dragon exploring the lake,
swylce on næshleoðum nicras licgean		also on the cape-slopes were lounging nicors,
ðá on undernmaél oft bewitigað	1428	they in mid-morning often carry out
sorhfulne síð on seglráde,		grievous sorties on the sail-road,
wyrmas ond wildéor· híe on weg hruron		serpents and wild beasts; they rushed away
bitere ond gebolgne· bearhtm ongéaton		bitter and swollen with rage; they perceived the clear note,
gúðhorn galan· sumne Géata léod		war-horn wailing; one of the Geats' men
of flánbogan féores getwaéfde	1433	with a shaft and bow separated it from life,
ýðgewinnes þæt him on aldre stód		of wave-struggle that in its heart stood,
herestraél hearda· hé on holme wæs		a strong war-arrow; it in the water was
sundes þé saénra ðé hyne swylt fornam·		swimming the slower, when Death seized it;
hræþe wearð on ýðum mid eoferspréotum		fast it was in the waves against boar-pikes
heorohócyhtum hearde genearwod,	1438	savagely-hooked hard pressed,
níða genaéged ond on næs togen		viciously attacked, and from the cape dragged out,
wundorlíc waégbora· weras scéawedon		wondrous spawn of the waves; men stared at
gryrelícne gist. Gyrede hine Béowulf		the gruesome guest. Beowulf armed himself
eorlgewaédum· nalles for ealdre mearn·		in noble garments, feared not at all for his life;
scolde herebyrne hondum gebróden	1443	it was necessary that his army-byrnie, braided by hands,
síd ond searofáh sund cunnian		broad and cunningly adorned, explore the lake,
séo ðe báncofan beorgan cúþe		it the bone-chamber could protect,
þæt him hildegráp hreþre ne mihte		that him the battle-grip could not his heart,
eorres inwitfeng aldre gesceþðan		nor angry grasp of malice his life scathe,
ac se hwíta helm hafelan werede	1448	moreover the shining helm warded his head,
sé þe meregrundas mengan scolde,		that which the mere-depths must stir up,
sécan sundgebland since geweorðad		seek the mingling of waters adorned with riches,
befongen fréawrásnum swá hine fyrndagum		encircled with lordly-bands as in far-days it
worhte waépna smið wundrum téode·		was wrought by weapons' smith, wonderfully lengthened,
besette swínlícum þæt hine syðþan nó	1453	beset with swine-forms, so that it then no
brond né beadomécas bítan ne meahton.		brond-blade nor battle-maiches to bite were not able.
Næs þæt þonne maétost mægenfultuma		Not the least then of his mighty supports,
þæt him on ðearfe láh ðyle Hróðgáres		that him in need lent Hrothgar's þyle
--wæs þaém hæftméce Hrunting nama--		--was the long-hilted maiche-sword's name Hrunting--
þæt wæs án foran ealdgestréona·	1458	it was one above of ancient treasures;
ecg wæs íren átertánum fáh		edge was iron, with poison-twigs patterned,
áhyrded heaþoswáte· naéfre hit æt hilde ne swác		hardened with battle-blood; never had it in a fight failed
manna aéngum þára þe hit mid mundum bewand		any man, who it in hands brandished,
sé ðe gryresíðas gegán dorste		he who terrifying journeys dared to enter upon,
folcstede fára· næs þæt forma síð	1463	the domain of foes; it was not the first time
þæt hit ellenweorc æfnan scolde.		that it courage-work had been obliged to perform.
Húru ne gemunde mago Ecgláfes		Indeed he could not have recalled, the kin of Ecgelaf,
eafoþes cræftig þæt hé aér gespræc		mighty in strength, that which he had said before,
wíne druncen þá hé þæs waépnes onláh		drunk on wine, when he lent that the weapon
sélran sweordfrecan selfa ne dorste	1468	to a better swordsman, he himself did not dare
under ýða gewin aldre genéþan,		under the waves' turmoil to risk his life,
drihtscype dréogan· þaér hé dóme forléas		to carry out bravery; there he forfeited glory,
ellenmaérðum· ne wæs þaém óðrum swá		fame from valour; it was not so for the other,
syðþan hé hine tó gúðe gegyred hæfde.		when he himself for war had equipped.

XXII
Béowulf maðelode bearn Ecgþéowes:	1473	Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
'Geþenc nú, se maéra maga Healfdenes		'Think now, glorious kinsman of Half-Dane,
snottra fengel· nú ic eom síðes fús·		wise chieftain, now I am eager for the adventure,
goldwine gumena, hwæt wit géo spraécon:		gold-friend of man, what we spoke of earlier:
gif ic æt þearfe þínre scolde		if I in employment of yours should
aldre linnan· þæt ðú mé á waére	1478	be parted from life, that you for me ever would be,
forðgewitenum on fæder staéle·		having passed on, in the place of a father;
wes þú mundbora mínum magoþegnum		be you hand-bearer to my young retainers,
hondgesellum gif mec hild nime		hand-companions, if battle takes me,
swylce þú ðá mádmas, þé þú mé sealdest,		so too you the treasures, those which you gave me,
Hróðgár léofa, Higeláce onsend·	1483	beloved Hrothgar, send on to Hygelac;
mæg þonne on þaém golde ongitan Géata dryhten,		he then will able to in the gold observe, the lord of the Geats,
geséon sunu Hraédles þonne hé on þæt sinc starað		to perceive, the son of Hrethel, when he on that treasures stares,
þæt ic gumcystum gódne funde		that I one of noble virtues, a good king, had found,
béaga bryttan bréac þonne móste.		dispenser of rings, enjoyed while I could.
Ond þú Hunferð laét ealde láfe