Beowulf

by Beowulf Poet

Grave were their spirits, 50 mournful their mood. No man is able to say in sooth, no son of the halls, no hero ’neath heaven,—who harbored that freight!

and within it, then, to old and young he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, save only the land and the lives of his men.

braided bright the breast of earth with limbs and leaves, made life for all of mortal beings that breathe and move. So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel 100 a winsome life, till one began to fashion evils, that field of hell.

Woe for that man who in harm and hatred hales his soul 185 to fiery embraces;—nor favor nor change awaits he ever. But well for him that after death-day may draw to his Lord, and friendship find in the Father’s arms!

“This was my thought, when my thanes and I bent to the ocean and entered our boat, 635 that I would work the will of your people fully, or fighting fall in death, in fiend’s gripe fast. I am firm to do an earl’s brave deed, or end the days of this life of mine in the mead-hall here.”

“This work of war most willingly we have fought, this fight, and fearlessly dared force of the foe.

“Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better 1390 friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them. Each of us all must his end abide in the ways of the world; so win who may glory ere death! When his days are told, that is the warrior’s worthiest doom. 1395 Rise, O realm-warder! Ride we anon, and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel. No harbor shall hide her—heed my promise!— enfolding of field or forested mountain or floor of the flood, let her flee where she will! 1400 But thou this day endure in patience, as I ween thou wilt, thy woes each one.”

Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary, 1855 art wise in words!

From the Ruler-of-Man no wrath shall seize me, when life from my frame must flee away, for killing of kinsmen! Now quickly go and gaze on that hoard ’neath the hoary rock, Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low, 2755 sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved. And fare in haste. I would fain behold the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down softlier for sight of this splendid hoard 2760 my life and the lordship I long have held.”

“Thou art end and remnant of all our race the Waegmunding name. For Wyrd hath swept them, all my line, to the land of doom, 2825 earls in their glory: I after them go.”

death is better for liegemen all than a life of shame!”

“Fire shall devour 3125 and wan flames feed on the fearless warrior who oft stood stout in the iron-shower, when, sped from the string, a storm of arrows shot o’er the shield-wall: the shaft held firm, featly feathered, followed the barb.”