BEOWULF
diacritically-marked text and facing translation
last updated on 22-Jun-2022
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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· |
5 | 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, |
10 | 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 an 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 |
15 | 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 |
20 | 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. |
25 | amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper. | ||
| Him ðá Scyld gewát tó gescæphwíle |
|
| ||
| 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 |
30 | 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 |
35 | 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 |
40 | 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 |
45 | 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 |
50 | 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 | |
| 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· |
| Grendel'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 Grendel 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 | |
| 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. |
|
| 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 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, cleanse 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 |
| |||
| 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 |
| ||
| 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.' |
|
X |
| |||
| 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 |
|
| ||
| 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'er 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 |
|
| ||
| 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 choosing; 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 nobles, 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 |
| ||
| 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 son 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 |
|
| ||
| 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 |
|
| ||
| 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. |
|
XX |
| |||
| 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 |
|
| ||
| 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 |
1488 | And let Unferth the old heirloom, |
| wraétlíc waégsweord wídcúðne man |
| the glorious wave-sword, (let) the widely-known man |
| heardecg habban· ic mé mid Hruntinge |
| have that hard-edged (sword); I for myself with Hrunting |
| dóm gewyrce oþðe mec déað nimeð.' |
| will gain glory, unless Death takes me.' |
| Æfter þaém wordum Weder-Géata léod |
| After these words the man of the Weder-Geats |
| efste mid elne· nalas andsware |
1493 | hastened with courage; not in the least for a reply |
| bídan wolde· brimwylm onfeng |
| did he wish to await; the surging-lake enfolded |
| hilderince. Ðá wæs hwíl dæges, |
| the battle-warrior. Then it was a long part of a day, |
| aér hé þone grundwong ongytan mehte |
| ere he the bottom could perceive, |
| sóna þæt onfunde sé ðe flóda begong |
| at once she found it out, --she who the floods' expanse, |
| heorogífre behéold hund misséra |
1498 | fiercely-ravenous, held a hundred half-years, |
| grim ond graédig þæt þaér gumena sum |
| wrathful and greedy-- that there one of the humans |
| ælwihta eard ufan cunnode· |
| the realm of strange being explored from above; |
| gráp þá tógéanes· gúðrinc geféng |
| then she groped towards, seized the warrior |
| atolan clommum· nó þý aér in gescód |
| in terrible clasps; Not the sooner she crushed inside |
| hálan líce· hring útan ymbbearh |
1503 | his hale body; the ring-mail gave him protection from without, |
| þæt héo þone fyrdhom ðurhfón ne mihte |
| that she the soldier-garment could not penetrate, |
| locene leoðosyrcan láþan fingrum. |
| the interlocked limb-coat, with her loathsome fingers. |
| Bær þá séo brimwylf þá héo tó botme cóm |
| Then the sea-wolf bore, when she had come to the bottom, |
| hringa þengel tó hofe sínum |
| the lord of those rings to her court, |
| swá hé ne mihte --nó hé þæs módig wæs-- |
1508 | so he could not --no matter how brave he was-- |
| waépna gewealdan ac hine wundra þæs fela |
| wield his weapon, but him so many bizarre things |
| swecte on sunde· saédéor monig |
| smelled in the deep, many sea-beasts |
| hildetúxum heresyrcan bræc· |
| with battle-tusks tore at his army-mail, |
| éhton áglaécan. Ðá se eorl ongeat |
| the horrors attacked. Then the earl saw |
| þæt hé níðsele náthwylcum wæs |
1513 | that he in a hall of hatred --I know not which-- was, |
| þaér him naénig wæter wihte ne sceþede |
| where not any water him oppressed at all, |
| né him for hrófsele hrínan ne mehte |
| nor him, due to the the hall's roof, was not able to reach |
| faérgripe flódes· fýrléoht geseah, |
| the sudden onrush of the flood; he saw firelight, |
| blácne léoman beorhte scínan· |
| a pale light shining vividly; |
| ongeat þá se góda grundwyrgenne |
1518 | then the good man saw the accursèd one of the deep, |
| merewíf mihtig· mægenraés forgeaf |
| the mighty mere-wife; he gave a powerful thrust |
| hildebille· hondswenge ne oftéah |
| to the battle-bill, did not withhold the swing of his hand, |
| þæt hire on hafelan hringmaél ágól |
| so that on her head the ring-marked sang out |
| graédig gúðléoð· ðá se gist onfand |
| a greedy war-song; then the guest discovered |
| þæt se beadoléoma bítan nolde, |
1523 | that the battle-brand did not wish to bite, |
| aldre sceþðan ac séo ecg geswác |
| to crush life, rather the edge failed |
| ðéodne æt þearfe· ðolode aér fela |
| the noble in his need; it had endured already many |
| hondgemóta· helm oft gescær |
| hand-to-hand encounters, often split helm, |
| faéges fyrdhrægl· ðá wæs forma síð |
| the war-garments of the doomed; this was the first time |
| déorum mádme þæt his dóm álæg. |
1528 | for the precious treasure that its glory failed. |
| Eft wæs anraéd, nalas elnes læt |
| Again was resolute, not at all slackening in courage, |
| maérða gemyndig maég Hýgláces |
| mindful of fame the kinsman of Hygelac |
| wearp ðá wundenmaél wraéttum gebunden |
| then he threw aside the twisting pattern (sword), adorned with ornaments, |
| yrre óretta þæt hit on eorðan læg |
| the angry warrior, so that it lay on the earth, |
| stíð ond stýlecg· strenge getrúwode, |
1533 | firm and steel-edged; he trusted to strength, |
| mundgripe mægenes· swá sceal man doön |
| his hand-grip of might; so must a man do, |
| þonne hé æt gúðe gegán þenceð |
| when he in war intends to gain |
| longsumne lof· ná ymb his líf cearað. |
| long-lasting praise; he cares not for his life. |
| Geféng þá be eaxle
--nalas for faéhðe mearn--
|
| Grabbed her then by the shoulder --not in the least regretting the feud-- |
| Gúð-Géata léod, Grendles módor· |
1538 | the prince of the War-Geats, Grendel's mother; |
| brægd þá beadwe heard þá hé gebolgen wæs |
| the hard man of conflict then heaved, now that he was enraged, |
| feorhgeníðlan þæt héo on flet gebéah· |
| the deadly foe, so that she fell to the floor; |
| héo him eft hraþe handlean forgeald |
| she again him quickly gave hand-reward |
| grimman grápum ond him tógéanes féng· |
| with wrathful grips and clutched him against herself; |
| oferwearp þá wérigmód wigena strengest |
1543 | then, weary in spirit, he stumbled, the strongest man, |
| féþecempa þæt hé on fylle wearð· |
| warrior on foot, so that he was in a fall; |
| ofsæt þá þone selegyst ond hyre seax getéah |
| then she bestrode the guest in her hall, and drew her seax, |
| brád ond brúnecg· wolde hire bearn wrecan |
| broad and bright-edged; she wished to avenge her son, |
| ángan eaferan· him on eaxle læg |
| only offspring; on his shoulder lay |
| bréostnet bróden; þæt gebearh féore |
1548 | woven breast-net; it protected life, |
| wið ord ond wið ecge ingang forstód. |
| against point and against edge it withstood entry. |
| Hæfde ðá forsíðod sunu Ecgþéowes |
| Then he would have perished, the son of Edgetheow, |
| under gynne grund Géata cempa |
| under the yawning ground, the champion of the Geats, |
| nemne him heaðobyrne helpe gefremede |
| except that him the war-byrnie provided help, |
| herenet hearde-- ond hálig god |
1553 | firm army-net-- and holy God |
| gewéold wígsigor· wítig drihten |
| controlled the war-victory; the wise Lord, |
| rodera raédend hit on ryht gescéd |
| the Ruler of the heavens, decided it rightly, |
| ýðelíce syþðan hé eft ástód. |
| easily, thereupon he stood up again. |
|
XXIII |
| |
| Geseah ðá on searwum sigeéadig bil |
| He saw then among the arms a victory-blessed bill, |
| ealdsweord eotenisc ecgum þýhtig |
1558 | an old giantish sword with firm edges, |
| wigena weorðmynd· þæt wæs waépna cyst |
| an honour of warriors, it was the choicest weapon, |
| búton hit wæs máre ðonne aénig mon óðer |
| but it was more than any other man |
| tó beaduláce ætberan meahte |
| to battle-play could carry, |
| gód ond geatolíc gíganta geweorc· |
| good and stately, the work of giants; |
| hé geféng þá fetelhilt· freca Scyldinga |
1563 | he seized then the ring-hilt, champion of the Scyldings |
| hréoh ond heorogrim hringmaél gebrægd |
| wild and furiously battle-fierce, he drew the ring-marked (sword) |
| aldres orwéna· yrringa slóh |
| without hope of life, angrily struck, |
| þæt hire wið halse heard grápode· |
| so that through her neck it clutched hard, |
| bánhringas bræc· bil eal ðurhwód |
| broke bone-rings; the bill passed entirely through |
| faégne flaéschoman· héo on flet gecrong· |
1568 | the doomed cloak of flesh; she fell on the floor; |
| sweord wæs swátig· secg weorce gefeh. |
| the sword was bloody, the warrior rejoiced in his work. |
| Líxte se léoma· léoht inne stód |
| The gleam flashed, the light stood within, |
| efne swá of hefene hádre scíneð |
| even as from heaven shines brightly |
| rodores candel· hé æfter recede wlát· |
| the sky's candle; he looked about the hall; |
| hwearf þá be wealle· waépen hafenade |
1573 | moved along the wall, weapon raised |
| heard be hiltum Higeláces ðegn |
| fierce with hilts, Hygelac's thane, |
| yrre ond anraéd· næs séo ecg fracod |
| angry and single-minded; nor was that edge useless |
| hilderince ac hé hraþe wolde |
| to the battle-man, but he quickly wished |
| Grendle forgyldan gúðraésa fela |
| to repay Grendel for the many war-raids |
| ðára þe hé geworhte tó West-Denum |
1578 | which he had carried out on the West-Danes |
| oftor micle ðonne on aénne síð |
| much more often than on a single venture, |
| þonne hé Hróðgáres heorðgenéatas |
| when he Hrothgar's hearth-companions |
| slóh on sweofote· slaépende fraét |
| slaughter in their slumber, devoured in their sleep, |
| folces Denigea fýftýne men |
| of the folk of the Danes fifteen men, |
| ond óðer swylc út offerede |
1583 | and other such had he carried out and off |
| láðlicu
lác· hé
him þæs léan forgeald
|
| hideous haul; he paid him the reward of that, |
| réþe cempa tó ðæs þe hé on ræste geseah |
| the fierce fighter, in that he saw in repose |
| gúðwérigne Grendel licgan |
| war-weary Grendel lying, |
| aldorléasne swá him aér gescód |
| lifeless, as he had injured him earlier |
| hild æt Heorote --hrá wíde sprong |
1588 | in the conflict at Heorot --the corpse burst wide open, |
| syþðan hé æfter déaðe drepe þrówade |
| when it after death suffered a blow, |
| heorosweng heardne-- ond hine þá héafde becearf. |
| a hard sword-stroke-- and then its head he cut off. |
| Sóna þæt gesáwon snottre ceorlas |
| Suddenly that saw the wise fellows, |
| þá ðe mid Hróðgáre on holm wliton· |
| who with Hrothgar looked at the lake, |
| þæt wæs ýðgeblond eal gemenged |
| that was turmoil of waves all stirred up |
| brim blóde fáh· blondenfeaxe |
1593 | the water coloured with blood; with blended-hair, |
| gomele ymb gódne ongeador spraécon |
| aged, about the good man, together they spoke, |
| þæt hig þæs æðelinges eft ne wéndon· |
| that they that noble one did not expect again |
| þæt hé sigehréðig sécean cóme |
| that he, triumphing in victory, would come to seek |
| maérne þéoden· þá ðæs monige gewearð |
1598 | the glorious ruler; then it many agreed, |
| þæt hine séo brimwylf ábreoten hæfde. |
| that the sea-wolf him had destroyed. |
| Ðá cóm nón dæges· næs ofgéafon |
| Then came then ninth hour of the day; they abandoned the cape, |
| hwate Scyldingas· gewát him hám þonon |
| the brave Scyldings; he went home hence, |
| goldwine gumena· gistas sécan |
| the gold-friend of men; the guests looked about |
| módes séoce ond on mere staredon· |
1603 | sick at heart, and stared into the mere, |
| wíston, ond ne wéndon þæt híe heora winedrihten |
| wished, and did not expect, that they their lord and friend |
| selfne gesáwon. Þá þæt sweord ongan |
| himself would see. Then that sword began |
| æfter heaþoswáte hildegicelum |
| caused by the gore of battle in icycles of battle, |
| wígbil wanian· þæt wæs wundra sum |
| the war-bill to wane; that was a great wonder |
| þæt hit eal gemealt íse gelícost |
1608 | that it all melted, so like ice, |
| ðonne forstes bend fæder onlaéteð· |
| when frost's bond the Father loosens, |
| onwindeð waélrápas sé geweald hafað |
| unwinds water-ropes, who has control |
| saéla ond maéla· þæt is sóð metod. |
| of times and seaons; that is the true Creator. |
| Ne nóm hé in þaém wícum Weder-Géata léod |
| He did not take into those dwelling, the leader of the Weder-Geats, |
| máðmaéhta má þéh hé þaér monige geseah |
1613 | more treasures, though he there saw a great number, |
| búton þone hafelan ond þá hilt somod |
| but that head and the hilt as well |
| since fáge· sweord aér gemealt· |
| shining with ornament; the sword had already melted, |
| forbarn bródenmaél· wæs þæt blód tó þæs hát, |
| burned up the wavy-patterned (blade); that blood was so hot, |
| ættren ellorgaést sé þaér inne swealt. |
| the venomous foreign spirit who had perished there inside. |
| Sóna wæs on sunde sé þe aér æt sæcce gebád |
1618 | Straightaway he was in the water, he who survived in strife, |
| wíghryre wráðra wæter úp þurhdéaf· |
| the enemies' fall in war; he dove up through the water, |
| waéron ýðgebland eal gefaélsod |
| the turmoil of waves was all cleared, |
| éacne eardas þá se ellorgást |
| the vast regions, where the alien ghosts |
| oflét lífdagas ond þás laénan gesceaft· |
| gave up their life-days and this borrowed world; |
| cóm þá to lande lidmanna helm |
1623 | he came then to the land, the seafarer's leader, |
| swíðmód swymman· saéláce gefeah |
| swimming stout-hearted; he rejoiced in the sea-loot, |
| mægenbyrþenne, þára þe hé him mid hæfde. |
| the great burden, which he had with him. |
| Éodon him þá tógéanes· gode þancodon |
| They went towards him, thanked God, |
| ðrýðlíc þegna héap þéodnes gefégon |
| the mighty band of thanes, they rejoiced for their lord, |
| þæs þe hí hyne gesundne geséon móston· |
1628 | that they him sound were able to see; |
| ðá wæs of þaém hróran helm ond byrne |
| then the vigorous man was from helm and byrnie |
| lungre álýsed --lagu drúsade, |
| quickly loosened --the water grew still, |
| wæter under wolcnum wældréore fág-- |
| the lake under the clouds, stained with the gore of death-- |
| férdon forð þonon féþelástum |
| they fared forth thence along foot-paths |
| ferhþum fægne· foldweg maéton |
1633 | happy in their hearts, traversed the trail over the earth, |
| cúþe straéte· cyningbalde men |
| the familiar streets; the men, bold as kings, |
| from þaém holmclife hafelan baéron |
| from that lake-cliff bore the head |
| earfoðlíce heora aéghwæþrum |
| arduously, for all of them, |
| felamódigra --féower scoldon |
| full of spirit --four had to |
| on þaém wælstenge wærcum geferian |
1638 | on the pole of the slain to carry with difficulty |
| tó þaém goldsele Grendles héafod-- |
| to the gold-hall Grendel's head-- |
| oþ ðæt semninga tó sele cómon |
| until presently they came to the hall, |
| frome fyrdhwate féowertýne |
| brave army-keen fourteen |
| Géata gongan gumdryhten mid· |
| of the Geats moving, with their lord of men, |
| módig on gemonge meodowongas træd. |
1643 | proud in the throng, trod on the plain near the mead-hall. |
| Ðá cóm in gaän ealdor ðegna |
| Then came in marching the lord of the thanes, |
| daédcéne mon dóme gewurþad |
| the deed-bold man exalted by glory, |
| hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétan· |
| the battle-brave hero, to greet Hrothgar; |
| þá wæs be feaxe on flet boren |
| then it was by the hair borne to the floor |
| Grendles héafod þaér guman druncon, |
1648 | the head of Grendel, where men were drinking, |
| egeslíc for eorlum ond þaére idese mid, |
| dreadful for the earls, and the ladies with them, |
| wliteséon wraétlíc· weras onsáwon. |
| a wondrous spectacle; the men stared. |
|
XXV |
| |||
| Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes: |
| Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | ||
| 'Hwæt, wé þé þás saélác, sunu Healfdenes |
| 'Listen, we you these sea-spoils, son of Half-Dane, | ||
| léod Scyldinga, lustum bróhton |
1653 | lord of the Scyldings, gladly brought | ||
| tíres tó tácne þé þú hér tó lócast. |
| as token of glory, which you look at here. | ||
| Ic þæt unsófte ealdre gedígde |
| I it not easily survived with my life, | ||
| wigge under wætere· weorc genéþde |
| war under water, work risked | ||
| earfoðlíce· ætrihte wæs |
| with trouble; at once was | ||
| gúð getwaéfed nymðe mec god scylde· |
1658 | the warfare at an end, unless God shielded me; | ||
| ne meahte ic æt hilde mid Hruntinge |
| I could not in the battle with Hrunting | ||
| wiht gewyrcan þéah þæt waépen duge |
| bring about anything, though that weapon is excellent | ||
| ac mé geúðe ylda waldend |
| but to me granted men's Ruler | ||
| þæt ic on wáge geseah wlitig hangian |
| that I saw on the wall hanging fair | ||
| ealdsweord éacen --oftost wísode |
1663 | a mighty ancient sword --most often He has guided | ||
| winigea léasum-- þæt ic ðý waépne gebraéd· |
| the one deprived of friend-- that I the weapon drew, | ||
| ofslóh ðá æt þaére sæcce þá mé saél ageald |
| slew then in the strife, when an opportunity was yielded to me, | ||
| húses hyrdas· þá þæt hildebil |
| the house's guardians; then that battle-bill | ||
| forbarn brogdenmaél swá þæt blód gesprang |
| burned up, wavy-patterned, as the blood leapt out, | ||
| hátost heaþoswáta· ic þæt hilt þanan |
1668 | the hottest sweat of war; I that hilt thence | ||
| féondum ætferede· fyrendaéda wræc |
| carried back from the fiends, foul-deeds avenged, | ||
| déaðcwealm Denigea swá hit gedéfe wæs. |
| deadly slaughter of Danes, as it was fitting. | ||
| Ic hit þé þonne geháte þæt þú on Heorote móst |
| I promise it to you then, that you in Heorot may | ||
| sorhléas swefan mid þínra secga gedryht |
| sleep without sorrow with your company of soldiers, | ||
| ond þegna gehwylc þínra léoda |
1673 | and each thane of your nation, | ||
| duguðe ond iogoþe· þæt þú him ondraédan ne þearft, |
| veterans and youths, that you for them need not dread, | ||
| þéoden Scyldinga, on þá healfe |
| chieftain of the Scyldings, on that side, | ||
| aldorbealu eorlum swá þú aér dydest.' |
| life-bale for earls, as you did before.' | ||
| Ðá wæs gyldenhilt gamelum rince |
| Then was the golden hilt to the old king | ||
| hárum hildfruman on hand gyfen |
1678 | to the grey battle-leader, given into his hand, | ||
| enta aérgeweorc· hit on aéht gehwearf |
| the ancient work of giants; it had passed into the possession | ||
| æfter déofla hryre Denigea fréän |
| after the devils' fall of the lord of the Danes, | ||
| wundorsmiþa geweorc ond þá þás worold ofgeaf |
| the work of wondersmiths, and then this world gave up | ||
| gromheort guma godes andsaca |
| the angry-hearted creature, God's adversary | ||
| morðres scyldig ond his módor éac |
1683 | guilty of murder, and his mother also; | ||
| on geweald gehwearf woroldcyninga |
| it passed into the power of the earthly kings | ||
| ðaém sélestan be saém twéonum |
| the finest ones between the two seas, | ||
| ðára þe on Scedenigge sceattas daélde. |
| of those who in Scandinavia dealt out riches. | ||
| Hróðgár maðelode· hylt scéawode |
|
| ||
| ealde lafe· on ðaém wæs ór writen |
1688 | the old heirloom, on which was engraved the origin | ||
| fyrngewinnes syðþan flód ofslóh |
| of ancient strife, when the flood slew | ||
| gifen géotende gíganta cyn-- |
| the pouring ocean, the race of giants-- | ||
| frécne geférdon· þæt wæs fremde þéod |
| they fared terribly; that was a tribe foreign | ||
| écean dryhtne· him þæs endeléan |
| to the eternal Lord; them the end-reward | ||
| þurh wæteres wylm waldend sealde-- |
1693 | through the surging of waters the Ruler granted-- | ||
| swá wæs on ðaém scennum scíran goldes |
| also was on the sword-hilt of shining gold | ||
| þurh rúnstafas rihte gemearcod |
| in rune-staves rightly marked, | ||
| geseted ond gesaéd hwám þæt sweord geworht |
| it was set down and said, for whom the sword wrought, | ||
| írena cyst aérest waére |
| --choicest of irons-- had been first, | ||
| wreoþenhilt ond wyrmfáh· ðá se wísa spræc |
1698 | with a twisted-hilt and serpent-patterned; then the wise man spoke, | ||
| sunu Healfdenes swígedon ealle: |
| the son of Half-Dane all fell silent: | ||
| 'Þæt, lá, mæg secgan sé þe sóð ond riht |
| 'That, indeed, may say he who truth and right | ||
| fremeð on folce· feor eal gemon, |
| performs among the folk, remembers all from far-back, | ||
| eald éðel weard· þæt ðes eorl waére |
| old warden of the homeland; that this hero was | ||
| geboren betera· blaéd is áraéred |
1703 | born a greater man; the fame is established | ||
| geond wídwegas, wine mín Béowulf, |
| throughout the distant regions, Beowulf my friend, | ||
| ðín ofer þéoda gehwylce· eal þú hit geþyldum healdest, |
| over each of the nations, of you; all you it with patience hold, | ||
| mægen mid módes snyttrum· ic þé sceal míne gelaéstan |
| strength with the wisdom of the heart; to you I shall continue to give my | ||
| fréoðe swá wit furðum spraécon· ðú scealt tó frófre weorþan |
1707 | protection, as we spoke of before; you must be as a comfort | ||
| eal langtwídig léodum þínum |
| all long-lasting to your people, | ||
| hæleðum tó helpe. Ne wearð Heremód swá |
| to heroes a support. Heremod was not so | ||
| eaforum Ecgwelan Ár-Scyldingum· |
| to the sons of Edgewela, to the Honour-Scyldings; | ||
| ne gewéox hé him tó willan ac tó wælfealle |
| he grew not to their pleasure, but for slaughter | ||
| ond tó déaðcwalum Deniga léodum· |
1712 | and for annihilation of the people of the Danes; | ||
| bréat bolgenmód béodgenéatas |
| he felled in a furious spirit his companions at table, | ||
| eaxlgesteallan oþ þæt hé ána hwearf |
| shoulder-comrades, until he alone passed, | ||
| maére þéoden mondréamum from |
| famous king, from the joys of man | ||
| ðéah þe hine mihtig god mægenes wynnum |
| though him mighty God with joys of strength | ||
| eafeþum stépte ofer ealle men |
1717 | powerfully exalted over all men, | ||
| forð gefremede hwæþere him on ferhþe gréow |
| further advanced yet in his heart grew to him | ||
| bréosthord blódréow· nallas béagas geaf |
| the treasure of the breast eager for blood; not at all did he give rings | ||
| Denum æfter dóme· dréamléas gebád |
| to Danes for glory; he lived joylessly, | ||
| þæt hé þæs gewinnes wærc þrówade |
| so that he the strife's pain suffered, | ||
| léodbealo longsum. Ðú þé laér be þon· |
1722 | a great evil to the people for a long time. You learn by this, | ||
| gumcyste ongit· ic þis gid be þé |
| understand human virtue; I this tale for you | ||
| áwræc wintrum fród. Wundor is tó secganne |
| recited, old and wise in winters. Wonder is to say | ||
| hú mihtig god manna cynne |
| how mighty God to mankind | ||
| þurh sídne sefan snyttru bryttað |
| according to deep understanding dispenses wisdom, | ||
| eard ond eorlscipe· hé áh ealra geweald· | 1727 | land and noble qualities; he has control of all; | ||
| hwílum hé on lufan laéteð hworfan |
| at times He in delight lets go | ||
| monnes módgeþonc maéran cynnes |
| the heart's thought of some man of glorious kin | ||
| seleð him on éþle eorþan wynne |
| gives to him in his own homeland earthly bliss | ||
| tó healdanne hléoburh wera· |
| to command a stronghold of men, | ||
| gedéð him swá gewealdene worolde daélas |
1732 | makes subject to him from the world's portions, | ||
| síde ríce þæt hé his selfa ne mæg |
| a wide kingdom, that he himself can not | ||
| for his unsnyttrum ende geþencean· |
| in his ignorance conceive the end (of his rule); | ||
| wunað hé on wiste· nó hine wiht dweleð |
| he lives on in abundance; they hinder him not a bit, | ||
| ádl né yldo né him inwitsorh |
| sickness nor age, nor him evil sorrow | ||
| on sefan sweorceð né gesacu óhwaér |
1737 | darkens in his soul, nor strife anywhere | ||
| ecghete éoweð ac him eal worold |
| sharp-hate appears, but to him all the world | ||
| wendeð on willan· hé þæt wyrse ne con. |
| turns on his pleasure; he does not know it worse. |
|
XXVI |
| |
| Oð þæt him on innan oferhygda daél |
| Until within him pride's portion |
| weaxeð ond wrídað þonne se weard swefeð |
| grows and flourishes then the warder sleeps, |
| sáwele hyrde· bið se slaép tó fæst, |
1742 | the soul's keeper; the sleep is too sound, |
| bisgum gebunden, bona swíðe néah |
| bound with troubles, the killer is very near, |
| sá þe of flánbogan fyrenum scéoteð· |
| he who from his shaft-bow foully fires; |
| þonne bið on hreþre under helm drepen |
| then it is in the heart struck beneath the helm |
| biteran straéle --him bebeorgan ne con-- |
| by the bitter dart --he cannot protect himself-- |
| wóm wundorbebodum wergan gástes· |
1747 | from the perversity of strange biddings of the wicked spirit; |
| þinceð him tó lýtel þæt hé tó lange héold· |
| it seems to him too little what he rules too long; |
| gýtsað gromhýdig· nallas on gylp seleð |
| cruel-mindedly covets, he in arrogance never gives |
| faédde béagas ond hé þá forðgesceaft |
| golden rings, and he then the future |
| forgyteð ond forgýmeð þæs þe him aér god sealde, |
| forgets and disregards, that which God gave him before, |
| wuldres waldend, weorðmynda daél· |
1752 | glory's Ruler, a share of honour· |
| hit on endestæf eft gelimpeð |
| it in the end finally comes to pass |
| þæt se líchoma laéne gedréoseð· |
| that the body, lent, fails; |
| faége gefealleð· féhð óþer tó |
| fated to death, it falls; another body takes up, |
| sé þe unmurnlíce mádmas daéleþ |
| who without regret shares out treasure, |
| eorles aérgestréon· egesan ne gýmeð. |
1757 | the earl's ancient wealth, and he heeds not fear. |
| Bebeorh þé ðone bealoníð, Beowulf léofa |
| Guard yourself against this wicked strife, beloved Beowulf, |
| secg betosta, ond þé þæt sélre gecéos |
| finest man, and for yourself choose the better, |
| éce raédas· oferhýda ne gým, |
| the eternal gains; do not pay heed to pride, |
| maére cempa· nú is þínes mægnes blaéd |
| renowned champion; now is the glory of your strength |
| áne hwíle· eft sóna bið |
1762 | for a while; presently in turn will be |
| þæt þec ádl oððe ecg eafoþes getwaéfeð |
| that you sickness or edge will part from strength, |
| oððe fýres feng oððe flódes wylm |
| or grasp of fire, or surge of flood, |
| oððe gripe méces oððe gáres fliht |
| or bite of blade, or flight of spear, |
| oððe atol yldo· oððe éagena bearhtm |
| or repulsive old-age; or the brightness of the eyes |
| forsiteð ond forsworceð· semninga bið |
1767 | weakens and dims; very soon will be |
| þæt ðec, dryhtguma, déað oferswýðeð. |
| that you, warrior, Death overpowers. |
| Swá ic Hring-Dena hund misséra |
| So I the Ring-Danes a hundred seasons |
| wéold under wolcnum ond hig wigge beléac |
| have ruled under the skies and in war sheltered them, |
| manigum maégþa geond þysne middangeard |
| from many tribes throughout this middle-earth, |
| æscum ond ecgum þæt ic mé aénigne |
1772 | from ash-shafts and sword-edges, so that I for myself any, |
| under swegles begong gesacan ne tealde. |
| under the expanse of the heavens, adversary I did not account. |
| Hwæt, mé þæs on éþle edwendan cwóm, |
| Listen, to me in the homeland for that a reversal came, |
| gyrn æfter gomene seoþðan Grendel wearð |
| sorrow after joy, since Grendel became |
| ealdgewinna ingenga min |
| an old contender, invader of mine, |
| ic þaére sócne singáles wæg |
1777 | I from that persecution endured continually |
| módceare micle· þæs sig metode þanc |
| great sorrow of spirit; thanks be for that to the Measurer of Fate, |
| écean dryhtne þæs ðe ic on aldre gebád |
| eternal Lord, from that I survived alive, |
| þæt ic on þone hafelan heorodréorigne |
| so that I on the head sword-bloodied |
| ofer eald gewin éagum starige! |
| after ancient strife could gaze with my eyes! |
| Gá nú tó setle· symbelwynne dréoh |
1782 | Go now to the bench, join in the pleasure-banquet, |
| wíggeweorþad· unc sceal worn fela |
| honoured by your battle; we must very many |
| máþma gemaénra siþðan morgen bið.' |
| treasures share between us when it is morning.' |
| Géat wæs glædmód· géong sóna tó |
| The Geat was glad-hearted, went straightaway to |
| setles néosan swá se snottra heht· |
| seek the bench, as the wise one had commanded; |
| þá wæs eft swá aér ellenrófum |
1787 | then it was again as before for bold warriors, |
| fletsittendum fægere gereorded |
| for those sitting in the hall they prepared a fine feast |
| níowan stefne· nihthelm geswearc |
| once again; the helm of night darkened, |
| deorc ofer dryhtgumum· duguð eal árás· |
| dark over the company of warriors; the veterans all arose; |
| wolde blondenfeax beddes néosan, |
| the blended-haired one wishes to seek his bed, |
| gamela Scylding· Géat unigmetes wél |
1792 | the aged Scylding; the Geat exceedingly much, |
| rófne randwigan restan lyste· |
| valiant shield-warrior, desired rest; |
| sóna him seleþegn síðes wérgum |
| at once him the hall-thane the weary journeyer |
| feorrancundum orð wísade |
| from afar guided forth, |
| sé for andrysnum ealle beweotede |
| who for courtesy looked after everything |
| þegnes þearfe swylce þý dógore |
1797 | of the hero's needs, such as in those days |
| heaþolíðende habban scoldon· |
| warrior-sailors were obliged to have; |
| reste hine þá rúmheort· reced hlíuade |
| rested him then, the large-hearted man; the hall towered |
| géap ond goldfáh· gæst inne swæf |
| vaulted and gold-adorned; the guest slept inside |
| oþ þæt hrefn blaca heofones wynne |
| until the black raven, the joy of the sky |
| blíðheort bodode. Ðá cóm beorht scacan |
1802 | declared glad-heartedly. Then came bright hurrying, |
| scaþan ónetton· |
| fighters hastening; |
| waéron æþelingas eft tó léodum |
| the nobles were back to their people |
| fúse tó farenne· wolde feor þanon |
| eager to fare; he wished far thence, |
| cuma collenferhð céoles néosan. |
| the high-spirited visitor, to seek his ship. |
| Heht þá se hearda Hrunting beran |
1807 | He then directed the tough man to wear Hrunting |
| sunu Ecgláfes· heht his sweord niman |
| the son of Edgelaf, bid him take his sword, |
| léoflíc íren· sægde him þæs léanes þanc· |
| beloved iron; said thanks to him for the loan, |
| cwæð: hé þone gúðwine gódne tealde |
| quoth: he the war-friend marked well, |
| wígcræftigne· nales wordum lóg |
| skilled in war; he did not in words blame |
| méces ecge· þæt wæs módig secg. |
1812 | the maiche's edge; he was a proud man. |
| Ond þá síðfrome, searwum gearwe |
| And then, eager to be going, ready in arms, |
| wígend waéron éode weorð Denum |
| were the warriors, the one honoured by the Danes went, |
| æþeling tó yppan þaér se óþer wæs |
| noble to the high seat, where the other was, |
| hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétte. |
| the battle-bold hero greeted Hrothgar. |
|
XXVII |
| |||
| Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes: |
1817 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | ||
| 'Nú wé saélíðend secgan wyllað |
| 'Now we sea-farers wish to say | ||
| feorran cumene þæt wé fundiaþ |
| having come from afar, that we are anxious | ||
| Higelác sécan· waéron hér tela |
| to seek Hygelac; we here were well | ||
| willum bewenede· þú ús wél dohtest. |
| entertained in our desires; you have treated us well. | ||
| Gif ic þonne on eorþan ówihte mæg |
1822 | If then on earth I can (do) anything | ||
| þínre módlufan máran tilian, |
| of your affections earn more, | ||
| gumena dryhten, ðonne ic gýt dyde, |
| lord of men, than I have done yet, | ||
| gúðgeweorca ic béo gearo sóna |
| with feats of arms, I am ready at once, | ||
| gif ic þæt gefricge ofer flóda begang |
| if I find it out over the flood's expanse, | ||
| þæt þec ymbsittend egesan þýwað |
1827 | that you neighbouring-tribes oppress with terror, | ||
| swá þec hetende hwílum dydon |
| as enemies to you sometimes did, | ||
| ic ðé þúsenda þegna bringe |
| I to you a thousand thanes will bring, | ||
| hæleþa tó helpe. Ic on Higeláce wát, |
| heroes as help. I know of Hygelac, | ||
| Géata dryhten þéah ðe hé geong syÿ |
| the lord of the Geats, though he is young, | ||
| folces hyrde· þæt hé mec fremman wile |
1832 | the keeper of the folk, that he would support me | ||
| weordum ond worcum þæt ic þé wél herige |
| with words and with deeds, so that I might honour you rightly | ||
| ond þé tó géoce gárholt bere |
| and to you in aid bring a forest of spears, | ||
| mægenes fultum þaér ðé bið manna þearf. |
| the support of strength, where you be needful of men. | ||
| Gif him þonne Hréþrínc tó hofum Géata |
| If him, on the other hand, Hrethric to the Geatish court | ||
| geþingeð þéodnes bearn hé mæg þaér fela |
1837 | decides (to go), chieftain's son, he shall there be able many | ||
| fréonda findan· feorcýþðe béoð |
| friends to find; distant lands are | ||
| sélran gesóhte þaém þe him selfa déah.' |
| better sought by one who is powerful himself.' | ||
| Hróðgár maþelode him on andsware: |
| Hrothgar spoke to him in reply: | ||
| 'Þé þá wordcwydas wigtig drihten |
| 'To you these sayings of words the wise Lord | ||
| on sefan sende· ne hýrde ic snotorlícor |
1842 | has sent into mind; I have not heard more intelligently | ||
| on swá geongum feore guman þingian· |
| at such young age man make a speech; | ||
| þú eart mægenes strang ond on móde fród |
| you are strong in power and wise in your heart, | ||
| wís wordcwida· wén ic talige |
| judicious word-speaker; I consider it likely | ||
| gif þæt gegangeð þæt ðe gár nymeð |
| if it happens, that from you the spear takes, | ||
| hild heorugrimme Hréþles eaferan, |
1847 | a horrendous battle Hrethel's heir, | ||
| ádl oþðe íren ealdor ðínne |
| sickness or iron your ruler, | ||
| folces hyrde ond þú þín feorh hafast |
| the guardian of the folk, and you have your life, | ||
| þæt þe Saé-Géatas sélran næbben |
| that the Sea-Geats could not have better | ||
| tó gecéosenne cyning aénigne |
| by choosing any other king, | ||
| hordweard hæleþa gyf þú healdan wylt |
1852 | hoard-ward of heroes, if you wish to rule | ||
| mága ríce· mé þín módsefa |
| your kinsman's kingdom. Your spirit and heart me | ||
| lícað leng swá wél, léofa Béowulf· |
| pleases so well the longer (I know them), dear Beowulf; | ||
| hafast þú geféred þæt þám folcum sceal |
| you have achieved that for the folk shall | ||
| Géata léodum ond Gár-Denum |
| the people of the Geats and the Spear-Danes | ||
| sib gemaénum ond sacu restan, |
1857 | in mutual peace, and strife subside, | ||
| inwitníþas, þé híe aér drugon, |
| hostilities, which they endured before; | ||
| wesan þenden ic wealde wídan ríces |
| shall be, while I rule the wide kingdom, | ||
| máþmas gemaéne, manig óþerne |
| wealth in common, many an other | ||
| gódum gegréttan ofer ganotes bæð· |
| with good things will greet over the gannet's bath; | ||
| sceal hringnaca ofer heáþu bringan |
1862 | the ring-prowed ship shall bring over the high seas | ||
| lác ond luftácen· ic þá léode wát |
| offerings and tokens of friendship; I know these nations | ||
| gé wið féond gé wið fréond fæste geworhte |
| both towards foe and towards friend firmly disposed, | ||
| aéghwæs untaéle ealde wísan.' |
| blameless in everything, in the ancient manner.' | ||
| Ðá gít him eorla hléo hine gesealde |
| Then again to him the protector of earls gave to him, | ||
| mago Healfdenes máþmas twelf· |
1867 | the son of Half-Dane, twelve treasures; | ||
| hét inne mid þaém lácum léode swaése |
| he commanded him with these gifts his own dear nation | ||
| sécean on gesyntum, snúde eft cuman· |
| to seek in safety, to return quickly; | ||
| gecyste þá cyning æþelum gód, |
| kissed then, the king the upright noble, | ||
| þéoden Scyldinga ðegn betostan |
| the chieftain of the Scyldings, the best thane | ||
| ond be healse genam· hruron him téaras |
1872 | and took him by the neck; tears fell from him, | ||
| blondenfeaxum· him wæs béga wén |
|
| ||
| ealdum infródum, óþres swíðor· |
| old and deeply wise, the second stronger, | ||
| þæt híe seoððan geséon móston |
| that they afterwards might meet, | ||
| módige on meþle· wæs him se man tó þon léof |
| brave in a formal summit; the man was so dear to him | ||
| þæt hé þone bréostwylm forberan ne mehte |
1877 | that he the welling of his breast could not hold back | ||
| ac him on hreþre hygebendum fæst |
| but him in his heart in firm bounds of thought | ||
| æfter déorum men dyrne langað |
| for the dear man a remote longing | ||
| beorn wið blóde. Him Béowulf þanan |
| burned in his blood. Him Beowulf thence, | ||
| gúðrinc goldwlanc græsmoldan træd |
| warrior proud with gold, trod the grass-mound, | ||
| since hrémig· saégenga bád |
1882 | triumphing in treasure. The sea-goer awaited | ||
| ágedfréän sé þe on ancre rád· |
| its lord and owner, which rode at its anchor; | ||
| þá wæs on gange gifu Hróðgáres |
| later on the journey was the gift of Hrothgar | ||
| oft geæhted· þæt wæs án cyning, |
| often praised; that was one king, | ||
| aéghwæs orleahtre oþ þæt hine yldo benam |
| in everything blameless, until age deprived him | ||
| mægenes wynnum sé þe oft manegum scód. |
1887 | of strength's delights, a thing which continually harms many. |
|
XXVIII |
| |
| Cwóm þá tó flóde fela módigra |
| They came than to the flood full of spirit |
| hægstealdra· hringnet baéron |
| of the young warriors; ring-mail they wore |
| locene leoðosyrcan· landweard onfand |
| interlocked limb-shirts; the land-guard perceived |
| eftsíð eorla, swá hé aér dyde· |
| the return of heroes, as he did before; |
| nó hé mid hearme of hliðes nósan |
1892 | he did not with insult from the cliff's promontory |
| gæstas grétte ac him tógéanes rád· |
| greet the guests, but rode towards them, |
| cwæð þæt wilcuman Wedera léodum |
| said that welcome to the people of the Wederas |
| scaþan scírhame tó scipe fóron· |
| the fighters with bright covering he went to the ship; |
| þá wæs on sande saégéap naca |
| then was on sand the sea-curved boat |
| hladen herewaédum hringedstefna |
1897 | laden with war-garments the ringed-prow |
| méarum ond máðmum· mæst hlífade |
| with horses and treasure; the mast towered |
| ofer Hróðgáres hordgestréonum· |
| over Hrothgar's hoard-wealth; |
| hé þaém bátwearde bunden golde |
| he to the boat-guard a bound gold |
| swurd gesealde þæt hé syðþan wæs |
| sword gave, so that he afterwards was |
| on meodubence máþma þý weorþre |
1902 | on the mead-bench by the treasure the worthier, |
| yrfeláfe. Gewát him on nacan |
| by the inherited relic. Departed him on the ship |
| dréfan déop wæter· Dena land ofgeaf· |
| to trouble deep water; he left the Danes' land; |
| þá wæs be mæste merehrægla sum |
| then was by the mast a mighty sea-garment, |
| segl sále fæst· sundwudu þunede· |
| sail fastened by rope; the sea-beam thundered; |
| nó þaér wégflotan wind ofer ýðum |
1907 | there the wave-floater was not (by) wind over the waves |
| síðes getwaéfde· saégenga fór· |
| hindered in its venture; the sea-goers went, |
| fléat fámigheals forð ofer ýðe |
| the foamy-necked floated forth over the waves, |
| bundenstefna ofer brimstréamas |
| bound prow over the ocean-streams, |
| þæt híe Géata clifu ongitan meahton |
| until they the Geatish cliffs could perceive, |
| cúþe næssas· céol úp geþrang |
1912 | the well-known headlands; the keel rushed up |
| lyftgeswenced· on lande stód. |
| weather-beaten, rested on the land. |
| Hraþe wæs æt holme hýðweard geara |
| Quickly was at the water the ready harbour-guard, |
| sé þe aér lange tíd léofra manna |
| he who already for a long time for the beloved men |
| fús æt faroðe feor wlátode· |
| eager at the current gazed far; |
| saélde tó sande sídfæþme scip |
1917 | moored in the sand the broad-bosomed ship |
| oncearbendum fæst þý laés hym ýþa ðrym |
| firm with anchor-bounds, lest the force of the waves |
| wudu wynsuman forwrecan meahte· |
| the winsome timbers might carry away; |
| hét þá úp beran æþelinga gestréon |
| he ordered then to carry up the nobles' treasure, |
| frætwe ond faétgold· næs him feor þanon |
| trappings and gold ornaments; it was not far thence for them |
| tó gesécanne sinces bryttan |
1922 | to seek the giver of treasures |
| Higelác Hréþling þaér æt hám wunað |
| Hygelac son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home |
| selfa mid gesíðum saéwealle néah. |
| himself with his companions near the sea-wall. |
| Bold wæs betlíc, bregoróf cyning |
| The building was splendid, the king of princely valour, |
| héähealle, Hygd swíðe geong |
| the high hall, Hygd very young, |
| wís wélþungen þéah ðe wintra lýt |
1927 | wise, well-thriving, through few winters |
| under burhlocan gebiden hæbbe |
| in the walled town had lived, |
| Hæreþes dohtor næs hío hnáh swá þéah |
| Haereth's daughter was not mean though |
| né tó gnéað gifa Géata léodum |
| nor too grudging of gifts to the people of the Geats, |
| máþmgestréona. Mód þrýðo wæg |
| of treasure-wealth. She showed violent arrogance, |
| fremu folces cwén, firen' ondrysne· |
1932 | the lusty queen of the folk, terrible crimes; |
| naénig þæt dorste déor genéþan |
| dared not any of the bold to risk, |
| swaésra gesíða, nefne sinfréä· |
| of the dear companions, except her great lord, |
| þæt hire an dæges éagum starede |
| that on her by day stared with his eyes |
| ac him wælbende weotode tealde |
| but for him slaughter-bonds he might consider prescribed, |
| handgewriþene· hraþe seoþðan wæs |
1937 | woven by hands; quickly then was |
| æfter mundgripe méce geþinged |
| after seizure a maiche was appointed, |
| þæt hit sceádenmaél scýran móste, |
| that it, shadow-marked, was obliged to settle, |
| cwealmbealu cýðan· ne bið swylc cwénlic þéaw |
| make known the evil of the death; such queenly manner is not |
| idese tó efnanne þéah ðe hío aénlicu sý· |
| for a lady to perform, though she be matchless, |
| þætte freoðuwebbe féores onsaéce |
1942 | that peace-weaver deprives life, |
| æfter ligetorne léofne mannan. |
| owing to a false injury, of beloved man. |
| Húru þæt on hóh snod Hemninges maég· |
| However, it was cut off at the heel by Hemming's kinsman; |
| ealodrincende óðer saédan· |
| the ale-drinkers further told |
| þæt hío léodbealewa laés gefremede |
| that evil for the people she practised less, |
| inwitníða syððan aérest wearð |
1947 | malice and enmity, since she first was |
| gyfen goldhroden geongum cempan |
| given, gold-adorned, to the young champion, |
| æðelum díore syððan hío Offan flet |
| of noble ancestry, when she to Offa's hall |
| ofer fealone flód be fæder láre |
| over the dusky flood by her father's wisdom |
| síðe gesóhte ðaér hío syððan well |
| sought in her journey where she afterwards fully |
| in gumstóle góde maére |
1952 | on the throne, for goodness famed, |
| lífgesceafta lifigende bréac· |
| the fated span of her life her living she used well, |
| híold héahlufan wið hæleþa brego, |
| held high-love for the heroes' lord, |
| ealles moncynnes míne gefraége |
| of all mankind, I have heard, |
| þæs sélestan bí saém twéonum |
| the finest between the seas, |
| eormencynnes· Forðám Offa wæs |
1957 | of the mighty race. Because Offa was |
| geofum ond gúðum gárcéne man |
| in gifts and in war, a spear-keen man; |
| wíde geweorðod· wísdóme héold |
| widely honoured, ruled in wisdom |
| éðel sínne· þonon ongéomor wóc |
| his homeland; then, exceedingly sad, he arose |
| hæleðum tó helpe Heminges maég |
| a help to heroes, the kinsman of Hemming, |
| nefa Gármundes níða cræftig. |
1962 | grandson of Garmund, powerful over strife. |
|
XXVIIII |
| |||
| Gewát him ðá se hearda mid his hondscole |
| Then the hardy man went with his hand-picked retinue | ||
| sylf æfter sande saéwong tredan |
| himself along the sand treading the sea-plain, | ||
| wíde waroðas· woruldcandel scán |
| the wide strand; the world-candle shone, | ||
| sigel súðan fús· hí síð drugon· |
| the sun eagerly from the south; they had survived the journey, | ||
| elne geéodon, tó ðæs ðe eorla hléo |
1967 | strode quickly, to where the Shield of Heroes, | ||
| bonan Ongenþéoes burgum in innan, |
| --the bane of Ongentheow-- inside his citadel, | ||
| geongne gúðcyning gódne gefrúnon |
| the young war-king, they heard (that there) the good man | ||
| hringas daélan. Higeláce wæs |
| alloted rings. To Hygelac was | ||
| síð Béowulfes snúde gecýðed· |
| Beowulf's journey promptly reported, | ||
| þæt ðaér on worðig wígendra hléo |
1972 | that there in enclosed homestead, the defender of warriors, | ||
| lindgestealla lifigende cwóm |
| shield-companion (still) living came, | ||
| heaðoláces hál tó hofe gongan· |
| from the war-play unharmed going to to the court; | ||
| hraðe wæs gerýmed swá se ríca bebéad |
| quickly was cleared, as the king bade, | ||
| féðegestum flet innanweard· |
| for the visitors on foot the floor within; | ||
| gesæt þá wið sylfne sé ðá sæcce genæs, |
1977 | then he sat down with the same man, he who had survived the fight, | ||
| maég wið maége syððan mandryhten |
| kinsman with kinsman, after the liege-lord | ||
| þurh hléoðorcwyde holdne gegrétte |
| through ceremonious speech his loyal subject had greeted, | ||
| méaglum wordum meoduscencum |
| in emphatic words, mead-draughts | ||
| hwearf geond þæt síde reced Hæreðes dohtor |
| passed round through that spacious room Haereth's daughter, | ||
| lufode ðá léode· liðwaége bær |
1982 | --she loved the people-- bore goblets | ||
| haéum tó handa. Higelác ongan |
| to the hands of the illustrious ones. Hygelac began | ||
| sínne geseldan in sele þám héan |
| his hall-companion in that high hall | ||
| fægre fricgcean· hyne fyrwet bræc |
| to question courteously, his curiosity burst forth, | ||
| hwylce Saé-Géata síðas waéron: |
| whatever the Sea-Geats' adventures were: | ||
| 'Hú lomp éow on láde, léofa Bíowulf, |
1987 | 'How fared you on the way, dear Beowulf, | ||
| þá ðú faéringa feorr gehogodest |
| when you suddenly resolved far away | ||
| sæcce sécean ofer sealt wæter |
| to seek conflict over the salt water, | ||
| hilde tó Hiorote? Ac ðú Hróðgáre |
| combat in Heorot? Moreover, did you Hrothgar's | ||
| wídcúðne wéan wihte gebéttest |
| widely known woes at all ameliorate, | ||
| maérum ðéodne? Ic ðæs módceare |
1992 | for the famed chieftain? I of this with anxious care of the heart | ||
| sorhwylmum séað· síðe ne trúwode |
| seethed with wellings of sorrow, I did not trust the venture | ||
| léofes mannes· ic ðé lange bæd |
| of my dear man; I begged you at length, | ||
| þæt ðú þone wælgaést wihte ne grétte· |
| that you the slaughter-ghast would not challenge at all, | ||
| léte Súð-Dene sylfe geweorðan |
| let the South-Danes settle themselves | ||
| gúðe wið Grendel· gode ic þanc secge |
1997 | the war with Grendel; to God I speak thanks, | ||
| þæs ðe ic ðé gesundne geséon móste.' |
| for that I you sound am permitted to see.' | ||
| Bíowulf maðelode bearn Ecgðíoes: |
| Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | ||
| 'Þæt is undyrne, dryhten Higelác, |
| 'It is not secret, lord Hygelac, | ||
| micel geméting monegum fíra· |
| that great meeting, to many men, | ||
| hwylc orleghwíl uncer Grendles |
2002 | what a time of struggle between the two of us, me and Grendel, | ||
| wearð on ðám wange þaér hé worna fela |
| occurred in that place where he great multitudes | ||
| Sige-Scyldingum sorge gefremede |
| for the Victory-Scyldings brought about sorrows, | ||
| yrmðe tó aldre· ic ðæt eall gewræc |
| lifelong misery; I avenged it all, | ||
| swá begylpan þearf Grendeles mága |
| thus there is need to boast --of Grendel's kinsmen, | ||
| yfel ofer eorðan úhthlem þone |
2007 | evil upon the earth-- of that clash at dawn, | ||
| sé ðe lengest leofað láðan cynnes |
| he who lives the longest of that hateful race, | ||
| fáecne bifongen. Ic ðaér furðum cwóm |
| enveloped in malice. I first came there | ||
| tó ðám hringsele Hróðgár grétan· |
| to that ring-hall to greet Hrothgar; | ||
| sóna mé se maéra mago Healfdenes |
| straightaway to me the famed kinsman of Half-Dane, | ||
| syððan hé módsefan mínne cúðe |
2012 | after he the purpose of the heart of mine knew, | ||
| wið his sylfes sunu setl getaéhte· |
| with his own sons he appointed a seat; | ||
| weorod wæs on wynne· ne seah ic wídan feorh |
| The troop was joyful; I have not seen in my whole life | ||
| under heofones hwealf healsittendra |
| under heaven's vault a hall-sitters' | ||
| medudréam máran. Hwílum maéru cwén |
| mead-revelry greater. At times the renowned queen, | ||
| friðusibb folca flet eall geondhwearf· |
2017 | the peace-pledge of peoples, passed over all of the floor, | ||
| bædde byre geonge· oft hío béahwriðan |
| urged on the young boys; often twisted-rings she | ||
| secge sealde aér híe tó setle géong· |
| gave to the warriors, before she went to her seat; | ||
| hwílum for duguðe dohtor Hróðgáres |
| from time to time before the band of experienced warriors Hrothgar's daughter | ||
| eorlum on ende ealuwaége bær |
| to nobles continuously to the end bore the ale-flagon, | ||
| þá ic Fréaware fletsittende |
2022 | those I Freawaru the ones on the floor | ||
| nemnan hýrde þaér hío nægled sinc |
| I heard name her, when she the studded cup | ||
| hæleðum sealde Sío geháten is |
|
| ||
| geong goldhroden, gladum suna Fródan· |
| young, gold-adorned, to gracious son of Froda; | ||
| hafað þæs geworden wine Scyldinga |
| this has arranged the Friend of the Scyldings, | ||
| ríces hyrde ond þæt raéd talað |
2027 | the kingdom's shepherd, and counsel reckons it | ||
| þæt hé mid ðý wífe wælfaéhða daél |
| that he with this woman a great part of the slaughter-feuds, | ||
| sæcca gesette. Oft seldan hwaér |
| conflicts will settle. Very seldom anywhere | ||
| æfter léodhryre lýtle hwíle |
| after the fall of a leader (even) a little while | ||
| bongár búgeð þéah séo brýd duge. |
| the murderous spear bends down, though the bride be good. | ||
| Mæg þæs þonne ofþyncan ðéoden Heaðo-Beardna |
2032 | This then may displease the chief of the Heatho-Bards' | ||
| ond þegna gehwám þára léoda |
| and every thane of that people, | ||
| þonne hé mid faémnan on flett gaëð: |
| when he with the maiden walks on the floor: | ||
| dryhtbearn Dena duguða biwenede, |
| that the noble sons of the Danes, her veteran troop, are entertained, | ||
| on him gladiað gomelra láfe |
| on them glisten ancient heirlooms, | ||
| heard ond hringmaél Heaða-Bearna gestréon |
2037 | hard and ring-adorned, the Heatho-Bards' treasure, | ||
| þenden híe ðám waépnum wealdan móston. |
| so long as they those weapons were able to wield. |
|
[XXX] |
| |
| Oð ðæt híe forlaéddan tó ðám lindplegan |
| Until they had led to disaster in the shield-play |
| swaése gesíðas ond hyra sylfra feorh. |
| their dear companions and their own lives. |
| Þonne cwið æt béore sé ðe béahgesyhð |
| Then speaks at the beer-drinking, he who sees a ring-precious object, |
| eald æscwiga sé ðe eall geman |
2042 | the old ash-warrior, he who remembers all |
| gárcwealm gumena --him bið grim sefa-- |
| the spear-death of men --in him is a fierce heart-- |
| onginneð géomormód geongum cempan |
| he begins sad-spirited in a young champion, |
| þurh hreðra gehygd higes cunnian, |
| by the musing of his heart, to tempt his mind, |
| wígbealu weccean ond þæt word ácwyð: |
| to awaken war-horror, and speaks these words: |
| "Meaht ðú, mín wine, méce gecnáwan |
2047 | "Can you, my friend, recognise that maiche, |
| þone þín fæder tó gefeohte bær |
| which your father bore into the fight, |
| under heregríman hindeman síðe, |
| under his army-mask on the last campaign, |
| dýre íren, þaér hyne Dene slógon· |
| precious iron, there the Danes slew him, |
| wéoldon wælstówe syððan wiðergyld læg |
| controlled the slaying-field, when retribution failed, |
| æfter hæleþa hryre hwate Scyldungas? |
2052 | after the heroes' fall, the fierce Scyldings? |
| Nú hér þára banena byre náthwylces |
| Now here of those slayers the son of one or other of them, |
| frætwum hrémig on flet gaëð· |
| exultant in trappings, goes across the floor, |
| morðres gylpeð ond þone máðþum byreð |
| boasts of murder, and wears the treasure |
| þone þe ðú mid rihte raédan sceoldest." |
| which you by right ought to possess." |
| Manað swá ond myndgað maéla gehwylce |
2057 | Thus he incites and reminds every time |
| sárum wordum oð ðæt saél cymeð |
| with grievous words, until that time comes |
| þæt se faémnan þegn fore fæder daédum |
| that the woman's thane for his father's deeds |
| æfter billes bite blódfág swefeð |
| from the bite of a bill-blade sleeps, stained in blood, |
| ealdres scyldig· him se óðer þonan |
| having forfeited life; him the other thence |
| losað lifigende· con him land geare. |
2062 | escapes alive, the land is readily known to him. |
| Þonne bíoð brocene on bá healfe |
| Then are broken on both sides |
| áðsweorð eorla· syððan Ingelde |
| the sworn oaths of earls; then in Ingeld |
| weallað wælníðas ond him wíflufan |
| murderous hate will well up and in him the love of woman |
| æfter cearwælmum cólran weorðað· |
| surges of grief will become cooler; |
| þý ic Heaðo-Beardna hyldo ne telge |
2067 | Therefore I the Heathobards' loyalty do not consider, |
| dryhtsibbe daél Denum unfaécne, |
| the alliance's portion, for the Danes untreacherous, |
| fréondscipe fæstne. Ic sceal forð sprecan |
| enduring friendship. I ought speak further |
| gén ymbe Grendel þæt ðú geare cunne, |
| again about Grendel, that you may readily know, |
| sinces brytta, tó hwan syððan wearð |
| giver of treasure, what then happened, |
| hondraés hæleða syððan heofones gim |
2072 | the hand-fight of heroes when heaven's gem |
| glád ofer grundas gaést yrre cwóm |
| had glided over the earth, the ireful guest came, |
| eatol aéfengrom úser néosan |
| terrible, fierce in the evening to visit us, |
| ðaér wé gesunde sæl weardodon |
| where we, unharmed, warded the hall, |
| þaér wæs Hondsciö hilde onsaége |
| where was for Hondscio a sinking battle |
| feorhbealu faégum· hé fyrmest læg |
2077 | deadly evil for the doomed man; he fell first, |
| gyrded cempa· him Grendel wearð |
| the girded champion; for him Grendel was, |
| maérum maguþegne tó múðbonan· |
| the famed thane of distinction, a slayer by mouth, |
| léofes mannes líc eall forswealg· |
| the belovèd man's body swallowed up completely; |
| nó ðý aér út ðá gén ídelhende |
| not the sooner out yet empty-handed, |
| bona blódigtóð bealewa gemyndig |
2082 | the slayer bloody-toothed, wickedness in mind, |
| of ðám goldsele gongan wolde |
| from the gold-hall did he wish to go |
| ac hé mægnes róf mín costode· |
| but he, famed for his strength, tested me, |
| grápode gearofolm· glóf hangode |
| gripped with an eager hand; a pouch hung down |
| síd ond syllíc searobendum fæst |
| spacious and strange, with cleverly-wrought clasps held fast, |
| sío wæs orðoncum eall gegyrwed |
2087 | it was cunningly all devised |
| déofles cræftum ond dracan fellum· |
| with devil's crafts and dragon's skins; |
| hé mec þaér on innan unsynnigne |
| he me there inside, guiltless, |
| díor daédfruma gedón wolde |
| the daring instigator wished to stuff, |
| manigra sumne· hyt ne mihte swá |
| as one of many; he could not do so, |
| syððan ic on yrre upprihte ástód. |
2092 | since I in anger stood erect. |
| Tó lang ys tó reccenne hú ic ðám léodsceaðan |
| It is too long to recount how I the scourge of the people |
| yfla gehwylces hondléan forgeald |
| for each of his evils paid in hand-requital |
| þaér ic, þéoden mín, þíne léode |
| where I, my lord, your people |
| weorðode weorcum· he on weg losade |
| honoured by acts; he escaped away |
| lýtle hwíle lífwynna bréac· |
2097 | for a little while, enjoyed the joy of life; |
| hwæþre him sío swíðre swaðe weardade |
| yet from him the right, a vestige, remained behind |
| hand on Hiorte ond hé héan ðonan |
| hand in Heorot, and he wretched thence, |
| módes geómor meregrund geféoll. |
| gloomy in his heart, sank into the depths of the mere. |
| Mé þone wælraés wine Scildunga |
| To me for the bloody battle the Friend of the Scyldings |
| faéttan golde fela léanode |
2102 | with objects of plated gold in plenty rewarded, |
| manegum máðmum syððan mergen cóm |
| many treasures, when morning came, |
| ond wé tó symble geseten hæfdon |
| and we to the feast had sat down |
| þaér wæs gidd ond gléo: gomela Scilding |
| where was song and glee: old Scylding |
| felafricgende feorran rehte· |
| who has heard tell of many things, from long ago narrated; |
| hwílum hildedéor hearpan wynne |
2107 | at times this battle-daring one the harp for pleasure |
| gomelwudu grétte· hwílum gyd áwræc |
| the old-wood played; sometimes recited a song, |
| sóð ond sárlíc· hwílum syllíc spell |
| true and tragic; sometimes strange tales |
| rehte æfter rihte rúmheort cyning· |
| he related rightly, the open-hearted king; |
| hwílum eft ongan eldo gebunden |
| at times he began again, bound in his age, |
| gomel gúðwiga gioguðe cwíðan |
2112 | the ancient war-soldier, to mourn for his youth, |
| hildestrengo· hreðer inne wéoll |
| his battle-strength; his heart welled inside, |
| þonne hé wintrum fród, worn gemunde. |
| when he, wise in winter, recalled many things. |
| Swá wé þaér inne andlangne dæg |
| So we there inside a whole long day |
| níode náman oð ðæt niht becwóm |
| took pleasure, until came night |
| óðer tó yldum· Þá wæs eft hraðe |
2117 | another to men; then was again swiftly |
| gearo gyrnwræce Grendeles módor |
| ready for grief-revenge Grendel's mother, |
| síðode sorhfull· sunu déað fornam, |
| she journeyed full of sorrow; Death had taken her son, |
| wíghete Wedra· wíf unhýre |
| the war-hate of the Wederas; the horrible woman |
| hyre bearn gewræc· beorn ácwealde |
| avenged her child, killed a warrior |
| ellenlíce· þaér wæs Æschere |
2122 | savagely; there was from Æschere, |
| fródan fyrnwitan feorh úðgenge. |
| the old, wise lore-counsellor, life departed. |
| Nóðer hý hine ne móston syððan mergen cwóm |
| Nor could they him, when morning came, |
| déaðwérigne Denia léode |
| weary of death the Danish people |
| bronde forbærnan né on baél hladan |
| cremate in fire, nor lay on the funeral bale, |
| léofne mannan· hío þæt líc ætbær |
2127 | the beloved man; she had carried off the corpse |
| féondes fæðme under firgenstréam· |
| in fiend's embrace beneath the mountain stream; |
| þæt wæs Hróðgáre hréowa tornost |
| that was for Hrothgar the most bitter grief |
| þára þe léodfruman lange begéate. |
| which the ruler of the people long had received. |
| Þá se ðéoden mec ðíne lífe |
| Then me the chieftain, by your life, |
| healsode hréohmód þæt ic on holma geþring |
2132 | implored with troubled mind, that I in the waters' tumult |
| eorlscipe efnde· ealdre genéðde· |
| perform a noble act, risk life, |
| maérðo fremede· hé mé méde gehét. |
| accomplish glory; he promised me rewards. |
| Ic ðá ðæs wælmes þé is wíde cúð |
| Then I the welling waters', as is widely known, |
| grimme gryrelícne grundhyrde fond· |
| wrathful ghastly guard of the deep found; |
| þaér unc hwíle wæs hand gemaéne· |
2137 | there a while we were sharing a hand; |
| holm heolfre wéoll ond ic héafde becearf |
| the water welled with gore, and I cut off the head |
| in ðám grundsele Grendeles módor |
| in that deep-hall of Grendel's mother |
| éacnum ecgum· unsófte þonan |
| with mighty edges, not easily thence |
| feorh oðferede· næs ic faége þá gýt |
| I carried off my life; I was not doomed yet |
| ac mé eorla hléo eft gesealde |
2142 | but to me the protector of heroes again gave |
| máðma menigeo maga Healfdenes.' |
| many treasures, the kinsman of Half-Dane.' |
|
XXXI |
| |
| Swá se ðéodkyning þéawum lyfde· |
| So the king of the people lived according to proper custom; |
| nealles ic ðám léanum forloren hæfde |
| I by no means the gifts had lost, |
| mægnes méde ac hé mé maðma geaf |
| strength's reward, but he gave me treasures, |
| sunu Healfdenes on mínne sylfes dóm |
2147 | the son of Half-Dane, according to my own glory, |
| ðá ic ðé, beorncyning, bringan wylle, |
| these I to thee, warrior-king, wish to bring, |
| éstum geýwan· gén is eall æt ðé |
| graciously to offer; still is all in thee |
| lissa gelong· ic lýt hafo |
| dependent upon your favour; I have few |
| héafodmága nefne, Hygelác, ðec.' |
| near kinsmen except you Hygelac.' |
| Hét ðá in beran eafor héafodsegn |
2152 | Then he commanded to be brought in the boar-crested standard, |
| heaðostéapne helm háre byrnan |
| the battle-steep helm, hoar-silver byrnie, |
| gúðsweord geatolíc· gyd æfter wræc: |
| the beautiful war-sword; the tale thereafter uttered: |
| 'Mé ðis hildesceorp Hróðgár sealde |
| 'To me this battle-equipment Hrothgar gave, |
| snotra fengel· sume worde hét |
| the clever ruler; with some words he ordered, |
| þæt ic his aérest ðé ést gesægde· |
2157 | that I first you its legacy relate; |
| cwæð þæt hyt hæfde Hiorogár cyning |
| he said it owned King Heorogar, |
| léod Scyldunga lange hwíle· |
| the leader of the Scyldings a long time; |
| nó ðý aér suna sínum syllan wolde |
| no sooner for that to his son did he wish to give, |
| hwatum Heorowearde þéah hé him hold waére |
| to bold Heoroweard, though he was loyal to him, |
| bréostgewaédu. Brúc ealles well.' |
2162 | the breast-armour. Use it all well.' |
| Hýrde ic þæt þám frætwum féower méaras |
| I heard that with the treasure four mares |
| lungre gelíce lást weardode |
| swift, all alike, followed behind, |
| æppelfealuwe· hé him ést getéah |
| apple-yellow; he to him offered the gifts, |
| méara ond máðma. Swá sceal maég dön: |
| horses and riches. So should a kinsman act: |
| nealles inwitnet óðrum bregdon |
2167 | not at all malice-nets weave for others, |
| dyrnum cræfte déað rénian |
| with hidden arts contrive death |
| hondgesteallan. Hygeláce wæs |
| of hand-companions. To Hygelac was |
| níða heardum nefa swýðe hold |
| in fierce strife his nephew very loyal, |
| ond gehwæðer óðrum hróþra gemyndig· |
| and each the other's benefit remembered; |
| hýrde ic þæt hé ðone healsbéah Hygde gesealde |
2172 | I heard that he the neck-ring gave to Hygd, |
| wraétlicne wundurmáððum ðone þe him Wealhðéo geaf |
| the exquisite marvel-jewel, which Wealhtheow gave him, |
| ðéodnes dohtor þrío wicg somod |
| chieftain's daughter, three horses also |
| swancor ond sadolbeorht· hyre syððan wæs |
| supple and bright with saddles; then was her, |
| æfter béahðege bréost geweorðod. |
| after receiving the ring, breast adorned. |
| Swá bealdode bearn Ecgðéowes |
2177 | Thus he was bold, the son of Edgetheow, |
| guma gúðum cúð gódum daédum· |
| man famed in war, for good deeds; |
| dréah æfter dóme· nealles druncne slóg |
| he led his life for glory, never, having drunk, slew |
| heorðgenéatas· næs him hréoh sefa |
| his hearth-companions; a troubled heart was not in him, |
| ac hé mancynnes maéste cræfte |
| but he mankind's greatest strength, |
| ginfæstan gife þé him god sealde |
2182 | --that ample gift, which God gave him-- |
| héold hildedéor. Héan wæs lange |
| he held, battle-daring. Long had he been abject |
| swá hyne Géata bearn gódne ne tealdon |
| so the sons of the Geats did not reckon him good, |
| né hyne on medobence micles wyrðne |
| nor to him on the mead-bench much honour |
| drihten wereda gedón wolde· |
| the commander of the troops would grant; |
| swýðe sægdon þæt hé sléac waére |
2187 | they especially said, that he was slack, |
| æðeling unfrom· edwenden cwóm |
| no bold noble; a turn-around came |
| tíréadigum menn torna gehwylces. |
| to the glory-blessed man for each of these miseries. |
| Hét ðá eorla hléo in gefetian, |
| Then the protector of heroes ordered to be fetched in, |
| heaðoróf cyning, Hréðles láfe |
| the war-noble king, Hrethel's heirloom, |
| golde gegyrede· næs mid Géatum ðá |
2192 | fitted out in gold; there was not among the Geats then |
| sincmáðþum sélra on sweordes hád· |
| a better precious treasure in the manner of a sword; |
| þæt hé on Bíowulfes bearm álegde |
| that he in Beowulf's lap layed, |
| ond him gesealde seofan þúsendo, |
| and gave him seven thousand hides of land, |
| bold ond bregostól. Him wæs bám samod |
| residence and ruler's seat. Theirs was both together |
| on ðám léodscipe lond gecynde |
2197 | in that nation inherited land, |
| eard éðelriht, óðrum swíðor |
| earth by ancestral privelege, to the second more |
| síde ríce þám ðaér sélra wæs. |
| of that broad kingdom to him who was higher. |
| Eft þæt geíode ufaran dógrum |
| After that it came to pass in later days |
| hildehlæmmum· syððan Hygelác læg |
| in battle-clashes, when Hygelac lay dead, |
| ond Heardréde hildeméceas |
2202 | and for Heardred battle-maiches, |
| under bordhréoðan tó bonan wurdon |
| under the cover of his shield, became the instruments of his death, |
| ðá hyne gesóhtan on sigeþéode |
| when they sought him out in the victory-tribe, |
| hearde hildefrecan Heaðo-Scilfingas· |
| the fierce battle-ready warriors, the Battle-Scilfings, |
| níða genaégdan nefan Hereríces· |
| with enmity they attacked the nephew of Hereric; |
| syððan Béowulfe braéde ríce |
2207 | thereupon to Beowulf the broad kingdom |
| on hand gehwearf· hé gehéold tela |
| passed into his hands; he ruled well |
| fiftig wintra --wæs ðá fród cyning |
| for fifty winters --then he was a wise king, |
| eald éþelweard-- oð ðæt ón ongan |
| an old warden of the fatherland-- until one began |
| deorcum nihtum draca rícsian |
| in the dark nights, a dragon to rule, |
| sé ðe on héaum hofe hord beweotode |
2212 | he who in a high house watched over a hoard, |
| stánbeorh stéarcne· stíg under læg |
| a stark stone barrow; the path below lay |
| eldum uncúð. Þaér on innan gíong |
| unknown to men. There went inside |
| niða náthwylc ond néah geféng |
| a man, I know not which, and he groped near |
| haéðnum horde· hond gewríþenne |
| the heathen hoard, his hands wrapped round |
| since fáhne hé þæt syððan beget |
2217 | an ornamented bauble, he got that afterwards; |
| þéah ðe hé slaépende besyred hæfde |
| though he who sleeping had been tricked |
| þéofes cræfte· þæt síe ðíod onfand |
| by thief's cunning; the people discovered that, |
| búfolc beorna þæt hé gebolgen wæs. |
| the neighbouring folk of men, that he was enraged. |
|
XXXII |
| |||
| Nealles næs geweoldum wyrmhordan cræft |
|
| ||
| sylfes willum sé ðe him sáre gesceód |
2222 | of his own desire, he who sorely injured him, | ||
| ac for þréanédlan þéof náthwylces |
| because of dire-distress a thief of I know not which | ||
| hæleða bearna heteswengeas fléoh |
| sons of men fled hostile blows, | ||
| ærnesþearfe ond ðaér inne weall |
| in need of a hall and there within raged, | ||
| secg synbysig sóna onwacade· |
| a man haunted by guilt, immediately watched over; | ||
| þæt géan ðám gyste gryrebróga stód· |
2227 | then against the stranger stood horror and terror; | ||
| hwæðre fyrensceapen |
| nevertheless upon the wicked one | ||
|
| ||||
| se faér begeat· |
2230 | poured peril. | ||
| sincfæt sóhte· þaér wæs swylcra fela |
| He sought treasure-gold, there was many such, | ||
| in ðám eorðsele aérgestréona |
| in that earth-hall, ancient treasures, | ||
| swá hý on géardagum gumena náthwylc |
| as they in former days some man, | ||
| eormenláfe æþelan cynnes |
2234 | this great legacy of a noble kind, | ||
| þanchycgende þaér gehýdde |
| full of thought, had hid there | ||
| déore máðmas· ealle híe déað fornam |
| these dear treasures; all of them Death took | ||
| aérran maélum ond sí án ðá gén |
| in earlier times, and then were yet one | ||
| léoda duguðe sé ðaér lengest hwearf |
| of the old warriors of that people, the one who moved about there longest, | ||
| weard winegeómor wénde þæs yldan· |
2239 | the friend-grieving warden, he hoped to delay that much, | ||
| þæt hé lýtel fæc longgestréona |
| so that he for a little while the long-kept treasure | ||
| brúcan móste. Beorh eallgearo |
| would be able to enjoy. The barrow all-ready | ||
| wunode on wonge wæterýðum néah |
| occupied the plain near the water-waves, | ||
| níwe be næsse nearocræftum fæst· |
| new on the headland, made secure by difficult-craft; | ||
| þaér on innan bær eorlgestréona |
2244 | there inside bore of the treasure of earls | ||
| hringa hyrde handwyrðne daél |
| a hoard of rings a hand-fashioned share | ||
| faéttan goldes· féa worda cwæð: |
| of plated gold; some words he spoke: | ||
| 'Heald þú nú, hrúse, nú hæleð ne móstan |
| 'Now hold you, Earth, now the heroes cannot | ||
| eorla aéhte. Hwæt, hyt aér on ðé | earls' possessions. Listen, it formerly from you | |||
| góde begéaton· gúðdéað fornam |
2249 | was obtained by good men; war-death has taken away, | ||
| feorhbeale frécne fyrena gehwylcne |
| terrible murder of life, of crimes each one, | ||
| léoda mínra þá mé ðe þis ofgeaf: |
| my belovèd people, they gave this up to me: | ||
| gesáwon seledréam· hé náh hwá sweord wege |
| they had seen joy in the hall; he I have not, who might wield sword | ||
| oððe fægrie faéted waége |
| or make beautiful this gilded flagon, | ||
| dryncfæt déore· duguð ellor séoc· |
2254 | this precious drinking vessel; the veteran warriors are ill elsewhere; | ||
| sceal se hearda helm hyrstedgolde |
| must the stern helmet adorned with gold | ||
| faétum befeallen· feormynd swefað |
| stripped of its ornaments; the burnishers slumbers, | ||
| þá ðe beadogríman býwan sceoldon· |
| they who war-masks ought to brighten; | ||
| gé swylce séo herepád sío æt hilde gebád |
| also so the army's coats of mail, which in battle endured | ||
| ofer borda gebræc bite írena |
2259 | over the shattering of shield-boards the bite of iron, | ||
| brosnað æfter beorne· ne mæg byrnan hring |
| decay along with the men; byrnie's ring may not | ||
| æfter wígfruman wíde féran |
| with war-fighter fare widely, | ||
| hæleðum be healfe· næs hearpan wyn |
| alongside heroes; there was not harp's joy, | ||
| gomen gléobéames né gód hafoc |
| delight of glee-wood, nor good hawk | ||
| geond sæl swingeð né se swifta mearh |
2264 | soaring through the hall, nor swift horse | ||
| burhstede béateð· bealocwealm hafað |
| trampling the courtyard; baleful death has | ||
| fela feorhcynna forð onsended.' |
| many of my living kin sent forth.' | ||
| Swá giómormód giohðo maénde |
| Thus sad at heart in grief he bemoaned | ||
| án æfter eallum· unbliðe hwearf |
| one after all, unhappily passed | ||
| dæges ond nihtes oð ðæt déaðes wylm |
2269 | days and nights, until the flood of Death | ||
| hrán æt heortan. Hordwynne fond |
| reached to his heart. Hoard-joy he found, | ||
| eald úhtsceaða opene standan |
| the old twilight-scather, standing open, | ||
| sé ðe byrnende biorgas séceð |
| he who, burning, seeks barrows, | ||
| nacod níðdraca· nihtes fléogeð |
| the naked malevolent dragon; he flies by night, | ||
| fýre befangen· hyne foldbúend |
2274 | encircled in fire; him earth-dwellers | ||
| : : : : : : : : : : : :nan. Hé gesécean sceall |
| He has to seek | ||
| hearm on hrúsan þaér hé haéðen gold |
| harm in the ground, where he heathen gold | ||
| warað wintrum fród· ne byð him wihte ðý sél. |
| guards, wise in winters; he is not a bit better for that. | ||
| Swá se ðéodsceaða þréo hund wintra |
| So the people-scather three hundred winters | ||
| héold on hrúsan hordærna sum |
2279 | ruled in the earth of one of the hoard-halls, | ||
| éacencræftig oð ðæt hyne án ábealch |
| vastly powerful, until one angered him, | ||
| mon on móde: mandryhtne bær |
| a man in pride: he bore to his liege-lord | ||
| faéted waége· frioðowaére bæd |
| the gold-adorned cup, begged peace-truce | ||
| hláford sínne· ðá wæs hord rásod, |
| from his lord; then was the hoard ransacked, | ||
| onboren béaga hord, béne getíðad |
2284 | rings' hoard borne off, a boon was granted | ||
| féasceaftum men· fréa scéawode |
| to the wretched man; a lord examined | ||
| fíra fyrngeweorc forman síðe. |
| the ancient work of men for the first time. | ||
| Þá se wyrm onwóc --wróht wæs geníwad-- |
| then the worm awoke, --quarrel was renewed-- | ||
| stonc ðá æfter stáne· stearcheort onfand |
| he sniffed along the stone, the harsh-hearted one found | ||
| féondes fótlást· hé tó forð gestóp |
2289 | the foot-print of his foe; he too far forward had stepped | ||
| dyrnan cræfte dracan héafde néah. |
| in his stealthy craft near the dragon's head. | ||
| Swá mæg unfaége éaðe gedígan | Provided that, one not doomed may easily survive | |||
| wéan ond wraécsíð sé ðe waldendes |
| woe and hardship, he who the Ruler's | ||
| hyldo gehealdeþ. Hordweard sóhte |
| grace protects. The hoard-ward sought | ||
| georne æfter grunde· wolde guman findan |
2294 | eagerly along the ground, he wished to find the man, | ||
| þone þe him on sweofote sáre getéode· |
| the one who him in his slumber had sorely harmed; | ||
| hát ond hréohmód hlaéwum oft ymbehwearf |
| hot and fierce-minded, he often circled among the mounds | ||
| ealne útanweardne --né ðaér aénig mon |
| all round the outside --not any man there | ||
| on þám wéstenne hwæðre hilde gefeh |
| in that wilderness, but he rejoiced in battle, | ||
| beadu weorces --hwílum on beorh æthwearf· |
2299 | of battle-work --sometimes he turned back to the barrow, | ||
| sincfæt sóhte· hé þaét sóna onfand· |
| sought the treasure-cup; he suddenly discovered, | ||
| ðæt hæfde gumena sum goldes gefandod |
| that a certain man had disturbed the gold, | ||
| héahgestréona· hordweard onbád |
| the high treasures; the hoard-ward waited | ||
| earfoðlíce oð ðæt aéfen cwóm· |
| with great difficulty, until evening came; | ||
| wæs ðá gebolgen beorges hyrde· |
2304 | then was enraged the keeper of the barrow, | ||
| wolde se láða líge forgyldan |
| he wished the injury to repay with flame, | ||
| drincfæt dýre. Þá wæs dæg sceacen |
| the dear drinking-vessel. Then the day was departed | ||
| wyrme on willan· nó on wealle læg |
| to the joy of the wyrm; he did not lie within the wall, | ||
| bídan wolde ac mid baéle fór |
| (nor) wished to wait, but with bale-fire set forth, | ||
| fýre gefýsed· wæs se fruma egeslíc |
2309 | infused with flame; this beginning was terrible | ||
| léodum on lande swá hyt lungre wearð |
| for the people in the land, as it soon was | ||
| on hyra sincgifan sáre geendod. |
| upon their treasure-giver painfully ended. |
|
XXXIII |
| |||
| Ðá se gæst ongan glédum spíwan, |
| Then the demon began to spew flames, | ||
| beorht hofu bærnan· bryneléoma stód |
| to burn bright houses; the gleam of fire rose | ||
| eldum on andan· nó ðaér áht cwices |
2314 | to the horror of the men; nor there anything alive | ||
| láð lyftfloga laéfan wolde· |
| the hateful air-flier wished to leave; | ||
| wæs þæs wyrmes wíg wíde gesýne |
| the war-strength of that wyrm was widely seen, | ||
| nearofáges níð néan ond feorran· |
| the malice of the darkly cunning one near and far, | ||
| hú se gúðsceaða Géata léode |
| how the war-scather the people of the Geats | ||
| hatode ond hýnde· hord eft gescéat |
2319 | hated and humiliated; back to his hoard he shot, | ||
| dryhtsele dyrnne aér dæges hwíle· |
| the hidden lord-hall ere the time of day; | ||
| hæfde landwara líge befangen |
| the inhabitants of the land had been seized by flame, | ||
| baéle ond bronde· beorges getrúwode |
| in blaze and in fire; his barrow he trusted, | ||
| wíges ond wealles· him séo wén geléah. |
| his war-skill and his walls; him this belief deceived. | ||
| Þá wæs Bíowulfe bróga gecýðed |
2324 | Then was to Beowulf the danger made known | ||
| snúde tó sóðe þæt his sylfes hám |
| quickly in truth, that his own home, | ||
| bolda sélest brynewylmum mealt |
| the finest of dwellings, in waves of heat melted, | ||
| gifstól Géata· þæt ðám gódan wæs |
| the throne of the Geats; that was to the good man | ||
| hréow on hreðre hygesorga maést· |
| a grief in his heart, of the mind-sorrows the greatest; | ||
| wénde se wísa þæt hé wealdende |
2329 | the wise man thought that he the Ruler | ||
| ofer ealde riht écean dryhtne |
| against ancient law eternal Lord | ||
| bitre gebulge· bréost innan wéoll |
| had bitterly angered; inside his breast welled | ||
| þéostrum geþoncum swá him geþýwe ne wæs. |
| with thoughts of gloom, such was not usual for him. | ||
| Hæfde lígdraca léoda fæsten |
| The fire-drake had the fortress of the people, | ||
| éalond útan eorðweard ðone |
2334 | by the coast-land, the stronghold | ||
| glédum forgrunden· him ðæs gúðkyning |
| ground down with flames; him for that the war-king, | ||
| Wedera þíoden wræce leornode· |
| the chief of the Wederas, studied vengeance; | ||
| heht him þá gewyrcean, wígendra hléo |
| then he ordered to be made for him, a warriors' protector, | ||
| eallírenne, eorla dryhten, |
| all of iron, the lord of earls, | ||
| wígbord wraétlíc· wisse hé gearwe |
2339 | a wonderous war-board; he readily knew, | ||
| þæt him holtwudu helpan ne meahte |
| that him tree-wood could not help, | ||
| lind wið líge. Sceolde líþenddaga |
| linden-wood against fire. He had to his seafaring-days, | ||
| æþeling aérgód ende gebídan |
| the old, good noble, abide the end | ||
| worulde lífes ond se wyrm somod |
| of life in the world, and the wyrm together, | ||
| þéah ðe hordwelan héolde lange. |
2344 | though the hoard-wealth he had held long. | ||
| Oferhogode ðá hringa fengel |
| Then he scorned, the rings' lord, | ||
| þæt hé þone wídflogan weorode gesóhte |
| that he the wide-flier would seek out with a troop, | ||
| sídan herge· nó hé him þám sæcce ondréd |
| a large army; he did not the strife dread for himself, | ||
| né him þæs wyrmes wíg for wiht dyde |
| nor him the wyrm's fire esteem a bit, | ||
| eafoð ond ellen forðon hé aér fela |
2349 | power and courage, for that he before many, | ||
| nearo néðende níða gedígde |
| narrowly risking, hostilities survived, | ||
| hildehlemma syððan hé Hróðgáres |
| battle-clashes, since he Hrothgar's, | ||
| sigoréadig secg sele faélsode |
| --victory-favoured man-- hall cleansed, | ||
| ond æt gúðe forgráp Grendeles maégum |
| and in war overwhelmed Grendel's race, | ||
| láðan cynnes. Nó þæt laésest wæs |
2354 |
| ||
| hondgemóta þaér mon Hygelác slóh |
| the hand-to-hand encounter, where one slew Hygelac, | ||
| syððan Géata cyning gúðe raésum |
| after the Geats' king, in war's rushes, | ||
| fréawine folca Fréslondum on |
| the lord and friend of the folk, in Frisia, | ||
| Hréðles eafora hiorodryncum swealt |
| Hrethel's heir, died in the drink of sword, | ||
| bille gebéaten· þonan Bíowulf cóm |
2359 | beaten down by bill-blades. Then Beowulf came | ||
| sylfes cræfte· sundnytte dréah· |
| by his own strength, he made use of the sea; | ||
| hæfde him on earme eorla þrítig |
| he had in his arms thirty warriors' | ||
| hildegeatwa þá hé tó holme stág· |
| battle-gear, when he mounted the ocean; | ||
| nealles Hetware hrémge þorfton |
| not at all did the Hetwares had need to be exulting | ||
| féðewíges þé him foran ongéan |
2364 | over the fighting on foot, who forth against him | ||
| linde baéron· lýt eft becwóm |
| bore linden-wood shields; few came back | ||
| fram þám hildfrecan hámes níosan. |
| from that warrior to visit their homes. | ||
| Oferswam ðá sioleða bigong sunu Ecgðéowes |
| He crossed over then the flowing expanse of waters, the son of of Edgetheow, | ||
| earm ánhaga eft tó léodum |
| wretched and solitary, back to the people, | ||
| þaér him Hygd gebéad hord ond ríce |
2369 | there Hygd bade him hoard and kingdom, | ||
| béagas ond bregostól: bearne ne trúwode |
| rings and throne: in her son she did not trust | ||
| þæt hé wið ælfylcum éþelstólas |
| that he against foreign peoples the ancestral throne | ||
| healdan cúðe ðá wæs Hygelác déad· |
| had the power to hold when Hygelac was dead; | ||
| nó ðý aér féasceafte findan meahton |
| not the sooner the destitute ones could find | ||
| æt ðám æðelinge aénige ðinga |
2374 | in the noble one by any means, | ||
| þæt hé Heardréde hláford waére |
| that he to Heardred would be a lord, | ||
| oððe þone cynedóm cíosan wolde· |
| or the kingdom wished to accept; | ||
| hwæðre hé him on folce fréondlárum héold |
| yet he to him among the folk upheld with the counsels of a friend, | ||
| éstum mid áre oð ðæt hé yldra wearð· | graciously in honour, until he grew older, | |||
| Weder-Géatum wéold. Hyne wræcmæcgas |
2379 | ruled the Weder-Geats. Him banished men | ||
| ofer saé sóhtan, suna Óhteres· |
| from across the sea sought, sons of Ohthere; | ||
| hæfdon hý forhealden helm Scylfinga |
| they had rebelled against the Helm of the Scylfings, | ||
| þone sélestan saécyninga |
| the finest of sea-kings | ||
| þára ðe in Swíoríce sinc brytnade, |
| who there in Sweden dispensed treasure, | ||
| maérne þéoden· him þæt tó mearce wearð· |
2384 | famed chieftain; to him it became the end; | ||
| hé þaér for feorme feorhwunde hléat |
| there he for his hospitality received a mortal-wound, | ||
| sweordes swengum sunu Hygeláces |
| from sword's swing, the son of Hygelac; | ||
| ond him eft gewát Ongenðioes bearn |
| and he went back, Ongentheow's son | ||
| hámes níosan syððan Heardréd læg· |
| to seek his home, after Heardred lay dead; | ||
| lét ðone bregostól Bíowulf healdan, |
2389 | the throne he let Beowulf hold, | ||
| Géatum wealdan· þæt wæs gód cyning. |
| to rule the Geats; that was a good king. |
|
XXXIIII |
| |||
| Sé ðæs léodhryres léan gemunde |
| He for the prince's fall requital remembered | ||
| uferan dógrum· Éadgilse wearð |
| in later days, to Eadgils he became | ||
| féasceaftum fréond· folce gestépte |
| a friend in his plight; with men he supported | ||
| ofer saé síde sunu Óhteres |
2394 | over the wide sea the son of Ohtere, | ||
| wigum ond waépnum· hé gewræc syððan |
| with warriors and weapons; he had vengeance then | ||
| cealdum cearsiðum· cyning ealdre binéat: |
| in cold grief-bringing ventures, he deprived the king of his life: | ||
| swá hé níða gehwane genesen hæfde |
| so he each of the enmities had survived, | ||
| slíðra geslyhta, sunu Ecgðíowes, |
| dire conflicts, the son of Ecgetheow, | ||
| ellenweorca oð ðone ánne dæg |
2399 | deeds of courage, until the one day, | ||
| þé hé wið þám wyrme gewegan sceolde. |
| when he with the serpent must struggle. | ||
| Gewát þá twelfa sum torne gebolgen |
| Then he went, one of twelve, swollen with anger, | ||
| dryhten Géata, dracan scéawian· |
| the lord of the Geats, to behold the dragon; | ||
| hæfde þá gefrúnen hwanan sío faéhð árás |
| he had heard then whence this feud arose, | ||
| bealoníð biorna: him tó bearme cwóm |
2404 | wicked hostility for men: to his bosom came | ||
| máðþumfæt maére, þurh ðæs meldan hond· |
| the precious vessel, through the informer's hand; | ||
| sé wæs on ðám ðréate þreottéoða secg |
| he was in that group the thirteenth man, | ||
| sé ðæs orleges ór onstealde |
| he who this strife's origin brought about, | ||
| hæft hygegiómor· sceolde héan ðonon |
| the gloomy-minded captive; he was obliged, humbly, thence | ||
| wong wísian· hé ofer willan gíong |
2409 | to lead the way to the place; he went against his will | ||
| tó ðæs ðe hé eorðsele ánne wisse |
| to where the earth-hall he alone knew, | ||
| hlaéw under hrúsan holmwylme néh |
| the cairn under the ground near the surging of the sea, | ||
| ýðgewinne· sé wæs innan full |
| the struggle of the waves; it was full inside | ||
| wraétta ond wíra· weard unhíore |
| of jewels and intricate metal-work; an unpleasant guard, | ||
| gearo gúðfreca goldmáðmas héold |
2414 | ready, eager war-fighter held golden treasures | ||
| eald under eorðan· næs þæt ýðe céap |
| old under the earth; that was not an easy bargain, | ||
| tó gegangenne gumena aénigum. |
| to obtain for any man. | ||
| Gesæt ðá on næsse níðheard cyning· |
| Then on the headland sat the violence-hard king, | ||
| þenden haélo ábéad heorðgenéatum |
| while prosperity bid to his hearth-companions, | ||
| goldwine Géata· him wæs geómor sefa |
2419 | the gold-friend of the Geats; in him his heart was sad, | ||
| waéfre ond wælfús, wyrd ungemete néah |
| restless and slaughter-eager, fate all too near | ||
| sé ðone gomelan grétan sceolde, |
| which the old man must greet, | ||
| sécean sáwle hord, sundur gedaélan |
| seeking the treasure of his soul, sever asunder | ||
| líf wið líce· nó þon lange wæs |
| life from limb; it was not for long then | ||
| feorh æþelinges flaésce bewunden. |
2424 | the nobleman's life would be wound in his flesh. | ||
| Bíowulf maþelade bearn Ecgðéowes: |
| Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | ||
| 'Fela ic on giogoðe gúðraésa genæs |
| 'In youth I many war-storms survived, | ||
| orleghwíla· ic þæt eall gemon· |
| in battle-times; I remember all of that; | ||
| ic wæs syfanwintre þá mec sinca baldor |
| I was seven-winters (old) when me the lord of treasure, | ||
| fréawine folca æt mínum fæder genam· |
2429 | the lord and friend of the folk, took from my father; | ||
| héold mec ond hæfde Hréðel cyning· |
| held and had me King Hrethel, | ||
| geaf mé sinc ond symbel· sibbe gemunde· |
| gave me treasure and feast, recalled kinship; | ||
| næs ic him tó life láðra ówihte |
| I was not by him in life less in aught, | ||
| beorn in burgum þonne his bearna hwylc |
| a man in citadel, than each of his own sons, | ||
| Herebeald ond Hæðcyn oððe Hygelác mín. |
2434 | Herebeald and Haethcyn or my Hygelac. | ||
| Wæs þám yldestan ungedéfelice |
|
| ||
| maéges daédum morþorbed strëd |
| by a kinsman's deeds a death-bed strewed, | ||
| syððan hyne Hæðcyn of hornbogan |
| when him Haethcyn from a horn-bow | ||
| his fréawine fláne geswencte· |
| his friend and lord struck down with an arrow, | ||
| miste mercelses ond his maég ofscét |
2439 | missed his mark and his kinsman shot dead, | ||
| bróðor óðerne blódigan gáre· |
| the one brother the other with a bloody bolt; | ||
| þæt wæs feohléas gefeoht fyrenum gesyngad, |
| that was an irreparable fight, grieviously wronged, | ||
| hreðre hygeméðe· sceolde hwæðre swá þéah |
| heart-wearying in the breast; yet must though | ||
| æðeling unwrecen ealdres linnan. |
| the noble unavenged be parted from life. | ||
| Swá bið geómorlíc gomelum ceorle |
2444 | In the same way it is tragic for an old man | ||
| tó gebídanne þæt his byre ríde |
| to abide that his son rides | ||
| giong on galgan: þonne hé gyd wrece, |
| young on the gallows: then he utters a dirge, | ||
| sárigne sang þonne his sunu hangað |
| a sorrowing song, that his son hangs | ||
| hrefne tó hróðre ond hé him helpan ne mæg |
| for the pleasure of the raven, and he can not him help, | ||
| eald ond infród aénige gefremman· |
2449 | old and experienced, any provide; | ||
| symble bið gemyndgad morna gehwylce |
| ever is reminded each morning, | ||
| eaforan ellorsíð· óðres ne gýmeð |
| of the other-world journey of his son; another he heeds not | ||
| tó gebídanne burgum in innan |
| to wait for within the strongholds, | ||
| yrfeweardas þonne se án hafað |
| guardian of inheritance, when the one he has | ||
| þurh déaðes nýd daéda gefondad· |
2454 | through Death's compulsion experienced deeds; | ||
| gesyhð sorhcearig on his suna búre |
| he sees, sad and sorrowful, in his son's dwelling | ||
| wínsele wéstne windge reste |
| a wine-hall wasted, a wind-swept resting place | ||
| réote berofene· rídend swefað |
| bereft of joy; the riders sleep, | ||
| hæleð in hoðman· nis þaér hearpan swég |
| heroes hidden in graves; there is not sound of harp, | ||
| gomen in geardum swylce ðaér iú waéron. |
2459 | revelry in the courts, such as long ago there was. |
|
XXXV |
| |||
| Gewíteð þonne on sealman· sorhléoð gæleð |
| He goes then to his bed, sings a song of sorrow, | ||
| án æfter ánum· þúhte him eall tó rúm |
| one man on account of one man; it seemed to him all too roomy, | ||
| wongas ond wícstede. Swá Wedra helm |
| the fields and the dwelling-place. Thus the Helm of the Wederas | ||
| æfter Herebealde heortan sorge |
| on account of Herebeald heart's sorrow, | ||
| weallinde, wæg: wihte ne meahte |
2464 | welling, endured: not a whit could he | ||
| on ðám feorhbonan faéghðe gebétan· |
| on that life-slayer settle a feud; | ||
| nó ðý aér hé þone heaðorinc hatian ne meahte |
| nor the more for that warrior could he show hatred | ||
| láðum daédum þéah him léof ne wæs· |
| with hostile acts, though he by him was not loved; | ||
| hé ðá mid þaére sorhge þé him sío sár belamp |
| he then with that sorrow, which on him that sorely befell, | ||
| gumdréam ofgeaf· godes léoht gecéas· |
2469 | he gave over human joys, choose God's light; | ||
| eaferum laéfde swá déð éadig mon |
| to his heirs he left, as does a fortunate man, | ||
| lond ond léodbyrig þá hé of lífe gewát. |
| the land and the folk-citadel, when he departed from life. | ||
| Þá wæs synn ond sacu Swéona ond Géata |
| Then was injury and strife of the Swedes and the Geats | ||
| ofer wíd wæter wróht gemaéne |
| over the wide water a quarrel shared, | ||
| hereníð hearda syððan Hréðel swealt |
2474 | hard military-spite, after Hrethel died, | ||
| oððe him Ongenðéowes eaferan waéran |
| and to him Ongentheow's heirs were | ||
| frome fyrdhwate· fréode ne woldon |
| vigorous and martial; they did not wish friendship | ||
| ofer heafo healdan ac ymb Hréosnabeorh |
| to hold across the ocean, but around Hreosnabeorh | ||
| eatolne inwitscear oft gefremedon |
| horrible, malicious raiding often committed | ||
| þæt maégwine míne gewraécan, |
2479 | that kin-friends of mine avenged, | ||
| faéhðe ond fyrene swá hyt gefraége wæs |
| feud and crime, as it was famous, | ||
| þéah ðe óðer his ealdre gebohte |
| though one of the two with his life paid, | ||
| heardan céape· Hæðcynne wearð |
| a hard bargain; for Hæthcyn was, | ||
| Géata dryhtne gúð onsaége. |
| the Geats' lord, war impending. | ||
| Þá ic on morgne gefrægn maég óðerne |
2484 | Then I heard in the morning that one kinsman the other | ||
| billes ecgum on bonan staélan |
| with bill's edges took vengeance on the slayer, | ||
| þaér Ongenþéow Eofores níosað· |
| there Ongentheow is attacked by Eofor; | ||
| gúðhelm tóglád· gomela Scylfing |
| the war-helm slipped asunder, the agèd Scylfing | ||
| hréas heaþoblác· hond gemunde |
| fell battle-pale. The hand remembered | ||
| faéhðo genóge· feorhsweng ne oftéah. |
2489 | feuds a-plenty, did not withhold life-blow. | ||
| Ic him þá máðmas þé hé mé sealde |
| I to him the treasures, which he had given me, | ||
| geald æt gúðe swá mé gifeðe wæs |
| repaid in war, as was granted to me, | ||
| léohtan sweorde· hé mé lond forgeaf |
| with flashing sword; he gave me land, | ||
| eard éðelwyn· næs him aénig þearf |
| earth, the joy of homeland; there was not for him any need, | ||
| þæt hé tó Gifðum oððe tó Gár-Denum |
2494 | that he among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes | ||
| oððe in Swíoríce sécean þurfe |
| or in the Swedish Kingdom needed to seek | ||
| wyrsan wígfrecan, weorðe gecýpan: |
| a worse war-eager fighter, to buy with wealth: | ||
| symle ic him on féðan beforan wolde |
| always, in the foot-troop, I him wished to go before, | ||
| ána on orde ond swá tó aldre sceall |
| alone in the vanguard, and thus must I always | ||
| sæcce fremman þenden þis sweord þolað |
2499 | act in battle, while this sword endures | ||
| þæt mec aér ond síð oft gelaéste |
| that which me, early and later, has often served, | ||
| syððan ic for dugeðum Dæghrefne wearð |
|
| ||
| tó handbonan, Húga cempan· |
| his slayer by hand, the champion of the Hugas; | ||
| nalles hé ðá frætwe Fréscyninge |
| in no way the precious ornaments to the Frisian king, | ||
| bréostweorðunge bringan móste |
2504 | breast-adorning, was he able to bring, | ||
| ac in cempan gecrong cumbles hyrde |
| but rather with his contingent fell the banner's keeper, | ||
| æþeling on elne· ne wæs ecg bona |
| the noble in courage; blade's edge was not the killer | ||
| ac him hildegráp heortan wylmas |
| but my battle-grip on him his heart's beats, | ||
| bánhús gebræc. Nú sceall billes ecg |
| his bone-house, broke. Now I must with bill's edge, | ||
| hond ond heard sweord ymb hord wígan.' |
2509 | hand and hard sword fight for the hoard.' | ||
| Béowulf maðelode béotwordum spræc |
| Beowulf declared, spoke vow-words | ||
| níehstan síðe: 'Ic genéðde fela |
| for the last time: 'I have risked many | ||
| gúða on geogoðe· gýt ic wylle |
| wars in my youth; yet I wish, | ||
| fród folces weard faéhðe sécan, |
| old, wise warden of the folk, to seek vendetta, | ||
| maérðum fremman gif mec se mánsceaða |
2514 | to earn renown, if me that wreaker of evil | ||
| of eorðsele út geséceð.' |
| from his earth-hall ventures out to greet.' | ||
| Gegrétte ðá gumena gehwylcne |
| He then saluted each of the men, | ||
| hwate helmberend hindeman síðe |
| bold helm-bearers for the final time, | ||
| swaése gesíðas: 'Nolde ic sweord beran |
| dear companions: 'I would not bear a sword, | ||
| waépen tó wyrme gif ic wiste hú |
2519 | a weapon against the wyrm, if I knew how | ||
| wið ðám áglaécean elles meahte |
| against the monster else I might | ||
| gylpe wiðgrípan swá ic gió wið Grendle dyde |
| grapple for glory, as I did before with Grendel | ||
| ac ic ðaér heaðufýres hátes wéne |
| but I there furious fire's heat expect, | ||
| réðes ond hattres· forðon ic mé on hafu |
| fierce and poisonous; therefore I have on me | ||
| bord ond byrnan· nelle ic beorges weard |
2524 | shield-board and byrnie; nor will I from the barrow's guard | ||
| oferfléön fótes trem ac unc sceal |
| flee a foot but for us it must | ||
| weorðan æt wealle swá unc wyrd getéoð |
| happen at the wall as Fate allots us, | ||
| metod manna gehwæs· ic eom on móde from |
| the Creator of all men; I am bold in spirit | ||
| þæt ic wið þone gúðflogan gylp ofersitte. |
| that I against the war-flier forbear from boast. | ||
| Gebíde gé on beorge byrnum werede |
2529 | You, await here on the barrow, clad in byrnies, | ||
| secgas on searwum hwæðer sél mæge |
| warriors in war-gear, which better can | ||
| æfter wælraése wunde gedýgan |
| during the slaughter-clash survive wound | ||
| uncer twéga· nis þæt éower síð |
| of the two of us; it is not your adventure, | ||
| né gemet mannes nefne mín ánes· |
| nor in the power of men, save mine alone.' | ||
| Wát he wíð áglaécean eofoðo daéle· |
2534 | He knew that against the beast he would deal out his strength, | ||
| eorlscype efne· 'Ic mid elne sceall |
| achieve noble rank; 'I must with courage | ||
| gold gegangan oððe gúð nimeð |
| gain the gold, or war takes, | ||
| feorhbealu frécne fréan éowerne.' |
| terrible deadly wound, your lord.' | ||
| Árás ðá bí ronde róf óretta |
| Then he arose by means of his shield, the bold warrior, | ||
| heard under helme· hiorosercean bær |
2539 | severe under his helm, he wore sword-shirt | ||
| under stáncleofu strengo getrúwode |
| under stone cliffs, trusted in the strength | ||
| ánes mannes· ne bið swylc earges síð. |
| of a single man; such is not the coward's way. | ||
| Geseah ðá be wealle sé ðe worna fela |
| He saw then by the wall, he who a great number, | ||
| gumcystum gód gúða gedígde |
| nobly good, wars survived, | ||
| hildehlemma þonne hnitan féðan· |
2544 | battle-clashes, when armies collided; | ||
| stódan stánbogan, stréam út þonan |
| it stood by the stone-arch, a stream out from there | ||
| brecan of beorge· wæs þaére burnan wælm |
| breaking out of the barrow; there was the brook's surge | ||
| heaðofýrum hát· ne meahte horde néah |
| hot with deadly fire, he could not near the hoard | ||
| unbyrnende aénige hwíle |
| without burning for any space of time | ||
| déop gedýgan for dracan lége. |
2549 | endure the depths on account of the dragon's fire. | ||
| Lét ðá of bréostum ðá hé gebolgen wæs |
| Then he let from his breast, when he was angered, | ||
| Weder-Géata léod word út faran· |
| the Weder-Geat's leader, a word burst out, | ||
| stearcheort styrmde· stefn in becóm |
| the staunch-hearted one roared; his voice came in, | ||
| heaðotorht hlynnan under hárne stán· |
| ringing battle-clear beneath the hoary grey stone; | ||
| hete wæs onhréred· hordweard oncníow |
2554 | hate was aroused, the hoard-guard knew | ||
| mannes reorde· næs ðaér mára fyrst |
| man's voice; there was not more time | ||
| fréode tó friclan· from aérest cwóm |
| to ask for peace; first came forth | ||
| oruð áglaécean út of stáne |
| the monster's breath out of the stone, | ||
| hát hildeswát· hrúse dynede· |
| hot battle-vapour; the earth thundered; | ||
| biorn under beorge bordrand onswáf |
2559 | the warrior below the barrow swung his shield-boss | ||
| wið ðám gryregieste Géata dryhten· |
| against the terror-guest, the Geats' lord; | ||
| ðá wæs hringbogan heorte gefýsed |
| then was the ring-coiled one's heart incited | ||
| sæcce tó séceanne· sweord aér gebraéd |
| to seek strife; his sword before drew | ||
| gód gúðcyning gomele láfe |
| the good war-king, ancient heirloom, | ||
| ecgum ungléaw· aéghwæðrum wæs |
2564 | imprudent with sword-edges; was in each | ||
| bealohycgendra bróga fram óðrum· |
| of the harm-intending ones terror of the other; | ||
| stíðmód gestód wið stéapne rond |
| firm-spirited stood with his steep bossed-shield | ||
| winia bealdor ðá se wyrm gebéah |
| the brave leader of the friends, while the serpent coiled | ||
| snúde tósomne hé on searwum bád· |
| together swiftly; He in war-gear waited; | ||
| gewát ðá byrnende gebogen scríðan, |
2569 | went then burning gliding coiled, | ||
| tó gescipe scyndan· scyld wél gebearg |
| hastening to his destiny; the shield defended well | ||
| lífe ond líce laéssan hwíle |
| life and body for a lesser time | ||
| maérum þéodne þonne his myne sóhte· |
| the famed chieftain, then his mind desired, | ||
| ðaér hé þý fyrste forman dógore |
| where he that time for the first day | ||
| wealdan móste swá him wyrd ne gescráf |
2574 | had to wield it, as Fate had not decreed for him | ||
| hréð æt hilde: hond úp ábraéd |
| glory in battle: he raised up his hand, | ||
| Géata dryhten· gryrefáhne slóh |
| the Geatish lord; the ghastly-hued one he struck | ||
| incgeláfe þæt sío ecg gewác |
| with his ancestral sword, so that the edge weakened | ||
| brún on báne· bát unswíðor |
| bright on bone, bit less fiercely | ||
| þonne his ðíodcyning þearfe hæfde |
2579 | than its tribe-king had need | ||
| bysigum gebaéded. Þá wæs beorges weard |
| driven in distress. Then the barrow's ward was | ||
| æfter heaðuswenge on hréoum móde· |
| after the war-blow in a fierce spirit; | ||
| wearp wælfýre· wíde sprungon |
| he spewed slaughter-fire; widely spread | ||
| hildeléoman. Hréðsigora ne gealp |
| battle-light. Of war-victory did not boast | ||
| goldwine Géata· gúðbill geswác |
2584 | the gold-friend of the Geats; his war-bill failed, | ||
| nacod æt níðe swá hyt nó sceolde |
| naked in the violence, as it should not have, | ||
| íren aérgód· ne wæs þæt éðe síð |
| the excellent old iron; that was not an easy accomplishment, | ||
| þæt se maéra maga Ecgðéowes |
| that the famed son of Edgetheow | ||
| grundwong þone ofgyfan wolde· |
| this earth should be willing to give up; | ||
| sceolde willan wíc eardian |
2589 | he was obliged to be about to inhabit a dwelling | ||
| elles hwergen· swá sceal aéghwylc mon |
| elsewhere, as must every man | ||
| álaétan laéndagas. Næs ðá long tó ðon |
| abandon loaned-days. It was not long to when | ||
| þæt ðá áglaécean hý eft gemétton: |
| that the fierce enemies again met each other: | ||
| hyrte hyne hordweard· hreðer aéðme wéoll |
| the hoard-guardian heartened himself, his breast swelled with breath, | ||
| níwan stefne· nearo ðrówode |
2594 | another time; cruelly suffered, | ||
| fýre befongen sé ðe aér folce wéold. |
| encircled in fire, he who had once ruled a nation. | ||
| Nealles him on héape handgesteallan |
| Not at all him in a troop the hand-companions, | ||
| æðelinga bearn ymbe gestódon |
| nobles' sons, around him stood | ||
| hildecystum ac hý on holt bugon· |
| with valour in battle, but they sunk to the forest, | ||
| ealdre burgan· hiora in ánum wéoll |
2599 | to protect life; in one of them surged | ||
| sefa wið sorgum· sibb' aéfre ne mæg |
| his heart with sorrows; kinship can never | ||
| wiht onwendan þám ðe wél þenceð. |
| aught be altered, in him who thinks properly. |
|
XXXVI |
| |
| Wígláf wæs háten Wéoxstánes sunu |
| Wiglaf he was called, son of Weohstan, |
| léoflíc lindwiga léod Scylfinga |
| noble shield-fighter, man of the Scylfings, |
| maég Ælfheres· geseah his mondryhten |
2604 | kinsman of Ælfhere; he saw his liege-lord |
| under heregríman hát þrówian· |
| under the war-mask suffering heat; |
| gemunde ðá ðá áre þé hé him aér forgeaf |
| he remembered then the honour that he had given him before, |
| wícstede weligne Waégmundinga, |
| lush dwelling-place of the Waegmundings, |
| folcrihta gehwylc swá his fæder áhte· |
| to each folk-rights, as his father had owned; |
| ne mihte ðá forhabban· hond rond geféng |
2609 | then he could not hold back, his hand seized his round shield, |
| geolwe linde· gomelswyrd getéah· |
| yellow lindenwood, he drew his ancient sword; |
| þæt wæs mid eldum Éanmundes láf |
| it was among men the legacy of Eanmund, |
| suna Óhtere· þám æt sæcce wearð |
| son of Ohthere; of him in battle was, |
| wræcca wineléasum Wéohstánes bana |
| of the friendless exile, Weohstan his slayer |
| méces ecgum ond his mágum ætbær |
2614 | by maiche's edges, and to his kinsman he brought back |
| brúnfágne helm hringde byrnan |
| bright-gleaming helm, ringed byrnie, |
| ealdsweord etonisc· þæt him Onela forgeaf |
| an old ogrish sword; that to him Onela returned, |
| his gædelinges gúðgewaédu |
| his kinsman's war-garment, |
| fyrdsearo fúslíc· nó ymbe ðá faéhðe spræc |
| war-devised clothing; he did not speak of the feud, |
| þéah ðe hé his bróðor bearn ábredwade· |
2619 | though he his brother's son had slain; |
| hé frætwe gehéold fela misséra |
| he held the treasures for many seasons, |
| bill ond byrnan oð ðæt his byre mihte |
| bill and byrnie, until his son could |
| eorlscipe efnan swá his aérfæder· |
| accomplish noble deeds like his old father; |
| geaf him ðá mid Géatum gúðgewaéda |
| then, among the Geats, he gave him war-clothing, |
| aéghwæs unrím þá hé of ealdre gewát |
2624 | of all kinds, in countless number, then he went from life, |
| fród on forðweg. Þá wæs forma síð |
| wise, on the way forth. Then was the first time |
| geongan cempan þæt hé gúðe raés |
| for the young champion, that he the rush of war |
| mid his fréodryhtne fremman sceolde· |
| with his noble lord had to perform; |
| ne gemealt him se módsefa né his mægenes láf |
| his spirited heart in him did not melt away, nor the remainder of his strength |
| gewác æt wíge· þa se wyrm onfand |
2629 | fail in the fight; then the wyrm had discovered, |
| syððan híe tógædre gegán hæfdon. |
| when they together had come. |
| Wígláf maðelode· wordrihta fela |
| Wiglaf spoke, many proper words |
| sægde gesíðum --him wæs sefa geómor--: |
| he said to his companions --his heart was sad in him--: |
| 'Ic ðæt maél geman þaér wé medu þégun |
| 'I recall that time, where we partook of mead, |
| þonne wé gehéton ússum hláforde |
2634 | when we promised to our lord |
| in bíorsele ðé ús ðás béagas geaf |
| in the beer-hall, he who gave us rings, |
| þæt wé him ðá gúðgetawa gyldan woldon |
| that we to him for the war-gear wished to repay, |
| gif him þyslicu þearf gelumpe, |
| if for him such a need arose, |
| helmas ond heard sweord. Ðé hé úsic on herge gecéas |
| with helmets and hard swords. Because of that he chose us from the army |
| tó ðyssum síðfate sylfes willum· |
2639 | for this adventure of his own desire; |
| onmunde úsic maérða ond mé þás máðmas geaf |
| he deemed us worthy of renown, and gave me these treasures, |
| þé hé úsic gárwígend góde tealde |
| because he us spear-warriors considered excellent, |
| hwate helmberend þéah ðe hláford ús |
| bold helm-bearers, though the lord for us |
| þis ellenweorc áná áðóhte |
| this valiant work intended alone |
| tó gefremmanne, folces hyrde, |
2644 | to perform, the keeper of the folk, |
| forðán hé manna maést maérða gefremede |
| because he of men the most glories has achieved, |
| daéda dollícra. Nú is sé dæg cumen |
| the most audacious deeds. Now is the day come |
| þæt úre mandryhten mægenes behófað |
| that our liege-lord has need of strength |
| gódra gúðrinca· wutun gongan tó |
| of good war-men; let us go to, |
| helpan hildfruman þenden hyt sÿ |
2649 | aid the battle-leader, while the heat lasts, |
| glédegesa grim. God wát on mec |
| the fierce fire-terror. God knows of me |
| þæt mé is micle léofre þæt mínne líchaman |
| that to me it is much more agreeable, that my body |
| mid mínne goldgyfan gléd fæðmie· |
| with my gold-giver the fire embraces; |
| ne þynceð mé gerysne þæt wé rondas beren |
| it does not seem proper to me, that we bear shields |
| eft tó earde nemne we aéror mægen |
2654 | back to our land, unless we first can |
| fáne gefyllan, feorh ealgian |
| fell the foe, defend the life |
| Wedra ðéodnes· ic wát geare |
| of the chief of the Wederas; I know well, |
| þæt naéron ealdgewyrht þæt hé ána scyle |
| that his deeds of old are not such, that he alone should |
| Géata duguðe gnorn þrówian, |
| of the Geats' retinue sorrow suffer, |
| gesígan æt sæcce· úrum sceal sweord ond helm |
2659 | to sink in strife; for the two of us must sword and helm, |
| byrne ond byrduscrúd bám gemaéne.' |
| byrnie and rich shroud both share.' |
| Wód þá þurh þone wælréc· wígheafolan bær |
| Then he waded through the smoke of slaughter, bore his war-head |
| fréan on fultum· féa worda cwæð: |
| to the support of his lord; a few words he spoke: |
| 'Léofa Bíowulf, laést eall tela |
| 'Dear Beowulf, carry out all well, |
| swá ðú on geoguðféore geára gecwaéde |
2664 | as you in youth-life long ago said, |
| þæt ðú ne álaéte be ðé lifigendum |
| that you would not allow, with you still living, |
| dóm gedréosan· scealt nú daédum róf, |
| glory to fail; you must now in bold deeds, |
| æðeling anhýdig, ealle mægene |
| a noble firm in mind, with all of your strength, |
| feorh ealgian· ic ðé fullaéstu.' |
| defend your life; I shall support you.' |
| Æfter ðám wordum wyrm yrre cwóm |
2669 | After those words the wrathful wyrm came, |
| atol inwitgæst óðre síðe |
| awful cruel visitor a second time, |
| fýrwylmum fáh fíonda níosian |
| with hostile, gleaming flood of fire to seek his foes |
| láðra
manna· líg
ýðum for·
|
| the hated humans; the flame came forth in waves, |
| born bord wið rond· byrne ne meahte |
| burned shield to the boss; the byrnie could not |
| geongum gárwigan géoce gefremman |
2674 | to the young spear-fighter lend support |
| ac se maga geonga under his maéges scyld |
| but the young man, under his kinsman's shield |
| elne geéode þá his ágen wæs |
| courageously advanced, when his own was |
| glédum forgrunden. Þá gén gúðcyning |
| consumed by fire. Then again the war-king |
| miht gemunde· mægenstrengo slóh |
| remembered his strength, with mighty force struck |
| hildebille þæt hyt on heafolan stód |
2679 | with his battle-bill, so that it stood in (the serpent's) head |
| níþe genýded· Nægling forbærst· |
| driven by violence; Naegling burst asunder, |
| geswác æt sæcce sweord Bíowulfes |
| failed in the fight Beowulf's sword |
| gomol ond graégmaél· him þæt gifeðe ne wæs |
| ancient and silver-streaked; it was not granted to him, |
| þæt him írenna ecge mihton |
| that for him irons' edges could |
| helpan æt hilde: wæs sío hond tó strong |
2684 | help in battle: the hand was too strong, |
| sé ðe méca gehwane míne gefraége |
| that each one of the blades --I heard-- |
| swenge ofersóhte þonne hé tó sæcce bær |
| in stroke he over-taxed; when he bore to battle |
| waépen wundum heard næs him wihte ðé sél. |
| a weapon hardened by wounds, it was not any better for him. |
| Þá wæs þéodsceaða þriddan síðe |
| Then the scourge of people a third time, |
| frécne fýrdraca faéhða gemyndig· |
2689 | the fierce fire-drake enmity in mind, |
| raésde on ðone rófan þá him rúm ágeald |
| rushed at the brave man, when he was yielded space, |
| hát ond heaðogrim heals ealne ymbeféng |
| hot and battle-fierce, (Beowulf's) whole neck he clamped |
| biteran bánum· hé geblódegod wearð |
| between sharp fangs; he was drenched |
| sáwuldríore· swát ýðum wéoll. |
| in life-blood; gore gushed in waves. |
|
XXXVII |
| |
| Ðá ic æt þearfe gefrægn þéodcyninges |
2694 | I heard that then at the need of the folk-king |
| andlongne eorl ellen cýðan |
| the nobleman alongside displayed courage, |
| cræft ond cénðu swá him gecynde wæs· |
| strength and boldness, as was natural to him; |
| ne hédde hé þæs heafolan ac sío hand gebarn |
| he did not heed (the dragon's) head, though the hand was burned |
| módiges mannes þaér hé his mægenes healp |
| of the spirited man, there he his strength helped, |
| þæt he þone níðgæst nioðor hwéne slóh, |
2699 | that he the hostile outsider struck somewhat lower, |
| secg on searwum þæt ðæt sweord gedéaf |
| the warrior in his war-gear, so that the sword sank in |
| fáh ond faéted þæt ðæt fýr ongon |
| gleaming and golden so that the fire began |
| sweðrian syððan. Þá gén sylf cyning |
| to weaken after that. Then again the king himself |
| gewéold his gewitte· wællseaxe gebraéd |
| gathered his wits, drew a slaughter-seax |
| biter ond beaduscearp þæt hé on byrnan wæg· |
2704 | bitter and battle-sharp, that he wore on his byrnie; |
| forwrát Wedra helm wyrm on middan. |
| The Helm of the Wederas cut through the wyrm in the middle. |
| Féond gefyldan --ferh ellen wræc-- |
| The foe they felled --their courage driving out life-- |
| ond hí hyne þá bégen ábroten hæfdon, |
| and then the both of them him had destroyed, |
| sibæðelingas· swylc sceolde secg wesan |
| the noble kinsmen; so ought a man to be, |
| þegn æt ðearfe. Þæt ðám þéodne wæs |
2709 | a thane in need. That was for the chieftain |
| síðas sigehwíle sylfes daédum, |
| the last time of victory by his own deeds, |
| worlde geweorces. Ðá sío wund ongon |
| in the world of action. Then the wound began, |
| þé him se eorðdraca aér geworhte |
| which him the earth-dragon had caused earlier, |
| swelan ond swellan· hé þæt sóna onfand· |
| to swelter and to swell; he soon discovered that, |
| þæt him on bréostum bealoníð wéoll |
2714 | it him in the breast welled with deadly evil, |
| attor on innan. Ðá se æðeling gíong |
| poison inside. Then the noble went, |
| þæt hé bí wealle wíshycgende |
| so that he by the wall wise in thought |
| gesæt on sesse· seah on enta geweorc· |
| sat on a seat; he looked on the giants' work |
| hú ðá stánbogan stapulum fæste |
| how the stone-arches on firm pillars |
| éce eorðreced innan healden. |
2719 | the eternal earth-hall supported within. |
| Hyne þá mid handa heorodréorigne |
| Then with his hands, sword-bloody, |
| þéoden maérne þegn ungemete till |
| the renowned chieftain, the immensely good thane |
| winedryhten his wætere gelafede |
| his friend and lord washed with water, |
| hilde sædne ond his helm onspéon· |
| weary of battle, and unfastened his helm; |
| Bíowulf maþelode· hé ofer benne spræc, |
2724 | Beowulf spoke; he spoke despite his injury, |
| wunde wælbléate --wisse hé gearwe |
| the slaughter-wretched wound --he readily knew |
| þæt hé dæghwíla gedrogen hæfde |
| that he the length of his days had fulfilled, |
| eorðan wynne· ðá wæs eall sceacen |
| joy of earth; then was all departed |
| dógorgerímes, déað ungemete néah--: |
| his number of days, death exceedingly near |
| 'Nú ic suna mínum syllan wolde |
2729 | 'Now I to my son I would have wished to give |
| gúðgewaédu þaér mé gifeðe swá |
| war-garments, if it had been granted to me such that |
| aénig yrfeweard æfter wurde |
| any guardian of inheritance would be after |
| líce gelenge· ic ðás léode héold |
| this body remaining; I ruled the people |
| fíftig wintra· næs sé folccyning |
| fifty winters; there was not a folk-king |
| ymbesittendra aénig ðára |
2734 | of my neighbours --of any of them-- |
| þé mec gúðwinum grétan dorste, |
| who me with war-friends dared to greet, |
| egesan ðéön· ic on earde bád |
| to threaten with terror; I on earth awaited |
| maélgesceafta· héold mín tela· |
| destiny, ruled my own well, |
| ne sóhte searoníðas né mé swór fela |
| did not seek cunning hostility, nor swore me many |
| áða on unriht· ic ðæs ealles mæg |
2739 | oaths unjustly; I all of it can, |
| feorhbennum séoc geféan habban |
| sick with mortal-injuries, have rejoicing, |
| forðám mé wítan ne ðearf Waldend fíra |
| because he will not need to reproach me, the Ruler of men, |
| morðorbealo mága þonne mín sceaceð |
| for dire murder of kin, when departs my |
| líf of líce. Nú ðú lungre geong |
| life from body. Now go you quickly |
| hord scéawian under hárne stán, |
2744 | to examine the hoard under the hoary grey stone, |
| Wígláf léofa, nú se wyrm ligeð, |
| dear Wiglaf, now the wyrm lies dead, |
| swefeð sáre wund since beréafod |
| sleeping sorely wounded, deprived of treasure |
| bío nú on ofoste þæt ic aérwelan |
| be now in haste, that I the ancient wealth, |
| goldaéht ongite· gearo scéawige |
| the possession of gold might perceive, readily behold |
| swegle searogimmas þæt ic ðý séft mæge |
2749 | sparkling cleverly-cut gems, so that I can the more pleasantly |
| æfter máððumwelan mín álaétan |
| for treasure-wealth leave my |
| líf ond léodscipe þone ic longe héold.' |
| life and nation, that long I ruled.' |
|
XXXVIII |
| |
| Ðá ic snúde gefrægn sunu Wíhstánes |
| Then I heard swiftly the son of Weohstan, |
| æfter wordcwydum wundum dryhtne |
| after the word-speech the wounded lord, |
| hýran heaðosíocum, hringnet beran |
2754 | listened to the battle-sick one, bore a net of rings, |
| brogdne beadusercean under beorges hróf. |
| woven battle-shirt under the barrow's roof. |
| Geseah ðá sigehréðig þá hé bí sesse géong |
| He saw then victorious, when he went by the seat, |
| magoþegnmódig máððumsigla fealo, |
| the spirited young thane, many precious jewels, |
| gold glitinian grunde getenge |
| glittering gold close to the ground, |
| wundur on wealle ond þæs wyrmes denn |
2759 | wonders on the wall, and the wyrm's den, |
| ealdes úhtflogan, orcas stondan |
| the old twilight-flier, beakers standing, |
| fyrnmanna fatu feormendléase |
| the vessels of men of old lacking a burnisher, |
| hyrstum behrorene· þaér wæs helm monig |
| stripped of adornments; there was a multitude of helms |
| eald ond ómig, earmbéaga fela |
| old and rusty, many arm-rings |
| searwum gesaéled --sinc éaðe mæg |
2764 | cleverly fastened --treasure easily may, |
| gold on grunde gumcynnes gehwone |
| gold in the ground, any one of mankind |
| oferhígian hýde sé ðe wylle-- |
| overpower, hide he who will-- |
| swylce hé siomian geseah segn eallgylden |
| also he saw hanging a standard all-golden |
| héah ofer horde, hondwundra maést |
| high over the hoard, the greatest of hand-wrought wonders, |
| gelocen leoðocræftum· of ðám léoman stód |
2769 | linked with skill of hands; from it light issued, |
| þæt hé þone grundwong ongitan meahte, |
| so that he on the ground could perceive, |
| wraéte giondwlítan· næs ðæs wyrmes þaér |
| look over the ornament; there was not of the wyrm |
| onsýn aénig ac hyne ecg fornam. |
| any appearance, for him the blade-edge took. |
| Ðá ic on hlaéwe gefrægn hord réafian |
| Then I heard in the mound the hoard plundered, |
| eald enta geweorc ánne mannan, |
2774 | old work of giants, one man, |
| him on bearm hlódon bunan ond discas |
| him on his bosom loaded goblets and plates |
| sylfes dóme segn éac genóm |
| of his own judgement he also took the banner, |
| béacna beorhtost· bill aér gescód |
| the brightest beacon; the bill had already wounded |
| --ecg wæs íren-- ealdhláfordes |
| --the edge was iron-- of that old lord |
| þám ðára máðma mundbora wæs |
2779 | him who the treasures' protector was |
| longe hwíle· lígegesan wæg |
| for a long while; the fire-terror had endured |
| hátne for horde hioroweallende |
| hot for sake of the hoard, fiercely welling up |
| middelnihtum oð þæt hé morðre swealt. |
| in the middle of nights until he died in violence. |
| Ár wæs on ofoste eftsíðes georn |
| The messenger was in haste, eager for return, |
| frætwum gefyrðred· hyne fyrwet bræc |
2784 | urged on by treasures; curiosity burst in him, |
| hwæðer collenferð cwicne gemétte |
| whether bold-hearted he would meet alive |
| in ðám wongstede Wedra þéoden |
| in that place, the chief of the Wederas |
| ellensíocne þaér hé hine aér forlét· |
| ill in strength, where he had left him earlier; |
| hé ðá mid þám máðmum maérne þíoden |
| he then with that treasures to the glorious chieftain, |
| dryhten sínne dríorigne fand |
2789 | his lord, found bleeding, |
| ealdres æt ende· hé hine eft ongon |
| of life at an end; he again began on him |
| wæteres weorpan oð þæt wordes ord |
| to sprinkle water, until the word's point |
| bréosthord þurhbræc |
| broke through the breast-hoard, |
| gomel on giogoðe gold scéawode: |
| the old one on the youth saw gold: |
| 'Ic ðára frætwa fréan ealles ðanc |
2794 | 'I, for these riches, to the Lord of All, thanks |
| wuldurcyninge wordum secge |
| to the Glory-King say by words, |
| écum dryhtne þé ic hér on starie |
| to the eternal Lord, which I look on here, |
| þæs ðe ic móste mínum léodum |
| that I was able for my people |
| aér swyltdæge swylc gestrýnan |
| before my death-day to gain such riches, |
| nú ic on máðma hord minne bebohte |
2799 | now I for the hoard of treasures have paid with my |
| fróde feorhlege fremmað géna |
| old span of life. Tend still |
| léoda þearfe· ne mæg ic hér leng wesan· |
| the need of the nation. I cannot be here longer; |
| hátað heaðomaére hlaéw gewyrcean |
| order war-famed men to construct a mound |
| beorhtne æfter baéle æt brimes nósan· |
| bright after the fire, at the ocean's cape; |
| sé scel tó gemyndum mínum léodum |
2804 | it shall to remind my people |
| héah hlífian on hrones næsse |
| tower high on headland of whales, |
| þæt hit saélíðend syððan hátan |
| so that it sea-farers then will name |
| Bíowulfes Biorh ðá ðe brentingas |
| Beowulf's Barrow, those who ships |
| ofer flóda genipu feorran drífað.' |
| over the seas' mists drive from afar.' |
| Dyde him of healse hring gyldenne |
2809 | Took him from his neck the golden ring, |
| þíoden þrísthýdig· þegne gesealde |
| the valiant chief, to the thane gave, |
| geongum gárwigan goldfáhne helm |
| to the young spear-warrior, gold-adorned helm, |
| béah ond byrnan· hét hyne brúcan well: |
| ring and byrnie, told him to use them well: |
| 'Þú eart endeláf ússes cynnes |
| 'You are the last remainder of our race, |
| Waégmundinga· ealle wyrd forswéop |
2814 | of the Waegmundings; Fate has swept off all |
| míne mágas tó metodsceafte |
| of my kinsmen into destined death, |
| eorlas on elne· ic him æfter sceal.' |
| earls in their strength; I must go after them.' |
| Þæt wæs þám gomelan gingæste word |
| That was for the old man the final word |
| bréostgehygdum aér hé baél cure |
| of the thoughts of his breast, ere he chose funeral fire, |
| háte heaðowylmas· him of hwæðre gewát |
2819 | hot furious seething; yet from him went |
| sáwol sécean sóðfæstra dóm. |
| his soul to seek truth-fast judgement. |
|
XXXVIIII |
| |
|
Ðá wæs gegongen guman unfródum |
| Then it went with the young man |
| earfoðlíce þæt hé on eorðan geseah |
| painfully, that he saw on the ground |
| þone léofestan lífes æt ende |
| the dearest man at the end of his life |
| bléate gebaéran· bona swylce læg |
2824 | miserably enduring; the slayer also lay, |
| egeslíc eorðdraca ealdre beréafod |
| the terrible earth-dragon bereft of life, |
| bealwe gebaéded· béahhordum leng |
| balefully beaten down; the ring-hoard longer |
| wyrm wóhbogen wealdan ne móste |
| the wickedly coiled wyrm could not control, |
| ac him írenna ecga fornámon, |
| rather him irons' edges took off, |
| hearde heaðoscearde homera láfe |
2829 | the hard, battle-notched leavings of hammers, |
| þæt se wídfloga wundum stille |
| so that the wide-flier, stilled by wounds, |
| hréas on hrúsan hordærne néah· |
| fell to the ground near the hoard-store; |
| nalles æfter lyfte lácende hwearf |
| not at all through the air flying turned |
| middelnihtum· máðmaéhta wlonc |
| in the middle of nights, proud of his prized possessions, |
| ansýn ýwde ac hé eorðan geféoll |
2834 | manifested an appearance, but he fell to earth |
| for ðæs hildfruman hondgeweorce. |
| by the battle-leader's work of his own hands. |
| Húru þæt on lande lýt manna ðáh |
| Indeed it on land few men succeeded, |
| mægenágendra míne gefraége |
| possessors of strength, I have heard, |
| þéah ðe hé daéda gehwæs dyrstig waére· |
| though he in all deeds were daring; |
| þæt hé wið attorsceaðan oreðe geraésde |
2839 | that he against the poison-scourge's breath rushed, |
| oððe hringsele hondum styrede |
| or its ring-hall stirred up with hands, |
| gif hé wæccende weard onfunde |
| if he a watching warden found |
| búon on beorge· Bíowulfe wearð |
| living in the barrow; for Beowulf was |
| dryhtmáðma daél déaðe forgolden· |
| the noble treasures' share, repaid with death; |
| hæfde aéghwæðre ende geféred |
2844 | each of them had arrived at the end |
| laénan lífes. Næs ðá lang tó ðon |
| of his loaned life. It was not long to when |
| þæt ðá hildlatan holt ofgéfan |
| that the battle-shirkers gave up the forest, |
| týdre tréowlogan týne ætsomne |
| cowardly troth-breakers, ten together, |
| ðá ne dorston aér dareðum lácan |
| who had not dared before with javelins to fight |
| on hyra mandryhtnes miclan þearfe |
2849 | in their liege-lord's great need |
| ac hý scamiende scyldas baéran |
| but they, shamed, bore shields, |
| gúðgewaédu þaér se gomela læg· |
| war-clothing, to where the old man lay; |
| wlitan on Wíláf· hé gewérgad sæt |
| they looked at Wiglaf; he sat wearied, |
| féðecempa fréan eaxlum néah· |
| the foot-soldier near the shoulders of his lord; |
| wehte hyne wætre· him wiht ne spéow· |
2854 | he tried to rouse him with water, but it availed him not a bit; |
| ne meahte hé on eorðan, ðéah hé úðe wél |
| he could not on earth, though he wished well, |
| on ðám frumgáre feorh gehealdan |
| in that first-spear preserve life, |
| né ðæs wealdendes wiht oncirran: |
| nor the Ruler's man turn back: |
| wolde dóm godes daédum raédan |
| the judgement of God would rule the deeds |
| gumena gehwylcum swá hé nú gén dëð. |
2859 | of all men, as it still does now. |
| Þá wæs æt ðám geongan grim andswaru |
| Then there was from that young man a grim answer |
| éðbegéte þám ðe aér his elne forléas· |
| easily got, for him who earlier had lost his courage; |
| Wígláf maðelode Wéohstánes sunu |
| Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan's son, |
| secg sárigferð seah on unléofe: |
| a man sore at heart looked on the unloved men: |
| 'Þæt, lá, mæg secgan sé ðe wyle sóð specan· |
2864 | 'That, indeed, may say he who wishes to speak the truth, |
| þæt se mondryhten sé éow ðá máðmas geaf |
| that the liege-lord, he who gave you treasures, |
| éoredgeatwe þé gé þaér on standað-- |
| cavalry-gear, that you stand in there-- |
| þonne hé on ealubence oft gesealde |
| when he on the ale-bench often gave |
| healsittendum helm ond byrnan, |
| to hall-sitters helm and byrnie, |
| þéoden his þegnum swylce hé þrýdlícost |
2869 | the chieftain to his thanes such as he the grandest |
| ówer feor oððe néah findan meahte-- |
| anywhere far or near was able to find-- |
| þæt hé génunga gúðgewaédu |
| that he completely war-clothing |
| wráðe forwurpe ðá hyne wíg beget· |
| grievously threw away, when fighting befell him; |
| nealles folccyning fyrdgesteallum |
| not at all the folk-king his companions in arms |
| gylpan þorfte· hwæðre him god úðe |
2874 | need to boast about; yet God granted him, |
| sigora waldend þæt hé hyne sylfne gewræc |
| victories' Ruler, that he avenged himself, |
| ána mid ecge þá him wæs elnes þearf. |
| one with a blade, when for him was need of valour. |
| Ic him lífwraðe lýtle meahte |
| I him life-protection little could |
| ætgifan æt gúðe ond ongan swá þéah |
| provide in war, and yet began |
| ofer mín gemet maéges helpan· |
2879 | beyond my measure to aid my kinsman; |
| symle wæs þý saémra þonne ic sweorde drep |
| ever was it the weaker when I struck with sword, |
| ferhðgeníðlan fýr unswíðor |
| the deadly enemy, fire less fiercely |
| wéoll of gewitte· fergendra tó lýt |
| surged from the seat of intellect; leaders too few |
| þrong ymbe þéoden þá hyne sío þrág becwóm. |
| thronged around the chieftain, when distress came to him. |
| Hú sceal sincþego ond swyrdgifu |
2884 | How must treasure-receipt and sword-giving |
| eall éðelwyn éowrum cynne |
| all native joy for your kin, |
| lufen álicgean! Londrihtes mót |
| delight cease! Of land-rights must |
| þaére maégburge monna aéghwylc |
| of your clan every man |
| ídel hweorfan syððan æðelingas |
| become deprived, when nobles |
| feorran gefricgean fléam éowerne |
2889 | from afar learn of your flight, |
| dómléasan daéd: déað bið sélla |
| gloryless dead: death is better |
| eorla gehwylcum þonne edwítlíf.' |
| for all men than a life of dishonour.' |
|
XL |
| |||
| Heht ðá þæt heaðoweorc tó hagan bíodan |
| Then he commanded battle-result to be announced at the stronghold, | ||
| úp ofer ecgclif þaér þæt eorlweorod |
| up over the cliff-edge, where that warrior-band | ||
| morgenlongne dæg módgiómor sæt |
2894 | the morning-long day sat sad in spirit, | ||
| bordhæbbende béga on wénum: |
| shield-bearers, in expectation of two things: | ||
| endedógores ond eftcymes |
| the end of his days or the return | ||
| léofes monnes. Lýt swígode |
| of the dear man. On little was he silent | ||
| níwra spella sé ðe næs gerád |
| of the new tidings, he who rode the headland, | ||
| ac hé sóðlíce sægde ofer ealle: |
2899 | but he truly said over all: | ||
| 'Nú is wilgeofa Wedra léoda |
| 'Now is the wish-giver of the Wederas' nation, | ||
| dryhten Géata déaðbedde fæst |
| the lord of the Geats unmoving on his death-bed, | ||
| wunað wælreste wyrmes daédum· |
| remaining in the repose of slaughter by the wyrm's deeds; | ||
| him on efn ligeð ealdorgewinna |
| beside him lies his life-contender | ||
| siexbennum séoc: sweorde ne meahte |
2904 | sick with seax-wounds: he could not with his sword | ||
| on ðám áglaécean aénige þinga |
| on that fearsome being in any way | ||
| wunde gewyrcean· Wígláf siteð |
| inflict wounds; Wiglaf sits | ||
| ofer Bíowulfe byre Wíhstánes |
| over Beowulf, the son of Weohstan, | ||
| eorl ofer óðrum unlifigendum· |
| one earl over another unliving, | ||
| healdeð higemaéðum héafodwearde |
2909 | he holds, weary in his mind, head-watch | ||
| léofes ond láðes. Nú ys léodum wén |
| over beloved and loathed. Now for the nation one expects | ||
| orleghwíle syððan undyrne |
| time of warfare when unsecret | ||
| Froncum ond Frýsum fyll cyninges |
| to the Franks and Frisians, the fall of the king, | ||
| wíde weorðeð· wæs sío wróht scepen |
| widely becomes; the quarrel was shaped | ||
| heard wið Húgas syððan Higelác cwóm |
2914 |
| ||
| faran flotherge on Frésna land |
| faring with a fleet onto the Frisians' land | ||
| þaér hyne Hetware hilde gehnaégdon· |
| where him the Hetware attacked in battle, | ||
| elne geéodon mid ofermægene |
| it happened in courage with over-strength, | ||
| þæt se byrnwiga búgan sceolde· |
| that the mailed-warrior had to bow down; | ||
| féoll on féðan· nalles frætwe geaf |
2919 | he fell among the foot-troop; not at all ornaments gave | ||
| ealdor dugoðe· ús wæs á syððan |
| the lord to his retinue; for us was ever after | ||
| Merewíoingas milts ungyfeðe. |
| the Merovingian (king's) kindness withheld. | ||
| Né ic te Swéoðéode sibbe oððe tréowe |
| I do not from the Swedes peace or truce | ||
| wihte ne wéne ac wæs wíde cúð |
| expect a bit, but it was widely known | ||
| þætte Ongenðío ealdre besnyðede |
2924 | that Ongentheow of life deprived | ||
| Hæðcen Hréþling wið Hrefnawudu |
| Haethcyn Hrethel's son at Raven's Wood, | ||
| þá for onmédlan aérest gesóhton |
| when for arrogance first sought out | ||
| Géata léode Gúð-Scilfingas |
| the Geatish people the War-Scilfings | ||
| sóna him se fróda fæder Óhtheres |
| at once him the wise, old father of Ohthere, | ||
| eald ond egesfull hondslyht ágeaf· |
2929 | ancient and terrible, returned onslaught by hand; | ||
| ábréot brimwísan· brýda herode· |
| he destroyed the sea-wise man, he honoured his wife, | ||
| gomela ióméowlan golde berofene |
| the old, wisened woman bereft of her gold, | ||
| Onelan módor ond Óhtheres |
| Onela's mother and Ohthere's | ||
| ond ðá folgode feorhgeníðlan |
| and then he followed those life-enemies, | ||
| oð ðæt hí oðéodon earfoðlíce |
2934 | until they escaped with difficulty, | ||
| in Hrefnesholt hláfordléase· |
| into Raven's Wood, without a lord; | ||
| besæt ðá sinherge sweorda láfe |
| then he besieged the huge (sacred) grove, the survivors of swords | ||
| wundum wérge· wéan oft gehét |
| weary with wounds; he often threatened woes | ||
| earmre teohhe ondlonge niht· |
| to the wretched company in the length of the night; | ||
| cwæð: hé on mergenne méces ecgum |
2939 | said: he in the morning by the edges of a maiche | ||
| gétan wolde, sum on galgtréowum |
| he would sacrifice one of them on the gallow-tree | ||
| fuglum tó gamene· frófor eft gelamp |
| as game for the birds; relief came back | ||
| sárigmódum somod aérdæge |
| to the sorrow-spirited ones together with early day, | ||
| syððan híe Hygeláces horn ond býman |
| when they Hygelac's horn and trumpet, | ||
| gealdor ongéaton þá se góda cóm, |
2944 | and his battle-yell recognised, then the good man came, | ||
| léoda dugoðe on lást faran. |
| with the tribe's veteran warriors travelling on the path. | ||
|
XLI |
| |||
| Wæs sío swátswaðu Swóna ond Géata |
| The bloody swathe of the Swedes and Geats, | ||
| wælraés weora wíde gesýne· |
| the slaughter-rush of men was widely seen; | ||
| hú ðá folc mid him faéhðe tówehton· |
| how the folk between them awoke a feud; | ||
| gewát him ðá se góda mid his gædelingum |
2949 | then the good man went with his fellow kinsmen, | ||
| fród felageómor fæsten sécean· |
| old and wise, greated saddened, to seek a citadel; | ||
| eorl Ongenþío ufor oncirde· |
| the warrior Ongentheow retreated higher up, | ||
| hæfde Higeláces hilde gefrúnen |
| he had of Hygelac's battle-skill heard, | ||
| wlonces wígcræft· wiðres ne trúwode· |
| the proud man's war-craft; he did not trust his resistance, | ||
| þæt hé saémannum onsacan mihte, |
2954 | that he the sea-men could oppose, | ||
| heaðolíðendum hord forstandan |
| against battle travellers defend the hoard, | ||
| bearn ond brýde· béah eft þonan |
| children and women; he fell back thence | ||
| eald under eorðweall· þá wæs aéht boden |
| old behind the earth-wall; then pursuit was offered | ||
| Swéona léodum· segn Higeláces |
| to the Swedish nation, the standards of Hygelac | ||
| freoðowong þone forð oferéodon |
2959 | that place of refuge forth overran, | ||
| syððan Hréðlingas tó hagan þrungon. |
| when the Hrethelings pressed forward into that entrenchment. | ||
| Þaér wearð Ongenðíow ecgum sweordan |
| There was Ongentheow by edges of swords, | ||
| blondenfexa on bid wrecen |
| the grizzle-haired was compelled to pause, | ||
| þæt se þéodcyning ðafian sceolde |
| so that the tribe-king had to submit | ||
| Eafores ánne dóm· hyne yrringa |
2964 | to the sole judgement of Eofor; him wrathfully | ||
| Wulf Wonréðing waépne geraéhte |
| Wulf, Wonred's son, reached with his weapon, | ||
| þæt him for swenge swát aédrum sprong |
| so that from him by the blow blood in streams sprang | ||
| forð under fexe· næs hé forht swá ðéh |
| forth beneath his hair; he was not frightened though, | ||
| gomela Scilfing ac forgeald hraðe |
| the aged Scilfing, but quickly repaid | ||
| wyrsan wrixle wælhlem þone |
2969 | with a more terrible response for that slaughter-stroke, | ||
| syððan ðéodcyning þyder oncirde· |
| when the tribe-king turned thither; | ||
| ne meahte se snella sunu Wonrédes |
| he could not, the brave son of Wonred, | ||
| ealdum ceorle hondslyht giofan |
| to the old fellow offer onslaught by hand, | ||
| ac hé him on héafde helm aér gescer |
| rather he him on his head had sheared his helm, | ||
| þæt he blode fah bugan sceolde· |
2974 | so that he, blood-stained, had to bow down; | ||
| féoll on foldan· næs hé faége þá gít |
| he fell on the field; he was not doomed yet, | ||
| ac hé hyne gewyrpte þéah ðe him wund hrine· |
| but he recovered himself, though the wound touched him; | ||
| lét se hearda Higeláces þegn |
| Let he, the hard thane of Hygelac, | ||
| bráde méce þá his bróðor læg |
| broad maiche, when his brother lay dead, | ||
| ealdsweord eotonisc entiscne helm |
2979 | the old ogrish sword, the giantish helm | ||
| brecan ofer bordweal· ðá gebéah cyning |
| break over the shield-wall; then the king bowed down, | ||
| folces hyrde· wæs in feorh dropen. |
| the shepherd of the folk, was struck to his life. | ||
| Ðá waéron monige þé his maég wriðon· |
| Then there were many, who bandaged his kinsman, | ||
| ricone áraérdon ðá him gerýmed wearð |
| they quickly raised him up, when room was made for them, | ||
| þæt híe wælstówe wealdan móston· |
2984 | so that they the place of slaughter were able to control; | ||
| þenden réafode rinc óðerne· |
| then plunder the one man the other, | ||
| nam on Ongenðío írenbyrnan |
| he took from Ongentheow his iron byrnie, | ||
| heard swyrd hilted ond his helm somod· |
| his hard hilted sword, and his helmet too; | ||
| háres hyrste Higeláce bær· |
| the hoary one's armour he bore to Hygelac; | ||
| hé ðám frætwum féng ond him fægre gehét |
2989 | he took the treasures and fairly pledged to him | ||
| léana mid léodum ond gelaéste swá· |
| rewards among the people, and did so; | ||
| geald þone gúðraés Géata dryhten |
| he paid for the war-onslaught, the lord of the Geats, | ||
| Hréðles eafora þá hé tó hám becóm |
| Hrethel's heir, when he returned home, | ||
| Iofore ond Wulfe mid ofermáðmum· |
| to Eofor and Wulf with an abundance of treasure; | ||
| sealde hiora gehwæðrum hund þúsenda |
2994 | he gave them both a hundred thousand worth of | ||
| landes ond locenra béaga --ne ðorfte him ðá léan oðwítan |
| land and interlocked rings --he needed not the gifts scorn, | ||
| mon on middangearde syððan híe ðá maérða geslógon-- |
| (any) man on middle-earth, since they gained those glories in fighting-- | ||
| ond ðá Iofore forgeaf ángan dohtor |
| and then to Eofor he gave his only daughter, | ||
| hámweorðunge hyldo tó wedde. |
2998 | a honour to the home, as pledge of friendship. | ||
| Þæt ys sío faéhðo ond se féondscipe |
| That is the feud and the enmity, | ||
| wælníð wera ðæs ðe ic wéan hafo |
| the slaughterous hate of men, for which I have woe, | ||
| þé ús séceað tó Swéona léoda |
| they shall attack us, the Swedish nation, | ||
| syððan híe gefricgeað fréan úserne |
| when they learn our lord | ||
| ealdorléasne þone ðe aér gehéold |
3003 | is lifeless, he who formerly preserved | ||
| wið hettendum hord ond ríce |
| against despisers our hoard and kingdom, | ||
| æfter hæleða hryre, hwate Scildingas· |
| after fall of heroes, bold Scyldings, | ||
| folcréd fremede oððe furður gén |
| supported the welfare of the folk, or moreover | ||
| eorlscipe efnde. Mé is ofost betost |
| accomplished noble deeds. For me haste is best, | ||
| þæt wé þéodcyning þaér scéawian |
3008 | that we the people-king look upon there, | ||
| ond þone gebringan þé ús béagas geaf |
| and that one bring, he who gave us rings, | ||
| on ádfære· ne scel ánes hwæt |
| on a journey to the pyre; nor must a part only | ||
| meltan mid þám módigan ac þaér is máðma hord |
| melt with that great-spirited one, but there is the treasure's hoard, | ||
| gold unríme grimme gecéapod |
| gold uncounted, bitterly purchased, | ||
| ond nú æt síðestan sylfes féore |
3013 | and now at last with his own life | ||
| béagas gebohte: þá sceall brond fretan, |
| bought the rings: then the blaze must devour, | ||
| aéled þeccean, nalles eorl wegan |
| the fire cover, no man shall wear | ||
| máððum tó gemyndum né mægð scýne |
| these treasures in remembrance, no pretty girl | ||
| habban on healse hringweorðunge |
| shall have on her neck ring-adornment, | ||
| ac sceal geómormód golde beréafod |
3018 | but must, sad-hearted, bereft of gold, | ||
| oft nalles aéne elland tredan |
| often, not once, tread in alien land, | ||
| nú se herewísa hleahtor álegde |
| now the cohort-leader has laid aside laughter | ||
| gamen ond gléodréam. Forðon sceall gár wesan |
| pleasure and merriment. Therefore must be spears | ||
| monig morgenceald mundum bewunden, |
| many, morning-cold, grasped in palms, | ||
| hæfen on handa, nalles hearpan swég |
3023 | raised in hands, not at all the sound of harp | ||
| wígend weccean ac se wonna hrefn |
| to wake the warrior, but the black raven, | ||
| fús ofer faégum fela reordian, |
| eager over the doomed, speaking many things, | ||
| earne secgan hú him æt aéte spéow |
| telling the eagle, how he succeeded in eating, | ||
| þenden hé wið wulf wæl réafode.' |
| when he with the wolf despoiled the slain.' | ||
| Swá se secg hwata secggende wæs |
3028 | So the bold men was teller | ||
| láðra spella· hé ne léag fela |
| of hateful tidings; he did not lie much | ||
| wyrda né worda. Weorod eall árás· |
| in deeds or in words. The troop all arose; | ||
| éodon unblíðe under earna næs |
| they went unhappily under the eagle's headland, | ||
| wollentéare wundur scéawian· |
| with welling tears, to gaze upon the wonder; | ||
| fundon ðá on sande sáwulléasne |
3033 | they found then on the sand, soulless, | ||
| hlimbed healdan þone þe him hringas geaf |
| ruling over his bed of rest, the who gave them rings | ||
| aérran maélum· þá wæs endedæg |
| in earlier times; then it was the end-day | ||
| gódum gegongen þæt se gúðcyning |
| come for good men, that the war-king, | ||
| Wedra þéoden wundordéaðe swealt. |
| the Wederas' chieftain, died a wondrous death. | ||
| AÉr hí þaér geségan syllícran wiht |
3038 | First they saw there a rarer creature, | ||
| wyrm on wonge wiðerræhtes þaér |
| the wyrm on the ground just opposite there, | ||
| láðne licgean: wæs se légdraca |
| the loathsome one lying dead: the fire-drake was | ||
| grimlíc gryregiest glédum beswaéled· |
| a grim gruesome guest burnt by flames; | ||
| sé wæs fíftiges fótgemearces |
| it was fifty foot-measures | ||
| lang on legere· lyftwynne héold |
3043 | long as it lay; in air-joy it had ruled | ||
| nihtes hwílum· nyðer eft gewát |
| the times of the night, down again had gone | ||
| dennes níosian· wæs ðá déaðe fæst· |
| to seek its den; it was then still in death, | ||
| hæfde eorðscrafa ende genyttod. |
| it had of earth-caverns enjoyed its end. | ||
| Him big stódan bunan ond orcas· |
| They stood by him goblets and beakers, | ||
| discas lágon ond dýre swyrd |
3048 | lay plates and precious swords, | ||
| ómige þurhetone swá híe wið eorðan fæðm |
| eaten through by rust, as if they had in the embrace of the earth | ||
| þúsend wintra þaér eardodon· |
| a thousand winters remained there; | ||
| þonne wæs þæt yrfe éacencræftig, |
|
| ||
| iúmonna gold galdre bewunden |
| gold of men of yore, encompassed by an incantation, | ||
| þæt ðám hringsele hrínan ne móste |
3053 | that the ring-hall could not touch | ||
| gumena aénig nefne god sylfa |
| any man, unless God himself, | ||
| sigora sóðcyning sealde þám ðe hé wolde |
| victories' Truth-king allowed he who He wished | ||
| --hé is manna gehyld-- hord openian· |
| --He is man's protector-- to open the hoard, | ||
| efne swá hwylcum manna swá him gemet ðúhte. |
| even so to every man as it seemed fitting to Him. |
|
XLII |
| ||
| Þá wæs gesýne þæt se síð ne ðáh |
3058 | Then it was seen that the venture did not benefit | |
| þám ðe unrihte inne gehýdde |
| who he unrightly had hidden inside, | |
| wræce under wealle· weard aér ofslóh |
| vengeance under the walls; this warden earlier slew | |
| féara sumne· þá sío faéhð gewearð |
| one man of a few; then was the feud | |
| gewrecen wráðlíce. Wundur hwár þonne |
| wrathfully avenged. It is a wonder where then | |
| eorl ellenróf ende gefére |
3063 | a man famed for courage should meet end | |
| lífgesceafta þonne leng ne mæg |
| of his fated life, when he can no longer | |
| mon mid his maégum meduseld búan· |
| one among his kinsmen, inhabit a mead-hall; | |
| swá wæs Bíowulfe, þá hé biorges weard |
| thus it was for Beowulf, when he the barrow's ward | |
| sóhte searoníðas: seolfa ne cúðe |
| sought treacherous quarrels: he himself did not know | |
| þurh hwæt his worulde gedál weorðan sceolde. |
3068 | through what his parting from this world must bring about. | |
| Swá hit oð dómes dæg díope benemdon |
| Thus until judgement's day deeply declared | |
| þéodnas maére þá ðæt þaér dydon· |
| the great princes, who put it there, | |
| þæt se secg waére synnum scildig |
| that the man would be guilty of crimes, | |
| hergum geheaðerod hellbendum fæst |
| banned from sacred places, in hell-bonds fast, | |
| wommum gewítnad sé ðone wong strude· |
3073 | reproached for his transgressions, he who plundered that place; | |
| næs hé goldhwæte gearwor hæfde |
| he was not liberal with gold (nor) had he readily | |
| ágendes ést aér gescéawod. |
| the kindness of a lord ever shown. | |
| Wígláf maðelode Wíhstánes sunu: |
| Wiglaf spoke, the son of Weohstan, | |
| 'Oft sceall eorl monig ánes willan |
| 'Often must many men, for the will of one, | |
| wraéc ádréogan swá ús geworden is· |
3078 | endure exile, as it has happened to us; | |
| ne meahton wé gelaéran léofne þéoden |
| we could not convince the beloved prince, | |
| ríces hyrde raéd aénigne· |
| the keeper of the kingdom, by any counsel, | |
| þæt hé ne grétte goldweard þone· |
| that he not greet the gold-ward, | |
| léte hyne licgean þaér hé longe wæs, |
| let him lie, where he long had been, | |
| wícum wunian oð woruldende· |
3083 | inhabiting his abodes until the world's end; | |
| heoldon héahgesceap· hord ys gescéawod, |
| he held to his noble destiny; the hoard is exposed, | |
| grimme gegongen· þæt gifeðe wæs |
| grimly gained; that was granted | |
| tó swíð þé ðone þyder ontyhte. |
| too harshly which him impelled thither. | |
| Ic wæs þaér inne ond þæt eall geondseh |
| I was there inside and looked over all of it, | |
| recedes geatwa þá mé gerýmed wæs, |
3088 | the trappings of the hall, when the way was cleared for me, | |
| nealles swaéslíce síð álýfed |
| not at all sweetly was the errand allowed | |
| inn under eorðweall· ic on ofoste geféng |
| inside the earthwall; I seized in haste | |
| micle mid mundum mægenbyrðenne |
| much with my hands, a mighty burden | |
| hordgestréona· hider út ætbær |
| of hoard-treasures, bore it out hither | |
| cyninge mínum· cwico wæs þá géna |
3093 | to my king; he was still alive then, | |
| wís ond gewittig· worn eall gespræc |
| wise and knowing; he spoke much on many things, | |
| gomol on gehðo ond éowic grétan hét· |
| old in his grief, and commanded me greet you all, | |
| bæd þæt gé geworhton æfter wines daédum |
| bid that you build in accord of your friend's deeds | |
| in baélstede beorh þone héän |
| in the cremation place a high barrow, | |
| micelne ond maérne swá hé manna wæs |
3098 | large and splendid, as he was of men | |
| wígend weorðfullost wíde geond eorðan |
| a warrior most honoured thought this wide earth, | |
| þenden hé burhwelan brúcan móste. |
| while he the prosperity of a city could enjoy. | |
| Uton nú efstan óðre síðe |
| Let us now hasten another time | |
| séon ond sécean on searogeþræc |
| to see and to seek in that heap of cunningly wrought things, | |
| wundur under wealle· ic éow wísige |
3103 | a wonder under the walls; I shall guide you, | |
| þæt gé genóge néon scéawiað |
| so that you sufficient close-up will see | |
| béagas ond brád gold· síe sío baér gearo |
| rings and broad gold; let the bier be ready, | |
| aédre geæfned þonne wé út cymen |
| quickly prepared, when we come out, | |
| ond þonne geferian fréan úserne |
| and then carry our lord, | |
| léofne mannan þaér hé longe sceal |
3108 | beloved man, where he must long | |
| on ðæs waldendes waére geþolian.' |
| in the Ruler's protection endure.' | |
| Hét ðá gebéodan byre Wíhstánes |
| He then commanded to direct, the son of Weohstan, | |
| hæle hildedíor hæleða monegum |
| the battle-brave hero, many warriors, | |
| boldágendra þæt híe baélwudu |
| house-holders, that they the pyre-wood | |
| feorran feredon folcágende |
3113 | to fetch from afar, folk-chieftains, | |
| gódum tógénes: 'Nú sceal gléd fretan, |
| to the good man: 'Now must the fire devour, | |
| weaxan wonna lég wigena strengel |
| the dim flame grow, the ruler of warriors, | |
| þone ðe oft gebád ísernscúre |
| he who often endured shower of iron, | |
| þonne straéla storm strengum gebaéded |
| when the storm of arrows, impelled by bow-strings, | |
| scóc ofer scildweall· sceft nytte héold |
3118 | shot over the shield-wall; shaft held true to task, | |
| fæðergearwum fús· fláne fulléode.' |
| its feather-trappings eager, arrow-head followed.' | |
| Húru se snotra sunu Wíhstánes |
| Indeed the wise son of Weohstan | |
| ácígde of corðre cyniges þegnas |
| summoned from the troop of king's thanes, | |
| syfone tósomne þá sélestan· |
| seven altogether, the best; | |
| éode eahta sum under inwithróf |
3123 | he went, one of eight, under the evil roof | |
| hilderinc·sum on handa bær |
| one battle-man bore in his hands | |
| aéledléoman sé ðe on orde géong. |
| a fire-brand, he who went in the fore-front. | |
| Næs ðá on hlytme hwá þæt hord strude |
| It was not in a casting of lots, who would plunder that hoard, | |
| syððan orwearde aénigne daél |
| when unprotected any part | |
| secgas geségon on sele wunian |
3128 | the men saw remaining in the hall, | |
| laéne licgan· lýt aénig mearn |
| lying frail; little did anyone mourn | |
| þæt hí ofostlíce út geferedon |
| that they quickly carried out | |
| dýre máðmas· dracan éc scufun |
| precious treasures; the dragon too they shoved, | |
| wyrm ofer weallclif· léton wég niman, |
| the wyrm over the cliff-wall, they let the waves take, | |
| flód fæðmian frætwa hyrde· |
3133 | the flood enfold, that keeper of baubles; | |
| þæt wæs wundengold on waén hladen |
| that was braided gold loaded on the waggon, | |
| aéghwæs unrím, æþelinge boren |
| of each kind countless, to the prince bore, | |
| hárum hilde tó hrones næsse. |
| hoary grey from battle, to the whale's headland. | |
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XLIII |
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| Him ðá gegiredan Géata léode |
| Then for him prepared the people of the Geats | |
| ád on eorðan unwáclícne |
3138 | a pyre on the earth, not trifling, | |
| helmum behongen hildebordum |
| hung with helmets, with battle-shields, | |
| beorhtum byrnum swá hé béna wæs· |
| with bright byrnies, as he had requested; | |
| álegdon ðá tómiddes maérne þéoden |
| they laid then in the midst the famed chieftain, | |
| hæleð híofende hláford léofne· |
| the lamenting heroes, their belovèd lord; | |
| ongunnon þá on beorge baélfýra maést |
3143 | then began on the barrow the greatest bale-fire, | |
| wígend weccan· wuduréc ástáh |
| the warriors to kindle; wood-smoke arose, | |
| sweart ofer swioðole swógende lég |
| swarthy over the heat, the roaring flame | |
| wópe bewunden --windblond gelæg-- |
| woven with weeping --the tumult of winds lay still-- | |
| oð þæt hé ðá bánhús gebrocen hæfde |
| until it the bone-house had broken | |
| hát on hreðre· higum unróte |
3148 | hot at heart; despairing in their hearts | |
| módceare maéndon mondryhtnes cwealm· |
| they bemoaned their grief, their liege-lord's death; | |
| swylce giómorgyd Géatisc ánméowle |
| so too a death-dirge a solitary Geatish woman | |
| Bíowulfe brægd bundenheorde |
| wove for Beowulf, cruelly bound, | |
| sang sorgcearig· saélðe geneahhe |
| she sang sorrowful, earnestly of fortune | |
| þæt hío hyre hearmdagas hearde ondréde |
3153 | that she for herself days of harm fiercely dreaded, | |
| wælfylla worn werudes egesan |
| of multitude of slaughter-feasts, terror of troops, | |
| hýðo ond hæftnýd. Heofon réce swealg· |
| rapine and bondage. Heaven swallowed the smoke; | |
| geworhton ðá Wedra léode |
| then wrought the Wederas' people | |
| hlaéo on hóe sé wæs héah ond brád |
| a barrow on the hill, it was high and broad, | |
| waéglíðendum wíde gesýne |
3158 | for wave-farers widely visible, | |
| ond betimbredon on týn dagum |
| and they constructed in ten days | |
| beadurófes bécn· bronda láfe |
| the war-chief's beacon, the leavings of the fire, | |
| wealle beworhton swá hyt weorðlícost |
| with a wall they encircled, as it most worthily | |
| foresnotre men findan mihton· |
| the very wisest men could devise; | |
| hí on beorg dydon bég ond siglu |
3163 | they placed in the barrow rings and brooches, | |
| eall swylce hyrsta swylce on horde aér |
| all such trappings, as before from the hoard | |
| níðhédige men genumen hæfdon· |
| hostile men had taken away; | |
| forléton eorla gestréon eorðan healdan |
| the treasure of heroes they let the earth hold, | |
| gold on gréote þaér hit nú gén lifað |
| gold in the gritty soil, where it now still lives, | |
| eldum swá unnyt swá hyt aérer wæs. |
3168 | as useless to men as it was before. | |
| Þá ymbe hlaéw riodan, hildedéore |
| Then around the mound rode the battle-brave | |
| æþelinga bearn ealra twelfa· |
| sons of nobles, twelve in all, | |
| woldon cearge cwíðan kyning maénan, |
| they wished to bewail their sorrow, to mourn their king, | |
| wordgyd wrecan ond ymb wer sprecan· |
| to pronounce elegy, and speak about the man; | |
| eahtodan eorlscipe ond his ellenweorc |
3173 | they praised his heroic deeds and his works of courage, | |
| duguðum démdon. Swá hit gedéfe bið |
| exalted his majesty. As it is fitting, | |
| þæt mon his winedryhten wordum herge· |
| that one his friend and lord honours in words, | |
| ferhðum fréoge þonne hé forð scile |
| cherish in one's spirit, when he must forth | |
| of líchaman laéded weorðan· |
| from his body be led; | |
| swá begnornodon Géata léode |
3178 | thus bemourned the people of the Geats | |
| hláfordes hryre, heorðgenéatas: |
| their lord's fall, his hearth-companions: | |
| cwaédon þæt hé waére wyruldcyning |
| they said that he was, of all kings of the world, | |
| manna mildust ond monðwaérust |
| the most generous of men, and the most gracious, | |
| léodum líðost ond lofgeornost. |
| the most protective of his people, and the most eager for honour. |