Foreword to Magoun’s normalized Old English text
Preface to Slade’s English translation
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| 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 |
| { 1 } (~ Præcursio ~) | ||
| HWÆT, wé Gár-Dena on ʒéar-dagum, |
Listen! We — of the Spear-Danes in the days of yore, | |
| þéod-cyninga þrymm ʒefrugnon, |
of those clan-kings — heard of their glory. | |
| hú þá æðelingas ellen fremedon. |
how those nobles performed courageous deeds. | |
| Oft Scield Scéafing scaðena þréatum |
Often Shield, Sheaf’s son, from enemy hosts | |
| manigum mæʒðum medu-setla oftéah; |
5 | from many peoples seized mead-benches; |
| eʒesode Eorle syþþan ærest wearþ |
and terrorised the fearsome Heruli after first he was | |
| féascæft funden hé þæs frófre ʒebád; |
found helpless and destitute, he then knew recompense for that: — | |
| wéox under wolcnum, weorþ-myndum þáh, |
he waxed under the clouds, throve in honors, | |
| oþ-þæt him ǽʒhwelć þára ymbsittendra |
until to him each of the bordering tribes | |
| ofer hran-ráde hieran scolde, |
10 | beyond the whale-road had to submit, |
| gamban ʒieldan. Þæt wæs gód cyning! |
and yield tribute: — that was a good king! | |
| Þǽm eafora wæs æfter cenned |
To him a heir was born then | |
| ʒeong on ʒeardum þone God sende |
young in the yards, God sent him | |
| folce to frófre; firen-þearfe onʒeat |
to comfort the people; He had seen the dire distress | |
| þá híe ǽr drugon ealdor-léase |
15 | that they suffered before, leader-less |
| lange hwíle; him þæs Líf-fréà |
a long while; them for that the Life-Lord, | |
| wuldres Wealdend weorold-áre forʒeaf: |
Ruler of Glory, granted honor on earth: | |
| Béo wæs brœme — blǽd wíde sprang — |
Beowulf (Beaw) was famed — his renown spread wide — | |
| Scieldes eafora Sceden-landum on. |
Shield’s heir, in Northern lands. | |
| Swá sceal ʒeong guma góde ʒewyrćan, |
20 | So ought a young man by good deeds deserve, |
| framum feoh-ʒiftum on fæder bearme |
(and) by fine treasure-gifts, while in his father’s keeping, | |
| þæt hine on ielde eft ʒewunien |
that him in old age shall again stand by, | |
| will-ʒesíðas, þanne wíʒ cume, |
willing companions, when war comes, | |
| léode ʒelǽsten. Lof-dǽdum sceal |
people serve him: by glorious deeds must, | |
| on mǽʒða ʒehwǽm man ʒeþíòn. |
25 | amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper. |
| Him þá Scield ʒewát to ʒescæp-hwíle |
Then Shield departed at the destined time, | |
| fela-hrór fœran on Fréan wǽre. |
still in his full-strength, to fare in the protection of the Lord Frea; | |
| Híe hine þá ætbǽron to brimes faroðe |
he they carried to the sea’s surf, | |
| swǽse ʒesíðas, swá hé selfa bæd |
his dear comrades, as he himself had bid, | |
| þenden wordum wéold wine Scieldinga — |
30 | when he yet wielded words, that friend of the Shieldings, |
| léof land-fruma lange áhte. |
beloved ruler of the land, had ruled for a long time; | |
| Þǽr æt hýðe stód hringed-stefna, |
there at the harbor stood with a ringed-prow, | |
| ísiʒ and út-fús, æðelinges fær; |
icy and keen to sail, a hero’s vessel; | |
| aleʒdon 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, |
| mǽrne be mæste; þǽr wæs máðma fela |
the mighty by the mast; many riches were there, | |
| of feorr-wegum frætwa ʒelǽded. |
from far-off lands ornate armor and baubles were brought; | |
| Ne hierde ić cýmlícor ćéol ʒeʒierwan |
I have not heard of a comelier keel adorned | |
| hilde-wǽpnum and heaðu-wǽdum, |
with weapons of battle and war-dress, | |
| billum and byrnum; him on bearme læʒ |
40 | bill-blades and byrnies; there lay on his breast |
| máðma meniʒu þá him mid scoldon |
many treasures, which with him must, | |
| on flódes ǽht feorr ʒewítan. |
in the power of the waves, drift far off; | |
| Nealles híe hine lǽssum lácum téodon, |
in no way had they upon him fewer gifts bestowed | |
| þéod-ʒestréonum, þan þá dydon |
with the wealth of a nation, than those did | |
| þe hine æt frumsceafte forþ onsendon |
45 | who him in the beginning had sent forth |
| ǽnne ofer ýða umbọr-wesende. |
alone upon the waves being but a child; | |
| Þá ʒíet híe him asetton seʒn gyldenne |
yet then they set up the standard of gold, | |
| héah ofer héafod, léton holm beran, |
high over head; they let the sea bear, | |
| ʒéafon on gár-secg; him wæs ʒeómor-sefa, |
gave to the ocean, in them were troubled hearts, | |
| murnende mód. Menn ne cunnon |
50 | mourning minds; men cannot |
| secgan to sóðe, sele-rǽdende |
say for certain, (neither) court-counsellors | |
| hæleþ under heofonum, hwá þǽm hlæste onféng. |
(nor) heroes under heaven, who received that cargo. | |
| { 2 } (~ I ~) | ||
| Þá wæs on burgum Béow Scieldinga, |
Then was in boroughs, Beow the Shielding, | |
| léof léod-cyning, lange þráge |
beloved king of the people a long age | |
| folcum ʒefrǽʒe; — fæder ellor hwearf, |
55 | famed among the folk — his father having gone elsewhere, |
| ealdor of earde. Oþ-þæt him eft onwóc |
elder on earth — until unto him in turn was born | |
| héah Healf-Dene; héold þenden lifde |
high Half-Dane, he ruled so long as he lived | |
| gamol and gúþ-réow glæde Scieldingas. |
old and battle-fierce, the glad Shieldings; | |
| Þǽm féower bearn forþ-ʒerímed |
to him four sons in succession | |
| in weorold wócon: weoroda rǽswan, |
60 | woke in the world, the leader of the legions: |
| Heoru-gár and Hróþ-gár and Hálga til; |
Heorugar and Hrothgar and good Halga; | |
| híerde ić þæt Yrse wæs Anelan cwœn, |
I heard that Yrse was Anela’s queen, | |
| Heaðu-Scielfinges heals-ʒebedda. |
the War-Scylfing’s belovèd embraced in bed. | |
| Þá wæs Hróþ-gáre here-spœd ʒiefen, |
Then was to Hrothgar success in warcraft given, | |
| wíʒes weorÞ-mynd, þæt him his wine-mágas |
65 | honor in war, so that his retainers |
| ʒeorne híerdon oþ-þæt sío ʒeoguþ ʒewéox, |
eagerly served him until the young war-band grew | |
| magu-dryht mićel. Him on mód be-arn |
into a mighty battalion; it came into his mind | |
| þæt heall-rećed hátan wolde, |
that a hall-house, he wished to command, | |
| medu-ærn mićel, menn ʒewyrćan |
a grand mead-hall, be built by men | |
| þanne ielda bearn ǽfre ʒefrugnon, |
70 | which the sons of men should hear of forever, |
| and þǽr on-innan eall ʒedǽlan |
and there within share out all | |
| ʒeongum and ealdum, swelć him God sealde, |
to young and old, such as God gave him, | |
| búton folc-scære and feorum gumena. |
except the common land and the lives of men; | |
| Þá ić wíde ʒefræʒn weorc ʒebannan |
Then, I heard, widely was the work commissioned | |
| maniʒre mǽʒðe ʒeond þisne middan-ʒeard, |
75 | from many peoples throughout this middle-earth, |
| folc-stede frætwan. Him on friste ʒelamp |
to furnish this hall of the folk. For him in time it came to pass, | |
| ǽdre mid ieldum þæt hit wearþ eall-ʒearu, |
early, through the men, that it was fully finished, | |
| heall-ærna mǽst; scóp him « Heorot » naman |
the best of royal halls; he named it « Heorot », | |
| se-þe his wordes ʒeweald wíde hæfde. |
he whose words weight had everywhere; | |
| Hé bíot ne aléag, béagas dǽlde, |
80 | he did not lie when he boasted; rings he dealt out, |
| sinc æt symble. Sele hlífode |
riches at his feasts. The hall towered, | |
| héah and horn-ʒéap; heaðu-wielma bád, |
high and horn-gabled; it awaited the cruel surges | |
| láðan líeʒes; ne wæs hit lenǵe þá-ʒíen |
of hateful flames; nor was the time yet nigh | |
| þæt se ecg-hete áðum-swéorum |
that the furious edge-malice of son-in-law and father-in-law, | |
| æfter wæl-níðe wæcnan scolde. |
85 | arising from deadly enmity would inevitably awaken. |
| Þá se ellen-gǽst earfoþlíce |
Then the bold spirit, impatiently | |
| þráge ʒeþolode, se-þe in þíestrum bád, |
endured dreary time, he who dwelt in darkness, | |
| þæt hé dógra gehwǽm dréam ʒehíerde |
he that every day heard noise of revelry | |
| hlúdne on healle; þǽr wæs hearpan swœʒ, |
loud in the hall; there was the harmony of the harp, | |
| swiotul sang scopes. Sæʒde se-þe cúðe |
90 | the sweet song of the poet; he spoke who knew how |
| frumscæft fíra feorran reććan, |
the origin of men to narrate from afar; | |
| cwæþ þæt se Eall-mihtiga eorðan worhte, |
said he that the almighty one wrought the earth, | |
| wlite-beorhtne wang, swá wæter bebúgeþ: |
(that) fair, sublime field bounded by water; | |
| ʒesette Siʒe-hrœðiʒ sunnan and mónan |
set up triumphant the sun and moon, | |
| léoman to léohte land-búendum |
95 | luminaries as lamps for the land-dwellers |
| and ʒefrætwode foldan scéatas |
and adorned the corners of the earth | |
| limum and léafum; líf éac ʒescóp |
with limbs and leaves; life too He formed | |
| cynna ʒehwelćum þára-þe cwicu hwierfaþ. |
for each of the species which lives and moves. | |
| Swá þá dryht-guman dréamum lifdon, |
So the lord’s men lived in joys, | |
| éadiʒliće, oþ-þæt án ongann |
100 | happily, until one began |
| firene fremman, fíond on helle. |
to execute atrocities, a fiend in hell; | |
| Wæs se grimma gǽst « Grendel » háten, |
this ghastly demon was named « Grendel », | |
| mǽre mearc-stapa, se-þe móras héold |
infamous stalker in the marches, he who held the moors, | |
| fenn and fæsten; fífẹl-cynnes eard |
fen and desolate strong-hold; the land of marsh-monsters, | |
| wan-sǽlíʒ wer weardode hwíle, |
105 | the wretched creature ruled for a time |
| siþþan him Scieppend forscrifen hæfde |
since him the Creator had condemned | |
| on Cáines cynne — þone cwealm ʒewræc |
with the kin of Cain; that killing avenged | |
| œce Dryhten þæs-þe hé Ábel slóg. |
the eternal Lord, in which he slew Abel; | |
| Ne ʒefeah hé þǽre fǽhþe, ac Hé hine feorr forwræc, |
this feud he did not enjoy, for He drove him far away, | |
| Meotod for þý máne, mann-cynne fram. |
110 | the Ruler, for this crime, from mankind; |
| Þanan untýdras ealle onwócon, |
thence unspeakable offspring all awoke: | |
| eotenas and ielfe and orc-néàs, |
ogres and elves and spirits from the underworld; | |
| swelće ʒígantas, þá wiþ Gode wunnon |
also giants, who strove with God | |
| lange þráge. Hé him þæs léan forʒeald. |
for an interminable season; He gave them their reward for that. | |
| { 3 } (~ II ~) | ||
| Ʒewát þá néosian, siþþan niht becóm, |
115 | He then went to visit and see — when night came — |
| héàn húses, hú hit Hring-Dene |
the high house how it, the Ring-Danes | |
| æfter béor-þeʒe ʒebún hæfdon; |
after the beer-feast, had occupied; | |
| fand þá þǽr-inne æðelinga ʒedryht |
he found then therein the nobles’ company | |
| swefan æfter symble — sorge ne cúðon, |
slumbering after the feast; they did not know sorrow, | |
| wanscæft wera. Wiht unhæle, |
120 | misery of men; that damned creature, |
| grimm and grǽdiʒ, ʒearu sóna wæs, |
grim and greedy, soon was ready, | |
| réoc and rœðe, and on ræste ʒenam |
savage and cruel and from their rest seized | |
| þrítiʒ þeʒna; þanan eft ʒewát |
thirty thanes; thence back he went | |
| húðe hrœmiʒ to hám faran, |
proud in plunder to his home, faring | |
| mid þǽre wæl-fylle wíca níosan. |
125 | with the banquet of bodies to seek his shelter. |
| Þá wæs on úhtan mid ǽr-dæʒe |
Then was in the dark of dawn before the day | |
| Grendles gúþ-cræft gumum undierne; |
Grendle’s war-might revealed to the men; | |
| þá wæs æfter wiste wóp up ahafen, |
then it was after their feasting they raised up lament | |
| mićel morgen-swœʒ. Mǽre þéoden, |
in a great morning-cry. The mighty chieftain, | |
| æðeling ǽr-gód, unblíðe sæt, |
130 | the prince, old and good, sat in sorrow, |
| þolode þrýþ-swíþ, þeʒn-sorge dréag |
The great mighty one suffered, anguish of thane-loss oppressed him | |
| siþþan híe þæs láðan lást scéawodon, |
when they the foe’s tracks beheld, | |
| weargan gástes. Wæs þæt ʒewinn to strang, |
of the wicked ghoul; that strife was too strong, | |
| láþ and langsum! Næs hit lenǵra frist, |
loathsome and lingering. Nor was it a longer time | |
| ac ymb áne niht eft ʒefremede |
135 | but after a single night again he perpetuated |
| morþ-bealwa máre and ná mearn fore, |
more brutal slaughter, and it grieved him not, | |
| fǽhþe and firene; wæs to fæst on þǽm. |
violence and viciousness, he was too entrenched in these. | |
| Þá wæs éaþ-fynde þe him elles-hwǽr |
Then was it easily found, one who would somewhere else, | |
| ʒerúmlícor ræste sóhte, |
further away, seek rest: | |
| bedd æfter búrum, þá him ʒebéacnod wæs, |
140 | a bed among the bowers, when it was made clear to him, |
| ʒesæʒd sóþlíce swiotulan tácne |
truly told, by an unmistakable token | |
| heall-þeʒnes hete; héold hine siþþan |
the enmity of the hall’s occupier; he held himself then | |
| fierr and fæstor se þǽm fíonde ætwand. |
further and safer, he who shunned that fiend. | |
| Swá rícsode and wiþ rihte wann, |
Thus he ruled and challenǵed justice, | |
| ána wiþ eallum, oþ-þæt ídel stód |
145 | one against all, until empty stood |
| húsa sœlest. Wæs sío hwíl mićel: |
that finest of houses; the time was long | |
| twelf wintra tíd torn ʒeþolode |
— the space of twelve winters — that bitter anguish endured | |
| wine Scieldinga, wéana ʒehwelćne, |
the friend of the Shieldings, — every woe, | |
| sídra sorga; for-þǽm secgum wearþ, |
immense miseries; therefore to men became | |
| ielda bearnum, undierne cúþ, |
150 | to sons of men, clearly known |
| ʒieddum ʒeómọre, þætte Grendel wann |
in mournful ballads, that Grendle had contended | |
| hwíle wiþ Hróþ-gár, hete-níðas wæʒ, |
long against Hrothgar, sustained fierce enmity, | |
| firene and fǽhþe fela misséra, |
felony and feud, for many seasons | |
| sin-gále sæce. Sibbe ne wolde |
continual strife; he did not want peace | |
| wiþ manna hwone mæʒenes Deniʒa, |
155 | with any man of the Danish contingent, |
| feorh-bealu fierran, féo þingian, |
to desist in life-destruction, to settle it with payment, | |
| né þǽr nǽniʒ witena wœnan þorfte |
none of the counsellors had any need to hope for | |
| beorhtre bóte to banan folmum; |
noble recompense from the slayer’s hands, | |
| ac se ag-lǽća œhtende wæs, |
but the wretch was persecuting | |
| deorc déaþ-scua, duguðe and ʒeoguðe, |
160 | — the dark death-shade — warriors old and young; |
| siomode and sierede; sin-nihte héold |
he lay in wait and set snares, in the endless night he held | |
| mistiʒe móras. Menn ne cunnon |
the misty moors; men do not know | |
| hwider hell-rúnan hwyrftum scríðaþ. |
where such hellish enigmas slink in their haunts. | |
| Swá fela fyrena fíond mann-cynnes, |
Thus many offences that foe of mankind, | |
| atol án-genǵa oft ʒefremede, |
165 | that terrible lone traveller, often committed, |
| heardra híenþa; Heorot eardode, |
hard humiliations; he dwelt in Heorot, | |
| sinc-fáge sæl sweartum nihtum; |
the richly-adorned hall, in the black nights | |
| — ná hé þone ʒief-stól grœtan móste, |
— by no means he the gift-throne was compelled to approach respectfully, | |
| máðum for Meotode, né His myne wisse. |
the treasure, by the Maker, nor did he feel love for it — | |
| Þæt wæs wrǽc mićel wine Scieldinga, |
170 | That was great misery for the Friend of the Shieldings, |
| módes brecþa. Maniʒ oft ʒesæt |
a breaking of his spirit. Many often sat | |
| ríće to rúne; rǽd eahtodon, |
the mighty at counsel; pondered a plan, | |
| hwæt swíþ-ferhþum sœlest wǽre |
what by strong-minded men would be best, | |
| wiþ fǽr-gryrum to ʒefremmenne. |
against the sudden horror, to do; | |
| Hwílum híe ʒehéton æt hearg-trafum |
175 | sometimes they pledged at holy temples |
| wíh-weorðunga, wordum bǽdon, |
sacred honoring, in words bid | |
| þæt him gást-bana ʒéoce ʒefremede |
that them the demon-slayer would offer succor | |
| wiþ þéod-þréaum. Swelć wæs þéaw hira, |
from the plight of the people; such was their habit: | |
| hǽðenra hyht; helle ʒemundon |
the hope of heathens; on hell they pondered | |
| on mód-sefan, Meotod híe ne cúðon, |
180 | in the depths of their hearts; the Creator they did not know, |
| dǽda Dœmend, né wisson híe Dryhten God |
the Judge of deeds, they were not aware of the Lord God, | |
| né híe húru heofona Helm herian ne cúðon, |
nor yet they the Helm of the Heavens were able to honor, | |
| wuldres Wealdend. Wá bið þǽm-þe sceal |
Glory’s Wielder. Woe be to him who must, | |
| þurh slíþne níþ sáwle bescúfan |
through dire terror, thrust his soul | |
| in fýres fæðm, frófre ne wœnan, |
185 | into fire’s embrace; hope not for relief, |
| wihte ʒewendan! Wél biþ þǽm-þe mót |
or to change at all; well be he who may | |
| æfter déaþ-dæʒe Dryhten sœćan |
after death-day seek the Lord | |
| and to Fæder fæðmum friðe wilnian! |
and in his Father’s arms yearn towards Nirvana. | |
| { 4 } (~ III ~) | ||
| Swá þá mǽl-care maga Healf-Denes |
So then over the sorrow of the time the son of Half-Dane | |
| sin-gála séaþ; ne meahte snotọr hæleþ |
190 | continually brooded; the wise hero could not |
| wéan onwendan; wæs þæt ʒewinn to swíþ, |
turn away woe; that strife was too strong, | |
| láþ and langsum, þe on þá léode becóm, |
hateful and enduring, that on the people came | |
| níed-wracu níþ-grimm, niht-bealwa mǽst. |
fearfully cruel, violent trouble, the greatest night-evil. | |
| Þæt fram hám ʒefræʒn Hiʒe-láces þeʒn, |
That from home heard Hygelac’s thane, | |
| gód mid Ʒéatum, Grendles dǽde; |
195 | a good man of the Geats, of Grendel’s deeds; |
| sé wæs mann-cynnes mæʒenes strenǵest |
he was of mankind of the greatest strength, | |
| on þǽm dæʒe þisses lífes, |
on that day in this life, | |
| æðele and éacen. Hét him ýþ-lidan |
noble and mighty; he ordered them a wave-crosser | |
| gódne ʒeʒierwan; cwæþ hé gúþ-cyning |
— a good one — prepare; he said: the war-king | |
| ofer swan-ráde sœćan wolde, |
200 | over swan-road he wished to seek, |
| mǽrne þéoden, þá him wæs manna þearf. |
that mighty clan-chief, since he was in need of men; | |
| Þone síþfæt him snotore ćeorlas |
that adventure him, the clear-headed chaps, | |
| lýt-hwón lógon þéah hé him léof wǽre; |
very little begrudged though he was dear to them, | |
| hwetton hyʒe-rófne, hǽl scéawodon. |
they urged on the valiant-hearted one, and observed the omens. | |
| Hæfde se góda Ʒéata léoda |
205 | The worthy one had, from the Geatish peoples, |
| cempan ʒecorene þára-þe hé cœneste |
chosen champions, those who were the boldest he | |
| findan meahte; fíf-tíena sum |
could find; fifteen together, | |
| sund-wudu sóhte; secg wísode, |
they sought the sea-wood, he led the warriors, | |
| lagu-cræftiʒ mann, land-ʒemierću. |
that sea-skilled man, to the boundary of the shore. | |
| Frist forþ ʒewát; flota wæs on ýðum, |
210 | Time passed by; the ship was on the waves, |
| bát under beorge. Beornas ʒearwe |
the boat under the cliffs; the ready warriors | |
| on stefn stigon, — stréamas wundon, |
stepped up into the prow — the currents curled round, | |
| sund wiþ sande; secgas bǽron |
sea against sand — the men bore | |
| on bearm nacan beorhte frætwa, |
into the bosom of boat bright arms and armor, | |
| gúþ-searu ʒeatulíc; guman út scufon, |
215 | noble war-gear; the fellows shoved off, |
| weras on will-síþ wudu bundenne. |
men on a welcome voyage, in a well-braced ship. | |
| Ʒewát þá ofer wǽʒ-holm winde ʒefýsed |
Then they went over the water-waves urged by the wind, | |
| flota fámíʒ-heals fugole ʒelícost |
the foamy-necked floater, remarkably bird-like | |
| oþ-þæt ymb án-tid, óðres dógres |
until in due time, on the second day, | |
| wunden-stefna ʒewaden hæfde |
220 | the curved-prow had made the journey, |
| þæt þá líðende land ʒesáwon, |
so that the sailors sighted land, | |
| brim-clifu blícan, beorgas stéape, |
bright sea-cliffs, towering shores, | |
| síde sǽ-næssas; þá wæs sund liden, |
wide headlands; then was the sea traversed, | |
| eoletes æt ende. Þanan upp hræðe |
their sea-voyage at an end. Thence up quickly | |
| Wedera léode on wang stigon, |
225 | the Wederas-warriors stepped onto land; |
| sǽ-wudu sǽldon — sierćan hrysedon, |
moored their vessel; their mail-shirts clanked | |
| gúþ-ʒewǽdu; Gode þancodon |
those war-garments; they thanked God | |
| þæs-þe him ýþ-láda íeða wurdon. |
that for them the wave-paths had been smooth. | |
| Þá of wealle ʒeseah weard Scieldinga, |
Then from the wall saw the ward of the Shieldings, | |
| sé-þe holm-clifu 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, | |
| fierd-searu fúslicu; hine fyrwitt bræc |
eager war-devices; in him curiosity broke | |
| mód-ʒehyʒdum, hwæt þá menn wǽren. |
the thoughts of his heart: what these men were; | |
| Ʒewát him þá to waroðe wicge rídan |
then he went to the shore riding his horse, | |
| þeʒn Hróþ-gáres, þrymmum cweahte |
235 | the thane of Hrothgar; he forcefully shook |
| mæʒen-wudu mundum, mæðel-wordum fræʒn: |
his mighty wooden shaft, and with formal words asked: | |
| “Hwæt sindon ʒé searu-hæbbendra, |
“What are you armor-wearers | |
| byrnum werede, þe þus brantne ćéol |
bound in byrnies, who thus your tall keel | |
| ofer lagu-strǽte lǽdan cómon, |
over the sea-street leading came, | |
| hider ofer holmas?” Hé on hand-scole wæs |
240 | hither over the waters?” In the retinue he was |
| ende-sǽta, éaʒ-wearde héold |
the coast-guardian, he held the sea-watch, | |
| þy on land Dena láðra nǽniʒ |
so that on Danish land no enemies at all | |
| mid scip-here scieþþan ne meahte. |
with a navy would not be able to ravage. | |
| Ná hér cúþlícor cuman ongunnon |
“Not here more openly began to come | |
| lind-hæbbende né ʒé léafness-word |
245 | lindenwood shield-bearers, nor you the leave-word |
| gúþ-fremmendra ʒearwe ne wisson, |
of our war-makers certainly don’t know | |
| mága ʒemœdu. Nǽfre ić máran ʒeseah |
our kinsmen’s consent; never have I seen greater | |
| eorla ofer eorðan þanne is íower sum, |
noble on earth than the one that you are, | |
| secg on searwum; n’is þæt seld-guma, |
warrior in armor; this is no a mere retainer | |
| wǽpnum ʒeweorðod, nefne him his wlite léoge, |
250 | made worthy by weapons; unless he is belied by his looks, |
| ǽnlić ansíen. Nú ić íower sceal |
a unique appearance! Now I must your | |
| frum-cynn witan ǽr ʒé fierr hinan |
lineage learn, ere you far hence, | |
| léas-scéaweras on land Dena |
deceiving spies in the land of the Danes | |
| furðor fœran. Nú ʒé feorr-búend, |
further fare; now you far-dwellers | |
| mere-líðende, mínne ʒehíeraþ |
255 | you sea-sailors, hear my |
| án-fealdne ʒeþóht; ofost is sœlest |
one-fold thought: speed is best | |
| to ʒecýðenne hwanan íowre cyme sindon.” |
for reporting, whence your comings are.” | |
| { 5 } (~ IV ~) | ||
| Him se ieldesta andswarode, |
He the eldest answered, | |
| werodes wísa, wordhord onléac: |
the crew’s captain, he unlocked his word-hoard: | |
| “Wé sint gum-cynnes Ʒéata léode |
260 | “We are of the tribe of the Geat people |
| and Hyʒe-láces heorþ-ʒenéatas; |
and Hygelac’s hearth-companions; | |
| wæs mín fæder folcum ʒecýðed, |
my father was known to the folk, | |
| æðele ord-fruma « Ecg-þéow » háten, — |
a noble vanguard-warrior, called « Edgetheow », | |
| ʒebád wintra worn ǽr hé on-weʒ hwurfe, |
who saw many winters ere he passed away, | |
| gamol of ʒeardum; hine ʒearwe ʒeman |
265 | old, from our courtyards; he is readily recalled |
| witena wél-hwelć wíde ʒeond eorðan. |
by each one of the wise widely throughout the world. | |
| Wé þurh holdne hyʒe hláford þínne, |
We, by resolute resolve, your lord, | |
| sunu Healf-Denes, sœćan cómon |
the son of Half-Dane have come to seek, | |
| léod-ʒebyrʒan. Wes þú ús lárna gód! |
that protector of the people; be you a good guide to us; | |
| Habbaþ wé tó þǽm mǽran mićel ǽrende, |
270 | we have, to that grand one, a great errand |
| Deniʒa fréàn; ne sceal þǽr dierne sum |
to the Danish lord; there shouldn’t some secret | |
| wesan, þæs ić wœne. Þú wást — ʒief hit is |
be of this, I think. You know if it is | |
| swá wé sóþlíće secgan híerdon — |
as we truly have heard said, | |
| þæt mid Scieldingum scaðena ić nát-hwelć, |
that amongst the Shieldings, some enemy, I know not what, | |
| déagol dǽd-hata deorcum nihtum |
275 | a furtive despoiler, in dark nights, |
| íeweþ þurh eʒesan uncúþne níþ, |
sickeningly reveals unknown enmity, | |
| híenþe and hráw-fiell. Ić þæs Hróþ-gár mæʒ |
suffering and slaughter. I can on this matter, to Hrothgar, | |
| þurh rúmne sefan rǽd ʒelǽran, |
from a spacious spirit, give counsel, | |
| hú hé fród and gód, fíond oferswíðeþ — |
how he, wise and good, overcome the fiend — | |
| ʒief him edwendan ǽfre scolde |
280 | if for him a change ever should, |
| bealwa bisige bót eft cuman — |
from this suffering of miseries to remedy, come after — | |
| and þá car-wielmas cólran weorðaþ; |
and his hot wellings of melancholic care grow cooler; | |
| oþ-þe á siþþan earfoþ-þráge, |
or else ever after, a time of torment, | |
| þréa-níed þolaþ þenden þǽr wunaþ |
horrible hardship he will endure, so long as there remains, | |
| on héah-stede húsa sœlest.” |
285 | in its high place, that best of houses. |
| Weard maðelode, þǽr on wicge sæt, |
The guard made a speech, sitting there on his horse, | |
| ambiht unforht: “Æʒhwæðeres sceal |
— the unhesistating officer: “He will — every | |
| scearp scield-wiga ʒescád witan, |
sharp shield-warrior — know the distinction | |
| worda and worca, sé-þe wél þenćeþ. |
between words and works, he who reasons rightly. | |
| Ić þæt ʒehíere, þæt þis is hold weorod |
290 | I hear it, that this is a legion loyal |
| fréan Scieldinga. Ʒewítaþ forþ beran |
to the lord of the Shieldings; go forth bearing | |
| wǽpen and ʒewǽdu; ić íow wísie; |
weapons and armor; I shall guide you; | |
| swelće ić magu-þeʒnas míne háte |
likewise, I the kin-thanes of mine will order, | |
| wiþ fíonda ʒehwone flotan íowerne, |
against any foes your vessel, | |
| níew-tierwedne nacan on sande |
295 | — newly tarred, ship on the sand — |
| árum healdan oþ-þæt eft bireþ |
to guard in honor, until it bears back, | |
| ofer lagu-stréamas léofne mannan |
over the sea-streams, the dear man, | |
| wudu wunden-heals to Weder-mearce. |
— the swoop-necked wood -- to Wedermark; | |
| Gód-fremmendra swelćum ʒifeðe biþ |
those who perform noble deeds — to such as these it shall be granted | |
| þæt þone hilde-rǽs hál ʒedíeʒeþ.” |
300 | that the battle-rush he survive in one piece.” |
| Ʒewiton him þá fœran. Flota stille bád, |
Then they went faring — the boat at rest awaited, | |
| siomode on sále síd-fæðmed scip |
it rode on the sand the broad-bosomed ship, | |
| on ancre fæst. Eofor-líć scinon |
on anchor fast — boar-figures shone | |
| ofer hléor-beorgum ʒehroden golde, |
atop cheekguards adorned with gold; | |
| fág and fýr-heard, fær-wearde héold |
305 | glittering and fire-hard; life-guard they held; |
| gúþ-mód gum-mann. Guman ónetton, |
war-spirits raised; the men hastened, | |
| sigon ætsamne oþ-þæt híe sæl timbred, |
marched forward together, until they the timbered hall, | |
| ʒeatolíć and gold-fág, onʒietan meahton; |
glorious and gold-trimmed, were able to glimpse; | |
| þæt wæs fore-mǽrost fold-búendum |
that was the foremost — for earth-dwellers — | |
| rećeda under rodorum on þǽm se ríća bád; |
310 | of halls under the heavens, in it the ruler dwelt; |
| líexte se léoma ofer landa fela. |
its light glimmered over many lands. | |
| Him þá hilde-déor hof módiʒra |
Then to them the fierce fellow — to that court of great men | |
| torht ʒetǽhte þæt híe him tó meahton |
glorious — he lead, that they to it could | |
| ʒeʒnum gangan; gúþ-beorna sum |
go directly; the worthy warrior | |
| wicg ʒewende, word æfter cwæþ: |
315 | turned his horse, thereupon spoke words: |
| “Mǽl is mé to fœran. Fæder Eall-wealda |
“Time it is for me to go. The Father all-ruling, | |
| mid árstafum íowić ʒehealde |
with grace may He hold you | |
| síða ʒesunde! Ić to sǽ wille, |
sound on your sojourns! I will to the sea, | |
| wiþ wráþ weorod wearde healdan.” |
against brutal dacoits keep watch.” | |
| { 6 } (~ V ~) | ||
| Strǽt wæs stán-fág, stíʒ wísode |
320 | The street was paved with stones, the path guided |
| gumum ætgædere. Gúþ-byrne scán |
the men together; war-byrnie shone | |
| heard, hand-locen; hring-íren scír |
harsh, linked by hand, ring-iron glittering, | |
| sang on searwum. Þá híe to sele furðum |
they sang in their arms, as they to the hall straight | |
| on hira gryre-ʒeatwum gangan cómon, |
in their grim gear came marching; | |
| setton sǽ-mœðe síde scieldas, |
325 | they set down, sea-weary, their wide shields, |
| randas reʒn-hearde, wiþ þæs rećedes weall; |
the rims wondrous-hard against the wall of the hall, | |
| bugon þá to benće, byrnan hringdon |
and bent down then to a bench; corslets rang — | |
| gúþ-searu gumena. Gáras stódon, |
the war-clothes of warriors; spears stood, | |
| sǽ-manna searu, samod ætgædere, |
seamen’s weapons, all together, | |
| æsc-holt ufan grǽʒ. Wæs se íren-þréat |
330 | silvery above a grove of ash; the iron-clad troop was |
| wǽpnum ʒeweorðod. Þá þǽr wlanc hæleþ |
honored in weapons; then a proud noble | |
| óret-mæcgas æfter æðelum fræʒn: |
the elite soldiers asked about the heroes: | |
| “Hwanan feriaþ ʒé fǽtte scieldas, |
“Whence ferry you plated shields, | |
| grǽga sierćan and grím-helmas, |
steel-hued shirts of mail and masked-helms, | |
| here-sceafta héap? Ić eom Hróþ-gáres |
335 | this host of army-shafts? I am Hrothgar’s |
| ár and ambiht. Ne seah ić ell-þéodiʒe |
herald and officer; I have not seen from a foreign land | |
| þus maniʒe menn módiʒlíćran. |
this many men looking braver in spirit; | |
| Wœn’ić þæt ʒé for wlenće, nealles for wrǽc-síðum, |
I expect that you from valor, not from exile, | |
| ac for hyʒe-þrymmum Hróþ-gár sóhton.” |
but from greatness of heart have sought out Hrothgar.” | |
| Him þá ellen-róf 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 sint Hyʒe-láces |
severe beneath his helmet: “We are Hygelac’s | |
| béod-ʒenéatas; Bío-wulf is mín nama. |
companions at table; Beowulf is my name; | |
| Wille ić asecgan suna Healf-denes, |
I wish to proclaim to the son of Half-Dane, | |
| mǽrum þéodne min ǽrende, |
345 | — that famed sovereign — my errand |
| ealdre þínum, ʒief hé ús ʒe-unnan wile |
to your lord, if he wishes to grant us | |
| þæt wé hine swá gódne grœtan móten.” |
that we him, the virtuous one, might greet.” | |
| Wulf-gár maðelode — þæt wæs Wendla léod, |
Wulfgar began to speak — he was the Wendels’ leader, | |
| wæs his mód-sefa manigum ʒecýðed, |
his courage was well-known to many, | |
| wíʒ and wísdóm —: “Ić þæs wine Deniʒa, |
350 | war-skill and wisdom —: “I this from friend of the Danes, |
| fréan Scieldinga friʒnan wille, |
lord of the Shieldings, will inquire, | |
| béaga bryttan, swá þú bœna eart, |
from the giver of rings, — as you are petitioners — | |
| þéoden mǽrne ymb þínne síþ, |
from that famed sovereign about your quest, | |
| and þé þá andsware ǽdre ʒecýðan |
and to you the answer promptly make known | |
| þe mé se góda aʒiefan þenćeþ.” |
355 | which to me the virtuous one sees fit to give.” |
| Hwearf þá hrædlíće þǽr Hróþ-gár sæt, |
He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar sat, | |
| eald and anhár, mid his eorla ʒedryht; |
old and very grey, amid his company of earls; | |
| éode ellen-róf þæt hé for eaxlum ʒestód |
he strode grandly so that he stood by the shoulders | |
| Deniʒa fréàn: cúðe hé duguðe þéaw. |
of the Danes’ lord: he knew the custom of veteran-warriors; | |
| Wulf-gár maðelode to his wine-dryhtne: |
360 | Wulfgar made this speech to his friend and lord: |
| “Hér sindon ʒeferede, feorran cumene |
“Here have ventured, come from far away, | |
| ofer ʒeofenes begang, Ʒéata léode; |
over the expanse of the sea, men of the Geats; | |
| þone ieldestan óret-mæcgas |
the eldest one of these elite warriors | |
| « Bío-wulf » nemnaþ. Híe bœnan sint |
is called « Beowulf »; they are asking | |
| þæt híe, þéoden min, wiþ þé móton |
365 | that they, my lord, with you might |
| wordum wrixlan. Ná þú him wearne ʒetéoh |
exchange words; give them not refusal | |
| þínra ʒeʒn-cwida, glæd-mann Hróþ-gár! |
from your answers, gracious Hrothgar; | |
| Híe on wíʒ-ʒetáwum wierðe þynćaþ |
they by their war-gear seem worthy | |
| eorla ʒe-eahtlan; húru se ealdor déag, |
of the esteem of nobles; indeed, the prince is powerful, | |
| sé þǽm heaðu-rincum hider wísode.” |
370 | who the warriors led hither.” |
| { 7 } (~ VI ~) | ||
| Hróþ-gár maðelode, helm Scieldinga: |
Hrothgar spoke, — the Helm of the Shieldings —: | |
| “Ić hine cúðe cniht-wesende; |
“I knew him when he was a youth; | |
| wæs his eald-fæder « Ecg-þéow » háten, |
his old father was called « Ecgtheow », | |
| þǽm to hám forʒeaf Hrœþel Ʒéata |
to whom gave into his home Hrethel of the Geats | |
| ángan dohtor; is his eafora nú |
375 | his only daughter; now his heir is |
| heard hér cumen, sóhte holdne wine. |
come here bravely, seeking a steadfast friend. | |
| Þanne sæʒdon þæt sǽ-líðende, |
Further, it has been said by sea-farers, | |
| þá-þe ʒief-scættas Ʒéata feredon |
they who our gifts of coins ferried for the Geats | |
| þider to þance, þæt hé þrítiʒes |
thither in thanks, that he thirty | |
| manna mæʒen-cræft on his mund-gripe, |
380 | men’s strength in the grip of his hand, |
| heaðu-róf, hæbbe. Hine háliʒ god |
renowned in war, has; him holy God, | |
| for árstafum ús onsende, |
in benevolence, has sent to us, | |
| to West-Denum — þæs ić wœn hæbbe — |
to the West-Danes, of this I have hope, | |
| wiþ Grendles gryre. Ić þǽm gódan sceal |
against Grendel’s terror; I the good man must | |
| for his mód-þræce máðmas béodan. |
385 | for his great daring offer precious treasures. |
| Bío þú on ofoste, hát inn gán, |
Be you in haste, order to come in | |
| séon sibbe-ʒedryht samod ætgædere; |
to see me the noble band of kinsmen all together; | |
| ʒesæʒa him éac wordum þæt híe sint will-cuman |
Say to them also in words, that they are welcome | |
| Deniʒa léodum.” [Þá to dura healle |
to the Danish land.” To the door of the building | |
| Wulf-gár éode,] word inne abéad: |
390 | Wulfgar went then, a word from within announced: |
| “Íow hét secgan siʒe-dryhten mín, |
391 | “To you I am commanded to say by my valorous lord, |
| ealdor Éast-Dena, þæt hé íower æðelu cann |
the leader of the East Danes, that he knows your noble history, | |
| and ʒé him sindon ofer sǽ-wielmas, |
and you are to him, over sea-swells, | |
| heard-hycgende, hider will-cuman. |
— bold in thought — welcome hither; | |
| Nú ʒé móton gangan on íowrum gúþ-ʒetáwum, |
395 | now you may enter in your war-gear, |
| under here-gríman, Hróþ-gár ʒeséon; |
396 | under visored-helmets, to see Hrothgar; |
| lǽtaþ hilde-bord hér onbídan, |
let battle-boards here await, | |
| wudu, wæl-sceaftas, worda ʒeþinǵes.” |
and wooden slaughter-shafts, the result of words.” | |
| Arás þá se ríća, ymb hine rinc maniʒ, |
Then the mighty one arose, about him many warriors, | |
| þrýþlíć þeʒna héap; sume þǽr bidon, |
400 | the glorious troop of thanes; some waited there, |
| heaðu-réaf héoldon swá him se hearda bebéad. |
401 | guarding the gear of war as the hardy leader bade; |
| Snieredon ætsamne — þá secg wísode — |
they hurried together; the hero led the way for them | |
| under Heorotes hróf; [éode hilde-déor,] |
under Heorot’s roof [went the battle-fierce one], | |
| heard under helme, þæt hé on héorðe ʒestód. |
severe under his helmet, until he stood in the hall. | |
| Bío-wulf maðelode — on him byrne scán, |
405 | Beowulf spoke — on him a mail-coat gleamed, |
| searu-nett siowed smiðes orþancum —: |
406 | a net of armor woven by smith’s skilful art —: |
| “Wes þú, Hróþ-gár, hál! Ić eom Hyʒe-láces |
“Be you, Hrothgar, whole. I am Hygelace’s | |
| mǽʒ and magu-þeʒn; hæbbe ić mǽrða fela |
kinsman and retainer; I have many great labors | |
| ongunnen on ʒeoguðe. Mé wearþ Grendles þing |
undertaken in my youth; Grendel’s enterprises have to me become, | |
| on mínre œðel-tyrf undierne cúþ; |
410 | on my native soil, clearly known: |
| secgaþ sǽ-líðend þæt þes sele stande, |
411 | it is said by sea-farers that in this hall stands, |
| rećed sœlesta, rinca ʒehwelćum |
— the best of buildings — for each and every man, | |
| ídel and unnytt siþþan ǽfen-léoht |
idle and useless, after evening-light | |
| under heofenes heaðor beholen weorðeþ. |
under the firmament of heaven goes to hide. | |
| Þá mé þæt ʒelǽrdon léode míne, |
415 | Then I was advised that, by my people, |
| þá sœlestan, snotore ćeorlas, |
416 | the best ones, the clever chaps, |
| þéoden Hróþ-gár, þæt ić þeć sóhte |
sovereign Hrothgar, that it were thee I should seek, | |
| for-þon híe mæʒenes cræft mínne cúðon. |
for that they the force of the strength of mine knew; | |
| Selfe ofersáwon þá ić of searwum cóm |
themselves had looked on, when I returned from battle, | |
| fág fram fíondum, þǽr ić fífe ʒeband, |
420 | stained with the blood of foes, where I bound five, |
| íeþde eotena cynn and on ýðum slóg |
421 | destroyed ogrish kin, and amid the waves slew |
| nicoras nihtes, nearu-þearfe dréag, |
nicors by night; I weathered distress in many a tight corner, | |
| wræc Wedera níþ — wéan áscodon —, |
avenged injury done the Wederas — they sought woe — | |
| forgrand gramum; and nú wiþ Grendel sceal, |
the foes I crushed, and now against Grendel I am bound, | |
| wiþ þǽm ág-lǽćan ána ʒehíeʒan |
425 | with that terrible creature, alone, to settle |
| þing wiþ þyrse. Ić þeć nú-þá, |
426 | the affair with the troll. I now then you, |
| bregu Beorht-Dena, biddan wille, |
prince of the Bright-Danes, want to request, | |
| eodor Scieldinga, ánre bœne: |
O protector of the Shieldings, one boon: | |
| þæt þú mé ne forwierne, wíʒendra hléow, |
that you not refuse me, O shield of warriors, | |
| frío-wine folca, nú ić þus feorran cóm, |
430 | liege and comrade of the folk, now that I have come thus far; |
| þæt ić móte ána, [and] mín eorla ʒedryht, |
431 | that I might alone, with my company of nobles |
| þes hearda héap, Heorot fǽlsian. |
and this hardy horde of warriors, cleanse Heorot; | |
| Hæbbe ić éac ʒe-ácsod, þæt sé ag-lǽća |
I have also heard that the evil creature | |
| for his wan-hýʒdum wǽpna ne rećeþ; |
in his recklessness heeds not weapons; | |
| ić þæt þanne forhycge — swá mé Hyʒe-lác síe, |
435 | then I it scorn — so that for me Hygelac may be |
| mín mann-dryhten, módes blíðe! — |
436 | my liege-lord blithe in his heart — |
| þæt ić sweord bere oþ-þe sídne scield, |
that I bear a sword or broad shield, | |
| ʒeolu-rand to gúðe, ac ić mid grápe sceal |
yellow-rim to war, but I with my grip shall | |
| fón wiþ fíonde and ymb feorh sacan, |
fight with this fiend and over life strive, | |
| láþ wiþ láðum. Þǽr ʒelíefan sceal |
440 | enemy against enemy; there must trust in |
| Dryhtnes Dóme se-þe hine déaþ nimeþ. |
441 | the judgement of the Lord, whichever one that Death takes; |
| Wœn’ ić þæt hé wile, ʒief hé wealdan mót, |
I expect that he will wish, if he can compass it, | |
| on þǽm gúþ-sele Ʒéatna léode |
in the war-hall, the Geatish people | |
| etan unforhte, swá hé oft dyde, |
to devour fearlessly, as he often did, | |
| mæʒen-hrœð manna. Ná þú mínne þearft |
445 | the force of glorious warriors. You will have no need for my |
| hafolan hýdan, ac hé meć habban wile |
446 | head to shroud, but rather he will have me |
| dréore fagne ʒief meć déaþ nimeþ; |
fiercely stained with gore, if me Death takes, | |
| bireþ blódiʒ wæl, byrʒan þenćeþ, |
he will bear my bloody corpse; he aims to bite, | |
| eteþ án-genǵa unmurnlíće, |
the lone prowler eats unmournfully, | |
| mearcaþ mór-hopu; ná þú ymb mínes ne þearft |
450 | marking the limits of his moor enclosures; nor will you for the needs of my |
| líćes feorme lenǵ sorgian. |
451 | body’s funeral-provisions have any further concern. |
| Onsend Hyʒe-láce, ʒief mećc hild nime, |
Send to Hygelac, if I am taken by battle, | |
| beadu-scrúda betst þæt míne bréost wereþ, |
the best of battle-shrouds, the one that protects my breast, | |
| hræʒla sœlest; þæt is Hrœðlan láf, |
choicest of garments; that is Hrethel’s relic, | |
| Wélandes weorc. Gǽþ á wyrd swá hío sceal!” |
Wayland’s work. Fate goes always as She must.” | |
| { 8 } (~ VII ~) | ||
| Hróþ-gár maðelode, helm Scieldinga: |
456 | Hrothgar spoke, the helm of the Shieldings: |
| “For were-feohtum þú, wine mín Bío-wulf, |
“Fit to fight, you, my friend Beowulf, | |
| and for árstafum úsić sóhtest. |
and for honor us have sought. | |
| Ʒeslóh þín fæder fǽhþe mǽste: |
Your father by striking began the greatest feud: | |
| wearþ hé Heaðu-láfe tó hand-banan |
460 | he was Heatholaf’s slayer by his own hand |
| mid Wylfingum; þá hine Wedera cynn |
461 | of the Wylfings; then him his spear-kin |
| for here-brógan habban ne meahte. |
for dread of troops could not shelter; | |
| Þanan hé gesóhte Súþ-Dena folc |
thence he sought the South-Danes’ folk | |
| ofer ýða gewealc, Ár-Scieldinga; |
over the welling of the waves, the Honor-Shieldings; | |
| þá ić furðum wéold folce Deninʒa |
465 | at that time I had just begun to rule the Danish folk |
| and on ʒeoguðe héold ʒinne ríće |
466 | and in my youth held the precious kingdom, |
| hord-burg hæleða; þá wæs Heoru-gár déad, |
the treasure-keep of heroes; then was Heregar dead, | |
| mín ieldra mǽʒ unlifiende, |
my elder brother unliving, | |
| bearn Healf-denes; sé wæs betera þanne ić! |
the son of Half-Dane; he was better than I. | |
| Siþþan þá fǽhþe féo þingode; |
470 | Then the feud I settled with fees; |
| sende ić Wylfingum ofer wæteres hrycg |
471 | I sent the Wylfings across the water’s ridge |
| ealde máðmas; hé mé áðas swór. |
ancient treasures; he swore oaths to me. | |
| Sorg is mé tó secgenne on sefan mínum |
It sorrows me to say in my heart | |
| gumena ǽnigum hwæt mé Grendel hæfþ |
to any man Grendel has caused me what | |
| hienþa on Heorote mid his hete-þancum, |
475 | humiliations in Heorot with his thoughts of hatred, |
| fǽr-níða ʒefremed; is mín flett-weorod, |
476 | carried out lightning-quick attacks; my hall-troop is |
| wíʒ-héap ʒewanod; híe wyrd forswéop |
waned, that war-band; they have been swept aside by Fate | |
| on Grendles gryre. God éaðe mæʒ |
in Grendel’s horrid violence; God can easily | |
| þone dol-scaðan dǽda ʒetwǽfan! |
the rash ravager’s deeds put an end to. | |
| Full oft ʒebíotodon béore druncne |
480 | Full oft have vowed, having drunk beer, |
| ofer ealu-wǽʒe óret-mæcgas |
481 | over ale-flagons, battle-men, |
| þæt híe on béor-sele bídan wolden |
that they in the beer-hall would await | |
| Grendles gúðe mid gryrum ecga. |
Grendel’s onslaught with vicious edges. | |
| Þanne wæs þíos medu-heall on morgen-tíd, |
Then, this mead-hall was in the morning | |
| dryht-sele dréor-fág þanne dæʒ liexte, |
485 | this noble hall stained with gore when the day lightened, |
| eall benć-þelu blóde bestiemed, |
486 | all of the benches smeared with blood |
| heall heoru-dréore. Áhte ić holdra þý lǽs, |
the hall battle-gory; I had friends the fewer, | |
| díerre duguðe, þý þá déaþ fornam. |
cherished old battle-retinue, for these Death took them away. | |
| Site nú tó symble and onsǽl meta |
Sit now to feast and untie your thoughts | |
| siǽe-hrœþ secga, swá þín sefa hwette!” |
490 | of your glorious victories to the soldiers, as your heart urges.” |
| Þá wæs Ʒéat-mæcgum ʒeador ætsamne |
491 | Then the Geatish men were gathered together |
| on béorsele benć ʒerýmed; |
in the beer-hall, room was made on a bench, | |
| þǽr swíþ-ferhþe sittan éodon, |
there the strong-souled went to sit down, | |
| þrýðum dealle; þeʒn nytte behéold, |
proud in prowess a thane performed his office, | |
| se-þe on handa bær hroden ealu-wǽʒe, |
490 | he who in his hands bore an ornate ale-cup, |
| scenćte scír weored; scop hwílum sang |
496 | decanted pure sweet mead; a bard sang from time to time |
| hádor on Heorote. Þǽr wæs hæleða dréam, |
clear in Heorot; there was joy of heroes, | |
| duguþ unlýtel Dena and Wedera. |
no small host of Danes and Wederas. | |
| { 9 } (~ VIII ~) | ||
| Unferþ maðelode, Ecg-láfes bearn, |
Unferth spoke, the son of Edgelaf, | |
| þe æt fótum sæt fréan Scieldinga, |
500 | who sat at the feet of the lord of the Shieldings; |
| onband beadu-rúne. Wæs him Bío-wulfes síþ, |
501 | he unbound battle-runes — for him was the venture of Beowulf, |
| módiʒes mere-faran, mićel æfþunca, |
brave seafarer’s, a source of great displeasure, | |
| for-þon-þe hé ne úðe þæt ǽniʒ óðer mann |
because he did not grant that any other man | |
| ǽfre mǽrða þon má middan-ʒeardes |
ever glorious deeds the more on middle-earth | |
| ʒehíeʒde under heofonum þanne hé selfa: |
505 | heeded under the heavens than he himself —: |
| “Eart þú sé Bío-wulf, se-þe wiþ Brecan wunne, |
506 | “Are you the Beowulf, who contested against Breca |
| on sídne sǽ ymb sund flite, |
on the broad sea, contended around the ocean-sound? | |
| þǽr ʒit for wlenće wada cunnodon |
Where you for bravado tempted the waters | |
| and for dol-ʒielpe on déop wæter |
and for a foolish boast in deep sea | |
| ealdrum nœþdon? Ne inc ǽniʒ mann, |
510 | risked your lives, you no man |
| né léof né láþ, beléan meahte |
511 | — neither friend nor foe — could dissuade |
| sorgfullne síþ þá ʒit on sund réowon. |
from that sorrowful jaunt, when you rowed into the strait; | |
| Þǽr ʒit éagor-stréam earmum þeahton, |
there you sea-currents in your arms embraced, | |
| mǽton mere-strǽte, mundum brugdon, |
traversed the ocean-roads, with hands wove, | |
| glidon ofer gár-secg. Ʒeofon ýðum wéoll, |
515; | gliding over the sea; the ocean in waves welled, |
| wintres wielmum. Ʒit on wæteres ǽht |
516 | in winter’s swells; you in the water’s grasp |
| siofun niht swuncon; hé þeć æt sunde oferflát, |
toiled for seven nights; he got the better of you on the sea, | |
| hæfde máre mæʒen; þá hine on morgen-tíd |
he had more might. Then he in the morning | |
| on Heaðu-Réames holm upp ætbær. |
on Heatho-Reams’ shore was cast up by the sea; | |
| Þanan hé ʒesóhte swǽsne ᛟ [œðel], |
520 | thence he sought his own homeland, |
| léof his léodum, land Brandinga, |
521 | dear to his people, the land of the Brondings, |
| friðu-burg fæʒere þǽr hé folc áhte, |
the fair citadel, he had folk there, | |
| burg and béagas. Bíot eall wiþ þé |
boroughs and rings; the entire boast with you | |
| sunu Béan-stánes sóðe ʒelǽste. |
the son of Beanstan truly fulfilled. | |
| Þanne wœne ić to þé wiersan ʒeþinǵa, |
525 | I expect then for you worse results, |
| þéah þú heaðu-rǽsa ʒehwǽr dohte, |
526 | though you in war-assaults everywhere prevailed, |
| grimmre gúðe, ʒief þú Grendles dearst |
grim combat, if you for Grendel dare | |
| niht-langne frist néan bídan.” |
the space of a night nearby wait.” | |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | |
| “Hwæt, þú worn fela, wine mín Unferþ, |
530; | “Listen, you a great deal — Unferth, my friend, |
| béore druncen ymb Brecan sprǽce, |
531 | drunk on beer — have spoken about Breca, |
| sæʒdest fram his síðe! Sóþ ić talie |
told of his journey. Truth I claim | |
| þæt ić mere-strenǵe máran áhte, |
that I sea-strength greater had, | |
| earfoðu on ýðum, þanne ǽniʒ óðer mann. |
hardship on the waves, than any other man; | |
| Wit þæt ʒecwǽdon cniht-wesende |
535 | we had it agreed, being lads, |
| and ʒebíotodon — wǽron bœʒen þá-ʒíet |
536 | and vowed — being both then still |
| on ʒeoguþ-féore — þæt wit on gár-secg út |
in the years of youth — that we out on the ocean | |
| ealdrum nœþden, and þæt ʒe-efndon swá. |
our lives would risk, and thus that we did. | |
| Hæfdon sweord nacod, þá wit on sund réowon, |
We had naked swords when we rowed on the ocean-sound, | |
| heard on handa; wit unc wiþ hran-fiscas |
540 | hard in our hands: we ourselves against whales |
| werian þóhton; ná hé wiht fram mé |
541 | planned to defend; not a whit from me was he |
| flód-ýðum feorr fléotan meahte, |
on the sea-waves far able to float, | |
| hraðor on holme ; ná ić fram him wolde. |
swifter on water, nor did I wish to part from him; | |
| Þá wit ætsomne on sǽ wǽron |
then we together were on the sea, | |
| fíf nihta frist oþ-þæt unc flód tódráf, |
545 | for the space of five nights, until the sea-waves drove us apart, |
| wadu weallendu, wedera ćealdost, |
546 | the water welling, the coldest of weathers, |
| nípende niht, and norðan wind |
the darkening night and the north wind | |
| heaðu-grimm andhwearf; hréo wǽron ýða, |
fierce turned against us; wild were the waves; | |
| wæs mere-fisca mód onhrœred. |
then was the sea-fishes’ wrath roused; | |
| Þǽr mé wiþ láðum líć-sierće mín |
550 | there me against foes my body-shirt |
| heard, hand-locen, helpe ʒefremede; |
551 | strong and hand-linked, did me help, |
| beadu-hræʒl brogden on bréostum læʒ |
my battle-garment braided lay on my breast, | |
| golde ʒeʒierwed. Meć to grunde téah |
adorned with gold; to the bottom of the sea I was drawn | |
| fáh fíond-scaða, fæste hæfde |
by the hostile foe-scather, it held me fast, | |
| grimm on grápe; hwæðere mé ʒifeðe wearþ |
555; | cruel in grip; however, to it was granted |
| þæt ić ág-lǽćan orde ʒerǽhte, |
556 | that I the monster reached with my point, |
| hilde-bille; heaðu-rǽs fornam |
with battle-bill; in the battle-rush I destroyed | |
| mihtig mere-déor þurh míne hand. |
the mighty sea-beast with my hand. | |
| { 10 } (~ IX ~) | ||
| Swá meć ʒelóme láþ-ʒetéonan |
Thus me often hateful attackers | |
| þréatodon þearle; ić him þeʒnode |
560 | pressed sorely; I served them |
| díeran sweorde swá hit ʒedœfe wæs. |
561 | with my dear sword, as it was fitting; |
| Næs híe þǽre fylle ʒeféan hæfdon, |
they the feast did not have rejoicing, | |
| mán-fordǽdlan, þæt híe meć þægon, |
those perpetrators of crime, that they partook of me, | |
| symble ymbsǽton sǽ-grunde néah; |
sitting round a banquet near the sea-bed | |
| ac on merʒenne méćum wunde |
565 | but in the morning by maiche-swords wounded, |
| be ýþ-láfe uppe lágon, |
566 | along what is left by the waves up they lay |
| sweordum aswefede, þæt siþþan ná |
put to sleep by swords, so that never since | |
| ymb brantne ford brim-líðende |
on the high waterway sea-travellers | |
| láde ne letton. Léoht éastan cóm, |
way did not hinder. Light came from the east, | |
| beorht béacẹn Godes; brimu swaðrodon |
570 | bright beacon of God, the sea became still, |
| þæt ić sǽ-næssas ʒeséon meahte, |
571 | so that I the headlands was able to see, |
| windiʒe weallas. Wyrd oft nereþ |
windswept walls. Fate often spares | |
| unfǽʒne eorl þanne his ellen déag. |
the hero not fated to die when his courage endures. | |
| Hwæðere mé ʒesǽlde þæt ić mid sweorde ofslóg |
However it was my good fortune that I with my sword slew | |
| nicoras nigune. Ná ić on niht ʒefræʒn |
575 | 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 éaʒ-stréamum earmran mannan. |
nor on the water-streams of a more wretched man; | |
| Hwaðere ić fára fenǵ feore ʒedíeʒde |
yet I the foes’ grasp survived with my life, | |
| siðes wœrig. Þá meć sǽ oþbær, |
weary from my venture; then the sea bore me off | |
| flód æfter faroðe on Finna land, |
580 | flood following current onto the land of the Lapps, |
| wadu weallendu. Ná ić wiht fram þé |
581 | the tossing boat. Not a whit of thee |
| swelćra searu-níða secgan híerde, |
in such strife of conflict have I heard told, | |
| billa brógan. Breca nǽfre ʒíet |
of bill-blade terror; Breca never yet | |
| æt heaðu-láce, né ʒehwæðer incer, |
at battle-play, nor either of you, | |
| swá déorlíće dǽd ʒefremede |
585 | so boldly performed a deed |
| fágum sweordum — ná ić þæs [fela] ʒielpe —, |
586 | with bright swords — I do not boast of this — |
| þéah þú þínum bróðrum to banan wurde, |
nevertheless, you your brothers’ killer were, | |
| héafod-mágum. Þæs þú on helle scealt |
near relatives; for that you must with Hel | |
| wierʒþe dreogan þéah þín witt duge! |
suffer torment, though your mind is strong; | |
| Secge ić þé to sóðe, sunu Ecg-láfes, |
590 | I say to you in truth, son of Edgelaf, |
| þæt nǽfre Grendel swá fela gryra ʒefremede, |
591 | that Grendel would have never so many atrocities committed, |
| atol ag-lǽća ealdre þínum, |
— that terrible demon — to your leader, | |
| híenþa on Heorote, ʒief þín hyʒe wǽre, |
humiliation on Heorot, if your heart were, | |
| sefa swá searu-grimm swá þú self talast; |
and your spirit so battle-fierce as you yourself tell | |
| ac hé hæfþ onfunden þæt hé þá fǽhþe ne þearf |
595 | but he has found that the fight he needs not, |
| atole ecg-þræce íower léode |
596 | that terrible storm of sword-edges of your nation, |
| swíðe onsittan, Siʒe-Scieldinga. |
greatly to dread, of the Victory-Shieldings; | |
| Nimeþ níed-báde, nǽnigum áraþ |
he takes a forced toll, spares none | |
| léode Deniʒa, ac hé lust wiʒeþ, |
of the Danish people, but he carries on his delight, | |
| swefeþ and sendeþ, sæćće ne wœneþ |
600 | slaying and despatching, he does not expect contest |
| to Gár-Denum. Ac ić him Ʒéata sceal |
601 | from the Spear-Danes. But I shall him the Geats’ |
| eafoþ and ellen unʒeára nú |
might and courage, before long now, | |
| gúðe ʒebéodan. Gǽþ eft se-þe mót |
offer in war; a man will be able to go back, | |
| to medu módiʒ siþþan morgen-léoht |
to mead bravely, when the morning-light | |
| ofer ielda bearn óðres dógres, |
605 | over the sons of men of another day, |
| sunne sweʒel-wered súðan scíneþ.” |
606 | the sun clad in radiance, shines from the south.” |
| Þá wæs on sǽlum sinces brytta, |
Then was joyful the dispenser of treasures, | |
| gamol-feax and gúþ-róf; ʒéoce ʒelíefde |
with wizened hair and brave in battle for support he trusted | |
| bregu Beorht-Dena, ʒehíerde on Bío-wulfe |
the lord of the Bright-Danes heard in Beowulf | |
| folces hierde fæst-rǽdne ʒeþóht. |
610 | the guardian of the folk, firmly-resolved intent; |
| Þǽr wæs hæleða hleahtor, hlynn swinsode, |
611 | There was the laughter of heroes, the noise made melody, |
| word wǽron wynnsumu. Éode Wealh-þéow forþ, |
words were joyful. Wealhtheow came forth, | |
| cwœn Hróþ-gáres, cynna ʒemyndiʒ. |
Hrothgar’s queen, mindful of etiquette, | |
| Grœtte gold-hroden guman on healle, |
greeted, gold-adorned, the men in the hall | |
| and þá fríolíć wíf full ʒesealde |
615 | and then the noble lady gave out full cups, |
| ǽrest Éast-Dena œðel-wearde; |
616 | first to the East-Danes homeland-guardian, |
| bæd hine blíðne æt þǽre béor-þeʒe, |
bade him be blithe at the partaking of beer, | |
| léodum léofne; hé on lust ʒeþeag, |
beloved by the people; he took in delight | |
| symbel and sele-full, siʒe-róf cyning. |
feast-food and hall-cup, the victorious king; | |
| Ymbéode þá ides Helminga |
620 | then she went among them, the lady of the Helmings, |
| duguðe and ʒeoguðe dǽl ǽʒhwelćne, |
621 | to veteran and youth a portion to each, |
| sinc-fatu sealde oþ-þæt sǽl alamp |
gave rich cups, until the time came | |
| þæt hío Bío-wulfe, béag-hroden cwœn, |
that she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen, | |
| móde ʒeþungen, medu-full ætbær. |
blossoming in spirit, carried a mead-cup; | |
| Grœtte Ʒéata léod, Gode þancode |
625 | she greeted the Geatish prince, thanked God, |
| wís-fæst wordum þæs-þe hire se willa ʒelamp, |
626 | wise in her words, for that her wish was to be fulfilled, |
| þæt hío on ǽniʒne eorl ʒelíefde |
that she in any noble man could count on | |
| firena frófre. Hé þæt full ʒeþeag, |
relief from wickedness. He took that full-cup, | |
| wæl-réow wiga, æt Wealh-þéon, |
the slaughter-fierce warrior from Wealhtheow, | |
| and þá ʒieddode gúðe ʒefýsed. |
630 | and then spoke solemnly, made eager for war; |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
631 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: |
| “Ić þæt hogode þá ić on holm ʒestág, |
“I resolved that, when I mounted the water, | |
| sǽ-bát ʒesæt mid mínra secga ʒedryht, |
sat down in the sea-boat amid my company of warriors, | |
| þæt ić ánunga íowra léoda |
that I forthwith your people’s | |
| willan ʒeworhte oþ-þe on wæl crunge |
635 | will would work, or fall in slaughter, |
| fíond-grápum fæst. Ić ʒefremman sceal |
636 | fast in the fiend’s grasp; I must perform |
| eorl-líć ellen oþ-þe ende-dæʒ |
this daring act of courage or the last day | |
| on þisse medu-healle mínne ʒebídan.” |
in this mead-hall of mine await.” | |
| Þǽm wífe þá word wél lícodon, |
The woman these words liked well, | |
| ʒielp-cwide Ʒéates; éode gold-hroden |
640 | the vow-speech of the Geat; went gold-adorned, |
| fríolícu folc-cwœn to hire fréan sittan. |
641 | the noble queen of the folk, to sit by her lord. |
| Þá wæs eft swá ǽr inne on healle |
Then were again, as before, in the hall, | |
| þrýþ-word sprecen, þéod on sǽlum, |
bold words spoken, the people full of joy, | |
| siʒe-folca swœʒ, oþ-þæt semninga |
— victory-folk’s clamor — until presently | |
| sunu Healf-Denes sœćan wolde |
645 | the son of Half-Dane wished to seek |
| ǽfen-ræste. Wisse þǽm ág-lǽćan |
646 | evening-rest; he knew that the ogre |
| to þǽm héah-sele hilde ʒeþinǵed, |
for the high hall had plotted an attack, | |
| siþþan híe sunnan léoht ʒeséon meahton |
ever since when they the sun’s light could see; | |
| oþ-þe nípende niht ofer ealle, |
and darkening night all over, | |
| scadu-helma ʒescapu scríðan cóman, |
650 | shadow-helm’s shapes came slithering, |
| wann under wolcnum. Weorod eall arás. |
651 | black beneath the skies. The troop all arose; |
| Ʒegrœtte þá guma guman óðerne, |
greeted then the man the other man, | |
| Hróþ-gár Bío-wulf and him hǽl abéad, |
Hrothgar Beowulf, and bid him health, | |
| wín-ærnes ʒeweald, and þæt word acwæþ: |
the wine-hall’s ruler, and spoke these words: | |
| “Nǽfre ić ǽnegum menn ǽr aliefde, |
655 | “I never to any man before entrusted, |
| siþþan ić hand and rand hebban meahte, |
656 | since I hand and shield was able to raise, |
| þrýþ-ærn Dena bútan þé nú-þá. |
this strong-hall of the Danes, save to thee now; | |
| Hafa nú and ʒeheald húsa sœlest; |
have now and hold this best of houses, | |
| ʒemyne mǽrðe, mæʒen-ellen cýþ, |
focus on glory, show great valor, | |
| waca wiþ wráðum! Ne biþ þé willna gád |
660 | keep watch against the enemy; there shall be no dearth of your desires |
| ʒief þú ellen-weorc ealdre ʒedíeʒest.” |
661 | if this courage-work you survive with your life.” |
| { 11 } (~ X ~) | ||
| Þá him Hróþ-gár ʒewát mid his hæleða gedryht, |
Then Hrothgar went with his band of heroes, | |
| eodor Scieldinga út of healle, |
the protector of the Shieldings, out of the hall; | |
| wolde wíʒ-fruma Wealh-þéow sœćan, |
the war-chief wished to seek Wealhtheow, | |
| cwœn to ʒebeddan. Hæfde Cyning-Wuldor |
665 | the queen as companion in bed; the glory of kings had, |
| Grendle toʒeaʒnes, swá guman ʒefrugnon, |
666 | against Grendel, — so men heard — |
| sele-weard aseted; sundọr-nytte behéold |
the hall-guard posted: special duty he held | |
| ymb ealdor Dena, eoten-weard’ abéad. |
for the chief of the Danes, ogre-watch he kept. | |
| Húru Ʒéata léod ʒeorne trúwode |
Indeed the prince of the Geats keenly trusted | |
| módigan mæʒenes, Metodes hylde. |
670 | in his prodigious power, his Maker’s favor, |
| Þá hé him of dyde ísern-byrnan, |
671 | then he from himself took iron-byrnie, |
| helm of hafolan, sealde his hyrsted sweord, |
helm from head, gave his adorned sword, | |
| írena cyst ambiht-þeʒne |
the choicest of irons, to his retainer, | |
| and ʒehealdan hét hilde-ʒeatwe. |
and commanded him ward his battle-gear; | |
| Ʒespræc þá se góda ʒielp-worda sum, |
675 | the good man spoke then some promise-words, |
| Bío-wulf Ʒéata, ǽr hé on bedd stiʒe: |
676 | Beowulf of the Geats, before he stepped into bed: |
| “Ná ić meć an here-wæstmum hnágran talie |
“I myself in martial-stature do not tally poorer | |
| gúþ-ʒeweorca þanne Grendel hine; |
in works of war than Grendel himself; | |
| for-þon ić hine sweorde swebban nylle, |
therefore him with my sword I shall not slay, | |
| aaldre benéotan þéah ić eall mæʒe. |
680 | deprive of life, though I fully am able; |
| Nát hé þára góda þæt hé mé onʒeaʒn sléà, |
681 | he knows not the finer skills that he may strike me back, |
| rand ʒehéawe þéah hé róf sie |
hew my rimmed-shield, although he is renowned | |
| níþ-ʒeweorca, ac wit on niht sculon |
for malicious works but we at night must | |
| secge ofersittan ʒief hé ʒesœćan dearr |
relinquish short sword if he dares to seek | |
| wíʒ ofer wǽpen. And siþþan wíttiʒ God |
685 | war without weapons, and then wise God, |
| on swá-hwæðere hand, háliʒ Dryhten, |
686 | on whichever hand, the holy Lord |
| mǽrðe dœme swá him ʒemet þynće!” |
will allot glory, as seems fitting to Him.” | |
| Hielde hine þá heaðu-déor, hléor-bolster onféng |
The war-bold one then bent himself down — the cheek-bolster received | |
| eorles andwlitan and hine ymb maniʒ |
the earl’s face — and round him many | |
| snell-líć sǽ-rinc sele-ræste ʒebéag. |
690 | brave seaman sank down in hall-slumber; |
| Nǽniʒ hira þóhte þæt hé þanan scolde |
691 | none of them thought that he thence would |
| eft eard-lufan ǽfre ʒesœćan, |
his dear home again ever visit, | |
| folc oþþe frío-burg þǽr hé afœded wæs; |
his folk or his noble citadel, where he was nurtured | |
| ac híe hæfdon ʒefrugnen þæt híe ǽr to fela mićeles |
for they had heard that far too many of them already | |
| on þǽm wín-sele wæl-déaþ fornam, |
695 | in that wine-hall slaughtering Death had carried off |
| Deniʒa léode. Ac him Dryhten forʒeaf |
696 | of the Danish people. But to them the Lord granted |
| wíʒ-spœda ʒewifu, Wedera léodum, |
the woven-destiny of war-luck to the Wederas’ men, | |
| frófor and fultum, þæt híe fíend hira |
solace and support, that they their foe, | |
| þurh ánes cræft ealle ofercómon, |
through the strength of one, all overcame, | |
| selfes meahtum. Sóþ is ʒecýðed |
700 | by his own might; truth is known |
| þæt mihtiʒ God manna cynnes |
701 | that mighty God mankind |
| wéold wíde-ferhþ. Cóm on wannre niht |
has ruled forever. In the colorless night came | |
| scríðan scadu-genǵa; scéotend swǽfon, |
slinking the shadow-wanderer; the shooters slept, | |
| þá þæt horn-reced healdan scoldon, |
they that the horned-house were obliged to guard, | |
| ealle búton ánum. Þæt wæs ieldum cúþ |
705; | all but one — it was known to men |
| þæt híe ne móste, þá Meotod nolde, |
706 | that they could not, when the Maker did not wish it, |
| sé scinn-scaða under scadu breʒdan, |
by the malefactor be drawn under the shadows — | |
| ac hé wæććende wráðum on andan |
but he watching in angry indignation | |
| bád bolgen-mód beadwa ʒeþinǵes. |
bided in rising rage for the result of battle. | |
| { 12 } (~ XI ~) | ||
| Þá cóm of móre under mist-hliðum |
710 | Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs |
| Grendel gangan — Godes ierre bær —, |
711 | Grendel walking, God’s wrath he bore; |
| mynte se mán-scaða manna cynnes |
the vile ravager meant from mankind | |
| sumne besierwan on sele þám héan. |
a sample to snare in the high hall; | |
| Wód under wolcnum to-þæs-þe hé wín-rećed, |
he waded under the clouds until he the wine-hall, | |
| gold-sele gumena ʒearwost wisse |
715 | — the gold-hall of men — mostly-certainly saw, |
| fǽttum fágne. Ne wæs þæt forma síþ |
716 | shining gold; it was not the first time |
| þæt hé Hróþ-gáres hám ʒesóhte. |
that he Hrothgar’s home had sought; | |
| Nǽfre hé on ealdor-dagum ǽr né siþþan |
he never in the days of his life, ere nor after, | |
| heardran hǽle heall-þeʒnas fand. |
harder luck or hall-thanes found. | |
| Cóm þá to rećede rinc síðian |
720; | He came then to the hall the fighter journeying, |
| dréamum bedǽled. Duru sóna onarn |
721 | cut-off from merriment; the door soon rushed open, |
| fýr-bendum fæst siþþan hé hire folmum æthrán; |
firm with fire-forged bands, when he tapped it with his hands | |
| onbræʒd þá bealu-hýʒdiʒ, þá hé ʒebolgen wæs, |
plotting evil then he tore open, now that he was enraged, | |
| rećedes múðan. Ḥræðe æfter þon |
the mouth of the building; straight after that | |
| on fágne flór fíond treddode, |
725 | on the tessellated floor the fiend treaded, |
| éode ierre-mód; him of éagum stód |
726 | advanced angrily; from his eyes issued, |
| líeʒe ʒelícost léoht unfæʒer. |
most like a flame, a distorted light; | |
| Ʒeseah hé on rećede rinca maniʒe, |
he saw in the hall many warriors | |
| swefan sibbe-ʒedryht samod ætgædere, |
a sleeping company of kinsmen gathered together | |
| magu-rinca héap. Þá his mód ahlóg, |
730 | a great host of warriors. Then his heart laughed: |
| mynte þæt hé gedǽlde, ǽr-þon dæʒ cóme, |
731 | he intended to deprive, ere the day came, |
| atol ag-lǽca ánra ʒehwelćes |
the cruel beast, from each one | |
| líf wiþ líće. Þá him alumpen wæs |
life from body, now had befallen him | |
| wist-fylle wœn. Ne wæs þæt wyrd þá ʒíen |
a hope of a full feast. It was not his fate again | |
| þæt hé má móste manna cynnes |
735 | that he might more of mankind |
| þicgan ofer þá niht. Þruþ-swýþ behéold |
736 | partake of after that night; the mighty man beheld, |
| mǽʒ Hyʒe-láces hú se mán-scaða |
the kinsman of Hygelac, how the cruel killer | |
| under fǽr-gripum ʒefaran wolde. |
by means of a sudden attack wished to proceed. | |
| Né þæt se ag-lǽca ieldan þóhte, |
That the monster did not think to delay, | |
| ac hé ʒeféng hræðe forman síðe |
740; | but he quickly grasped, at the first occasion, |
| slǽpendne rinc, slát unwearnum, |
741 | a sleeping warrior, rended without restraint, |
| bát bán-locan, blód ǽdrum dranc, |
bit into the bone-locks, from the veins drank blood, | |
| sin-snǽdum swealg. Sóna hæfde |
swallowed great chunks; soon he had | |
| unlifiendes eall ʒefeormod, |
the unliving one all devoured, | |
| fœt and folma. Forþ néar ætstóp, |
745 | feet and hands; nearer he stepped forth, |
| nam þá mid handa hyʒe-þýhtiʒne |
746 | taking then with his hands a stout-hearted |
| rinc on ræste, [him swá] rǽhte onʒeaʒn |
warrior from his rest, reached towards him | |
| fíond mid folme; hé onféng hræðe |
the foe with his palm; quickly he grasped | |
| inwitt-þancum and wiþ earm ʒesæt. |
the malice thoughts and clamped down on the arm. | |
| Sóna þæt onfunde firena hierde, |
750 | At once he found, the shepherd of atrocities, |
| þæt hé ne mœtte middan-ʒeardes, |
751 | that he had not met in middle-earth, |
| eorðan scéata on ellran menn |
in the expanse of the world, in another man | |
| mund-gripe máran. Hé on móde wearþ |
a greater hand-grip; he in his heart grew | |
| forht on ferhþe; ná þý ǽr fram meahte. |
fearing for life; none the sooner could he away; | |
| Hyʒe wæs him hin-fús, wolde on heolstor fléon, |
755 | eager-to-go-hence was the thought in him, he wanted to flee into the darkness, |
| sœćan díofla ʒedræʒ; ne wæs his drohtaþ þǽr |
756 | to seek the devils’ concourse; his situation there was not |
| swelće hé on ealdor-dagum ǽr ʒemœtte. |
like he in the days of his life ever had met. | |
| Ʒemunde þá se góda mǽʒ Hyʒe-láces |
The good man then recalled, the kinsman of Hygelac, | |
| ǽfen-sprǽće. Upp-lang astód |
his evening-speech; upright he stood | |
| and him fæste wiþféng; fingras burston; |
760 | and laid hold of him tight; fingers burst; |
| eoten wæs útweard, eorl furðor stóp. |
761 | the troll was striving to move outward, the earl stepped forward. |
| Mynte se mǽra, hwǽr hé meahte swá, |
The infamous one meant, anywhere he so was able, | |
| wídre ʒewindan and on-weʒ þanan |
farther escape and away thence | |
| fléon on fenn-hopu; wiste his fingra ʒeweald |
flee to his secret places in the fen; he knew his fingers’ control | |
| on grames grápum. Þæt he wæs ʒéocor síþ |
765 | in his enemy’s grip, that was a bitter journey he |
| þæt se hearm-scaða to Heorote atéah. |
766 | that the harm-warrior had taken to Heorot. |
| Dryht-sele dynede, Denum eallum wearþ, |
The noble hall broke into a din; the Danes all were, | |
| ćeaster-búendum, cœnra ʒehwelćum, |
— the citadel-dwellers — each of the bold, | |
| eorlum ealu-scierwen. Ierre wǽron bœʒen, |
earls in the flood of bitter drink; enraged were both | |
| rœðe ren-weardas. Rećed hlynsode; |
770 | fierce hall-wards; the hall resounded. |
| Þá wæs wundor mićel þæt se wín-sele |
771 | Then it was a great wonder that the wine-hall |
| wiþhæfde heaðu-déorum, þæt hé on hrúsan ne féoll, |
withstood the war-fighters, that it did not fall to the ground, | |
| fǽʒer fold-bold; ac hé þæs fæste wæs |
the fair mansion but it so firm was | |
| innan and útan íren-bendum |
inside and out with iron-bands | |
| searu-þancum besmiðod. Þǽr fram sylle abéag |
775 | skilfully smithed; there from the floor broke away |
| medu-benć maniʒ, míne ʒefrǽʒe, |
776 | many mead-benches, I heard, |
| golde ʒereʒnod þǽr þá graman wunnon. |
adorned with gold, where the enemies struggled; | |
| Þæs ne wœndon ǽr witan Scieldinga |
it was not thought before, by the sages of the Shieldings, | |
| þæt hit á mid ʒemete manna ǽniʒ |
that it ever by means any men | |
| betlíć and bán-fág tobrecan meahte, |
780 | splendid and bone-adorned, could break it up, |
| listum tolúcan, nymðe líeʒes fæðm |
781 | cleverly cleave asunder, not unless fire’s embrace |
| swulge on swaðule. Swœʒ up astág |
swallowed it in inferno. Sound ascended up, | |
| níewe ʒeneahhe; Norþ-Denum stód |
new, nearby: the North-Danes stood | |
| atol-líć eʒesa, ánra ʒehwelćum |
in ghastly horror, in each one of | |
| þára-þe of wealle wóp ʒehierdon, |
785 | them who from the wall weeping heard, |
| gryre-léoþ galan Godes andsacan, |
786 | terrible screaming, God’s adversary, |
| siʒe-léasne sang, sár wániʒian |
a victoryless song, bewailing his wound, | |
| helle hæfton. Héold hine fæste |
Hel’s prisoner; he held him fast, | |
| sé-þe manna wæs mæʒene strenǵest |
he who was of men in might strongest | |
| on þǽm dæʒe þisses lífes. |
790 | on that day in this life. |
| { 13 } (~ XII ~) | ||
| Nolde eorla hléoW ǽniʒe þinga |
791 | The protector of earls had no wish for any reason |
| þone cwealm-cuman cwićne forlǽtan |
the murderous guest to release alive, | |
| né his líf-dagas léoda ǽnigum |
nor his life-days to any people | |
| nytte tealde. Þær ʒeneahhost bræʒd |
counted as advantage. There many brandished | |
| eorl Bío-wulfes ealde láfe, |
795 | warriors of Beowulf, old heirlooms, |
| wolde fréa-dryhtnes feorh ealgian, |
796 | they wished prince-lord’s life defend, |
| mǽres þéodnes þǽr híe meahton swá. |
the legendary leader’s, if they could do so; | |
| Híe þæt ne wisson, þá híe ʒewinn drugon, |
they did not know that, when they joined the fray, | |
| heard-hycgende hilde-mæcgas, |
the bold-minded battle-men, | |
| and on healfa ʒehwone héawan þóhton, |
800 | and on each side thought to hew, |
| sáwle sœćan: þone synn-scaðan |
801 | to seek the soul: that the sin-scather |
| ǽniʒ ofer eorðan írena cyst, |
any on earth, of the choicest of irons, | |
| gúþ-billa nán grœtan nolde, |
of war-bills, none, could not at all greet him | |
| ac hé siʒe-wǽpnum forsworen hæfde, |
but he victory-weapons had forsworn, | |
| ecga ʒehwelćre. Scolde his ealdor-ʒedál |
805 | every blade-edge. His life-severing was bound to |
| on þǽm dæʒe þisses lífes |
806 | on that day in this life |
| earmlíć weorðan and se ellor-gást |
be wretched, and the alien-spirit | |
| on fíonda ʒeweald feorr síðian. |
into the administration of fiends would journey far away; | |
| Þá þæt onfunde sé-þe fela ǽror |
then he found, he who before many, | |
| módes myrðe manna cynne, |
810 | miseries in his mind, on mankind |
| firene ʒefremede — hé [wæs] fáh wiþ God — |
811 | atrocities committed — he, who fought with God — |
| þæt him se líć-hama lǽstan nolde, |
that him his body-shell would not obey, | |
| ac hine se módiga mǽʒ Hyʒe-láces |
but him the daring kinsman of Hygelac | |
| hæfde be handa; wæs ʒehwæðer óðrum |
had by the hand; each was by the other | |
| lifiende láþ. Líć-sár ʒebád |
815 | loathed while living; body-pain he felt, |
| atol ag-lǽća; him on eaxle wearþ |
816 | the awful ogre; on his shoulder was |
| syn-dolg swiotul, sionwa onsprungon, |
a great wound apparent, sinows sprang asunder, | |
| burston bán-locan. Bío-wulfe wearþ |
bone-locks burst; to Beowulf was | |
| gúþ-hrœþ ʒifeðe; scolde Grendel þanan |
war-glory given; thence Grendel had to | |
| feorh-séoc fléòn under fenn-hliðu, |
820 | flee sick unto death under the hills of the fen, |
| sœćan wynnléas wíć; wisse þý ʒeornor |
821 | to seek his joyless abode; he knew it more surely |
| þæt his ealdres wæs ende ʒegangen, |
that was his life’s end arrived, | |
| dógra dæʒ-rím. Denum eallum wearþ |
the day-count of his days. For the Danes were all, | |
| æfter þám wæl-rǽse willa ʒelumpen. |
after that slaughter-storm, wishes come to pass: | |
| Hæfde þá ʒefǽlsod sé-þe ǽr feorran cóm, |
825 | he had then cleansed, he who had before come from afar, |
| snotor and swíþ-ferhþ, sele Hróþ-gáres, |
826 | shrewd and strong-minded, the hall of Hrothgar, |
| ʒenered wiþ níðe. Niht-weorce ʒefeah, |
rescued from ruin; in his night’s work he rejoiced, | |
| ellen-mǽrðum. Hæfde Éast-Denum |
in valor from great deeds; to the East-Danes had | |
| Ʒéat-mæcga léod ʒielp ʒelæsted, |
the Geatmen’s leader, his oath fulfilled; | |
| swelće ancýþþe ealle ʒebœtte, |
830 | so too anguish all remedied, |
| inwitt-sorge þe híe ǽr drugon |
831 | grievous sorrow, that they had ere endured, |
| and for þréa-níedum þolian scoldon, |
and in hard distress had to suffer, | |
| torn unlýtel. Þæt wæs tácen swiotul |
no small misery; that was a clear sign, | |
| syþþan hilde-déor hand aleʒde, |
when the battle-bold one the hand placed, | |
| earm and eaxle — þǽr wæs eall ʒeador |
835 | arm and shoulder — there was all together |
| Grendles grápe — under ʒéapne hróf. |
836 | the grip of Grendel — under the gaping roof. |
| { 14 } (~ XIII ~) | ||
| Þá wæs on morgen míne ʒefrǽʒe |
Then was in the morning, as I heard tell, | |
| ymb þá ʒief-healle gúþ-rinc maniʒ; |
about the gift-hall many warriors, | |
| fœrdon folc-togan feorran and néàn |
folk-chiefs arrived from far and near | |
| ʒeond wíd-wegas wundor scéawian |
840 | across wide regions to behold the wonder, |
| láðes lástas. Ná his líf-ʒedál |
841 | the foe’s foot-prints; his parting from life did not |
| sárlíć þúhte secga ǽnigum |
seem mournful to any man | |
| þára-þe tír-léases troda scéawodon |
of those who the gloryless foe’s track observed, | |
| hú hé wœriʒ-mód on-weʒ þanan, |
how he weary away thence, | |
| níða ofercumen on nicora mere, |
845 | vanquished by violence, to the nicors’ mere |
| fǽʒe and ʒeflíemed feorh-lástas bær. |
846 | doomed and driven back left behind life-trails. |
| Þǽr wæs on blóde brim weallende, |
There with blood was the water seething, | |
| atol ýða ʒeswing eall ʒemenǵed |
terrible swirling of swells all mingled | |
| háton heolfre heoru-dréore wéoll; |
with boiling gore, with sword-blood it welled, | |
| déaþ-fǽʒe déog siþþan dréama léas |
850 | doomed to die he hid himself, then, bereft of pleasure, |
| on fenn-friðe feorh aleʒde, |
851 | in his fen-refuge he laid down his life, |
| hǽþne sáwle; þǽr him hell onféng. |
his heathen soul; there Hel embraced him. | |
| Þanan eft ʒewiton eald-ʒesíðas, |
Thence returned old companions, | |
| swelće ʒeong maniʒ of gamen-wáðe, |
also many young, from the sport-chase, | |
| fram mere módiʒe méarum rídan, |
855 | from the mere full-spirited, riding horses, |
| beornas on blancum. Þǽr wæs Bío-wulfes |
856 | warriors on fair steeds, there was Beowulf’s |
| mǽrðu mǽned; maniʒ oft gecwæþ |
glory proclaimed; many often said | |
| þætte súð né norð be-sǽm-twéonum |
that neither south nor north between the seas | |
| ofer eormen-grund óðer nǽniʒ |
over the whole vast earth, no other | |
| under sweʒeles begang sœlra nǽre |
860 | under the sky’s expanse was ne’re better |
| rand-hæbbendra, ríćes wierðra. |
861 | shield-bearer, of a worthier kingdom; |
| Né híe húru wine-dryhten wiht ne lógon, |
nor, however, the friend and lord, did they blame at all, | |
| glædne Hróþ-gár. Ac þæt wæs gód cyning! |
gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king. | |
| Hwílum heaðu-rófe hléapan léton, |
At times the brave warriors let leap, | |
| on ʒeflit faran fealwe méaras |
865 | in a contest raced fallow horses, |
| þǽr him fold-wegas fæʒere þúhton, |
866 | where to them the earth-roads seemed suitable, |
| cystum cúðe. Hwílum cyninges þeʒn, |
and known to be the best. At times the king’s thane, | |
| guma ʒielp-hlæden, ʒiedda ʒemyndiʒ, |
a man laden with fine speech, remembering songs, | |
| se-þe eall-fela eald-ʒesæʒena |
he who very many of ancient traditions | |
| worn ʒemunde, word óðer fand |
870 | recalled scores, found new words |
| sóðe ʒebunden. Secg eft ongann |
871 | bound in truth; the man then began |
| síþ Bío-wulfes snytrum styrian |
Beowulf’s exploit skilfully to recite, | |
| and on spœd wrecan spell ʒeráde, |
and artfully utter an adept tale, | |
| wordum wrixlan. Wél-hwelć ʒecwæþ |
varying his words; he spoke of almost everything | |
| þæt hé fram Siʒe-munde secgan hierde, |
875 | that he of Sigmund had heard said, |
| ellen-dǽdum, uncúðes fela, |
876 | of his deeds of glory: many uncanny things, |
| Wælsinges ʒewinn, wíde síðas, |
the striving of Wael’s son, his great journeys; | |
| þára-þe gumena bearn ʒearwe ne wisson, |
those things of which the childen of men by no means knew, | |
| fǽhþe and firena, búton Fitela mid hine, |
feuds and feats of arms, only Fitela with him, | |
| þanne hé swelćes hwæt secgan wolde, |
880 | then he of such matters was wont to speak of, |
| éàm his nefan, swá híe á wǽron |
881 | uncle to his nephew, as they always were |
| æt níða ʒehwǽm nied-ʒesteallan; |
in every conflict comrades in need; | |
| hæfdon eall-fela eotena cynnes |
they had a great many of the giantkind | |
| sweordum ʒesǽʒed. Siʒe-munde ʒesprang |
laid low with swords; for Sigmund arose, | |
| æfter déaþ-dæʒe dóm unlýtel |
885 | after the day of his death, no little fame, |
| siþþan wíʒes heard wyrm acwealde, |
886 | since the fierce warrior had quelled the great serpent, |
| hordes hierde. Hé under hárne stán, |
the keeper of a hoard; beneath the hoary grey stone he, | |
| æðelinges bearn ána ʒenœþde |
the prince’s son, alone ventured | |
| frœcne dǽde né wǽs him Fitela mid. |
a dangerous deed, Fitela was not with him; | |
| Hwæðere him ʒesǽlde þæt þæt sweord þurhwód |
890 | however it was granted him that the sword pierced |
| wrǽttlíćne 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 ag-lǽća ellne ʒegangen |
the fearsome one had ensured by courage | |
| þæt hé béag-hordes brúcan móste |
that he the ring-hoard might possess | |
| selfes dóme. Sǽ-bát ʒehléod, |
895 | at his own chosing; he loaded the sea-boat, |
| bær on bearm scipes beorhta frætwa, |
896 | bore in the bosom of his ship the gleaming treasures, |
| Wælses eafora. Wyrm hát ʒemealt. |
Wael’s son — the wyrm in its heat melted — | |
| Sé wæs wreććna wíde mǽrost |
he was of adventurers the most widely famed | |
| ofer wer-þéode, wíʒendra hléow, |
among nations, the warriors’ protector, | |
| ellen-dǽdum — hé þæs ǽr onþáh — |
900 | for deeds of valor — he had prospered by this — |
| siþþan Here-módes hild sweðrode, |
901 | since Heremod’s skirmishing had abated, |
| earfoþ and ellen; hé mid eotenum wearþ |
affliction and spirit; he among the Etins was | |
| on fíonda ʒeweald forþ forlácen |
into enemy hands given up, | |
| snúde forsended. Hine sorg-wielmas |
quickly despatched; the surgings of sorrow him | |
| lemedon tó lange; hé his léodum wearþ, |
905 | hindered too long; he to his people became, |
| eallum æðellingum to ealdor-care. |
906 | to all of the nobles, a great mortal sorrow; |
| Swelće oft bemearn ǽrrum mǽlum |
moreover they often mourned, for in earlier times, | |
| swíþ-ferhþes síʒ snotor ćeorl maniʒ, |
the departure of the stouted-hearted king, many learnèd sages | |
| se-þe him bealwa tó bóte ʒelíefde, |
who to him for miseries’ remedy had trusted and believed | |
| þæt þæt þéodnes bearn ʒeþíon scolde, |
910 | that that prince’s son must prosper, |
| fæder-æðelum onfón, folc ʒehealdan, |
911 | take up his father’s rank, rule the folk, |
| hord and hléow-burg, hæleða ríće, |
their treasury and citadel, the heroes’ kingdom, | |
| ᛟ [œðel] Scieldinga. Hé þǽr eallum wearþ, |
homeland of the Shieldings; he by all became, | |
| mǽʒ Hyʒe-láces, manna cynne, |
the kinsman of Hygelac, by mankind, | |
| fríondum ʒefæʒera; hine firen onwód. |
915 | more esteemed; wickedness undid him. |
| Hwílum flítende fealwe strǽte |
916 | Now and then racing, dusky streets |
| méarum mǽton. Þá wǽs morgen-léoht |
on their mounts they traversed. Then was the morning light | |
| scofen and scynded. Éode scealc maniʒ |
hurried and hastened; many retainers went | |
| swíþ-hycgende to sele þǽm héàn |
determined to the high hall | |
| searu-wundor séon; swelće self cyning |
920 | to see the strange wonder; the king himself too |
| of brýd-búre, béag-horda weard, |
921 | from his wife’s bower, the ward of the ring-hoard, |
| treddode tír-fæst ʒetrume mićele, |
stepped out splendid with his great troop, | |
| cystum ʒecýðed, and his cwœn mid him |
famed for his excellence, and his queen with him, | |
| medu-stiʒe mæt mæʒeða hóse. |
passed down the meadhall-path, accompanied by maidens. | |
| { 15 } (~ XIV ~) | ||
| Hróþ-gár maðelode — hé to héalle ʒéong, |
925 | Hrothgar spoke — he went to the hall, |
| stód on stapole, ʒeseah stéapne hróf |
926 | stood on the steps, observed the steep roof |
| golde fágne and Grendles hand: |
adorned with gold and Grendel’s hand —: | |
| “Þisse ansíene Eall-wealdan þanc |
“For this sight Thanks to the All-Ruler | |
| lungre ʒelimpe! Fela ić láðes ʒebád, |
be swiftly forthcoming! I have suffered many injuries, | |
| gryna æt Grendle: á mæʒ God wyrćan |
930 | griefs from Grendel; God can always work |
| wundor æfter wundre, Wuldres Hierde. |
931 | wonder after wonder, glory’s Keeper. |
| Þǽt wæs unʒeára þæt ić ǽniʒra mé |
It was not long past that I for me any | |
| wéana ne wœnde to wídan feore |
for woes not hoped for the bredth of my life, | |
| bóte ʒebídan, þanne blóde fág |
to experience remedy when adorned with blood | |
| húsa sœlest heoru-dréoriʒ stód, — |
935 | the most splendid house stood battle-gory: |
| wéa wíd-scofen witena ʒehwelćne |
936 | woe widespread for each of the sages |
| þára-þe ne wœndon þæt híe wíde-ferhþ |
those who did not hope that in the span of their lives | |
| léoda land-ʒeweorc láðum bewereden |
the nation’s fortress from foes they could protect, | |
| scuccum and scinnum. Nú scealc hafaþ |
from shucks and shines; now a warrior has, | |
| þurh Dryhtnes meaht dǽd ʒefremede |
940 | through the Lord’s power, performed a deed |
| þe wé ealle ǽr ne meahton |
941 | which we all before could not |
| snytrum besierwan. Hwæt, þæt secgan mæʒ |
with schemes contrive; listen, that may say | |
| efene swá-hwelć mæʒeða swá þone magan cennde |
even so whichever woman as that begot this man, | |
| æfter gum-cynnum — ʒief hío ʒíet lyfaþ — |
among mankind, if she yet lives, | |
| þæt hire Eald-Metod œste wǽre |
945 | that to her the Old Measurer of Fate was gracious |
| bearn-ʒebyrde. Nú ić, Bío-wulf, þeć, |
946 | in child-bearing. Now, I, Beowulf, you, |
| secg betesta, mé for sunu wille |
the best of men, for me like a son would | |
| fríogan on ferhþe. Heald forþ tela |
love in life; keep well henceforth | |
| níewe sibbe! Ne biþ þé nǽniʒre gád |
this new kinship; there will not be any want | |
| weorolde willna þé ić ʒeweald hæbbe. |
950 | of worldly wishes while I have power; |
| Full oft ić for lǽssum léan teohhode, |
951 | full oft I for less rewards have bestowed, |
| hord-weorðunge hnágran rince, |
honoring with treasure a humbler man, | |
| sǽmran æt sæćće. Þú þé self hafast |
lesser at fighting; you for yourself have | |
| dǽdum ʒefremed þæt þín [dóm] lifaþ |
by deeds ensured, that your fame lives | |
| áwa tó ealdre. Eall-walda þeć |
955 | for ever and ever; may the All-Ruler you |
| góde forʒielde swá Hé nú ʒíet dyde!” |
956 | reward with good, as He has now yet done!” |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | |
| “Wé þæt ellen-weorc œstum mićelum |
“We the courage-works with great pleasure, | |
| feohtan fremedon, frœcne ʒenœþdon |
endeavored to fight, boldly risked | |
| eafoþ uncúðes. Úðe ić swíðor |
960 | the strength of an unknown foe. I would rather |
| þæt þú hine selfne ʒeséon móste, |
961 | that you him himself might have seen, |
| fíond on frætwum fiell-wœriʒne. |
the fiend in his full gear wearied by death; | |
| Ić him hrædlíće heardum clammum |
I him quickly in hard clasp | |
| on wæl-bedde wríðan þóhte |
on the bed of slaughter thought to fetter, | |
| þæt hé for mund-gripe mínum scolde |
965 | that he because of the hand-grip of mine must |
| licgan líf-bisiʒ bútan his líć swice. |
966 | lie struggling for life, lest his body slip away; |
| Ić hine ne meahte, þá Meotod nolde, |
I him could not, when the Measurer of Fate did not wish it, | |
| ganges ʒetwǽman — ná ić him þæs ʒeorne ætfealh — |
hinder departing; nor I so readily kept him close, | |
| feorh-ʒeníðlan; wæs tó foremihtiʒ |
that mortal foe; he was too overpowering, | |
| fíond on fœðe. Hwæðere hé his folme forlét |
970 | the fiend in departing; however, he left his hand |
| to líf-wræðe lást weardian, |
971 | to save his life, remaining behind, |
| earm and eaxle; ná þǽr ǽniʒe swá-þéah |
arm and shoulder; not with it though any | |
| féascæft guma frófre ʒebohte; |
the worthless creature, relief purchased; | |
| ná þý lenǵ lifaþ láþ-ʒetéona |
not the longer does he live, the hateful spoiler, | |
| synnum ʒeswenćed, ac hine sár hafaþ |
975 | struck down by sins but him the wound has |
| on níed-gripe nearwe befangen, |
976 | with violent grip narrowly enclosed |
| bealwum bendum. Þǽr abídan sceal |
in baleful bonds, there he must await, | |
| maga máne fág Mićelan Dómes, |
the creature stained with crimes, the great judgement, | |
| hú him scír Meotod scrífan wile.” |
how him the glorious Measure of Fate wishes to decree.” | |
| Þá wæs swíʒra secg, sunu Ecg-láfes, |
980 | Then the man was more silent, the son of Edgelaf, |
| on ʒielp-sprǽće gúþ-ʒeweorca, |
981 | in boast-speech of war-works |
| siþþan æðelingas eorles cræfte |
when the noble men, by the strength of the prince | |
| ofer héanne hróf hand scéawodon, |
over the high roof saw the hand, | |
| fíondes fingras. Foran ǽʒhwelć wæs, |
the fiend’s fingers; on the front of each was, | |
| steda næʒla ʒehwelć stíele ʒelícost, |
985 | in the place of each nail very much like steel |
| hǽþnes hand-sporu, hilde-rinces |
986 | heathenish hand-spurs, the war-creature’s |
| eʒl unhíeru. Ǽʒhwelć ʒecwæþ |
ungentle talon; everyone said | |
| þæt him heardra nán hrínan wolde |
that him no hard weapon would strike, | |
| íren ǽr-gód, þæt þæs ag-lǽćan |
pre-eminent iron, that of them (none) the demon’s | |
| blódiʒe beadu-folme onberan wolde. |
990 | bloody battle-hand would injure. |
| { 16 } (~ XV ~) | ||
| Þá wæs háten hræðe Heorot innanweard |
991 | Then the order was promptly given the interior of Heorot |
| folmum ʒefrætwod; fela þára wæs, |
to furnish by hands; many there were, | |
| wera and wífa, þe þæt wín-rećed, |
of men and women, who the wine-hall, | |
| ʒiest-sele ʒieredon. Gold-fág scinon |
the guest-hall prepared; gold-glittering shone | |
| webb æfter wágum, wundọr-síena fela |
995 | woven tapestries along the walls, many wondrous sights |
| secga ʒehwelćum þára-þe on swelć staraþ. |
996 | for each of the men, who on such stared; |
| Wæs þæt beorhte bold tobrocen swíðe |
that bright building was badly broken up | |
| eall inneweard írẹn-bendum fæst, |
all inside secure with iron-bands, | |
| heorras tohlidene; hróf ána ʒenæs |
hinges sprung open; the roof alone remained | |
| ealles ansund, þe se ag-lǽća |
1000 | entirely sound, when the ogre, |
| firen-dǽdum fág on fléam ʒewand, |
1001 | guilty of wicked deeds turned in flight, |
| ealdres orwœna. Ná þæt íeðe byþ |
despairing of life. That is not easy | |
| to befléònne — fremme se-þe wile — |
to flee from — try he who will — | |
| ac ʒesœćan sceal sáwl-berendra |
but he must gain by strife, those who have souls, | |
| níede ʒeníedde, niþþa bearna, |
1005 | compelled by necessity, the mens’ sons’, |
| grund-búendra ʒearwe stówe, |
1006 | the ground-dwellers’ ready place, |
| þǽr his líć-hama leʒer-bedde fæst |
there his body, fast in his death-bed, | |
| swefeþ æfter symble. Þá wæs sǽl and mǽl |
sleeps after feasting. Then it was the time and occasion | |
| þæt to healle ʒéong Healf-Denes sunu; |
that to the hall went Half-Dane’s son; | |
| wolde self cyning symbel þicgan. |
1010 | the king himself wished to partake of the feast; |
| Ne ʒefræʒn ić þá mǽʒðe máran weorode |
1011 | I have not heard when a tribe in a greater force |
| ymb hira sinc-ʒiefan sœl ʒebǽran. |
around their treasure-giver comported themselves better; | |
| Bugon þá to benće blǽd-ágende, |
they then sank down on the bench, the fame-bearers, | |
| fylle ʒefǽgon; fæʒere ʒeþǽgon |
rejoicing at the feast; they graciously received | |
| medu-full maniʒ; mágas wǽron |
1015 | many full goblets of mead, their kinsmen, |
| swíþ-hycgende on sele þǽm héan, |
1016 | stout-hearted, in the high hall |
| Hróþ-gár and Hróþ-wulf. Heorot innan wæs |
Hrothgar and Hrothulf. The interior of Heorot was | |
| fríondum afylled; nealles fácen-stafas |
filled with friends; no treacherous-strokes | |
| Þéod-Scieldingas þenden fremedon. |
the Folk-Shieldings made as yet. | |
| Forʒeaf þá Bío-wulfe brand Healf-Denes, |
1020 | Then Beowulf was given the brand of Half-Dane, |
| seʒn gyldenne sigores to léane, |
1021 | the golden banner in reward of victory, |
| hroden hilde-cumbọr, helm and byrnan; |
the adorned standard, helm and byrnie; | |
| mǽre máðum-sweord maniʒe ʒesáwon |
the renowned treasure-sword many saw | |
| beforan beorn beran. Bío-wulf ʒeþeag |
brought before the hero; Beowulf took | |
| full on flette; ná hé þǽre feoh-ʒifte |
1025 | the full flagon from the floor; of the reward-gift he did not, |
| for scéotendum scamian þorfte. |
1026 | as payment, need to be ashamed; |
| Ne ʒefræʒn ić fríondlícor féower mádmas |
I have not heard that more graciously four treasures, | |
| golde ʒeʒierede gum-manna fela |
adorned with gold, many men | |
| on ealu-benće óðrum ʒesellan. |
on ale-bench have given to others; | |
| Ymb þæs helmes hróf héafod-beorge |
1030 | around the helmet’s roof — the head-guard — |
| wírum bewunden walu útan héold |
1031 | was wound with wires the re-inforced crest guarded from without, |
| þæt him féola láf frœcne ne meahte |
that him what the files have left could not savagely, | |
| scúr-heard scieþþan þanne scield-freca |
(could not) harm the wondrously-tempered (helm), when the shield-fighter | |
| onʒeaʒn gramum gangan scolde. |
against enemies had to go. | |
| Hét þá eorla hléow eahta méaras |
1035 | The defender of earls then ordered eight horses, |
| fǽted-hléore on flett téòn, |
1036 | with decorated head-gear, led onto the hall-floor |
| inn under eodoras; þára ánum stód |
in under the ramparts; one of them stood, | |
| sadol searwum fág, since ʒeweorðod. |
saddle skilfully adorned, ennobled with jewels; | |
| Þæt wæs hilde-setl héah-cyninges |
that was the battle-seat of the high king, | |
| þanne sweorda ʒelác sunu Healf-Denes |
1040 | when in sword-play the son of Half-Dane |
| efnan wolde; nǽfre on óre læʒ |
1041 | wished to engage; in the vanguard it never failed |
| wíd-cúðes wíʒ þanne walu féollon. |
his warskill well-known, when the slain were falling; | |
| And þá Bío-wulfe bœʒa ʒehwæðeres |
and then to Beowulf both of the treasures | |
| eodor Ing-wina anweald ʒetéah, |
the protector of the Friends of Ing bestowed possession, | |
| wicga and wǽpna; hét hine wél brúcan. |
1045 | horses and weapons; he ordered him to make good use of (them); |
| Swá mannlíće mǽre þéoden, |
1046 | so in a manly manner the famed chieftain, |
| hord-weard hæleða heaðu-rǽsas ʒeald |
the hoard-ward of heroes, paid for war-clashes | |
| méarum and máðmum swá híe nǽfre man liəhþ, |
in horses and treasures; thus, one can never find fault in them | |
| se-þe secgan wile sóþ æfter rihte. |
he who wishes to tell the truth according to what is right. | |
| { 17 } (~ XVI ~) | ||
| Þá ʒíet ǽʒhwelcúm eorla dryhten |
1050 | Then, furthermore, to each one of the earls’ company |
| þára-þe mid Bío-wulfe brim-láde téah, |
1051 | those with Beowulf travelled the sea-path, |
| on þære medu-benće máðum ʒesealde, |
on the mead-bench he gave treasures, | |
| ierfe-láfe, and þone ǽnne hét |
inherited relics, and the one man decreed | |
| golde forʒieldan þone-þe Grendel ǽr |
to requite in gold whom Grendel first | |
| máne acwealde, swá hé hira má wolde |
1055 | in wickedness quelled, as he would have more of them |
| nefne him wíttiʒ God wyrd forstóde |
1056 | except for them wise God that fate had prevented, |
| and þæs mannes mód. Meotod eallum wéold |
and this man’s courage. The Measure of Fate controlled all | |
| gumena cynnes, swá Hé nú-ʒíet dœþ. |
for mankind, as he now still does; | |
| For-þon biþ andʒíet ǽʒhwǽr sœlest, |
therefore understanding is best everywhere, | |
| ferhþes foreþanc. Fela sceal ʒebídan |
1060 | the forethought of mind; he must abide much |
| léofes and láðes se-þe lange hér |
1061 | love and much hate he who long here |
| on þissum winn-dagum weorolde brúceþ. |
in these days of strife would enjoy the world. | |
| Þǽr wæs sang and swœʒ samod ætgædere |
There was song and sound at the same time all together | |
| fore Heald-Denes hilde-wísan, |
before Half-Dane’s battle-plotter, | |
| gamen-wudu grœted, ʒiedd oft wrecen, |
1065 | the glee-wood plucked, a lay often recited |
| þanne heall-gamen Hróþ-gáres scop |
1066 | when a hall-performance Hrothgar’s bard |
| æfter medu-benće mǽnan scolde: |
before the mead-bench was obliged to utter: | |
| Finnes eaforum þá híe se fǽr beʒeat, |
concerning Finn’s heirs, with whom, when disaster struck them, | |
| hæleþ Healf-Dena, Hnæf Scieldinga, |
the hero of Half-Danes, Hnaef the Shielding, | |
| on Frís-wæle feallan scolde. |
1070 | on the Frisian battle-field was fated to fall. |
| Né húru Hilde-burg herian þorfte |
1071 | Truly, Hildeburh did not have need to praise |
| Éotna tréowe; unsynnum wearþ |
the good faith of the Eotens; she was guiltless, | |
| beloren léofum æt þǽm lind-plegan |
bereft of her dear ones: — in the war-play — | |
| bearnum and bróðrum; híe on ʒebyrd hruron |
her son and brother; they fell, in accorance with Fate, | |
| gáre wunde. Þæt wæs ʒeómru ides! |
1075 | wounded by spear; that was a mournful woman. |
| Nealles hólinga Hóces dohtor |
1076 | Not without reason did Hoc’s daughter |
| meotodscæft bemearn siþþan morgen cóm, |
grieve over Fate’s decree, when the morning came, | |
| þá hío under sweʒele ʒeséon meahte |
then she under the sky could see | |
| morðọr-bealu mága þǽr hío ǽr mǽste héold |
the baleful slaughter of kinsmen, where before he had held the most | |
| weorolde wynne. Wíʒ ealle fornam |
1080 | joy in the world, war took all |
| Finnes þeʒnas nefne féaụm ánum, |
1081 | of Finn’s thanes, except a few alone, |
| þæt hé ne meahte on þǽm meðẹl-stede |
so that he could not in that meeting-place | |
| wíʒ Henǵeste wiht ʒefeohtan, |
the clash with Hengest conclude at all, | |
| né þá wéa-láfe wíʒe forþringan |
nor the woeful remnant by battle dislodge from their position, | |
| þéodnes þeʒne. Ac híe him ʒeþinǵu budon: |
1085 | the prince’s thane, so they offered them settlement: |
| þæt híe him óðer flett eall ʒerýmden, |
1086 | that they for them the other dwelling would completely clear, |
| healle and héah-setl; þæt híe healfre ʒeweald |
hall and high seat, that they would half of it control | |
| wiþ Éotna bearn ágan mósten; |
with the Eotens’ sons might have, | |
| and æt feoh-ʒiftum Folc-wealdan sunu |
and at the giving of treasure Folcwalden’s son | |
| dógra ʒehwelće Dene weorðode, |
1090 | each day the Danes would honor, |
| Henǵestes héap hringum wenede |
1091 | Hengest’s company would revere with rings, |
| efne swá swíðe sinc-ʒestréonum, |
with even as much precious possesions | |
| fǽttan goldes, swá hé Frísna cynn |
of ornate gold exactly as he the Frisian kind | |
| on béor-sele bieldan wolde. |
in the beer-hall would wish to embolden. | |
| Þá híe ʒetruwodon on twá healfa |
1095 | Then they pledged on both sides |
| fæste friðu-wǽre: Finn Henǵeste |
1096 | firm compact of peace; Finn to Hengest |
| ellne unflitme áðum benemde: |
with incontestable earnestness proclaimed an oath | |
| þæt hé þá wéa-láfe witena dóme |
that he the woeful remnant, by sages’ judgement, | |
| árum héolde, þæt þǽr ǽniʒ mann |
would hold in honor, that there any man | |
| wordum né weorcum wǽre ne brǽce |
1100 | by word nor by deed would not break the treaty, |
| né þurh inwitt-searu ǽfre ʒemǽnden, |
1101 | nor in malicious artifice ever complain, |
| ðéah híe hira béag-ʒiefan banan folgodon |
though they their ring-giver’s killer followed, | |
| þéoden-léase þá him swá ʒeþearfod wæs. |
leaderless, and were thus forced by necessity; | |
| Ʒief þanne Frísna hwelć frœcnan sprǽće |
if then any Frisian by audacious speech | |
| þæs morðor-hetes myndgiend wǽre, |
1105 | the murderous feud were to remind (them), |
| þanne hit sweordes ecg siþþan scolde. |
1106 | then it by sword’s edge must be thereafter. |
| Ád wæs ʒe-efned and icge gold |
The funeral fire was prepared, and Ingui’s gold, | |
| ahæfen of horde. Here-Scieldinga |
raised from the hoard; the War-Shieldings’ | |
| betst beadu-rinca wæs on bǽl ʒearu. |
best battle-man was ready on the bier; | |
| Æt þǽm áde wæs éaþ-ʒesíene |
1110 | at the funeral-pyre was easily seen |
| swát-fág sierće swín eall-gylden, |
1111 | the blood-stained mail-shirt, the swine all-golden, |
| eofor íren-heard, æðeling maniʒ |
the boar hard as iron, the prince had many | |
| wundum awierded. Sume on wæle crungon! |
destroyed by wounds; great men had fallen in slaughter; | |
| Hét þá Hilde-burg æt Hnæfes áde |
then Hildeburh ordered at Hnaef’s pier | |
| hire selfre sunu sweoloðe befæstan, |
1115 | her own sun committed to the fire, |
| bán-fatu bærnan and on bǽl dôn. |
1116 | the body-vessel burned, and put on the bier, |
| Éarme on eaxle ides gnornode, |
the wretched woman at his shoulder, the lady lamented, | |
| ʒeómrode ʒieddum. Gúþ-rinc astág; |
sorrowed with songs; the warrior was laid out, | |
| wand to wolcnum wæl-fýra mǽst, |
spiralled into the clouds the greatest fire of the slain | |
| hlynede for hlǽwe; hafolan multon, |
1120 | roared before the mound; heads melted, |
| benn-ʒeatu burston, þanne blód ætsprang, |
1121 | the wound-gates burst open, then blood sprang out, |
| láþ-bite líćes. Líeʒ ealle forswealg, |
from the hate-bites of the body; the blaze swallowed all up, | |
| gǽsta ʒífrost, þára-þe þǽr gúþ fornam |
— the greediest guest — those who there were taken by battle | |
| bœʒa folces. Wæs hira blǽd scæcen! |
from both peoples; their vigor was dispersed. | |
| { 18 } (~ XVII ~) | ||
| Ʒewiton him þá wíʒend wíca néosian |
1125 | The warriors returned then to seek their houses, |
| fríondum befeallen, Frís-land ʒeséon, |
1126 | bereft of friends, to see Frisia, |
| hámas and héah-burg. Henǵest þá ʒíet |
their homes and high fort; yet Hengest | |
| wæl-fágne winter wunode mid Finne |
the death-stained winter spent with Finn, | |
| eall unhlytme; eard ʒemunde |
in a place with no fellowship at all; he remembered his land, | |
| þéah-þe ne meahte on mere drífan |
1130 | though he could not drive on the sea |
| hringed-stefnan; holm storme wéoll, |
1131 | the ring-prowed ship: the sea welled in storm, |
| wann wiþ winde; winter ýða beléac |
fought against the wind; the winter locked the waves | |
| ís-ʒebinde oþ-þæt óðer cóm |
in icy bonds, until came another | |
| ʒéar in ʒeardas swá nú ʒíet dœþ, |
year to the courtyards, as it still does now, | |
| þá-þe sin-gáles sǽle bewitiaþ, |
1135 | those which continuously carry out their seasons, |
| wuldor-torhtan weder. Þá wæs winter scæcen, |
1136 | gloriously bright weathers. Then winter was gone, |
| fæʒer foldan bearm; fundode wrećća, |
fair was the Earth’s breast; the exile was anxious to go, | |
| ʒiest of ʒeardum. Hé to gyrn-wræce |
the guest of the dwellings; he of vengeance for grief | |
| swíðor þóhte þanne to sǽ-láde |
sooner thought than of sea-path, | |
| ʒief hé torn-ʒemót þurhtéon meahte |
1140 | and whether he a bitter encounter could bring about, |
| þæt hé Éotna bearn inne ʒemunde. |
1141 | for that he of the Eotens’ sons inwardly remembered; |
| Swá hé ne forwiernde weorold-rǽdenne |
so he did not refuse the worldly practice, | |
| þanne him Hún-láfing hilde-léoman, |
when to him Hunlafing the battle-light, | |
| billa sœlest, on bearm dyde; |
the finest blade he placed on (Hnaef’s) lap; | |
| þæs wǽron mid Éotum ecge cúða. |
1145 | among the Eotens its edges were known. |
| Swelće ferhþ-frecan Finn eft beʒeat |
1146 | So too his mortal enemy’s — Finn in turn received — |
| sweord-bealu slíðen æt his selfes hám |
dire sword-onslaught in his own home, | |
| siþþan grimmne gripe Gúþ-láf and Ós-láf |
when concerning the fierce attack Guthlaf and Oslaf, | |
| æfter sǽ-síðe, sorge mǽndon, |
following their sea-journey, declared their grief, | |
| ætwiton wéana dǽl; ne meahte wǽfre mód |
1150 | blamed for their share of woes; he could not his restless spirit |
| forhabban in hreðere. Þá wæs heall hroden |
1151 | contain in his breast; then the hall were decorated |
| fíonda féorum, swelće Finn slæʒen, |
with the foes’ lives, so too Finn was slain, | |
| cyning on corðre, and sío cwœn numen. |
the king amid his troop, and the queen was seized; | |
| Scéotend Scieldinga to scipum feredon |
Shielding shooters ferried to the ships | |
| eall inn-ʒesteald eorþ-cyninges, |
1155 | all of the house-goods of the nation’s king, |
| swelće híe æt Finnes hám findan meahton |
1156 | which they at Finn’s estate could find: |
| siʒela, searu-ʒimma. Híe on sǽ-láde |
shining jewels and well-cut gems; they on the sea-path | |
| dryhtlíće wíf to Denum feredon, |
the noble lady ferried to the Danes, | |
| lǽddon to léodum. Léoþ wæs asungen, |
led to the people. The lay was sung, | |
| glíeʒ-mannes ʒiedd. Gamen eft astág, |
1160 | the gleeman’s tale; joy again sprang up, |
| beorhtode benć-swœʒ, byrelas sealdon |
1161 | music rang out from the bench, cup-bearers served |
| wín of wundọr-fatum. Þá cwóm Wealh-þéow forþ |
wine from wondrous vessels. Then Wealhtheow came forth, | |
| gán under gyldnum béage þǽr þá gódan twœʒen |
walking in a golden neck-ring to where the good pair | |
| sæton, suhterʒe-fæderan; þá ʒíet wæs hiera sibb ætgædere, |
sat, uncle and nephew; then their kinship was still together, | |
| ǽʒhwelć óðrum tríewe. Swelće þǽr Un-ferþ þyle |
1165 | each to the other true; Unferth the spokesman was also there |
| æt fótum sæt fréan Scieldinga; ʒehwelć hira his ferhþe tríewde, |
1166 | sitting at the feet of the Shielding lord; each of them trusted his spirit, |
| þæt hé hæfde mód mićel þéah-þe hé his mágum nǽre |
and that he had great courage, though he to his kin was not | |
| ár-fæst æt ecga ʒelácum. Spræc þá ides Scieldinga: |
honorable in clash of blades; the Shielding lady then spoke: | |
| “Onfóh þissum fulle, frío-dryhten mín, |
“Receive this full cup, my noble lord, | |
| sinces brytta! Þú on sǽlum wes, |
1170 | dispenser of treasure; you — be joyful, |
| gold-wine gumena and to Ʒéatum sprec |
gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak | |
| mildum wordum. Swá sceal man dôn! |
with gentle words so ought a man to do; | |
| Bío wiþ Ʒéatas glæd, giefena ʒemyndiʒ, |
1173 | be gracious with the Geats, mindful of gifts |
| néan and feorran þú nú hafast. |
which from near and far you now have; | |
| Mé man sæʒde þæt þú þé for sunu wolde |
1175 | it has been said to me that you wish for a son, |
| here-rinc habban. Heorot is ʒefǽlsod, |
to have this leader of armies; Heorot is cleansed, | |
| béag-sele beorhta; brúc þenden þú móte |
the bright ring-hall; enjoy, while you may, | |
| maniʒra méda and þínum mágum lǽf |
1178 | many rewards, and leave to your kinsmen |
| folc and ríće þanne þú forþ scyle, |
folk and kingdom when you must go forth | |
| meotodsceaft séòn. Ić mínne cann |
1180 | to meet what is fated; I know my |
| glædne Hróþ-wulf, þæt hé þá ʒeogoðe wile |
gracious Hrothulf, that he the youths wishes | |
| árum healdan ʒief þú ǽr þanne hé, |
to hold in honor, if you earlier than he, | |
| wine Scieldinga, weorold of-lǽtest. |
1183 | friend of the Shieldings, leave behind the world, |
| Wœne ić þæt hé mid góde ʒieldan wile |
I think that he with good will repay | |
| uncrum eaforum ʒief hé þæt eall ʒeman, |
1185 | our children, if he that at all remembers, |
| hwæt wit to willan and to weorþ-myndum |
what we for his sake and for his worldly renown, | |
| umbọr-wesendum ǽr árna ʒefremedon.” |
before, in his youth, bestowed our favors.” | |
| Hwearf þá be benće þǽr hire byre wǽron, |
1188 | She turned then by the bench, where her boys were, |
| Hrœþ-ríć and Hróþ-mund, and hæleða bearn, |
Hrethric and Hrothmund, and heroes’ sons, | |
| ʒeoguþ ætgædere; þǽr se góda sæt |
1190 | the young company all together; there sat the good |
| Bío-wulf Ʒéata be þǽm bróðrum twǽm. |
Beowulf of the Geats by the two brothers. | |
| { 19 } (~ XVIII ~) | ||
| Him wæs full boren and fríond-laðu |
The full cup was brought to him, and a friendly invitation | |
| wordum bewæʒned and wunden-gold |
1193 | proffered in words, and twisted gold |
| œstum ʒe-íewed, earm-hréada twá, |
kindly offered: two arm-ornaments, | |
| hræʒl and hringas, heals-béaga mǽst |
1195 | robe and rings, the largest necklace |
| þára-þe ić on foldan ʒefreʒn hæbbe. |
of those which I on earth have heard of; | |
| Nǽniʒne ić under sweʒele sœlran híerde |
none under the sky I have heard of better | |
| hord-máðụm hæleða siþþan Háma ætwæʒ |
1198 | from hoard-treasures of heroes, since Hama carried off |
| to þære beorhtan byriʒ Brósinga mene, |
to the battle-bright stronghold the Brosings’ necklet, | |
| siʒele and sinc-fæt; searu-níðas fléah |
1200 | jewel and precious setting; he fled the cunning enmity |
| Eormen-ríćes; ʒećéas œcne rǽd. |
of Eormen-ric, chose eternal benefit; | |
| Þone hring hæfde Hyʒe-lác Ʒéata, |
That ring had Hygelac of the Geats, | |
| nefa Swiertinges níehstan síðe |
1203 | grandson of Swerting, on his last adventure, |
| siþþan hé under seʒne sinc ealgode, |
when under the banner he defended riches, | |
| wæl-réaf werede. Hine wyrd fornam |
1205 | warded slaughter-spoils; him Fate took away, |
| siþþan hé for wlenće wéan áscsode, |
after he from pride sought misery, | |
| fǽhþe to Frísum. Hé þá frætwa wæʒ, |
feud with the Frisians; he then wore the ornament, | |
| eorclan-stánas ofer ýða full, |
1208 | the mysterious stone over the waves’ cup, |
| ríće þéoden. Hé under rande ʒecrang. |
the mighty prince; he fell under the rimmed-shield. | |
| Ʒehwearf þá on Francna fæðm feorh cyninges, |
1210 | Passed then into the Franks’ grasp the body of the king, |
| bréost-ʒewǽdu and se béag samod; |
mail-coat and the ring together; | |
| wiersan wíʒ-frecan wæl réafodon |
lesser warrior rifled the corpses | |
| æfter gúþ-scære; Ʒéata léode |
1213 | after the slaughter of battle; the people of the Geats |
| hrǽw-wíć héoldon. Heall swœʒe onféng. |
filled the field of corpses. The hall resounded with noise; | |
| Wealh-þéow maðelode, hío fore weorode spræc: |
1215 | Wealhtheow spoke; she spoke before the retinue: |
| “Brúc þisses béages, Bío-wulf léofa, |
“Make use of this ring, belovèd Beowulf, | |
| hyse mid hǽle and þisses hræʒles néot, |
young man, with good fortune, and take benefit from this corselet, | |
| þéod-ʒestréona, and ʒeþíoh tela; |
1218 | the wealth of a nation, and prosper well, |
| cenn þeć mid cræfte and þissum cnihtum wes |
prove yourself with strength, and to these lads be | |
| lára líðe; ić þé þæs léan ʒeman. |
1220 | gentle in teaching; I shall remember you for this requital; |
| Hæfst þú ʒefœred þæt þeć feorr and néah |
you have brought it about that you far and near | |
| eallne wíde-ferhþ weras eahtiaþ |
always and forever men will praise, | |
| efene swá síde swá sǽ bebúgeþ, |
1223 | even as widely as the sea surrounds |
| wind-ʒeard, weallas. Wes, þenden þú lifie, |
the home of the wind, walls; be while you live, | |
| æðeling, éadiʒ! Ić þé ann tela |
1225 | prince, happy; I wish thee well, |
| sinc-ʒestréona. Bío þú suna mínum |
and rich in treasure; be you to my sons | |
| dǽda ʒedœfe, dréam-healdende! |
indulgent in deeds, possessing joy; | |
| Hér is ǽʒhwelć eorl óðrum ʒetríewe, |
1228 | here is each of the men true to the others |
| módes milde, mann-dryhtne hold; |
generous in mind, in the protection of their liege-lord; | |
| þeʒnas sindon ʒeþwǽre, þéod eall-ʒearu, |
1230 | the thanes are united, the people alert, |
| druncne dryht-guman dóþ swá ić bidde.” |
the warrior-retinue cheered by drink do as I bid.” | |
| Éode þá to setle. Þǽr wæs symbla cyst, |
She went then to her seat; there was the finest feast, | |
| druncon wín weras; wyrd ne cúðon, |
1233 | the men drank wine; they did not know their fate, |
| ʒeósceaft grimme, swá hit agangen wearþ |
horrific destiny, as it had happened | |
| eorla manigum siþþan ǽfen cóm |
1235 | to many heroes, after evening came, |
| and him Hróþ-gár ʒewát to hofe sínum, |
and Hrothgar went to his quarters, | |
| ríće to ræste. Rećed weardode |
the ruler to rest, the hall guarded | |
| unrím eorla swá híe oft ǽr dydon; |
1238 | countless earls, as they often had done before, |
| benć-þelu beredon; hit ʒeondbrǽded wearþ |
they cleared away the benches from the floor; over it was spread | |
| beddum and bolstrum. Béor-scealca sum |
1240 | bedding and bolsters; one of the beer-drinkers, |
| fús and fǽʒe flett-ræste ʒebéag. |
eager and doomed, lay down in his hall-couch; | |
| Setton him to héafdum hilde-randas, |
they set at their heads battle-bossed shields, | |
| bord-wudu beorhtan. Þǽr on benće wæs |
1243 | bright linden-wood; there on the bench was |
| ofer æðelinge éaþ-ʒesíene |
over each nobleman easily seen | |
| heaðu-stéapa helm, hringed byrne, |
1245 | a battle-steep helm, ringed byrnie, |
| þræc-wudu þrymmlíć. Wæs þéaw hira |
(and) glorious mighty shaft; their custom was | |
| þæt híe oft wǽron án-wíʒ-ʒearwe |
that they were often ready for a battle | |
| ʒe æt hám ʒe on herʒe ʒe ʒehwæðer þára |
1248 | both at home and out harrying, and either of these, |
| efene swelće mǽla swelće hira mann-dryhtne |
for just such times as for their liege-lord | |
| þearf ʒesǽlde. Wæs sío þéod tilu. |
1250 | the need arose; they were a good platoon. |
| { 20 } (~ XIX ~) | ||
| Sigon þá to slǽpe. Sum sáre onʒeald |
They sank then into sleep; one paid sorely | |
| æfen-ræste swá him full oft ʒelamp |
for his evening rest, as had quite often happened, | |
| siþþan gold-sele Grendel warode, |
1253 | when the gold-hall Grendel warded, |
| unriht efnde oþ-þæt ende becóm, |
inflict wrong until the end came, | |
| swylt æfter synnum. Þæt ʒesíene wearþ, |
1255 | death for crimes. That became manifest, |
| wíd-cúþ werum, þætte wrecend þá-ʒíet |
widely known by men, that an avenger still | |
| lifde æfter láðum, lange þráge |
lived after the misfortunes, for a long time | |
| æfter gúþ-care. Grendles módor, |
1258 | after the war-trouble, Grendel’s mother, |
| ides, ag-lǽć-wíf iermþe ʒemunde, |
lady troll-wife, remembered misery, | |
| sío-þe wæter-eʒesan wunian scolde, |
1260 | she who the dreadful water had to inhabit, |
| ćealde stréamas, siþþan camp wearþ |
the cold currents, after strife arose (i.e., through Cain), | |
| to ecg-banan ángan brœðer, |
a sword-slayer to an only brother (i.e., Abel), | |
| fæderen-mǽʒe; hé þá fáh ʒewát |
1263 | father’s kin; he went then stained, |
| morðre ʒemearcod, mann-dréam fléòn, |
marked by the murder, fled human pleasures, | |
| wœsten warode; Þanan wóc fela |
1265 | lived in the wilds. Then awoke many |
| ʒeósceaft-gásta. Wæs þára Grendel sum, |
fated spirits; Grendel was one of these, | |
| heoru-wearg hetelíć, se æt Heorote fand |
the hateful sword-outlaw, who found at Heorot | |
| wæććendne wer wíʒes bidan. |
1268 | a watching man biding for battle; |
| Þǽr him ag-lǽća ætgrǽpe wearþ; |
there with him the troll came at close grips; | |
| hwæðere hé ʒemunde mæʒenes strenǵe, |
1270 | yet he remembered the great strength, |
| ʒin-fæste ʒiefe þe him God sealde, |
generous gift, which God gave him, | |
| and him to Anwealdan áre ʒelíefde, |
and he on the One-Ruler’s favor relied, | |
| frófre and fultum; þý hé þone fíond ofercóm, |
1273 | comfort and support; by this he overcame the fiend, |
| ʒehnǽʒde helle-gást. Þá hé héan ʒewát, |
subdued the spirit of hell; then wretched he went, | |
| dréame bedǽled, déaþ-wíć séòn, |
1275 | deprived of joy, to see his place of death, |
| mann-cynnes fíond. And his módor þá-ʒíet |
that foe of mankind. And his mother even now, | |
| ʒífre and ʒealg-mód ʒegán wolde |
greedy and gloomy-hearted wished to go forth, | |
| sorg-fullne síþ, suna déaþ wrecan. |
1278 | a sorrowful journey, to avenge her son’s death; |
| Cóm þá to Heorote þǽr Hring-Dene |
she came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes | |
| ʒeond þæt seld swǽfon. Þá þǽr sóna wearþ |
1280 | slept throught the hall; then there at once came about |
| edhwyrft eorlum siþþan inne fealh |
the earl’s reversal of fortune, when inside passed | |
| Grendles módor. Wæs se gryre lǽssa |
Grendel’s mother; the horror was less | |
| efne swá mićele swá biþ mæʒeða cræft, |
1283 | by even so much, as is maid’s strength, |
| wíʒ-gryre wífes, be wǽpned-menn |
— the war-violence of woman — from an armed man, | |
| þanne heoru bunden, hamore ʒeþuren, |
1285 | when adorned blade, by hammer forged, |
| sweord swáte fág swín ofer helme, |
— sword stained with blood — the boar-crest | |
| ecgum dyhtiʒ, andweard scireþ. |
by edges firm, the opposing (helmet) is sheared. | |
| Þá wæs on healle heard-ecg togen |
1288 | Then in the hall was drawn a hard-edged |
| sweord ofer setlum, síd-rand maniʒ |
sword above the seats, many a broad bossed-shield | |
| hæfen handa fæst; helm ne ʒemunde, |
1290 | held fast in hand; helmet was not heeded, |
| byrnan síde þá hine se bróga onʒeat. |
(nor) broad byrnie, when the horror perceived him; | |
| Hío wæs on ofoste, wolde út þanan, |
she was in haste, wanted out of there, | |
| féore beorgan þá hío onfunden wæs. |
1293 | to protect her life, when she was discovered; |
| Hræðe hío æðelinga ánne hæfde |
quickly she a noble one had | |
| fæste befangen þá hío to fenne ʒéong. |
1295 | seized tightly, then she went to the fen; |
| Sé wæs Hróþ-gáre hæleða léofost |
he was to Hrothgar the best-loved hero | |
| on ʒesíðes hád be-sǽm-twéonum, |
in the retinue’s rank between the two seas | |
| ríće rand-wiga, þone-þe hío on ræste abréat, |
1298 | mighty shield-warrior, whom she ripped from his rest, |
| blǽd-fæstne beorn. Næs Bío-wulf þǽr |
the glorious man — Beowulf was not there, | |
| ac wæs óðer inn ǽr ʒeteohhod |
1300 | but was in the other lodging assigned earlier |
| æfter máðum-ʒiefe mǽrum Ʒéate. |
after the treasure-giving to the mighty Geat — | |
| Hréam wearþ on Heorote; hío under heolfre ʒenam |
a cry was in Heorot; she took from its gore | |
| cúðe folme; caru wæs ʒeníewod, |
1303 | a well-known arm; sorrow was renewed, |
| ʒeworden on wícum. Ne wæs þæt ʒwrixle til |
it returned to their dwellings; that exchange was not good, | |
| þæt híe on bá healfa bycgan scoldon |
1305 | which they on both sides were obliged to pay for |
| fríonda féorum. Þá wæs fród cyning, |
with the lives of friends; then was the wise king, | |
| hár hilde-rinc, on hréon móde |
the grey battle-man, in a troubled spirit, | |
| siþþan hé ealdor-þeʒn unlifiendne, |
1308 | when he the lordly thane unliving, |
| þone díerestan déadne wisse. |
the dearest one, knew was dead. | |
| Hrǽðe wæs to búre Bío-wulf fetod, |
1310 | Quickly to the bower was Beowulf fetched |
| sigor-éadiʒ secg. Samod ǽrdæʒe |
the victorious warrior; at day-break | |
| éode eorla sum, æðele cempa |
the notable earl went — noble champion — | |
| self mid ʒesíðum þǽr se snotora bád |
1313 | himself with his companions where the wise one awaited |
| hwæðer him Eall-wealda ǽfre wile |
whether for him the All-Wielder ever would wish, | |
| æfter wéa-spelle wierpe ʒefremman. |
1315 | after the news of woe, to bring about a change for the better; |
| Ʒéong þá æfter flóre fierd-wierðe mann |
then over the floor went the war-worthy man | |
| mid his hand-scole — heall-wudu dynede — |
with his crowd of companions — the wood of the hall resounded — | |
| þæt hé þone wísan wordum nǽʒde, |
1318 | he the wise (king) humbled with words: |
| fréan Ing-wina; fræʒn ʒief him wǽre |
— the lord of the Ingwins — asked if it had been for him, | |
| æfter níed-laðe niht ʒetǽse. |
1320 | according to his hopes, a pleasing night. |
| { 21 } (~ XX ~) | ||
| Hróþ-gár maðelode, helm Scieldinga: |
Hrothgar spoke, the Helm of the Shieldings: | |
| “Ne friʒn þú æfter sǽlum! Sorg is ʒeníewod |
“Do not you ask after pleasures; sorrow is renewed | |
| Deniʒa léodum. Déad is Æsc-here, |
1323 | for the Danish nation; Æschere is dead, |
| Iermen-láfes ieldra bróðor, |
Yrmenlaf’s elder brother, | |
| mín rún-wita and mín rǽd-bora, |
1325 | my confident and my chief counsellor, |
| eaxl-ʒestealla, þanne wé on orleʒe |
shoulder-companion, when we in war | |
| hafolan weredon, þanne hniton fœðan, |
protected the head, when clashed with foot-soldiers, | |
| eoforas cnysedon. Swelć scolde eorl wesan, |
1328 | dashed boars (atop helmets); so ought a man |
| [æðeling] ǽr-gód, swelć Æsc-here wæs! |
be experienced and noble, as Æschere was. | |
| Wearþ him on Heorote to hand-banan |
1330 | In Heorot for him was a hand-slayer, |
| wæl-gǽst wǽfre; ić ne wát hwider |
restless death-spirit; I know not whether, | |
| atol ǽse wlanc eft-síðas téah, |
glorying in the carcass, she undertook a return journey, | |
| fielle ʒefǽʒnod. Hío þá fǽhþe wræc |
1333 | contented by her feast; she avenged the feud |
| þý þú ʒiestran niht Grendel cwealdest |
in which you yester-night Grendel quelled | |
| þurh hǽstne hád heardum clammum |
1335 | through violent means in harsh embrace, |
| for-þon hé tó lange léode míne |
because he for too long my people | |
| wanode and wierde. Hé æt wíʒe ʒecrang |
diminished and destroyed, he fell in the fight, | |
| ealdres scyldiʒ and nú óðer cóm |
1338 | having forfeited his life, and now the other has come, |
| mihtiʒ mán-scaða, wolde hire mǽʒ wrecan |
the mighty crime-wreaker, she wants to avenge her kinsman, | |
| ʒé feorr hafaþ fǽhþe ʒestǽled. |
1340 | and has very far carried her feud, |
| Þæs-þe þynćan mæʒ þeʒne manigum, |
as it must seem to many a thane, | |
| sé-þe æfter sinc-ʒiefan on sefan gréoteþ, |
who for the treasure-giver weeps in his heart: | |
| hreðer-bealu hearde. Nú sío hand liʒeþ, |
1343 | hard mind-grief! now the hand has fallen away, |
| sío-þe íow wél-hwelćra willna dohte. |
which in all of you had sustained wishes. | |
| Ić þæt land búend, léode míne, |
1345 | I it, land-dwellers, my people, |
| sele-rǽdende secgan híerde |
hall-counsellors have heard tell | |
| þæt híe ʒesáwon swelće twœgen |
that they saw two such | |
| mićele mearc-stapan móras healdan, |
1348 | massive marchers of no-man’s land haunting the moors, |
| ellor-gǽstas; þára óðer wæs, |
alien spirits; one of them was, | |
| þæs-þe híe ʒewisslícost ʒewitan meahton, |
1350 | as they most certainly were able to discern, |
| idese onlícness; óðer earm-scæpen |
of the likeness of a woman; the other one wretchedly shaped | |
| on weres wæstmum wræc-lástas træd, |
in the form of a man trod in the tracks of an exile, | |
| nefne hé wæs mára þanne ǽniʒ mann óðer; |
1353 | except he was larger than any other man; |
| þone on ʒéar-dagum « Grendel » nemdon |
in days of yore him « Grendel » named | |
| fold-búende; ná híe fæder cunnon, |
1355 | the earth-dwellers; they did not know of his father, |
| hwæðer him ǽniʒ wæs ǽr acenned |
whether of them any were born previously | |
| diernra gásta. Híe díeʒel land |
of obscure spirits. They a secret land | |
| wariaþ, wulf-hliðu, windiʒe næssas, |
1358 | inhabited, wolf-slopes, windy water-capes, |
| frœcne fenn-ʒelád þǽr fierʒen-stréam |
1360 | a dangerous passage over the fen-waters, where mountain-stream |
| under næssa ʒenipu niðer ʒewíteþ, |
under the darkness of the headlands descended downward, | |
| flód under foldan. N’is þæt feorr hinan |
the flood under the earth; it is not that far hence | |
| míl-ʒemearces þæt se mere standeþ |
in mile-marks, that the mere stands; | |
| ofer þǽm hangiaþ hrímde bearwas; |
1363 | over it hangs frost-covered groves, |
| wudu wyrtum fæst wæter oferhelmaþ. |
tree held fast by its roots overshadows the water; | |
| Þǽr mæʒ nihta ʒehwǽm níþ-wundor séon, |
1365 | there one may every night a horrible marvel see: |
| fýr on flóde; ná þæs fród lifaþ |
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. | |
| Þéah-þe se hǽþ-stapa hundum ʒeswenćed, |
1368 | Though the heath-stepper harrassed by hounds, |
| heorot hornum trum, holt-wudu sœće, |
1370 | the hart with strong horns, seeks the forest, |
| feorran ʒeflíemed, ǽr hé feorh seleþ, |
put to flight from far, first he will give up his life, | |
| ealdor on ófre, ǽr hé inn wile |
existence on the shore, before he will (leap) in | |
| hafolan [hýdan]. N’is þæt híeru stów! |
to hide his head; it is not a pleasant place; | |
| Þanan ýþ-ʒebland upp astíʒeþ |
1373 | thence a maelstròm of the waves rises up, |
| wann to wolcnum þanne wind styreþ |
dark to the clouds, when the wind stirs | |
| láþ ʒewidru oþ-þæt lyft þrysmaþ, |
1375 | grievous storms, until the air grows dark, |
| roderas réotaþ. Nú is se rǽd ʒelang |
the skies weep. Now is the remedy dependent upon | |
| eft æt þé ánum. Eard ʒíet ne cannst, |
you alone once again; you do not know the region yet, | |
| frœcne stówe, þǽr þú findan meaht |
1378 | terrible place where you might find |
| seld-sienne secg. Sœć ʒief þú dyrre! |
the much-sinning creature; seek if you dare; | |
| Ić þé þá fǽhþe féo léanie, |
1380 | for the feud you I would reward with wealth, |
| eald-ʒestréonum, swá ić ǽr dyde, |
with old treasures, as I did before, | |
| wundnum-golde, ʒief þú on-weʒ cymest.” |
with twisted-gold, if you come away.” | |
| { 22 } (~ XXI ~) | ||
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
1383 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: |
| “Ne sorga, snotor guma! Sœlra biþ ǽʒhwǽm |
“Do not sorrow, wise man; it is better for everyone | |
| þæt hé his fríond wrece þanne hé fela murne. |
1385 | that he his friend avenge, than he mourn over-much; |
| Úre ǽʒhwelć sceal ende ʒebídan |
each of us must await the end | |
| weorolde lífes; wyrće sé-þe móte |
in the world of life: gain he who may | |
| dómes ǽr déaðe; þæt biþ dryht-guman |
1388 | glory before death; that is for the warrior, |
| unlifiendum æfter sœlest. |
unliving, afterwards the best. | |
| Arís, ríćes weard! Wuton hrǽðe fœran |
1390 | Arise, O guardian of the kingdom, let us go quickly, |
| Grendles mágan gang scéawian! |
Grendel’s kin’s trail survey; | |
| Ić hit þé ʒeháte: ná hío on helm losaþ |
I swear it to thee: she will not be lost in the cover, | |
| né on foldan fæðm né on fierʒen-holt |
1393 | nor in the embrace of the earth, nor in the mountain wood, |
| né on ʒeofones grund, gá þǽr hío wile. |
nor in the ocean’s depth, go where she will; | |
| Þýs dógor þú ʒeþyld hafa |
1395 | this day you must have patience |
| wéana ʒehwelćes, swá ić þé wœne tó.” |
in each of the woes, as I expect you to.” | |
| Ahléop þá se gamola, Gode þancode, |
The agèd one leapt up, thanked God, | |
| mihtigan Dryhtne, þæs se mann ʒespræc. |
1398 | mighty Lord, for what the man spoke; |
| Þá wæs Hróþ-gáre hors ʒebǽted, |
then was for Hrothgar a horse was bridled, | |
| wicg wunden-feax; wísa fenǵel |
1400 | a mount with braided mane; the wise ruler |
| ʒeatulíć genǵde; gum-fœða stóp |
rode well-equipped; the foot-soldiers marched | |
| lind-hæbbendra. Lástas wǽron |
linden-wood bearers; tracks were | |
| æfter weald-swaðum wíde ʒesíene, |
1403 | along the forest-track widely seen, |
| gang ofer grundas [þǽr] ʒeʒnum for |
the trail over the grounds, went straight-forward | |
| ofer mierćan mór, magu-þeʒna bær |
1405 | over the murky moor, she carried of the kin-thanes |
| þone sœlestan sáwol-léasne |
the finest — without his soul — | |
| þára þe mid Hróþ-gáre hám eahtode. |
of those who with Hrothgar had defended their home. | |
| Oferéode þá æðelinga bearn |
1408 | Traversed then the nobles’ son |
| stéap stán-hliðu, stíga nearwa, |
the steep stone slopes, the narrow ways, | |
| enǵe án-paðas, uncúþ ʒelád, |
1410 | the tight single-file paths, the unknown, uncertain water-crossings, |
| niowole næssas, nicor-húsa fela. |
the precipitous headlands, the many homes of nicors; | |
| Hé féara sum beforan genǵde |
he with a few went ahead | |
| wísra manna wang scéawian |
1413 | wise men surveying the field, |
| oþ-þæt hé fǽringa fierʒen-béamas |
until he by chance mountain-trees | |
| ofer hárne stán hlinian funde, |
1415 | over a silvery-grey stone found hanging, |
| wynn-léasne wudu; wæter under stód |
the joyless forest; water stood below, | |
| dréoriʒ and ʒedrœfed. Denum eallum wæs, |
bloody and stirred-up; for all of the Danes was, | |
| winum Scieldinga weorce on móde |
1418 | for the friends of the Shieldings, suffering in the heart |
| to ʒeþolienne, þeʒne manigum, |
to endure, for many thanes, | |
| ancýþþ eorla ʒehwǽm, siþþan Æsc-heres |
1420 | awakening grief in each of the nobles, when Æschere’s |
| on þǽm holm-clife hafolan mœtton. |
— on the sea-cliff — head encountered. | |
| Flód blóde wéoll — folc tó sáwon —, |
The flood welled bloody — the folk stared at it — | |
| hátan heolfre. Horn stundum sang |
1423 | with flaming gore; rapidly the horn sang, |
| fúslíć fierd-léoþ. Fœða eall ʒesæt. |
urgent song of departure; the troop all sat down; | |
| Ʒesáwon þá æfter wætere wyrm-cynnes fela, |
1425 | they saw then through the water many of the race of serpents, |
| seldlíće sǽ-dracan sund cunnian, |
strange sea-dragon exploring the lake, | |
| swelće on næss-hliðum nicoras licgan |
also on the cape-slopes were lounging nicors, | |
| þá on undern-mǽl oft bewitiaþ |
1428 | they in mid-morning often carry out |
| sorg-fullne síþ on seʒl-ráde, |
grievous sorties on the sail-road, | |
| wyrmas and wildor. Híe on-weʒ hruron |
1430 | serpents and wild beasts; they rushed away |
| bitere and ʒebolgne: bearhtm onʒéaton, |
bitter and swollen with rage; they perceived the clear note, | |
| gúþ-horn galan. Sumne Ʒéata léod |
war-horn wailing; one of the Geats’ men | |
| of flán-bogan féores ʒetwǽfde, |
1433 | with a shaft and bow separated it from life, |
| ýþ-ʒewinnes, þæt him on ealdre stód |
of wave-struggle that in its heart stood, | |
| here-strǽl hearda; hé on holme wæs |
1435 | a strong war-arrow; it in the water was |
| sundes þý sǽnra þý hine swylt fornam. |
swimming the slower, when Death seized it; | |
| Hræðe wearþ on ýðum mid eofor-spréotum |
fast it was in the waves against boar-pikes | |
| heoru-hócihtum hearde ʒenearwod, |
1438 | savagely-hooked hard pressed, |
| níðe ʒenǽʒed and on næss togen |
viciously attacked, and from the cape dragged out, | |
| wundọrlíć wǽʒ-bora; weras scéawodon |
1440 | wondrous spawn of the waves; men stared at |
| gryrelíćne ʒiest. Ʒierede hine Bío-wulf |
the gruesome guest. Beowulf armed himself | |
| eorl-ʒewǽdum, nealles for ealdre mearn; |
in noble garments, feared not at all for his life; | |
| scolde here-byrne handum ʒebrogden, |
1443 | it was necessary that his army-byrnie, braided by hands, |
| síd and searu-fág, sund cunnian, |
broad and cunningly adorned, explore the lake, | |
| sío-þe bán-cofan beorgan cúðe |
1445 | it the bone-chamber could protect, |
| þæt him hilde-gráp hreðere ne meahte, |
that him the battle-grip could not his heart, | |
| ierres inwitt-fenǵ ealdre ʒescieþþan, |
nor angry grasp of malice his life scathe, | |
| ac se hwíta helm hafolan werede, |
1448 | moreover the shining helm warded his head, |
| se-þe mere-grundas menǵan scolde, |
that which the mere-depths must stir up, | |
| sœćan sund-ʒebland since ʒeweorðod, |
1450 | seek the mingling of waters adorned with riches, |
| befangen fréa-wrásnum, swá hine fyrn-dagum |
encircled with lordly-bands as in far-days it | |
| worhte wǽpna smiþ, wundrum téode, |
was wrought by weapons’ smith, wonderfully lengthened, | |
| besette swín-lícum, þæt hine siþþan ná |
1453 | beset with swine-forms, so that it then no |
| brand né beadu-méćas bítan ne meahton. |
brond-blade nor battle-maiches to bite were not able. | |
| Næs þæt þanne mǽtost mæʒen-fultuma |
1455; | Not the least then of his mighty supports, |
| þæt him on þearfe láh þyle Hróþ-gáres; |
that him in need lent Hrothgar’s þyle | |
| wæs þǽm hæft-méće « Hrunting » nama. |
— was the long-hilted maiche-sword’s name « Hrunting » — | |
| Þæt wæs án foran eald-ʒestréona: |
1458 | it was one above of ancient treasures; |
| ecg wæs íren, átor-tánum fág, |
edge was iron, with poison-twigs patterned, | |
| ahierded heaðu-swáte; nǽfre hit æt hilde ne swác |
1460 | hardened with battle-blood; never had it in a fight failed |
| manna ǽngum þára-þe hit mid mundum bewand, |
any man, who it in hands brandished, | |
| se-þe gryre-síðas ʒegán dorste, |
he who terrifying journeys dared to enter upon, | |
| folc-stede fára. Næs þæt forma síþ |
1463 | the domain of foes; it was not the first time |
| þæt hit ellen-weorc efnan scolde. |
that it courage-work had been obliged to perform. | |
| Húru ne ʒemunde magu Ecg-láfes, |
1465 | Indeed he could not have recalled, the kin of Ecgelaf, |
| eafoðes cræftiʒ, þæt hé ǽr ʒespræc |
mighty in strength, that which he had said before, | |
| wíne druncen þá hé þæs wǽpnes onláh |
drunk on wine, when he lent that the weapon | |
| sœlran sweord-frecan. Selfa ne dorste |
1468 | to a better swordsman, he himself did not dare |
| under ýða ʒewinn ealdre ʒenœðan, |
under the waves’ turmoil to risk his life, | |
| dryhtsciepe dréogan; þǽr hé dóme forléas, |
1470 | to carry out bravery; there he forfeited glory, |
| ellen-mǽrðum. Né wæs þǽm óðrum swá |
fame from valor; it was not so for the other, | |
| siþþan hé hine to gúðe ʒeʒiered hæfde. |
when he himself for war had equipped. | |
| { 23 } (~ XXII ~) | ||
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
1473 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: |
| Ʒeþenć nú, se mǽra maga Healf-denes |
“Think now, glorious kinsman of Half-Dane, | |
| snotora fenǵel, nú ić eom síðes fús, |
1475 | wise chieftain, now I am eager for the adventure, |
| gold-wine gumena, hwæt wit ʒeó sprǽcon, |
gold-friend of man, what we spoke of earlier: | |
| ʒief ić æt þearfe þínre scolde |
if I in employment of yours should | |
| ealdre linnan, þæt þú mé á wǽre |
1478 | be parted from life, that you for me ever would be, |
| forþ-ʒewitenum on fæder stǽle. |
having passed on, in the place of a father; | |
| Wes þú mund-bora mínum magu-þeʒnum, |
1480 | be you hand-bearer to my young retainers, |
| hand-ʒesellum, ʒief meć hild nime; |
hand-companions, if battle takes me, | |
| swelće þú þá mádmas þe þú mé sealdest, |
so too you the treasures, those which you gave me, | |
| Hróþ-gár léofa, Hyʒe-láce onsend. |
1483 | beloved Hrothgar, send on to Hygelac; |
| Mæʒ þanne on þǽm golde onʒietan Ʒéata dryhten, |
he then will able to in the gold observe, the lord of the Geats, | |
| ʒeséon sunu Hrœðles, þanne hé on þæt sinc staraþ, |
1485 | to perceive, the son of Hrethel, when he on that treasures stares, |
| þæt ić gum-cystum gódne funde |
that I one of noble virtues, a good king, had found, | |
| béaga bryttan, bréac þanne móste. |
dispenser of rings, enjoyed while I could. | |
| And þú Un-ferþ lǽt ealde láfe, |
1488 | And let Unferth the old heirloom, |
| wrǽttlíć wǽʒ-sweord, wíd-cúþne mann |
the glorious wave-sword, (let) the widely-known man | |
| heard-ecg habban. Ić mé mid Hruntinge |
1490 | have that hard-edged (sword); I for myself with Hrunting |
| dóm ʒewyrće oþ-þe meć déaþ nimeþ!” |
will gain glory, unless Death takes me.” | |
| Æfter þǽm wordum Weder-Ʒéata léod |
After these words the man of the Weder-Geats | |
| œfste mid ellne, neallas andsware |
1493 | hastened with courage; not in the least for a reply |
| bídan wolde; brim-wielm onfeng |
did he wish to await; the surging-lake enfolded | |
| hilderince. Þá wæs hwíl dæʒes |
1495 | the battle-warrior. Then it was a long part of a day, |
| ǽr hé þanne grund-wang onʒietan meahte. |
ere he the bottom could perceive, | |
| Sóna þæt onfunde sío-þe flóda begang |
at once she found it out, — she who the floods’ expanse, | |
| heoru-ʒífre behéold hund misséra, |
1498 | fiercely-ravenous, held a hundred half-years, |
| grimm and grǽdiʒ, þæt þǽr gumena sum |
wrathful and greedy — that there one of the humans | |
| ell-wihta eard ufan cunnode. |
1500 | the realm of strange being explored from above; |
| Gráp þá toʒeaʒnes, gúþ-rinc ʒeféng |
then she groped towards, seized the warrior | |
| atolum clammum; ná þý ǽr inn ʒescód |
in terrible clasps; Not the sooner she crushed inside | |
| hálan líće; hring útan ymb-bearg |
1503 | his hale body; the ring-mail gave him protection from without, |
| þæt hío þanne fierd-ham þurhfón ne meahte, |
that she the soldier-garment could not penetrate, | |
| locene liðu-sierćan láðum fingrum. |
1505 | the interlocked limb-coat, with her loathsome fingers. |
| Bær þá sío brim-wylf, þá hío to botme cóm, |
Then the sea-wolf bore, when she had come to the bottom, | |
| hringa þenǵel to hofe sínum |
the lord of those rings to her court, | |
| swá hé ne meahte — ná hé þæs módiʒ wæs — |
1508 | so he could not — no matter how brave he was — |
| wǽpna ʒewealdan; ac hine wundra þæs fela |
wield his weapon, but him so many bizarre things | |
| swenćte on sunde, sǽ-déor maniʒ |
1510 | smelled in the deep, many sea-beasts |
| hilde-túscum here-sierćan bræc, |
with battle-tusks tore at his army-mail, | |
| œhton ag-lǽćan. Þá se eorl onʒeat |
the horrors attacked. Then the earl saw | |
| þæt hé [on] níþ-sele nát-hwelćum wæs |
1513 | that he in a hall of hatred — I know not which — was, |
| þǽr him nǽniʒ wæter wihte ne scieðede |
where not any water him oppressed at all, | |
| né him for hróf-sele hrínan ne meahte |
1515 | nor him, due to the the hall’s roof, was not able to reach |
| fǽr-gripe flódes: fýr-léoht ʒeseah, |
the sudden onrush of the flood; he saw firelight, | |
| blácne léoman beorhte scínan. |
a pale light shining vividly; | |
| Onʒeat þá se góda grund-wierʒenne, |
1518 | then the good man saw the accursèd one of the deep, |
| mere-wíf mihtiʒ; mæʒen-rǽs forʒeaf |
the mighty mere-wife; he gave a powerful thrust | |
| hilde-bille, hand swenǵ ne oftéah |
1520 | to the battle-bill, did not withhold the swing of his hand, |
| þæt hire on hafolan hring-mǽl agól |
so that on her head the ring-marked (weapon) sang out | |
| grǽdiʒ gúþ-léoþ. Þá se ʒiest onfand |
a greedy war-song; then the guest discovered | |
| þæt se beadu-léoma bítan nolde, |
1523 | that the battle-brand did not wish to bite, |
| ealdre scieþþan ac sío ecg ʒeswác |
to crush life, rather the edge failed | |
| þéodne æt þearfe; þolode ǽr fela |
1525 | the noble in his need; it had endured already many |
| hand-ʒemóta, helm oft ʒescær, |
hand-to-hand encounters, often split helm, | |
| fǽʒes fierd-hræʒl. Þá wæs forma síþ |
the war-garments of the doomed; this was the first time | |
| díerum máðme þæt his dóm alæʒ. |
1528 | for the precious treasure that its glory failed. |
| Eft wæs án-rǽd, nealles ellnes læt, |
Again was resolute, not at all slackening in courage, | |
| mǽrða ʒemyndiʒ mǽʒ Hýʒe-láces. |
1530 | mindful of fame the kinsman of Hygelac |
| Wearp þá wunden-mǽl wrǽttum ʒebunden |
then he threw aside the twisting pattern (sword), adorned with ornaments, | |
| ierre óretta þæt hit on eorðan læʒ, |
the angry warrior, so that it lay on the earth, | |
| stíþ and stíel-ecg; strenǵe ʒetrúwode, |
1533 | firm and steel-edged; he trusted to strength, |
| mund-gripe mæʒenes. Swá sceal man dôn |
his hand-grip of might; so must a man do, | |
| þanne hé æt gúðe ʒegán þenćeþ |
1535 | when he in war intends to gain |
| langsumne lof; ná ymb his líf caraþ. |
long-lasting praise; he cares not for his life. | |
| Ʒeféng þá be eaxle — nealles for fǽhþe mearn — |
Grabbed her then by the shoulder — not in the least regretting the feud — | |
| Gúþ-Ʒéata léod Grendles módor; |
1538 | the prince of the War-Geats, Grendel’s mother; |
| bræʒd þá beadwe heard, þá hé ʒebolgen wæs, |
the hard man of conflict then heaved, now that he was enraged, | |
| feorh-ʒeníðlan þæt hío on flett ʒebéag. |
1540 | the deadly foe, so that she fell to the floor; |
| Hío him eft hræðe andléan forʒeald |
she again him quickly gave hand-reward | |
| grimmum grápum and him toʒeaʒnes féng. |
with wrathful grips and clutched him against herself; | |
| Oferwearp þá wœriʒ-mód wiʒena strenǵest, |
1543 | then, weary in spirit, he stumbled, the strongest man, |
| fœðe-cempa, þæt hé on fielle wearþ. |
warrior on foot, so that he was in a fall; | |
| Ofsæt þá þone sele-ʒiest and hire seax ʒetéah, |
1545 | then she bestrode the guest in her hall, and drew her seax, |
| brád and brún-ecg; wolde hire bearn wrecan, |
broad and bright-edged; she wished to avenge her son, | |
| ángan eaforan. Him on eaxle læʒ |
only offspring; on his shoulder lay | |
| bréost-nett brógden; þæt ʒebearg féore, |
1548 | woven breast-net; it protected life, |
| wiþ ord and wiþ ecge inngang forstód. |
against point and against edge it withstood entry. | |
| Hæfde þá forsíðod sunu Ecg-þéowes |
1550 | Then he would have perished, the son of Edgetheow, |
| under ʒinne grund, Ʒéata cempa, |
under the yawning ground, the champion of the Geats, | |
| nefne him heaðu-byrne helpe ʒefremede, |
except that him the war-byrnie provided help, | |
| here-nett hearde, — and háliʒ God |
1553 | firm army-net — and holy God |
| ʒewéold wíʒ-sigor; wíttiʒ Dryhten, |
controlled the war-victory; the wise Lord, | |
| rodora Rǽdend, hit on riht ʒescéd |
1555 | the Ruler of the heavens, decided it rightly, |
| íeðelíće siþþan hé eft ástód. |
easily, thereupon he stood up again. | |
| { 24 } (~ XXIII ~) | ||
| Ʒeseah þá on searwum siʒe-éadiʒ bill, |
He saw then among the arms a victory-blessed bill, | |
| eald-sweord eotenisc ecgum þýhtiʒ, |
1558 | an old giantish sword with firm edges, |
| wigena weorþ-mynd; þæt wæs wǽpna cyst, |
an honor of warriors, it was the choicest weapon, | |
| búton hit wæs máre þanne ǽniʒ mann óðer |
1560 | but it was more than any other man |
| to beadu-láce ætberan meahte, |
to battle-play could carry, | |
| gód and ʒeatulíć, ʒíganta ʒeweorc. |
good and stately, the work of giants; | |
| Hé ʒeféng þá fetel-hilt, freca Scieldinga, |
1563 | he seized then the ring-hilt, champion of the Shieldings |
| hréoh and heoru-grimm, hring-mǽl ʒebræʒd |
wild and furiously battle-fierce, he drew the ring-marked (sword ~) | |
| ealdres orwœna, ierringa slóg |
1565 | without hope of life, angrily struck, |
| þæt hire wiþ healse heard grápode, |
so that through her neck it clutched hard, | |
| bán-hringas bræc; bill eall þurhwód |
broke bone-rings; the bill passed entirely through | |
| fǽʒne flǽsc-haman; hío on flett ʒecrang. |
1568 | the doomed cloak of flesh; she fell on the floor; |
| Sweord wæs swátiʒ; secg weorce ʒefeah. |
the sword was bloody, the warrior rejoiced in his work. | |
| Líexte se léoma, léoht inne stód, |
1570 | The gleam flashed, the light stood within, |
| efene swá of heofene hádre scíneþ |
even as from heaven shines brightly | |
| rodores candel. Hé æfter rećede wlát; |
the sky’s candle; he looked about the hall; | |
| hwearf þá be wealle, wǽpen hafenode |
1573 | moved along the wall, weapon raised |
| heard be hiltum Hyʒe-láces þeʒn, |
fierce with hilts, Hygelac’s thane, | |
| ierre and an-rǽd. Næs sío ecg fracúþ |
1575 | angry and single-minded; nor was that edge useless |
| hilde-rince ac hé hræðe wolde |
to the battle-man, but he quickly wished | |
| Grendle forʒieldan gúþ-rǽsa fela, |
to repay Grendel for the many war-raids | |
| þára-þe hé ʒeworhte to West-Denum |
1578 | which he had carried out on the West-Danes |
| oftor mićele þanne on ǽnne síþ |
much more often than on a single venture, | |
| þanne hé Hróþ-gáres heorþ-ʒenéatas |
1580 | when he Hrothgar’s hearth-companions |
| slóg on sweofote, slǽpende frǽt |
slaughter in their slumber, devoured in their sleep, | |
| folces Deniʒa fíf-tíene menn, |
of the folk of the Danes fifteen men, | |
| and óðer swelć út of-ferede, |
1583 | and other such had he carried out and off |
| láþlícu lác. Hé him þæs léan forʒeald, |
hideous haul; he paid him the reward of that, | |
| rœðe cempa, to-þæs-þe hé on ræste ʒeseah |
1585 | the fierce fighter, in that he saw in repose |
| gúþ-wœriʒne Grendel licgan, |
war-weary Grendel lying, | |
| ealdor-léasne, swá him ǽr ʒescód |
lifeless, as he had injured him earlier | |
| hild æt Heorote. Hráw wíde sprang |
1588 | in the conflict at Heorot — the corpse burst wide open, |
| siþþan hé æfter déaðe drepe þrówode, |
when it after death suffered a blow, | |
| heoru-swenǵ heardne, and hine þá héafde bećearf. |
1590 | a hard sword-stroke — and then its head he cut off. |
| Sóna þæt ʒesáwon snotore ćeorlas, |
Suddenly that saw the wise fellows, | |
| þá-þe mid Hróþ-gáre on holm wliton, |
who with Hrothgar looked at the lake, | |
| þæt wæs ýþ-ʒebland eall ʒemenǵed, |
that was turmoil of waves all stirred up | |
| brim blóde fág. Blanden-feaxe |
1593 | the water colored with blood; with blended-hair, |
| gamole ymb gódne onʒeador sprǽcon |
1595 | aged, about the good man, together they spoke, |
| þæt híe þæs æðelinges eft ne wœndon |
that they that noble one did not expect again | |
| þæt hé siʒe-hrœðiʒ sœćan cóme |
that he, triumphing in victory, would come to seek | |
| mǽrne þéoden. Þá þæs maniʒe ʒewearþ |
1598 | the glorious ruler; then it many agreed, |
| þæt hine sío brim-wylf abroten hæfde. |
that the sea-wolf him had destroyed. | |
| Þá cóm nón dæʒes; næss ofʒéafon |
1600 | Then came then ninth hour of the day; they abandoned the cape, |
| hwæte Scieldingas, ʒewát him hám þanan |
the brave Shieldings; he went home hence, | |
| gold-wine gumena. Ʒiestas sǽton |
the gold-friend of men; the guests sat | |
| módes séoce and on mere starodon; |
1603 | sick at heart, and stared into the mere, |
| wýscton and ne wœndon þæt híe hira wine-dryhten |
wished, and did not expect, that they their lord and friend | |
| selfne ʒesáwen. Þá þæt sweord ongann |
1605 | himself would see. Then that sword began |
| æfter heaðu-swáte hilde-ʒicelum, |
caused by the gore of battle in icycles of battle, | |
| wíʒ-bill wanian. Þæt wæs wundra sum |
the war-bill to wane; that was a great wonder | |
| þæt hit eall ʒemealt íse ʒelícost |
1608 | that it all melted, so like ice, |
| þanne forstes bend Fæder onlǽteþ, |
when frost’s bond the Father loosens, | |
| onwindeþ wǽl-rápas, Se ʒeweald hafaþ |
1610 | unwinds water-ropes, Who has control |
| sǽla and mǽla. Þæt is sóþ Meotod! |
of times and seaons; that is the true Creator. | |
| Ne nam hé on þǽm wícum, Weder-Ʒéata léod, |
He did not take into those dwelling, the leader of the Weder-Geats, | |
| máðum-ǽhta má, þéah hé þǽr maniga ʒeseah, |
1613 | more treasures, though he there saw a great number, |
| búton þone hafolan and þá hilt samod, |
but that head and the hilt as well | |
| since fágu; sweord ǽr ʒemealt, |
1615 | shining with ornament; the sword had already melted, |
| forbearn brógden-mǽl; wæs þæt blód to þæs hát, |
burned up the wavy-patterned (blade); that blood was so hot, | |
| ǽtren ellor-gǽst se-þe ǽr inne swealt. |
the venomous foreign spirit who had perished there inside. | |
| Sóna wæs on sunde se-þe ǽr æt sæćće ʒebád |
1618 | Straightaway he was in the water, he who survived in strife, |
| wíʒ-hryre wráðra, wæter úpp þurhdéaf; |
the enemies’ fall in war; he dove up through the water, | |
| wǽron ýþ-ʒebland eall ʒefǽlsod, |
1620 | the turmoil of waves was all cleared, |
| éacne eardas, þá se ellor-gást |
the vast regions, where the alien ghosts | |
| oflét líf-dagas and þás lǽnan ʒescæft. |
gave up their life-days and this borrowed world; | |
| Cóm þá to lande lid-manna helm |
1623 | he came then to the land, the seafarer’s leader, |
| swíþ-mód swimman, sǽ-láce ʒefeah, |
swimming stout-hearted; he rejoiced in the sea-loot, | |
| mæʒen-byrðenne þára-þe hé him mid hæfde. |
1625 | the great burden, which he had with him. |
| Éodon him þá toʒeaʒnes, Gode þancodon, |
They went towards him, thanked God, | |
| þrýþlíć þeʒna héap, þéodnes ʒefǽgon, |
the mighty band of thanes, they rejoiced for their lord, | |
| þæs-þe híe hine ʒesundne ʒeséon móston. |
1628 | that they him sound were able to see; |
| Þá wæs of þǽm hróran helm and byrne |
then the vigorous man was from helm and byrnie | |
| lungre alíesed. Lagu drúsode, |
1630 | quickly loosened — the water grew still, |
| wæter under wolcnum wæl-dréore fág. |
the lake under the clouds, stained with the gore of death — | |
| Fœrdon forþ þanan fœðe-lástum |
they fared forth thence along foot-paths | |
| ferhþum fæʒene, fold-weʒ mǽton, |
1633 | happy in their hearts, traversed the trail over the earth, |
| cúðe strǽte; cyne-bealde menn |
the familiar streets; the men, bold as kings, | |
| from þǽm holm-clife hafolan bǽron |
1635 | from that lake-cliff bore the head |
| earfoþlíće hira ǽʒhwæðerum |
arduously, for all of them, | |
| fela-módiʒra. Féower scoldon |
full of spirit — four had to | |
| on þǽm wæl-stenǵe weorcum ʒeferian |
1638 | on the pole of the slain to carry with difficulty |
| to þǽm gold-sele Grendles héafod |
to the gold-hall Grendel’s head — | |
| oþ-þæt semninga to sele cómon |
1640 | until presently they came to the hall, |
| frame, fierd-hwæte féower-tíene |
brave army-keen fourteen | |
| Ʒéata gangan; gum-dryhten mid |
of the Geats moving, with their lord of men, | |
| módiʒ on ʒemange medu-wangas træd. |
1643 | proud in the throng, trod on the plain near the mead-hall. |
| Þá cóm in gân ealdor þeʒna, |
Then came in marching the lord of the thanes, | |
| dǽd-cœne mann dóme ʒeweorðod, |
1645 | the deed-bold man exalted by glory, |
| hæle hilde-déor, Hróþ-gár grœtan. |
the battle-brave hero, to greet Hrothgar; | |
| Þá wæs be feaxe on flett boren |
then it was by the hair borne to the floor | |
| Grendles héafod þǽr guman druncon, |
1648 | the head of Grendel, where men were drinking, |
| eʒeslíć for eorlum and þǽre idese mid; |
dreadful for the earls, and the ladies with them, | |
| wlite-síen wrǽttlíć weras on sáwon. |
1650 | a wondrous spectacle; the men stared. |
| { 25 } (~ XXIV ~) | ||
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | |
| “Hwæt, wé þé þás sǽ-lác, sunu Healf-Denes, |
“Listen, we you these sea-spoils, son of Half-Dane, | |
| léod Scieldinga, lustum bróhton |
1653 | lord of the Shieldings, gladly brought |
| tíres to tácne, þe þú hér tó lócast. |
as token of glory, which you look at here. | |
| Ić þæt unsófte ealdre ʒedíʒde, |
1655 | I it not easily survived with my life, |
| wiʒe under wæter, weorc ʒenœþde |
war under water, work risked | |
| earfoþlíće; ætrihte wæs |
with trouble; at once was | |
| gúþ ʒetwǽfed nefne meć God scielde. |
1658 | the warfare at an end, unless God shielded me; |
| Ne meahte ić æt hilde mid Hruntinge |
I could not in the battle with Hrunting | |
| wiht ʒewyrćan þéah þæt wǽpen duge; |
1660 | bring about anything, though that weapon is excellent |
| ac mé ʒe-úðe ielda Wealdend |
but to me granted men’s Ruler | |
| þæt ić on wáge ʒeseah wlitiʒ hangian |
that I saw on the wall hanging fair | |
| eald-sweord éacen — oftost wísode |
1663 | a mighty ancient sword — most often He has guided |
| winiʒa léasum — þæt ić þý wǽpne ʒebræʒd. |
the one deprived of friend — that I the weapon drew, | |
| Ofslóg þá æt þǽre sæćće, þá mé sǽl aʒeald, |
1665 | slew then in the strife, when an opportunity was yielded to me, |
| húses hierdas. Þá þæt hilde-bill |
the house’s guardians; then that battle-bill | |
| forbearn brogden-mǽl swá þæt blód ʒesprang, |
burned up, wavy-patterned, as the blood leapt out, | |
| hátost heaðu-swáta. Ić þæt hilt þanan |
1668 | the hottest sweat of war; I that hilt thence |
| fíondum ætferede, firen-dǽde wræc, |
carried back from the fiends, foul-deeds avenged, | |
| déaþ-cwealm Deniʒa, swá hit ʒedœfe wæs. |
1670 | deadly slaughter of Danes, as it was fitting. |
| Ić hit þé þanne ʒeháte, þæt þú on Heorote móst |
I promise it to you then, that you in Heorot may | |
| sorg-léas swefan mid þínra secga ʒedryht, |
sleep without sorrow with your company of soldiers, | |
| and þeʒna ʒehwelć þínra léoda, |
1673 | and each thane of your nation, |
| duguðe and ʒeoguðe, þæt þú him ondrǽdan ne þearft, |
veterans and youths, that you for them need not dread, | |
| þéoden Scieldinga, on þá healfe, |
1675 | chieftain of the Shieldings, on that side, |
| ealdọr-bealu eorlum swá þú ǽr dydest.” |
life-bale for earls, as you did before.” | |
| Þá wæs gylden hilt gamolum rince, |
Then was the golden hilt to the old king | |
| hárum hild-fruman on hand ʒiefen, |
1678 | to the grey battle-leader, given into his hand, |
| enta ǽr-ʒeweorc; hit on ǽht ʒehwearf |
the ancient work of giants; it had passed into the possession | |
| æfter díofla hryre Deniʒa fréàn, |
1680 | after the devils’ fall of the lord of the Danes, |
| wundọr-smiða ʒeweorc; and þá þás weorold ofʒeaf |
the work of wondersmiths, and then this world gave up | |
| gram-heort guma, Godes andsaca, |
the angry-hearted creature, God’s adversary | |
| morðres scyldiʒ, and his módor éac; |
1683 | guilty of murder, and his mother also; |
| on ʒeweald ʒehwearf weorold-cyninga |
it passed into the power of the earthly kings | |
| þǽm sœlestan be-sǽm-twéonum |
1685 | the finest ones between the two seas, |
| þára-þe on Sceden-íeʒe scættas dǽlde. |
of those who in Scandinavia dealt out riches. | |
| Hróþ-gár maðelode, hilt scéawode, |
Hrothgar spoke; he examined the hilt, | |
| ealde láfe. On þǽm wæs ór writen |
1688 | the old heirloom, on which was engraved the origin |
| fyrn-ʒewinnes siþþan Flód ofslóg, |
of ancient strife, when the flood slew | |
| ʒeofen ʒéotende, ʒíganta cynn; |
1690 | the pouring ocean, the race of giants — |
| frœcne ʒefœrdon; þæt wæs fremde þéod |
they fared terribly; that was a tribe foreign | |
| œćan Dryhten; him þæs ende-léan |
to the eternal Lord; them the end-reward | |
| þurh wæteres wielm Wealdend sealde. |
1693 | through the surging of waters the Ruler granted — |
| Swá wæs on þǽm scennum scíran goldes |
also was on the sword-hilt of shining gold | |
| þurh rún-stafas rihte ʒemearcod, |
1695 | in rune-staves rightly marked, |
| ʒeseted and ʒesæʒd, hwǽm þæt sweord ʒeworht, |
it was set down and said, for whom the sword wrought, | |
| írena cyst, ǽrest wǽre, |
— choicest of irons — had been first, | |
| wriðen-hilt and wyrm-fág. Þá se wísa spræc, |
1698 | with a twisted-hilt and serpent-patterned; then the wise man spoke, |
| sunu Healf-Denes — swígodon ealle —: |
the son of Half-Dane all fell silent: | |
| “Þæt, lá, mæʒ secgan se-þe sóþ and riht |
1700 | “That, indeed, may say he who truth and right |
| fremeþ on folce, feorr eall ʒeman, |
performs among the folk, remembers all from far-back, | |
| eald ᛟ [œðel]-weard, þæt þes eorl wǽre |
old warden of the homeland; that this hero was | |
| ʒeboren betera! Blǽd is arǽred |
1703 | born a greater man; the fame is established |
| ʒeond wíd-wegas, wine mín Bío-wulf, |
throughout the distant regions, Beowulf my friend, | |
| þín ofer þéoda ʒehwelće. Eall þú hit ʒeþyldum healdest, |
1705 | over each of the nations, of you; all you it with patience hold, |
| mæʒen mid módes snytrum. Ić þé sceal míne ʒelǽstan |
strength with the wisdom of the heart; to you I shall continue to give my | |
| fríode, swá wit furðum sprǽcon. Þú scealt to frófre weorðan |
1707 | protection, as we spoke of before; you must be as a comfort |
| eall lang-twídiʒ léodum þínum, |
all long-lasting to your people, | |
| hæleðum to helpe. Ne wearþ Here-mód swá |
to heroes a support. Heremod was not so | |
| eaforum Ecg-welan, Ár-Scieldingum. |
1710 | to the sons of Edgewela, to the Honor-Shieldings; |
| Ne ʒewéox hé him to willan ac to wæl-fielle |
he grew not to their pleasure, but for slaughter | |
| and to déaþ-cwealmum Deniʒa léodum. |
1712 | and for annihilation of the people of the Danes; |
| Bréat bolgen-mód béod-ʒenéatas, |
he felled in a furious spirit his companions at table, | |
| eaxl-ʒesteallan, oþ-þæt hé ána hwearf, |
shoulder-comrades, until he alone passed, | |
| mǽre þéoden, mann-dréamum fram |
1715 | famous king, from the joys of man |
| þéah-þe hine mihtiʒ God mæʒenes wynnum |
though him mighty God with joys of strength | |
| eafoðum stíepte, ofer ealle menn |
1717 | powerfully exalted over all men, |
| forþ ʒefremede. Hwæðere him on ferhþe gréow |
further advanced yet in his heart grew to him | |
| bréost-hord blód-réow; neallas béagas ʒeaf |
the treasure of the breast eager for blood; not at all did he give rings | |
| Denum æfter dóme. Dréam-léas ʒebád |
1720 | to Danes for glory; he lived joylessly, |
| þæt hé þæs ʒewinnes weorc þrówode, |
so that he the strife’s pain suffered, | |
| léod-bealu langsum. Þú þeć lǽr be þon, |
1722 | a great evil to the people for a long time. You learn by this, |
| gum-cyste onʒiet! Ić þis ʒiedd be þé |
understand human virtue; I this tale for you | |
| awræc wintrum fród. Wundor is to secgenne |
recited, old and wise in winters. Wonder is to say | |
| hú mihtiʒ God manna cynne |
1725 | how mighty God to mankind |
| þurh sídne sefan snytre bryttaþ, |
according to deep understanding dispenses wisdom, | |
| eard and eorlsciepe. Hé áh eallra ʒeweald. |
1727 | land and noble qualities; he has control of all; |
| Hwílum Hé on lufan lǽteþ hweorfan |
at times He in delight lets go | |
| mannes mód-ʒeþanc mǽran cynnes, |
the heart’s thought of some man of glorious kin | |
| seleð him on œðle eorðan wynne |
1730 | gives to him in his own homeland earthly bliss |
| to healdenne, hléow-burg wera; |
to command a stronghold of men, | |
| ʒedœþ him swá ʒewealdne weorolde dǽlas, |
1732 | makes subject to him from the world’s portions, |
| síde ríće, þæt hé his selfa ne mæʒ |
a wide kingdom, that he himself can not | |
| for his unsnytrum ende ʒeþenćan. |
in his ignorance conceive the end (of his rule); | |
| Wunaþ hé on wiste, ná hine wiht dweleþ |
1735 | he lives on in abundance; they hinder him not a bit, |
| ádl né ieldu né him inwitt-sorg |
sickness nor age, nor him evil sorrow | |
| on sefan sweorceþ né ʒesacu ǽhwǽr |
1737 | darkens in his soul, nor strife anywhere |
| ecg-hete íeweþ, ac him eall weorold |
sharp-hate appears, but to him all the world | |
| wendeþ on willan. Hé þæt wierse ne cann! |
turns on his pleasure; he does not know it worse. | |
| { 26 } (~ XXV ~) | ||
| Oþ-þæt him on-innan Oferhyʒda dǽl |
1740 | Until within him pride’s portion |
| weaxeþ and wrídaþ þanne se weard swefeþ, |
grows and flourishes then the warder sleeps, | |
| sáwle hierde; biþ se Slǽp tó fæst, |
1742 | the soul’s keeper; the sleep is too sound, |
| bisigum ʒebunden, bana swíðe néah, |
bound with troubles, the killer is very near, | |
| se-þe of flán-bogan firenum scéoteþ. |
he who from his shaft-bow foully fires; | |
| Þanne biþ on hreðere under helm drepen |
1745 | then it is in the heart struck beneath the helm |
| biteran strǽle — him bebeorgan ne cann — |
by the bitter dart — he cannot protect himself — | |
| wóm wundọr-bebodum weargan gástes. |
1747 | from the perversity of strange biddings of the wicked spirit; |
| Þynćeþ him tó lýtel þæt hé tó lange héold; |
it seems to him too little what he rules too long; | |
| ʒítsaþ gram-hýʒdiʒ, nealles on ʒielp seleþ |
cruel-mindedly covets, he in arrogance never gives | |
| fǽtte béagas; and hé þá forþ-ʒescæft |
1750 | golden rings, and he then the future |
| forʒieteþ and forʒíemeþ, þæs-þe him ǽr God sealde, |
forgets and disregards, that which God gave him before, | |
| Wuldres Wealdend, weorþ-mynda dǽl. |
1752 | glory’s Ruler, a share of honor |
| Hit on ende-stæf eft ʒelimpeþ |
it in the end finally comes to pass | |
| þæt se líć-hama lǽne ʒedréoseþ, |
that the body, lent, fails; | |
| fǽʒe ʒefealleþ; fœhþ óðer tó, |
1755 | fated to death, it falls; another body takes up, |
| se-þe unmurnlíće máðmas dǽleþ, |
who without regret shares out treasure, | |
| eorles ǽr-ʒestréon; eʒesan ne ʒíemeþ. |
1757 | the earl’s ancient wealth, and he heeds not fear. |
| Bebeorg þé þone bealu-níþ, Bío-wulf léofa, |
Guard yourself against this wicked strife, beloved Beowulf, | |
| secg betesta, and þé þæt sœlre ʒećéos, |
finest man, and for yourself choose the better, | |
| œće rǽdas; Oferhyʒda ne ʒíem, |
1760 | the eternal gains; do not pay heed to pride, |
| mǽre cempa! Nú is þínes mæʒenes blǽd |
renowned champion; now is the glory of your strength | |
| áne hwíle; eft sóna biþ |
1762 | for a while; presently in turn will be |
| þæt þeć ádl oþþe ecg eafoðes ʒetwǽfeþ |
that you sickness or edge will part from strength, | |
| oþþe fýres fenǵ oþþe flódes wielm |
or grasp of fire, or surge of flood, | |
| oþþe gripe méćes oþþe gáres flyht |
1765 | or bite of blade, or flight of spear, |
| oþþe atol ieldu oþþe éaʒna bearhtm |
or repulsive old-age; or the brightness of the eyes | |
| forsiteþ and forsweorceþ; semninga biþ |
1767 | weakens and dims; very soon will be |
| þæt þeć, dryht-guma, déaþ oferswíðeþ. |
that you, warrior, Death overpowers. | |
| Swá ić Hring-Dene hund misséra |
So I the Ring-Danes a hundred seasons | |
| wéold under wolcnum and híe wiʒe beléac |
1770 | have ruled under the skies and in war sheltered them, |
| manigum mǽʒða ʒeond þisne middan-ʒeard, |
from many tribes throughout this middle-earth, | |
| æscum and ecgum, þæt ić mé ǽniʒne |
1772 | from ash-shafts and sword-edges, so that I for myself any, |
| under sweʒeles begang ʒesacan ne tealde. |
under the expanse of the heavens, adversary I did not account. | |
| Hwæt, mé þæs on œðle edwendan cóm, |
Listen, to me in the homeland for that a reversal came, | |
| gryn æfter gamene, siþþan Grendel wearþ, |
1775 | sorrow after joy, since Grendel became |
| eald-ʒewinna, inn-genǵa mín; |
an old contender, invader of mine, | |
| ić þǽre sócne sin-gáles wæʒ |
1777 | I from that persecution endured continually |
| mód-care mićele. Þæs síe Meotode þanc, |
great sorrow of spirit; thanks be for that to the Measurer of Fate, | |
| œćan Dryhtne, þæs-þe ić on ealdre ʒebád, |
eternal Lord, from that I survived alive, | |
| þæt ić on þone hafolan heoru-dréoriʒne |
1780 | so that I on the head sword-bloodied |
| ofer eald ʒewinn éagum starie! |
after ancient strife could gaze with my eyes! | |
| Gá nú to setle, symbẹl-wynne dréog, |
1782 | Go now to the bench, join in the pleasure-banquet, |
| wíʒ-ʒeweorðod; unc sceal worn fela |
honored by your battle; we must very many | |
| máðma ʒemǽnra siþþan morgen biþ.” |
treasures share between us when it is morning.” | |
| Ʒéat wæs glæd-mód, ʒéong sóna tó |
1785 | The Geat was glad-hearted, went straightaway to |
| setles níosan swá se snotora hét. |
seek the bench, as the wise one had commanded; | |
| Þá wæs eft swá ǽr ellen-rófum, |
1787 | then it was again as before for bold warriors, |
| flett-sittendum fæʒere ʒereordod |
for those sitting in the hall they prepared a fine feast | |
| níewan stefne. Niht-helm ʒeswearc |
once again; the helm of night darkened, | |
| deorc ofer dryht-gumum. Duguþ eall arás; |
1790 | dark over the company of warriors; the veterans all arose; |
| wolde blanden-feax beddes níosan, |
the blended-haired one wishes to seek his bed, | |
| gamola Scielding. Ʒéat unʒemetes wél, |
1792 | the aged Shielding; the Geat exceedingly much, |
| rófne rand-wigan, restan lyste. |
valiant shield-warrior, desired rest; | |
| Sóna him sele-þeʒn síðes wœrigum |
at once him the hall-thane the weary journeyer | |
| feorran-cundum forþ wísode, |
1795 | from afar guided forth, |
| sé for andrísnum ealle bewitode |
who for courtesy looked after everything | |
| þeʒnes þearfe swelće þý dógre |
1797 | of the hero’s needs, such as in those days |
| heaðu-líðende habban scoldon. |
warrior-sailors were obliged to have; | |
| Reste hine þá rúm-heort; rećed hlífode |
rested him then, the large-hearted man; the hall towered | |
| ʒéap and gold-fág; ʒiest inne swæf |
1800 | vaulted and gold-adorned; the guest slept inside |
| oþ-þæt hræfn blaca heofones wynne |
until the black raven, the joy of the sky | |
| blíþ-heort bodode. Þá cóm beorht scacan |
1802 | declared glad-heartedly. Then came bright hurrying, |
| [scíma ofer scædwa]. Scaðan ónetton, |
[brightness over shadows] fighters hastening; | |
| wǽron æðelingas eft to léodum |
the nobles were back to their people | |
| fúse to farenne; wolde feorr þanan |
1805 | eager to fare; he wished far thence, |
| cuma collen-ferhþ ćéoles níosan. |
the high-spirited visitor, to seek his ship. | |
| Hét þá se hearda Hrunting beran |
1807 | He then directed the tough man to wear Hrunting |
| suna Ecg-láfes, hét his sweord niman, |
the son of Edgelaf, bid him take his sword, | |
| léoflíć íren, sæʒde him þæs lǽnes þanc, |
beloved iron; said thanks to him for the loan, | |
| cwæþ hé þone gúþ-wine gódne tealde, |
1810 | quoth: he the war-friend marked well, |
| wíʒ-cræftiʒne, nealles wordum lóg |
skilled in war; he did not in words blame | |
| méćes ecge. Þæt wæs módiʒ secg! |
1812 | the maiche’s edge; he was a proud man. |
| And þá síþ-frame, searwum ʒearwe |
And then, eager to be going, ready in arms, | |
| wíʒend wǽron; éode weorþ Denum |
were the warriors, the one honored by the Danes went, | |
| æðeling to yppan þǽr se óðer wæs, |
1815 | noble to the high seat, where the other was, |
| hæle hilde-déor Hróþ-gár grœtte. |
the battle-bold hero greeted Hrothgar. | |
| { 27 } (~ XXVI ~) | ||
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
1817 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: |
| “Nú wé sǽ-líðend secgan willaþ |
“Now we sea-farers wish to say | |
| feorran cumene þæt wé fundiaþ |
having come from afar, that we are anxious | |
| Hyʒe-lác sœćan. Wǽron hér tela, |
1820 | to seek Hygelac; we here were well |
| willum bewenede; þú ús wél dohtest. |
entertained in our desires; you have treated us well. | |
| Ʒief ić þanne on eorðan áwihte mæʒ |
1822 | If then on earth I can (do) anything |
| þínre mód-lufan máran tilian, |
of your affections earn more, | |
| gumena dryhten, þanne ić ʒíet dyde, |
lord of men, than I have done yet, | |
| gúþ-ʒeweorca, ić bío ʒearu sóna. |
1825 | with feats of arms, I am ready at once, |
| Ʒief ić þæt ʒefricge ofer flóda begang |
if I find it out over the flood’s expanse, | |
| þæt þeć ymbsittend eʒesan þýwaþ |
1827 | that you neighboring-tribes oppress with terror, |
| swá þeć hettende hwílum dydon, |
as enemies to you sometimes did, | |
| ić þé þúsendu þeʒna bringe, |
I to you a thousand thanes will bring, | |
| hæleða to helpe. Ić on Hyʒe-láce wát, |
1830 | heroes as help. I know of Hygelac, |
| Ʒéata dryhten, þéah-þe hé ʒeong síẹ, |
the lord of the Geats, though he is young, | |
| folces hierde, þæt hé meć fremman wile |
1832 | the keeper of the folk, that he would support me |
| weordum and weorcum þæt ić þéć wél herie |
with words and with deeds, so that I might honor you rightly | |
| and þé to ʒéoce gár-holt bere, |
and to you in aid bring a forest of spears, | |
| mæʒenes fultum þǽr þé biþ manna þearf. |
1835 | the support of strength, where you be needful of men. |
| Ʒief him þanne Hrœþ-ríć tó hofum Ʒéata |
If him, on the other hand, Hrethric to the Geatish court | |
| ʒeþinǵeþ, þéodnes bearn, hé mæʒ þǽr fela |
1837 | decides (to go), chieftain’s son, he shall there be able many |
| fríonda findan. Feorr-cýþþa bíoþ |
friends to find; distant lands are | |
| sœlran ʒesóhte þǽm-þe him selfa déag.” |
better sought by one who is powerful himself.” | |
| Hróþ-gár maðelode him on andsware: |
1840 | Hrothgar spoke to him in reply: |
| “Þé þá word-cwidas wittiʒ Dryhten |
“To you these sayings of words the wise Lord | |
| on sefan sende; ne híerde ić snotorlícor |
1842 | has sent into mind; I have not heard more intelligently |
| on swá ʒeongum feore guman þingian. |
at such young age man make a speech; | |
| Þú eart mæʒenes strang and on móde fród, |
you are strong in power and wise in your heart, | |
| wís word-cwida. Wœn ić talie, |
1845 | judicious word-speaker; I consider it likely |
| ʒief þæt ʒegangeþ þæt-þe gár nimeþ, |
if it happens, that from you the spear takes, | |
| hild heoru-grimme, Hrœðles eaforan, |
1847 | a horrendous battle Hrethel’s heir, |
| ádl oþþe íren ealdor þínne, |
sickness or iron your ruler, | |
| folces hierde, and þú þín feorh hafast, |
the guardian of the folk, and you have your life, | |
| þæt þé Sǽ-Ʒéatas sœlran næbben |
1850 | that the Sea-Geats could not have better |
| to ʒecéosenne cyning ǽniʒne, |
by choosing any other king, | |
| hord-weard hæleða, ʒief þú healdan wilt |
1852 | hoard-ward of heroes, if you wish to rule |
| mága ríće. Mé þín mód-sefa |
your kinsman’s kingdom. Your spirit and heart me | |
| lícaþ lenǵ swá wél, léofa Bío-wulf. |
pleases so well the longer (I know them), dear Beowulf; | |
| Hæfst þú ʒefœred þæt þǽm folcum sceal, |
1855 | you have achieved that for the folk shall |
| Ʒéata léodum and Gár-Denum, |
the people of the Geats and the Spear-Danes | |
| sibb ʒemǽnu and sacu restan, |
1857 | in mutual peace, and strife subside, |
| inwitt-níðas þe híe ǽr drugon, |
hostilities, which they endured before; | |
| wesan, þenden ić wealde wídan ríćes, |
shall be, while I rule the wide kingdom, | |
| máðmas ʒemǽne, maniʒ óðerne |
1860 | wealth in common, many an other |
| gódum ʒegrœtan ofer ganotes bæþ; |
with good things will greet over the gannet’s bath; | |
| sceal hring-naca ofer hafu bringan |
1862 | the ring-prowed ship shall bring over the high seas |
| lác and luf-tácen. Ić þá léode wát |
offerings and tokens of friendship; I know these nations | |
| ʒé wiþ fíond ʒé wiþ fríond fæste ʒeworhte, |
both towards foe and towards friend firmly disposed, | |
| ǽʒhwæs untǽle ealde wísan.” |
1865 | blameless in everything, in the ancient manner.” |
| Þá ʒíet him eorla hléow inne ʒesealde, |
Then again to him the protector of earls gave to him, | |
| magu Healf-Denes, máðmas twelfe, |
1867 | the son of Half-Dane, twelve treasures; |
| hét hine mid þǽm lácum léode swǽse |
he commanded him with these gifts his own dear nation | |
| sœćan on ʒesyntum, snúde eft cuman. |
to seek in safety, to return quickly; | |
| Ʒecyste þá cyning æðelum gód, |
1870 | kissed then, the king the upright noble, |
| þéoden Scieldinga, þeʒn betestan |
the chieftain of the Shieldings, the best thane | |
| and be healse ʒenam; hruron him téaras, |
1872 | and took him by the neck; tears fell from him, |
| blanden-feaxum. Him wæs bœʒa wœn, |
from the silver and gold whiskers; in him were both thoughts | |
| ealdum, infródum, óðres swíðor |
old and deeply wise, the second stronger, | |
| þæt híe siþþan [ná] ʒeséon mósten, |
1875 | that they afterwards might meet, |
| módiʒe on mæðele. Wæs him se mann to þon léof |
brave in a formal summit; the man was so dear to him | |
| þæt hé þone bréost-wielm forberan ne meahte |
1877 | that he the welling of his breast could not hold back |
| ac him on hreðere hyʒe-bendum fæst |
but him in his heart in firm bounds of thought | |
| æfter díerum menn dierne langaþ |
for the dear man a remote longing | |
| bearn wiþ blóde. Him Bío-wulf þanan, |
1880 | burned in his blood. Him Beowulf thence, |
| gúþ-rinc gold-wlanc, græs-moldan træd, |
warrior proud with gold, trod the grass-mound, | |
| since hrœmiʒ. Sǽ-genǵa bád |
1882 | triumphing in treasure. The sea-goer awaited |
| ágend-fréàn, se-þe on ancre rád. |
its lord and owner, which rode at its anchor; | |
| Þá wæs on gange ʒiefu Hróþ-gáres |
later on the journey was the gift of Hrothgar | |
| oft ʒe-eahtod. Þæt wæs án cyning, |
1885 | often praised; that was one king, |
| ǽʒhwæs orliehtre oþ-þæt hine ieldu benam |
in everything blameless, until age deprived him | |
| mæʒenes wynnum, se-þe oft manigum scód. |
1887 | of strength’s delights, a thing which continually harms many. |
| { 28 } (~ XXVII ~) | ||
| Cóm þá to flóde fela-módiʒra, |
They came than to the flood full of spirit | |
| hæʒ-stealdra [héap]; hring-nett bǽron, |
of the young warriors; ring-mail they wore | |
| locene liðu-sierćan. Land-weard onfand |
1890 | interlocked limb-shirts; the land-guard perceived |
| eft-síþ eorla swá hé ǽr dyde, |
the return of heroes, as he did before; | |
| ná hé mid hearme of hliðes nósan |
1892 | he did not with insult from the cliff’s promontory |
| ʒiestas grœtte ac him toʒeaʒnes rád |
greet the guests, but rode towards them, | |
| cwæþ þæt will-cuman Wedera léodum |
said that welcome to the people of the Wederas | |
| scaðan scír-hame to scipe fóron. |
1895 | the fighters with bright covering he went to the ship; |
| Þá wæs on sande sǽ-ʒéap naca |
then was on sand the sea-curved boat | |
| hlæden here-wǽdum, hringed-stefna |
1897 | laden with war-garments the ringed-prow |
| méarum and máðmum; mæst hlífode |
with horses and treasure; the mast towered | |
| ofer Hróþ-gáres hord-ʒestréonum. |
over Hrothgar’s hoard-wealth; | |
| Hé þǽm bát-wearde bunden golde |
1900 | he to the boat-guard a bound gold |
| sweord ʒesealde þæt hé siþþan wæs |
sword gave, so that he afterwards was | |
| on medu-benće máðma þý weorðra, |
1902 | on the mead-bench by the treasure the worthier, |
| ierfe-láfe. Ʒewát him on naca |
by the inherited relic. Departed him on the ship | |
| drœfan déop wæter, Dena-land ofʒeaf. |
to trouble deep water; he left the Danes’ land; | |
| Þá wæs be mæste mere-hræʒla sum, |
1905 | then was by the mast a mighty sea-garment, |
| seʒl sále fæst; sund-wudu þunode; |
sail fastened by rope; the sea-beam thundered; | |
| ná þǽr wæʒ-flotan wind ofer ýðum |
1907 | there the wave-floater was not (by) wind over the waves |
| síðes ʒetwǽfde. Sǽ-genǵa fór, |
hindered in its venture; the sea-goers went, | |
| fléat fámiʒ-heals forþ ofer ýða, |
the foamy-necked floated forth over the waves, | |
| bunden-stefna ofer brim-stréamas, |
1910 | bound prow over the ocean-streams, |
| þæt híe Ʒéata clifu onʒietan meahton, |
until they the Geatish cliffs could perceive, | |
| cúðe næssas; ćéol úpp ʒeþrang |
1912 | the well-known headlands; the keel rushed up |
| lyft-ʒeswenćed, on lande stód. |
weather-beaten, rested on the land. | |
| Hræðe wæs æt holme hýþ-weard ʒearu, |
Quickly was at the water the ready harbor-guard, | |
| se-þe ǽr lange tíd léofra manna |
1915 | he who already for a long time for the beloved men |
| fús æt faroðe feorr wlátode. |
eager at the current gazed far; | |
| Sǽlde to sande síd-fæðme scip |
1917 | moored in the sand the broad-bosomed ship |
| ancọr-bendum fæst þý-lǽs him ýða þrymm |
firm with anchor-bounds, lest the force of the waves | |
| wudu wynnsuman forwrecan meahte. |
the winsome timbers might carry away; | |
| Hét þá úpp beran æðelinga ʒestréon, |
1920 | he ordered then to carry up the nobles’ treasure, |
| frætwa and fǽtt-gold; næs him feorr þanan |
trappings and gold ornaments; it was not far thence for them | |
| to ʒesœćenne sinces bryttan, |
1922 | to seek the giver of treasures |
| Hyʒe-lác Hrœðling, þǽr æt hám wunaþ |
Hygelac son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home | |
| selfa mid ʒesíðum sǽ-wealle néah. |
himself with his companions near the sea-wall. | |
| Bold wæs betlíć, bregu-róf cyning, |
1925 | The building was splendid, the king of princely valor, |
| héah [on] healle, Hyʒd swíðe ʒeong, |
the high hall, Hygd very young, | |
| wís, wél-þungen, þéah-þe wintra lýt |
1927 | wise, well-thriving, through few winters |
| under burg-locan ʒebiden hæbbe, |
in the walled town had lived, | |
| Hæreðes dohtor; næs hío hnág swá-þéah |
Haereth’s daughter was not mean though | |
| né tó gnéaþ ʒiefa Ʒéata léodum, |
1930 | nor too grudging of gifts to the people of the Geats, |
| máðm-ʒestréona [ʒemǽnra]. Mód-þrýðe wæʒ |
of shared treasure-wealth. She showed violent arrogance, | |
| fremu folces cwœn, firen’ ondrysne. |
1932 | the lusty queen of the folk, terrible crimes; |
| Nǽniʒ þæt dorste déor ʒenœðan |
dared not any of the bold to risk, | |
| swǽsra ʒesíða nefne sin-fréà |
of the dear companions, except her great lord, | |
| þæt hire on dæʒes éagum starode, |
1935 | that on her by day stared with his eyes |
| ac him wæl-bende witode tealde |
but for him slaughter-bonds he might consider prescribed, | |
| hand-ʒewriðene. Hræðe siþþan wæs |
1937 | woven by hands; quickly then was |
| æfter mund-gripe méće ʒeþinǵed |
after seizure a maiche was appointed, | |
| þæt hit scáden-mǽl scíran móste, |
that it, shadow-marked, was obliged to settle, | |
| cwealm-bealu cýðan. Ne biþ swelć cwœnlić þéaw |
1940 | make known the evil of the death; such queenly manner is not |
| idese to efnenne, þéah-þe hío ǽnlícu síe, |
for a lady to perform, though she be matchless, | |
| þætte friðu-webbe féores onsœće |
1942 | that peace-weaver deprives life, |
| æfter lyʒe-torn léofne mannan. |
owing to a false injury, of beloved man. | |
| Húru þæt onhóhsnode Hemminges mǽʒ. |
However, it was cut off at the heel by Hemming’s kinsman; | |
| Ealu-drincende óðer sæʒdon, |
1945 | the ale-drinkers further told |
| þæt hío léod-bealwa lǽs ʒefremede, |
that evil for the people she practised less, | |
| inwitt-níða siþþan ǽrest wearþ |
1947 | malice and enmity, since she first was |
| ʒiefen gold-hroden ʒeongum cempan, |
given, gold-adorned, to the young champion, | |
| æðelum díere, siþþan hío Offan flett |
of noble ancestry, when she to Offa’s hall | |
| ofer fealone flód be fæder láre |
1950 | over the dusky flood by her father’s wisdom |
| síðe ʒesóhte. Þǽr hío siþþan wél |
sought in her journey where she afterwards fully | |
| on gum-stóle, góde mǽre, |
1952 | on the throne, for goodness famed, |
| líf-ʒescæfta lifiende bréac, |
the fated span of her life her living she used well, | |
| héold héah-lufan wiþ hæleða bregu, |
held high-love for the heroes’ lord, | |
| ealles mann-cynnes míne ʒefrǽʒe |
1955 | of all mankind, I have heard, |
| þone sœlestan be-sǽm-twéonum, |
the finest between the seas, | |
| eormen-cynnes. For-þǽm Offa wæs |
1957 | of the mighty race. Because Offa was |
| ʒiefum and gúðum, gár-cœne mann, |
in gifts and in war, a spear-keen man; | |
| wíde ʒeweorðod; wísdóme héold |
widely honored, ruled in wisdom | |
| œðel sínne. Þanan Eoh-mǽr wóc |
1960 | his homeland; then, exceedingly sad, he arose |
| hæleðum to helpe, Hemminges mǽʒ, |
a help to heroes, the kinsman of Hemming, | |
| nefa Gár-mundes níða cræftiʒ. |
1962 | grandson of Garmund, powerful over strife. |
| { 29 } (~ XXVIII ~) | ||
| Ʒewát him þá se hearda mid his hand-scole |
Then the hardy man went with his hand-picked retinue | |
| self æfter sande sǽ-wang tredan, |
himself along the sand treading the sea-plain, | |
| wíde waroðas; weorold-candel scán, |
1965 | the wide strand; the world-candle shone, |
| siʒel súðan fús. Híe síþ drugon, |
the sun eagerly from the south; they had survived the journey, | |
| ellne ʒe-éodon to-þæs-þe eorla hléow, |
1967 | strode quickly, to where the Shield of Heroes, |
| banan Angen-þéowes, burgum on-innan |
— the bane of Ongentheow — inside his citadel, | |
| ʒeongne gúþ-cyning gódne ʒefrugnon |
the young war-king, they heard (that there) the good man | |
| hringas dǽlan. Hyʒe-láce wæs |
1970 | alloted rings. To Hygelac was |
| síþ Bío-wulfes snúde ʒecýðed, |
Beowulf’s journey promptly reported, | |
| þæt þǽr on worðiʒ wíʒendra hléow, |
1972 | that there in enclosed homestead, the defender of warriors, |
| lind-ʒestealla lifiende cóm, |
shield-companion (still) living came, | |
| heaðu-láces hál to hofe gangan. |
from the war-play unharmed going to to the court; | |
| Hræðe wæs ʒerýmed, swá se ríća bebéad, |
1975 | quickly was cleared, as the king bade, |
| fœðe-ʒiestum flett innanweard. |
for the visitors on foot the floor within; | |
| Ʒesæt þá wiþ selfne se þá sæćće ʒenæs, |
1977 | then he sat down with the same man, he who had survived the fight, |
| mǽʒ wiþ mǽʒe, siþþan mann-dryhten |
kinsman with kinsman, after the liege-lord | |
| þurh hléoðor-cwide holdne ʒegrœtte, |
through ceremonious speech his loyal subject had greeted, | |
| méaglum wordum. Medu-scenćum hwearf |
1980 | in emphatic words, mead-draughts |
| ʒeond þæt [heall-]rećed Hæreðes dohtor, |
passed round through that spacious room Haereth’s daughter, | |
| lufode þá léode, liþ-wǽʒe bær |
1982 | — she loved the people — bore goblets |
| Hǽþnum to handa. Hyʒe-lác ongann |
to the hands of the illustrious ones. Hygelac began | |
| sínne ʒeseldan on sele þǽm héan |
his hall-companion in that high hall | |
| fæʒere fricgan; hine fyrwitt bræc |
1985 | to question courteously, his curiosity burst forth, |
| hwelće Sǽ-Ʒéata síðas wǽron: |
whatever the Sea-Geats’ adventures were: | |
| “Hú ʒelamp íow on láde, léofa Bío-wulf, |
1987 | “How fared you on the way, dear Beowulf, |
| þá þú fǽringa feorr ʒehogodest |
when you suddenly resolved far away | |
| sæćće sœćan ofer sealt wæter, |
to seek conflict over the salt water, | |
| hilde to Heorote? Ac þú Hróþ-gáre |
1990 | combat in Heorot? Moreover, did you Hrothgar’s |
| wíd-cúþne wéan wihte ʒebœttest, |
widely known woes at all ameliorate, | |
| mǽrum þéodne? Ić þæs mód-care |
1992 | for the famed chieftain? I of this with anxious care of the heart |
| sorg-wielmum séaþ, síðe ne trúwode |
seethed with wellings of sorrow, I did not trust the venture | |
| léofes mannes. Ić þeć lange bæd |
of my dear man; I begged you at length, | |
| þæt þú þone wæl-gǽst wihte ne grœtte, |
1995 | that you the slaughter-ghast would not challenge at all, |
| léte Súþ-Dene selfe ʒeweorðan |
let the South-Danes settle themselves | |
| gúðe wiþ Grendel. Gode ić þanc secge |
1997 | the war with Grendel; to God I speak thanks, |
| þæs-þe ić þeć ʒesundne ʒeséon móste.” |
for that I you sound am permitted to see.” | |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: | |
| “Þæt is undierne, dryhten Hyʒe-lác, |
2000 | “It is not secret, lord Hygelac, |
| [mǽru] ʒemœtung, manigum fíra, |
that great meeting, to many men, | |
| hwelć [orleʒ]-hwíle uncer Grendles |
2002 | what a time of struggle between the two of us, me and Grendel, |
| wearþ on þǽm wange þǽr hé worna fela |
occurred in that place where he great multitudes | |
| Siʒe-Scieldingum sorga ʒefremede, |
for the Victory-Shieldings brought about sorrows, | |
| iermþe to ealdre; ić þæt eall ʒewræc |
2005 | lifelong misery; I avenged it all, |
| swá beʒielpan [ne] þearf Grendles mága |
thus there is need to boast — of Grendel’s kinsmen, | |
| [ǽniʒ] ofer eorðan úht-hlemm þone, |
2007 | any upon the earth — of that clash at dawn, |
| se-þe lenǵest lifaþ láðan cynnes |
he who lives the longest of that hateful race, | |
| fácne bifangen. Ić þǽr furðum cóm |
enveloped in malice. I first came there | |
| to þǽm hring-sele Hróþ-gár grœtan; |
2010 | to that ring-hall to greet Hrothgar; |
| sóna mé se mǽra magu Healf-Denes, |
straightaway to me the famed kinsman of Half-Dane, | |
| siþþan hé mód-sefan mínne cúðe, |
2012 | after he the purpose of the heart of mine knew, |
| wiþ his selfes suna setl ʒetǽhte. |
with his own sons he appointed a seat; | |
| Weorod wæs on wynne: ne seah ić wídan feorh |
The troop was joyful; I have not seen in my whole life | |
| under heofones hwealf heall-sittendra |
2015 | under heaven’s vault a hall-sitters’ |
| medu-dréam máran. Hwílum mǽru cwœn, |
mead-revelry greater. At times the renowned queen, | |
| friðu-sibb folca, flett eall ʒeondhwearf, |
2017 | the peace-pledge of peoples, passed over all of the floor, |
| bǽdde byre ʒeonge; oft hío béag-wriðan |
urged on the young boys; often twisted-rings she | |
| secge sealde ǽr hío to setle ʒéong. |
gave to the warriors, before she went to her seat; | |
| Hwílum for duguðe dohtor Hróþ-gáres |
2020 | from time to time before the band of experienced warriors Hrothgar’s daughter |
| eorlum on ende ealu-wǽʒe bær, |
to nobles continuously to the end bore the ale-flagon, | |
| þá ić Fréa-ware flett-sittende |
2022 | those I Freawaru the ones on the floor |
| nemnan híerde, þǽr hío næʒled-sinc |
I heard name her, when she the studded cup | |
| hæleðum sealde. Sío ʒeháten is, |
gave to heroes, she is promised, | |
| ʒeong, gold-hroden, gladum suna Fródan; |
2025 | young, gold-adorned, to gracious son of Froda; |
| hæfþ þæs ʒeworden wine Scieldinga, |
this has arranged the Friend of the Shieldings, | |
| ríćes hierde, and þæt rǽd talaþ |
2027 | the kingdom’s shepherd, and counsel reckons it |
| þæt hé mid ðý wífe wæl-fǽhþa dǽl, |
that he with this woman a great part of the slaughter-feuds, | |
| sæćća ʒesette. Oft seldum hwǽr |
conflicts will settle. Very seldom anywhere | |
| æfter léod-hryre lýtle hwíle |
2030 | after the fall of a leader (even) a little while |
| ban-gár búgeþ þéah sío brýd duge! |
the murderous spear bends down, though the bride be good. | |
| Mæʒ þæs þanne ofþynćan þéodne Heaðo-Beardna |
2032 | This then may displease the chief of the Heatho-Bards |
| and þeʒna ʒehwǽm þára léoda, |
and every thane of that people, | |
| þanne hé mid fǽmnan on flett gǣþ: |
when he with the maiden walks on the floor: | |
| dryht-bearn Dena, duguða bewenede. |
2035 | that the noble sons of the Danes, her veteran troop, are entertained, |
| On him gladiaþ gomolra láfa, |
on them glisten ancient heirlooms, | |
| heard and hring-mǽl Heaðu-Beardna ʒestréon |
2037 | hard and ring-adorned, the Heatho-Bards’ treasure, |
| þenden híe þǽm wǽpnum wealdan móston. |
so long as they those weapons were able to wield. | |
| { 30 } (~ XXIX ~) | ||
| Oþ-þæt híe forlǽddon to þǽm lind-plegan |
Until they had led to disaster in the shield-play | |
| swǽse ʒesíðas and hira selfra feorh. |
2040 | their dear companions and their own lives. |
| Þanne cwiþ æt béore se-þe béag ʒesiehþ, |
Then speaks at the beer-drinking, he who sees a ring-precious object, | |
| eald æsc-wiga, se-þe eall ʒeman |
2042 | the old ash-warrior, he who remembers all |
| gár-cwealm gumena — him biþ grimm sefa — |
the spear-death of men — in him is a fierce heart — | |
| onʒinneþ ʒeómor-mód ʒeongum cempan |
he begins sad-spirited in a young champion, | |
| þurh hreðera ʒehyʒd hyʒes cunnian, |
2045 | by the musing of his heart, to tempt his mind, |
| wíʒ-bealu weććan and þæt word acwiþ: |
to awaken war-horror, and speaks these words: | |
| “Meaht þú, mín wine, méće ʒecnáwan |
2047 | "Can you, my friend, recognise that maiche, |
| þone þín fæder to ʒefeohte bær |
which your father bore into the fight, | |
| under here-gríman hindeman síðe, |
under his army-mask on the last campaign, | |
| díere íren, þǽr hine Dene slógon, |
2050 | precious iron, there the Danes slew him, |
| wéoldon wæl-stówe siþþan Wiðer-ʒield læʒ |
controlled the slaying-field, when retribution failed, | |
| æfter hæleða hryre, hwæte Scieldingas? |
2052 | after the heroes’ fall, the fierce Shieldings? |
| Nú hér þára banena byre nát-hwelćes |
Now here of those slayers the son of one or other of them, | |
| frætwum hrœmiʒ on flett gǣþ, |
exultant in trappings, goes across the floor, | |
| morðres ʒielpeþ and þone máðum bireþ |
2055 | boasts of murder, and wears the treasure |
| þone-þe þú mid rihte rǽdan scoldest!” |
which you by right ought to possess.” | |
| Manaþ swá and myndgaþ mǽla ʒehwelće |
2057 | Thus he incites and reminds every time |
| sárum wordum oþ-þæt sǽl cymeþ |
with grievous words, until that time comes | |
| þæt se fǽmnan þeʒn fore fæder dǽdum |
that the woman’s thane for his father’s deeds | |
| æfter billes bite blód-fág swefeþ |
2060 | from the bite of a bill-blade sleeps, stained in blood, |
| ealdres scyldiʒ; him se óðer þanan |
having forfeited life; him the other thence | |
| losaþ lifiende — cann him land ʒearwe. |
2062 | escapes alive, the land is readily known to him. |
| Þanne bíoþ abrocenu on bá healfa |
Then are broken on both sides | |
| áþ-swierd eorla [and] þan Inʒielde |
the sworn oaths of earls; then in Ingeld | |
| weallaþ wæl-níðas and him wíf-lufan |
2065 | murderous hate will well up and in him the love of woman |
| æfter car-wielmum cólran weorðaþ. |
surges of grief will become cooler; | |
| Þý ić Heaðu-Beardna hylde ne talie, |
2067 | Therefore I the Heathobards’ loyalty do not consider, |
| dryht-sibbe dǽl Denum unfǽcne, |
the alliance’s portion, for the Danes untreacherous, | |
| fríondsciepe fæstne. Ić sceal forþ sprecan |
enduring friendship. I ought speak further | |
| ʒíen ymbe Grendel þæt þú ʒearwe cunne, |
2070 | again about Grendel, that you may readily know, |
| sinces brytta, to hwon siþþan wearþ |
giver of treasure, what then happened, | |
| hand-rǽs hæleða. Siþþan heofones ʒimm |
2072 | the hand-fight of heroes when heaven’s gem |
| glád ofer grundas gǽst ierre cóm, |
had glided over the earth, the ireful guest came, | |
| atol ǽfen-gram, úre níosan |
terrible, fierce in the evening to visit us, | |
| þǽr wé ʒesunde sæl weardodon. |
2075 | where we, unharmed, warded the hall, |
| Þǽr wæs Hand-scô hild onsǽʒe, |
where was for Hondscio a sinking battle | |
| feorh-bealu fǽʒum; hé fyrmest læʒ, |
2077 | deadly evil for the doomed man; he fell first, |
| gyrded cempa. Him Grendel wearþ, |
the girded champion; for him Grendel was, | |
| mǽrum magu-þeʒne, to mund-banan; |
the famed thane of distinction, a slayer by mouth, | |
| léofes mannes líć eall forswealg. |
2080 | the belovèd man’s body swallowed up completely; |
| Ná þý ǽr út þá ʒíen ídel-hende |
not the sooner out yet empty-handed, | |
| bana blódiʒ-tóþ, bealwa ʒemyndiʒ, |
2082 | the slayer bloody-toothed, wickedness in mind, |
| of þǽm gold-sele gangan wolde |
from the gold-hall did he wish to go | |
| ac hé mæʒenes róf mín costode, |
but he, famed for his strength, tested me, | |
| grápode ʒearu-folm. Glóf hangode |
2085 | gripped with an eager hand; a pouch hung down |
| síd and seldlíć, searu-bendum fæst; |
spacious and strange, with cleverly-wrought clasps held fast, | |
| sío wæs orþancum eall ʒeʒierwed, |
2087 | it was cunningly all devised |
| díofles cræftum and dracan fellum. |
with devil’s crafts and dragon’s skins; | |
| Hé meć þǽr-on innan unsynniʒne, |
he me there inside, guiltless, | |
| déor dǽd-fruma, ʒedón wolde |
2090 | the daring instigator wished to stuff, |
| maniʒra sumne; hit ne meahte swá |
as one of many; he could not do so, | |
| siþþan ić on ierre upp-riht astód. |
2092 | since I in anger stood erect. |
| Tó lang is to reććenne hú ić þǽm léod-scaðan |
It is too long to recount how I the scourge of the people | |
| yfela ʒehwelćes andléan forʒeald, |
for each of his evils paid in hand-requital | |
| þǽr ić, þéoden mín, þíne léode |
2095 | where I, my lord, your people |
| weorðode weorcum. He on-weʒ losode, |
honored by acts; he escaped away | |
| lýtle hwíle líf-wynna bréac; |
2097 | for a little while, enjoyed the joy of life; |
| hwæðere him sío swíðre swæðe weardode |
yet from him the right, a vestige, remainded behind | |
| hand on Heorote and hé héan þanan, |
hand in Heorot, and he wretched thence, | |
| módes ʒeómor mere-grund ʒeféoll. |
2100 | gloomy in his heart, sank into the depths of the mere. |
| Mé þone wæl-rǽs wine Scieldinga |
To me for the bloody battle the Friend of the Shieldings | |
| fǽttan golde fela léanode, |
2102 | with objects of plated gold in plenty rewarded, |
| manigum máðmum siþþan merʒen cóm |
many treasures, when morning came, | |
| and we to symble ʒeseten hæfdon. |
and we to the feast had sat down | |
| Þǽr wæs ʒiedd and glíeʒ; gamol Scielding, |
2105 | where was song and glee: old Shielding |
| fela-fricgende feorran reahte; |
who has heard tell of many things, from long ago narrated; | |
| hwílum hilde-déor hearpan wynne, |
2107 | at times this battle-daring one the harp for pleasure |
| gamen-wudu grœtte, hwílum ʒiedd awræc |
the old-wood played; sometimes recited a song, | |
| sóþ and sárlíć, hwílum seldlíć spell |
true and tragic; sometimes strange tales | |
| reahte æfter rihte rúm-heort cyning. |
2110 | he related rightly, the open-hearted king; |
| Hwílum eft ongann ielde ʒebunden |
at times he began again, bound in his age, | |
| gamol gúþ-wiga ʒeoguðe cwíðan, |
2112 | the ancient war-soldier, to mourn for his youth, |
| hilde-strenǵe; hreðer inne wéoll |
his battle-strength; his heart welled inside, | |
| þanne hé wintrum fród worn ʒemunde. |
when he, wise in winter, recalled many things. | |
| Swá wé þǽr-inne andlangne dæʒ |
2115 | So we there inside a whole long day |
| níode námon oþ-þæt niht becóm |
took pleasure, until came night | |
| óðer to ieldum. Þá wæs eft hræðe |
2117 | another to men; then was again swiftly |
| ʒearu gryn-wræce Grendles módor, |
ready for grief-revenge Grendel’s mother, | |
| síðode sorgfull; sunu déaþ fornam, |
she journeyed full of sorrow; Death had taken her son, | |
| wíʒ-hete Weðera. Wíf unhíere |
2120 | the war-hate of the Wederas; the horrible woman |
| hire bearn ʒewræc, beorn acwealde |
avenged her child, killed a warrior | |
| ellenlíće; þǽr wæs Æsc-here, |
2122 | savagely; there was from Æschere, |
| fródan fyrn-witan, feorh úþgenǵe. |
the old, wise lore-counsellor, life departed. | |
| Náðer híe hine ne móston, siþþan merʒen cóm, |
Nor could they him, when morning came, | |
| déaþ-wœriʒne Deniʒa léode |
2125 | weary of death the Danish people |
| brande forbærnan né on bǽl hladan |
cremate in fire, nor lay on the funeral bale, | |
| léofne mannan; hío þæt líć ætbær |
2127 | the beloved man; she had carried off the corpse |
| fíondes fæðmum under fierʒen-stréam. |
in fiend’s embrace beneath the mountain stream; | |
| Þæt wæs Hróþ-gáre hréowa tornost |
that was for Hrothgar the most bitter grief | |
| þára-þe léod-fruma lange beʒéate. |
2130 | which the ruler of the people long had received. |
| Þá se þéoden meć þíne lífe |
Then me the chieftain, by your life, | |
| healsode hréoh-mód þæt ić on holma ʒeþring |
2132 | implored with troubled mind, that I in the waters’ tumult |
| eorlsciepe efnde, ealdre ʒenœþde, |
perform a noble act, risk life, | |
| mǽrðe fremede; hé mé méde ʒehét. |
accomplish glory; he promised me rewards. | |
| Ić þá þæs wielmes, þé is wíde cúþ, |
2135 | Then I the welling waters’, as is widely known, |
| grimme gryrelíćne grund-hierde fand. |
wrathful ghastly guard of the deep found; | |
| Þǽr unc hwíle wæs hand ʒemǽne; |
2137 | there a while we were sharing a hand; |
| holm heolfre wéoll and ić héafde bećearf |
the water welled with gore, and I cut off the head | |
| on þǽm [guþ]-sele Grendles módor |
in that deep-hall of Grendel’s mother | |
| éacnum ecgum. Unsófte þanan |
2140 | with mighty edges, not easily thence |
| feorh oþferede; næs ić fǽʒe þá ʒíet, |
I carried off my life; I was not doomed yet | |
| ac mé eorla hléow eft ʒesealde |
2142 | but to me the protector of heroes again gave |
| máðma meniʒe, maga Healf-Denes.” |
many treasures, the kinsman of Half-Dane.” | |
| { 31 } (~ XXX ~) | ||
| Swá se þéod-cyning þéawum lifde. |
So the king of the people lived according to proper custom; | |
| Nealles ić þǽm léanum forloren hæfde, |
2145 | I by no means the gifts had lost, |
| mæʒenes méde, ac hé mé maðmas ʒeaf, |
strength’s reward, but he gave me treasures, | |
| sunu Healf-Denes on mínne selfes dóm; |
2147 | the son of Half-Dane, according to my own glory, |
| þá ić þé, beorn-cyning, bringan wille, |
these I to thee, warrior-king, wish to bring, | |
| œstum ʒe-íewan. Ʒíen is eall æt þé |
graciously to offer; still is all in thee | |
| lissa ʒelang; ić lýt hæbbe |
2150 | dependent upon your favor; I have few |
| héafod-mága nefne, Hyʒe-lác, þeć!” |
near kinsmen except you Hygelac.” | |
| Hét þá inn beran eafor, héafod-seʒn, |
2152 | Then he commanded to be brought in the boar-crested standard, |
| heaðu-stéapne helm, háre byrnan, |
the battle-steep helm, hoar-silver byrnie, | |
| gúþ-sweord ʒeatulíć, ʒiedd æfter wræc: |
the beautiful war-sword; the tale thereafter uttered: | |
| “Mé þis hilde-sceorp Hróþ-gár sealde, |
2155 | “To me this battle-equipment Hrothgar gave, |
| snotora fenǵel; sume worde hét |
the clever ruler; with some words he ordered, | |
| þæt ić his ǽrest þé œst ʒesæʒde: |
2157 | that I first you its legacy relate; |
| cwæþ þæt hit hæfde Heoru-gár cyning |
he said it owned King Heorogar, | |
| léod Scieldinga lange hwíle. |
the leader of the Shieldings a long time; | |
| Ná þý ǽr suna sínum sellan wolde, |
2160 | no sooner for that to his son did he wish to give, |
| hwatum Heoru-wearde, þéah hé him hold wǽre, |
to bold Heoroweard, though he was loyal to him, | |
| bréost-ʒewǽdu. Brúc ealles wél.” |
2162 | the breast-armor. Use it all well.” |
| Híerde ić þæt þǽm frætwum féower méaras |
I heard that with the treasure four mares | |
| lungre, ʒelíće lást weardodon, |
swift, all alike, followed behind, | |
| æppel-fealwe; hé him œst ʒetéah |
2165 | apple-yellow; he to him offered the gifts, |
| méara and máðma. Swá sceal mǽʒ dôn, |
horses and riches. So should a kinsman act: | |
| nealles inwitt-nett óðrum breʒdan |
2167 | not at all malice-nets weave for others, |
| diernum cræfte, déaþ réʒnian |
with hidden arts contrive death | |
| hand-ʒesteallan. Hyʒe-láce wæs, |
of hand-companions. To Hygelac was | |
| níða heardum, nefa swíðe hold |
2170 | in fierce strife his nephew very loyal, |
| and ʒehwæðer óðrum hróðra ʒemyndiʒ. |
and each the other’s benefit remembered; | |
| Híerde ić þæt hé þone heals-béag Hyʒde ʒesealde, |
2172 | I heard that he the neck-ring gave to Hygd, |
| wrǽttlíćne wundọr-máðum ðone-þe him Wealh-þéow ʒeaf, |
the exquisite marvel-jewel, which Wealhtheow gave him, | |
| þéodnes dohtor, þrío wicg samod |
chieftain’s daughter, three horses also | |
| swancor and sadol-beorht; hire siþþan wæs |
2175 | supple and bright with saddles; then was her, |
| æfter béag-þeʒe bréost ʒeweorðod. |
after receiving the ring, breast adorned. | |
| Swá bealdode bearn Ecg-þéowes, |
2177 | Thus he was bold, the son of Edgetheow, |
| guma gúðum cúþ, gódum dǽdum, |
man famed in war, for good deeds; | |
| dréag æfter dóme; nealles druncne slóg |
he led his life for glory, never, having drunk, slew | |
| heorþ-ʒenéatas; næs him hréoh sefa, |
2180 | his hearth-companions; a troubled heart was not in him, |
| ac hé mann-cynnes mǽste cræfte, |
but he mankind’s greatest strength, | |
| ʒinn-fæstan ʒiefe, þe him God sealde, |
2182 | — that ample gift, which God gave him — |
| héold hilde-déor. Héan wæs lange |
he held, battle-daring. Long had he been abject | |
| swá hine Ʒéata bearn gódne ne tealdon |
so the sons of the Geats did not reckon him good, | |
| né hine on medu-benće mićeles wierðne |
2185 | nor to him on the mead-bench much honor |
| dryhten Wedera ʒedón wolde; |
the commander of the troops would grant; | |
| swíðe wœndon þæt hé sléac wǽre, |
2187 | they especially said, that he was slack, |
| æðeling unfram. Edwenden cóm |
no bold noble; a turn-around came | |
| tír-éadigum menn torna ʒehwelćes. |
to the glory-blessed man for each of these miseries. | |
| Hét þá eorla hléow inn ʒefetian, |
2190 | Then the protector of heroes ordered to be fetched in, |
| heaðu-róf cyning Hrœðles láfe |
the war-noble king, Hrethel’s heirloom, | |
| golde ʒeʒierede; næs mid Ʒéatum þá |
2192 | fitted out in gold; there was not among the Geats then |
| sinc-máðụm sœlra on sweordes hád. |
a better precious treasure in the manner of a sword; | |
| Þæt hé on Bío-wulfes bearm aleʒde |
that he in Beowulf’s lap layed, | |
| and him ʒesealde síofun þúsendu, |
2195 | and gave him seven thousand hides of land, |
| bold and bregu-stól. Him wæs bǽm samod |
residence and ruler’s seat. Theirs was both together | |
| on þǽm léodscipe land ʒecynde, |
2197 | in that nation inherited land, |
| eard, œðel-riht, óðrum swíðor, |
earth by ancestral privelege, to the second more | |
| síde ríće, þǽm þǽr sœlra wæs. |
of that broad kingdom to him who was higher. | |
| Eft þæt ʒe-éode uferrum dógrum |
2200 | After that it came to pass in later days |
| hilde-hlemmum, siþþan Hyʒe-lác læʒ |
in battle-clashes, when Hygelac lay dead, | |
| and Heard-rǽde hilde-méćas |
2202 | and for Heardred battle-maiches, |
| under bord-hréoðan to banan wurdon |
under the cover of his shield, became the instruments of his death, | |
| þá hine ʒesóhtan on siʒe-þéode |
when they sought him out in the victory-tribe, | |
| hearde hilde-frecan, Heaðu-Scielfingas, |
2205 | the fierce battle-ready warriors, the Battle-Shielfings, |
| níða ʒenǽʒdon nefan Here-ríćes: |
with enmity they attacked the nephew of Hereric; | |
| siþþan Bío-wulfe bráde ríće |
2207 | thereupon to Beowulf the broad kingdom |
| on hand ʒehwearf. Hé ʒehéold tela |
passed into his hands; he ruled well | |
| fíftiʒ wintra; wæs þá fród cyning, |
for fifty winters — then he was a wise king, | |
| eald œðel-weard! Oþ-þæt án ongann |
2210 | an old warden of the fatherland — until one began |
| deorcum nihtum, draca rícsian, |
in the dark nights, a dragon to rule, | |
| se-þe on heaðu-hlæwe hord bewitode, |
2212 | he who in a war-gravemound watched over a hoard, |
| stán-beorg stéarcne; stíʒ under læʒ |
a stark stone barrow; the path below lay | |
| ieldum uncúþ. Þǽr on innan ʒéong |
unknown to men. There went inside | |
| niþþa nát-hwelć, [se-þe néa]h ʒeféng |
2215 | a man, I know not which, one who groped near |
| hǽþnum horde; hand [gewriðen dǽl], |
the heathen hoard, his hand wrapped around | |
| since fágne; [ne] hé þæt siþþan beʒéat, |
2217 | an ornamented bauble; he (the dragon) did not get it afterwards, |
| þéah-þe hé slǽpende besiered wurde |
even though he who, sleeping, had been tricked | |
| þéofes cræfte; þæt sío ðéod onfand, |
by a thief’s cunning — the people discovered that | |
| bú-folc beorna, þæt hé ʒebolgen wæs. |
2220 | (the neighboring folk of men), that he was enraged. |
| { 32 } (~ XXXI ~) | ||
| Nealles wæs ʒewealdum wyrm-horda cræft, |
Not at all of his own accord was he after the power of the worm-hoard | |
| — selfes willum, se-þe him sáre ʒescód —, |
2222 | — out of his own desire, he who sorely injured him —, |
| ac for þréa-níedlan þéof nát-hwelćes |
but, because of dire-distress, a thief of I know not which | |
| hæleða bearna hete-swenǵes fléah, |
of the sons of men fled hostile blows; | |
| þǽr wæs þearfa, and þǽr-inne weall, |
2225 | there was desperation, and it welled up there within him; |
| secg synn-bysiʒ. Sóna onwáćede, |
the man haunted by guilt immediately weakened, | |
| þæt ʒeʒn þǽm ʒiest[e gryre]-bróga stód. |
2227 | given that facing the stranger stood horror and terror; |
| Hwæðere firen-scæpen [ealdre nœðde; |
however the crime-marked one risked his life; | |
| wræc-mann ætwand — him wæs wróht] scæpen — |
the exiled man escaped (an accusation had been made against him), | |
| [forht on ferhþe, þá hine] se fǽr beʒeat, |
2230 | terrified in mind when danger confronted him. |
| Note: Verses 2228-2231 (MS 179v) in chapter 32 are in part Klaeber’s (3rd ed., p. 208) hypothetical restoration of the missing words at the beginning of BL 182v. | ||
| sinc-fæt [sóhte]. Þǽr wæs swelćra fela |
He sought treasure-gold, there was a lot of such, | |
| on þǽm eorþ-sele ǽr-ʒestréona |
in that earth-hall, ancient treasures, | |
| swá híe on ʒéar-dagum gumena nát-hwelć, |
as they in former days some man, | |
| eormen-láfe æðelan cynnes, |
2234 | this great legacy of a noble kind, |
| þanc-hycgende þǽr ʒehýdde, |
2235 | full of thought, had hid there |
| díere máðmas. Ealle híe déaþ fornam |
these dear treasures; all of them Death took | |
| ǽrrum mǽlum, and se án þá-ʒíen |
in earlier times, and then were yet one | |
| léoda duguðe, se þǽr lenǵest hwearf, |
of the old warriors of that people, the one who moved about there longest, | |
| weard wine-ʒeómor, wœnde þæs ilcan, |
2239 | the friend-grieving warden, he hoped to delay that much, |
| þæt hé lýtel fæc lang-ʒestréona |
2240 | so that he for a little while the long-kept treasure |
| brúcan móste. Beorg eall-ʒearu |
would be able to enjoy. The barrow all-ready | |
| wunode on wange wæter-ýðum néah, |
occupied the plain near the water-waves, | |
| níewe be næsse, nearu-cræftum fæst. |
new on the headland, made secure by difficult-craft; | |
| Þǽr on-innan bær eorl-ʒestréona, |
2244 | there inside bore of the treasure of earls |
| hringa hierde hand-weorðne dǽl, |
2245 | a hoard of rings a hand-fashioned share |
| fǽttan goldes; féa worda cwæþ: |
of plated gold; some words he spoke: | |
| “Heald þú nú, hrúse, nú hæleþ ne móston, |
“Now hold you, Earth, now the heroes cannot | |
| eorla ǽhte! Hwæt, hit ǽr on þé |
earls’ possessions. Listen, it formerly from you | |
| góde beʒéaton. Gúþ-déaþ fornam, |
2249 | was obtained by good men; war-death has taken away, |
| feorh-bealu frœcne, firena ʒehwelćne |
2250 | terrible murder of life, of crimes each one, |
| léoda mínra þá mé-þe þis ofʒeaf, |
my belovèd people, — me to whom they gave this up: | |
| ʒesáwon sele-dréamas. N’áh, hwá sweord weʒe |
they had seen joy in the hall; one I have not, who might wield sword | |
| oþþe forþ selle fǽted wǽʒe, |
or proffer forth this gilded flagon, | |
| drynć-fæt díere; duguð ellor scóc. |
2254 | this precious drinking vessel; the veteran warriors have departed elsewhere; |
| Sceal se hearda helm, hyrsted golde, |
2255 | the stern helmet, adorned with gold, must be |
| fǽttum befeallen; feormiend swefaþ, |
stripped of its ornaments; the burnishers slumbers, | |
| þá-þe beadu-gríman bíewan scoldon; |
they who war-masks ought to brighten; | |
| ʒé swelće sío here-pád, sío æt hilde ʒebád |
also so the army’s coats of mail, which in battle endured | |
| ofer borda ʒebræc bite írena, |
2259 | over the shattering of shield-boards the bite of iron, |
| brosnaþ æfter beorne; ne mæʒ byrnan hring |
2260 | decays along with the men; byrnie’s ring may not |
| æfter wíʒ-fruman wíde fœran |
with war-fighter fare widely, | |
| hæleðum be healfe. N’is hearpan wynn, |
alongside heroes; there was not harp’s joy, | |
| gamen glíeʒ-béames né gód hafoc |
delight of glee-wood, nor good hawk | |
| ʒeond sæl swinǵeþ né se swifta mearh |
2264 | soaring through the hall, nor swift horse |
| burg-stede béateþ. Bealu-cwealm hafaþ |
2265 | trampling the courtyard; baleful death has |
| fela feorh-cynna forþ onsended!” |
many of my living kin sent forth.” | |
| Swá ʒeómor-mód ʒíehþe mǽnde |
Thus sad at heart in grief he bemoaned | |
| án æfter eallum, unblíðe hwearf |
one after all, unhappily passed | |
| dæʒes and nihtes oþ-þæt déaðes wielm |
2269 | days and nights, until the flood of Death |
| hrán æt heortan. Hord-wynne fand |
2270 | reached to his heart. Hoard-joy he found, |
| eald úht-scaða opene standan, |
the old twilight-scather, standing open, | |
| sé-þe biernende beorgas sœceþ, |
he who, burning, seeks barrows, | |
| nacod níþ-draca, nihtes fléogeþ |
the naked malevolent dragon; he flies by night, | |
| fýre befangen; hine fold-búend |
2274 | encircled in fire; him earth-dwellers |
| [swíðe dræ]da[ð]. Hé ʒesœćan sceal |
2275 | fear exceedingly. He has to seek |
| [hea]rm on hrúsan þǽr hé hǽðen gold |
harm in the ground, where he heathen gold | |
| waraþ wintrum fród. Ne biþ him wihte þý sœl! |
guards, wise in winters; he is not a bit better for that. | |
| Swá se þéod-scaða þrío-hund wintra |
So the people-scather three hundred winters | |
| héold on hrúsan hord-ærna sum |
2279 | ruled in the earth of one of the hoard-halls, |
| éacen-cræftiʒ oþ-þæt hine án abealg |
2280 | vastly powerful, until one angered him, |
| mann on móde; mann-dryhtne bær |
a man in pride: he bore to his liege-lord | |
| fǽted wǽʒe, friðu-wǽre bæd |
the gold-adorned cup, begged peace-truce | |
| hláford sínne. Þá wæs hord rásod, |
from his lord; then was the hoard ransacked, | |
| onboren béaga hord, bœne ʒetíʒðod |
2284 | rings’ hoard borne off, a boon was granted |
| féasceaftum menn. Fréa scéawode |
2285 | to the wretched man; a lord examined |
| fíra fyrn-ʒeweorc forman síðe. |
the ancient work of men for the first time. | |
| Þá se wyrm onwóc, — wróht wæs ʒeníewod; |
then the worm awoke, — quarrel was renewed — | |
| stanc þá æfter stáne, stearc-heort onfand |
he sniffed along the stone, the harsh-hearted one found | |
| fíondes fót-lást; hé to-forþ ʒestóp |
2289 | the foot-print of his foe; he too far forward had stepped |
| diernan cræfte dracan héafde néah. |
2290 | in his stealthy craft near the dragon’s head. |
| Swá mæʒ unfǽʒe íeðe ʒedíeʒan |
Provided that, one not doomed may easily survive | |
| wéan and wrǽc-síþ, se-þe Wealdendes |
woe and hardship, he who the Ruler’s | |
| hylde ʒehealdeþ. Hord-weard sóhte |
grace protects. The hoard-ward sought | |
| ʒeorne æfter grunde, wolde guman findan, |
2294 | eagerly along the ground, he wished to find the man, |
| þone-þe him on sweofote sáre ʒetéode; |
2295 | the one who him in his slumber had sorely harmed; |
| hát and hréoh-mód hlǽwum oft ymbehwearf |
hot and fierce-minded, he often circled among the mounds | |
| eallne útanweardne — né þǽr ǽniʒ mann |
all round the outside — not any man there | |
| on þǽm wœstenne. Hwæðere hilde ʒefeah |
in that wilderness, but he rejoiced in battle, | |
| beadwe weorces; — hwílum on beorg æthwearf, |
2299 | of battle-work — sometimes he turned back to the barrow, |
| sinc-fæt sóhte; hé þæt sóna onfand, |
2300 | sought the treasure-cup; he suddenly discovered, |
| þæt hæfde gumena sum goldes ʒefandod, |
that a certain man had distrubed the gold, | |
| héah-ʒestréona. Hord-weard onbád |
the high treasures; the hoard-ward waited | |
| earfoþlíće oþ-þæt ǽfen cóm. |
with great difficulty, until evening came; | |
| Wæs þá ʒebolgen beorges hierde, |
2304 | then was enraged the keeper of the barrow, |
| wolde se láða líeʒe forʒieldan |
2305 | he wished the injury to repay with flame, |
| drinc-fæt díere. Þá wæs dæʒ scæcen |
the dear drinking-vessel. Then the day was departed | |
| wyrme on willan; ná on wealle læʒ |
to the joy of the wyrm; he did not lie within the wall, | |
| bídan wolde ac mid bǽle fór |
(nor) wished to wait, but with bale-fire set forth, | |
| fýre ʒefýsed. Wæs se fruma eʒeslíć |
2309 | infused with flame; this beginning was terrible |
| léodum on lande, swá hit lungre wearþ |
2310 | for the people in the land, as it soon was |
| on hira sinc-ʒiefan sáre ʒe-endod. |
upon their treasure-giver painfully ended. | |
| { 33 } (~ XXXII ~) | ||
| Þá se ʒiest ongann glœdum spíwan, |
Then the demon began to spew flames, | |
| beorht hofu bærnan; bryne-léoma stód |
to burn bright houses; the gleam of fire rose | |
| ieldum on andan; ná þǽr áwiht cwićes |
2314 | to the horror of the men; nor there aught alive |
| láþ lyft-floga lǽfan wolde. |
2315 | the hateful air-flier wished to leave; |
| Wæs þæs wyrmes wíʒ wíde ʒesíene, |
the war-strength of that wyrm was widely seen, | |
| nearu-fáges níþ néan and feorran, |
the malice of the darkly cunning one near and far, | |
| hú se gúþ-scaða Ʒéata léode |
how the war-scather the people of the Geats | |
| hatode and híende; hord eft ʒescéat, |
2319 | hated and humiliated; back to his hoard he shot, |
| dryht-sele diernne ǽr dæʒes hwíle. |
2320 | the hidden lord-hall ere the time of day; |
| Hæfde land-ware líeʒe befangen, |
the inhabitants of the land had been seized by flame, | |
| bǽle and brande; beorges ʒetrúwode, |
in blaze and in fire; his barrow he trusted, | |
| wíʒes and wealles. Him sío wœn ʒeléag! |
his war-skill and his walls; him this belief deceived. | |
| Þá wæs Bío-wulfe bróga ʒecýðed |
2324 | Then was to Beowulf the danger made known |
| snúde to sóðe, þæt his selfes hám, |
2325 | quickly in truth, that his own home, |
| bolda sœlest bryne-wielmum mealt, |
the finest of dwellings, in waves of heat melted, | |
| ʒief-stól Ʒéata. Þæt þǽm gódan wæs |
the throne of the Geats; that was to the good man | |
| hréow on hreðere, hyʒe-sorga mǽst. |
a grief in his heart, of the mind-sorrows the greatest; | |
| Wœnde se wísa þæt hé Wealdende |
2329 | the wise man thought that he the Ruler |
| ofer ealde riht, œćan Dryhtne, |
2330 | against ancient law eternal Lord |
| bitere ʒebulge; bréost innan wéoll |
had bitterly angered; inside his breast welled | |
| þéostrum ʒeþancum swá him ʒeþíewe ne wæs. |
with thoughts of gloom, such was not usual for him. | |
| Hæfde líeʒ-draca léoda fæsten, |
The fire-drake had the fortress of the people, | |
| éa-land útan, eorþ-weard þone |
2334 | by the coast-land, the stronghold |
| glœdum forgrunden; him þæs gúþ-cyning, |
2335 | ground down with flames; him for that the war-king, |
| Wedera þéoden, wræce liornode. |
the chief of the Wederas, studied vengeance; | |
| Hét him þá ʒewyrćan wíʒendra hléow |
then he ordered to be made for him, a warriors’ protector, | |
| eall-írene, eorla dryhten, |
all of iron, the lord of earls, | |
| wíʒ-bord wrǽtlíć; wisse hé ʒearwe |
2339 | a wonderous war-board; he readily knew, |
| þæt him holt-wudu helpan ne meahte, |
2340 | that him tree-wood could not help, |
| lind wiþ líeʒe. Scolde lǽn-daga |
linden-wood against fire. He had to his seafaring-days, | |
| æðeling ǽr-gód ende ʒebídan, |
the old, good noble, abide the end | |
| weorolde lífes and se wyrm samod, |
of life in the world, and the wyrm together, | |
| þéah-þe hord-welan héolde lange. |
2344 | though the hoard-wealth he had held long. |
| Oferhogode þá hringa fenǵel |
2345 | Then he scorned, the rings’ lord, |
| þæt hé þone wíd-flogan weorode ʒesóhte, |
that he the wide-flier would seek out with a troop, | |
| sídan heriʒe; ná hé him þǽm sæćće ondréd |
a large army; he did not the strife dread for himself, | |
| né him þæs wyrmes wíʒ for wiht dyde, |
nor him the wyrm’s fire esteem a bit, | |
| eafoþ and ellen, for-þon hé ǽr fela, |
2349 | power and courage, for that he before many, |
| nearu nœðende níða ʒedíeʒde, |
2350 | narrowly risking, hostilities survived, |
| hilde-hlemma, siþþan hé Hróþ-gáres, |
battle-clashes, since he Hrothgar’s, | |
| sigor-éadiʒ secg, sele fǽlsode |
— victory-favored man — hall cleansed, | |
| and æt gúðe forgráp Grendles magum |
and in war overwhelmed Grendel’s race, | |
| láðan cynnes. Ná þæt lǽsest wæs |
2354 | hateful kind. Not the least was |
| hand-ʒemóta þǽr man Hyʒe-lác slóg |
2355 | the hand-to-hand encounter, where one slew Hygelac, |
| siþþan Ʒéata cyning gúðe rǽsum, |
after the Geats’ king, in war’s rushes, | |
| fréa-wine folca Frís-landum on, |
the lord and friend of the folk, in Frisia, | |
| Hrœðles eafora heoru-drynćum swealt, |
Hrethel’s heir, died in the drink of sword, | |
| bille ʒebéaten. Þanan Bío-wulf cóm |
2359 | beaten down by bill-blades. Then Beowulf came |
| selfes cræfte, sund-nytte dréag; |
2360 | by his own strength, he made use of the sea; |
| hæfde him on earme eallra þrítiʒ |
he had in his arms a full thirty | |
| hilde-ʒeatwa þá hé tó holme ʒéong. |
battle-harnesses, when he mounted the ocean; | |
| Nealles Hætt-ware hrœmiʒe þorfton |
not at all did the Hetwares had need to be exaulting | |
| fœðe-wíʒes þe him foran onʒeaʒn |
2364 | over the fighting on foot, who forth against him |
| linda bǽron. Lýt eft becóm |
2365 | bore linden-wood shields; few came back |
| fram þǽm hild-frecan hámes níosan! |
from that warrior to visit their homes. | |
| Oferswam þá sioloða begang sunu Ecg-þéowes, |
He crossed over then the flowing expanse of waters, the son of of Edgetheow, | |
| earm án-haga eft to léodum. |
wretched and solitary, back to the people, | |
| Þǽr him Hyʒd ʒebéad hord and ríće, |
2369 | there Hygd bade him hoard and kingdom, |
| béagas and bregu-stól; bearne ne trúwode, |
2370 | rings and throne: in her son she did not trust |
| þæt hé wiþ ell-fylćum œðel-stólas |
that he against foreign peoples the ancestral throne | |
| healdan cúðe þá wæs Hyʒe-lác déad. |
had the power to hold when Hygelac was dead; | |
| Ná þý ǽr féascæfte findan meahton |
not the sooner the destitute ones could find | |
| æt þǽm æðelinge ǽniʒe þinga |
2374 | in the noble one by any means, |
| þæt hé Heard-rǽde hláford wǽre |
2375 | that he to Heardred would be a lord, |
| oþþe þone cyne-dóm céosan wolde. |
or the kingdom wished to accept; | |
| Hwæðere hé him on folce fríond-lárum héold, |
yet he to him among the folk upheld with the counsels of a friend, | |
| œstum mid áre oþ-þæt hé íeldra wearþ, |
graciously in honor, until he grew older, | |
| Weder-Ʒéatum wéold. Hine wræc-mæcgas |
2379 | ruled the Weder-Geats. Him banished men |
| ofer sǽ sóhtan, suna Óht-heres; |
2380 | from across the sea sought, sons of Ohthere; |
| hæfdon híe forhealden helm Scielfinga, |
they had rebelled against the Helm of the Scylfings, | |
| þone sœlestan sǽ-cyninga |
the finest of sea-kings | |
| þára-þe on Swéo-ríće sinc brytnode, |
who there in Sweden dispensed treasure, | |
| mǽrne þéoden. Him þæt to mearce wearþ; |
2384 | famed chieftain; to him it became the end; |
| hé þǽr for feorme feorh-wunde hléat, |
2385 | there he for his hospitality received a mortal-wound, |
| sweordes swenǵum, sunu Hyʒe-láces; |
from sword’s swing, the son of Hygelac; | |
| and him eft ʒewát Angen-þéowes bearn |
and he went back, Ongentheow’s son | |
| hámes níosan siþþan Heard-rǽd læʒ, |
to seek his home, after Heardred lay dead; | |
| lét þone bregu-stól Bío-wulf healdan, |
2389 | the throne he let Beowulf hold, |
| Ʒéatum wealdan. Þæt wæs gód cyning! |
2390 | to rule the Geats; that was a good king. |
| { 34 } (~ XXXIII ~) | ||
| Sé þæs léod-hryres léan ʒemunde |
He for the prince’s fall requital remembered | |
| uferrum dógrum, Éad-ʒilse wearþ |
in later days, to Eadgils he became | |
| féasceaftum fríond; folce ʒestíepte |
a friend in his plight; with men he supported | |
| ofer sǽ síde sunu Óht-heres, |
2394 | over the wide sea the son of Ohtere, |
| wiʒum and wǽpnum; hé ʒewræc siþþan |
2395 | with warriors and weapons; he had vengeance then |
| ćealdum car-síðum, cyning ealdre benéat. |
in cold grief-bringing ventures, he deprived the king of his life: | |
| Swá hé níða ʒehwone ʒenesen hæfde, |
so he each of the enmities had survived, | |
| slíðra ʒesliehta, sunu Ecg-þéowes, |
dire conflicts, the son of Ecgetheow, | |
| ellen-weorca, oþ þone ánne dæʒ |
2399 | deeds of courage, until the one day, |
| þe hé wiþ þám wyrme ʒewegan scolde. |
2400 | when he with the serpent must struggle. |
| Ʒewát þá twelfa sum, torne ʒebolgen, |
Then he went, one of twelve, swollen with anger, | |
| dryhten Ʒéata dracan scéawian. |
the lord of the Geats, to behold the dragon; | |
| Hæfde þá ʒefrugnen hwanan sío fǽhþ arás |
he had heard then whence this feud arose, | |
| bealu-níþ beorna; him to bearme cóm |
2404 | wicked hostility for men: to his bosom came |
| máðụm-fæt mǽre, þurh þæs meldan hand. |
2405 | the precious vessel, through the informer’s hand; |
| Sé wæs on þǽm þréate þrío-teogoða secg, |
he was in that group the thirteenth men, | |
| se þæs orleʒes ór onstealde, |
he who this strife’s origin brought about, | |
| hæft hyʒe-ʒeómor, scolde héan þanan |
the gloomy-minded captive; he was obliged, humbly, thence | |
| wang wísian. Hé ofer willan ʒéong |
2409 | to lead the way to the place; he went against his will |
| to-þæs-þe hé eorþ-sele ánne wisse, |
2410 | to where the earth-hall he alone knew, |
| hlǽw under hrúsan holm-wielme néah, |
the cairn under the ground near the surging of the sea, | |
| ýþ-ʒewinne; se wæs innan full |
the struggle of the waves; it was full inside | |
| wrǽtta and wíra. Weard unhíere, |
of jewels and intricate metal-work; an unpleasant guard, | |
| ʒearu gúþ-freca gold-máðmas héold, |
2414 | ready, eager war-fighter held golden treasures |
| eald under eorðan; næs þæt íeðe ćéap |
2415 | old under the earth; that was not an easy bargain, |
| to ʒegangenne gumena ǽnigum. |
to obtain for any man. | |
| Ʒesæt þá on næsse níþ-heard cyning |
Then on the headland sat the violence-hard king, | |
| þenden hǽle abéad heorþ-ʒenéatum |
while prosperity bid to his hearth-companions, | |
| gold-wine Ʒéata. Him wæs ʒeómor sefa, |
2419 | the gold-friend of the Geats; in him his heart was sad, |
| wǽfre and wæl-fús, wyrd unʒemete néah, |
2420 | restless and slaughter-eager, fate all too near |
| sío þone gamolan grœtan scolde, |
which the old man must greet, | |
| sœćan sáwle hord, sundor ʒedǽlan |
seeking the treasure of his soul, sever asunder | |
| líf wiþ líce; ná þon lange wæs |
life from limb; it was not for long then | |
| feorh æðelinges flǽsce bewunden. |
2424 | the nobleman’s life would be wound in his flesh. |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bearn Ecg-þéowes: |
2425 | Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow: |
| “Fela ić on ʒeoguðe gúþ-rǽsa ʒenæs, |
“In youth I many war-storms survived, | |
| orleʒ-hwíla; ić þæt eall ʒeman. |
in battle-times; I remember all of that; | |
| Ić wæs siofun-wintre þá meć sinca bealdọr, |
I was seven-winters (old) when me the lord of treasure, | |
| fréa-wine folca, æt mínum fæder ʒenam. |
2429 | the lord and friend of the folk, took from my father; |
| Héold meć and hæfde Hrœðel cyning, |
2430 | held and had me King Hrethel, |
| ʒeaf mé sinc and symbẹl, sibbe ʒemunde; |
gave me treasure and feast, recalled kinship; | |
| næs ić him tó lífe láðra áwihte |
I was not by him in life less in aught, | |
| beorn on burgum þanne his bearna hwelć, |
a man in citadel, than each of his own sons, | |
| Here-beald and Hæþ-cynn oþþe Hyʒe-lác mín. |
2434 | Herebeald and Haethcyn or my Hygelac. |
| Wæs þǽm ieldestan unʒedœfelíće |
2435 | For the eldest was, unfittingly, |
| mǽʒes dǽdum morðọr-bedd strêd |
by a kinsman’s deeds a death-bed strewed, | |
| siþþan hine Hæþ-cynn of horn-bogan, |
when him Haethcyn from a horn-bow | |
| his fréa-wine fláne ʒeswenćte, |
his friend and lord struck down with an arrow, | |
| misste mierćelses and his mǽʒ ofscéat, |
2439 | missed his mark and his kinsman shot dead, |
| bróðor óðerne, blódigan gáre. |
2440 | the one brother the other with a bloody bolt; |
| Þæt wæs feoh-léas ʒefeoht, firenum ʒesynnigod, |
that was an irreparable fight, grieviously wronged, | |
| hreðere hyʒe-mœðe; scolde hwæðere swá-þéah |
heart-wearying in the breast; yet must though | |
| æðeling unwrecen ealdres linnan. |
the noble unavenged be parted from life. | |
| Swá biþ ʒeómorlíć gamolum ćeorle |
2444 | In the same way it is tragic for an old man |
| to ʒebídenne þæt his byre ríde |
2445 | to abide that his son rides |
| ʒeong on ʒealgum. Þanne hé ʒiedd wrece, |
young on the gallows: then he utters a dirge, | |
| sáriʒne sang, þanne his sunu hangaþ |
a sorrowing song, that his son hangs | |
| hræfne to hróðre and hé him helpan ne mæʒ, |
for the pleasure of the raven, and he can not him help, | |
| eald and infród, ǽniʒe ʒefremman! |
2449 | old and experienced, any provide; |
| Simble biþ ʒemyndigod morgna ʒehwelće |
2450 | ever is reminded each morning, |
| eaforan ellor-síþ; óðres ne ʒíemeþ |
of the other-world journey of his son; another he heeds not | |
| to ʒebídenne burgum on-innan |
to wait for within the strongholds, | |
| ierfe-weardes þanne se án hafaþ |
guardian of inheritance, when the one he has | |
| þurh déaðes níed dǽda ʒefandad. |
2454 | through Death’s compulsion experienced deeds; |
| Ʒesiehþ sorg-cariʒ on his suna búre |
2455 | he sees, sad and sorrowful, in his son’s dwelling |
| wín-sele wœstne, windiʒe ræste, |
a wine-hall wasted, a wind-swept resting place | |
| rœte berofene; rídend swefaþ, |
bereft of joy; the riders sleep, | |
| hæleþ on hoþman; n’is þǽr hearpan swœʒ, |
heroes hidden in graves; there is not sound of harp, | |
| gamen on ʒeardum swelće þǽr ʒeó wǽron. |
2459 | revelry in the courts, such as long ago there was. |
| { 35 } (~ XXXIV ~) | ||
| Ʒewíteþ þanne on sealman, sorg-léoþ gæleþ |
2460 | He goes then to his bed, sings a song of sorrow, |
| án æfter ánum; þúhte him eall to rúm, |
one man on account of one man; it seemed to him all too roomy, | |
| wangas and wíc-stede. Swá Wedera helm |
the fields and the dwelling-place. Thus the Helm of the Wederas | |
| æfter Here-bealde heortan sorge |
on account of Herebeald heart’s sorrow, | |
| weallinde wæg; wihte ne meahte |
2464 | welling, endured: not a whit could he |
| on þǽm feorh-banan fǽhþe ʒebœtan; |
2465 | on that life-slayer settle a feud; |
| ná þý ǽr hé þone heaðu-rinc hatian ne meahte |
nor the more for that warrior could he show hatred | |
| láðum dǽdum þéah him léof ne wæs. |
with hostile acts, though he by him was not loved; | |
| Hé þá mid þǽre sorge, þe him sío sáre belamp, |
he then with that sorrow, which on him that sorely befell, | |
| gum-dréam ofʒeaf, Godes léoht ʒećéas; |
2469 | he gave over human joys, choose God’s light; |
| eaforum lǽfde, swá dœþ éadiʒ mann, |
2470 | to his heirs he left, as does a fortunate man, |
| land and léod-byriʒ þá hé of lífe ʒewát. |
the land and the folk-citadel, when he departed from life. | |
| Þá wæs synn and sacu Swéona and Ʒéata, |
Then was injury and strife of the Swedes and the Geats | |
| ofer wíd wæter wróht ʒemǽne, |
over the wide water a quarrel shared, | |
| here-níþ hearda siþþan Hrœðel swealt |
2474 | hard military-spite, after Hrethel died, |
| oþþe him Angen-þéowes eaforan wǽron |
2475 | and to him Ongentheow’s heirs were |
| frame, fierd-hwæte; fríode ne woldon |
vigorous and martial; they did not wish friendship | |
| ofer hafu healdan ac ymb Hréosna-beorg |
to hold across the ocean, but around Hreosnabeorh | |
| atolne inwitt-scær oft ʒefremedon. |
horrible, malicious raiding often committed | |
| Þæt mǽʒ-wine míne ʒewrǽcon, |
2479 | that kin-friends of mine avenged, |
| fǽhþe and firene, swá hit ʒefrǽʒe wæs, |
2480 | feud and crime, as it was famous, |
| þéah-þe óðer his ealdre ʒebohte, |
though one of the two with his life paid, | |
| heardan ćéape; Hæþ-cynne wearþ, |
a hard bargain; for Hathcyn was, | |
| Ʒéata dryhtne, gúþ onsǽʒe. |
the Geats’ lord, war impending. | |
| Þá ić on morgne ʒefræʒn mǽʒ óðerne |
2484 | Then I heard in the morning that one kinsman the other |
| billes ecgum on banan stǽlan, |
2485 | with bill’s edges took vengeance on the slayer, |
| þǽr Angen-þéow Eofores néosaþ; |
there Ongentheow is attacked by Eofor; | |
| gúþ-helm toglád, gamola Scielfing |
the war-helm slipped asunder, the agèd Scylfing | |
| hréas heaðu-blác; hand ʒemunde |
fell battle-pale. The hand remembered | |
| fǽhþa ʒenóga, feorh-swenć ne oftéah. |
2489 | feuds a-plenty, did not withhold the life-blow. |
| Ić him þá máðmas, þé hé mé sealde, |
2490 | I to him the treasures, which he had given me, |
| ʒeald æt gúðe, swá mé ʒifeðe wæs, |
repaid in war, as was granted to me, | |
| léohtan sweorde; hé mé land forʒeaf, |
with flashing sword; he gave me land, | |
| eard, œðel-wynn. Næs him ǽniʒ þearf |
earth, the joy of homeland; there was not for him any need, | |
| þæt hé to Ʒiefþum oþþe to Gár-Denum |
2494 | that he among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes |
| oþþe on Swéo-ríce sœćan þurfe |
2495 | or in the Swedish Kingdom needed to seek |
| wiersan wíʒ-frecan, weorðe ʒećíepan. |
a worse war-eager fighter, to buy with wealth: | |
| Simble ić him on fœðan beforan wolde, |
always, in the foot-troop, I him wished to go before, | |
| ána on orde, and swá to ealdre sceal |
alone in the vanguard, and thus must I always | |
| sæćće fremman þenden þis sweord þolaþ |
2499 | act in battle, while this sword endures |
| þæt meć ǽr and síþ oft ʒelǽste, |
2500 | that which me, early and later, has often served, |
| siþþan ić for duguðum Dæʒ-hræfne wearþ |
since I, in front of the legions, of Daeghrefn was | |
| to hand-banan, Húga cempan. |
his slayer by hand, the champion of the Hugas; | |
| Nealles hé þá frætwe Frís-cyninge, |
in no way the precious ornaments to the Frisian king, | |
| bréost-weorðunge bringan móste, |
2504 | breast-adorning, was he able to bring, |
| ac on campe ʒecrang cumbles hierde, |
2505 | but rather in the fight fell the banner’s keeper, |
| æðeling on ellne; ne wæs ecg bana |
the noble in courage; blade’s edge was not the killer | |
| ac him hilde-gráp heortan wielmas, |
but my battle-grip on him his heart’s beats, | |
| bán-hús ʒebræc. Nú sceal billes ecg, |
his bone-house, broke. Now I must with bill’s edge, | |
| hand and heard sweord ymb hord wígan.” |
2509 | hand and hard sword fight for the hoard.” |
| Bío-wulf maðelode, bíot-wordum spræc |
2510 | Beowulf declared, spoke vow-words |
| níehstan síðe: “Ić ʒenœþde fela |
for the last time: “I have risked many | |
| gúða on ʒeoguðe; ʒíet ić wille, |
wars in my youth; yet I wish, | |
| fród folces weard, fǽhþe sœćan, |
old, wise warden of the folk, to seek vendetta, | |
| mǽrðe fremman ʒief meć se mán-scaða |
2514 | to earn renown, if me that wreaker of evil |
| of eorþ-sele út ʒesœćeþ.” |
2515 | from his earth-hall ventures out to greet.” |
| Ʒegrœtte þá gumena ʒehwelćne, |
He then saluted each of the men, | |
| hwæte helm-berend hindeman síðe, |
bold helm-bearers for the final time, | |
| swǽse ʒesíðas: “Nolde ić sweord beran, |
dear companions: “I would not bear a sword, | |
| wǽpen to wyrme ʒief ić wisse hú |
2519 | a weapon against the wyrm, if I knew how |
| wiþ þǽm ág-lǽćan elles meahte |
2520 | against the monster else I might |
| ʒielpe wiþgrípan swá ić ʒeó wiþ Grendle dyde; |
grapple for glory, as I did before with Grendel | |
| ac ić þǽr heaðu-fýres hátes wœne, |
but I there furious fire’s heat expect, | |
| rœðes and átres; for-þon ić mé on hæbbe |
fierce and poisonous; therefore I have on me | |
| bord and byrnan. Nylle ić beorges weard |
2524 | shield-board and byrnie; nor will I from the barrow’s guard |
| oferfléòn fótes trem, ac unc [feohte] sceal |
2525 | flee a foot but for us the fight must |
| weorðan æt wealle, swá unc wyrd ʒetéoþ, |
happen at the wall as Fate allots us, | |
| meotod manna ʒehwæs. Ić eom on móde fram |
the Creator of all men; I am bold in spirit | |
| þæt ić wiþ þone gúþ-flogan ʒielp ofersitte. |
that I against the war-flier forbear from boast. | |
| Ʒebíde ʒé on beorge byrnum werede, |
2529 | You, await here on the barrow, clad in byrnies, |
| secgas on searwum, hwæðer sœl mæʒe |
2530 | warriors in war-gear, which better can |
| æfter wæl-rǽse wunde ʒedíeʒan |
during the slaughter-clash survive wound | |
| uncer twœʒa. N’is þæt íower síþ |
of the two of us; it is not your adventure, | |
| né ʒemet mannes nefne mín ánes |
nor in the power of men, save mine alone.” | |
| þæt he wíþ ág-lǽćan eafoðu dǽle, |
2534 | He knew that against the beast he would deal out his strength, |
| eorlsciepe efne. Ić mid ellne sceal |
2535 | achieve noble rank; “I must with courage |
| gold ʒegangan oþþe gúþ nimeþ, |
gain the gold, or war takes, | |
| feorh-bealu frœcne, fréan íowerne.” |
terrible deadly wound, your lord.” | |
| Arás þá be rande róf óretta, |
Then he arose by means of his shield, the bold warrior, | |
| heard under helme, heoru-sierćan bær |
2539 | severe under his helm, he wore sword-shirt |
| under stán-clifu; strenǵe ʒetruwode |
2540 | under stone cliffs, trusted in the strength |
| ánes mannes. Ne biþ swelć earges síþ! |
of a single man; such is not the coward’s way. | |
| Ʒeseah þá be wealle se-þe worna fela, |
He saw then by the wall, he who a great number, | |
| gum-cystum gód, gúða ʒedíeʒde, |
nobly good, wars survived, | |
| hilde-hlemma þanne hniton fœðan, |
2544 | battle-clashes, when armies collided; |
| stódan stán-bogan, stréam út þanan |
2545 | it stood by the stone-arch, a stream out from there |
| brecan of beorge. Wæs þǽre burnan wielm |
breaking out of the barrow; there was the brook’s surge | |
| heaðu-fýrum hát né meahte horde néah |
hot with deadly fire, he could not near the hoard | |
| unbiernende ǽniʒe hwíle |
without burning for any space of time | |
| déop ʒedíeʒan for dracan líeʒe. |
2549 | endure the depths on account of the dragon’s fire. |
| Lét þá of bréostum, þá hé ʒebolgen wæs, |
2550 | Then he let from his breast, when he was angered, |
| Weder-Ʒéata léod word út faran; |
the Weder-Geat’s leader, a word burst out, | |
| stearc-heort styrmde; stefn inn becóm |
the staunch-hearted one roared; his voice came in, | |
| heaðu-torht hlynnan under hárne stán. |
ringing battle-clear beneath the hoary grey stone; | |
| Hete wæs onhrœred, hord-weard oncnéow |
2554 | hate was aroused, the hoard-guard knew |
| mannes reorde; næs þǽr mára frist |
2555 | man’s voice; there was not more time |
| fríode to friclan. Fram ǽrest cóm |
to ask for peace; first came forth | |
| oroþ ag-lǽćan út of stáne, |
the monster’s breath out of the stone, | |
| hát hilde-swát; hrúse dynede. |
hot battle-vapor; the earth thundered; | |
| Beorn under beorge bord-rand onswáf |
2559 | the warrior below the barrow swung his shield-boss |
| wiþ þǽm gryre-ʒieste, Ʒéata dryhten; |
2560 | against the terror-guest, the Geats’ lord; |
| þá wæs hring-bogan heorte ʒefýsed |
then was the ring-coiled one’s heart incited | |
| sæćće to sœćenne. Sweord’ ǽr ʒebræʒd |
to seek strife; his sword before drew | |
| gód gúþ-cyning, gamole láfe, |
the good war-king, ancient heirloom, | |
| ecgum ungléaw; ǽʒhwæðerum wæs |
2564 | imprudent with sword-edges; was in each |
| bealu-hycgendra bróga fram óðrum. |
2565 | of the harm-intending ones terror of the other; |
| Stíþ-mód ʒestód wiþ stéapne rand |
firm-spirited stood with his steep bossed-shield | |
| winiʒa bealdor þá se wyrm ʒebéag |
the brave leader of the friends, while the serpent coiled | |
| snúde tosamne; hé on searwum bád. |
together swiftly; He in war-gear waited; | |
| ʒewát þá biernende ʒebogen scríðan, |
2569 | went then burning gliding coiled, |
| to ʒesciepe scyndan. Scield wél ʒebearg |
2570 | hastening to his destiny; the shield defended well |
| lífe and líce lǽssan hwíle |
life and body for a lesser time | |
| mǽrum þéodne þanne his myne sóhte; |
the famed chieftain, then his mind desired, | |
| þǽr hé þý friste forman dógre |
where he that time for the first day | |
| wealdan móste swá him wyrd ne ʒescráf |
2574 | had to wield it, as Fate had not decreed for him |
| hrœþ æt hilde. Hand upp abrǽʒd |
2575 | glory in battle: he raised up his hand, |
| Ʒéata dryhten, gryre-fágne slóg |
the Geatish lord; the ghastly-hued one he struck | |
| incge-láfe þæt sío ecg ʒewác |
with his ancestral sword, so that the edge weakened | |
| brún on báne, bát unswíðor |
bright on bone, bit less fiercely | |
| þanne his þéod-cyning þearfe hæfde, |
2579 | than its tribe-king had need |
| bisigum ʒebǽded. Þá wæs beorges weard |
2580 | driven in distress. Then the barrow’s ward was |
| æfter heaðu-swenǵe on hréoụm móde, |
after the war-blow in a fierce spirit; | |
| wearp wæl-fýre; wíde sprungon |
he spewed slaughter-fire; widely spread | |
| hilde-léoman. Hrœþ-sigora ne ʒealp |
battle-light. Of war-victory did not boast | |
| gold-wine Ʒéata; gúþ-bill ʒeswác |
2584 | the gold-friend of the Geats; his war-bill failed, |
| nacod æt níðe swá hit ná scolde, |
2585 | naked in the violence, as it should not have, |
| íren ǽr-gód. Ne wæs þæt íeðe síþ |
the excellent old iron; that was not an easy accomplishment, | |
| þæt se mǽra maga Ecg-þéowes |
that the famed son of Edgetheow | |
| grund-wang þone ofʒiefan wolde; |
this earth should be willing to give up; | |
| scolde willan wíć eardian |
2589 | he would have to be about to inhabit a dwelling |
| elles-hwerʒen, swá sceal ǽʒhwelć mann |
2590 | elsewhere, as must every man |
| alǽtan lǽn-dagas. Næs þá lang to þon |
abandon loaned-days. It was not long to when | |
| þæt þá ag-lǽćan híe eft ʒemœtton. |
that the fierce enemies again met each other: | |
| Hierte hine hord-weard — hreðer ǽðme wéoll — |
the hoard-guardian heartened himself, his breast swelled with breath, | |
| níewan stefne; nearu þrówode, |
2594 | another time; cruelly suffered, |
| fýre befangen, se-þe ǽr folce wéold. |
2595 | encircled in fire, he who had once ruled a nation. |
| Nealles him on héape hand-ʒesteallan, |
Not at all him in a troop the hand-companions, | |
| æðelinga bearn ymbe ʒestódon |
nobles’ sons, around him stood | |
| hilde-cystum ac híe on holt bugon, |
with valor in battle, but they sunk to the forest, | |
| ealdre burgon. Hira on ánum wéoll |
2599 | to protect life; in one of them surged |
| sefa wiþ sorgum. Sibb’ ǽfre ne mæʒ |
2600 | his heart with sorrows; kinship can never |
| wiht onwendan þǽm-þe wél þenceþ. |
aught be altered, in him who thinks properly. | |
| { 36 } (~ XXXV ~) | ||
| « Wíʒ-láf » wæs háten, Wíoh-stánes sunu, |
« Wiglaf » he was called, son of Weohstan, | |
| léoflíć lind-wiga, léod Scielfinga, |
noble shield-fighter, man of the Scylfings, | |
| mǽʒ Ælf-heres; ʒeseah his mann-dryhten |
2604 | kinsman of Ælfhere; he saw his liege-lord |
| under here-gríman hát þrówian. |
2605 | under the war-mask suffering heat; |
| Ʒemunde þá þá áre þé hé him ǽr forʒeaf, |
he remembered then the honor that he had given him before, | |
| wíc-stede weliʒne Wǽʒ-mundinga, |
lush dwelling-place of the Waegmundings, | |
| folc-rihta ʒehwelć swá his fæder áhte; |
to each folk-rights, as his father had owned; | |
| ne meahte þá forhabban, hand rand ʒeféng, |
2609 | then he could not hold back, his hand seized his round shield, |
| ʒeolwe linde, gamol sweord ʒetéah. |
2610 | yellow lindenwood, he drew his ancient sword; |
| Þæt wæs mid íeldum Éan-mundes láf, |
it was among men the legacy of Eanmund, | |
| suna Óht-heres. Þǽm æt sæćće wearþ, |
son of Ohthere; of him in battle was, | |
| wreććan wine-léasum, Wíoh-stánes bana |
of the friendless exile, Weohstan his slayer | |
| méćes ecgum and his mágum ætbær |
2614 | by maiche’s edges, and to his kinsman he brought back |
| brún-fágne helm, hringde byrnan, |
2615 | bright-gleaming helm, ringed byrnie, |
| eald sweord etonisc. Þæt him Anela forʒeaf, |
an old ogrish sword; that to him Onela returned, | |
| his gædelinges gúþ-ʒewǽdu, |
his kinsman’s war-garment, | |
| fierd-searu fúslíć; ná ymbe þá fǽhþe spræc |
war-devised clothing; he did not speak of the feud, | |
| þéah-þe hé his bróðor bearn abredwode. |
2619 | though he his brother’s son had slain; |
| Hé frætwa ʒehéold fela misséra, |
2620 | he held the treasures for many seasons, |
| bill and byrnan, oþ-þæt his byre meahte |
bill and byrnie, until his son could | |
| eorlsciepe efnan swá his ǽr-fæder; |
accomplish noble deeds like his old father; | |
| ʒeaf him þá mid Ʒéatum gúþ-ʒewǽda, |
then, among the Geats, he gave him war-clothing, | |
| ǽʒhwæs unrím, þá hé of ealdre ʒewát |
2624 | of all kinds, in countless number, then he went from life, |
| fród on forþ-weg. Þá wæs forma síþ |
2625 | wise, on the way forth. Then was the first time |
| ʒeongan cempan þæt hé gúðe rǽs |
for the young champion, that he the rush of war | |
| mid his frío-dryhtne fremman scolde. |
with his noble lord had to perform; | |
| Ne ʒemealt him se mód-sefa né his mæʒenes láf |
his spirited heart in him did not melt away, nor the remainder of his strength | |
| ʒeswác æt wíʒe. Þæt se wyrm onfand |
2629 | fail in the fight; then the wyrm had discovered, |
| siþþan híe togædere ʒegán hæfdon. |
2630 | when they together had come. |
| Wíʒ-láf maðelode, word-rihta fela |
Wiglaf spoke, many proper words | |
| sæʒde ʒesíðum — him wæs sefa ʒeómor —: |
he said to his companions — his heart was sad in him —: | |
| “Ić þæt mǽl ʒeman þǽr wé medu þǽgon, |
“I recall that time, where we partook of mead, | |
| þanne wé gehéton úrum hláforde |
2634 | when we promised to our lord |
| on béor-sele, þe ús þás béagas ʒeaf, |
2635 | in the beer-hall, he who gave us rings, |
| þæt wé him þá gúþ-ʒetawa ʒieldan wolden |
that we to him for the war-gear wished to repay, | |
| ʒief him þyslícu þearf ʒelumpe, |
if for him such a need arose, | |
| helmas and heard sweord. Þý hé úsić on heriʒe ʒećéas |
with helmets and hard swords. Because of that he chose us from the army | |
| to þissum síþ-fæte selfes willum, |
2639 | for this adventure of his own desire; |
| onmunde úsić mǽrða and mé þás máðmas ʒeaf, |
2640 | he deemed us worthy of renown, and gave me these treasures, |
| þý hé úsić gár-wíʒend góde tealde, |
because he us spear-warriors considered excellent, | |
| hwæte helm-berend, þéah-þe hláford ús |
bold helm-bearers, though the lord for us | |
| þis ellen-weorc ána aþóhte |
this valiant work intended alone | |
| to ʒefremmenne, folces hierde, |
2644 | to perform, the keeper of the folk, |
| for-þǽm hé manna mǽst mǽrða ʒefremede, |
2645 | because he of men the most glories has achieved, |
| dǽda dollíćra. Nú is se dæʒ cumen |
the most audacious deeds. Now is the day come | |
| þæt úre mann-dryhten mæʒenes behófaþ |
that our liege-lord has need of strength | |
| gódra gúþ-rinca; wuton gangan tó, |
of good war-men; let us go to, | |
| helpan hild-fruman þenden hitt síè, |
2649 | aid the battle-leader, while the heat lasts, |
| glœd-eʒesa grimm! God wát on meć |
2650 | the fierce fire-terror. God knows of me |
| þæt mé is mićele léofre þæt mínne líć-haman |
that to me it is much more agreeable, that my body | |
| mid mínne gold-ʒiefan glœd fæðmie. |
with my gold-giver the fire embraces; | |
| Ne þynćeþ mé ʒerisne þæt wé randas beren |
it does not seem proper to me, that we bear shields | |
| eft to earde nefne wé ǽror mæʒen |
2654 | back to our land, unless we first can |
| fáne ʒefiellan, feorh ealgian |
2655 | fell the foe, defend the life |
| Wedera þéodnes. Ić wát ʒearwe |
of the chief of the Wederas; I know well, | |
| þæt nǽron eald-ʒewyrht þæt hé ána scyle |
that his deeds of old are not such, that he alone should | |
| Ʒéata duguðe gnorn þrówian, |
of the Geats’ retinue sorrow suffer, | |
| ʒesígan æt sæćće; úre sceal sweord and helm, |
2659 | to sink in strife; for the two of us must sword and helm, |
| byrne and beadu-scrúd bǽm ʒemǽne.” |
2660 | byrnie and battle-shroud both share.” |
| Wód þá þurh wæl-ríeć, wíʒ-hafolan bær |
Then he waded through the smoke of slaughter, bore his war-head | |
| fréan on fultum, féa worda cwæþ: |
to the support of his lord; a few words he spoke: | |
| “Léofa Bío-wulf, lǽst eall tela |
“Dear Beowulf, carry out all well, | |
| swá þú on ʒeoguþ-féore ʒéara ʒecwǽde |
2664 | as you in youth-life long ago said, |
| þæt þú ne alǽte be þé lifiendum |
2665 | that you would not allow, with you still living, |
| dóm ʒedréosan; scealt nú dǽdum róf, |
glory to fail; you must now in bold deeds, | |
| æðeling án-hydiʒ, ealle mæʒene |
a noble firm in mind, with all of your strength, | |
| feorh ealgian; ić þé full-lǽste!” |
defend your life; I shall support you.” | |
| Æfter þǽm wordum wyrm ierre cóm, |
2669 | After those words the wrathful wyrm came, |
| atol inwitt-ʒiest óðre síðe |
2670 | awful cruel visitor a second time, |
| fýr-wielmum fáh fíonda néosian, |
with hostile, gleaming flood of fire to seek his foes | |
| láðra manna; líeʒ ýðum fór; |
the hated humans; the flame came forth in waves, | |
| bearn bord wiþ rand; byrne ne meahte |
burned shield to the boss; the byrnie could not | |
| ʒeongum gár-wigan ʒéoce ʒefremman; |
2674 | to the young spear-fighter lend support |
| ac se maga ʒeonga under his mǽʒes scield |
2675 | but the young man, under his kinsman’s shield |
| ellne ʒe-éode þá his ágen wæs |
courageously advanced, when his own was | |
| glœdum forgrunden. Þá-ʒíen gúþ-cyning |
consumed by fire. Then again the war-king | |
| miht ʒemunde, mæʒen-strenǵe slóg |
remembered his strength, with mighty force struck | |
| hilde-bille þæt hit on hafolan stód |
2679 | with his battle-bill, so that it stood in (the serpent’s) head |
| níðe ʒeníeded. Næʒling forbærst, |
2680 | driven by violence; Naegling burst asunder, |
| ʒeswác æt sæćće sweord Bío-wulfes, |
failed in the fight Beowulf’s sword | |
| gamol and grǽʒ-mǽl. Him þæt ʒifeðe ne wæs |
ancient and silver-streaked; it was not granted to him, | |
| þæt him írena ecga meahton |
that for him irons’ edges could | |
| helpan æt hilde; wæs sío hand tó strang, |
2684 | help in battle: the hand was too strong, |
| sío-þe méća ʒehwone, míne ʒefrǽʒe, |
2685 | that each one of the blades — I heard — |
| swenǵe ofersóhte þanne hé to sæćće bær |
in stroke he over-taxed; when he bore to battle | |
| wǽpen wundrum heard. Næs him wihte þý sœl! |
a weapon hardened by wounds, it was not any better for him. | |
| Þá wæs þéod-scaða þriddan síðe, |
Then the scourge of people a third time, | |
| frœcne fýr-draca, fǽhþa ʒemyndiʒ, |
2689 | the fierce fire-drake enmity in mind, |
| rǽsde on þone rófan þá him rúm aʒeald; |
2690 | rushed at the brave man, when he was yielded space, |
| hát and heaðu-grimm heals eallne ymbeféng |
hot and battle-fierce, (Beowulf’s) whole neck he clamped | |
| biterum bánum; hé ʒeblódigod wearþ |
between sharp fangs; he was drenched | |
| sáwol-dréore; swát ýðum wéoll. |
in life-blood; gore gushed in waves. | |
| { 37 } (~ XXXVI ~) | ||
| Þá ić æt þearfe ʒefræʒn þéod-cyninges |
2694 | I heard that then at the need of the folk-king |
| andlangne eorl ellen cýðan, |
2695 | the nobleman alongside displayed courage, |
| cræft and cœnþe swá him ʒecynde wæs. |
strength and boldness, as was natural to him; | |
| Ne hœdde hé þæs hafolan ac sío hand ʒebearn |
he did not heed (the dragon’s) head, though the hand was burned | |
| módiʒes mannes þǽr hé his mæʒenes healp |
of the spirited man, there he his strength helped, | |
| þæt he þone níþ-ʒiest niðor hwœne slóg, |
2699 | that he the hostile outsider struck somewhat lower, |
| secg on searwum, þæt þæt sweord ʒedéaf |
2700 | the warrior in his war-gear, so that the sword sank in |
| fág and fǽted, þæt þæt fýr ongann |
gleaming and golden so that the fire began | |
| sweðrian siþþan. Þá-ʒíen self cyning |
to weaken after that. Then again the king himself | |
| ʒewéold his ʒewitte, wæl-seaxe ʒebræʒd, |
gathered his wits, drew a slaughter-seax | |
| biter and beadu-scearp, þæt hé on byrnan wæʒ; |
2704 | bitter and battle-sharp, that he wore on his byrnie; |
| forwrát Wedera helm wyrm on middan. |
2705 | The Helm of the Wederas cut through the wyrm in the middle. |
| Fíond ʒefielldon — feorh ellen wræc — |
The foe they felled — their courage driving out life — | |
| and híe hine þá bœʒen abroten hæfdon, |
and then the both of them him had destroyed, | |
| sibb-æðelingas. Swelć scolde secg wesan, |
the noble kinsmen; so ought a man to be, | |
| þeʒn æt þearfe. Þæt þǽm þéodne wæs |
2709 | a thane in need. That was for the chieftain |
| síðost siʒe-hwíla selfes dǽdum, |
2710 | the last time of victory by his own deeds, |
| weorlde ʒeweorces. Þá sío wund ongann, |
in the world of action. Then the wound began, | |
| þe him se eorþ-draca ǽr ʒeworhte, |
which him the earth-dragon had caused earlier, | |
| swelan and swellan; hé þæt sóna onfand, |
to swelter and to swell; he soon discovered that, | |
| þæt him on bréostum bealu-níðe wéoll |
2714 | it him in the breast welled with deadly evil, |
| átor on-innan. Þá se æðeling ʒéong |
2715 | poison inside. Then the noble went, |
| þæt hé be wealle, wís-hycgende, |
so that he by the wall wise in thought | |
| ʒesæt on sesse; seah on enta ʒeweorc, |
sat on a seat; he looked on the giants’ work | |
| hú þá stán-bogan stapolum fæste |
how the stone-arches on firm pillars | |
| œće eorþ-rećed innan healde. |
2719 | the eternal earth-hall supported within. |
| Hine þá mid handa heoru-dréoriʒne, |
2720 | Then with his hands, sword-bloody, |
| þéoden mǽrne, þeʒn unʒemete til, |
the renowned chieftain, the immensely good thane | |
| wine-dryhten his wætere ʒelafode |
his friend and lord washed with water, | |
| hilde-sædne and his helm onspéonn. |
weary of battle, and unfastened his helm; | |
| Bío-wulf maðelode — hé ofer benne spræc, |
2724 | Beowulf spoke; he spoke despite his injury, |
| wunde wæl-bléate; wisse hé ʒearwe |
2725 | the slaughter-wretched wound — he readily knew |
| þæt hé dæʒ-hwíla ʒedrogen hæfde, |
that he the length of his days had fulfilled, | |
| eorðan wynne; þá wæs eall scæcen |
joy of earth; then was all departed | |
| dógor-ʒerímes, déaþ unʒemete néah —: |
his number of days, death exceedingly near | |
| “Nú ić suna mínum sellan wolde |
2729 | “Now I to my son I would have wished to give |
| gúþ-ʒewǽdu þǽr mé ʒifeðe swá |
2730 | war-garments, if it had been granted to me such that |
| ǽniʒ ierfe-weard æfter wurde |
any guardian of inheritance would be after | |
| líće ʒelenǵe. Ić þás léode héold |
this body remaining; I ruled the people | |
| fíftig wintra; næs se folc-cyning, |
fifty winters; there was not a folk-king | |
| ymbesittendra ǽniʒ þára, |
2734 | of my neighbors — of any of them — |
| þe meć gúþ-winum grœtan dorste, |
2735 | who me with war-friends dared to greet, |
| eʒesan þýwan. Ić on earde bád |
to threaten with terror; I on earth awaited | |
| mǽl-ʒescæfta, héold mín tela, |
destiny, ruled my own well, | |
| ne sóhte searu-níðas né mé swór fela |
did not seek cunning hostility, nor swore me many | |
| áða on unriht. Ić þæs ealles mæʒ, |
2739 | oaths unjustly; I all of it can, |
| feorh-bennum séoc, ʒeféan habban; |
2740 | sick with mortal-injuries, have rejoicing, |
| for-þǽm mé wítan ne ʒearf Wealdend fíra |
because he will not need to reproach me, the Ruler of men, | |
| morðọr-bealu mága þanne mín scæćeþ |
for dire murder of kin, when departs my | |
| líf of líće. Nú þú lungre gang |
life from body. Now go you quickly | |
| hord scéawian under hárne stán, |
2744 | to examine the hoard under the hoary grey stone, |
| Wíʒ-láf léofa, nú se wyrm liʒeþ, |
2745 | dear Wiglaf, now the wyrm lies dead, |
| swefeþ sáre wund, since beréafod. |
sleeping sorely wounded, deprived of treasure | |
| Bío nú on ofoste þæt ić ǽr-welan, |
be now in haste, that I the ancient wealth, | |
| gold-ǽht onʒiete, ʒearwe scéawie |
the possession of gold might perceive, readily behold | |
| sweʒele searu-ʒimmas þæt ić þý sœft mæʒe |
2749 | sparkling cleverly-cut gems, so that I can the more pleasantly |
| æfter máðum-welan mín alǽtan |
2750 | for treasure-wealth leave my |
| líf and léodscipe þone ić lange héold.” |
life and nation, that long I ruled.” | |
| { 38 } (~ XXXVII ~) | ||
| Þá ić snúde ʒefræʒn sunu Wíoh-stánes |
Then I heard swiftly the son of Weohstan, | |
| æfter word-cwidum wundum dryhtne |
after the word-speech the wounded lord, | |
| híeran heaðu-séocum, hring-nett beran, |
2754 | listened to the battle-sick one, bore a net of rings, |
| brogdna beadu-sierćan under beorges hróf. |
2755 | woven battle-shirt under the barrow’s roof. |
| Ʒeseah þá siʒe-hrœðiʒ, þá hé be sesse ʒéong, |
He saw then victorious, when he went by the seat, | |
| magu-þeʒn módiʒ máðum-siʒla fela, |
the spirited young thane, many precious jewels, | |
| gold glitenian grunde ʒetenǵe, |
glittering gold close to the ground, | |
| wundor on wealle, and þæs wyrmes denn, |
2759 | wonders on the wall, and the wyrm’s den, |
| ealdes úht-flogan, orcas standan, |
2760 | the old twilight-flier, beakers standing, |
| fyrn-manna fatu feormiend-léasu, |
the vessels of men of old lacking a burnisher, | |
| hyrstum behrorenu; þǽr wæs helm maniʒ |
stripped of adornments; there was a multitude of helms | |
| eald and ómiʒ, earm-béaga fela |
old and rusty, many arm-rings | |
| searwum ʒesǽled. Sinc éaðe mæʒ, |
2764 | cleverly fastened — treasure easily may, |
| gold on grunde, gum-cynnes ʒehwone |
2765 | gold in the ground, any one of mankind |
| oferhígian, hýde se-þe wile. |
overpower, hide he who will — | |
| Swelće hé siomian ʒeseah seʒn eall-gylden |
also he saw hanging a standard all-golden | |
| héah ofer horde, hand-wundra mǽst, |
high over the hoard, the greatest of hand-wrought wonders, | |
| ʒelocen liðu-cræftum; of þǽm léoma stód |
2769 | linked with skill of hands; from it light issued, |
| þæt hé þone grund-wang onʒietan meahte, |
2770 | so that he on the ground could perceive, |
| wrǽtta ʒeondwlítan. Næs þæs wyrmes þǽr |
look over the ornament; there was not of the wyrm | |
| ansíen ǽniʒ, ac hine ecg fornam. |
any appearance, for him the blade-edge took. | |
| Þá ić on hlǽwe ʒefræʒn hord réafian, |
Then I heard in the mound the hoard plundered, | |
| eald enta ʒeweorc ánne mannan, |
2774 | old work of giants, one man, |
| him on bearme hladan bunan and discas |
2775 | him on his bosom loaded goblets and plates |
| selfes dóme; seʒn éac ʒenam, |
of his own judgement he also took the banner, | |
| béacna beorhtost. Bill ǽr ʒescód |
the brightest beacon; the bill had already wounded | |
| — ecg wæs íren — eald-hláfordes |
— the edge was iron — of that old lord | |
| þǽm þára máðma mund-bora wæs |
2779 | him who the treasures’ protector was |
| lange hwíle, líeʒ-eʒesan wæʒ |
2780 | for a long while; the fire-terror had endured |
| hátne for horde, heoru-weallende |
hot for sake of the hoard, fiercely welling up | |
| middel-nihtum, oþ-þæt hé morðre swealt. |
in the middle of nights until he died in violence. | |
| Ár wæs on ofoste, eft-síðes ʒeorn, |
The messenger was in haste, eager for return, | |
| frætwum ʒefyrðred; hine fyrwitt bræc |
2784 | urged on by treasures; curiosity burst in him, |
| hwæðer collen-ferhþ cwićne ʒemœtte |
2785 | whether bold-hearted he would meet alive |
| on þǽm wang-stede Wedera þéoden |
in that place, the chief of the Wederas | |
| ellen-séocne þǽr hé hine ǽr forlét. |
ill in strength, where he had left him earlier; | |
| Hé þá mid þǽm máðmum mǽrne þéoden, |
he then with that treasures to the glorious chieftain, | |
| dryhten sínne dréoriʒne fand |
2789 | his lord, found bleeding, |
| ealdres æt ende; hé hine eft ongann |
2790 | of life at an end; he again began on him |
| wæteres weorpan oþ-þæt wordes ord |
to sprinkle water, until the word’s point | |
| bréost-hord þurhbræc. [Beorn-cyning spræc,] |
broke through the breast-hoard. [The warrior-king spoke,] | |
| gamol on ʒeoguðe — gold scéawode —: |
the old one on the youth saw gold: | |
| “Ić þára frætwa Fréan ealles þanc, |
2794 | “I, for these riches, to the Lord of All, thanks |
| Wuldọr-cyninge wordum secge, |
2795 | to the Glory-King say by words, |
| œćum Dryhtne, þe ić hér on starie, |
to the eternal Lord, which I look on here, | |
| þæs-þe ić móste mínum léodum |
that I was able for my people | |
| ǽr swylt-dæʒe swelć ʒestríenan. |
before my death-day to gain such riches, | |
| Nú ić on máðma hord míne bebohte |
2799 | now I for the hoard of treasures have paid with my |
| fróde feorh-leʒe, fremmaþ ʒíena |
2800 | old span of life. Tend still |
| léoda þearfe! Ne mæʒ ić hér lenǵ wesan. |
the need of the nation. I cannot be here longer; | |
| Hátaþ heaðu-mǽre hlǽw ʒewyrćan |
order war-famed men to construct a mound | |
| beorhtne æfter bǽle æt brimes nósan; |
bright after the fire, at the ocean’s cape; | |
| sé sceal to ʒemyndum mínum léodum |
2804 | it shall to remind my people |
| héah hlifian on Hranes-næsse |
2805 | tower high on headland of whales, |
| þæt hit sǽ-líðend siþþan háten |
so that it sea-farers then will name | |
| “Bío-wulfes Beorg,” þá-þe brentingas |
Beowulf’s Barrow, those who ships | |
| ofer flóda ʒenipu feorran drífaþ.” |
over the seas’ mists drive from afar.” | |
| Dyde him of healse hring gyldenne |
2809 | Took him from his neck the golden ring, |
| þéoden þríst-hýʒdiʒ, þeʒne sealde, |
2810 | the valiant chief, to the thane gave, |
| ʒeongum gár-wigan, gold-fágne helm, |
to the young spear-warrior, gold-adorned helm, | |
| béag and byrnan, hét hine brúcan wél: |
ring and byrnie, told him to use them well: | |
| “Þú eart ende-láf úres cynnes, |
“You are the last remainder of our race, | |
| Wǽʒ-mundinga; ealle wyrd forswéop |
2814 | of the Waegmundings; Fate has swept off all |
| míne mágas to meotodscæfte, |
2815 | of my kinsmen into destined death, |
| eorlas on ellne; ić him æfter sceal.” |
earls in their strength; I must go after them.” | |
| Þæt wæs þǽm gamolan ʒienǵeste word |
That was for the old man the final word | |
| bréost-ʒehyʒdum ǽr hé bǽl cure, |
of the thoughts of his breast, ere he chose funeral fire, | |
| háte heaðu-wielmas; him of hwæðere ʒewát |
2819 | hot furious seething; yet from him went |
| sáwol sœćan sóþ-fæstra dóm. |
2820 | his soul to seek truth-fast judgement. |
| { 39 } (~ XXXVIII ~) | ||
| Þá wæs ʒegangen guman unfródum |
Then it went with the young man | |
| earfoþlíće þæt hé on eorðan ʒeseah |
painfully, that he saw on the ground | |
| þone léofostan lífes æt ende, |
the dearest man at the end of his life | |
| bléate ʒebǽran. Bana swelće læʒ, |
2824 | miserably enduring; the slayer also lay, |
| eʒeslíć eorþ-draca ealdre beréafod, |
2825 | the terrible earth-dragon bereft of life, |
| bealwe ʒebǽded. Béag-hordum lenǵ |
balefully beaten down; the ring-hoard longer | |
| wyrm wóh-bogen wealdan ne móste |
the wickedly coiled wyrm could not control, | |
| ac him írena ecga fornámon, |
rather him irons’ edges took off, | |
| hearda heaðu-scearda hamora láfa |
2829 | the hard, battle-notched leavings of hammers, |
| þæt se wíd-floga wundum stille |
2830 | so that the wide-flier, stilled by wounds, |
| hréas on hrúsan hord-ærne néah. |
fell to the ground near the hoard-store; | |
| Nealles æfter lyfte lácende hwearf |
not at all through the air flying turned | |
| middel-nihtum, máðụm-ǽhta wlanc |
in the middle of nights, proud of his prized possessions, | |
| ansíen íewde; ac hé eorðan ʒeféoll |
2834 | manifested an appearance, but he fell to earth |
| for þæs hild-fruman hand-ʒeweorce. |
2835 | by the battle-leader’s work of his own hands. |
| Húru þæt on lande lýt manna þáh, |
Indeed it on land few men succeeded, | |
| mæʒen-ágendra, míne ʒefrǽʒe, |
possessors of strength, I have heard, | |
| þéah-þe hé dǽda ʒehwæs dyrstiʒ wǽre, |
though he in all deeds were daring; | |
| þæt hé wiþ átor-scaðan oreðe ʒerǽsde |
2839 | that he against the poison-scourge’s breath rushed, |
| oþþe hring-sele handum styrede |
2840 | or its ring-hall stirred up with hands, |
| ʒief hé wæććende weard onfunde |
if he a watching warden found | |
| búan on beorge. Bío-wulfe wearþ |
living in the barrow; for Beowulf was | |
| dryht-máðma dǽl déaðe forgolden; |
the noble treasures’ share, repaid with death; | |
| hæfde ǽʒhwæðer ende ʒefœred |
2844 | each of them had arrived at the end |
| lǽnan lífes. Næs þá lang to þon |
2845 | of his loaned life. It was not long to when |
| þæt þá hild-latan holt ofʒéafon, |
that the battle-shirkers gave up the forest, | |
| týdre tréow-logan, tíene ætsamne, |
cowardly troth-breakers, ten together, | |
| þá ne dorston ǽr daroðum lácan |
who had not dared before with javelins to fight | |
| on hira mann-dryhtnes mićelan þearfe; |
2849 | in their liege-lord’s great need |
| ac híe scamiende scieldas bǽron, |
2850 | but they, shamed, bore shields, |
| gúþ-ʒewǽdu, þǽr se gamola læʒ; |
war-clothing, to where the old man lay; | |
| wliton on Wíʒ-láf. Hé wœrigod sæt, |
they looked at Wiglaf; he sat wearied, | |
| fœðe-cempa, fréan eaxlum néah, |
the foot-soldier near the shoulders of his lord; | |
| weahte hine wætere. Him wiht ne spéow. |
2854 | he tried to rouse him with water, but it availed him not a bit; |
| Ne meahte hé on eorðan, þéah hé úðe wél, |
2855 | he could not on earth, though he wished well, |
| on þǽm frum-gáre feorh ʒehealdan |
in that first-spear preserve life, | |
| né þæs Wealdendes wiht onćierran. |
nor the Ruler’s man turn back: | |
| Wolde dóm Godes dǽdum rǽdan |
the judgement of God would rule the deeds | |
| gumena ʒehwelćum swá hé nú ʒíen dṏþ. |
2859 | of all men, as it still does now. |
| Þá wæs æt þǽm ʒeongan grimm andswaru |
2860 | Then there was from that young man a grim answer |
| íeþ-beʒíete þǽm-þe ǽr his ellne forléas. |
easily got, for him who earlier had lost his courage; | |
| Wíʒ-láf maðelode, Wíoh-stánes sunu, |
Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan’s son, | |
| secg sáriʒ-ferhþ — seah on unléofe —: |
a man sore at heart looked on the unloved men: | |
| “Þæt, lá, mæʒ secgan se-þe wile sóþ sprecan |
2864 | “That, indeed, may say he who wishes to speak the truth, |
| þæt se mann-dryhten, sé íow þá máðmas ʒeaf, |
2865 | that the liege-lord, he who gave you treasures, |
| éorod-ʒeatwa þe ʒé þǽr on standaþ, |
cavalry-gear, that you stand in there — | |
| þanne hé on ealu-benće oft ʒesealde |
when he on the ale-bench often gave | |
| heal-sittendum helm and byrnan, |
to hall-sitters helm and byrnie, | |
| þéoden his þeʒnum, swelće hé þrýþlícost |
2869 | the chieftain to his thanes such as he the grandest |
| ǽʒhwǽr feorr oþþe néah findan meahte, |
2870 | anywhere far or near was able to find — |
| þæt hé ʒéʒnunga gúþ-ʒewǽdu |
that he completely war-clothing | |
| wráðe forwurpe þá hine wíʒ beʒeat. |
grievously threw away, when fighting befell him; | |
| Nealles folc-cyning fierd-ʒesteallum |
not at all the folk-king his companions in arms | |
| ʒielpan þorfte; hwæðere him God úðe, |
2874 | need to boast about; yet God granted him, |
| sigora Wealdend, þæt hé hine selfne ʒewræc |
2875 | victories’ Ruler, that he avenged himself, |
| ána mid ecge þá him wæs ellnes þearf. |
one with a blade, when for him was need of valor. | |
| Ić him líf-wræðe lýtle meahte |
I him life-protection little could | |
| ætʒiefan æt gúðe and ongann swá-þéah |
provide in war, and yet began | |
| ofer mín ʒemet mǽʒes helpan. |
2879 | beyond my measure to aid my kinsman; |
| Simble wæs þý sǽmra þá ić sweorde dræp |
2880 | ever was it the weaker when I struck with sword, |
| ferhþ-ʒeníðlan, fýr unswíðor |
the deadly enemy, fire less fiercely | |
| wéoll of ʒewitte. Weriendra tó lýt |
surged from the seat of intellect; leaders too few | |
| þrang ymbe þéoden þá hine sío þrág becóm. |
thronged around the chieftain, when distress came to him. | |
| Hú sceal sinc-þegu and sweord-ʒiefu, |
2884 | How must treasure-receipt and sword-giving |
| eall œðel-wynn íowrum cynne, |
2885 | all native joy for your kin, |
| lufen alicgan; land-rihtes mót |
delight cease! Of land-rights must | |
| þǽre mǽʒ-burge manna ǽʒhwelć |
of your clan every man | |
| ídel hweorfan siþþan æðelingas |
become deprived, when nobles | |
| feorran ʒefricgen fléam íowerne, |
2889 | from afar learn of your flight, |
| dómléasan dǽd. Déaþ biþ sœlra |
2890 | gloryless dead: death is better |
| eorla ʒehwelćum þanne edwít-líf!” |
for all men than a life of dishonor.” | |
| { 40 } (~ XXXIX ~) | ||
| Hét þá þæt heaðu-weorc to hagan béodan |
Then he commanded battle-result to be announced at the stronghold, | |
| upp ofer ecg-clif þǽr þæt eorl-weorod |
up over the cliff-edge, where that warrior-band | |
| morgen-langne dæʒ mód-ʒeómor sæt, |
2894 | the morning-long day sat sad in spirit, |
| bord-hæbbende, bœʒa on wœnum: |
2895 | shield-bearers, in expectation of two things: |
| ende-dógres and eft-cymes |
the end of his days or the return | |
| léofes mannes. Lýt swígode |
of the dear man. On little was he silent | |
| níewra spella se-þe næss ʒerád |
of the new tidings, he who rode the headland, | |
| ac hé sóþlíće sæʒde ofer ealle: |
2899 | but he truly said over all: |
| “Nú is will-ʒeofa Wedera léoda, |
2900 | “Now is the wish-giver of the Wederas’ nation, |
| dryhten Ʒéata, déaþ-bedde fæst, |
the lord of the Geats unmoving on his death-bed, | |
| wunaþ wæl-reste wyrmes dǽdum; |
remaining in the repose of slaughter by the wyrm’s deeds; | |
| him on-efen liʒeþ ealdor-ʒewinna |
beside him lies his life-contender | |
| seax-bennum séoc; sweorde ne meahte |
2904 | sick with seax-wounds: he could not with his sword |
| on þǽm ag-lǽćan ǽniʒe þinga |
2905 | on that fearsome being in any way |
| wunde ʒewyrćan. Wíʒ-láf siteþ |
inflict wounds; Wiglaf sits | |
| ofer Bío-wulfe, byre Wíoh-stánes, |
over Beowulf, the son of Weohstan, | |
| eorl ofer óðrum unlifiendum, |
one earl over another unliving, | |
| healdeþ hyʒe-mœðum héafod-wearde |
2909 | he holds, weary in his mind, head-watch |
| léofes and láðes. Nú is léodum wœn |
2910 | over beloved and loathed. Now for the nation one expects |
| orleʒ-hwíle siþþan undierne |
time of warfare when unsecret | |
| Francum and Frísum fiell cyninges |
to the Franks and Frisians, the fall of the king, | |
| wíde weorðeþ. Wæs sío wróht scæpen |
widely becomes; the quarrel was shaped | |
| heard wiþ Húgas siþþan Hyʒe-lác cóm |
2914 | fierce against the Hugas, when Hygelac came |
| faran flot-heriʒe on Frísna land; |
2915 | faring with a fleet onto the Frisians’ land |
| þǽr hine Hætt-ware hilde ʒenǽʒdon, |
where him the Hetware attacked in battle, | |
| ellne ʒe-éodon mid ofermæʒene, |
it happened in courage with over-strength, | |
| þæt se byrn-wiga búgan scolde, |
that the mailed-warrior had to bow down; | |
| féoll on fœðan; nealles frætwe ʒeaf |
2919 | he fell among the foot-troop; not at all ornaments gave |
| ealdor duguðe. Ús wæs á siþþan |
2920 | the lord to his retinue; for us was ever after |
| Mere-wíoïnges milds unʒifeðe. |
the Merovingian (king’s) kindness withheld. | |
| Né ić to Swéo-þéode sibbe oþþe tréowe |
I do not from the Swedes peace or truce | |
| wihte ne wœne, ac wæs wíde cúþ |
expect a bit, but it was widely known | |
| þætte Angen-þéow ealdre besnyðede |
2924 | that Ongentheow of life deprived |
| Hæþ-cynn Hrœðling wiþ Hræfna-wudu |
2925 | Haethcyn Hrethel’s son at Raven’s Wood, |
| þá for anmœdlan ǽrest ʒesóhton |
when for arrogance first sought out | |
| Ʒéata léode Gúþ-Scielfingas. |
the Geatish people the War-Scilfings | |
| Sóna him se fróda fæder Óht-heres, |
at once him the wise, old father of Ohthere, | |
| eald and eʒesfull andslieht aʒeaf, |
2929 | ancient and terrible, returned onslaught by hand; |
| abréat brim-wísan, brýd árode, |
2930 | he destroyed the sea-wise man, he honored his wife, |
| gamolan ʒeó-méowlan golde berofene, |
the old, wisened woman bereft of her gold, | |
| Anelan módor and Óht-heres; |
Onela’s mother and Ohthere’s | |
| and þá folgode feorh-ʒeníðlan |
and then he followed those life-enemies, | |
| oþ-þæt híe oþéodon earfoþlíće |
2934 | until they escaped with difficulty, |
| on Hræfnes-holt hláfordléase. |
2935 | into Raven’s Wood, without a lord; |
| Besæt þá sin-heriʒe sweorda láfe |
then he besieged the huge (sacred) grove, the survivors of swords | |
| wundum wœriʒe; wéan oft ʒehét |
weary with wounds; he often threatened woes | |
| earmre teohhe andlangne niht, |
to the wretched company in the length of the night; | |
| cwæþ hé on merʒenne méćes ecgum |
2939 | said: he in the morning by the edges of a maiche |
| ʒíetan wolde, sume on ʒealg-tréowum |
2940 | he would sacrifice one of them on the gallow-tree |
| fugolum to gamene. Frófọr eft ʒelamp |
as game for the birds; relief came back | |
| sáriʒ-módum samod ǽr-dæʒe |
to the sorrow-spirited ones together with early day, | |
| siþþan híe Hyʒe-láces horn and bíeman, |
when they Hygelac’s horn and trumpet, | |
| ʒealdor onʒéaton þá se góda cóm |
2944 | and his battle-yell recognised, then the good man came, |
| léoda duguðe on lást faran. |
2945 | with the tribe’s veteran warriors travelling on the path. |
| { 41 } (~ XL ~) | ||
| Wæs sío swát-swaðu Swéona and Ʒéata, |
The bloody swathe of the Swedes and Geats, | |
| wæl-rǽs wera wíde ʒesíene, |
the slaughter-rush of men was widely seen; | |
| hú þá folc mid him fǽhþe toweahton. |
how the folk between them awoke a feud; | |
| Ʒewát him þá se góda mid his gædelingum, |
2949 | then the good man went with his fellow kinsmen, |
| fród fela-ʒeómor fæsten sœćan, |
2950 | old and wise, greated saddened, to seek a citadel; |
| eorl Angen-þéow ufor onćierrde; |
the warrior Ongentheow retreated higher up, | |
| hæfde Hyʒe-láces hilde ʒefrugnen, |
he had of Hygelac’s battle-skill heard, | |
| wlances wíʒ-cræft. Wiðres ne trúwode, |
the proud man’s war-craft; he did not trust his resistance, | |
| þæt hé sǽ-mannum onsacan meahte, |
2954 | that he the sea-men could oppose, |
| heaðu-líðendum hord forstandan, |
2955 | against battle travellers defend the hoard, |
| bearn and brýde; béag eft þanan |
children and women; he fell back thence | |
| eald under eorþ-weall. Þá wæs œht boden |
old behind the earth-wall; then pursuit was offered | |
| Swéona léodum, seʒn Hyʒe-láces |
to the Swedish nation, the standards of Hygelac | |
| friðu-wang þone forþ oferéodon, |
2959 | that place of refuge forth overran, |
| siþþan Hrœðlingas to hagan þrungon. |
2960 | when the Hrethelings pressed forward into that entrenchment. |
| Þǽr wearþ Angen-þéow ecgum sweorda, |
There was Ongentheow by edges of swords, | |
| blanden-feaxa on bid wrecen, |
the grizzle-haired was compelled to pause, | |
| þæt se þéod-cyning þafian scolde |
so that the tribe-king had to submit | |
| Eafores ánne dóm. Hine ierringa |
2964 | to the sole judgement of Eofor; him wrathfully |
| Wulf Wan-rǽding wǽpne ʒerǽhte |
2965 | Wulf, Wonred’s son, reached with his weapon, |
| þæt him for swenǵe swát ǽdrum sprang |
so that from him by the blow blood in streams sprang | |
| forþ under feaxe. Næs hé forht swá-þéah, |
forth beneath his hair; he was not frightened though, | |
| gamola Scielfing, ac forʒeald hræðe |
the aged Scilfing, but quickly repaid | |
| wiersan wríxle wæl-hlemm þone |
2969 | with a more terrible response for that slaughter-stroke, |
| siþþan þéod-cyning þider onćierrde. |
2970 | when the tribe-king turned thither; |
| Ne meahte se snella sunu Wan-rǽdes |
he could not, the brave son of Wonred, | |
| ealdum ćeorle andslieht ʒiefan |
to the old fellow offer onslaught by hand, | |
| ac hé him on héafde helm ǽr ʒescær |
rather he him on his head had sheared his helm, | |
| þæt he blóde fag búgan scolde, |
2974 | so that he, blood-stained, had to bow down; |
| féoll on foldan; næs hé fǽʒe þá-ʒíet |
2975 | he fell on the field; he was not doomed yet, |
| ac hé hine ʒewierpte þéah-þe him wund hrine. |
but he recovered himself, though the wound touched him; | |
| Lét se hearda Hyʒe-láces þeʒn |
Let he, the hard thane of Hygelac, | |
| brádne méće, þá his bróðor læʒ, |
broad maiche, when his brother lay dead, | |
| eald-sweord eotonisc entiscne helm |
2979 | the old ogrish sword, the giantish helm |
| brecan ofer bord-weall; þá ʒebéag cyning, |
2980 | break over the shield-wall; then the king bowed down, |
| folces hierde wæs on feorh drepen. |
the shepherd of the folk, was struck to his life. | |
| Þá wǽron maniʒe þe his mǽʒ wriðon, |
Then there were many, who bandaged his kinsman, | |
| recene arǽrdon, þá him ʒerýmed wearþ |
they quickly raised him up, when room was made for them, | |
| þæt híe wæl-stówe wealdan móston. |
2984 | so that they the place of slaughter were able to control; |
| Þenden réafode rinc óðerne, |
2985 | then plundered the one man the other, |
| nam on Angen-þéow íren-byrnan, |
he took from Ongentheow his iron byrnie, | |
| heard sweord hilted and his helm samod; |
his hard hilted sword, and his helmet too; | |
| háres hyrste Hyʒe-láce bær. |
the hoary one’s armor he bore to Hygelac; | |
| Hé þǽm frætwum féng and him fæʒere ʒehét |
2989 | he took the treasures and fairly pledged to him |
| léana mid léodum and ʒelǽste swá; |
2990 | rewards among the people, and did so; |
| ʒeald þone gúþ-rǽs Ʒéata dryhten, |
he paid for the war-onslaught, the lord of the Geats, | |
| Hrœðles eafora, þá hé tó hám becóm, |
Hrethel’s heir, when he returned home, | |
| Eofore and Wulfe mid ofer-máðmum: |
to Eofor and Wulf with an abundance of treasure; | |
| sealde hira ʒehwæðerum hund þúsenda |
2994 | he gave them both a hundred thousand worth of |
| landes and locenra béaga — ne þorfte him þá léan oþwítan |
2995 | land and interlocked rings — he needed not the gifts scorn, |
| mann on middan-ʒearde — siþþan híe þá mǽrða ʒeslógon. |
(any) man on middle-earth, since they gained those glories in fighting — | |
| And þá Eofore forʒeaf ángan dohtor, |
and then to Eofor he gave his only daughter, | |
| hám-weorðunge, hylde to wedde. |
2998 | a honor to the home, as pledge of friendship. |
| Þæt is sío fǽhðu and se fíondsciepe, |
That is the feud and the enmity, | |
| wæl-níþ wera þæs-þe ić wœn hæbbe, |
3000 | the slaughterous hate of men, for which I have woe, |
| þé ús sœćaþ tó Swéona léode |
they shall attack us, the Swedish nation, | |
| siþþan híe ʒefricgaþ fréan úserne |
when they learn our lord | |
| ealdor-léasne þone-þe ǽr ʒehéold |
3003 | is lifeless, he who formerly preserved |
| wiþ hettendum hord and ríće |
against despisers our hoard and kingdom, | |
| æfter hæleða hryre, hwǽte Scieldingas, |
3005 | after fall of heroes, bold Shieldings, |
| folc-rǽd fremede oþþe furðor ʒíen |
supported the welfare of the folk, or moreover | |
| eorlsciepe efnde. Nú is ofọst betest |
accomplished noble deeds. For me haste is best, | |
| þæt wé þéod-cyning þǽr scéawien |
3008 | that we the people-king look upon there, |
| and þone ʒebringen, þe ús béagas ʒeaf, |
and that one bring, he who gave us rings, | |
| on ád-fære. Ne sceal ánes hwæt |
3010 | on a journey to the pyre; nor must a part only |
| meltan mid þǽm módigan, ac þǽr is máðma hord, |
melt with that great-spirited one, but there is the treasure’s hoard, | |
| gold unríme, grimme ʒećéapod |
gold uncounted, bitterly purchased, | |
| and nú æt síðostan selfes féore |
3013 | and now at last with his own life |
| béagas ʒebohte. Þá sceal brand fretan, |
bought the rings: then the blaze must devour, | |
| ǽled þeććan, nealles eorl wegan |
3015 | the fire cover, no man shall wear |
| máðum to ʒemyndum né mæʒeþ scíene |
these treasures in remembrance, no pretty girl | |
| habban on healse hring-weorðunge; |
shall have on her neck ring-adornment, | |
| ac sceal ʒeómor-mód, golde beréafod, |
3018 | but must, sad-hearted, bereft of gold, |
| oft, nealles ǽne, ell-land tredan, |
often, not once, tread in alien land, | |
| nú se here-wísa hleahtor aleʒde, |
3020 | now the cohort-leader has laid aside laughter |
| gamen and glíeʒ-dréam. For-þon sceal gár wesan |
pleasure and merriment. Therefore must be spears | |
| maniʒ morgen-ćeald mundum bewunden, |
many, morning-cold, grasped in palms, | |
| hæfen on handa, nealles hearpan swœʒ |
3023 | raised in hands, not at all the sound of harp |
| wíʒend weććan ac se wanna hræfn |
to wake the warrior, but the black raven, | |
| fús ofer fǽʒum fela reordian, |
3025 | eager over the doomed, speaking many things, |
| earne secgan hú him æt ǽte spéow |
telling the eagle, how he succeeded in eating, | |
| þenden hé wiþ wulfe wæl réafode.” |
when he with the wolf despoiled the slain.” | |
| Swá se secg hwata secgende wæs |
3028 | So the bold man was teller |
| láðra spella; hé ne léag fela |
of hateful tidings; he did not lie much | |
| wyrda né worda. Weorod eall arás, |
3030 | in deeds or in words. The troop all arose; |
| éodon unblíðe under Earna-næss, |
they went unhappily under the eagle’s headland, | |
| wollen-téare, wundor scéawian. |
with welling tears, to gaze upon the wondor; | |
| Fundon þá on sande sáwol-léasne |
3033 | they found then on the sand, soulless, |
| hlin-bedd healdan þone-þe him hringas ʒeaf |
ruling over his bed of rest, the who gave them rings | |
| ǽrrum mǽlum; þá wæs ende-dæʒ |
3035 | in earlier times; then it was the end-day |
| gódum ʒegangen þæt se gúþ-cyning, |
come for good men, that the war-king, | |
| Wedera þéoden, wundọr-déaðe swealt. |
the Wederas’ chieftain, died a wondrous death. | |
| Ǽr híe þǽr gesáwon seldlíćran wiht, |
3038 | First they saw there a rarer creature, |
| wyrm on wange wiðer-rihtes þǽr |
the wyrm on the ground just opposite there, | |
| láðne licgan: wæs se líeʒ-draca |
3040 | the loathsome one lying dead: the fire-drake was |
| grimmlíć gryre-ʒiest glœdum beswǽled. |
a grim gruesome guest burnt by flames; | |
| Se wæs fíftiʒes fót-ʒemearces |
it was fifty foot-measures | |
| lang on leʒere; lyft-wynne héold |
3043 | long as it lay; in air-joy it had ruled |
| nihtes hwílum, niðer eft ʒewát |
the times of the night, down again had gone | |
| dennes néosian; wæs þá déaðe fæst, |
3045 | to seek its den; it was then still in death, |
| hæfde eorþ-scrafa ende ʒenyttod. |
it had of earth-caverns enjoyed its end. | |
| Him bí stódon bunan and orcas, |
They stood by him goblets and beakers, | |
| discas lágon and díeru sweord, |
3048 | lay plates and precious swords, |
| ómigu, þurhetenu, swá híe wiþ eorðan fæðm |
eaten through by rust, as if they had in the embrace of the earth | |
| þúsend wintra þǽr eardodon. |
3050 | a thousand winters remained there; |
| Þanne wæs þæt ierfe éacen-cræftiʒ, |
then was that legacy of exceedingly powerful, | |
| ʒeó-manna gold, ʒealdre bewunden, |
gold of men of yore, encompassed by an incantation, | |
| þæt þǽm hring-sele hrínan ne móste |
3053 | that the ring-hall could not touch |
| gumena ǽniʒ nefne God Selfa, |
any man, unless God himself, | |
| sigora Sóþ-Cyning, sealde þǽm-þe Hé wolde |
3055 | victories’ Truth-king allowed he who He wished |
| — Hé is manna Ʒehield — hord openian, |
— He is man’s protector — to open the hoard, | |
| efene swá-hwelćum manna swá Him ʒemet þúhte. |
even so to every man as it seemed fitting to Him. | |
| { 42 } (~ XLI ~) | ||
| Þá wæs ʒesíene þæt se síþ ne þáh |
3058 | Then it was seen that the venture did not benefit |
| þǽm-þe unrihte inne ʒehýdde |
who he unrightly had hidden inside, | |
| wrǽtte under wealle; weard ǽr ofslóg |
3060 | vengeance under the walls; this warden earlier slew |
| féara sumne; þá sío fǽhþ ʒewearþ |
one man of a few; then was the feud | |
| ʒewrecen wráþlíće. Wundor hwǽr þanne |
wrathfully avenged. It is a wondor where then | |
| eorl ellen-róf ende ʒefœre |
3063 | a man famed for courage should meet end |
| líf-ʒescæfta þanne lenǵ ne mæʒ |
of his fated life, when he can no longer | |
| mann mid his mágum medu-seld búan! |
3065 | one among his kinsmen, inhabit a mead-hall; |
| Swá wæs Bío-wulfe þá hé beorges weard |
thus it was for Beowulf, when he the barrow’s ward | |
| sóhte, searu-níðas; selfa ne cúðe |
sought treacherous quarrels: he himself did not know | |
| þurh hwæt his weorold-ʒedál weorðan scolde. |
3068 | through what his parting from this world must bring about. |
| Swá hit oþ Dómes Dæʒ déope benemdon |
Thus until judgement’s day deeply declared | |
| þéodnas mǽre, þá þæt þǽr dydon, |
3070 | the great princes, who put it there, |
| þæt se secg wǽre synnum scyldiʒ, |
that the man would be guilty of crimes, | |
| heargum ʒeheaðorod, hell-bendum fæst, |
banned from sacred places, in hell-bonds fast, | |
| wammum ʒewítnod, se þone wang strude; |
3073 | reproached for his transgressions, he who plundered that place; |
| næs hé gold-hwæte ʒearwor hæfde |
he was not liberal with gold (nor) had he readily | |
| ágendes œst ǽr ʒescéawod. |
3075 | the kindness of a lord ever shown. |
| Wíʒ-láf maðelode, Wíoh-stánes sunu: |
Wiglaf spoke, the son of Weohstan, | |
| “Oft sceal eorl maniʒ ánes willan |
“Often must many men, for the will of one, | |
| wrǽc adréogan, swá ús ʒeworden is. |
3078 | endure exile, as it has happened to us; |
| Ne meahton wé ʒelǽran léofne þéoden, |
we could not convince the beloved prince, | |
| ríćes hierde, rǽd ǽniʒne, |
3080 | the keeper of the kingdom, by any counsel, |
| þæt hé ne grœtte gold-weard þone, |
that he not greet the gold-ward, | |
| léte hine licgan þǽr hé lange wæs, |
let him lie, where he long had been, | |
| wícum wunian oþ weorold-ende; |
3083 | inhabiting his abodes until the world’s end; |
| heold on héah-ʒescæp. Hord is ʒescéawod, |
he held to his noble destiny; the hoard is exposed, | |
| grimme ʒegangen; wæs þæt ʒifeðe tó swíþ |
3085 | grimly gained; too powerfully was that granted |
| þe þone [þéod-cyning] þider ontyhte. |
by which the tribe-king was misled thither. | |
| Ić wæs þǽr-inne and þæt eall ʒeondseah, |
I was there inside and looked over all of it, | |
| rećedes ʒeatwa, þá mé ʒerýmed wæs, |
3088 | the trappings of the hall, when the way was cleared for me, |
| nealles swǽslíće síþ alíefed |
not at all sweetly was the errand allowed | |
| inn under eorþ-weall. Ić on ofoste ʒeféng |
3090 | inside the earthwall; I seized in haste |
| mićele mid mundum mæʒen-byrðenne |
much with my hands, a mighty burden | |
| hord-ʒestréona, hider út ætbær |
of hoard-treasures, bore it out hither | |
| cyninge mínum: cwicu wæs þá-ʒíena, |
3093 | to my king; he was still alive then, |
| wís and ʒewittiʒ. Worn eall ʒespræc |
wise and knowing; he spoke much on many things, | |
| gamol on ʒíehþe and íowić grœtan hét, |
3095 | old in his grief, and commanded me greet you all, |
| bæd þæt ʒé ʒeworhten æfter wines dǽdum |
bid that you build in accord of your friend’s deeds | |
| on bǽl-stede beorg þone héàn, |
in the cremation place a high barrow, | |
| mićelne and mǽrne, swá hé manna wæs |
3098 | large and splendid, as he was of men |
| wíʒend weorþ-fullost wíde ʒeond eorðan |
a warrior most honored thought this wide earth, | |
| þenden hé burg-welan brúcan móste. |
3100 | while he the prosperity of a city could enjoy. |
| Wuton nú œfstan óðre síðe, |
Let us now hasten another time | |
| séon and sœćan on searu-[ʒimma] ʒeþræc, |
to see and to seek in that heap of cunningly wrought things, | |
| wundọr under wealle; ić íow wísie |
3103 | a wonder under the walls; I shall guide you, |
| þæt ʒé ʒenóge néan scéawiaþ |
so that you sufficient close-up will see | |
| béagas and brád gold. Síe sío bǽr ʒearu |
3105 | rings and broad gold; let the bier be ready, |
| ǽdre ʒe-efned þanne wé út cymen |
quickly prepared, when we come out, | |
| and þanne ʒeferian fréan úserne, |
and then carry our lord, | |
| léofne mannan þǽr hé lange sceal |
3108 | beloved man, where he must long |
| on þæs Wealdendes wǽre ʒeþolian.” |
in the Ruler’s protection endure.” | |
| Hét þá ʒebéodan byre Wíoh-stánes, |
3110 | He then commanded to direct, the son of Weohstan, |
| hæle hilde-déor hæleða manigum, |
the battle-brave hero, many warriors, | |
| bold-ágendra, þæt híe bǽl-wudu |
house-holders, that they the pyre-wood | |
| feorran fereden, folc-ágende |
3113 | to fetch from afar, folk-chieftains, |
| gódum toʒeaʒnes: “Nú sceal glœd fretan, |
to the good man: “Now must the fire devour, | |
| — weaxan wanna líeʒ — wiʒena strenǵel, |
3115 | the dim flame grow, the ruler of warriors, |
| þone-þe oft ʒebád ísern-scúre, |
he who often endured shower of iron, | |
| þanne strǽla storm strenǵum ʒebǽded |
when the storm of arrows, impelled by bow-strings, | |
| scóc ofer scield-weall, scæft nytte héold, |
3118 | shot over the shield-wall; shaft held true to task, |
| feðer ʒearwum fús, fláne fulléode.” |
its feather-trappings eager, arrow-head followed.” | |
| Húru se snotora sunu Wíoh-stánes |
3120 | Indeed the wise son of Weohstan |
| aćíeʒde of corðre cyninges þeʒnas |
summoned from the troop of king’s thanes, | |
| siofune tosamne, þá sœlestan; |
seven altogether, the best; | |
| éode eahta sum under inwitt-hróf |
3123 | he went, one of eight, under the evil roof |
| hilde-rinca; sum on handa bær |
one battle-man bore in his hands | |
| ǽled-léoman, se-þe on orde ʒéong. |
3125 | a fire-brand, he who went in the fore-front. |
| Næs þá on hlytme hwá þæt hord strude |
It was not in a casting of lots, who would plunder that hoard, | |
| siþþan orwearde ǽniʒne dǽl |
when unprotected any part | |
| secgas ʒesáwon on sele wunian, |
3128 | the men saw remaining in the hall, |
| lǽne licgan; lýt ǽniʒ mearn |
lying frail; little did anyone mourn | |
| þæt híe ofostlíće út ʒeferedon |
3130 | that they quickly carried out |
| díere máðmas; dracan éac scufon, |
precious treasures; the dragon too they shoved, | |
| wyrm ofer weall-clif, léton wǽʒ niman, |
the wyrm over the cliff-wall, they let the waves take, | |
| flód fæðmian frætwa hierde. |
3133 | the flood enfold, that keeper of baubles; |
| Þá wæs wunden gold on wæʒn hlæden, |
that was braided gold loaded on the waggon, | |
| ǽʒhwæs unrím, æðeling boren, |
3135 | of each kind countless, and the prince borne, |
| hárum hilde-[rinc] to Hranes-næsse. |
hoary grey from battle, to the whale’s headland. | |
| { 43 } (~ XLII ~) | ||
| Him þá ʒeʒieredon Ʒéata léode |
Then for him prepared the people of the Geats | |
| ád on eorðan unwáclíćne, |
3138 | a pyre on the earth, not trifling, |
| helmum behangen, hilde-bordum, |
hung with helmets, with battle-shields, | |
| beorhtum byrnum, swá hé bœna wæs; |
3140 | with bright byrnies, as he had requested; |
| aleʒdon þá to-middes mǽrne þéoden |
they laid then in the midst the famed chieftain, | |
| hæleþ héofende, hláford léofne. |
the lamenting heroes, their belovèd lord; | |
| Ongunnon þá on beorge bǽl-fýra mǽst |
3143 | then began on the barrow the greatest bale-fire, |
| wíʒend weććan; wudu-ríeć astág |
the warriors to kindle; wood-smoke arose, | |
| sweart ofer sweoðole, swógende líeʒ, |
3145 | swarthy over the heat, the roaring flame |
| wópe bewunden — wind-bland ʒelæʒ —, |
woven with weeping — the tumult of winds lay still — | |
| oþ-þæt hé þá bán-hús ʒebrocen hæfde, |
until it the bone-house had broken | |
| hát on hreðere. Hyʒum unróte |
3148 | hot at heart; despairing in their hearts |
| mód-care mǽndon, mann-dryhtnes cwealm; |
they bemoaned their grief, their liege-lord’s death; | |
| swelće ʒeómor-ʒiedd Ʒéatisc án-méowle, |
3150 | so too a death-dirge a solitary Geatish woman |
| Bío-wulfe bræʒd bunden-heorde, |
wove for Beowulf, with bounden tresses, | |
| sang sorg-cariʒ sǽlþe ʒeneahhe |
she sang sorrowful, earnestly of fortune | |
| þæt hío hire [here]-ʒ[éan]gas hearde ondréde, |
3153 | that she for herself army invasions fiercely dreaded, |
| wæl-fiella worn. weorodes eʒesan, |
of multitude of slaughter-feasts, terror of troops, | |
| híenþe and hæft-níed. Heofon ríeće swealg. |
3155 | rapine and bondage. Heaven swallowed the smoke; |
| Ʒeworhton þá Wedera léode |
then wrought the Wederas’ people | |
| hlǽw on hóe — sé wæs héah and brád, |
a barrow on the hill, it was high and broad, | |
| wǽʒ-líðendum wíde ʒesíene — |
3158 | for wave-farers widely visible, |
| and betimbredon on tíen dagum |
and they constructed in ten days | |
| beadu-rófes béacẹn; branda láfa |
3160 | the war-chief’s beacon, the leavings of the fire, |
| wealle beworhton swá hit weorþlícost |
with a wall they encircled, as it most worthily | |
| foresnotore menn findan meahton. |
the very wisest men could devise; | |
| Híe on beorg dydon béag and siʒlu, |
3163 | they placed in the barrow rings and brooches, |
| eall swelća hyrsta swelće on horde ǽr |
all such trappings, as before from the hoard | |
| níþ-hyʒdiʒe menn ʒenumen hæfdon; |
3165 | hostile men had taken away; |
| forléton eorla ʒestréon eorðan healdan, |
the treasure of heroes they let the earth hold, | |
| gold on gréote þǽr hit nú-ʒíen lifaþ |
gold in the gritty soil, where it now still lives, | |
| ieldum swá unnytt swá hit ǽror wæs. |
3168 | as useless to men as it was before. |
| Þá ymbe hlǽw ridon hilde-déore, |
Then around the mound rode the battle-brave | |
| æðelinga bearn, eallra twelfe, |
3170 | sons of nobles, twelve in all, |
| woldon care cwíðan [and] cyning mǽnan, |
they wished to bewail their sorrow, to mourn their king, | |
| word-ʒiedd wrecan and ymb wer sprecan: |
to pronounce elegy, and speak about the man; | |
| eahtodon eorlsciepe and his ellen-weorc |
3173 | they praised his heroic deeds and his works of courage, |
| duguðum dœmdon swá hit ʒedœfe biþ |
exalted his majesty. As it is fitting, | |
| þæt man his wine-dryhten wordum herie, |
3175 | that one his friend and lord honors in words, |
| ferhþum fríoʒe þanne hé forþ scyle |
cherish in one’s spirit, when he must forth | |
| of líć-haman lǽded weorðan. |
from his body be led; | |
| Swá begnornodon Ʒéata léode |
3178 | thus bemourned the people of the Geats |
| hláfordes hryre, heorþ-ʒenéatas; |
their lord’s fall, his hearth-companions: | |
| cwǽdon þæt hé wǽre weorold-cyninga |
3180 | they said that he was, of all kings of the world, |
| manna mildost and mann-þwǽrost, |
the most generous of men, and the most gracious, | |
| léodum líðost and lof-ʒeornost. |
the most protective of his people, and the most eager for honor. | |
Note on two difficult words in Beowulf:
|
| The Old English text presented here is taken from BÉOWULF AND JUDITH, done in a normalized orthography and edited by Francis P. Magoun, Jr., 1959. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1959. |
The present edition of Béowulf and Judith (British Museum Ms. Cotton Vitellius A. XV) has been prepared along the same lines as my Anglo-Saxon Poems represented in Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, done in a Normalized Orthography (Department of English, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1956), where details of the normalization and use of certain orthographic devices are set forth in the ‘Foreword.’ Like, for example, Guðni Jónsson’s Eddukvæði (2 vols., Reykjavík, 1949), this edition is intended for general, ‘pleasure’ reading, and involves no scholarly apparatus except that words supplied to fill places in a verse where there is no gap in the manuscript, or in a few heavily reconstructed passages have been put in square brackets. This text of Béowulf in the main follows that of Charles Leslie Wrenn (Béowulf, etc., 2 rev. ed., Harrap: London, 1958), of Judith that of Benno Johan Timmer (Methuen: London, 1952), but here and there I have preferred readings by other editors. I have been particularly receptive to several suggestions made by Professor John Collins Pope of Yale University in his The Rhythm of Béowulf (Yale University Press, 1942), passim, and in his later papers in Modern Language Notes LXVII (1952), 505-12, and LXX (1955), 77-87. In Béowulf ll. 18a, 53b I have for Ms. Béowulf substituted Béow ‘barley’ as all but certainly the word of the original singer; similarly in l. 1145, Éotum ‘Jutes’ must be the original. In deference to traditional usage, Béowulf of the MS. has been kept as a title-word, but in the text normalized to Bío-wulf ‘bee wolf,’ a folk-epithet. Ms. Hrædlan (l. 454), Hrædles (l. 1485) have been normalized to Hrœðlan, Hrœðles, for I am convinced that the Ms. spellings here reflect a scribal misinterpretation of an archetypal œ as in the case of onsæce (l. 1942), æht (l. 2957), coupled with a failure to correct an uncrossed ð. In ll. 811, 2297b I have added a [wæs] which seems needed, whatever is to be done about the difficult and unsatisfactory l. 2297a. In general I have, within the limits of Old-English syntax and the ways of Anglo-Saxon poetical composition, tried to punctuate as lightly as possible — in a word, in conformity with the trend in modern English as opposed to the heavily punctuated tradition of German-edited poems. Captions have been added to help the reader find quickly a given passage and keep track of the run of the narrative. In a small Supplement I have for pedagogical reasons given The Fight at Finn’s Stronghold and a bit of the Wídsíth intimately connected with doings alluded to in the first part of Béowulf. Finally, I would stress that, as a ‘library’ edition, this version of the texts in question in no way pretends to rival or replace, except for certain class-room use and pleasure reading, the many splendid diplomatic or at least semi-diplomatic editions which have preceded it — editions, on which, of course, it altogether depends and which are indispensible for any detailed study, textual or dialectal, of these or, indeed, any other Anglo-Saxon poems. F. P. M., Jr. Cambridge, 1959 |
|
The new translation provided for the new edition of Beowulf seeks a middle ground between intelligibility and literal translation. I keep each modern English half-line matched against its Old English counterpart, but the order of the words within the half-line is re-arranged, if necessary, to be more natural for the modern English-speaker. I also freely add functional words, such as articles, prepositions, conjunctions, &c. and punctuate as I see fit. Likewise, in terms of style, I seek a middle ground between sound and sense; I have not eschewed alliteration where it is naturally, but neither have I contorted sense or syntax in seeking it. In punctuating the Old English text, I have in most places followed the edition of Mitchell & Irvine 2000. Update (June 2005): I have re-edited the text and its apparatus to conform with the standard lineation of 3182, rather than Kiernan’s 3184 lines. As I still agree with Kiernan about the lineation ll. 389-90 and 2228-30, this edition of the poem ends up with blank half-lines at 389b, 390a, 2228b, 2229ab, 2230a, in order to match the standard 3182-lineation. This change was partially inspired by Robert Fulk’s (2003) article on the metrically necessity of the hypermetrical lines at 1163-8, 1705-7, 2995-6 (esp. Fulk 2003:10-13), as well as urging by Thomas Hart (pers. comm.). Please email me at grendel@heorot.dk regarding typos, errors, questions, etc. Benjamin Sladelast updated on 20-August-2012 |
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| Deus vult ! | — Theedrich ( Inscriptio electronica : Theedrich@harbornet.com ) |
| Dies immutationis recentissimæ : die Solis, 2017 Junii 25 |