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