Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem - Anonymous

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(249) is variously rendered: (1) housecarle; (2) home-stayer; (3) common man. Dr. H. Wood suggests a man-at-arms in another’s house.

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      Beowulf courteously replies.

      The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,

      War-troopers’ leader, and word-treasure opened:

      We are Geats.

      “We are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,

      And Higelac’s hearth-friends. To heroes unnumbered

      My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day. 5

      My father was known, a noble head-warrior

      Ecgtheow titled; many a winter

      He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,

      Old from his dwelling; each of the counsellors

      Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.

      Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest. 10

      We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,

      The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,

      Folk-troop’s defender: be free in thy counsels!

      To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,

      The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween,

      Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes? 15

      Naught of our message. Thou know’st if it happen,

      As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,

      Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky

      By deeds very direful ’mid the Danemen exhibits

      Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction

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      And the falling of dead. From feelings least selfish

      I can help your king to free himself from this horrible creature.

      I am able to render counsel to Hrothgar,

      How he, wise and worthy, may worst the destroyer,

      If the anguish of sorrow should ever be lessened,1

      Comfort come to him, and care-waves grow cooler,

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      Or ever hereafter he agony suffer

      And troublous distress, while towereth upward

      The handsomest of houses high on the summit.”

      The coast-guard reminds Beowulf that it is easier to say than to do.

      Bestriding his stallion, the strand-watchman answered,

      The doughty retainer: “The difference surely

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      ’Twixt words and works, the warlike shield-bearer

      Who judgeth wisely well shall determine.

      This band, I hear, beareth no malice

      I am satisfied of your good intentions, and shall lead you to the palace.

      To the prince of the Scyldings. Pass ye then onward

      With weapons and armor. I shall lead you in person;

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      To my war-trusty vassals command I shall issue

      To keep from all injury your excellent vessel,

      Your boat shall be well cared for during your stay here.

      Your fresh-tarred craft, ’gainst every opposer

      Close by the sea-shore, till the curved-neckèd bark shall

      Waft back again the well-beloved hero

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      O’er the way of the water to Weder dominions.

      He again compliments Beowulf.

      To warrior so great ’twill be granted sure

      In the storm of strife to stand secure.”

      Onward they fared then (the vessel lay quiet,

      The broad-bosomed bark was bound by its cable,

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      Firmly at anchor); the boar-signs glistened2

      Bright on the visors vivid with gilding,

      Blaze-hardened, brilliant; the boar acted warden.

      The heroes hastened, hurried the liegemen,

      The land is perhaps rolling.

      Descended together, till they saw the great palace,

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      The well-fashioned wassail-hall wondrous and gleaming:

      Heorot flashes on their view.

      ’Mid world-folk and kindreds that was widest reputed

      Of halls under heaven which the hero abode in;

      Its lustre enlightened lands without number.

      Then the battle-brave hero showed them the glittering

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      Court of the bold ones, that they easily thither

      Might fare on their journey; the aforementioned warrior

      Turning his courser, quoth as he left them:

      The coast-guard, having discharged his duty, bids them God-speed.

      “ ’Tis time I were faring; Father Almighty

      Grant you His grace, and give you to journey

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      Safe on your mission! To the sea I will get me

      ’Gainst hostile warriors as warden to stand.”

      [1] ‘Edwendan’ (280) B. takes to be the subs. ‘edwenden’ (cf. 1775); and ‘bisigu’ he takes as gen. sing., limiting ‘edwenden’: If reparation for sorrows is ever to come. This is supported by t.B.

      [2] Combining the emendations of B. and t.B., we may read: The boar-images glistened … brilliant, protected the life of the war-mooded man. They read ‘ferh-wearde’ (305) and ‘gúðmódgum men’ (306).

       VI.

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      The highway glistened with many-hued pebble,

      A by-path led the liegemen together.

      1Firm and hand-locked the war-burnie glistened,

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