Beowulf Part 13

From Spear-Danish people. But the prowess and valor 45 Of the earls of the Geatmen early shall venture To give him a grapple. He shall go who is able Bravely to banquet, when the bright-light of morning

{On the second day, any warrior may go unmolested to the mead-banquet.}

Which the second day bringeth, the sun in its ether-robes, O'er children of men shines from the southward!"

50 Then the gray-haired, war-famed giver of treasure

{Hrothgar's spirits are revived.}

Was blithesome and joyous, the Bright-Danish ruler Expected a.s.sistance; the people's protector

{The old king trusts Beowulf. The heroes are joyful.}

Heard from Beowulf his bold resolution.

There was laughter of heroes; loud was the clatter, 55 The words were winsome. Wealhtheow advanced then,

{Queen Wealhtheow plays the hostess.}

Consort of Hrothgar, of courtesy mindful, Gold-decked saluted the men in the building, And the freeborn woman the beaker presented

{She offers the cup to her husband first.}

To the lord of the kingdom, first of the East-Danes, 60 Bade him be blithesome when beer was a-flowing, Lief to his liegemen; he l.u.s.tily tasted Of banquet and beaker, battle-famed ruler.

The Helmingish lady then graciously circled 'Mid all the liegemen lesser and greater:

[23]

{She gives presents to the heroes.}

65 Treasure-cups tendered, till time was afforded That the decorous-mooded, diademed folk-queen

{Then she offers the cup to Beowulf, thanking G.o.d that aid has come.}

Might bear to Beowulf the b.u.mper o'errunning; She greeted the Geat-prince, G.o.d she did thank, Most wise in her words, that her wish was accomplished, 70 That in any of earlmen she ever should look for Solace in sorrow. He accepted the beaker, Battle-bold warrior, at Wealhtheow's giving,

{Beowulf states to the queen the object of his visit.}

Then equipped for combat quoth he in measures, Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow: 75 "I purposed in spirit when I mounted the ocean,

{I determined to do or die.}

When I boarded my boat with a band of my liegemen, I would work to the fullest the will of your people Or in foe's-clutches fastened fall in the battle.

Deeds I shall do of daring and prowess, 80 Or the last of my life-days live in this mead-hall."

These words to the lady were welcome and pleasing, The boast of the Geatman; with gold trappings broidered Went the freeborn folk-queen her fond-lord to sit by.

{Glee is high.}

Then again as of yore was heard in the building 85 Courtly discussion, conquerors' shouting, Heroes were happy, till Healfdene's son would Go to his slumber to seek for refreshing; For the horrid h.e.l.l-monster in the hall-building knew he A fight was determined,[2] since the light of the sun they 90 No longer could see, and lowering darkness O'er all had descended, and dark under heaven Shadowy shapes came shying around them.

{Hrothgar retires, leaving Beowulf in charge of the hall.}

The liegemen all rose then. One saluted the other, Hrothgar Beowulf, in rhythmical measures, 95 Wishing him well, and, the wa.s.sail-hall giving To his care and keeping, quoth he departing: [24] "Not to any one else have I ever entrusted, But thee and thee only, the hall of the Danemen, Since high I could heave my hand and my buckler.

100 Take thou in charge now the n.o.blest of houses; Be mindful of honor, exhibiting prowess, Watch 'gainst the foeman! Thou shalt want no enjoyments, Survive thou safely adventure so glorious!"

[1] The repet.i.tion of 'hwaeere' (574 and 578) is regarded by some scholars as a defect. B. suggests 'swa paer' for the first: _So there it befell me, etc._ Another suggestion is to change the second 'hwaeere' into 'swa paer': _So there I escaped with my life, etc._

[2] Kl. suggests a period after 'determined.' This would give the pa.s.sage as follows: _Since they no longer could see the light of the sun, and lowering darkness was down over all, dire under the heavens shadowy beings came going around them_.

XI.

ALL SLEEP SAVE ONE.

{Hrothgar retires.}

Then Hrothgar departed, his earl-throng attending him, Folk-lord of Scyldings, forth from the building; The war-chieftain wished then Wealhtheow to look for, The queen for a bedmate. To keep away Grendel

{G.o.d has provided a watch for the hall.}

5 The Glory of Kings had given a hall-watch, As men heard recounted: for the king of the Danemen He did special service, gave the giant a watcher: And the prince of the Geatmen implicitly trusted

{Beowulf is self-confident}

His warlike strength and the Wielder's protection.

{He prepares for rest.}

10 His armor of iron off him he did then, His helmet from his head, to his henchman committed His chased-handled chain-sword, choicest of weapons, And bade him bide with his battle-equipments.

The good one then uttered words of defiance, 15 Beowulf Geatman, ere his bed he upmounted:

{Beowulf boasts of his ability to cope with Grendel.}

"I hold me no meaner in matters of prowess, In warlike achievements, than Grendel does himself; Hence I seek not with sword-edge to sooth him to slumber, Of life to bereave him, though well I am able.

{We will fight with nature's weapons only.}

20 No battle-skill[1] has he, that blows he should strike me, To shatter my shield, though sure he is mighty [25] In strife and destruction; but struggling by night we Shall do without edges, dare he to look for Weaponless warfare, and wise-mooded Father 25 The glory apportion, G.o.d ever-holy,

{G.o.d may decide who shall conquer}

On which hand soever to him seemeth proper."

Then the brave-mooded hero bent to his slumber, The pillow received the cheek of the n.o.ble;

{The Geatish warriors lie down.}

And many a martial mere-thane attending 30 Sank to his slumber. Seemed it unlikely