This after came to pass in later days in the clash of wars,
	when Hygelac was fallen, and swords of battle had been
	Heardred’s bane amid the shielded ranks, what time the
1855	warlike Scyldings, dauntless men of arms, sought him out
	amid his glorious people, and came upon him, nephew of
	Hereric, with fell assault, then into Beowulf’s hands came
	that broad realm. Well he ruled it for fifty winters–now
	was he a king of many years, aged guardian of his rightful
1860	land–until a certain one in the dark nights began to hold
	sway, a dragon, even he who on the high heath watched his
	hoard, his steep stone-barrow: below lay a path little known
	to men. Therein went some nameless man, creeping in nigh
	to the pagan treasure; his hand seized a goblet deep, bright
1865	with gems. This the dragon did not after in silence bear, albeit
	he had been cheated in his sleep by thief’s cunning. This the
	people learned, men of the neighbouring folk, that he was
	wroth indeed.
	By no means of intent had that man broken the dragon’s
1870	hoard of his own will, he who thus wronged him grievously;
	but in dire need, being the thrall of some one among
	the sons of mighty men, he had fled from the lashes of
	wrath, and having no house he crept therein, a man burdened
	with guilt.
1875	Soon did the dragon bestir himself . . . that (swiftly) upon
	the trespasser dire terror fell; yet nonetheless illfated one . . .
	when the sudden danger came on him, (he saw) a treasure
	chest . . .
	There was in that house of earth many of such olden
1880	treasures, as someone, I know not who, among men in days
	of yore had there prudently concealed, jewels of price and
	mighty heirlooms of a noble race. All of them death had
	taken in times before, and now he too alone of the proven
	warriors of his people, who longest walked the earth, watching,
1885	grieving for his friends, hoped but for the same fate, that
	he might only a little space enjoy those longhoarded things.
	A barrow all ready waited upon the earth nigh to the
	watery waves, new-made upon a headland, secured by binding
	spells. Therein did the keeper of the rings lade a portion
1890	right worthy to be treasured of the wealth of noble men, of
	plated gold; and a few words he spake:
	‘Keep thou now, Earth, since mighty men could not, the
	wealth of warriors. Lo! aforetime in thee it was that good
	men found it! Death in battle, cruel and deadly evil, hath
1895	taken each mortal man of my people, who have forsaken
	this life, the mirth of warriors in the hall. I have none that
	may bear sword, or burnish plated cup and precious drinking
	vessel. The proud host hath vanished away. Now shall
	the hard helm, gold-adorned, be stripped of its plates; those
1900	who should burnish it, who should polish its vizor for battle
	are asleep, and the armour too that stood well the bite of
	iron swords in war amid bursting shields now followeth its
	wearer to decay. The ringéd corslet no more may widely
	fare in company of a prince of war, upon the side of mighty
1905	men. There is no glad sound of harp, no mirth of instrument
	of music, nor doth good hawk sweep through the hall, nor
	the swift horse tramp the castle-court. Ruinous death hath
	banished hence many a one of living men.’
	Even thus in woe of heart he mourned his sorrow, alone
1910	when all had gone; joyless he cried aloud by day and night,
	until the tide of death touched at his heart.
	This hoarded loveliness did the old despoiler wandering
	in the gloom find standing unprotected, even he who filled
	with fire seeks out mounds (of burial), the naked dragon of
1915	fell heart that flies wrapped about in flame: him do earth’s
	dwellers greatly dread. Treasure in the ground it is ever his
	wont to seize, and there wise with many years he guards the
	heathen gold–no whit doth it profit him.
	Even thus had that despoiler of men for three hundred
1920	winters kept beneath the earth that house of treasure, waxing
	strong; until one filled his heart with rage, a man, who bore
	to his liege-lord a goldplated goblet, beseeching truce and
	pardon of his master. Then was the hoard laid bare, the
	hoard of rings minished, and his boon granted to the man
1925	forlorn. The lord for the first time gazed now on the olden
	work of men. Then the serpent woke! New strife arose. He
	smelt now along the rock, and grimhearted he perceived the
	footprint of his foe, who in his stealth had stepped right nigh,
	yea, close to the dragon’s head. Thus may indeed one whose
1930	fate is not to die with ease escape woe and evil lot, if he have
	the favour of the Lord! The Guardian of the Hoard searched
	eagerly about the ground, desiring to discover the man who
	had thus wrought him injury as he lay in sleep. Burning,
	woeful at heart, ofttimes he compassed all the circuit of the
1935	mound, but no man was there in the waste. Nonetheless he
	thought with joy of battle, of making war. Ever and anon he
	turned him back into the barrow, seeking the jewelled vessel.
	Quickly had he discovered this, that some one among men
	had explored the gold and mighty treasures. In torment the
1940	Guardian of the Hoard abode until evening came. Then was
	the keeper of the barrow swollen with wrath, purposing, fell
	beast, with fire to avenge his precious drinking-vessel. Now
	was the day faded to the serpent’s joy. No longer would he
	tarry on the mountain-side, but went blazing forth, sped with
1945	fire. Terrible for the people in that land was the beginning (of
	that war), even as swift and bitter came its end upon their
	lord and patron. Now the invader did begin to spew forth
	glowing fires and set ablaze the shining halls–the light of the
	burning leapt forth to the woe of men. No creature there did
1950	that fell winger of the air purpose to leave alive. Wide might
	it be seen how the serpent went to war, the malice of that fell
	oppressor, from near and far be seen how that destroyer in
	battle pursued and humbled the people of the Geats. Back to
	his Hoard he sped to his dark hall ere the time of day. He had
1955	wrapped the dwellers in the land in flame, in fire and burning;
	he trusted in his barrow, in its wall and his own warlike
	might, and his trust cheated him.
	Now to Beowulf were the dread tidings told, swift and
	true, that his own homestead, best of houses, was crumbling
1960	in the whirling blaze, even the royal seat of the Geats. Grief
	was that to the good man’s heart, the greatest of sorrows in
	his breast. Wise though he was he thought that he had bitterly
	angered the eternal Lord, Ruler of all, against the ancient law.
	His breast within was whelmed in dark boding thought, as
1965	was unwonted for him. The flaming dragon from without
	that seabordered land with glowing fires had crushed to ruin
	the stronghold of the folk, the guarded realm. For him did the
	king of war, lord of the windloving Geats, ponder vengeance
	therefore. He then, protector of warriors, lord of good men,
1970	bade fashion for him a shield for battle curiously wrought, all
	made of iron: full well he knew that no wood of the forest, no
	linden shield, would avail him against the flame. Appointed
	was it that the prince proven of old should find now the end
	of his fleeting days, of life in this world, and the serpent with
1975	him, albeit he had long possessed his hoarded wealth.
	Lo! the lord of gold disdained with a host and mighty
	army to go against that creature flying far abroad. For
	himself he did not fear the contest, nor account as anything
	the valour of the serpent, nor his might and courage. For
1980	he, daring many a grievous strait, had aforetime come safe
	through many a deadly deed and clash of war, since the time
	when, champion victory-crowned, he had purged Hrothgar’s
	hall and in battle crushed the kin of Grendel of hated race.
	Not the least of these encounters was that wherein
1985	Hygelac was slain, when in the onslaughts of war blades
	drank the blood of the King of the Geats, the gracious prince
	of peoples, Hrethel’s son, in the Frisian lands by the broad-
	sword beaten down. Thence Beowulf got him by his own
	prowess, using his craft of swimming; he alone upon his arm
1990	had thirty coats of mail as he strode into the deep. Little cause
	in sooth had the Hetware who bore forth their shields against
	him to exult in that fight on foot–few came back from that
	fierce warrior to see their home! Then the son of Ecgtheow
	over the expanse of the salt sea, unhappy and alone, swam
1995	back unto his people. There Hygd offered to him treasury
	and realm, rings and kingly throne. She trusted not in her son
	that he was yet wise enow to defend the seats of his fathers
	against alien hosts, since Hygelac was dead. Yet never the
	more could the bereaved people obtain in any wise from the
2000	prince that he would be lord over Heardred, or accept the
	kingship. Rather he upheld him among his folk with friendly
	counsel in love and honour, until he grew older and ruled
	the windloving Geats. To Heardred came banished men over
	the sea, the sons of Ohthere; they had set at nought the lord
2005	of the Scylfings, that best of sea-kings that ever in Sweden
	dealt out precious gifts, a king renowned. That marked his
	end–there to the son of Hygelac for his harbouring was
	allotted a deadly wound by stroke of sword. But the son of
	Ongentheow, when Heardred was slain, returned to seek his
2010	home, suffering Beowulf to hold the kingly throne and rule
	the Geats–a good king was he!
	He did not forget the requital of his prince’s fall in later
	days: to Eadgils in his need he was found a friend, with a
	host he supported Ohthere’s son, with warriors and weapons
2015	beyond the broad lake, and later in cold and grievous
	marches achieved revenge, the king he reft of life.
	Even thus had he, the son of Ecgtheow, been preserved in
	every deadly strait and cruel slaying and desperate deed, until
	that one day when he must fight the serpent.
2020	Then filled with grief and rage the lord of the Geats with
	eleven companions went to look upon the dragon: already he
	had learned whence those deeds of enmity and dire hatred of
	men had sprung–into his possession had come the splendid
	and precious vessel by the hand of the spy: he was in that
2025	company the thirteenth man who had wrought the beginning
	of that warfare, a captive with gloomy heart he now must in
	shame show the way thence over the land. Against his will he
	went to where he knew a solitary hall of earth, a vault under
	ground, nigh to the surges of the deep and the warring waves.
2030	All filled within was it with cunning work and golden wire.
	The monstrous guardian eager and ready in battle ancient
	beneath the earth kept those golden treasures–no easy bar-
	gain that for any among men to win. Now upon the headland
	sat the war-proven king from whom the Geats had love and
2035	gifts of gold while he bade farewell unto the companions of
	his hearth. Heavy was his mood, restless hastening toward
	death: the fate very nigh indeed that was to assail that aged
	one, to attack the guarded soul within and sunder life from
	body–not for long thereafter was the spirit of the prince in
2040	flesh entrammelled.
	Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: ‘In youth from
	many an onslaught of war I came back safe, from many a day
	of battle. I do recall it all. Seven winters old was I, when the
	king of wealth, gracious prince of peoples, received me of my
2045	father. King Hrethel it was, who guarded me and kept me
	and gave me rich gift and fair feast, remembering our kinship.
	No whit was I while he lived less beloved by him within his
	house than any of his sons, even Herebeald, and Hæthcyn,
	and Hygelac my lord. For the eldest, as never should it have
2050	been, by a kinsman’s deed the bed of cruel death was made,
	when Hæthcyn with arrow from his horn-tipped bow smote
	grievously his lord–he missed his mark and shot to death his
	kinsman, brother slew brother with a bloody shaft. That was
	an assault inexpiable, a wrong most evilly wrought, heart-
2055	wearying to the soul; and yet the prince must depart from
	life all unavenged.
	‘In like wise is it grievous for an old man to endure that his
	son yet young should swing upon the gallows, that he should
	utter a dirge, a lamentable song, while his child hangs a sport
2060	unto the raven, and he old and weighed with years cannot
	devise him any aid. Ever is he reminded, each morning, of his
	son’s passing; little he cares to await within his courts another
	heir, now that this one hath tasted evil deeds through the violence
	of death. In care and sorrow he sees in his son’s dwelling
2065	the hall of feasting, the resting places swept by the wind robbed
	of laughter–the riders sleep, mighty men gone down into the
	dark; there is no sound of harp, no mirth in those courts, such
	as once there were. Then he goes back unto his couch, alone
	for the one beloved he sings a lay of sorrow: all too wide and
2070	void did seem to him those fields and dwelling places.
	‘Even so did the lord of the windloving folk bear the surging
	sorrow of his heart for Herebeald–in no wise could he
	exact atonement for the evil deed from the slayer of life; none
	the more might he pursue with deeds of hate that warrior,
2075	though little was his love. Then beneath that sorrow that had
	fallen thus too grievously upon him he forsook the joys of
	men, God’s light he sought: to his heirs, as rich man doth, he
	left his lands and populous towns, departing from this life.
	Soon was deed of hate and strife betwixt Swede and Geat and
2080	feud on either hand across the water wide, bitter enmity in
	war, since Hrethel was dead, or else the sons of Ongentheow
	were bold in war, eager to advance, and desired not to keep
	the peace across the sea, but about Hreosnabeorg they oft-
	times wrought cruel slaughter in their hate.
2085	‘That did my kinsmen avenge, the deeds of enmity and
	wrong, as has been famed, albeit one of them paid for it with
	his life in grim barter: upon Hæthcyn, lord of the Geats, war
	fell disastrous. That day, as I have heard, at morn one kinsman
	with the edges of his sword brought home to the slayer
2090	the other’s death, when Ongentheow met Eofer. The helm of
	battle sprang asunder and the aged Scylflng fell, death-pale
	in the fray. His hand remembered fell deeds enow, but it
	warded not the fatal stroke.
	‘Hygelac I repaid in battle for those precious gifts that he
2095	gave me, even as was permitted me, with my shining sword;
	he gave me lands and the joyous possession of my fathers’
	home. No need was there for him that he should seek among
	the Gifethas or the spearmen of the Danes or in the Swedish
	realm a warrior less doughty or hire such with pay; ever in
2100	the marching hosts I would go before him alone in the front
	of war, and thus shall through life do battle, while this sword
	endures that has oft, early and late, served me well, since
	before the proven hosts my hands were Dæghrefn’s death,
	the champion of the Franks. In no wise might he bring that
2105	fair-wrought ornament of the breast unto the Frisian king;
	nay, he fell in battle, the keeper of their banner, that prince in
	his pride. No sword-edge was his slayer, but a warrior’s gripe
	it was that quenched his beating heart crushing his frame
	of bones. Now shall this sword’s edge, hard and tempered
2110	blade, do battle for the hoard.’
	Beowulf spake, for the last time proud words he uttered:
	‘In youth many a deed of war I dared and still I will, aged
	protector of my people, seek strife and achieve renown, if
	that worker of evil and ruin comes forth from his house of
2115	earth to find me.’ Then he addressed each of those men, bold
	warriors bearing their shields, his dear comrades for the latest
	time. ‘I would not bear sword or weapon against the serpent,
	if I knew how else I might grapple with the fierce destroyer
	to mine honour, as aforetime I did with Grendel. But here
2120	do I look for fell fire’s heat, for blast and venom; wherefore I
	have upon me shield and corslet. Yet I will not from the bar-
	row’s keeper flee one foot’s pace, but to us twain hereafter
	shall it be done at the mound’s side, even as Fate, the Portion
	of each man, decrees to us. Fearless is my heart, wherefore I
2125	forbear from vaunting threat against this wingéd foe.
	‘Wait now on the hill, clad in your corslets, ye knights in
	harness, to see which of us two may better endure his wounds
	when the combat is over. This is not an errand for you, nor
	is it within the measure of any man save me alone that he
2130	should put forth his might against the fierce destroyer, doing
	deeds of knighthood. I shall with my valour win the gold, or
	else shall war, cruel and deadly evil, take your prince.’
	Then the bold warrior stood up beside his shield, resolute
	beneath his helm. Wearing his grim mail he strode up to
2135	the stony cliffs, trusting in the strength of one man alone—
	such is no craven’s feat! Then he who, endowed with manly
	virtue, had passed through many a host of battles and a clash
	of war, when the ranks of men smote together, saw now at
	the mound’s side a stone-arch standing from whence a stream
2140	came hurrying from the hill. The boiling water of that spring
	was hot with deadly fires; no man could long while endure
	unscorched that deep place nigh the hoard by reason of the
	dragon’s flame.
	Now in his wrath the prince of the windloving Geats let
2145	words speed from his breast; grim of heart he shouted loud,
	so that his voice came ringing clear as a war-cry in beneath
	the hoary rock. Hatred was aroused. The Guardian of the
	Hoard perceived the voice of man. No longer was there space
	for the sueing of peace. Forth came first the blast of the fierce
2150	destroyer from out the rock, hot vapour threatening battle.
	The earth rang. The Lord of the Geats beneath the mound
	flung round his warrior’s shield to meet the dreadful comer.
	Now was the heart of the coiling beast stirred to come out to
	fight. His sword had already the good king drawn for battle,
2155	his ancient heirloom, quick of edge. Each with fell purpose in
	their hearts knew dread of [the] other; but undaunted stood
	the prince of vassals with his tall shield against him, while the
	serpent swiftly coiled itself together. In his armour he awaited
	it. Now it came blazing, gliding in loopéd curves, hastening
2160	to its fate. The shield well protected the life and limbs of the
	king renowned a lesser while than his desire had asked, if he
	were permitted to possess victory in battle, as that time, on
	that first occasion of his life, for him fate decreed it not. The
	Lord of the Geats flung up his arm and with his ancient sword
2165	smote the dread foe and the burnished edge turned on the
	bony body, but less keenly than its king had need, thus sore
	oppressed. Then was the guardian of the barrow after that
	warlike stroke in fell mood; murderous fire he flung–wide
	the flames of battle sprang. No triumphant cry of victory then
2170	uttered he from whom the Geats had love and gifts of gold:
	his naked blade had failed him in the cruel deeds of battle, as
	never should it have done, that iron tried of old. No pleasant
	fare was his that day, (nor such) that the renownéd son of
	Ecgtheow should of his own will forsake that field on earth;
2175	against his will must he inhabit a dwelling otherwhere, even
	as each man must, leaving the brief days of life.
	Not long was it now before those fierce slayers together
	came again. The Guardian of the Hoard took heart afresh,
	his breast heaved with gasping breath. Anguish he endured
2180	oppressed with fire who aforetime was ruler of his folk. In
	no wise did his companions in arms, sons of princes, stand
	about him, a company proved in war; nay, they had retreated
	to a wood for the saving of their lives. In one alone of them
	the heart was moved with grief. Kinship may nothing set
2185	aside in virtuous mind. Wiglaf was he called, Wihstan’s son,
	that fair warrior beneath his shield, a lord of Scylfing race
	of Ælfhere’s line. He saw his liege-lord beneath his vizored
	helm of war in torment of heat. He remembered then those
	favours which Beowulf had granted to him, the rich
2190	dwelling-place of the Wægmundings, and all the landed rights
	which his father before had held. Then he could hold back
	no more: his hand wielded shield of yellow linden, ancient
	sword he drew–among men was it known as plunder of
	Eanmund Ohthere’s son. Him, a lordless exile, did Wihstan
2195	in battle slay with edge of sword, and to Eanmund’s kin bore
	off his bright burnished helm, ringéd corslet, and old gigantic
	sword. All which did Onela return to him, the battle-harness
	of his nephew, and gallant gear of war; nor did he speak
	of the injury to his house, albeit Wihstan had laid low his
2200	brother’s son. These fair things he kept for many a year, both
	sword and corslet, until his son might accomplish deeds of
	knightly valour, as his father had before him. Then he gave
	unto him in the land of the Geats of harness of battle an
	uncounted store, when he departed life full of years upon his
2205	journey hence. This was the first venture in which that champion
	young was destined to make onslaught in battle beside
	his good lord. His heart turned not to water within him, nor
	did the weapon his sire bequeathed betray him in the fight.
	And that indeed the serpent found when they came together.
2210	Wiglaf spake many a right fitting word, saying to his
	comrades (for heavy was his heart): ‘I do not forget the time
	when, where we took our mead in the hall of revelry, we
	vowed to our master, who gave us these precious things, that
	we would repay him for that raiment of warriors, the helmets
2215	and stout swords, if ever on him such need as this should fall.
	For this of his own choice he chose us amid the host, for this
	adventure, considering us worthy of glorious deeds; for this
	he gave to me those costly gifts, for he accounted us spear-
	men valiant, bold bearers of the helm–yea, even though our
2220	lord, shepherd of his people, purposed alone on our behalf
	to achieve this work of prowess, for he hath above all men
	wrought feats of renown and deeds of daring. Now is the day
	come when our liege-lord hath need of valour and of warriors
	good. Come! Let us go to him! Let us help our leader
2225	in arms, while the heat endures, the glowing terror grim. God
	knoweth that for my part far sweeter is it for me that glowing
	fire should embrace my body beside the lord that gave me
	gold. Nor seems it fitting to me that we bear back our shields
	unto our home, unless we can first smite down the foe, and
2230	defend the life of the king of the windloving people. Verily
	I know that his deserts of old were not such that he alone of
	proven Geatish men should suffer anguish, and fall in battle.
	With him my sword and helm, my corslet and my armour,
	shall be joined in league!’
2235	Then strode he though the deadly reek, his head armed
	for war, to the succour of his lord, and these brief words he
	spake: ‘Beowulf beloved, do all things well unto the end, even
	as thou didst vow aforetime in the days of youth that thou
	wouldst not while living suffer thy honour to fall low. Now
2240	must thou, brave in deeds, thy noble heart unwavering, with
	all thy might thy life defend. To the uttermost I will aid thee.’
	Upon these words the serpent came on in wrath a second
	time, alien creature fierce and evil, assailing with swirling
	fires, drawing nigh unto his foes, these hated men. His buckler
2245	in the billowing flames was burned even to the boss, his
	corslet could afford no help to that young wielder of the
	spear; but beneath his kinsman’s shield stoutly fared that
	warrior young, when his own was crumbled in the glow-
	ing fires. Now once more the king of battles recalled his
2250	renownéd deeds, with mighty strength he smote with his
	warlike sword, and fast in the head it stood driven by fierce
	hate. Nægling burst asunder! Beowulf’s sword, old, grey-
	bladed, had failed him in the fight. It was not vouchsafed to
	him that blades of iron might be his aid in war: too strong
2255	that hand, that as I have heard with its swing overtaxed each
	sword, when he to the battle bore weapons marvellously
	hard; no whit did it profit him.
	Then for the third time the destroyer of the folk, the fell
	fire-dragon, bethought him of deeds of enmity, and rushed
2260	upon that valiant man, now that a clear field was given him,
	burning and fierce in battle. His neck with his sharp bony
	teeth he seized now all about, and Beowulf was reddened
	with his own life-blood; it welled forth in gushing streams.
	I have heard tell that in that hour of his king’s need the
2265	good man unbowed showed forth his valour, his might and
	courage, as was the manner of his kin. He heeded not those
	jaws; nay, his hand was burned, as valiant he aided now his
	kinsman, and smote that alien creature fierce a little lower
	down–a knight in arms was he!–so that bright and golden-
2270	hilted his sword plunged in, and the fire began thereafter to
	abate. Once more the king himself mastered his senses; drew
	forth a deadly dagger keen and whetted for the fray, that he
	wore against his mail; Lord of the windloving folk he ripped
	up the serpent in the midst. They had slain their foe–valour
2275	had vanquished life; yea, together they had destroyed him,
	those two princes of one house–of such sort should a man
	be, a loyal liege at need! That for the king was the last of his
	hours of triumph by his own deed, last of his labours in the
	world.
2280	Now the wound that the dragon of the cave had wrought
	on him began to burn and swell. Swiftly did he this perceive,
	that in his breast within the venom seethed with deadly
	malice. Then the prince went and sat him upon a seat beside
	the mound, full of deep thought. He gazed upon that work of
2285	giants, marking how that everlasting vault of earth contained
	within it those stony arches on their pillars fast upheld.
	Then that knight surpassing good with his hands sprinkled
	him with water, that king renowned all dreadly bloody,
	his own liege-lord, weary of war; his helmet he unclasped.
2290	Beowulf spake–despite his hurt, his grievous mortal wound,
	he spake–verily he knew that he had accomplished his hours
	of life, his joys upon the earth; now was departed all the
	number of his days, and Death exceeding near.
	‘Now to a son of mine I should have wished to give my
2295	harness of battle, had it been granted unto me that any heir
	of my body should follow me. This people have I ruled for
	fifty winters–no king was there, not one among the peoples
	dwelling nigh, who dared with allied swords approach me,
	or threaten me with war’s alarm. In mine own land I faced
2300	what time brought forth, held well mine own, nor pursued
	with treachery cruel ends, nor swore me many an oath
	unrighteously. In all this may I now, sick of mortal wounds,
	have joy, for that the Ruler of men hath not cause to charge
	me with cruel murder of my kin, when my life departeth
2305	from my body. Now go thou swiftly and survey the Hoard
	beneath the hoary rock, Wiglaf beloved, now that the serpent
	lieth dead, sleepeth wounded sore, robbed of his treasure.
	Make now haste, that I may behold the wealth of long ago,
	the golden riches, may plain survey the clear jewels
2310	cunning-wrought, and so may I, the wealth of precious things
	achieved, the softer leave my life and the lordship which long
	time I held.’
	Then I have heard that speedily the son of Wihstan, when
	these words were spoken, did hearken to his wounded lord
2315	in combat stricken, striding in his netlike mail, his corslet
	for battle woven, under the barrow’s vault. Then, passing by
	the seat, that young knight proudhearted, filled with the joy
	of victory, beheld a host of hoarded jewels, gold glistening
	that lay upon the ground, marvellous things upon the wall,
2320	the very lair of that old serpent in the dim light flying, and
	ewers standing there, vessels of men of bygone days, reft
	of those who cared for them, their fair adornment crumbling.
	There was many a helm old and rusted, a multitude
	of twisted armlets in strange devices twined. Treasure, gold
2325	hidden in the earth, easily may overtake the heart of any of
	the race of men–let him beware who will! There too he saw
	a banner hanging all wrought of gold, high above the hoard,
	the chiefest of all marvellous things of handicraft, woven by
	skill of fingers. Therefrom a radiance issued, that he might
2330	plain perceive that space beneath the earth, and all the precious
	things survey. Of the serpent there was nought to see;
	nay, the sword had taken him. Then, as I have heard, within
	that mound the Hoard and ancient work of giants did one
	man plunder, lading his bosom with dish and goblet at his
2335	own sweet will; the banner, too, he seized, of standards the
	most shining-fair. The broad-sword of his aged lord–iron
	was its edge–had brought to ruin him that in his sway these
	precious things had kept long while, the terror of his flame
	wielding hot before the Hoard, swirling fiercely in the mid-
2340	most night, until he died a bitter death.
	In haste was the messenger, eager to return, urged by the
	precious spoils. Anxiety pierced his uplifted heart to know
	whether he should yet living find the prince of the windloving
	people upon that level place where he had erewhile left
2345	him, his valour ebbing. Now bearing these precious things
	he found that prince renowned, his lord, bleeding, nigh to
	his life’s end. Once more he began to sprinkle him with
	water, until speech like a sharp pang burst from the prison
	of his breast. Thus spake the aged warrior king in anguish,
2350	looking upon the gold: ‘To the Master of all, the Glorious
	King and everlasting Lord, I speak now my words of thanks
	for these fair things, that I here gaze upon, for that I have
	been suffered ere my death’s hour such wealth to gather for
	my people. Now that I have for the hoard of precious things
2355	bartered the span of mine old life, do ye henceforth furnish
	the people’s needs. No longer may I here remain. Bid ye men
	renowned in war to make a mound for me plain to see when
	the pyre is done upon a headland out to sea. It shall tower on
	high upon Hronesnæs, a memorial to my folk, that voyagers
2360	upon the sea shall hereafter name it Beowulf’s Barrow, even
	they who speed from afar their steep ships over the shadows
	of the deeps.’ From his neck that prince of valiant heart undid
	a golden circlet and gave it to his knight, young wielder of
	the spear, and his helm, gleaming with gold, his corslet and a
2365	ring, bidding him use them well. ‘Thou art the end and latest
	of our house of Wægmund’s line. All hath fate swept away of
	my kinsfolk to their appointed doom, good men of valour–I
	must follow them!’ That was the latest word that issued from
	that aged heart and breast, ere he betook him to the pyre and
2370	the hot surge of warring flames. From his bosom did the soul
	depart to seek the judgement of the just.
	Then grievous was the lot of that man little tried in
	years, seeing upon the earth that most beloved of men at
	his life’s end suffering miserably. His slayer, too, lay dead,
2375	the dire dragon of the cave bereft of life, whom torment had
	oppressed. Those hoarded rings no longer might he rule, that
	serpent crooked-coiling; nay, blades of iron had seized him,
	hard, forged by hammers, notched in war; that he who had
	winged afar by wounds was stilled, fallen upon the ground
2380	beside his treasure-house. Never more in his disport did he
	wander through the air at midmost night, nor proud in the
	possession of fair things reveal his form to men, but was cast
	upon the earth by the hand and deed of that leader of the
	host. In sooth few among men that possessed great valour
2385	in that land, as I have learned, had luck therein, when daring
	though he were in every deed, he hurled him against the
	blast of that envenomed foe, or troubled with his hands his
	hall of rings, if he therein had found the Guardian dwelling
	watchful in his mound. Even by Beowulf was his portion of
2390	those kingly treasures paid for with his death. Both now had
	journeyed to the end of passing life.
	Now it was not long ere those laggards in battle, who
	before had not dared to wield their shafts in the great need
	of their sovereign lord, forsook the wood, ten faint hearts
2395	together, breakers of their vows. But now in shame they
	came bearing their shields and harness of war to where the
	aged king lay dead. They looked upon Wiglaf. Wearied he
	sat, that champion of the host, close to the side of his lord,
	seeking with water to revive him–nought did it avail him.
2400	He could not, dearly though he wished it, keep upon the
	earth his captain’s life, nor any whit avert the Almighty’s
	will. God’s Doom was ever the master then of every man in
	deeds fulfilled, even as yet now it is.
	Then did each man that had forgot his valour with little
2405	seeking get a grim rebuke from Wiglaf the young, the son of
	Wihstan. He now spake, a man with pain at heart, looking on
	those men unloved: ‘Lo! this indeed may he say, who wishes
	the truth to tell, that this liege-lord (who gave you those
	costly gifts and soldier’s gear, arrayed wherein ye now stand
2410	here, in that time when he oft did grant to you, sitting drinking
	ale upon the benches in his hall, both helm and corslet,
	even the most splendid of such things as he, a king for his
	knights, might get for you from far or near) that in the hour
	when war came upon him all that harness of war he utterly
2415	had cast away, ruinously. Little cause indeed had the king of
	this people for pride in his comrades in arms. Nonetheless
	God who ruleth victories vouchsafed to him that he unaided
	avenged himself with his sword, when he had need of valour.
	Little succour of his life could I afford him in that combat,
2420	and yet essayed beyond the measure of my power to help
	my kinsman. Thereafter ever was that deadly adversary in
	vigour less, when I had smitten him with sword, less violent
	then the fire surged from the gateways of his head. Too few
	the defenders that thronged about their prince, when that evil
2425	hour was come upon him! Behold! receiving of rich gifts, the
	giving of swords, all joy in the homes of your fathers, and
	hope shall fail for all your kin. Stripped of lands and rights
	shall each man of that house and line depart, when good men
	learn from afar of your retreat and deed inglorious. Death
2430	is more sweet for every man of worth than life with scorn!’
	Then he bade men up over the cliff by the sea to bring
	news of the deeds of war to the fencéd camp, wherein good
	men assembled, having their shields beside them, sat the long
	morning of the day, gloom in their hearts, pondering either
2435	chance, the last day or the home-coming of the man they
	loved. Little of these tidings new did he in silence keep who
	rode that seaward slope, but faithfully he said for all to hear:
	‘Now is he who to the windloving people furnished their
	delight, the lord of the Geats, bound upon the bed of death;
2440	he abides upon a bloody couch through the serpent’s deed.
	Beside him his mortal adversary lies stricken with strokes of
	knife; sword could in no wise to that fierce slayer do grievous
	hurt. Wiglaf, Wihstan’s son, by Beowulf sits, the brave living
	watching the brave dead; in weariness of soul he holds wake
2445	beside the body of both friend and foe.
	‘Now must our people look for time of war, as soon as
	afar to Frisian and to Frank the king’s fall is revealed. Bitter
	was the feud decreed against the Húgas (Franks), when
	Hygelac came sailing with his raiding fleet to Frisian land.
2450	There the Hetware in battle assailed him, and valiantly with
	overwhelming strength achieved that the mailéd warrior
	should lay him down: he fell amid the host, not one fair thing
	did that lord to his good men give. From us hath been ever
	since the favour of the Merovingian lord withheld. Nor do
2455	I from the Swedish realm look for any peace or truce at all:
	rather has it been reported far and wide that Ongentheow
	reft of life Hæthcyn Hrethel’s son beside Hrefnawudu
	(Ravenswood), when the Geatish folk in arrogance had first
	attacked the warlike Scylfings. Quickly did the aged father
2460	of Ohthere, old and dread, deliver him an answering stroke;
	the sea-chieftain he destroyed, and his wife aged as he was he
	rescued, his lady revered, of her gold bereaved, the mother
	of Onela and Ohthere; and then pursued his mortal foes
	until they escaped hard-pressed, leaderless, into Hrefnesholt
2465	(Ravensholt). Then with all his great host he besieged the
	survivors of his swords, weary of their wounds; grievous
	things often did he vow to that unhappy band through the
	long night, saying that he at morn would spill their lives with
	edge of sword or some would do upon gallows-trees to be
2470	the sport of crows. Relief thereafter came for those unhappy
	hearts with the first light of day, when they heard the horns
	and trumpets of Hygelac for battle ringing, as that good man
	came marching on their trail with the proven valour of his
	people. Plain to see was far and wide the bloody swath of
2475	Geats and Swedes, the murderous assault of men, how those
	peoples between them stirred up deeds of enmity.
	‘Then the good king (Ongentheow)–full of years was
	he and many sorrows–betook him with his bodyguard to a
	fast place; yea, the warrior Ongentheow gave back to higher
2480	ground. He had heard of the valour of Hygelac and the might
	in war of that proud prince; he hoped not to withstand him,
	nor to strive against those men of the sea, to defend from
	those fierce rovers treasure, child, nor wife. Back he gave
	from that place, the old king, behind an earthen wall. There
2485	attack was ordered upon the people of the Swedes; the banners
	of Hygelac marched forth over that defended space,
	when Hrethel’s people came crowding upon the fencéd
	camp. There was Ongentheow with grey-strewn hair driven
	to bay with edge of sword, and there must that king of (his)
2490	people endure the single will of Eofor. Him in wrath had
	Wulf Wonreding with his weapon found, so that at the stroke
	from veins forth spouted blood beneath the hair. And yet
	daunted was he not, the aged Scylflng; nay, swiftly requited
	that deadly blow with exchange more fell, when he, the king
2495	of his people, turned upon his foe. Now could the eager son
	of Wonred no answering blow return; nay, he had cloven the
	helm upon his head, so that dyed with blood he must sink
	down: he fell upon the earth. Not yet was he doomed to die;
	nay, he recovered, albeit the wound had touched him nigh.
2500	Lo! Hygelac’s bold knight, since his brother was laid low, let
	now the broad blade of ancient giant-forgéd sword above the
	wall of shields shatter the helm gigantic. Now the king gave
	back, the shepherd of his people, he was stricken mortally.
	Many then were those that bound up Eofor’s brother and
2505	swiftly lifted him, since it was granted them that they should
	be masters of the stricken field. Whereupon the knight
	despoiled his adversary, from Ongentheow he took the iron
	corslet, the hilted sword hard-tempered, and the helm too;
	the harness of the greyhaired lord he bore to Hygelac.
2510	‘These fair things he received, and graciously vowed to
	him rewards amid his people, and even so fulfilled his word.
	For their onslaught in that battle the lord of the Geats,
	Hrethel’s heir, when he came to his home Eofor and Wulf
	repaid with gifts beyond measure; to each of them he gave
2515	one hundred thousand (silver pence) in land and linkéd
	rings–no cause had any man on earth to reproach him with
	those rewards, since they had with their swords achieved
	such glorious deeds. Moreover to Eofor he gave his only
	daughter, as a pledge of his favour, for the honouring of his
2520	house.
	‘Such is the feud and enmity, the cruel malice of men, for
	which I look, in which the Swedish people will come against
	us, when they learn that our lord is reft of life, who aforetime
	did guard against those that hated him his treasury and realm,
2525	after the fall of mighty men did rule the sealoving Geats,
	accomplishing the profit of his people, yea, and before all did
	knightly deeds.
	‘Now is all speed the best, that we should look upon the
	king of this people where he lies, and bring that one who gave
2530	us rings upon his funeral way. Nor is it due that some solitary
	thing should be consumed beside that proud heart; nay,
	there is a hoard of precious things, gold beyond count grimly
	purchased, and rings now at this last paid for with his very life
	—these is it right that the blazing wood devour, the fire enfold.
2535	Not for him shall good man wear a thing of price in memory,
	nor maiden fare about her neck have ring to deck her; rather
	woeful-hearted, stripped of gold, long time and again shall she
	tread the lands of exile, now that the captain of our host hath
	laid aside his laughter, his mirth and merriment. For this shall
2540	many a spear cold at morn be grasped and seized, lifted in
	hand; nor shall the music of the harp awake the warriors, but
	the dusky raven gloating above the doomed shall speak many
	things, shall to the eagle tell how it sped him at the carrion-
	feast, when he vied with the wolf in picking bare the slain.’
2545	Thus was that gallant man a teller of tidings bitter; little
	did he report amiss of what had chanced or had been said.
	All the host arose. Joyless they went with welling tears to the
	foot of Earnanæs (Eagles’ Head) that monstrous sight to see.
	So found they keeping his bed of ease, lifeless upon the earth,
2550	him who in former times had given rings to them. Now was
	his last day passed for that good man, and the king of battles,
	the prince of the windloving people had died a monstrous
	death. Already had they seen a thing there yet more strange:
	the loathly serpent lying there stretched out before them on
2555	the ground. Grim to see, dreadly-hued, the flaming dragon
	had been scorched with his own glowing fires; fifty measured
	feet in length he lay at rest. Joy in the air aforetime had he had
	by night, then back was wont to go seeking his lair; now was
	he bound in death, for the last time had he used his earthy
2560	caves. Beside them goblets and ewers stood, and dishes lay
	and precious swords, rusty and eaten through, as had they
	dwelt there a thousand winters in the earth’s embrace. In that
	day that heritage had been endowed with mighty power; the
	gold of bygone men was wound about with spells, so that
2565	none among them might lay hand upon that hall of rings,
	unless God himself, true King of Victories, granted to the
	man he chose the enchanter’s secret and the hoard to open,
	to even such among men as seemed meet to Him.
	Now all could see that to evil fortune had he sallied forth
2570	who wrongfully had kept concealed therein the precious
	things beneath the builded mound. One only, and none
	beside, had the Guardian slain, before his deeds of enmity
	were bitterly avenged. A mystery it is where a man of prow-
	ess and good heart shall meet the end of his allotted life, when
2575	no longer may he among his kin dwell in the hall, his mead
	drinking. Even thus it was with Beowulf: when he sought
	out the barrow’s guardian, his guile and malice, he knew
	not himself through what means his parting from the world
	should come about. To this end had the mighty chieftains,
2580	those that there had laid it, set a deep curse upon it even until
	the Day of Doom, that that man should be for his crimes
	condemned, shut in the houses of devils, fast in the bonds
	of hell, tormented with clinging evil, who should that place
	despoil. Alas, Beowulf ere he went had not more carefully
2585	considered the old possessor’s will that cursed the gold.
	Wiglaf spake, the son of Wihstan: ‘Oft must it be that
	many men through one man’s will shall suffer woe, even as
	is now befallen us. We could not advise our king beloved, the
	shepherd of this realm, to any well-counselled course, that he
2590	should not approach the keeper of the gold, but should let
	him lie where long time he had been, abiding in his dwellings
	unto the world’s end, pursuing his mighty fate. The hoard
	is laid bare, grimly was it gained. Too mighty was the doom
	that thither drew this mortal man. I have been therein and all
2595	of it have I surveyed, the treasures of that house, when leave
	was given me–in no kindly wise was my entry welcomed
	in beneath the earthy mound. In haste I seized with hands a
	mighty burden huge of hoarded treasures, and hither did I bear
	them out unto my king. Yet living was he then, clear in mind
2600	and conscious, and all those many things he spake, aged and in
	anguish; and he bade me greet you, commanding that ye should
	fashion in memory of your good lord’s deeds upon the place
	of his pyre such a lofty tomb, mighty and splendid, even as he
	was among men the most renowned in war over the wide earth,
2605	while yet it was his lot to use the wealth within his courts.
	‘Let us now haste, going once again to find and look
	upon that press of fair-wrought gems, the marvellous things
	beneath the builded mound. I will guide you, that ye from
	nigh at hand shall gaze there upon rings in plenty and on
2610	massive gold. Let the bier be ready, swiftly arrayed, when
	we come out; then let us bear our prince, our dear-beloved,
	where he shall long abide in the keeping of the Lord!’
	Then the son of Wihstan, mighty man of valour, bade
	them summons send to many among men that homesteads
2615	ruled, that they being masters of men should bring from afar
	wood for the pyre to their good lord’s need. ‘Now shall the
	smoking flame be fed, the glowing fire devour the prince of
	men, even him who oft endured the iron hail, when the storm
	of arrows urged by bowstrings fled above the wall of shields,
2620	and the shaft performed its task sped by its feathered raiment,
	following the arrowhead.’
	Moreover the wise son of Wihstan summoned from the
	host the king’s own knights, seven in company, men most
	excellent; now eight warriors in all they went under the
2625	accurséd roof, one bearing in his hand a fiery torch, going
	forward at their head. No need then to cast lots who should
	despoil that hoard, when keeperless those men espied still
	any portion lying crumbling there; little did any grieve that
	they in haste brought forth those treasures of great price. The
2630	serpent too they thrust over the towering cliff, let the tide the
	dragon take, the flowing sea engulf the keeper of fair things.
	Then was the wreathéd gold laded upon a wain, beyond all
	count, and the prince borne away to Hronesnæs (Whale’s
	Head), their chieftain hoar.
2635	For him then the Geatish lords a pyre prepared upon the
	earth, not niggardly, with helms o’erhung and shields of war
	and corslets shining, as his prayer had been. Now laid they
	amidmost their glorious king, mighty men lamenting their
	lord beloved. Then upon the hill warriors began the mightiest
2640	of funeral fires to waken. Woodsmoke mounted black
	above the burning, a roaring flame ringed with weeping, till
	the swirling wind sank quiet, and the body’s bony house
	was crumbled in the blazing [?core]. Unhappy in heart they
	mourned their misery and their liege-lord slain. There too a
2645	lamentable lay many a Geatish maiden with braided tresses
	for Beowulf made, singing in sorrow, oft repeating that days
	of evil she sorely feared, many a slaying cruel and terror
	armed, ruin and thraldom’s bond. The smoke faded in the
	sky. Then the lords of the windloving people upon a seaward
2650	slope a tomb wrought that was high and broad, to voyagers
	on the waves clear seen afar; and in ten days they builded the
	memorial of the brave in war, encompassed with a wall what
	the fires had left, in such most splendid wise as men of chief
	wisdom could contrive. In that mound they laid armlets and
2655	jewels and all such ornament as erewhile daring-hearted men
	had taken from the hoard, abandoning the treasure of mighty
	men to earth to keep, gold to the ground where yet it dwells
	as profitless to men as it proved of old.
	Then about the tomb rode warriors valiant, sons of
2660	princes, twelve men in all, who would their woe bewail, their
	king lament, a dirge upraising, that man praising, honouring
	his prowess and his mighty deeds, his worth esteeming–even
	as is meet that a man should his lord beloved in words extol,
	in heart cherish, when forth he must from the raiment of
2665	flesh be taken far away.
	Thus bemourned the Geatish folk their master’s fall, comrades
	of his hearth, crying that he was ever of the kings of
	earth of men most generous and to men most gracious, to his
	people most tender and for praise most eager.