We said when a cniht, and we threatened in the life of youth, that out on the ocean, with our elders we would sleep; when we rushed into the bay, strong and grim their rolling, the rage of the great fishes was excited. There against the enemies my body's iron vest, by hard hands well locked, The hateful enemy far on the waves of the flood from me, would have dragged me to the ground; swifter thro' the ocean than I could pursue him. For the space of five nights we were together on the sea, until the flood dispersed us; the raging waves and the coldest sky, the nipping nights and the north wind; fierce were the waves, fast he would have had me in his grim Beowulf continues to talk of his exploits. The conversation is carried on; and the author thus describes the continuation of the banquet, and the appearance of the queen of Hrothgar amid the festivity, and assisting to honour Beowulf: There was in the hall the dispenser of treasure, the long-haired one, illustrious in battle, the bright lord of the Danes. There was from the men Waltheow came forth: the queen of Hrothgar, mindful of her descent, circled with gold, she greeted the warrior in the hall; and the lordly wife gave the cup to the first of the East Danes, to the noble warder. She welcomed him blithely, the one dear to his people, to that feast of beer. He glowed with delight, the illustrious king of victory, at the feast and that hall-cup. Then the lady went about the helmed nobles and the youths. A portion to every one of the treasured vessels she gave; till the opportunity arrived that she, the queen, circled with bracelets, elevated in her mind, bore the cup of mead to Beowulf. She greeted the Jute people; wise with steady words, she thanked God that he had fulfilled her wish, for she believed the eorl would be a comforter to his people in any thing. He took the cup with joy, the warrior of fierce slaughter at the wall of the Whales, and then he sang, that the battle might be hastened. The author proceeds to describe the continuation of these courte And in the deadly conflict, fast with hostile gripe, I will show an eorl-like strength. in this mead hall expect me." the queen of the free-like people, to sit by her lord. Then, as before in the hall, words of menace were uttered. The people in the mansion sang the victories of their nation, till the son of Healfdan suddenly sought his evening rest.j 66 Before he retires, Hrothgar again greets his brave visiter: he then withdraws with his own warriors. The queen prays the King of Glory against Grendel," and the warder of the hall conducted Beowulf to his place of repose. and bade him keep the instrument of around him, to happy rest inclined.* Hilda. But while they are in this state of rest and comfort, the poet prepares to change the scene. The spirit of the wan night came on; that should have held the horn of the the hosts of the shadows roll up. The shooters sleep-even those palace.' The ancient enemy now suddenly returns, to take advantage of their security, by a new surprise. He appears to have been under the necessity of attacking first one of the warriors that surrounded Beowulf before he could reach the chief. He assailed the sleeping warrior on his upper side: his club struck the unwary one on the bone of his locks; the blood burst from the broken veins." Beowulf awakes as the Grendel is about to destroy him; a fierce contest ensues between them, which is described at some length; and the issue of it is the flight and escape of Grendel without effecting his full purpose. The people assemble in the morning at the place of conflict, surprised at the tidings. Beowulf is highly honoured for his first success. Much rejoicing and conversation ensue upon it. Hrothgar goes and congratulates Beowulf, and declares that he shall consider him as his son. Beowulf, in a respectful answer, shortly describes the conflict. The jealous son of Eglaf becomes silent, and another splendid banquet is prepared. It was then commanded of men and women, who the wine-chamber of the great mansion prepared. There shone, variegated with gold, the web on the walls; many wonders to the sight of each of the warriors that would gaze on it, became visible. The king himself proceeded to the festive hall; and the author declares, that he had never heard that a nobler assembly," about their giver of treasures, the chamber had ever borne." The royal presents to Beowulf are then described: They bent towards the tables, to enjoy their full fruit; fair and free they rejoiced; many kinsmen contended with them. Then to Beowulf he gave the sword of Healfdan; a golden banner, the reward of his victory; Beowulf fully prospered in the he needed not be ashamed I have not observed four vessels of gold more liberal, men. Around the roof of the helmet, was a hedge firmly circled, that no remains of danger on him when against the guilty robber • Thorkelin here inserts the misplaced leaf. Beowulf, p. 68–75. P Beowulf, p. 58-64. r Ibid. p. 76. The asylum of eorls then com- That was the high king's seat of manded eight mares with fat cheeks, a saddle, varied with trappings richly battle, when the oblation of swords 66 ter." Hrothgar gives these presents to Beowulf, and exhorts him to use them manlily. He also gave vases from the treasure of his inheritance to each of those at that mead table, who followed Beowulf through the paths of the ocean." The author moralizes shortly, that the Creator governs all men; and that the understanding is the best part of the soul; and that— Much forethought shall abide in it, both of love and hatred to him that in these days of trouble long enjoys the world." Then were song and music united before Healfdan's leader of Hilda, the mouth greeted the wood; The enterprise ended in the capture This episode is rather long. The song was sung; the lay of the gleemen. The games again sprang up. The music of the table enlivened them, the cup-bearers distributed the wine from wonderful vessels. Then came forth Waltheow to go under the golden crown, where the two good heroes sat akin; peace reigned between them, each with the other in full confidence." The queen is then again exhibited as assisting actively in the friendly assembly; turning to her husband,— with the mild words that should be and to thy relations leave used. Be cheerful with the Jutes, mindful of gifts far and near. thy people and thy kingdom, when thou shalt see the metodsceaft." After reminding him that Hrothulf will rule with honour if he survive him, and take care of their offspring, she returns to her seat, where her children and their young friends were near her. Beowulf, p. 77-79. This description corresponds with the gifts of kings to their nobles and knights, alluded to before. t Ibid. p. 80. u Ibid. ▾ Ibid. Soon the music is repeated; and taking some valuable orna ments, the queen again rises. and flourish well with skilful valour; and to these cnyhts be mild in thy counsels. I will be careful of thy reward."y After some further commendations, and recommending her sons to his attention, she orders" the drink to be got ready for the noble ones," and returns to her seat. Evening came on, the king withdrew, the tables were taken away, and the place was spread with beds and bolsters. Some of the beer-servants, speedy and joyful, prepared the chamber of rest. They fixed over their heads the shields of Hilda; the boards of bright wood. There high over the Etheling on his bench, the helmet of the noble one was seen, his ringed coat of mail, his glorious wood of strength. They all incline to rest; and in this situation the inveterate enemy attacks them again, but not in person. It is the mother of Grendel that is now the assailant; she enters secretly among the friends of Hrothgar, and kills one of his dearest thegns. Beowulf was not in that part, and the murderess escapes. Hrothgar is much grieved for him, and exclaims: Hrothgar goes on to lament the situation of his people, thus exposed to such assaults; ascribes the mischief to Grendel, and gives an account of his habitation. Beowulf in a heroic speech proposes to undertake the enterprise of punishing both the Grendel and his mother for these new fehthes. He collects his own forces and some of Hrothgar's, and prepares for the expedition. His arming himself is described. He takes an old sword of some celebrity that is described, and called Hrunting. He makes a farewell speech to Hrothgar, and requests that if Hilda, their goddess of war, should take him away, the presents he has received should be sent to Higelac his lord.e He then proceeds to the adventure, and begins it by a combat with the mother of Grendel, who attacks him like a sea-wolf. He fights valiantly, but he finds the famous sword of no use. She is not impressible by its edge; her strength and fury begin to overpower him; she throws him down, and is proceeding to de y Beowulf, p. 93. z Ibid. p. 95. a Ibid. p. 96-100. b Ibid. 101. These are some of the names given by the Anglo-Saxons to the members of their witena-gemot. © Beowulf, p. 102-104. d Ibid. p. 105-109. e • Ibid. P. 110-113. |