xiv

The man had continued in secular life until he was of advanced age, and had never learned anything about poetry. For this reason often at a feast when for the sake of pleasure it was decided that they should all, in turn, sing with the harp, he, as soon as he saw the harp coming near him, rose for shame from the feast and went home to his house.

On a certain occasion, he did this, and, leaving the house of the feast, had gone out to the cattle-shed the care of which had been assigned to him for that night. When at the proper time he had composed his limbs in rest and had gone to sleep, some one stood beside him in a dream, and greeted him, and called him by name: "Cadmon, sing me something."

Then he answered and said: "I can not sing, and for that reason I left the feast and came here, because I could not sing."

But the one who was talking with him replied, "Nevertheless you can sing for me." Said he, "What am I to sing?" "Sing," said he, "the Creation."

At this reply he immediately began to sing in praise of God the Creator, verses and words that he had never heard, the order of which is as follows:

Now we are to praise the Warder of heaven's kingdom,

The might of the Creator and the thought of his heart,

The works of the Father of glory, how he of every wonder,

The eternal Lord, contrived the beginning.
He first created for the children of earth
Heaven as a roof, the holy Creator;
Then this world, the Warder of mankind,
The eternal Lord, afterwards established
For men of the land, the Ruler almighty.1

Then he rose from sleep, and remembered all that he had sung sleeping, and to these words he at once added, in the same measure, many more words of a worthy hymn to God.

In the morning he went to the bailiff, who was his chief, and told him what sort of gift he had received. And he immediately led him to the abbess, and made known and reported it to her. Then she bade assemble all the most learned men and their pupils, and in their presence she ordered him to tell the dream and sing the song, so that it might be decided by the judgment of them all what it was and whence it had come. Then it was evident to them all as it was in truth that heavenly grace had been bestowed upon him by the Lord Himself. They then recounted and related to him a certain sacred story and words of divine doctrine, bidding him, if he could, to turn it into the rhythm of poetry. When he had received the directions, he went home to his house and in the morning he came back and sang and returned the passage assigned to him, adorned with excellent poetry.

Then the abbess began to embrace and love the grace of God in the man, and she urged and instructed him to forsake secular life and take upon himself the vows of a monk. And she received him with his goods into the monastery, and joined him to the assembly of the servants of God, commanding that he should be taught the whole course and succession of Biblical history. He, in turn, calling to mind all that he was able to learn by hearing, and, as it were, like a clean animal, chewing upon it as a cud, transformed it all into the sweetest poetry. And his songs and hymns were so

Apostles; moreover, he made many poems about the terror of the future judgment, the awfulness of the pains of hell, and the joy of the heavenly kingdom; and likewise many others about the mercies and judgments of God. In all these he strove earnestly to allure men from the love of sin and evil deeds, and to incite them to love and zeal for good deeds, for he was very devout and humbly submissive to the monastic rule, but against those who were disposed to act otherwise he was inflamed with the fervor of great wrath.

Then unto Hrothgar 2 was given success in battle, glory in warfare, so that his loyal kinsmen gladly obeyed him, until the young warriors were grown, a mighty band. It came into his mind that he would command his men to build a hall, a mead-hall greater than any the children of men had ever heard of, and that therein he would give gifts of all kinds unto old and young, as God had prospered him, save the people's land and the lives of men.

And I heard men tell how the work of adorning the folk-hall was allotted unto many a tribe, far and wide throughout this earth. After a season quickly, as man's work prosperethit came to pass that it was completed for him, this greatest of halls. And he fashioned for it the name of Heorot, he whose word had power far and near. He broke not the promise he had made, but gave out rings and treasure at the feast. High and widegabled, the hall towered aloft. It awaited the surging flames, the hostile fire; the time had not yet come when fatal hatred was destined to arise between father-in-law and son-in-law, after the deadly strife.

Then that mighty spirit who dwelt in darkness bore in his wrath for a season to hear each day the merriment, loud in the hall. There was the sound of the harp, the clear

song of the gleeman. He spoke, who could recount from of old the creation of men, told how the Almighty made the earth, the fairfaced land, as far as the waters encompass it; how, exultant in victory, He set the sun and moon as lights to lighten the dwellers in the land; He adorned all the regions of the earth with leaf and branch, and created life in everything that lives and moves.

Thus the king's men lived, blissful and happy, until a certain one, a fiend of hell, began to plot mischief. This wrathful spirit was called Grendel, a mighty stalker of the marches, who haunted the moors, the fens and fastnesses. The wretched being had long inhabited the abode of the monster-kin, ever since the Creator had condemned him. The Lord eternal wreaked vengeance upon the kindred of Cain, because of the murder — the slaying of Abel. He got no pleasure in the feud, but the Lord banished him for that wicked deed far from mankind. From him there woke to life all the evil broods, monsters and elves and sea-beasts, and giants too, who long time strove with God. He gave them their reward!

II

As soon as night was come, he 2 set out to visit the high-built hall, to see how the RingDanes were faring after the drinking of the mead. He found therein a band of warriornobles sleeping after the feast. They knew 1 Cain 2 Grendel

naught of sorrow, that wretched lot of all mankind. The creature of destruction, fierce and greedy, wild and furious, was ready straight, and seized thirty thanes upon their bed. Then back he returned to his abode, exulting in his booty, back to his lair with his fill of slaughter.

Then at dawn, with break of day, Grendel's deeds were made manifest to men. Then was the voice of weeping uplifted a great cry in the morning, because of the slaughter. The famous lord, the prince exceeding good, sat joyless, after they looked upon the track of the monster, the accursed foe; the mighty hero suffered, sorrowing for his thanes. Too great was that strife, too loathsome and lasting.

It was no longer than a single night ere he wrought more deeds of murder; he recked not of the feud and the crime he was too fixed in them! Then, when the hatred of that thane of hell was fully known to them, truly told by tokens manifest, it was easy to find the man who sought out a resting-place elsewhere more at large, a bed among the bowers. He kept himself thereafter further aloof and more secure, whosoever escaped the fiend.

Thus he tyrannized over them and alone against them all fought accursedly, until empty stood that best of houses. Long was the time twelve winters the friend of the Scyldings1 suffered distress, yea, every woe, unbounded sorrow. And so it became known unto the children of men sadly told in song

that Grendel had long been fighting against Hrothgar, had maintained hostilities, war and feud, many a season, an unending strife. He desired not peace with any of the men of the Danish race, would not cease the slaughter nor pay for the murders; nor durst any of the wise men look for rich reparation at the destroyer's hands. The terrible monster, the dark shadow of death, kept pursuing; warrior and youth he trapped and ensnared. Night after night he haunted the misty moors. Men know not whither hell's secret ministers wander in their rounds.

Thus the enemy of man, the terrible lone wanderer, oft wrought many a foul deed, much grievous affliction. In the darkness of night he abode in Heorot, the hall brightly adorned. Yet he could not approach the

1 pr. Shild'ings

throne, precious in the sight of God, nor did he know His love.

A great and heart-breaking sorrow was this for the kind lord of the Scyldings to bear. Many mighty men oft sat in council, deliberated together what were best for greathearted men to do against these fearful terrors. Sometimes they vowed sacrifices at their idolfanes; prayed aloud that the Destroying Spirit would devise a help against the folksufferings. Such was their custom, their heathen faith; the thoughts of their heart were turned on hell; they knew not the Creator, the Judge of deeds; they wist not of the Lord God; verily, they knew naught of the worship of the Ruler of heaven, the King of glory.

Woe unto him who through deadly hate is doomed to thrust his soul into the fiery abyss, to hope for no comfort, no change in anywise. But blessed is the man who at his death may go unto the Lord and find protection in his Father's bosom.

III

So the son of Healfdene 1 kept ever brooding over his sorrow. The wise hero could not turn aside the suffering; too grievous, too hateful and long-continued was the strife which had come upon that people, cruel destruction, greatest of evils that come by night.

A thane of Hygelac,2 great among the Geats, heard in his native land of these deeds of Grendel. In his strength he was the best of men in the day of this life, noble and mighty. He bade make ready for him a goodly ship; he said that he would go over the ocean-road unto that war-king, the famous prince, since he had need of men. Little did the prudent thanes blame him for that journey; though he was dear to them; they encouraged him in his high purpose, and looked for good omens. The hero had warriors, chosen from among the Geats, the bravest he could find. Fifteen in all went down to the ship; the skilled mariner led them to the shore.

Time wore on. The ship was launched upon the waves, the boat under the cliff. The ready warriors mounted the vessel. The oceanstreams dashed the waves upon the beach. The men bore rich trappings into the bosom of the ship, splendid war-harness. The warriors

1i.e. Hrothgar; pr. Hialf'dèn e 2 pr. Hee'ye lâc 3 The G is hard.

pushed off their tight-fitted craft on the wished-for adventure. So, driven by the wind, the bark most like unto a bird sped, foamynecked, across the waves, until, about the same hour the second day, the curving prow had journeyed so far that the travelers saw land, saw gleaming cliffs and lofty hills, broad ocean-headlands. Thus the sea was crossed, and the voyage ended. Then the Weders' went quickly up ashore, made fast their ship; their sarks resounded, their battlearmor; they thanked God that their sea-paths had been easy.

IV

[They are halted by Hrothgar's coast-guard, who after satisfactory replies to his questions guides them to Heorot.]

V

The street was bright with many-colored stones; the path guided the men together. The byrnie gleamed, hard and hand-locked, the bright iron rings sang in the armor, as they approached the hall in their battle-harness. Weary of the sea, they placed their broad shields, bucklers wondrous hard, against the wall of the house; they sat down upon the bench. Their byrnies rang, harness of heroes. Their ashen spears stood together, the graytipped weapons of the seamen. This armored band was well adorned with weapons.

Then a proud warrior asked the heroes concerning their lineage: "Whence bring ye your plated shields, your gray war-shirts, and your visored helmets and this heap of spears? I am Hrothgar's follower and herald. Never have I seen so great a band of strangers of more courageous mood. I think that ye have sought out Hrothgar nowise as exiles, but from valor and out of the greatness of your hearts."

Him the proud prince of the Weder people, famed for his strength, answered again; he spoke a word, bold under his helmet: "We are table-companions of Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will tell my errand unto the son of Healfdene, the great king thy lord, if he will grant us to approach him who is so good."

Wulfgar spoke he was a chief of the Wendlas, his greatness was known unto many, his might and wisdom: "I will ask the friend of the Danes, king of the Scyldings, giver of

1 Wed'ers; the same as the Geats

rings, the mighty lord, touching thy journey, as thou dost entreat, and will straightway make known to thee what answer the good king thinketh meet to give me."

He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar was sitting, old and very white-haired, with his company of thanes; the valiant man went until he stood before the face of the lord of the Danes - he knew the custom of the court. Wulfgar spoke to his friendly lord: "Hither are arrived, come from afar across the ocean's circuit, men of the Geats; their chief the warriors call Beowulf. They beg to speak with thee, my lord. Refuse not to converse with them, O gracious Hrothgar. In their equipment they seem worthy of the esteem of heroes, and verily the chief who led the warriors hither is a man of valor."

VI

Hrothgar spoke, the defence of the Scyldings: "I knew him when he was a child; his father was called Ecgtheow,1 to whom at his home Hrethel the Geat gave in marriage his only daughter. His brave son is now come hither, visiting a loyal friend. Moreover, the seafarers, who carried thither rich gifts as goodwill offerings to the Geats, have said that he, strong in battle, has in the grip of his hand the strength of thirty men. Him holy God hath sent unto us, as I hope, to be a gracious help to the West-Danes against the terror of Grendel. I shall give the hero gifts for his boldness. Make haste and bid all the band of kinsmen come in together unto us. Say to them moreover that they are welcome among the Danish people."

Then Wulfgar went to the door of the hall; announced the word from within: "To you my victorious lord, prince of the East-Danes, bids me say that he knows your noble lineage, and that ye, as men of stout courage, are welcome unto him hither over the billows of the sea. Now ye may go in unto Hrothgar in your war-array, under your helmets; let warshields, spears, shafts of slaughter, here await the issue of your words."

Then the mighty one arose, about him many a warrior, a noble group of thanes! Some remained and guarded the armor, as the chief bade them. The heroes hastened on, the

herald leading them, under the roof of Heorot. The great-hearted man, bold under his helmet, came forward until he stood upon the hearth. Beowulf spoke on him gleamed his byrnie, his coat of mail, linked by the smith's craft: "Hail to thee, Hrothgar! I am Hygelac's kinsman and thane. Many an exploit have I undertaken in the days of my youth. To me in my native land Grendel's doings were publicly made known; seafarers say that this hall, this best of houses, stands empty and useless for all men, as soon as evening light is hidden under the vault of heaven. Then my people, the best and wisest men among them, urged me, King Hrothgar, to come unto thee, because they knew the strength of my might. They had themselves looked on when I came from the fight, stained with the blood of my foes, where I bound five of my enemies, destroyed a giant race, and slew by night the sea-beasts on the wave. I endured great distress, avenged the affliction of the Weder people woes had they suffered! I ground in pieces the angry foe. And now I alone will hold a meeting with Grendel, the giant monster. One boon I beg of thee, prince of the Bright Danes, defence of the Scyldings, that thou deny me not, thou shield of warriors, friend of the people, now I am come so far, that I alone, I and my band of thanes, this my brave company, may cleanse Heorot. I have learned, too, that the monster in his rashness recks not of weapons. Therefore, so that the heart of Hygelac my lord may be gladdened because of me, I scorn to carry sword or broad shield, the yellow buckler, into the fight. But with my hands I will grapple the fiend and fight for life, foe against foe. There must bow to the judgment of God he whom death taketh. I think that if he can prevail in the hall of war he will fearlessly devour the Geats, the pride of mankind, even as he has often done. Thou shalt have no need to cover my head if death take me, for he will have me, all red with gore; he will bear away the bleeding corpse to feast upon it; the lone wanderer will pitilessly eat it, staining his moor-haunts; thou needst not then take more thought for the care of my body. But send thou to Hygelac, if the fight take me, the matchless mail, best of armors, that guards my breast; it is an heirloom of Hrethel, the work of Weland.1 Wyrd 2 ever goeth her destined course."

VII

Then spoke Hrothgar, defence of the Scyldings: "Because of obligations, my friend Beowulf, and because of kindnesses, hast thou come to visit us. Thy father fought the greatest of feuds, for he slew with his hand Heatholaf among the Wylfings; wherefore the Weder people, in dread of war, could not harbor him. Thence he came to the SouthDanes, the proud Scyldings, over the surge of the waves. At that time I had begun to rule the Danish folk, and in my youth held the spacious kingdom, the treasure city of warriors; then was Heregar 2 dead, my elder brother lifeless, the son of Healfdene - he was a better man than I. Afterwards I settled that feud with money; I sent olden treasures to the Wylfings across the ocean's back; Ecgtheow swore oaths to me.

and

"Sorrowful am I in soul to tell unto any man what humiliation and sudden mischief Grendel has wrought me in Heorot with his thoughts of hate. My hall-troop, my warriorband, is wasted. Wyrd hath swept them away into the dread clutch of Grendel. (God can easily check the deeds of that mad foe!) Full oft my warriors, when the beer was drunken, have boastfully vowed over their ale-cups to await in the beer-hall with their terrible swords the onset of Grendel. Then in the morning, when shone the day, this meadhall, this lordly house, was all stained with blood, the benches reeking with gore-the hall drenched in blood.. So, the fewer had I then of loyal men, of beloved warriors, because of those whom death had snatched away. Sit now to the feast, and unseal to men, as thy mind moveth thee, the thoughts of thy heart, and all thy confidence of victory."

Then in the beer-hall a bench was made ready for the Geat-men, one and all. Thither the stout-hearted men went to sit in the pride of their strength. A thane did service, who bore a chased ale-flagon in his hand, and poured out the bright mead. At times a bard sang, clear-voiced in Heorot. There was merriment among the heroes, no little rejoicing of Danes and Weders.