Passed to the hands of Franks, when meaner fighters robbed the slain By lot of war, and Gothic folk lay dead on battleplain.) Uprose the noise in hall. Then Waltheow spoke before them there : "O youth! Beowulf dear! Take now with joy this ring, and wear This raiment people's gifts are they. All hail! and thrive thou well! Shew forth thy might; and to these youths thy knowledge gently tell! I will remember to repay. Thy deeds so glorious are Men shall thee praise through life-long days in lands both near and far, Yea, widely as the waves enfold the windy walls of earth! Be whilst thou liv'st a happy prince! I give thee gifts of worth. And to my sons be staunch in deeds-their happiness uphold ! Here is each earl to other true, gentle each spirit bold, Leal to his lord; the thanes at peace; the people all prepared. O men well drunken do my hest!" Then to her seat she fared. Choice was the feast and men drank wine; they wist not Weird aright, The bitter doom to many an earl decreed. Now came the night; King Hrothgar to his house betook him seeking rest in sleep Earls without number kept the hall, as erst was wont to keep. They cleared the benches from the floor, and over it they spread The beds and bolsters. (Doomed to die one drinker sought his bed.*) War-shield and wooden buckler bright beside their heads did lie; And on the bench o'er every knight was seen his helmet high, His corselet ringed, and glorious spear. Such was their custom aye, Whether on foray or at home, oft ready for the fray Howe'er their liege lord chanced to need. A noble people they ! * This refers to Eschere, slain that night by Grendel's mother. THE ARGUMENT. Grendel's mother bursts upon the sleepers in the hall and carries off Æschere. The grief of the Danes is renewed, but Beowulf comforts Hrothgar and promises to take revenge. They track the footsteps to the mere in the joyless wood. Beowulf plunges in, and in the cavern beneath the waves slays Grendel's mother. He smites the head from Grendel's body and swims ashore with it. There are great rejoicings at Heorot. Laden with gifts, Beowulf and his men take leave of Hrothgar, and return to their own land, where Beowulf tells the story of his adventures to Higelac. |