Beowulf 42The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward
18
Literature · Poetry
Beowulf 42
The high-mooded farer would faraway thenceward
HallEnglish
Look for his vessel. The valiant one bade then,
{Unferth asks Beowulf to accept his sword as a gift. Beowulf thanks him.}
Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,
To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;
He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted
65 The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then
The blade of the brand: 'twas a brave-mooded hero.
When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings,
The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then
On to the dais, where the other was sitting,
70 Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.
K. says 'proudly giveth.'--Gr. says, '_And gives no gold-plated
rings, in order to incite the recipient to boastfulness_.'--B.
suggests 'gyld' for 'gylp,' and renders: _And gives no beaten rings
for reward_.
If S.'s emendation be accepted, v. 57 will read: _Then came the
light, going bright after darkness: the warriors, etc_.
As the passage stands in H.-So., Unferth presents Beowulf with the
sword Hrunting, and B. thanks him for the gift. If, however, the
suggestions of Grdtvg. and M. be accepted, the passage will read:
Then the brave one (i.e._ Beowulf) commanded that Hrunting be borne
to the son of Ecglaf (Unferth), bade him take his sword, his dear
weapon; he (B.) thanked him (U.) for the loan, etc_.
XXVII.
SORROW AT PARTING.
{Beowulf's farewell.}
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow's offspring:
"We men of the water wish to declare now
Fared from far-lands, we're firmly determined
To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly
5 Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it;
Good was the greeting. If greater affection
I am anywise able ever on earth to
Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes,
Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready
{I shall be ever ready to aid thee.}
10 For combat and conflict. O'er the course of the waters
Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror,
As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee
For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands.
{My liegelord will encourage me in aiding thee.}
I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen,
15 Though young in years, he yet will permit me,
By words and by works, ward of the people,
Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee
My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee,
And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating,
20 Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,
He thereat may find him friends in abundance:
Faraway countries he were better to seek for
Who trusts in himself." Hrothgar discoursed then,
Making rejoinder: "These words thou hast uttered
25 All-knowing God hath given thy spirit!
{O Beowulf, thou art wise beyond thy years.}
Ne'er heard I an earlman thus early in life
More clever in speaking: thou'rt cautious of spirit,
Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent.
I count on the hope that, happen it ever
30 That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel's descendant,
Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon
Deprive thee of prince, of people's protector,
{Should Higelac die, the Geats could find no better successor than thou
wouldst make.}
And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never
Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them,
35 Gem-ward of heroes, than thou mightest prove thee,
If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern.
Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better,
Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that
To both these peoples peace shall be common,
{Thou hast healed the ancient breach between our races.}
