Beowulf 3: Weaving Peace

XIIII.

Hrothgar made a speech, going up to the hall,
standing on the steps, gazing at the steep roof,
flecked with gold, and Grendel’s hand:
“For this vision may there be given
swift thanks to the All-Wielding!
I have endured many hated days,
many misfortunes at the hand of Grendel.
God can always perform wonder upon wonder,
the Herdsman of Glory. It was all too soon ago
that I did not hope to expect any cure for my woes
for the width of my life, when the best of houses
stood splattered with blood, dripping with gore,
grief strewn far and wide for every wise man,
broad-souled, who could not conceive how
they could defend this tribal treasure
from its hated foes, ghouls and spectral terrors.
Now a retainer has, through the Lord’s might,
performed the deed which we all could not before
contrive to do, despite all our wisdom. (ll. 925-942a)

“What can one say about so great a woman
who conceived such a son into the human race?
If she yet lives, may the Olden-Measurer
have been merciful to her at her child-bearing.
Now Beowulf, best of all men, I wish to love you
like my own son in spirit. Keep this new affiliation well!
Nor is there anything you will lack, wanted treasures
in this world, of what I have possession.
Very often for lesser deeds I have made reward,
hoard-worthy things, of humbler warriors
weaker in conflict. You have outdone them all yourself
with your deeds, so that your glory will live on
always and evermore. May the All-Wielding God
requite you with every good, as he has done thus far!” (ll. 942b-56)

Beowulf replied to him, the son of Ecgtheow:
“By many graces, we have performed a courageous work
by fighting, recklessly risking the unknowable strength.
I would have wished the more greatly that you might
have seen him yourself, the fiend in his fittings,
wearied and frightened. I thought to fetter him
forthwith with tight bonds on his death-bed
so that he lay here, struggling for life in my hand-grip,
unless he should relinquish his body…
I could not entrap him, when the Measurer didn’t consent,
delaying his departure. I didn’t apply myself to him
strongly enough, my deadly opponent—
Too savagely strong was the fiend in his foot-power.
Nonetheless he left behind his hand, his arm and shoulder
as a life-ward in order to make his retreat. (ll. 957-72a)

“However that wretched thing got little comfort,
nor will he live much longer, the hateful harmer
enfolded in sin, but agony has clasped him tight
in its constraining clutches, in chains of baleful death.
There he must await a greater doom, this creature
spattered with evil—how the bright Measurer
should choose to repay him.” (ll. 972b-79)

Then was the son of Ecglaf the more silent
in his vaunting words upon these war-deeds
after the noblemen gazed upon that hand
and fiendly fingers raised upon the high roof
through that warrior’s skill. Every one of those nails,
each nailbed was very much like steel before,
the battle-ready heathen’s hand-spurs
were terrifying and awful. Everyone said
that nothing harder could wish to touch him,
no battle-tested iron could wish to weaken
that monster’s bloodstained and betaloned hand. (ll. 980-90)

XV.

Then it was quickly commanded that Heorot within

be refurbished by hand. There were many of them,

men and women, who restored that wine-house,

that guest-hall. Gold-flecked weavings shone

upon the walls, many visions wonderful to all warriors,

whoever gazed upon their like. That bright building

was entirely torn up within, bound by iron bands,

the hinges cracked open. Only the roof survived,

totally unharmed, when the monster,

flecked with wicked deeds, turned to flee,

despairing of life. That is never easy

to escape from—try as one might—

but all those bearing souls must seek it out,

constrained by need, the children of humanity

dwelling on the earth, readily to that other place,

where the body-house, fixed to its final resting-place,

must sleep after the feasting. (ll. 991-1008a)

Then it was the time and the moment

for the son of Halfdane to go into the hall.

The king wished to partake in the feast himself.

Nor have I heard of a greater company of kindred

behaving better about their ring-giver.

Then the profit-bearers bent to their benches

rejoicing in their belly-fulls—they kindly consumed

many mead-cups, the kinsmen of those courageous men

in that high hall, Hrothgar and Hrothulf.

Heorot was filled up within with friends,

The Scyldings, unified at this moment,

were making no malicious intentions at all. (ll. 1008b-19)

Then the blade of Halfdane he gave to Beowulf,

and a golden ensign as recompense for his victory,

an ornamented battle-flag, a helmet and a mail-coat.

Many famous treasured swords were seen

to be borne before that warrior. Beowulf received them

graciously on the floor. He had no need to be ashamed

before the fighters on account of those costly gifts

I have never learned of many men giving another

in a very friendly way, four such treasures,

garnished with gold, upon the ale-benches.

A crest contained it from without, woven with wires

about the roof of the helmet, that head-protection

so that the well-filed relic, shower-hardened, could not

grievously harm it, when the shieldsman

must wade into the gruesome fray. (ll. 1020-34)

Then the shelter of nobles ordered eight horses,

with gilded cheeks, to be led onto the floor,

inside the enclosure. One of them stood,

adorned cleverly with a saddle, worthied with treasure—

that was the high-king’s own battle-seat

when the son of Halfdane wished to perform

the dance of swords—he never laid low on the frontline,

a warrior widely-known where the slain were falling.

And then to Beowulf, the hedge of the Ingwines

bestowed control of them both: the horses and the weapons.

He commanded him to enjoy them well.

So manfully did the famous prince repay,

the hoard-watcher of men, for the storm of battle

with horses and treasures, so that never could anyone

find fault with them, speak as one might, the truth after right. (ll. 1035-49)

XVI.

Moreover, the lord of nobles gave treasures,

heritable relics to every one of those who drew

themselves down the sea-road with Beowulf,

there upon the mead-bench, and he ordered

that gold be given up for that one who Grendel

earlier murdered with malice—as he wished to kill more

except that knowing God and that man’s courage

opposed that outcome. The Measurer ruled

all of the kindred of men, just as he still does today.

Therefore good sense must be the best of all things,

the spirit’s forethought. Many beloved things,

and many hateful too, must he abide, whoever

would long enjoy this world here in these strifesome days. (ll. 1050-62)

There were chants and cheering raised together

before Halfdane’s battle-leader,

the singing wood was struck, verses often told,

when Hrothgar’s scop must make hall-glee

across the mead-benches, concerning the sons of Finn: (ll. 1063-68a)

The song was sung, the verses of the minstrel.

Glee mounted back up, bench-voices resounding,

the pourers giving out wine from wondrous ewers.

Then Wealhtheow came forth, proceeding

under her golden adornments to where two good men

sat, nephew and uncle together—their peace was still whole,

the one true to the other. Likewise orating Unferth

sat at the foot of the Scylding lord—everyone trusted his spirit,

that he had great pride, although he had not kept his kin

secure in mercy in the bouncing of blades— (ll. 1159b-68a)

Then the lady of the Scyldings spoke:  “Receive this cup,

my gracious lord, dispenser of treasures.

May you always prosper, gold-friend to men,

and speak in mild words unto the Geats, as one must do.

Be gracious to them, mindful of the giving,

which you have received from near and far.

One has told me that you wish to consider this warrior

for your son. Heorot has been cleansed,

the bright ring-hall—enjoy it, so long as you may,

the goodwill of many, and bequeath unto your own kin

the people and the realm, when you must look ahead

to your measured fate.^[1] I know my good Hrothulf,

that he wishes to hold our youthful ones in honor,

if you, benefactor of the Scyldings, should leave behind

the world before him. I expect that he wants to reward

our sons with only good, should he remember

everything we have done, while he was still a child,

as an honor to his desires and his worthiness.” (ll. 1168b-87)

She turned then to the bench, where her sons were,

Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the other children of heroes,

the youth all together. There also sat the good man,

Beowulf the Geat, between the two brothers.^[2] (ll. 1188-91)

XVIII.

A horn was passed to him, along with friendly speech,

offered him wordfully, and wound gold as well,

revealed with grace—two arm-bracelets, a fine robe,

and more rings, along with the greatest of all neck-rings

which I have ever heard of on the earth.

I have heard of none better under the sky

in hoard-treasures of heroes since Hama carried away

the necklace of the Brosings to that bright city,

the jewel and the precious thing—fleeing the crafty hatred

of Eormenric, obtaining his own enduring good.

Hygelac the Geat, the nephew of Swerting,

possessed that torque, on his final journey,

when he defended the treasure under his banner,

protected his battle-spoils. Ill chance seized him

when he for his pride sought trouble,

a feud with the Frisians. He wore that ornament,

those precious stones across the cup of waves,

prince of the realm. He fell under his shield.

It passed on then into the grasp of the Franks, the spirit of the king,

his mail-shirt and that torque together.

A lesser warrior plundered the kill

after the war-shearing. Geat men kept the corpse-field…

The hall rang with voices. (ll. 1192-1214)

Wealhtheow made a speech, speaking before that company:

“Enjoy these rings, Beowulf my dear son,

in good fortune, and the use of these garments,

these tribal treasures, and prosper well.

Declare yourself skillfully, yet be mild in counsel

to these boys. I will remember your reward for that. (ll. 1215-20)

“You have brought it about so that men will acclaim you

always, even as widely as the sea, that windy yard,

is enclosed by its walls. Be blessed so long as you live,

noble prince. Rightfully I grant you these treasures.

Be proper in your deeds to my sons, O joyful one.

Here every earl is truthful to another,

mild of mind, loyal to their manly lord.

These thanes are united, our tribe fully prepared,

these assembled men, having drunk, to do as I bid.”^[3] (ll. 1221-31)

Then she went back to her seat. It was the greatest of feasts,

the men drank wine, not knowing of what was to come,

a gruesome destiny, as it was to come visiting

many an earl, after the evening had arrived,

and Hrothgar departed to his own house,

the powerful man to his rest. Countless men

occupied the hall, just as they had often done before.

They cleared away the benches, and spread it out

with bedding and bolsters. One of those beery revelers

laid down to his floor-rest, his fated end hurrying. (ll. 1232-41)

Battle-shields were set at their heads, bright wooden boards.

There on the benches, over each noble warrior,

it was easily seen, the battle-steep helmet, the ringed byrnie,

the dangerous spear-shaft. This was their custom:

to be always ready to give battle, either at home

or in the field, or else whenever their lord

happened to need them. They were a good band. (ll. 1242-50)

XVIIII.

Then they slid into slumber—one paid a heavy price

for his evening-rest, as it had happened to them so often

when Grendel kept the gold-hall, doing unrighteous deeds,

until his end came upon him, a slaying after his sins.

It became obvious, widely-known to men,

that an avenger still remained after that hateful one,

after that war-trouble, for a long time. (ll. 1251-58a)

Grendel’s mother. . . (l. 1258b)

XXII.

Beowulf spoke, the son of Ecgtheow:
“Think now, O famous heir of Halfdane,
wise prince, gold-friend of men,
now that I am set to go, of what we said before:
if I must lose my life at your need,
you should always be like a father to me
in my dying. Be the firm protector of my thanes
and handy companions, if battle should take me.
Likewise, send the treasures that you gave to me,
my dear Hrothgar, to Hygelac. Then he will able to see,
when he perceives all that gold, the lord of the Geats,
the son of Hrethel, when he stares upon that bounty,
that I found a generous lord, filled with manly virtues,
a dispenser of treasure, enjoying it while I could.
And let Unferth, the widely-known man,
have my hard-edged old heirloom, the wondrous waved sword—
with Hrunting I will seek glory, or else death take me!” (ll. 1473-91)

XXVI.

Beowulf raised a speech, the son of Ecgtheow:
“Now we sea-sailors, having come from afar,
wish to say that we aim to seek Hygelac.
Here we have been entertained well,
joyfully. You have dealt with us fairly.
If I can do anything more to earn more
of your heartfelt love, O lord of men,
than I have already done, of warlike works,
I will be ready to do so right away.
If I ever hear that, over the course of the sea,
that those around you threaten you with terror,
as sometime the haters used to do,
I will bring a thousand thanes to you,
heroes as help. I know this in Hygelac,
the lord of the Geats, though he be young,
the herdsman of his people, that he will want
to bolster my claim, in words and deeds,
that I may honor you highly and bear
spear-shafts in your comfort, the support of power,
where there is need of your people.
If ever Hrethric, the son of a prince, determines
to go out to the home of the Geats, there he can find
many friends. Faraway lands are better sought
by those who are themselves good.” (ll. 1817-39)

Hrothgar prepared his reply, and answered him:
“Knowing God has sent you this wordy speech
into your heart. Nor have I heard a man more wise
in making arrangements at such a young age.
You are mighty in power and wise in your heart,
thoughtful in statement. I hold fast to the hope
that if it should occur that the spear should seize,
blood-grim battle, the heir of Hrethel,
either disease or iron, should take your lord,
the herdsman of his people, and you still have life,
that the Sea-Geats could not have a better choice
for their king, the hoard-guardian of heroes,
if you wished to receive your kinsmen’s realm. (ll. 1840-53a)

“The contents of your heart please me better
the longer I know you, my dear Beowulf.
You have brought it about that there shall be peace
in common between the Geatish people and the Spear-Danes,
and a rest from conflict and the hostile malice
which they once endured, so long as I rule
the wide realm and the mutual treasures.
Many shall welcome the other with good things
across the gannet’s bath. The ringed ships must bring
across the seas gifts and tokens of our love.
I know that these tribes will be made firm
against friend and foe, blameless in every way,
in the manner of olden times.” (ll. 1853b-65)

Then, still in the hall, the shelter of earls,
the son of Halfdane, gave to Beowulf,
twelve treasures, bidding him to seek
his own tribe in safety with those gifts,
and to come again at once.
Then the good king of noble stock kissed
the best of thanes, the prince of Scyldings
holding him by the neck. Tears fell to the earth
from the grey-haired one. There were two premonitions
within him, wise of age, but one was stronger:
that they would never again be allowed
to see each other, mindful in the moot.
That man was beloved by him so that he could not
withhold his welling breast, fast in his heart
bound in his thoughts for that well-loved man—
he longed in his blood for that warrior. (ll. 1866-80a)

Beowulf went from there, treading the grassy earth,
a warrior-prince gold-proud, exultant in treasure.
The sea-going ship, riding at anchor, awaited
its steering master. Along the way the gifts of Hrothgar
were often esteemed. He was a singular king,
without blame in everything, until old age would seize him
in the joy of his strength. It has harmed many men. (1880b-87)