Part 30 (1/2)

The breath of the monster issued forth first, Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave:

{The terrible encounter.}

95 The earth re-echoed. The earl 'neath the barrow Lifted his s.h.i.+eld, lord of the Geatmen, Tow'rd the terrible stranger: the ring-twisted creature's Heart was then ready to seek for a struggle.

{Beowulf brandishes his sword,}

The excellent battle-king first brandished his weapon, 100 The ancient heirloom, of edges unblunted,[3]

To the death-planners twain was terror from other.

{and stands against his s.h.i.+eld.}

The lord of the troopers intrepidly stood then 'Gainst his high-rising s.h.i.+eld, when the dragon coiled him

{The dragon coils himself.}

Quickly together: in corslet he bided.

[87] 105 He went then in blazes, bended and striding, Hasting him forward. His life and body The targe well protected, for time-period shorter Than wish demanded for the well-renowned leader, Where he then for the first day was forced to be victor, 110 Famous in battle, as Fate had not willed it.

The lord of the Geatmen uplifted his hand then, Smiting the fire-drake with sword that was precious, That bright on the bone the blade-edge did weaken, Bit more feebly than his folk-leader needed, 115 Burdened with bale-griefs. Then the barrow-protector,

{The dragon rages}

When the sword-blow had fallen, was fierce in his spirit, Flinging his fires, flamings of battle Gleamed then afar: the gold-friend of Weders

{Beowulf's sword fails him.}

Boasted no conquests, his battle-sword failed him 120 Naked in conflict, as by no means it ought to, Long-trusty weapon. 'Twas no slight undertaking That Ecgtheow's famous offspring would leave The drake-cavern's bottom; he must live in some region Other than this, by the will of the dragon, 125 As each one of earthmen existence must forfeit.

'Twas early thereafter the excellent warriors

{The combat is renewed.}

Met with each other. Anew and afresh The h.o.a.rd-ward took heart (gasps heaved then his bosom):

{The great hero is reduced to extremities.}

Sorrow he suffered encircled with fire 130 Who the people erst governed. His companions by no means Were banded about him, bairns of the princes,

{His comrades flee!}

With valorous spirit, but they sped to the forest, Seeking for safety. The soul-deeps of one were

{Blood is thicker than water.}

Ruffled by care: kin-love can never 135 Aught in him waver who well doth consider.

[88]

[1] The clause 2520(2)-2522(1), rendered by 'Wist I ... monster,' Gr., followed by S., translates substantially as follows: _If I knew how else I might combat the boastful defiance of the monster_.--The translation turns upon 'wigripan,' a word not understood.