Part 30 (2/2)

[2] B. emends and translates: _I will not flee the s.p.a.ce of a foot from the guard of the barrow, but there shall be to us a fight at the wall, as fate decrees, each one's Creator._

[3] The translation of this pa.s.sage is based on 'unslaw' (2565), accepted by H.-So., in lieu of the long-standing 'ungleaw.' The former is taken as an adj. limiting 'sweord'; the latter as an adj. c.

'gu-cyning': _The good war-king, rash with edges, brandished his sword, his old relic._ The latter gives a more rhetorical Anglo-Saxon (poetical) sentence.

x.x.xVI.

WIGLAF THE TRUSTY.--BEOWULF IS DESERTED BY FRIENDS AND BY SWORD.

{Wiglaf remains true--the ideal Teutonic liegeman.}

The son of Weohstan was Wiglaf ent.i.tled, s.h.i.+eld-warrior precious, prince of the Scylfings, aelfhere's kinsman: he saw his dear liegelord Enduring the heat 'neath helmet and visor.

5 Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him,

{Wiglaf recalls Beowulf's generosity.}

The Waegmunding warriors' wealth-blessed homestead, Each of the folk-rights his father had wielded; He was hot for the battle, his hand seized the target, The yellow-bark s.h.i.+eld, he unsheathed his old weapon, 10 Which was known among earthmen as the relic of Eanmund, Ohthere's offspring, whom, exiled and friendless, Weohstan did slay with sword-edge in battle, And carried his kinsman the clear-s.h.i.+ning helmet, The ring-made burnie, the old giant-weapon 15 That Onela gave him, his boon-fellow's armor, Ready war-trappings: he the feud did not mention, Though he'd fatally smitten the son of his brother.

Many a half-year held he the treasures, The bill and the burnie, till his bairn became able, 20 Like his father before him, fame-deeds to 'complish; Then he gave him 'mong Geatmen a goodly array of Weeds for his warfare; he went from life then Old on his journey. 'Twas the earliest time then

{This is Wiglaf's first battle as liegeman of Beowulf.}

That the youthful champion might charge in the battle 25 Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless.

Nor did kinsman's bequest quail at the battle: This the dragon discovered on their coming together.

Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying, Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit:

{Wiglaf appeals to the pride of the cowards.}

30 ”I remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup, We promised in the hall the lord of us all [89] Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment, Swords and helmets, we'd certainly quite him, Should need of such aid ever befall him:

{How we have forfeited our liegelord's confidence!}

35 In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously, Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels, Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen, Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement Our lord intended alone to accomplish, 40 Ward of his people, for most of achievements, Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk.

{Our lord is in sore need of us.}

The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes: Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor, 45 While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight.

{I would rather die than go home with out my suzerain.}

G.o.d wot in me, 'tis mickle the liefer The blaze should embrace my body and eat it With my treasure-bestower. Meseemeth not proper To bear our battle-s.h.i.+elds back to our country, 50 'Less first we are able to fell and destroy the Long-hating foeman, to defend the life of

{Surely he does not deserve to die alone.}

The prince of the Weders. Well do I know 'tisn't Earned by his exploits, he only of Geatmen Sorrow should suffer, sink in the battle: 55 Brand and helmet to us both shall be common, [1]s.h.i.+eld-cover, burnie.” Through the bale-smoke he stalked then, Went under helmet to the help of his chieftain,

{Wiglaf reminds Beowulf of his youthful boasts.}

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