Part 31 (1/2)

Briefly discoursing: ”Beowulf dear, Perform thou all fully, as thou formerly saidst, 60 In thy youthful years, that while yet thou livedst [90] Thou wouldst let thine honor not ever be lessened.

Thy life thou shalt save, mighty in actions, Atheling undaunted, with all of thy vigor;

{The monster advances on them.}

I'll give thee a.s.sistance.” The dragon came raging, 65 Wild-mooded stranger, when these words had been uttered ('Twas the second occasion), seeking his enemies, Men that were hated, with hot-gleaming fire-waves; With blaze-billows burned the board to its edges: The fight-armor failed then to furnish a.s.sistance 70 To the youthful spear-hero: but the young-aged stripling Quickly advanced 'neath his kinsman's war-target, Since his own had been ground in the grip of the fire.

{Beowulf strikes at the dragon.}

Then the warrior-king was careful of glory, He soundly smote with sword-for-the-battle, 75 That it stood in the head by hatred driven; Naegling was s.h.i.+vered, the old and iron-made

{His sword fails him.}

Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.

'Twas denied him that edges of irons were able To help in the battle; the hand was too mighty 80 [2]Which every weapon, as I heard on inquiry, Outstruck in its stroke, when to struggle he carried The wonderful war-sword: it waxed him no better.

{The dragon advances on Beowulf again.}

Then the people-despoiler--third of his onsets-- Fierce-raging fire-drake, of feud-hate was mindful, 85 Charged on the strong one, when chance was afforded, Heated and war-grim, seized on his neck With teeth that were bitter; he b.l.o.o.d.y did wax with Soul-gore seething; sword-blood in waves boiled.

[1] The pa.s.sage '_Brand ... burnie_,' is much disputed. In the first place, some eminent critics a.s.sume a gap of at least two half-verses.--'urum' (2660), being a peculiar form, has been much discussed. 'Byrdu-scrud' is also a crux. B. suggests 'bywdu-scrud' = _splendid vestments_. Nor is 'bam' accepted by all, 'beon' being suggested. Whatever the individual words, the pa.s.sage must mean, ”_I intend to share with him my equipments of defence_.”

[2] B. would render: _Which, as I heard, excelled in stroke every sword that he carried to the strife, even the strongest (sword)._ For 'ponne' he reads 'pone,' rel. pr.

[91]

x.x.xVII.

THE FATAL STRUGGLE.--BEOWULF'S LAST MOMENTS.

{Wiglaf defends Beowulf.}

Then I heard that at need of the king of the people The upstanding earlman exhibited prowess, Vigor and courage, as suited his nature; [1]He his head did not guard, but the high-minded liegeman's 5 Hand was consumed, when he succored his kinsman, So he struck the strife-bringing strange-comer lower, Earl-thane in armor, that _in_ went the weapon Gleaming and plated, that 'gan then the fire[2]

{Beowulf draws his knife,}

Later to lessen. The liegelord himself then 10 Retained his consciousness, brandished his war-knife, Battle-sharp, bitter, that he bare on his armor:

{and cuts the dragon.}

The Weder-lord cut the worm in the middle.

They had felled the enemy (life drove out then[3]

Puissant prowess), the pair had destroyed him, 15 Land-chiefs related: so a liegeman should prove him, A thaneman when needed. To the prince 'twas the last of His era of conquest by his own great achievements,

[92]

{Beowulf's wound swells and burns.}