their heathen hope; ’twas Hell they thought of
180in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not,
Doomsman of Deeds[1] and dreadful Lord,
nor Heaven’s-Helmet heeded they ever,
Wielder-of-Wonder.—Woe for that man
who in harm and hatred hales his soul
185to fiery embraces;—nor favor nor change
awaits he ever. But well for him
that after death-day may draw to his Lord,
and friendship find in the Father’s arms!
III
Thus seethed[2] unceasing the son of Healfdene
190with the woe of these days; not wisest men
assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish,
loathly and long, that lay on his folk,
most baneful of burdens and bales of the night.
This heard in his home Hygelac’s thane,
195great among Geats, of Grendel’s doings.
He was the mightiest man of valor
in that same day of this our life,
stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker
he bade make ready.[3] Yon battle-king, said he,
200far o’er the swan-road he fain would seek,
the noble monarch who needed men!
- ↑ The complimentary excess of kennings for “God” is like the profusion in naming king or chieftain. See v. 345 f.
- ↑ How fast-colored this metaphor remained for poets it is hard to say. Certainly “bore” or “suffered” is too pale a rendering.
- ↑ This verse, rimed in modern fashion, must represent v. 194 of the original, which runs:
Thæt fram hâm gefrægn Hygelâces thegn. . . .
