He had heard whence all the harm arose
and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price
2405on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder.
In the throng was this one thirteenth man,
starter of all the strife and ill,
care-laden captive; cringing thence
forced and reluctant, he led them on
2410till he came in ken of that cavern-hall,
the barrow delved near billowy surges,
flood of ocean. Within ’twas full
of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden,
warrior trusty, the treasures held,
2415lurked in his lair. Not light the task
of entrance for any of earth-born men!
Sat on the headland the hero king,
spake words of hail[1] to his hearth-companions,
gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul,
2420wavering,[2] death-bound. Wyrd full nigh
stood ready to greet the gray-haired man,
to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart
life and body. Not long would be
the warrior’s spirit enwound with flesh.
2425Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow:—
“Through store of struggles I strove in youth,
mighty feuds; I mind them all.
I was seven years old when the sovran of rings,
- ↑ Hǣlo.—Surely not “farewell,” in spite of the lugubrious context, which is quite in line with the usual epic anticipation of ill success and death. It is his beat really, his vow, largely reminiscent of other struggles, but closing with an explicit promise of valorous deed.
- ↑ Animula vagula.—The personification of Wyrd should be noticed; it occurs so in the Heliand itself.
