and gaze on that hoard ’neath the hoary rock,
2745Wiglaf loved, now the worm lies low,
sleeps, heart-sore, of his spoil bereaved.
And fare in haste. I would fain behold
the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store,
have joy in the jewels and gems, lay down
2750softlier for sight of this splendid hoard
my life and the lordship I long have held.”
XXXVIII
I have heard that swiftly the son of Weohstan
at wish and word of his wounded king,—
war-sick warrior,—woven mail-coat,
2755battle-sark, bore ’neath the barrow’s roof.[1]
Then the clansman keen, of conquest proud,
passing the seat,[2] saw store of jewels
and glistening gold the ground along;
by the wall were marvels, and many a vessel
2760in the den of the dragon, the dawn-flier old:
unburnished bowls of bygone men
reft of richness; rusty helms
of the olden age; and arm-rings many
wondrously woven.—Such wealth of gold,
2765booty from barrow, can burden with pride
each human wight: let him hide it who will!—
His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner
- ↑ It is a common feature of Anglo-Saxon poetical style that the movements of prominent persons are described in this way. So v. 405, “Beowulf spake,—on him the breastplate glittered,” etc. Hence, instead of the word “to go,” the poet takes phrases like “bore his armor,” “bore sword and shield.” In translations such as “went protected by his armor” (Gering), the stylistic feature is lost.
- ↑ Where Beowulf lay.
