beowulf (贝奥武甫)

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Beowulf Anonymous

Translated by Gummere

Beowulf Anonymous

Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, leader beloved, and

long he ruled in fame with all folk, since his father had gone away from

the world, till awoke an heir, haughty Healfdene, who held through life,

sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. Then, one after one, there woke to

him, to the chieftain of clansmen, children four: Heorogar, then Hrothgar,

then Halga brave; and I heard that -- was -- 's queen, the Heathoscylfing's

helpmate dear. To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of

combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly till great grew his band of

youthful comrades. It came in his mind to bid his henchmen a hall uprear,

ia master mead-house, mightier far than ever was seen by the sons of earth,

and within it, then, to old and young he would all allot that the Lord had

sent him, save only the land and the lives of his men. Wide, I heard, was

the work commanded, for many a tribe this mid-earth round, to fashion the

folkstead. It fell, as he ordered, in rapid achievement that ready it stood

there, of halls the noblest: Heorot[1] he named it whose message had

might in many a land. Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt, treasure

at banquet: there towered the hall, high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting

of furious flame.[2] Nor far was that day when father and son-in-law stood

in feud for warfare and hatred that woke again.[3] With envy and anger an

evil spirit endured the dole in his dark abode, that he heard each day the

din of revel high in the hall: there harps rang out, clear song of the singer.

He sang who knew[4] tales of the early time of man, how the Almighty

made the earth, fairest fields enfolded by water, set, triumphant, sun and

moon for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, and braided bright the breast

of earth with limbs and leaves, made life for all of mortal beings that

breathe and move. So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel a winsome life,

till one began to fashion evils, that field of hell. Grendel this monster grim

was called, march-riever[5] mighty, in moorland living, in fen and fastness;

fief of the giants the hapless wight a while had kept since the Creator his

exile doomed. On kin of Cain was the killing avenged by sovran God for

slaughtered Abel. Ill fared his feud,[6] and far was he driven, for the

slaughter's sake, from sight of men. Of Cain awoke all that woful breed,

Beowulf Anonymous

Etins[7] and elves and evil-spirits, as well as the giants that warred with

God weary while: but their wage was paid them!

[1] That is, "The Hart," or "Stag," so called from decorations in the

gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall has been carefully

described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was rectangular, with

opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a hearth in the middle of th

single room. A row of pillars down each side, at some distance from the

walls, made a space which was raised a little above the main floor, and

was furnished with two rows of seats. On one side, usually south, was the

high-seat midway between the doors. Opposite this, on the other raised

space, was another seat of honor. At the banquet soon to be described,

Hrothgar sat in the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf opposite to him.

The scene for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus very effectively set.

Planks on trestles -- the "board" of later English literature -- formed the

tables just in front of the long rows of seats, and were taken away after

banquets, when the retainers were ready to stretch them- selves out for

sleep on the benches. [2] Fire was the usual end of these halls. See v. 781

below. One thinks of the splendid scene at the end of the Nibelungen, of

the Nialssaga, of Saxo's story of Amlethus, and many a less famous

instance. [3] It is to be supposed that all hearers of this poem knew how

Hrothgar's hall was burnt, -- perhaps in the unsuccessful attack made on

him by his son-in-law Ingeld. [4] A skilled minstrel. The Danes are

heathens, as one is told presently; but this lay of beginnings is taken from

Genesis. [5] A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in

the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance

is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good

standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read about him.

"Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes. [6] Cain's. [7] Giants.

Beowulf Anonymous

WENT he forth to find at fall of night that haughty house, and heed

wherever the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone. Found within it

the atheling band asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow, of human

hardship. Unhallowed wight, grim and greedy, he grasped betimes,

wrathful, reckless, from resting-places, thirty of the thanes, and thence he

rushed fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward, laden with slaughter, his lair

to seek. Then at the dawning, as day was breaking, the might of Grendel to

men was known; then after wassail was wail uplifted, loud moan in the

morn. The mighty chief, atheling excellent, unblithe sat, labored in woe

for the loss of his thanes, when once had been traced the trail of the fiend,

spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow, too long, too loathsome. Not late the

respite; with night returning, anew began ruthless murder; he recked no

whit, firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime. They were easy to find who

elsewhere sought in room remote their rest at night, bed in the bowers,[1]

when that bale was shown, was seen in sooth, with surest token, -- the

hall-thane's[2] hate. Such held themselves far and fast who the fiend

outran! Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill one against all; until

empty stood that lordly building, and long it bode so. Twelve years' tide

the trouble he bore, sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty, boundless

cares. There came unhidden tidings true to the tribes of men, in sorrowful

songs, how ceaselessly Grendel harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him,

what murder and massacre, many a year, feud unfading, -- refused consent

to deal with any of Daneland's earls, make pact of peace, or compound for

gold: still less did the wise men ween to get great fee for the feud from his

fiendish hands. But the evil one ambushed old and young death-shadow

dark, and dogged them still, lured, or lurked in the livelong night of misty

moorlands: men may say not where the haunts of these Hell-Runes[3] be.

Such heaping of horrors the hater of men, lonely roamer, wrought

unceasing, harassings heavy. O'er Heorot he lorded, gold-bright hall, in

gloomy nights; and ne'er could the prince[4] approach his throne, -- 'twas

judgment of God, -- or have joy in his hall. Sore was the sorrow to

Scyldings'-friend, heart-rending misery. Many nobles sat assembled, and

Beowulf Anonymous

searched out counsel how it were best for bold-hearted men against

harassing terror to try their hand. Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes

altar-offerings, asked with words[5] that the slayer-of-souls would succor

give them for the pain of their people. Their practice this, their heathen

hope; 'twas Hell they thought of in mood of their mind. Almighty they

knew not, Doomsman of Deeds 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 to 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!

[1] The smaller buildings within the main enclosure but separate from

the hall. [2] Grendel. [3] "Sorcerers-of-hell." [4] Hrothgar, who is the

"Scyldings'-friend" of 170. [5] That is, in formal or prescribed phrase.

Beowulf Anonymous

III

THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene with 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, great 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.

Yon battle-king, said he, far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek, the

noble monarch who needed men! The prince's journey by prudent folk was

little blamed, though they loved him dear; they whetted the hero, and

hailed good omens. And now the bold one from bands of Geats comrades

chose, the keenest of warriors e'er he could find; with fourteen men the

sea-wood[1] he sought, and, sailor proved, led them on to the land's

confines. Time had now flown;[2] afloat was the ship, boat under bluff.

On board they climbed, warriors ready; waves were churning sea with

sand; the sailors bore on the breast of the bark their bright array, their mail

and weapons: the men pushed off, on its willing way, the well-braced craft.

Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind that bark like a bird with

breast of foam, till in season due, on the second day, the curved prow such

course had run that sailors now could see the land, sea-cliffs shining, steep

high hills, headlands broad. Their haven was found, their journey ended.

Up then quickly the Weders'[3] clansmen climbed ashore, anchored their

sea-wood, with armor clashing and gear of battle: God they thanked or

passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea. Now saw from the cliff a

Scylding clansman, a warden that watched the water-side, how they bore

o'er the gangway glittering shields, war-gear in readiness; wonder seized

him to know what manner of men they were. Straight to the strand his

steed he rode, Hrothgar's henchman; with hand of might he shook his

spear, and spake in parley. "Who are ye, then, ye armed men, mailed folk,

that yon mighty vessel have urged thus over the ocean ways, here o'er the

waters? A warden I, sentinel set o'er the sea-march here, lest any foe to the

folk of Danes with harrying fleet should harm the land. No aliens ever at

Beowulf Anonymous

ease thus bore them, linden-wielders:[4] yet word-of-leave clearly ye lack

from clansmen here, my folk's agreement. -- A greater ne'er saw I of

warriors in world than is one of you, -- yon hero in harness! No henchman

he worthied by weapons, if witness his features, his peerless presence! I

pray you, though, tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fare suspect to

wander your way as spies in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, ocean-

travellers, take from me simple advice: the sooner the better I hear of the

country whence ye came."

[1] Ship. [2] That is, since Beowulf selected his ship and led his men

to the harbor. [3] One of the auxiliary names of the Geats. [4] Or: Not thus

openly ever came warriors hither; yet...

Beowulf Anonymous

To him the stateliest spake in answer; the warriors' leader his word-

hoard unlocked: -- "We are by kin of the clan of Geats, and Hygelac's own

hearth-fellows we. To folk afar was my father known, noble atheling,

Ecgtheow named. Full of winters, he fared away aged from earth; he is

honored still through width of the world by wise men all. To thy lord and

liege in loyal mood we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son, people-protector:

be pleased to advise us! To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, to

the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right that aught be hidden. We hear --

thou knowest if sooth it is -- the saying of men, that amid the Scyldings a

scathing monster, dark ill-doer, in dusky nights shows terrific his rage

unmatched, hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I in greatness of soul would

succor bring, so the Wise-and-Brave[1] may worst his foes, -- if ever the

end of ills is fated, of cruel contest, if cure shall follow, and the boiling

care-waves cooler grow; else ever afterward anguish-days he shall suffer

in sorrow while stands in place high on its hill that house unpeered!"

Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered, clansman unquailing: "The

keen-souled thane must be skilled to sever and sunder duly words and

works, if he well intends. I gather, this band is graciously bent to the

Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing weapons and weeds the way I

show you. I will bid my men your boat meanwhile to guard for fear lest

foemen come, -- your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean faithfully

watching till once again it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes, --

winding-neck'd wood, -- to Weders' bounds, heroes such as the hest of fate

shall succor and save from the shock of war." They bent them to march, --

the boat lay still, fettered by cable and fast at anchor, broad-bosomed ship.

-- Then shone the boars[2] over the cheek-guard; chased with gold, keen

and gleaming, guard it kept o'er the man of war, as marched along heroes

in haste, till the hall they saw, broad of gable and bright with gold: that

was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth, of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar

lived, and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar. The sturdy shieldsman

showed that bright burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go straightway thither;

his steed then turned, hardy hero, and hailed them thus: -- "Tis time that I

Beowulf Anonymous

fare from you. Father Almighty in grace and mercy guard you well, safe in

your seekings. Seaward I go, 'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch."

[1] Hrothgar. [2] Beowulf's helmet has several boar-images on it; he is

the "man of war"; and the boar-helmet guards him as typical representative

of the marching party as a whole. The boar was sacred to Freyr, who was

the favorite god of the Germanic tribes about the North Sea and the Baltic.

Rude representations of warriors show the boar on the helmet quite as

large as the helmet itself.

Beowulf Anonymous

STONE-BRIGHT the street:[1] it showed the way to the crowd of

clansmen. Corselets glistened hand-forged, hard; on their harness bright

the steel ring sang, as they strode along in mail of battle, and marched to

the hall. There, weary of ocean, the wall along they set their bucklers, their

broad shields, down, and bowed them to bench: the breastplates clanged,

war-gear of men; their weapons stacked, spears of the seafarers stood

together, gray-tipped ash: that iron band was worthily weaponed! -- A

warrior proud asked of the heroes their home and kin. "Whence, now, bear

ye burnished shields, harness gray and helmets grim, spears in multitude?

Messenger, I, Hrothgar's herald! Heroes so many ne'er met I as strangers

of mood so strong. 'Tis plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile, for

high-hearted valor, Hrothgar ye seek!" Him the sturdy-in-war bespake

with words, proud earl of the Weders answer made, hardy 'neath helmet: --

"Hygelac's, we, fellows at board; I am Beowulf named. I am seeking to

say to the son of Healfdene this mission of mine, to thy master-lord, the

doughty prince, if he deign at all grace that we greet him, the good one,

now." Wulfgar spake, the Wendles' chieftain, whose might of mind to

many was known, his courage and counsel: "The king of Danes, the

Scyldings' friend, I fain will tell, the Breaker-of-Rings, as the boon thou

askest, the famed prince, of thy faring hither, and, swiftly after, such

answer bring as the doughty monarch may deign to give." Hied then in

haste to where Hrothgar sat white-haired and old, his earls about him, till

the stout thane stood at the shoulder there of the Danish king: good

courtier he! Wulfgar spake to his winsome lord: -- "Hither have fared to

thee far-come men o'er the paths of ocean, people of Geatland; and the

stateliest there by his sturdy band is Beowulf named. This boon they seek,

that they, my master, may with thee have speech at will: nor spurn their

prayer to give them hearing, gracious Hrothgar! In weeds of the warrior

worthy they, methinks, of our liking; their leader most surely, a hero that

hither his henchmen has led."

[1] Either merely paved, the strata via of the Romans, or else thought

of as a sort of mosaic, an extravagant touch like the reckless waste of gold

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BeowulfAnonymous1BeowulfAnonymousTranslatedbyGummereBeowulfAnonymous2INowBeowulfbodeintheburgoftheScyldings,leaderbeloved,andlongheruledinfamewithallfolk,sincehisfatherhadgoneawayfromtheworld,tillawokeanheir,haughtyHealfdene,whoheldthroughlife,sageandsturdy,theScyldingsglad.Then,oneafterone,therewok...

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