That we have done to honour him in glory and delights.'

Then turned she to the bench where sat together youthful knights; Hrethric and Hrothmund, her two sons, were there and by the twain Beowulf sat the glorious Goth. To him with greeting fain

And friendly words the cup was borne; and wrought gold given free—
Two armlets, raiment, rings, and necklace goodliest to see
That e'er I heard of on the earth. Beneath the light of day
No hero's ornament more fair since Hama bore away

The Brosing collar,† gems, and wealth far to the city bright;
And lasting gain he got thereby in Eormenric's despite.
(And Swerting's nephew, Higelac the Goth, the necklace wore
On his last raid, when 'neath his crest he kept the treasure store
And held the spoil. Him fate removed when in the Frisian feud
All for his pride he met with woe. He bore that jewel good

And precious stones-the glorious prince-the brimming waters

through;

'Neath shield he fell, and life of king, breast-weed and collar too Passed to the hands of Franks, when meaner fighters robbed the slain By lot of war, and Gothic folk lay dead on battle-plain.)

Uprose the noise in hall. Then Waltheow spoke before them there: "O youth! Beowulf dear! Take now with joy this ring and wear This raiment people's gifts are they. All hail! and thrive thou well! Shew forth thy might; and to these youths thy knowledge gently tell!

*See Note G.

† 'Brosing collar.' A famous jewel in Gothic legend. Mr. Arnold has collected all the passages on the subject in his Beowulf App., p. 201.

I will remember to repay. Thy deeds so glorious are

Men shall thee praise through life long days in lands both near and far,

Yea, widely as the waves enfold the windy walls of earth!

Be whilst thou liv'st a happy prince! I'll give thee gifts of worth.

And to my sons be staunch in deeds-their happiness uphold!

Here is each earl to other true, gentle each spirit bold,

And faithful to his lord; at peace the thanes; the folk prepared.
O men well drunken do my hest!" *

Then to her seat she fared.

they wist not fate aright,
Now came the night;

Choice was the feast and men drank wine;
The bitter doom decreed to many an earl.
King Hrothgar to his house betook him seeking rest in sleep.
Earls without number kept the hall, as erst was wont to keep.
They cleared the benches from the floor, and over it they spread
The beds and bolsters. (Doomed to die one drinker sought his bed. †)
War-shield and wooden buckler bright beside their heads did lie;
And on the bench o'er every knight was seen his helmet high,
His corslet ringed, and glorious spear. Such was their custom aye,
Whether on foray or at home, oft ready for the fray

Howe'er their liege lord chanced to need. A useful people they!

* This is a difficult passage; but it seems to me better to take it in the vocative as Grein suggests. I understand it to mean, "Ye have well drunken at my expense, therefore do my bidding."

†This refers to Aschere slain that night by Grendel's mother.

PART II.

GRENDEL'S MOTHER.

THE ARGUMENT.

Grendel's mother bursts upon the sleepers in the hall and carries off Eschere. The grief of the Danes is renewed, but Beowulf comforts Hrothgar and promises to take revenge. They track the footsteps to the mere in the joyless wood. Beowulf plunges in, and in the cavern beneath the waves slays Grendel's mother. He smites the head from Grendel's body and swims ashore with it. There are great rejoicings at Heorot. Laden with gifts Beowulf and his men take leave of Hrothgar, and return to their own land, where Beowulf tells the story of his adventures to Higelac.