"Anonymous - Beowulf" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anonymous)

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.

III

THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene
with the woe of these days; not wisest men
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 11

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-wood1 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,