XIV

the wide-going ventures The children of men knew of but little, The feud and the fury, but Fitela with him, When suchlike matters he minded to speak of, Uncle to nephew, as in every contention Each to other was ever devoted: A numerous host of the race of the scathers They had slain with the sword-edge. To Sigmund accrued then No little of glory, when his life-days were over, Since he sturdy in struggle had destroyed the great dragon, The hoard-treasure’s keeper; ’neath the hoar-grayish stone he, The son of the atheling, unaided adventured The perilous project; not present was Fitela, Yet the fortune befell him of forcing his weapon Through the marvellous dragon, that it stood in the wall, Well-honored weapon; the worm was slaughtered. The great one had gained then by his glorious achievement To reap from the ring-hoard richest enjoyment, As best it did please him: his vessel he loaded, Shining ornaments on the ship’s bosom carried, Kinsman of Waels: the drake in heat melted. He was farthest famed of fugitive pilgrims, Mid wide-scattered world-folk, for works of great prowess, War-troopers’ shelter: hence waxed he in honor. Afterward Heremod’s hero-strength failed him, His vigor and valor. ’Mid venomous haters To the hands of foemen he was foully delivered, Offdriven early. Agony-billows Oppressed him too long, to his people he became then, To all the athelings, an ever-great burden; And the daring one’s journey in days of yore Many wise men were wont to deplore, Such as hoped he would bring them help in their sorrow, That the son of their ruler should rise into power, Holding the headship held by his fathers, Should govern the people, the gold-hoard and borough, The kingdom of heroes, the realm of the Scyldings. He to all men became then far more beloved, Higelac’s kinsman, to kindreds and races, To his friends much dearer; him malice assaulted.⁠— Oft running and racing on roadsters they measured The dun-colored highways. Then the light of the morning Was hurried and hastened. Went henchmen in numbers To the beautiful building, bold ones in spirit, To look at the wonder; the liegelord himself then From his wife-bower wending, warden of treasures, Glorious trod with troopers