XXV

the race of the giants, They had proved themselves daring: that people was loth to The Lord everlasting, through lash of the billows The Father gave them final requital. So in letters of rune on the clasp of the handle Gleaming and golden, ’twas graven exactly, Set forth and said, whom that sword had been made for, Finest of irons, who first it was wrought for, Wreathed at its handle and gleaming with serpents. The wise one then said (silent they all were) Son of old Healfdene: “He may say unrefuted Who performs ’mid the folk-men fairness and truth (The hoary old ruler remembers the past), That better by birth is this bairn of the nobles! Thy fame is extended through faraway countries, Good friend Beowulf, o’er all of the races, Thou holdest all firmly, hero-like strength with Prudence of spirit. I’ll prove myself grateful As before we agreed on; thou granted for long shalt Become a great comfort to kinsmen and comrades, A help unto heroes. Heremod became not Such to the Scyldings, successors of Ecgwela; He grew not to please them, but grievous destruction, And diresome death-woes to Danemen attracted; He slew in anger his table-companions, Trustworthy counsellors, till he turned off lonely From world-joys away, wide-famous ruler: Though high-ruling heaven in hero-strength raised him, In might exalted him, o’er men of all nations Made him supreme, yet a murderous spirit Grew in his bosom: he gave then no ring-gems To the Danes after custom; endured he unjoyful Standing the straits from strife that was raging, Longsome folk-sorrow. Learn then from this, Lay hold of virtue! Though laden with winters, I have sung thee these measures. ’Tis a marvel to tell it, How all-ruling God from greatness of spirit Giveth wisdom to children of men, Manor and earlship: all things He ruleth. He often permitteth the mood-thought of man of The illustrious lineage to lean to possessions, Allows him earthly delights at his manor, A high-burg of heroes to hold in his keeping, Maketh portions of earth-folk hear him, And a wide-reaching kingdom so that, wisdom failing him, He himself is unable to reckon its boundaries; He liveth in luxury, little debars him, Nor sickness nor age, no treachery-sorrow Becloudeth his