XXXV

His battle-clear voice came in resounding ’Neath the gray-colored stone. Stirred was his hatred, The hoard-ward distinguished the speech of a man; Time was no longer to look out for friendship. The breath of the monster issued forth first, Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave: The earth re-echoed. The earl ’neath the barrow Lifted his shield, lord of the Geatmen, Tow’rd the terrible stranger: the ring-twisted creature’s Heart was then ready to seek for a struggle. The excellent battle-king first brandished his weapon, The ancient heirloom, of edges unblunted, To the death-planners twain was terror from other. The lord of the troopers intrepidly stood then ’Gainst his high-rising shield, when the dragon coiled him Quickly together: in corslet he bided. He went then in blazes, bended and striding, Hasting him forward. His life and body The targe well protected, for time-period shorter Than wish demanded for the well-renowned leader, Where he then for the first day was forced to be victor, Famous in battle, as Fate had not willed it. The lord of the Geatmen uplifted his hand then, Smiting the fire-drake with sword that was precious, That bright on the bone the blade-edge did weaken, Bit more feebly than his folk-leader needed, Burdened with bale-griefs. Then the barrow-protector, When the sword-blow had fallen, was fierce in his spirit, Flinging his fires, flamings of battle Gleamed then afar: the gold-friend of Weders Boasted no conquests, his battle-sword failed him Naked in conflict, as by no means it ought to, Long-trusty weapon. ’Twas no slight undertaking That Ecgtheow’s famous offspring would leave The drake-cavern’s bottom; he must live in some region Other than this, by the will of the dragon, As each one of earthmen existence must forfeit. ’Twas early thereafter the excellent warriors Met with each other. Anew and afresh The hoard-ward took heart (gasps heaved then his bosom): Sorrow he suffered encircled with fire Who the people erst governed. His companions by no means Were banded about him, bairns of the princes, With valorous spirit, but they sped to the forest, Seeking for safety. The soul-deeps of one were Ruffled by care: kin-love can never Aught in him waver who well doth consider.