AND the lord of earls, to each that came

with Beowulf over the briny ways,

an heirloom there at the ale-bench gave,

precious gift; and the price 46 bade pay

in gold for him whom Grendel erst

murdered, — and fain of them more had killed,

had not wisest God their Wyrd averted,

and the man’s 47 brave mood. The Maker then

ruled human kind, as here and now.

Therefore is insight always best,

and forethought of mind. How much awaits him

of lief and of loath, who long time here,

through days of warfare this world endures!

Then song and music mingled sounds

in the presence of Healfdene’s head-of-armies 48

and harping was heard with the hero-lay

as Hrothgar’s singer the hall-joy woke

along the mead-seats, making his song

of that sudden raid on the sons of Finn. 49

Healfdene’s hero, Hnaef the Scylding,

was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter. 50

Hildeburh needed not hold in value

her enemies’ honor! 51 Innocent both

were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play,

bairn and brother, they bowed to fate,

stricken by spears; ’twas a sorrowful woman!

None doubted why the daughter of Hoc

bewailed her doom when dawning came,

and under the sky she saw them lying,

kinsmen murdered, where most she had kenned

of the sweets of the world! By war were swept, too,

Finn’s own liegemen, and few were left;

in the parleying-place 52 he could ply no longer

weapon, nor war could he wage on Hengest,

and rescue his remnant by right of arms

from the prince’s thane. A pact he offered:

another dwelling the Danes should have,

hall and high-seat, and ............