THE fall of his lord he was fain to requite

in after days; and to Eadgils he proved

friend to the friendless, and forces sent

over the sea to the son of Ohtere,

weapons and warriors: well repaid he

those care-paths cold when the king he slew. 91

Thus safe through struggles the son of Ecgtheow

had passed a plenty, through perils dire,

with daring deeds, till this day was come

that doomed him now with the dragon to strive.

With comrades eleven the lord of Geats

swollen in rage went seeking the dragon.

He had heard whence all the harm arose

and the killing of clansmen; that cup of price

on the lap of the lord had been laid by the finder.

In the throng was this one thirteenth man,

starter of all the strife and ill,

care-laden captive; cringing thence

forced and reluctant, he led them on

till he came in ken of that cavern-hall,

the barrow delved near billowy surges,

flood of ocean. Within ’twas full

of wire-gold and jewels; a jealous warden,

warrior trusty, the treasures held,

lurked in his lair. Not light the task

of entrance for any of earth-born men!

Sat on the headland the hero king,

spake words of hail to his hearth-companions,

gold-friend of Geats. All gloomy his soul,

wavering, death-bound. Wyrd full nigh

stood ready to greet the gray-haired man,

to seize his soul-hoard, sunder apart

life and body. Not long would be

the warrior’s spirit enwound with flesh.

Beowulf spake, the bairn of Ecgtheow:............