XXXVII
Then I heard say in the folk-king's need2695The earl displayed unceasing bravery,
Strength and valor, as was natural to him:
He cared not for his head, but the hand burned
Of the brave man, where he helped with his strength,
So that the fell demon he struck somewhat lower,
2700The hero in armor, that the sword sank in,
Shining and gold-plated, that the fire began
After to lessen. Then still the king
His senses possessed, struck with his war-knife,
Cutting and battle-sharp, which he bore on his burnie:
2705The Weders' defence cut the serpent in two.
The foe they felled, force drove out life,
And they him then both had destroyed,
Kindred princes: such should a man be,
A thane in need. That was to the prince
2710The last of his victories by his own deeds,
Of work in the world. Then 'gan the wound,
Which on him the earth-drake before had inflicted,
To burn and to swell: that soon he perceived
That in his breast deadly ill welled,
2715Poison within. Then the prince went,
So that he by the rock, wise in his mind,
Sat on his seat, on the giants' work looked,
How the stone-arches, fast on their columns,
The earth-hall eternal held there within.
2720Then with his hands him bloody with gore,
The mighty prince, the excellent thane
His own dear lord with water laved,
Weary of battle, and his helmet unloosed.
Beowulf said: he spoke of his wound,
2725His deadly-pale wound (he knew very well
That he had spent his time allotted
Of the joy of earth; then was all gone
Of his days' number, death very nigh):
" Now I to my son would wish to give
2730These war-weeds of mine, if to me was granted
Any inheritor hereafter to be
The heir of my body. This people I ruled
Fifty of winters; there was not a folk-king,
Of those dwelling around any at all,
2735Who me durst meet with his war-friends,
With terror oppress. I awaited at home
The appointed time, kept mine own well,
Sought not hostilities, nor for myself swore
Many oaths falsely; I for all that,
2740With deadly wounds sick, now joy may have;
Hence the ruler of men need not to me charge
The murder of kinsmen, when shall depart
My life from my body. Now do thou quickly go
To see the hoard 'neath the hoar stone,
2745Wiglaf my dear one, now the serpent lies dead,
Sleeps sorely wounded, robbed of his treasure.
Be now in haste that I the old riches,
The treasure may view, thoroughly scan
The bright precious gems, that I may the easier,
2750On account of the treasure, give up mine own
Life and my people that I long held."
