XL
He bade then the battle-work tell at the hedgeUpon the steep cliff, where the earl-band
The morning-long day sad in mind sat,
2895The warriors with shields, in expectance of both,
The final day and the return
Of the dear man. Little kept silent
Of the new tidings he who rode o'er the ness,
But he in truth spoke on all sides:
2900" Now is the joy-giver of the folk of the Weders,
The lord of the Geats, fast in his death-bed,
Fills his grave-rest by the deeds of the worm.
Along side of him lies the life-winner too
Dead from knife's wounds; with sword might he not
2905Upon the monster in any way
A wound inflict. Wiglaf sits there,
Sits over Beowulf Weohstan's son,
The earl o'er the other of life deprived,
With care attentive, keeps the death-watch
2910Of friend and of foe. Now the people expect
A time of strife, after well-known
To the Franks and the Frisians the fall of the king
Becomes far and wide. The contest was made
Strong 'gainst the Hugs, when Higelac came
2915With his ship-army going to the land of the Frisians,
Where the Hetwaras felled him in battle,
Bravely him conquered with their over-might,
So that the mailed-warrior was forced to bow,
Fell midst his warriors; no ornaments gave
2920The prince to his nobles. To us ever after
The Merwings' friendship was not to be granted.
Nor do I from the Swedes peace or good faith
At all expect; but it was widely known
That Ongentheow of life deprived
2925Haethcyn, Hrethel's son, near Ravens' wood,
When through their pride at first did seek
The warlike Scylfings the folk of the Geats.
Soon to him the agéd father of Ohthere,
Old and terrible, gave a hand-stroke,
2930Hewed down the sea-chief, rescued his wife,
The old man his spouse, robbed of her gold,
The mother of Onela and of Ohthere,
And then he followed his deadly foes
Until they went in great distress
2935Into Ravens' wood, deprived of their lord.
Then besieged he with host those left by the sword,
Weary with wounds, woes oft he promised
To the miserable band the livelong night:
Said, he in the morning with the edge of the sword
2940Them would destroy, some on gallows hang
For sport to the fowls. Comfort afterwards came
To them sad in mind along with daylight,
After they Hygelac's horn and trumpets'
Sounding perceived, when the brave one came
2945In the track going of his peoples' earls.
