B e o w u l f

B e o w u l f ' s   f i g h t
w i t h   t h e   D r a g o n

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2200

Eft thæt geiode | ufaran dogrum
hildehlæmmum, | sydhdhan Hygelac læg
ond Heardrede | hildemeceas
under bordhreodhan | to bonan wurdon,
dha hyne gesohtan | on sigetheode

2205

hearde hildefrecan, | Headhoscilfingas,
nidha genægdan | nefan Hererices,
sydhdhan Beowulfe | brade rice
on hand gehwearf; | he geheold tela
fiftig wintra | (wæs dha frod cyning,

2210

eald ethelweard), | odhdhæt an ongan
deorcum nihtum | draca ricsian,
se dhe on heaum hofe | hord beweotode,
stanbeorh steapne; | stig under læg,
eldum uncudh. | thær on innan giong

2215

nidha nathwylc, | se dhe neh gefeng
hædhnum horde, | hond . . . . . . . ,
since fahne. | He thæt sydhdhan . . . . ,
theah dhe he slæpende | besyred wurde
theofes cræfte; | thæt sie dhiod onfand,

2220

bufolc beorna, | thæt he gebolgen wæs.

Nealles mid gewealdum | wyrmhord abræc
sylfes willum, | se dhe him sare gesceod,
ac for threanedlan | theow nathwylces
hæledha bearna | heteswengeas fleah,

2225

ærnes thearfa, | ond dhær inne fealh,
secg synbysig, | sona onfunde
thæt thær dham gyste | gryrebroga stod;
hwædhre earmsceapen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sceapen

2230

. . . . . . . . . . tha hyne se fær begeat.
Sincfæt . . . . . . . ; | thær wæs swylcra fela
in dham eordhhuse | ærgestreona,
swa hy on geardagum | gumena nathwylc,
eormenlafe | æthelan cynnes,

2235

thanchycgende | thær gehydde,
deore madhmas. | Ealle hie deadh fornam
ærran mælum, | ond se an dha gen
leoda dugudhe, | se dhær lengest hwearf,
weard winegeomor, | wende thæs ylcan,

2240

thæt he lytel fæc | longgestreona
brucan moste. | Beorh eallgearo
wunode on wonge | wæterydhum neah,
niwe be næsse, | nearocræftum fæst.
Thær on innan bær | eorlgestreona

2245

hringa hyrde | hordwyrdhne dæl,
fættan goldes, | fea worda cwædh:

"Heald thu nu, hruse, | nu hæledh ne moston,
eorla æhte! | Hwæt, hyt ær on dhe
gode begeaton. | Gudhdeadh fornam,

2250

feorhbealo frecne, | fyra gehwylcne
leoda minra, | thara dhe this lif ofgeaf,
gesawon seledream. | Ic nah hwa sweord wege
odhdhe feormie | fæted wæge,
dryncfæt deore; | dugudh ellor sceoc.

2255

Sceal se hearda helm | hyrsted golde
fætum befeallen; | feormynd swefadh,
tha dhe beadogriman | bywan sceoldon,
ge swylce seo herepad, | sio æt hilde gebad
ofer borda gebræc | bite irena,

2260

brosnadh æfter beorne. | Ne mæg byrnan hring
æfter wigfruman | wide feran,
hæledhum be healfe. | Næs hearpan wyn,
gomen gleobeames, | ne god hafoc
geond sæl swingedh, | ne se swifta mearh

2265

burhstede beatedh. | Bealocwealm hafadh
fela feorhcynna | fordh onsended!"

Swa giomormod | giohdho mænde
an æfter eallum, | unblidhe hwearf
dæges ond nihtes, | odhdhæt deadhes wylm

2270

hran æt heortan. | Hordwynne fond
eald uhtsceadha | opene standan,
se dhe byrnende | biorgas secedh,
nacod nidhdraca, | nihtes fleogedh
fyre befangen; | hyne foldbuend

2275

swidhe ondrædadh. | He gesecean sceall
hord on hrusan, | thær he hædhen gold
waradh wintrum frod, | ne bydh him wihte dhy sel.

Swa se dheodsceadha | threo hund wintra
heold on hrusan | hordærna sum,

2280

eacencræftig, | odhdhæt hyne an abealch
mon on mode; | mandryhtne bær
fæted wæge, | friodhowære bæd
hlaford sinne. | Dha wæs hord rasod,
onboren beaga hord, | bene getidhad

2285

feasceaftum men. | Frea sceawode
fira fyrngeweorc | forman sidhe.

Tha se wyrm onwoc, | wroht wæs geniwad;
stonc dha æfter stane, | stearcheort onfand
feondes fotlast; | he to fordh gestop

2290

dyrnan cræfte | dracan heafde neah.
Swa mæg unfæge | eadhe gedigan
wean ond wræcsidh, | se dhe waldendes
hyldo gehealdeth! | Hordweard sohte
georne æfter grunde, | wolde guman findan,

2295

thone the him on sweofote | sare geteode,
hat ond hreohmod | hlæw oft ymbehwearf
ealne utanweardne, | ne dhær ænig mon
on thære westenne; | hwædhre wiges gefeh,
beaduwe weorces, | hwilum on beorh æthwearf,

2300

sincfæt sohte. | He thæt sona onfand
dhæt hæfde gumena sum | goldes gefandod,
heahgestreona. | Hordweard onbad
earfodhlice | odhdhæt æfen cwom;
wæs dha gebolgen | beorges hyrde,

2305

wolde se ladha | lige forgyldan
drincfæt dyre. | Tha wæs dæg sceacen
wyrme on willan; | no on wealle læg,
bidan wolde, | ac mid bæle for,
fyre gefysed. | Wæs se fruma egeslic

2310

leodum on lande, | swa hyt lungre weardh
on hyra sincgifan | sare geendod.

Dha se gæst ongan | gledum spiwan,
beorht hofu bærnan; | bryneleoma stod
eldum on andan. | No dhær aht cwices

2315

ladh lyftfloga | læfan wolde.
Wæs thæs wyrmes wig | wide gesyne,
nearofages nidh | nean ond feorran,
hu se gudhsceadha | Geata leode
hatode ond hynde; | hord eft gesceat,

2320

dryhtsele dyrnne, | ær dæges hwile.
Hæfde landwara | lige befangen,
bæle ond bronde, | beorges getruwode,
wiges ond wealles; | him seo wen geleah.

Tha wæs Biowulfe | broga gecydhed

2325

snude to sodhe, | thæt his sylfes ham,
bolda selest, | brynewylmum mealt,
gifstol Geata. | Thæt dham godan wæs
hreow on hredhre, | hygesorga mæst;
wende se wisa | thæt he wealdende

2330

ofer ealde riht, | ecean dryhtne,
bitre gebulge. | Breost innan weoll
theostrum gethoncum, | swa him gethywe ne wæs.

Hæfde ligdraca | leoda fæsten,
ealond utan, | eordhweard dhone

2335

gledum forgrunden; | him dhæs gudhkyning,
Wedera thioden, | wræce leornode.
Heht him tha gewyrcean | wigendra hleo
eallirenne, | eorla dryhten,
wigbord wrætlic; | wisse he gearwe

2340

thæt him holtwudu | helpan ne meahte,
lind widh lige. | Sceolde lændaga
ætheling ærgod | ende gebidan,
worulde lifes, | ond se wyrm somod,
theah dhe hordwelan | heolde lange.

2345

Oferhogode dha | hringa fengel
thæt he thone widflogan | weorode gesohte,
sidan herge; | no he him tha sæcce ondred,
ne him thæs wyrmes wig | for wiht dyde,
eafodh ond ellen, | fordhon he ær fela

2350

nearo nedhende | nidha gedigde,
hildehlemma, | sydhdhan he Hrodhgares,
sigoreadig secg, | sele fælsode
ond æt gudhe forgrap | Grendeles mægum
ladhan cynnes. | No thæt læsest wæs

2355

hondgemota, | thær mon Hygelac sloh,
sydhdhan Geata cyning | gudhe ræsum,
freawine folca | Freslondum on,
Hredhles eafora | hiorodryncum swealt,
bille gebeaten. | Thonan Biowulf com

2360

sylfes cræfte, | sundnytte dreah;
hæfde him on earme | ana XXX
hildegeatwa, | tha he to holme beag.
Nealles Hetware | hremge thorfton
fedhewiges, | the him foran ongean

2365

linde bæron; | lyt eft becwom
fram tham hildfrecan | hames niosan.
Oferswam dha sioledha bigong | sunu Ecgdheowes,
earm anhaga, | eft to leodum;
thær him Hygd gebead | hord ond rice,

2370

beagas ond bregostol, | bearne ne truwode
thæt he widh ælfylcum | ethelstolas
healdan cudhe, | dha wæs Hygelac dead.

No dhy ær feasceafte | findan meahton
æt dham ædhelinge | ænige dhinga,

2375

thæt he Heardrede | hlaford wære
odhdhe thone cynedom | ciosan wolde;
hwædhre he him on folce | freondlarum heold,
estum mid are, | odhdhæt he yldra weardh,
Wedergeatum weold. | Hyne wræcmæcgas

2380

ofer sæ sohtan, | suna Ohteres;
hæfdon hy forhealden | helm Scylfinga,
thone selestan | sæcyninga
thara dhe in Swiorice | sinc brytnade,
mærne theoden. | Him thæt to mearce weardh;

2385

he thær for feorme | feorhwunde hleat
sweordes swengum, | sunu Hygelaces,
ond him eft gewat | Ongendhioes bearn
hames niosan, | sydhdhan Heardred læg,
let dhone bregostol | Biowulf healdan,

2390

Geatum wealdan. | Thæt wæs god cyning!
Se dhæs leodhryres | lean gemunde
uferan dogrum, | Eadgilse weardh
feasceaftum freond, | folce gestepte
ofer sæ side | sunu Ohteres,

2395

wigum ond wæpnum; | he gewræc sydhdhan
cealdum cearsidhum, | cyning ealdre bineat.
Swa he nidha gehwane | genesen hæfde,
slidhra geslyhta, | sunu Ecgdhiowes,
ellenweorca, | odh dhone anne dæg

2400

the he widh tham wyrme | gewegan sceolde.
Gewat tha XIIa sum | torne gebolgen
dryhten Geata | dracan sceawian.
Hæfde tha gefrunen | hwanan sio fæhdh aras,
bealonidh biorna; | him to bearme cwom

2405

madhthumfæt mære | thurh dhæs meldan hond.
Se wæs on dham dhreate | threotteodha secg,
se dhæs orleges | or onstealde,
hæft hygegiomor, | sceolde hean dhonon
wong wisian. | He ofer willan giong

2410

to dhæs dhe he eordhsele | anne wisse,
hlæw under hrusan | holmwylme neh,
ydhgewinne; | se wæs innan full
wrætta ond wira. | Weard unhiore,
gearo gudhfreca, | goldmadhmas heold,

2415

eald under eordhan. | Næs thæt ydhe ceap
to gegangenne | gumena ænigum!

Gesæt dha on næsse | nidhheard cyning,
thenden hælo abead | heordhgeneatum,
goldwine Geata. | Him wæs geomor sefa,

2420

wæfre ond wælfus, | wyrd ungemete neah,
se dhone gomelan | gretan sceolde,
secean sawle hord, | sundur gedælan
lif widh lice, | no thon lange wæs
feorh æthelinges | flæsce bewunden.

2425

Biowulf mathelade, | bearn Ecgdheowes:
"Fela ic on giogodhe | gudhræsa genæs,
orleghwila; | ic thæt eall gemon.
Ic wæs syfanwintre, | tha mec sinca baldor,
freawine folca, | æt minum fæder genam;

2430

heold mec ond hæfde | Hredhel cyning,
geaf me sinc ond symbel, | sibbe gemunde.
Næs ic him to life | ladhra owihte,
beorn in burgum, | thonne his bearna hwylc,
Herebeald ond Hædhcyn | odhdhe Hygelac min.

2435

Wæs tham yldestan | ungedefelice
mæges dædum | morthorbed stred,
sydhdhan hyne Hædhcyn | of hornbogan,
his freawine, | flane geswencte,
miste mercelses | ond his mæg ofscet,

2440

brodhor odherne | blodigan gare.
Thæt wæs feohleas gefeoht, | fyrenum gesyngad,
hredhre hygemedhe; | sceolde hwædhre swa theah
ædheling unwrecen | ealdres linnan.

Swa bidh geomorlic | gomelum ceorle

2445

to gebidanne, | thæt his byre ride
giong on galgan, | thonne he gyd wrece,
sarigne sang, | thonne his sunu hangadh
hrefne to hrodhre, | ond he him helpe ne mæg,
eald ond infrod, | ænige gefremman.

2450

Symble bidh gemyndgad | morna gehwylce
eaforan ellorsidh; | odhres ne gymedh
to gebidanne | burgum in innan
yrfeweardas, | thonne se an hafadh
thurh deadhes nyd | dæda gefondad.

2455

Gesyhdh sorhcearig | on his suna bure
winsele westne, | windge reste
reote berofene. | Ridend swefadh,
hæledh in hodhman; | nis thær hearpan sweg,
gomen in geardum, | swylce dhær iu wæron.

2460

Gewitedh thonne on sealman, | sorhleodh gæledh
an æfter anum; | thuhte him eall to rum,
wongas ond wicstede. | Swa Wedra helm
æfter Herebealde | heortan sorge
weallende wæg. | Wihte ne meahte

2465

on dham feorhbonan | fæghdhe gebetan;
no dhy ær he thone headhorinc | hatian ne meahte
ladhum dædum, | theah him leof ne wæs.
He dha mid thære sorhge, | the him swa sar belamp,
gumdream ofgeaf, | godes leoht geceas,

2470

eaferum læfde, | swa dedh eadig mon,
lond ond leodbyrig, | tha he of life gewat.

Tha wæs synn ond sacu | Sweona ond Geata
ofer wid wæter, | wroht gemæne,
herenidh hearda, | sydhdhan Hredhel swealt,

2475

odhdhe him Ongendheowes | eaferan wæran
frome, fyrdhwate, | freode ne woldon
ofer heafo healdan, | ac ymb Hreosnabeorh
eatolne inwitscear | oft gefremedon.
Thæt mægwine | mine gewræcan,

2480

fæhdhe ond fyrene, | swa hyt gefræge wæs,
theah dhe odher his | ealdre gebohte,
heardan ceape; | Hædhcynne weardh,
Geata dryhtne, | gudh onsæge.
Tha ic on morgne gefrægn | mæg odherne

2485

billes ecgum | on bonan stælan,
thær Ongentheow | Eofores niosadh.
Gudhhelm toglad, | gomela Scylfing
hreas hildeblac; | hond gemunde
fæhdho genoge, | feorhsweng ne ofteah.

2490

Ic him tha madhmas, | the he me sealde,
geald æt gudhe, | swa me gifedhe wæs,
leohtan sweorde; | he me lond forgeaf,
eard, edhelwyn. | Næs him ænig thearf
thæt he to Gifdhum | odhdhe to Gardenum

2495

odhdhe in Swiorice | secean thurfe
wyrsan wigfrecan, | weordhe gecypan.
Symle ic him on fedhan | beforan wolde,
ana on orde, | ond swa to aldre sceall
sæcce fremman, | thenden this sweord tholadh,

2500

thæt mec ær ond sidh | oft gelæste.
Sydhdhan ic for dugedhum | Dæghrefne weardh
to handbonan, | Huga cempan;
nalles he dha frætwe | Frescyninge,
breostweordhunge, | bringan moste,

2505

ac in compe gecrong | cumbles hyrde,
ætheling on elne; | ne wæs ecg bona,
ac him hildegrap | heortan wylmas,
banhus gebræc. | Nu sceall billes ecg,
hond ond heard sweord, | ymb hord wigan."

2510

Beowulf madhelode, | beotwordum spræc
niehstan sidhe: | "Ic genedhde fela
gudha on geogodhe; | gyt ic wylle,
frod folces weard, | fæhdhe secan,
mærdhu fremman, | gif mec se mansceadha

2515

of eordhsele | ut gesecedh."

Gegrette dha | gumena gehwylcne,
hwate helmberend, | hindeman sidhe,
swæse gesidhas: | "Nolde ic sweord beran,
wæpen to wyrme, | gif ic wiste hu

2520

widh dham aglæcean | elles meahte
gylpe widhgripan, | swa ic gio widh Grendle dyde.
Ac ic dhær headhufyres | hates wene,
oredhes ond attres; | fordhon ic me on hafu
bord ond byrnan. | Nelle ic beorges weard

2525

forfleon fotes trem, | ac unc furdhur sceal
weordhan æt wealle, | swa unc wyrd geteodh,
metod manna gehwæs. | Ic eom on mode from
thæt ic widh thone gudhflogan | gylp ofersitte.
Gebide ge on beorge | byrnum werede,

2530

secgas on searwum, | hwædher sel mæge
æfter wælræse | wunde gedygan
uncer twega. | Nis thæt eower sidh
ne gemet mannes, | nefne min anes,
thæt he widh aglæcean | eofodho dæle,

2535

eorlscype efne. | Ic mid elne sceall
gold gegangan, | odhdhe gudh nimedh,
feorhbealu frecne, | frean eowerne!"

Aras dha bi ronde | rof oretta,
heard under helme, | hiorosercean bær

2540

under stancleofu, | strengo getruwode
anes mannes. | Ne bidh swylc earges sidh!
Geseah dha be wealle | se dhe worna fela,
gumcystum god, | gudha gedigde,
hildehlemma, | thonne hnitan fedhan,

2545

stondan stanbogan, | stream ut thonan
brecan of beorge. | Wæs thære burnan wælm
headhofyrum hat; | ne meahte horde neah
unbyrnende | ænige hwile
deop gedygan | for dracan lege.

2550

Let dha of breostum, | dha he gebolgen wæs,
Wedergeata leod | word ut faran,
stearcheort styrmde; | stefn in becom
headhotorht hlynnan | under harne stan.

Hete wæs onhrered, | hordweard oncniow

2555

mannes reorde; | næs dhær mara fyrst
freode to friclan. | From ærest cwom
orudh aglæcean | ut of stane,
hat hildeswat. | Hruse dynede.
Biorn under beorge | bordrand onswaf

2560

widh dham gryregieste, | Geata dryhten;
dha wæs hringbogan | heorte gefysed
sæcce to seceanne. | Sweord ær gebræd
god gudhcyning, | gomele lafe,
ecgum unslaw; | æghwædhrum wæs

2565

bealohycgendra | broga fram odhrum.

Stidhmod gestod | widh steapne rond
winia bealdor, | dha se wyrm gebeah
snude tosomne; | he on searwum bad.

Gewat dha byrnende | gebogen scridhan,

2570

to gescipe scyndan. | Scyld wel gebearg
life ond lice | læssan hwile
mærum theodne | thonne his myne sohte,
dhær he thy fyrste, | forman dogore
wealdan moste | swa him wyrd ne gescraf

2575

hredh æt hilde. | Hond up abræd
Geata dryhten, | gryrefahne sloh
incgelafe, | thæt sio ecg gewac
brun on bane, | bat unswidhor
thonne his dhiodcyning | thearfe hæfde,

2580

bysigum gebæded. | Tha wæs beorges weard
æfter headhuswenge | on hreoum mode,
wearp wælfyre; | wide sprungon
hildeleoman. | Hredhsigora ne gealp
goldwine Geata; | gudhbill geswac,

2585

nacod æt nidhe, | swa hyt no sceolde,
iren ærgod. | Ne wæs thæt edhe sidh,
thæt se mæra | maga Ecgdheowes
grundwong thone | ofgyfan wolde;
sceolde ofer willan | wic eardian

2590

elles hwergen, | swa sceal æghwylc mon
alætan lændagas. | Næs dha long to dhon
thæt dha aglæcean hy | eft gemetton.
Hyrte hyne hordweard | (hredher ædhme weoll)
niwan stefne; | nearo dhrowode,

2595

fyre befongen, | se dhe ær folce weold.

Nealles him on heape | handgesteallan,
ædhelinga bearn, | ymbe gestodon
hildecystum, | ac hy on holt bugon,
ealdre burgan. | Hiora in anum weoll

2600

sefa widh sorgum; | sibb æfre ne mæg
wiht onwendan | tham dhe wel thencedh.

Wiglaf wæs haten | Weoxstanes sunu,
leoflic lindwiga, | leod Scylfinga,
mæg ælfheres; | geseah his mondryhten

2605

under heregriman | hat throwian.
Gemunde dha dha are | the he him ær forgeaf,
wicstede weligne | Wægmundinga,
folcrihta gehwylc, | swa his fæder ahte.
Ne mihte dha forhabban; | hond rond gefeng,

2610

geolwe linde, | gomel swyrd geteah,
thæt wæs mid eldum | Eanmundes laf,
suna Ohteres. | Tham æt sæcce weardh,
wræccan wineleasum, | Weohstan bana
meces ecgum, | ond his magum ætbær

2615

brunfagne helm, | hringde byrnan,
eald sweord etonisc; | thæt him Onela forgeaf,
his gædelinges | gudhgewædu,
fyrdsearo fuslic, | no ymbe dha fæhdhe spræc,
theah dhe he his brodhor bearn | abredwade.

2620

He frætwe geheold | fela missera,
bill ond byrnan, | odhdhæt his byre mihte
eorlscipe efnan | swa his ærfæder;
geaf him dha mid Geatum | gudhgewæda,
æghwæs unrim, | tha he of ealdre gewat,

2625

frod on fordhweg. | Tha wæs forma sidh
geongan cempan, | thæt he gudhe ræs
mid his freodryhtne | fremman sceolde.
Ne gemealt him se modsefa, | ne his mæges laf
gewac æt wige; | thæt se wyrm onfand,

2630

sydhdhan hie togædre | gegan hæfdon.

Wiglaf madhelode, | wordrihta fela
sægde gesidhum | (him wæs sefa geomor):
"Ic dhæt mæl geman, | thær we medu thegun,
thonne we geheton | ussum hlaforde

2635

in biorsele, | dhe us dhas beagas geaf,
thæt we him dha gudhgetawa | gyldan woldon
gif him thyslicu | thearf gelumpe,
helmas ond heard sweord. | Dhe he usic on herge geceas
to dhyssum sidhfate | sylfes willum,

2640

onmunde usic mærdha, | ond me thas madhmas geaf,
the he usic garwigend | gode tealde,
hwate helmberend, | theah dhe hlaford us
this ellenweorc | ana adhohte
to gefremmanne, | folces hyrde,

2645

for dham he manna mæst | mærdha gefremede,
dæda dollicra. | Nu is se dæg cumen
thæt ure mandryhten | mægenes behofadh,
godra gudhrinca; | wutun gongan to,
helpan hildfruman, | thenden hyt sy,

2650

gledegesa grim. | God wat on mec
thæt me is micle leofre | thæt minne lichaman
mid minne goldgyfan | gled fædhmie.
Ne thyncedh me gerysne | thæt we rondas beren
eft to earde, | nemne we æror mægen

2655

fane gefyllan, | feorh ealgian
Wedra dheodnes. | Ic wat geare
thæt næron ealdgewyrht, | thæt he ana scyle
Geata dugudhe | gnorn throwian,
gesigan æt sæcce; | urum sceal sweord ond helm,

2660

byrne ond beaduscrud, | bam gemæne."

Wod tha thurh thone wælrec, | wigheafolan bær
frean on fultum, | fea worda cwædh:
"Leofa Biowulf, | læst eall tela,
swa dhu on geogudhfeore | geara gecwæde

2665

thæt dhu ne alæte | be dhe lifigendum
dom gedreosan. | Scealt nu dædum rof,
ædheling anhydig, | ealle mægene
feorh ealgian; | ic dhe fullæstu."

Æfter dham wordum | wyrm yrre cwom,

2670

atol inwitgæst, | odhre sidhe
fyrwylmum fah | fionda niosian,
ladhra manna; | ligydhum for.
Born bord widh rond, | byrne ne meahte
geongum garwigan | geoce gefremman,

2675

ac se maga geonga | under his mæges scyld
elne geeode, | tha his agen wæs
gledum forgrunden. | Tha gen gudhcyning
mærdha gemunde, | mægenstrengo sloh
hildebille, | thæt hyt on heafolan stod

2680

nithe genyded; | Nægling forbærst,
geswac æt sæcce | sweord Biowulfes,
gomol ond grægmæl. | Him thæt gifedhe ne wæs
thæt him irenna | ecge mihton
helpan æt hilde; | wæs sio hond to strong,

2685

se dhe meca gehwane, | mine gefræge,
swenge ofersohte, | thonne he to sæcce bær
wæpen wundrum heard; | næs him wihte dhe sel.

Tha wæs theodsceadha | thriddan sidhe,
frecne fyrdraca, | fæhdha gemyndig,

2690

ræsde on dhone rofan, | tha him rum ageald,
hat ond headhogrim, | heals ealne ymbefeng
biteran banum; | he geblodegod weardh
sawuldriore, | swat ydhum weoll.

Dha ic æt thearfe gefrægn | theodcyninges

2695

andlongne eorl | ellen cydhan,
cræft ond cendhu, | swa him gecynde wæs.
Ne hedde he thæs heafolan, | ac sio hand gebarn
modiges mannes, | thær he his mæges healp,
thæt he thone nidhgæst | niodhor hwene sloh,

2700

secg on searwum, | thæt dhæt sweord gedeaf,
fah ond fæted, | thæt dhæt fyr ongon
swedhrian sydhdhan. | Tha gen sylf cyning
geweold his gewitte, | wællseaxe gebræd
biter ond beaduscearp, | thæt he on byrnan wæg;

2705

forwrat Wedra helm | wyrm on middan.
Feond gefyldan | (ferh ellen wræc),
ond hi hyne tha begen | abroten hæfdon,
sibædhelingas. | Swylc sceolde secg wesan,
thegn æt dhearfe! | thæt dham theodne wæs

2710

sidhast sigehwila | sylfes dædum,
worlde geweorces. | Dha sio wund ongon,
the him se eordhdraca | ær geworhte,
swelan ond swellan; | he thæt sona onfand,
thæt him on breostum | bealonidhe weoll

2715

attor on innan. | Dha se ædheling giong
thæt he bi wealle | wishycgende
gesæt on sesse; | seah on enta geweorc,
hu dha stanbogan | stapulum fæste
ece eordhreced | innan healde.

2720

Hyne tha mid handa | heorodreorigne,
theoden mærne, | thegn ungemete till
winedryhten his | wætere gelafede,
hilde sædne, | ond his helm onspeon.

Biowulf mathelode | (he ofer benne spræc,

2725

wunde wælbleate; | wisse he gearwe
thæt he dæghwila | gedrogen hæfde,
eordhan wynne; | dha wæs eall sceacen
dogorgerimes, | deadh ungemete neah):
"Nu ic suna minum | syllan wolde

2730

gudhgewædu, | thær me gifedhe swa
ænig yrfeweard | æfter wurde
lice gelenge. | Ic dhas leode heold
fiftig wintra; | næs se folccyning,
ymbesittendra | ænig dhara,

2735

the mec gudhwinum | gretan dorste,
egesan dheon. | Ic on earde bad
mælgesceafta, | heold min tela,
ne sohte searonidhas, | ne me swor fela
adha on unriht. | Ic dhæs ealles mæg

2740

feorhbennum seoc | gefean habban;
for dham me witan ne dhearf | waldend fira
mordhorbealo maga, | thonne min sceacedh
lif of lice. | Nu dhu lungre geong
hord sceawian | under harne stan,

2745

Wiglaf leofa, | nu se wyrm ligedh,
swefedh sare wund, | since bereafod.
Bio nu on ofoste, | thæt ic ærwelan,
goldæht ongite, | gearo sceawige
swegle searogimmas, | thæt ic dhy seft mæge

2750

æfter madhdhumwelan | min alætan
lif ond leodscipe, | thone ic longe heold."

Dha ic snude gefrægn | sunu Wihstanes
æfter wordcwydum | wundum dryhtne
hyran headhosiocum, | hringnet beran,

2755

brogdne beadusercean | under beorges hrof.
Geseah dha sigehredhig, | tha he bi sesse geong,
magothegn modig | madhdhumsigla fealo,
gold glitinian | grunde getenge,
wundur on wealle, | ond thæs wyrmes denn,

2760

ealdes uhtflogan, | orcas stondan,
fyrnmanna fatu | feormendlease,
hyrstum behrorene; | thær wæs helm monig
eald ond omig, | earmbeaga fela
searwum gesæled. | Sinc eadhe mæg,

2765

gold on grunde, | gumcynnes gehwone
oferhigian, | hyde se dhe wylle.

Swylce he siomian geseah | segn eallgylden
heah ofer horde, | hondwundra mæst,
gelocen leodhocræftum; | of dham leoma stod,

2770

thæt he thone grundwong | ongitan meahte,
wræte giondwlitan. | Næs dhæs wyrmes thær
onsyn ænig, | ac hyne ecg fornam.

Dha ic on hlæwe gefrægn | hord reafian,
eald enta geweorc, | anne mannan,

2775

him on bearm hladon | bunan ond discas
sylfes dome; | segn eac genom,
beacna beorhtost. | Bill ær gescod
(ecg wæs iren) | ealdhlafordes
tham dhara madhma | mundbora wæs

2780

longe hwile, | ligegesan wæg
hatne for horde, | hioroweallende
middelnihtum, | odhthæt he mordhre swealt.

Ar wæs on ofoste, | eftsidhes georn,
frætwum gefyrdhred; | hyne fyrwet bræc,

2785

hwædher collenferdh | cwicne gemette
in dham wongstede | Wedra theoden
ellensiocne, | thær he hine ær forlet.

He dha mid tham madhmum | mærne thioden,
dryhten sinne, | driorigne fand

2790

ealdres æt ende; | he hine eft ongon
wæteres weorpan, | odhthæt wordes ord
breosthord thurhbræc. . . . . . . . . . . .
gomel on giohdhe | (gold sceawode):
"Ic dhara frætwa | frean ealles dhanc,

2795

wuldurcyninge, | wordum secge,
ecum dryhtne, | the ic her on starie,
thæs dhe ic moste | minum leodum
ær swyltdæge | swylc gestrynan.
Nu ic on madhma hord | mine bebohte

2800

frode feorhlege, | fremmadh gena
leoda thearfe; | ne mæg ic her leng wesan.
Hatadh headhomære | hlæw gewyrcean
beorhtne æfter bæle | æt brimes nosan;
se scel to gemyndum | minum leodum

2805

heah hlifian | on Hronesnæsse,
thæt hit sælidhend | sydhdhan hatan
Biowulfes biorh, | dha dhe brentingas
ofer floda genipu | feorran drifadh."

Dyde him of healse | hring gyldenne

2810

thioden thristhydig, | thegne gesealde,
geongum garwigan, | goldfahne helm,
beah ond byrnan, | het hyne brucan well:
"Thu eart endelaf | usses cynnes,
Wægmundinga. | Ealle wyrd forsweop

2815

mine magas | to metodsceafte,
eorlas on elne; | ic him æfter sceal."
Thæt wæs tham gomelan | gingæste word
breostgehygdum, | ær he bæl cure,
hate headhowylmas; | him of hredhre gewat

2820

sawol secean | sodhfæstra dom.

Dha wæs gegongen | guman unfrodum
earfodhlice, | thæt he on eordhan geseah
thone leofestan | lifes æt ende
bleate gebæran. | Bona swylce læg,

2825

egeslic eordhdraca | ealdre bereafod,
bealwe gebæded. | Beahhordum leng
wyrm wohbogen | wealdan ne moste,
ac hine irenna | ecga fornamon,
hearde, headhoscearde | homera lafe,

2830

thæt se widfloga | wundum stille
hreas on hrusan | hordærne neah.
Nalles æfter lyfte | lacende hwearf
middelnihtum, | madhmæhta wlonc
ansyn ywde, | ac he eordhan gefeoll

2835

for dhæs hildfruman | hondgeweorce.
Huru thæt on lande | lyt manna dhah,
mægenagendra, | mine gefræge,
theah dhe he dæda gehwæs | dyrstig wære,
thæt he widh attorsceadhan | oredhe geræsde,

2840

odhdhe hringsele | hondum styrede,
gif he wæccende | weard onfunde
buon on beorge. | Biowulfe weardh
dryhtmadhma dæl | deadhe forgolden;
hæfde æghwædher | ende gefered

2845

lænan lifes. | Næs dha lang to dhon
thæt dha hildlatan | holt ofgefan,
tydre treowlogan | tyne ætsomne.
Dha ne dorston ær | daredhum lacan
on hyra mandryhtnes | miclan thearfe,

2850

ac hy scamiende | scyldas bæran,
gudhgewædu, | thær se gomela læg,
wlitan on Wilaf. | He gewergad sæt,
fedhecempa, | frean eaxlum neah,
wehte hyne wætre; | him wiht ne speow.

2855

Ne meahte he on eordhan, | dheah he udhe wel,
on dham frumgare | feorh gehealdan,
ne dhæs wealdendes | wiht oncirran;
wolde dom godes | dædum rædan
gumena gehwylcum, | swa he nu gen dedh.

2860

Tha wæs æt dham geongan | grim ondswaru
edhbegete | tham dhe ær his elne forleas.
Wiglaf madhelode, | Weohstanes sunu,
sec, sarigferdh | (seah on unleofe):
"Thæt, la, mæg secgan | se dhe wyle sodh specan

2865

thæt se mondryhten | se eow dha madhmas geaf,
eoredgeatwe, | the ge thær on standadh,
thonne he on ealubence | oft gesealde
healsittendum | helm ond byrnan,
theoden his thegnum, | swylce he thrydlicost

2870

ower feor odhdhe neah | findan meahte,
thæt he genunga | gudhgewædu
wradhe forwurpe, | dha hyne wig beget.
Nealles folccyning | fyrdgesteallum
gylpan thorfte; | hwædhre him god udhe,

2875

sigora waldend, | thæt he hyne sylfne gewræc
ana mid ecge, | tha him wæs elnes thearf.
Ic him lifwradhe | lytle meahte
ætgifan æt gudhe, | ond ongan swa theah
ofer min gemet | mæges helpan;

2880

symle wæs thy sæmra, | thonne ic sweorde drep
ferhdhgenidhlan, | fyr unswidhor
weoll of gewitte. | Wergendra to lyt
throng ymbe theoden, | tha hyne sio thrag becwom. 
Nu sceal sincthego | ond swyrdgifu,

2885

eall edhelwyn | eowrum cynne,
lufen alicgean; | londrihtes mot
thære mægburge | monna æghwylc
idel hweorfan, | sydhdhan ædhelingas
feorran gefricgean | fleam eowerne,

2890

domleasan dæd. | Deadh bidh sella
eorla gehwylcum | thonne edwitlif!"

Heht dha thæt headhoweorc | to hagan biodan
up ofer ecgclif, | thær thæt eorlweorod
morgenlongne dæg | modgiomor sæt,

2895

bordhæbbende, | bega on wenum,
endedogores | ond eftcymes
leofes monnes. | Lyt swigode
niwra spella | se dhe næs gerad,
ac he sodhlice | sægde ofer ealle:

2900

"Nu is wilgeofa | Wedra leoda,
dryhten Geata, | deadhbedde fæst,
wunadh wælreste | wyrmes dædum.
Him on efn ligedh | ealdorgewinna
sexbennum seoc; | sweorde ne meahte

2905

on dham aglæcean | ænige thinga
wunde gewyrcean. | Wiglaf sitedh
ofer Biowulfe, | byre Wihstanes,
eorl ofer odhrum | unlifigendum,
healdedh higemædhum | heafodwearde

2910

leofes ond ladhes. | Nu ys leodum wen
orleghwile, | sydhdhan underne
Froncum ond Frysum | fyll cyninges
wide weordhedh. | Wæs sio wroht scepen
heard widh Hugas, | sydhdhan Higelac cwom

2915

faran flotherge | on Fresna land,
thær hyne Hetware | hilde genægdon,
elne geeodon | mid ofermægene,
thæt se byrnwiga | bugan sceolde,
feoll on fedhan, | nalles frætwe geaf

2920

ealdor dugodhe. | Us wæs a sydhdhan
Merewioingas | milts ungyfedhe.

Ne ic to Sweodheode | sibbe odhdhe treowe
wihte ne wene, | ac wæs wide cudh
thætte Ongendhio | ealdre besnydhede

2925

Hædhcen Hrethling | widh Hrefnawudu,
tha for onmedlan | ærest gesohton
Geata leode | Gudhscilfingas.
Sona him se froda | fæder Ohtheres,
eald ond egesfull, | ondslyht ageaf,

2930

abreot brimwisan, | bryd ahredde,
gomela iomeowlan | golde berofene,
Onelan modor | ond Ohtheres,
ond dha folgode | feorhgenidhlan,
odhdhæt hi odheodon | earfodhlice

2935

in Hrefnesholt | hlafordlease.
Besæt dha sinherge | sweorda lafe,
wundum werge, | wean oft gehet
earmre teohhe | ondlonge niht,
cwædh, he on mergenne | meces ecgum

2940

getan wolde, | sum on galgtreowum
fuglum to gamene. | Frofor eft gelamp
sarigmodum | somod ærdæge,
sydhdhan hie Hygelaces | horn ond byman,
gealdor ongeaton, | tha se goda com

2945

leoda dugodhe | on last faran.
Wæs sio swatswadhu | Sweona ond Geata,
wælræs weora | wide gesyne,
hu dha folc mid him | fæhdhe towehton.
Gewat him dha se goda | mid his gædelingum,

2950

frod, felageomor, | fæsten secean,
eorl Ongenthio, | ufor oncirde;
hæfde Higelaces | hilde gefrunen,
wlonces wigcræft, | widhres ne truwode,
thæt he sæmannum | onsacan mihte,

2955

headholidhendum | hord forstandan,
bearn ond bryde; | beah eft thonan
eald under eordhweall. | Tha wæs æht boden
Sweona leodum, | segn Higelaces
freodhowong thone | fordh ofereodon,

2960

sydhdhan Hredhlingas | to hagan thrungon.
Thær weardh Ongendhiow | ecgum sweorda,
blondenfexa, | on bid wrecen,
thæt se theodcyning | dhafian sceolde
Eafores anne dom. | Hyne yrringa

2965

Wulf Wonreding | wæpne geræhte,
thæt him for swenge | swat ædrum sprong
fordh under fexe. | Næs he forht swa dheh,
gomela Scilfing, | ac forgeald hradhe
wyrsan wrixle | wælhlem thone,

2970

sydhdhan dheodcyning | thyder oncirde.
Ne meahte se snella | sunu Wonredes
ealdum ceorle | ondslyht giofan,
ac he him on heafde | helm ær gescer,
thæt he blode fah | bugan sceolde,

2975

feoll on foldan; | næs he fæge tha git,
ac he hyne gewyrpte, | theah dhe him wund hrine.
Let se hearda | Higelaces thegn
bradne mece, | tha his brodhor læg,
eald sweord eotonisc, | entiscne helm

2980

brecan ofer bordweal; | dha gebeah cyning,
folces hyrde, | wæs in feorh dropen.
Dha wæron monige | the his mæg wridhon,
ricone arærdon, | dha him gerymed weardh
thæt hie wælstowe | wealdan moston.

2985

Thenden reafode | rinc odherne,
nam on Ongendhio | irenbyrnan,
heard swyrd hilted | ond his helm somod,
hares hyrste | Higelace bær.
He dham frætwum feng | ond him fægre gehet

2990

leana mid leodum, | ond gelæste swa;
geald thone gudhræs | Geata dryhten,
Hredhles eafora, | tha he to ham becom,
Iofore ond Wulfe | mid ofermadhmum,
sealde hiora gehwædhrum | hund thusenda

2995

landes ond locenra beaga | (ne dhorfte him dha lean odhwitan
mon on middangearde), | sydhdhan hie dha mærdha geslogon,
ond dha Iofore forgeaf | angan dohtor,
hamweordhunge, | hyldo to wedde.

Thæt ys sio fæhdho | ond se feondscipe,

3000

wælnidh wera, | dhæs dhe ic wen hafo,
the us seceadh to | Sweona leoda,
sydhdhan hie gefricgeadh | frean userne
ealdorleasne, | thone dhe ær geheold
widh hettendum | hord ond rice

3005

æfter hæledha hryre, | hwate Scildingas,
folcred fremede | odhdhe furdhur gen
eorlscipe efnde. | Nu is ofost betost
thæt we theodcyning | thær sceawian
ond thone gebringan, | the us beagas geaf,

3010

on adfære. | Ne scel anes hwæt
meltan mid tham modigan, | ac thær is madhma hord,
gold unrime | grimme geceapod,
ond nu æt sidhestan | sylfes feore
beagas gebohte. | Tha sceall brond fretan,

3015

æled theccean, | nalles eorl wegan
madhdhum to gemyndum, | ne mægdh scyne
habban on healse | hringweordhunge,
ac sceal geomormod, | golde bereafod,
oft nalles æne | elland tredan,

3020

nu se herewisa | hleahtor alegde,
gamen ond gleodream. | Fordhon sceall gar wesan
monig, morgenceald, | mundum bewunden,
hæfen on handa, | nalles hearpan sweg
wigend weccean, | ac se wonna hrefn

3025

fus ofer fægum | fela reordian,
earne secgan | hu him æt æte speow,
thenden he widh wulf | wæl reafode."

Swa se secg hwata | secggende wæs
ladhra spella; | he ne leag fela

3030

wyrda ne worda. | Weorod eall aras;
eodon unblidhe | under Earnanæs,
wollenteare | wundur sceawian.

Fundon dha on sande | sawulleasne
hlimbed healdan | thone the him hringas geaf

3035

ærran mælum; | tha wæs endedæg
godum gegongen, | thæt se gudhcyning,
Wedra theoden, | wundordeadhe swealt.
Ær hi thær gesegan | syllicran wiht,
wyrm on wonge | widherræhtes thær

3040

ladhne licgean; | wæs se legdraca
grimlic, gryrefah, | gledum beswæled.
Se wæs fiftiges | fotgemearces
lang on legere, | lyftwynne heold
nihtes hwilum, | nydher eft gewat

3045

dennes niosian; | wæs dha deadhe fæst,
hæfde eordhscrafa | ende genyttod.
Him big stodan | bunan ond orcas,
discas lagon | ond dyre swyrd,
omige, thurhetone, | swa hie widh eordhan fædhm

3050

thusend wintra | thær eardodon.
Thonne wæs thæt yrfe, | eacencræftig,
iumonna gold | galdre bewunden,
thæt dham hringsele | hrinan ne moste
gumena ænig, | nefne god sylfa,

3055

sigora sodhcyning, | sealde tham dhe he wolde
(he is manna gehyld) | hord openian,
efne swa hwylcum manna | swa him gemet dhuhte.

Tha wæs gesyne | thæt se sidh ne dhah
tham dhe unrihte | inne gehydde

3060

wræte under wealle. | Weard ær ofsloh
feara sumne; | tha sio fæhdh geweardh
gewrecen wradhlice. | Wundur hwar thonne
eorl ellenrof | ende gefere
lifgesceafta, | thonne leng ne mæg

3065

mon mid his magum | meduseld buan.

Swa wæs Biowulfe, | tha he biorges weard
sohte, searonidhas; | seolfa ne cudhe
thurh hwæt his worulde gedal | weordhan sceolde.
Swa hit odh domes dæg | diope benemdon

3070

theodnas mære, | tha dhæt thær dydon,
thæt se secg wære | synnum scildig,
hergum geheadherod, | hellbendum fæst,
wommum gewitnad, | se dhone wong strude,
næs he goldhwæte | gearwor hæfde

3075

agendes est | ær gesceawod.

Wiglaf madhelode, | Wihstanes sunu:
"Oft sceall eorl monig | anes willan
wræc adreogan, | swa us geworden is.
Ne meahton we gelæran | leofne theoden,

3080

rices hyrde, | ræd ænigne,
thæt he ne grette | goldweard thone,
lete hyne licgean | thær he longe wæs,
wicum wunian | odh woruldende;
heold on heahgesceap. | Hord ys gesceawod,

3085

grimme gegongen; | wæs thæt gifedhe to swidh
the dhone theodcyning | thyder ontyhte.

Ic wæs thær inne | ond thæt eall geondseh,
recedes geatwa, | tha me gerymed wæs,
nealles swæslice | sidh alyfed

3090

inn under eordhweall. | Ic on ofoste gefeng
micle mid mundum | mægenbyrdhenne
hordgestreona, | hider ut ætbær
cyninge minum. | Cwico wæs tha gena,
wis ond gewittig; | worn eall gespræc

3095

gomol on gehdho | ond eowic gretan het,
bæd thæt ge geworhton | æfter wines dædum
in bælstede | beorh thone hean,
micelne ond mærne, | swa he manna wæs
wigend weordhfullost | wide geond eordhan,

3100

thenden he burhwelan | brucan moste.
Uton nu efstan | odhre sidhe,
seon ond secean | searogimma gethræc,
wundur under wealle; | ic eow wisige,
thæt ge genoge | neon sceawiadh

3105

beagas ond brad gold. | Sie sio bær gearo,
ædre geæfned, | thonne we ut cymen,
ond thonne geferian | frean userne,
leofne mannan, | thær he longe sceal
on dhæs waldendes | wære getholian."

3110

Het dha gebeodan | byre Wihstanes,
hæle hildedior, | hæledha monegum,
boldagendra, | thæt hie bælwudu
feorran feredon, | folcagende,
godum togenes: | "Nu sceal gled fretan,

3115

weaxan wonna leg | wigena strengel,
thone dhe oft gebad | isernscure,
thonne stræla storm | strengum gebæded
scoc ofer scildweall, | sceft nytte heold,
fedhergearwum fus | flane fulleode."

3120

Huru se snotra | sunu Wihstanes
acigde of cordhre | cyninges thegnas
syfone tosomne, | tha selestan,
eode eahta sum | under inwithrof
hilderinca; | sum on handa bær

3125

æledleoman, | se dhe on orde geong.

Næs dha on hlytme | hwa thæt hord strude,
sydhdhan orwearde | ænigne dæl
secgas gesegon | on sele wunian,
læne licgan; | lyt ænig mearn

3130

thæt hi ofostlice | ut geferedon
dyre madhmas. | Dracan ec scufun,
wyrm ofer weallclif, | leton weg niman,
flod fædhmian | frætwa hyrde.

Tha wæs wunden gold | on wæn hladen,

3135

æghwæs unrim, | ætheling boren,
har hilderinc | to Hronesnæsse.

Him dha gegiredan | Geata leode
ad on eordhan | unwaclicne,
helmum behongen, | hildebordum,

3140

beorhtum byrnum, | swa he bena wæs;
alegdon dha tomiddes | mærne theoden
hæledh hiofende, | hlaford leofne.

Ongunnon tha on beorge | bælfyra mæst
wigend weccan; | wudurec astah,

3145

sweart ofer swiodhole, | swogende leg
wope bewunden | (windblond gelæg),
odhthæt he dha banhus | gebrocen hæfde,
hat on hredhre. | Higum unrote
modceare mændon, | mondryhtnes cwealm;

3150

swylce giomorgyd | Geatisc meowle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bundenheorde
song sorgcearig | swidhe geneahhe
thæt hio hyre heofungdagas | hearde ondrede,
wælfylla worn, | werudes egesan,

3155

hyndho ond hæftnyd. | Heofon rece swealg.
Geworhton dha | Wedra leode
hleo on hoe, | se wæs heah ond brad,
wæglidhendum | wide gesyne,
ond betimbredon | on tyn dagum

3160

beadurofes becn, | bronda lafe
wealle beworhton, | swa hyt weordhlicost
foresnotre men | findan mihton.
Hi on beorg dydon | beg ond siglu,
eall swylce hyrsta, | swylce on horde ær

3165

nidhhedige men | genumen hæfdon,
forleton eorla gestreon | eordhan healdan,
gold on greote, | thær hit nu gen lifadh
eldum swa unnyt | swa hit æror wæs.

Tha ymbe hlæw riodan | hildediore,

3170

æthelinga bearn, | ealra twelfe,
woldon ceare cwidhan | ond kyning mænan,
wordgyd wrecan | ond ymb wer sprecan;
eahtodan eorlscipe | ond his ellenweorc
dugudhum demdon, | swa hit gedefe bidh

3175

thæt mon his winedryhten | wordum herge,
ferhdhum freoge, | thonne he fordh scile
of lichaman | læded weordhan.
Swa begnornodon | Geata leode
hlafordes hryre, | heordhgeneatas,

3180

cwædon thæt he wære | wyruldcyninga
manna mildust | ond mondhwærust,
leodum lidhost | ond lofgeornost.