{"collection":"Northern European Mythology","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/neu/beo/beo11.htm","path":"neu/beo/beo11.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/neu/beo/beo11.htm","text":"THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train,\ndefence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall;\nfain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek,\ncouch of his queen. The King-of-Glory\nagainst this Grendel a guard had set,\nso heroes heard, a hall-defender,\nwho warded the monarch and watched for the monster.\nIn truth, the Geats' prince gladly trusted\nhis mettle, his might, the mercy of God!\nCast off then his corselet of iron,\nhelmet from head; to his henchman gave, --\nchoicest of weapons, -- the well-chased sword,\nbidding him guard the gear of battle.\nSpake then his Vaunt the valiant man,\nBeowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought:--\n\"Of force in fight no feebler I count me,\nin grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him.\nNot with the sword, then, to sleep of death\nhis life will I give, though it lie in my power.\nNo skill is his to strike against me,\nmy shield to hew though he hardy be,\nbold in battle; we both, this night,\nshall spurn the sword, if he seek me here,\nunweaponed, for war. Let wisest God,\nsacred Lord, on which side soever\ndoom decree as he deemeth right.\"\nReclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held\nthe head of the earl, while all about him\nseamen hardy on hall-beds sank.\nNone of them thought that thence their steps\nto the folk and fastness that fostered them,\nto the land they loved, would lead them back!\nFull well they wist that on warriors many\nbattle-death seized, in the banquet-hall,\nof Danish clan. But comfort and help,\nwar-weal weaving, to Weder folk\nthe Master gave, that, by might of one,\nover their enemy all prevailed,\nby single strength. In sooth 'tis told\nthat highest God o'er human kind\nhath wielded ever! -- Thro' wan night striding,\ncame the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept\nwhose hest was to guard the gabled hall, --\nall save one. 'Twas widely known\nthat against God's will the ghostly ravager\nhim[1] could not hurl to haunts of darkness;\nwakeful, ready, with warrior's wrath,\nbold he bided the battle's issue.\n[1] Beowulf, -- the \"one.\"","title":"Beowulf: Part X","type":"page"}