Part XXIII

'MID the battle-gear saw he a blade triumphant,old-sword of Eotens, with edge of proof,warriors' heirloom, weapon unmatched,-- save only 'twas more than other mento bandy-of-battle could bear at all --as the giants had wrought it, ready and keen.Seized then its chain-hilt the Scyldings' chieftain,bold and battle-grim, brandished the sword,reckless of life, and so wrathfully smotethat it gripped her neck and grasped her hard,her bone-rings breaking: the blade pierced throughthat fated-one's flesh: to floor she sank.Bloody the blade: he was blithe of his deed.Then blazed forth light. 'Twas bright withinas when from the sky there shines uncloudedheaven's candle. The hall he scanned.By the wall then went he; his weapon raisedhigh by its hilts the Hygelac-thane,angry and eager. That edge was not uselessto the warrior now. He wished with speedGrendel to guerdon for grim raids many,for the war he waged on Western-Danesoftener far than an only time,when of Hrothgar's hearth-companionshe slew in slumber, in sleep devoured,fifteen men of the folk of Danes,and as many others outward bore,his horrible prey. Well paid for thatthe wrathful prince! For now prone he sawGrendel stretched there, spent with war,spoiled of life, so scathed had left himHeorot's battle. The body sprang farwhen after death it endured the blow,sword-stroke savage, that severed its head.Soon, then, saw the sage companionswho waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood,that the tossing waters turbid grew,blood-stained the mere. Old men together,hoary-haired, of the hero spake;the warrior would not, they weened, again,proud of conquest, come to seektheir mighty master. To many it seemedthe wolf-of-the-waves had won his life.The ninth hour came. The noble Scyldingsleft the headland; homeward wentthe gold-friend of men. But the guests sat on,stared at the surges, sick in heart,and wished, yet weened not, their winsome lordagain to see.

Now that sword began,from blood of the fight, in battle-droppings,war-blade, to wane: 'twas a wondrous thingthat all of it melted as ice is wontwhen frosty fetters the Father loosens,unwinds the wave-bonds, wielding allseasons and times: the true God he!Nor took from that dwelling the duke of the Geatssave only the head and that hilt withalblazoned with jewels: the blade had melted,burned was the bright sword, her blood was so hot,so poisoned the hell-sprite who perished within there.Soon he was swimming who safe saw in combatdownfall of demons; up-dove through the flood.The clashing waters were cleansed now,waste of waves, where the wandering fiendher life-days left and this lapsing world.Swam then to strand the sailors'-refuge,sturdy-in-spirit, of sea-booty glad,of burden brave he bore with him.Went then to greet him, and God they thanked,the thane-band choice of their chieftain blithe,that safe and sound they could see him again.Soon from the hardy one helmet and armordeftly they doffed: now drowsed the mere,water 'neath welkin, with war-blood stained.Forth they fared by the footpaths thence,merry at heart the highways measured,well-known roads. Courageous mencarried the head from the cliff by the sea,an arduous task for all the band,the firm in fight, since four were neededon the shaft-of-slaughter strenuouslyto bear to the gold-hall Grendel's head.So presently to the palace therefoemen fearless, fourteen Geats,marching came. Their master-of-clanmighty amid them the meadow-ways trod.Strode then within the sovran thanefearless in fight, of fame renowned,hardy hero, Hrothgar to greet.And next by the hair into hall was borneGrendel's head, where the henchmen were drinking,an awe to clan and queen alike,a monster of marvel: the men looked on.