This is a modern-English version of Old English Poems: Translated into the Original Meter Together with Short Selections from Old English Prose, originally written by unknown author(s).
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and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
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OLD ENGLISH POEMS
TRANSLATED INTO THE ORIGINAL METER
TRANSLATED TO THE ORIGINAL METER
TOGETHER WITH
SHORT SELECTIONS FROM OLD ENGLISH PROSE
ALONG WITH
SHORT EXCERPTS FROM OLD ENGLISH PROSE
BY
COSETTE FAUST, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH IN THE SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
AND
STITH THOMPSON, Ph.D.
INSTRUCTOR IN ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
BY
COSETTE FAUST, PhD
Associate Professor of English at Southern Methodist University
AND
STITH THOMPSON, Ph.D.
English Instructor at the University of Texas
SCOTT, FORESMAN AND COMPANY
CHICAGO NEW YORK
SCOTT, FORESMAN AND COMPANY
CHICAGO NEW YORK
Copyright, 1918
By Scott, Foresman and Company
Copyright, 1918
By Scott, Foresman and Company
ROBERT O. LAW COMPANY
EDITION BOOK MANUFACTURERS
CHICAGO, U.S.A.
ROBERT O. LAW CO.
Publishing Companies
Chicago, USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- I. Pagan Poetry
- 1. EPIC OR HEROIC GROUP
- PAGE
- Widsith 15
- Deor’s Lament 26
- Waldhere 29
- The Battle of Finnsburg 34
- 2. GNOMIC GROUP
- Charms
- 1. Charm for Bewitched Land 38
- 2. Charm for a Sudden Stitch 42
- Puzzles
- 1. A Storm 44
- 2. A Storm 45
- 3. A Storm 46
- 5. A Shield 48
- 7. A Swan 49
- 8. A Nightingale 49
- 14. A Horn 50
- 15. A Badger 51
- 23. A Bow 52
- 26. A Bible 52
- 45. Dough 54
- 47. A Bookworm 54
- 60. A Reed 54
- Exeter Gnomes 56
- The Destinies of Men 58
- 3. ELEGIAC GROUP
- The Explorer 62
- The Sailor 68
- The Wife's Lament 72
- The Husband’s Message 75
- The Ruins 78
- II. Christian Poetry
- 1. CÆDMONIAN SCHOOL.
- Cædmon's Hymn 83
- Bede’s Death Poem 84
- Selection From Genesis—The Offering of Isaac 85
- Excerpt from Exodus—The Crossing of the Red Sea 90
- 2. CYNEWULF AND HIS SCHOOL
- a. Cynewulf
- (1) Selections from Christ 95
- 1. Hymn to Christ 96
- 2. Hymn to Jerusalem 96
- 3. Joseph and Mary 97
- 4. Runic Passage 100
- (2) Selections from Elene 103
- 1. The Vision of the Cross 103
- 2. The Discovery of the Cross 105
- b. Anonymous Poems of the Cynewulfian School
- (1) The Dream of the Rood 108
- (2) Judith 116
- (3) The Phœnix 132
- (4) The Grave 157
- III. POEMS FROM THE CHRONICLE
- The Battle of Brunnanburg 159
- The Battle of Maldon 163
- APPENDIX—WRITING SELECTIONS
- Cædmon's Poet Account 179
- Alfred’s Preface to His Translation of Gregory’s “Pastoral Care” 183
- Edwin's conversion 187
- Journeys of Ohthere and Wulfstan 189
PREFACE
These selections from Old English poetry have been translated to meet the needs of that ever-increasing body of students who cannot read the poems in their original form, but who wish nevertheless to enjoy to some extent the heritage of verse which our early English ancestors have left for us. Especially in the rapid survey of English literature given in most of our colleges, a collection of translations covering the Anglo-Saxon period and reflecting the form and spirit of the original poems should add much to a fuller appreciation of the varied and rich, though uneven, literary output of our earliest singers.
These excerpts from Old English poetry have been translated to serve the growing number of students who can't read the poems in their original form but still want to appreciate the poetic heritage left by our early English ancestors. Particularly in the quick overview of English literature typically offered in colleges, a collection of translations that covers the Anglo-Saxon period and captures the essence and style of the original poems should greatly enhance the understanding of the diverse and rich, albeit inconsistent, literary contributions of our earliest poets.
In subject-matter these Old English poems are full of the keenest interest to students of history, of customs, of legend, of folk-lore, and of art. They form a truly national literature; so that one who has read them all has learned much not only of the life of the early English, but of the feelings that inspired these folk, of their hopes, their fears, and their superstitions, of their whole outlook on life. They took their poetry seriously, as they did everything about them, and often in spite of crudity of expression, of narrow vision, and of conventionalized modes of speech, this very “high seriousness” raises an otherwise mediocre poem to the level of real literature. Whatever may [6] be said of the limitations of Old English poetry, of its lack of humor, of the narrow range of its sentiments, of the imitativeness of many of its most representative specimens, it cannot be denied the name of real literature; for it is the direct expression of the civilization that gave it birth—a civilization that we must understand if we are to appreciate the characteristics of its more important descendants of our own time.
The Old English poems are incredibly interesting for anyone studying history, customs, legends, folklore, and art. They create a truly national literature; someone who has read them all gains insights not only into early English life but also into the feelings that motivated these people, their hopes, fears, superstitions, and their overall perspective on life. They approached their poetry with great seriousness, as they did with everything else, and often, despite the crude expression, limited viewpoint, and conventional speech, this very “high seriousness” elevates an otherwise average poem to the level of real literature. No matter what is said about the limitations of Old English poetry, its lack of humor, the narrow range of its emotions, or the imitative nature of many of its notable examples, it cannot be denied the title of real literature; for it is a direct expression of the civilization that created it—a civilization we must understand to appreciate the traits of its more significant descendants in our own time.
Although the contents of these poems can be satisfactorily studied in any translation, the effect of the peculiar meter that reinforces the stirring spirit of Old English poetry is lost unless an attempt is made to reproduce this metrical form in the modern English rendering. The possibility of retaining the original meter in an adequate translation was formerly the subject of much debate, but since Professor Gummere’s excellent version of Beowulf and the minor epic poems,[1] and other recent successful translations of poems in the Old English meter, there can be no question of the possibility of putting Anglo-Saxon poems into readable English verse that reproduces in large measure the effect of the original. To do this for the principal Old English poems, with the exception of Beowulf, is the purpose of the present volume.
Although you can study the contents of these poems effectively in any translation, the impact of the unique meter that enhances the vibrant spirit of Old English poetry is missing unless there's an effort to recreate this metrical form in the modern English version. The debate about whether it was possible to keep the original meter in a good translation used to be a hot topic, but since Professor Gummere’s outstanding version of Beowulf and the minor epic poems,[1] along with other recent successful translations of poems in the Old English meter, there's no doubt that it’s possible to translate Anglo-Saxon poems into readable English verse that largely captures the feel of the original. The aim of this volume is to do just that for the main Old English poems, aside from Beowulf.
Except for the subtlest distinctions between the types of half verse, strict Old English rules for the alliterative meter have been adhered to. These rules may be stated as follows:
Except for the slightest differences between the types of half verse, strict Old English rules for the alliterative meter have been followed. These rules can be stated as follows:
1. The lines are divided into two half-lines, the division being indicated by a space in the middle.
1. The lines are split into two half-lines, with the split shown by a space in the middle.
2. The half-lines consist of two accented and a varying number of unaccented syllables. Each half-line contains at least four syllables. Occasional half-lines are lengthened to three accented syllables, possibly for the purpose of producing an effect of solemnity.
2. The half-lines have two stressed syllables and a varying number of unstressed ones. Each half-line has at least four syllables. Sometimes, half-lines are extended to three stressed syllables, likely to create a sense of seriousness.
3. The two half-lines are bound together by beginning-rime or alliteration; i.e., an agreement in sound between the beginning letters of any accented syllables in the line. For example, in the line
3. The two half-lines are connected through beginning rhyme or alliteration; i.e., a match in sound between the starting letters of any stressed syllables in the line. For example, in the line
Guthhere there gave me a goodly jewel
Guthere there gave me a nice jewel
the g’s form the alliteration. The third accent sets the alliteration for the line and is known as the “rime-giver.” With it agree the first and the second accent, or either of them. The fourth accent must not, however, agree with the rime-giver. Occasionally the first and third accents will alliterate together and the second and fourth, as,
the g’s create the alliteration. The third accent establishes the alliteration for the line and is referred to as the “rime-giver.” It aligns with the first and second accent, or either of them. However, the fourth accent must not align with the rime-giver. Sometimes the first and third accents will alliterate together, as well as the second and fourth, such as,
The weary in heart against Wyrd has no help;
The weary in heart against Wyrd has no help;
or the first and fourth may have the alliteration on one letter, while the second and third have it on another, as,
or the first and fourth may have alliteration on one letter, while the second and third have it on another, as,
Then heavier grows the grief of his heart.
Then heaviest grows the grief of his heart.
These two latter forms are somewhat unusual. The standard line is that given above:
These two latter forms are somewhat unusual. The standard line is that given above:
Guthhere there gave me a goodly jewel,
Guthere there gave me a good jewel,
or
or
A hundred generations; hoary and stained with red,
A hundred generations; gray and stained with red,
or
or
With rings of gold and gilded cups.
With golden rings and gilded cups.
All consonants alliterate with themselves, though usually sh, sp, and st agree only with the same combination. Vowels alliterate with one another.
All consonants alliterate with themselves, but usually sh, sp, and st only match with the same combination. Vowels alliterate with each other.
In the following passage the alliterating letters are indicated by italics:
In the following passage, the alliterating letters are shown in *italics*:
Then a band of bold knights busily gathered,
Then a band of bold knights busily gathered,
Keen men at the conflict; with courage they stepped forth,
Keen men at the conflict; with courage they stepped forward,
Bearing banners, brave-hearted companions,
Bearing banners, brave-hearted friends,
And fared to the fight, forth in right order,
And fared to the fight, in the correct order,
Heroes under helmets from the holy city
Heroes in helmets from the holy city
At the dawning of day; dinned forth their shields
At the dawning of day; drawn forth their shields
A loud-voiced alarm. Now listened in joy
A loud alarm. Now listened in joy
The lank wolf in the wood and the wan raven,
The skinny wolf in the wood and the wan raven,
Battle-hungry bird, both knowing well
Battle-hungry bird, both knowing well
That the gallant people would give them soon
That the gallant people would give them soon
A feast on the fated; now flew on their track
A feast on the fated; now flew on their track
The deadly devourer, the dewy-winged eagle,
The deadly devourer, the dewy-winged eagle,
Singing his war song, the swart-coated bird,
Singing his battle song, the swart-coated bird,
The horned of beak.
The horned beak.
Judith, vv. 199-212.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, vv. 199-212.
Besides the distinctive meter in which the Old English poems are written, there are several qualities of [9] style for which they are peculiar. No one can read a page of these poems without being struck by the parallel structure that permeates the whole body of Old English verse. Expressions are changed slightly and repeated from a new point of view, sometimes with a good effect but quite as often to the detriment of the lines. These parallelisms have been retained in the translation in so far as it has been possible, but sometimes the lack of inflectional endings in English has prevented their literal translation.
Besides the unique meter used in Old English poems, there are several stylistic qualities that make them distinct. Anyone reading a page of these poems can't help but notice the parallel structure that runs throughout all Old English verse. Phrases are slightly altered and repeated from a different perspective, sometimes creating a strong impact but often detracting from the overall quality of the lines. These parallels have been preserved in the translation as much as possible, but sometimes the absence of inflectional endings in English has made literal translation difficult.
Accompanying these parallelisms, and often a part of them, are the frequent synonyms so characteristic of Old English poetry. These synonymous expressions are known as “kennings.” They are not to be thought of as occasional metaphors employed at the whim of the poet; they had, in most cases, already received a conventional meaning. Thus the king was always spoken of as “ring giver,” “protector of earls,” or “bracelet bestower.” The queen was the “weaver of peace”; the sea the “ship road,” or “whale path,” or “gannet’s bath.”
Accompanying these parallels, and often part of them, are the frequent synonyms that are characteristic of Old English poetry. These synonymous expressions are called "kennings." They shouldn’t be seen as random metaphors used at the poet's discretion; in most cases, they had already taken on a conventional meaning. So, the king was always referred to as the "ring giver," "protector of earls," or "bracelet bestower." The queen was known as the "weaver of peace"; the sea was referred to as the "ship road," "whale path," or "gannet’s bath."
Old English poetry is conventionalized to a remarkable degree. Even those aspects of nature that the poets evidently enjoyed are often described in the most conventional of words and phrases. More than half of so fine a poem as The Battle of Brunnanburg is taken bodily from other poems. No description of a battle was complete without a picture of the birds of prey hovering over the field. Heroes were always assembling for banquets and receiving rewards of [10] rings at the hand of the king. These conventional phrases and situations, added to a thorough knowledge of a large number of old Germanic myths, constituted a great part of the equipment of the typical Old English minstrel or scop, such as one finds described in Widsith or Deor’s Lament.
Old English poetry is highly conventionalized. Even the elements of nature that the poets clearly appreciated are often depicted using the most standard words and phrases. More than half of such a fine poem as The Battle of Brunnanburg is taken directly from other poems. No battle description was complete without mentioning the birds of prey circling over the field. Heroes were always gathering for banquets and receiving gifts of [10] rings from the king. These standard phrases and situations, combined with a deep understanding of many old Germanic myths, formed a significant part of the toolkit of the typical Old English minstrel or scop, as one can find described in Widsith or Deor’s Lament.
It would be a mistake, however, to conclude that the poems are convention and nothing more. A sympathetic reading will undoubtedly show many high poetic qualities. Serious and grave these poems always are, but they do express certain of the darker moods with a sincerity and power that is far from commonplace. At times they give vivid glimpses of the spirit of man under the blighting influence of the “dark ages.” After reading these poems, we come to understand better the pessimistic mood of the author of The Wanderer when he says,
It would be a mistake, though, to think that the poems are just conventional and nothing else. A thoughtful reading will definitely reveal many great poetic qualities. These poems are always serious and somber, but they convey certain darker emotions with a sincerity and strength that is quite rare. At times, they provide vivid insights into the human spirit affected by the harsh influence of the “dark ages.” After reading these poems, we gain a better understanding of the author's pessimistic mood in The Wanderer when he says,
All on earth is irksome to man.
All on earth is annoying to others.
And we see how the winsome meadows of the land of the Phœnix must by their contrast have delighted the souls of men who were harassed on every side as our ancestors were.
And we see how the charming meadows of the land of the Phœnix must have pleased the souls of people who were stressed from all sides just like our ancestors were.
All of these distinguishing features of Old English poetry—the regular alliterative meter, the frequent parallelisms, the “kennings,” and the general dark outlook on life will be found illustrated in the poems selected in this book. They cover the entire period of Old English literature and embrace every “school.”
All of these unique characteristics of Old English poetry—the consistent alliterative meter, the common parallelisms, the “kennings,” and the overall dark perspective on life—will be demonstrated in the poems chosen for this book. They span the entire era of Old English literature and include every “school.”
The order in which the poems are printed is in no [11] sense original, but is that followed in most standard textbooks. Naturally such artificial divisions as “Pagan” and “Christian” are inexact. The “pagan” poems are only largely pagan; the “Christian” predominatingly Christian. On the whole, the grouping is perhaps accurate enough for practical purposes, and the conformity to existing textbooks makes the volume convenient for those who wish to use it to supplement these books.
The order of the poems is not original but follows what most standard textbooks use. Of course, the divisions like “Pagan” and “Christian” are somewhat misleading. The “pagan” poems are only mostly pagan, while the “Christian” ones are mainly Christian. Overall, the grouping is probably accurate enough for practical use, and sticking to existing textbooks makes this collection handy for anyone looking to use it as a supplement.
In addition to the poems, four short prose passages referred to by most historians of the literature have been included so as to add to the usefulness of the volume.
In addition to the poems, four short prose pieces that most literature historians mention have been included to make this volume more useful.
In the translation of the poems the original meaning and word-order has been kept as nearly as modern English idiom and the exigencies of the meter would allow. Nowhere, we believe, has the possibility of an attractive alliteration caused violence to be done to the sense of the poem.
In translating the poems, we've preserved the original meaning and word order as closely as modern English idiom and the constraints of the meter allow. We believe that nowhere has the desire for appealing alliteration distorted the meaning of the poem.
The best diction to be used in such a translation is difficult to determine. The temptation is ever present to use the modern English descendant of the Anglo-Saxon word, even when it is very archaic in flavor. This tendency has been resisted, for it was desired to reproduce the effect of the original; and, though Old English poetry was conventional, it was probably not archaic: it was not out of date at the time it was written. Since the diction of these poems was usually very simple, it has been the policy of the translators to exclude all sophisticated expressions, and to retain [12] words of Germanic origin or simple words of Latin derivation that do not suggest subtleties foreign to the mind of the Old English poet.
The best words to use in this translation are hard to decide. There’s always the temptation to pick the modern English version of the Anglo-Saxon word, even when it feels very old-fashioned. This temptation has been avoided because the goal is to capture the effect of the original text; and while Old English poetry had its conventions, it wasn't outdated at the time it was written. Since the language in these poems was typically quite straightforward, the translators have chosen to avoid any complex expressions and to keep words of Germanic origin or simple Latin words that don’t imply ideas foreign to the mind of the Old English poet.
The texts used as a standard for translation are indicated in the introductory notes to the different poems. Whenever a good critical edition of a poem has been available, it has been followed. Variations from the readings used in these texts are usually indicated where they are of any importance. In the punctuation and paragraphing of the poems, the varying usage of the different editors has been disregarded and a uniform practice adopted throughout.
The texts used as the standard for translation are noted in the introductory comments for each poem. Whenever a reliable critical edition of a poem has been available, it has been utilized. Changes from the readings found in these texts are generally noted when they matter. In the punctuation and formatting of the poems, the differing styles of the various editors have been ignored, and a consistent practice has been applied throughout.
Following these principles, the translators have attempted to reproduce for modern English readers the meaning and movement of the Old English originals. It is their earnest hope that something of the fine spirit that breathes through much of this poetry will be found to remain in the translation.
Following these principles, the translators have tried to recreate for modern English readers the meaning and flow of the Old English originals. They genuinely hope that some of the wonderful spirit that shines through much of this poetry will still be present in the translation.
Cosette Faust.
Stith Thompson.
Cosette Faust. Stith Thompson.
March, 1918.
March 1918.
I. PAGAN POETRY
1. EPIC OR HEROIC GROUP
WIDSITH
[Critical edition: R. W. Chambers, Widsith: a Study in Old English Heroic Legend. Cambridge, 1912.
[Critical edition: R. W. Chambers, Widsith: a Study in Old English Heroic Legend. Cambridge, 1912.
Date: Probably late sixth or early seventh century.
Date: Probably late sixth or early seventh century.
Alliterative translation: Gummere, Oldest English Epic (1910), p. 191.
Alliterative translation: Gummere, Oldest English Epic (1910), p. 191.
“Widsith—‘Farway’—the ideal wandering minstrel, tells of all the tribes among whom he has sojourned, of all the chieftains he has known. The first English students of the poem regarded it as autobiographical, as the actual record of his wanderings written by a scop; and were inclined to dismiss as interpolations passages mentioning princes whom it was chronologically impossible for a man who had met Ermanric to have known. This view was reduced to an absurdity by Haigh.
“Widsith—‘Farway’—the perfect wandering minstrel, shares stories of all the tribes he has visited and all the leaders he has encountered. The first English students of the poem saw it as autobiographical, an actual account of his travels written by a scop; and they tended to dismiss passages mentioning princes he couldn't have known because of the timeline. Haigh pointed out the absurdity of this perspective.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“The more we study the growth of German heroic tradition, the more clear does it become that Widsith and Deor reflect that tradition. They are not the actual outpourings of actual poets at the court of Ermanric or the Heodenings. What the poems sung in the court of Ermanric were like we shall never know: but we can safely say that they were unlike Widsith.... The Traveller’s tale is a fantasy of some man, keenly interested in the old stories, who depicts an ideal wandering singer, and makes him move hither and thither among the tribes and the heroes whose stories he loves. In the names of its chiefs, in the names of its tribes, and above all in its spirit, Widsith reflects the heroic age of the migrations, an age which had hardly begun in the days of Ermanric.”—Chambers, p. 4.
“The more we study the growth of the German heroic tradition, the clearer it becomes that Widsith and Deor reflect that tradition. They are not the actual works of actual poets at the court of Ermanric or the Heodenings. We will never know what the poems sung in the court of Ermanric were like, but we can confidently say they were different from Widsith.... The Traveler’s tale is a fantasy created by someone keenly interested in the old stories, who imagines an ideal wandering singer and makes him travel between the tribes and the heroes he admires. In the names of its leaders, in the names of its tribes, and especially in its spirit, Widsith reflects the heroic age of migrations, a time that had barely begun during the days of Ermanric.”—Chambers, p. 4.
Lines 75, 82-84 are almost certainly interpolated. With these rejected “the poem leaves upon us,” says Chambers, “a very definite impression. It is a catalogue of the tribes and heroes of Germany, and many of these heroes, though they may have been half legendary already to the writer of the poem, are historic characters who can be dated with accuracy.”]
Lines 75, 82-84 are likely added later. Without these, “the poem leaves upon us,” says Chambers, “a very clear impression. It is a list of the tribes and heroes of Germany, and many of these heroes, even if they were already somewhat legendary to the poet, are real historical figures that can be accurately dated.”
Note.—In the footnotes, no attempt is made to discuss peoples or persons mentioned in this poem unless they are definitely known and are of importance for an understanding of the meaning of the lines.
Note.—The footnotes do not discuss people or characters mentioned in this poem unless they are well-known and important for understanding the meaning of the lines.
Widsith now spoke, his word-hoard unlocked,
Widsith now spoke, his vocabulary unlocked,
He who traveled the widest among tribes of men,
He who traveled the farthest among various groups of people,
Farthest among folk: on the floor he received
Farthest among people: on the floor he got
The rarest of gifts. From the race of the Myrgings
The rarest of gifts. From the lineage of the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
5 His ancestors sprang. With Ealhhild the gracious,
5 His ancestors came from. With __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the gracious,
The fair framer of peace, for the first time
The just creator of peace, for the first time
He sought the home of the Hræda king,
He looked for the home of the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
From the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ in the East —of __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__,
Fell and faithless. Freely he spoke forth:
Deceptive and untrustworthy. He spoke openly:
10 “Many a royal ruler of a realm I have known;
10“I've known many royal rulers of their kingdoms;
Every leader should live a life of virtue;
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ a virtuous life;
One earl after the other shall order his land,
One earl after another will manage his property,
He who wishes and works for the weal of his throne!
He who desires and strives for the sake of his throne!
Of these for a while was Hwala the best,
Of these for a while was __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the greatest,
15 But Alexander of all of men
But __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ of all men
Was most famous of lords, and he flourished the most
Was the most famous of lords, and he thrived the most
Of all the earls whom on earth I have known.
Of all the earls whom I have known on earth.
Attila ruled the Huns, Eormanric the Goths,
Attila ruled the Huns, Eormanric the Goths,
Becca the Banings, the Burgundians Gifica.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, the Burgundians Gifica.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the Holm-Rugians and __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__ the Glommas.
Witta ruled the Swabians, Wada the Hælsings,
Witta ruled the Swabians, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the Hælsings,
Meaca the Myrgings, Mearchealf the Hundings,
Meaca the Myrgings, Mearchealf the Hundings,
Theodoric ruled the Franks, Thyle the Rondings,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ruled the Franks, Thyle the Rondings,
25 Breoca the Brondings, Billing the Wernas.
25 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the Brondings, Billing the Wernas.
Oswine ruled the Eowas and the Ytas Gefwulf;
Oswine ruled the Eowas and the Ytas Gefwulf;
Finn Folcwalding ruled the Frisian people.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ governed the Frisian people.
Sigehere ruled longest the Sea-Dane’s kingdom.
Sigehere ruled longest the Sea-Dane’s kingdom.
Hnæf ruled the Hocings, Helm the Wulfings,
Hnæf ruled the Hocings, Lead the Wulfings,
30 Wald the Woings, Wod the Thuringians,
30 Wald the Woings, Wod the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
Sæferth the Secgans, the Swedes Ongentheow.
Sæferth the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, the Swedes __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__.
Sceafthere ruled the Ymbrians, Sceafa the Lombards,
Sceafthere ruled the Ymbrians, Sceafa the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
Hun the Hætweras and Holen the Wrosnas.
Hun the Hætweras and Holen the Wrosnas.
Hringweald was called the king of the pirates.
Hringweald was known as the pirate king.
35 Offa ruled the Angles, Alewih the Danes:
35 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ruled the Angles, Alewih the Danes:
Among these men he was mightiest of all,
Among these men he was the strongest of all of them,
But he equalled not Offa in earl-like deeds.
But he was not equal to Offa in great accomplishments.
For Offa by arms while only a child,
For Offa by arms when he was just a child,
First among fighters won the fairest of kingdoms;
First among fighters won the fairest kingdom;
40 Not any of his age in earlship surpassed him.
40No one his age no one in nobility was better than him.
In a single combat in the siege of battle
In a one-on-one fight during the attack
He fixed the frontier at Fifeldore
He fixed the border at Fifeldore
Against the host of the Myrgings, which was held thenceforth
Against the Myrgings, which took place from that point on
45 Hrothwulf and Hrothgar held for a long time
45 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ kept for a long time
A neighborly compact, the nephew and uncle,
A friendly agreement, the nephew and uncle,
After they had vanquished the Viking races
After they had defeated the Viking competitions
And Ingeld’s array was overridden,
And Ingeld’s array was overridden,
Hewed down at Heorot the Heathobard troop.
Hewed down at Heorot the Heathobard group.
50 So forth I fared in foreign lands
50 So I traveled abroad
All over the earth; of evil and good
All over the world; good and evil
There I made trial, torn from my people;
There I tried, separated from my community;
Far from my folk I have followed my travels.
Far from my family I've documented my travels.
Therefore I sing the song of my wanderings,
Therefore I sing the soundtrack of my travels,
55 Declare before the company in the crowded mead-hall,
55Announce to the group in the crowded bar,
How gifts have been given me by the great men of earth.
How gifts have been given to me by the influential figures of the world.
I was with the Huns and with the Hræda-Goths,
I was with the Huns and with the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
With the Swedes and with the Geats and with the southern Danes,
With the Swedes and with the Geats and with the Southern Danes,
With the Wenlas I was and with the Vikings and with the Wærna folk.
With the Wenlas I was and with the Vikings and with the Wærna community.
With the Angles I was and with the Swæfe and with the Ænenas.
With the Angles I was and with the Swæfe and with the Aeneas.
With the Saxons I was and with the Secgans and with the Suardones.
With the Saxons I was and with the Secgans and with the Suardones.
With the Hronas I was and with the Deanas and with the Heatho-Raemas.
With the Hronas I was and with the Deanas and with the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
With the Thuringians I was and with the Throwendas;
With the Thuringians I was and with the Throwendas;
65 And with the Burgundians, where a bracelet was given me.
65And with the Burgundians, where I received a bracelet.
Guthhere there gave me a goodly jewel,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ there gave me a beautiful gem,
As reward for my song: not slothful that king!
As a reward for my song: not lazy that king!
With the Franks I was and with the Frisians and with the Frumtingas.
With the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and the Frumtingas.
With the Rugians I was and with the Glommas and with the Roman strangers.
With the Rugians I was and with the Glommas and with the Roman foreigners.
70 Likewise in Italy with Ælfwine I was:
70 Similarly in Italy with __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ I was:
He had, as I have heard, a hand the readiest
He had, as I’ve heard, the fastest hand
For praiseworthy deeds of prowess and daring;
For commendable acts of skill and courage;
With liberal heart he lavished his treasures,
With a generous heart he gave away his treasures,
75 I was with the Saracens and with the Serings;
75 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and with the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__;
With the Greeks I was and with the Finns and with far-famed Cæsar,
With the Greeks I was and with the Finns and with the famous Caesar,
Who sat in rule over the cities of revelry—
Who ruled over the cities of celebration—
Over the riches and wealth of the realm of the Welsh.
Over the riches and wealth of the realm of the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
With the Scots I was and with the Picts and with the Scride-Finns.
With the Scots I was and with the Picts and with the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
80 With the Lidwicingas I was and with the Leonas and with the Longobards,
80With the Lidwicingas I was and with the Leonas and with the Lombards,
With the Hæthnas and with the Hærethas and with the Hundings;
With the Hæthnas and with the Hærethas and with the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__;
With the Israelites I was and with the Assyrians,
With the Israelites I was and with the Assyrians,
And with the Hebrews and with the Egyptians and with the Hindus I was,
And I was with the Hebrews, the Egyptians, and the Hindus.
With the Medes I was and with the Persians and with the Myrging folk,
With the Medes I was and with the Persians and with the Myrging community,
85 And with the Mofdings I was and against the Myrging band,
85And with the Mofdings I was and against the Myrging crew,
And with the Amothingians. With the East Thuringians I was
And with the Amothingians. With the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ I was
And with the Eolas and with the Istians and with the Idumingas.
And with the Eolas and with the Istians and with the Idumingas.
There the king of the Goths gave me in honor
There the king of the Goths gave me an honor
90 The choicest of bracelets —the chief of the burghers—
90The finest bracelets —the town leaders—
On which were six hundred pieces of precious gold,
On which were six hundred pieces of valuable gold,
Of shining metal in shillings counted;
Of shiny metal in shillings counted;
I gave over this armlet to Eadgils then,
I gave this armlet to __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ then,
To my kind protector when I came to my home,
To my kind protector when I got home,
95 To my beloved prince, the lord of the Myrgings,
95To my dear prince, the lord of the Myrgings,
Who gave me the land that was left by my father;
Who gave me the land that my dad left behind;
And Ealhhild then also another ring gave me,
And __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ then also another ring gave me,
Queen of the doughty ones, the daughter of Eadwine.
Queen of the brave ones, Eadwine's daughter.
Her praise has passed to all parts of the world,
Her praise has reached all corners of the world,
100 Wherever in song I sought to tell
100Whenever I tried to express it in song
Where I knew under heavens the noblest of queens,
Where I knew under the sky the greatest of queens,
Golden-adorned, giving forth treasures.
Golden-adorned, sharing treasures.
Then in company with Scilling, in clear ringing voice
Then with Scilling, in a clear, strong voice
’Fore our beloved lord I uplifted my song;
’Fore our beloved lord I raised my song;
105 Loudly the harp in harmony sounded;
105 The harp played loudly in harmony;
Then many men with minds discerning
Then many men with keen minds
Spoke of our lay in unsparing praise,
Spoke of our situation in unfiltered praise,
That they never had heard a nobler song.
That they had never heard a nobler song.
Then I roamed through all the realm of the Goths;
Then I wandered through the entire Goth realm;
110 Unceasing I sought the surest of friends,
110Endlessly I searched for the most trustworthy friend,
The crowd of comrades of the court of Eormanric.
The group of friends of Eormanric's court.
Hethca sought I and Beadeca and the Harlungs,
Hethca was looking for me, Beadeca, and the Harlungs,
Sage and noble, the sire of Unwen.
Sage and noble, Unwen's father.
115 Secca sought I and Becca, Seafola and Theodoric,
115Secca looked for I and Becca, Seafola and Theodoric,
Heathoric and Sifeca, Hlithe and Incgentheow.
Heathoric and __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, Hlithe and Incgentheow.
Eadwine sought I and Elsa Ægelmund and Hungar
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Ægelmund and Hungar
And the worthy troop of the With-Myrgings.
And the worthy group of the With-Myrgings.
Wulfhere sought I and Wyrmhere: there war was seldom lacking
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__: there was rarely a war
120 When the host of the Hrædas with hardened swords
120When the host of the Hrædas with strong swords
Must wage their wars by the woods of Vistula
Must fight their battles by the woods of Vistula
To hold their homes from the hordes of Attila.
To protect their homes from Attila's hordes.
Rædhere sought I and Rondhere, Rumstan and Gislhere,
Rædhere sought I and Rondhere, Rumstan and Gislhere,
Withergield and Freotheric, Wudga and Hama:
Withergield and Freotheric, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__:
125 These warriors were not the worst of comrades,
125These warriors were not the worst friends,
Though their names at the last of my list are numbered.
Though their names at the end of my list is numbered.
Full oft from that host the hissing spear
Full oft from that host the hissing dart
Fiercely flew on the foemen’s troopers.
Fiercely attacked the enemy’s troops.
There the wretches ruled with royal treasure,
There the wretches ruled with royal riches,
130 Wudga and Hama, over women and men.
130 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, over women and men.
So I ever have found as I fared among men
So I have always found as I mingled with people
That in all the land most beloved is he
That in all the land he is most loved
To whom God giveth a goodly kingdom
To whom God gives a great kingdom
To hold as long as he liveth here.
To stay as long as he lives here.
135 Thus wandering widely through the world there go
135 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ traveling through the world
Minstrels of men through many lands,
Minstrels of men through many lands,
Express their needs and speak their thanks.
Express their needs and express their gratitude.
Ever south and north some one they meet
Ever south and north someone they encounter
Skillful in song who scatters gifts,
Talented in song who scatters gifts,
140 To further his fame before his chieftains,
140To boost his reputation in front of his bosses,
To do deeds of honor, till all shall depart,
To perform acts of honor, until everyone is gone,
Light and life together: lasting praise he gains,
Light and life together: he gets lasting praise,
And has under heaven the highest of honor.
And has under heaven the top honor.
DEOR’S LAMENT
[Critical text and translation: Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, Cambridge University Press, 1915, p. 70.
[Critical text and translation: Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, Cambridge University Press, 1915, p. 70.
Alliterative translation: Gummere, Oldest English Epic (1910), p. 186.
Alliterative translation: Gummere, Oldest English Epic (1910), p. 186.
The metrical arrangement of this poem into strophes with a constant refrain is very unusual in the poetry of the Anglo-Saxons, though it is common among their Scandinavian kinsmen. This fact has led some scholars to believe that we have here a translation from the Old Norse. Professor Gummere, however, makes a good case against this assumption.
The structure of this poem, with its stanzas and a repeating refrain, is quite rare in Anglo-Saxon poetry, though it's common among their Scandinavian relatives. This has led some scholars to think that it might be a translation from Old Norse. However, Professor Gummere presents a strong argument against this idea.
The first three strophes refer to the widely known story of Weland, or Wayland, the Vulcan of Norse myth. The crafty king, Nithhad, captures Weland, fetters him (according to some accounts, hamstrings him), and robs him of the magic ring that gives him power to fly. Beadohild, Nithhad’s daughter, accompanied by her brothers, goes to Weland and has him mend rings for her. In this way he recovers his own ring and his power to fly. Before leaving he kills the sons of Nithhad, and, stupefying Beadohild with liquor, puts her to shame.]
The first three stanzas refer to the well-known story of Weland, or Wayland, the blacksmith of Norse mythology. The cunning king, Nithhad, captures Weland, binds him (according to some stories, even cripples him), and steals the magic ring that gives him the ability to fly. Beadohild, Nithhad's daughter, along with her brothers, visits Weland and has him repair rings for her. This way, he regains his ring and his power to fly. Before leaving, he kills Nithhad's sons and, after getting Beadohild drunk, brings her shame.
To Weland came woes and wearisome trial,
To __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ came issues and exhausting challenges,
And cares oppressed the constant earl;
And cares weighed down __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__;
His lifelong companions were pain and sorrow,
His lifelong companions were pain and sadness,
And winter-cold weeping: his ways were oft hard,
And winter-cold weeping: he was often difficult,
5 After Nithhad had struck the strong man low,
5After Nithhad had knocked the strong man is down,
Cut the supple sinew-bands of the sorrowful earl.
Cut the flexible sinew bands of the sad earl.
That has passed over: so this may depart!
That has passed: so this can go!
Beadohild bore her brothers’ death
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ dealt with her brothers’ death
Less sorely in soul than herself and her plight
Less troubled in spirit than she was and her circumstances
10 When she clearly discovered her cursed condition,
10When she clearly realized her unfortunate condition,
That unwed she should bear a babe to the world.
That she should have a baby out of wedlock.
She never could think of the thing that must happen.
She could never think about what needed to happen.
That has passed over: so this may depart!
That has passed over: so this can leave!
Much have we learned of Mæthhild’s life:
We've learned a lot about __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__:
15 How the courtship of Geat was crowned with grief,
15How the courtship of Geat was filled with grief,
How love and its sorrows allowed him no sleep.
How love and its heartaches kept him up.
That has passed over: so this may depart!
That has passed over: so this can go!
Theodoric held for thirty winters
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ held for thirty years
20 That has passed over: so this may depart!
20That's behind us: so this can go as well!
We all have heard of Eormanric
We all have heard of __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Of the wolfish heart: a wide realm he had
Of the wolfish heart: he had a large area
Of the Gothic kingdom. Grim was the king.
Of the Gothic kingdom. Grim was the king.
Many men sat and bemoaned their sorrows,
Many men sat and expressed their troubles,
25 Woefully watching and wishing always
25 Sadly watching and always wishing
That the cruel king might be conquered at last.
That the cruel king could finally be beaten.
That has passed over: so this may depart!
That has passed over: so this can go!
Sad in his soul he sitteth joyless,
Sad in his soul he sits without joy,
Mournful in mood. He many times thinks
Feeling down. He often thinks
30 That no end will e’er come to the cares he endures.
30That no end will ever come to the challenges he faces.
Then must he think how throughout the world
Then he must think about how everywhere in the world
The gracious God often gives his help
The gracious God often offers his support
And manifold honors to many an earl
And many honors to many lords
And sends wide his fame; but to some he gives woes.
And spreads his fame far and wide; but for some, he brings sadness.
35 Of myself and my sorrows I may say in truth
35About myself and my sorrows I can say honestly
That I was happy once as the Heodenings’ scop,
That I was happy once as the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
Dear to my lord. Deor was my name.
Dear to my lord. Deor is my name.
Many winters I found a worthy following,
Many winters I found a great group to follow,
Held my lord’s heart, till Heorrenda came,
Held my lord’s heart, until Heorrenda showed up,
40 The skillful singer, and received the land-right
40The talented singer, and received the land rights
That the proud helm of earls had once promised to me!
That the proud helmet of earls had once promised me!
That has passed over: so this may depart!
That has passed: so this can leave!
WALDHERE
[Critical text and translation: Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, p. 56.
[Critical text and translation: Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, p. 56.
Date: Probably eighth century.
Date: Likely 8th century.
Information as to the story is found in a number of continental sources. Its best known treatment is in a Latin poem, Waltharius, by Ekkehard of St. Gall, dating from the first half of the tenth century. Ekkehard’s story is thus summarized in the Cambridge History of English Literature: “Alphere, king of Aquitaine, had a son named Waltharius, and Heriricus, king of Burgundy, an only daughter named Hiltgund, who was betrothed to Waltharius. While they were yet children, however, Attila, king of the Huns, invaded Gaul, and the kings seeing no hope in resistance, gave up their children to him as hostages, together with much treasure. Under like compulsion treasure was obtained also from Gibicho, king of the Franks, who sent as hostage a youth of noble birth named Hagano. In Attila’s service, Waltharius and Hagano won great renown as warriors, but the latter eventually made his escape. When Waltharius grew up, he became Attila’s chief general; yet he remembered his old engagement with Hiltgund. On his return from a victorious campaign he made a great feast for the king and his court, and when all were sunk in their drunken sleep, he and Hiltgund fled laden with much gold. On their way home they had to cross the Rhine near Worms. There the king of the Franks, Guntharius, the son of Gibicho, heard from the ferryman of the gold they were carrying and determined to secure it. Accompanied by Hagano and eleven other picked warriors, he overtook them as they rested in a cave in the Vosges. Waltharius offered him a large share of the gold in order to obtain peace; but the king demanded the whole, together with Hiltgund and the horses. Stimulated by the promise of great rewards, the eleven warriors now attacked Waltharius one after another, but he slew them all. Hagano had tried to dissuade Guntharius from the attack; but now, since his nephew was among the slain, he formed a plan with the king for surprising Waltharius. On the following day they both fell upon him after he had quitted his stronghold, and, in the struggle that ensued, all three were maimed. Waltharius, however, was able to proceed on his way with Hiltgund, and the story ends happily with their marriage.”
Information about the story is found in several continental sources. Its most well-known version is a Latin poem, Waltharius, by Ekkehard of St. Gall, from the first half of the tenth century. Ekkehard’s story is summarized in the Cambridge History of English Literature: “Alphere, king of Aquitaine, had a son named Waltharius, and Heriricus, king of Burgundy, had an only daughter named Hiltgund, who was betrothed to Waltharius. However, when they were still children, Attila, king of the Huns, invaded Gaul, and the kings, seeing no hope of resisting him, surrendered their children to him as hostages, along with a lot of treasure. Under similar pressure, treasure was also obtained from Gibicho, king of the Franks, who sent as a hostage a noble-born youth named Hagano. In Attila’s service, Waltharius and Hagano gained fame as warriors, but Hagano eventually escaped. As Waltharius grew up, he became Attila’s chief general but still remembered his old engagement to Hiltgund. After returning from a victorious campaign, he threw a grand feast for the king and his court, and when everyone was deep in drunken sleep, he and Hiltgund fled with a lot of gold. On their journey home, they needed to cross the Rhine near Worms. There, the king of the Franks, Guntharius, the son of Gibicho, learned from the ferryman about the gold they were carrying and aimed to seize it. Joined by Hagano and eleven other elite warriors, he caught up with them as they rested in a cave in the Vosges. Waltharius offered him a large share of the gold to ensure peace, but the king demanded all of it, along with Hiltgund and the horses. Encouraged by the promise of substantial rewards, the eleven warriors attacked Waltharius one by one, but he killed them all. Hagano tried to persuade Guntharius not to attack; but now, with his nephew among the dead, he devised a plan with the king to ambush Waltharius. The next day, they both attacked him after he left his stronghold, and in the ensuing struggle, all three were injured. Waltharius, however, managed to continue on his way with Hiltgund, and the story concludes happily with their marriage.”
Both our fragments, which are found on two leaves in the Royal Library at Copenhagen, refer to a time immediately before the final encounter. The first is spoken by the lady; the second by the man. We cannot tell how long this poem may have been. What we have may be leaves from a long epic, or a short poem, or an episode in a long epic.]
Both our fragments, which are on two pages in the Royal Library in Copenhagen, refer to a time just before the final meeting. The first is spoken by the woman; the second by the man. We can't tell how long this poem might have been. What we have could be pages from a lengthy epic, a brief poem, or a scene in a long epic.
A
. . . . . . . . . . she eagerly heartened him:
. . . . . . . . . . __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__:
For the man who the mighty Mimming can wield,
For the man who the powerful __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ can manage,
The frightful brand. Oft in battle have fallen
The scary mark. Many have died in battle
5 Sword-wounded warriors one after the other.
Sword-wounded warriors one after another.
6 Vanguard of Attila, thy valor must ever
6Vanguard of Attila, your bravery should always
Endure the conflict! The day is now come,
Endure the conflict! The day is here,
9 When fate shall award you one or the other:
9When destiny gives you one choice or the other:
10 To lose your life or have lasting glory,
10To lose your life or attain lasting glory,
Through all the ages, O Ælfhere’s son!
Through all the ages, O Ælfhere’s kid!
No fault do I find, my faithful lover,
No fault do I find, my loyal partner,
Saying I have seen thee at sword-play weaken,
Saying I have seen you get weaker at sword fighting,
Yield like a coward to a conqueror’s arms,
Yield like a coward to a conqueror's embrace,
15 Flee from the field of fight and escape,
15Run away from the battlefield and get away,
Protect thy body, though bands of the foemen
Protect your body, even enemies
Were smiting thy burnies with broad-edged swords;
Were hitting your flames with broad swords;
But unfalt’ring still farther the fight thou pursuedst
But without wavering, you continued to pursue the fight.
Over the line of battle; hence, my lord, I am burdened
Over the line of battle; So, my lord, I'm feeling overwhelmed.
20 With fear that too fiercely to the fight thou shalt rush
20With fear that too fiercely You will rush into battle.
To the place of encountering thy opponent in conflict,
To the place of meeting your rival in battle,
To wage on him war. Be worthy of thyself
To go to war against him. Be authentic.
In glorious deeds while thy God protects thee!
In glorious deeds while your God has your back!
Have no fear as to sword for the fine-gemmed weapon
Have no fear about the sword for the jeweled weapon
25 Has been given thee to aid us: on Guthhere with it
25It has been given to you to help us: with it on Guthhere
Thou shalt pay back the wrong of unrighteously seeking
You will pay back the harm of unfairly pursuing
To stir up the struggle and strife of battle;
To ignite the conflict and chaos of battle;
He rejected that sword and the jewelled treasure,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and the jeweled treasure,
The lustrous gems; now, leaving them all,
The shiny gems; now, leaving them behind,
30 He shall flee from this field to find his lord,
30He will run from this area to find his master,
His ancient land, or lie here forever
His ancient land, or stay here forever
Asleep, if he . . . . . . . .”
Asleep, if he . . . . . . . .”
B
“ . . . . . . . . a better sword
“ . . . . . . . . a better sword
Except that other, which also I have
Except for that other, which I also own
Closely encased in its cover of jewels.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ in its jeweled cover.
I know that Theodoric thought that to Widia
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ thought that to Widia
5 Himself he would send it, and the sword he would join
5He would send it himself, and he would take up the sword
With large measure of jewels and many other brands,
With a lot of jewels and other brands,
Worked all with gold. This reward he would send
Worked all with gold. He would send this prize
Because, when a captive, the kinsman of Nithhad,
Because, when a captive, Nithhad's relative,
Weland’s son, Widia, from his woes had released him—
Weland’s son, Widia, from his troubles had liberated him—
10 Thus in haste he escaped from the hands of the giants.”
10So, in a hurry, he got away from the giants' grip.”
Waldhere spoke, the warrior brave;
Waldhere spoke, the brave warrior;
He held in his hand his helper in battle,
He held in his hand his battle buddy,
He grasped his weapon, shouting words of defiance:
He grabbed his weapon, shouting words of resistance:
“Indeed, thou hadst faith, O friend of the Burgundians,
"Indeed, you had faith, O __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
Defeated me on foot. Fetch now, if thou darest,
Defeated me on foot. Go get it now, if you’re brave enough.
From me weary with war my worthy gray corselet!
From me, tired from war, my valued gray armor!
It lies on my shoulder as ’twas left me by Ælfhere,
It rests on my shoulder just like Ælfhere left it for me,
Goodly and gorgeous and gold-bedecked,
Beautiful and stunning and gold-bedecked,
20 The most honorable of all for an atheling to hold
20The most respected position for a noble to hold
When he goes into battle to guard his life,
When he goes into battle to save his life,
To fight with his foes: fail me it will never
To battle his enemies: it will never fail me
When a stranger band shall strive to encounter me,
When a stranger attempts to confront me,
Besiege me with swords, as thou soughtest to do.
Besiege me with swords, as you attempted to do.
25 He alone will vouchsafe the victory who always
25Only He will guarantee the victory that always
Is eager and ready to aid every right:
Is eager and ready to support every fair cause:
He who hopes for the help of the holy Lord,
He who hopes for the help of the holy Lord,
For the grace of God, shall gain it surely,
For the grace of God, will definitely earn it,
If his earlier work has earned the reward.
If his earlier work has earned the award.
30 Well may the brave warriors then their wealth enjoy,
30Well may the brave warriors then enjoy their riches,
Take pride in their property! That is . . . .”
Take pride in their property! "That is ...."
THE FIGHT AT FINNSBURG
[Edition used: Chambers, Beowulf, p. 158. See also Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, p. 64.
[Edition used: Chambers, Beowulf, p. 158. See also Dickins, Runic and Heroic Poems, p. 64.
Alliterative translation, Gummere, Oldest English Epic, p. 160.
Alliterative translation, Gummere, Oldest English Epic, p. 160.
The manuscript is now lost. We have only an inaccurate version printed by Hickes at the beginning of the eighteenth century. Many difficulties are therefore found in the text. For a good discussion of the text, see an article by Mackie in The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, xvi, 250.
The manuscript is now lost. We only have an inaccurate version printed by Hickes at the start of the eighteenth century. This leads to many issues in the text. For a good discussion of the text, check out an article by Mackie in The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, xvi, 250.
This fragment belongs to the epic story of Finn which is alluded to at some length in Beowulf (vv. 1068-1159). The saga can be reconstructed in its broad outlines, though it is impossible to be sure of details. One of the most puzzling of these details is the position in which the “Fight” occurs. In the story are two fights, either one of which may be the one described in the fragment. The weight of opinion seems to favor the first conflict, that in which Hnæf is killed. As summarized by Möller, the Finn story is briefly as follows:
This fragment is part of the epic tale of Finn, which is referenced in detail in Beowulf (vv. 1068-1159). While we can piece together the general outline of the saga, the specifics remain uncertain. One of the most confusing aspects is where the "Fight" takes place. There are two fights in the story, and either could be the one mentioned in the fragment. Most people seem to lean toward the first battle, where Hnæf is killed. Möller summarizes the Finn story briefly as follows:
“Finn, king of the Frisians, had carried off Hildeburh, daughter of Hoc (Beowulf, v. 1076), probably with her consent. Her father Hoc seems to have pursued the fugitives, and to have been slain in the fight which ensued on his overtaking them. After the lapse of some twenty years, Hoc’s sons Hnæf and Hengest, were old enough to undertake the duty of avenging their father’s death. They make an inroad into Finn’s country and a battle takes place in which many warriors, among them Hnæf and a son of Finn (1074, 1079, 1115), are killed. Peace is therefore solemnly concluded, and the slain warriors are burnt (1068-1124).
“Finn, the king of the Frisians, had taken Hildeburh, daughter of Hoc (Beowulf, v. 1076), likely with her agreement. Her father Hoc seems to have chased after them and was killed in the battle that followed when he caught up with them. After about twenty years, Hoc’s sons Hnæf and Hengest were old enough to take on the responsibility of avenging their father's death. They launched an attack into Finn’s territory, resulting in a battle where many warriors, including Hnæf and a son of Finn (1074, 1079, 1115), were killed. A peace treaty was then formally established, and the fallen warriors were cremated (1068-1124).
“As the year is too far advanced for Hengest to return home (1130 ff.), he and those of his men who survive remain for the winter in the Frisian country with Finn. But Hengest’s thoughts dwell constantly on the death of his brother Hnæf, and he would gladly welcome any excuse to break the peace which had been sworn by both parties. His ill concealed desire for revenge is noticed by the Frisians, who anticipate it by themselves taking the initiative and attacking Hengest and his men whilst they are sleeping in the hall. This is the night attack described in the “Fight.” It would seem that after a brave and desperate resistance Hengest himself falls in this fight at the hands of Hunlafing (1143), but two of his retainers, Guthlaf and Oslaf, succeed in cutting their way through their enemies and in escaping to their own land. They return with fresh troops, attack and slay Finn, and carry his queen, Hildeburh, off with them (1125-1159).”—Wyatt, Beowulf, (1901), p. 145.
“As the year has progressed too far for Hengest to head back home (1130 ff.), he and the remaining men with him stay for the winter in Frisian territory with Finn. However, Hengest can’t stop thinking about his brother Hnæf’s death, and he’s eager for any reason to break the peace that both sides have sworn. The Frisians notice his barely hidden desire for revenge and proactively attack Hengest and his men while they are sleeping in the hall. This is the night raid mentioned in the 'Fight.' It seems that after a brave and desperate struggle, Hengest himself is killed in this battle at the hands of Hunlafing (1143), but two of his followers, Guthlaf and Oslaf, manage to fight their way through the enemies and escape back to their own land. They return with reinforcements, confront and kill Finn, and take his queen, Hildeburh, with them (1125-1159).” —Wyatt, Beowulf, (1901), p. 145.
Professor Gummere finds in the fragment an example bearing out his theory of the development of the epic. “The qualities which difference it from Beowulf,” he says, “are mainly negative; it lacks sentiment, moralizing, the leisure of the writer; it did not attempt probably to cover more than a single event; and one will not err in finding it a fair type of the epic songs which roving singers were wont to sing before lord and liegeman in hall and which were used with more or less fidelity by makers of complete epic poems.”]
Professor Gummere sees in the fragment an example that supports his theory about the development of the epic. “The qualities that distinguish it from Beowulf,” he says, “are mostly negative; it lacks sentiment, moralizing, and the leisurely style of the writer; it probably doesn’t attempt to cover more than a single event; and one wouldn't be wrong in considering it a good example of the epic songs that wandering singers used to perform before lords and their subjects in halls, which were used with varying degrees of accuracy by the authors of complete epic poems.”
“. . . . . . . . Are the gables not burning?”
“. . . . . . . . “Are the roofs not on fire?”
Boldly replied then the battle-young king:
Boldly replied then the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__:
“The day is not dawning; no dragon is flying,
“The day isn't breaking; no dragon is flying,
And the high gable-horns of the hall are not burning,
And the tall gable-horns of the hall are not lit,
5 But the brave men are bearing the battle line forward,
5But the brave men are pushing advance the battle line,
While bloodthirsty sing the birds of slaughter.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ bloodthirsty sing the birds of prey.
Now clangs the gray corselet, clashes the war-wood,
Now the gray armor clangs, the battlewood clashes,
Shield answers shaft. Now shineth the moon,
Shield answers shaft. Now the moon is shining,
Through its cover of clouds. Now cruel days press us
Through its cover of clouds. Now tough times are pressing down on us.
10 That will drive this folk to deadly fight.
10That will push these people into a fatal fight.
But wake at once, my warriors bold,
But wake up right now, my brave fighters,
Stand now to your armor and strive for honor;
Stand now to your armor and aim for honor;
Fight at the front unafraid and undaunted.”
Fight at the front fearless and unbothered.
15 Gold-bedecked soldiers, and girded their swords.
15 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ soldiers, and strapped on their swords.
The noble knights went now to the door
The brave knights went to the door now
And seized their swords, Sigeferth and Eaha,
And grabbed their swords, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and Eaha,
And to the other door Ordlaf and Guthlaf,
And to the other door __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
20 Now Guthere restrained Garulf from strife,
20 Now __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Garulf from conflict,
Lest fearless at the first of the fight he rush
Lest fearless at the beginning of the fight he rushes
To the door and daringly endanger his life,
To the door and boldly risk his life,
Since now it was stormed by so stalwart a hero.
Since now it was attacked by a strong hero.
But unchecked by these words a challenge he shouted,
But unrestrained by these words a challenge he yelled,
25 Boldly demanding what man held the door.
25Confidently asking who's at the door?
Wide have I wandered; many woes have I known
Wide have I roamed; I've faced many challenges
Thou shalt surely receive what thou seekest from me.”
Thou will definitely get what do you want from me?
30 At the wall by the door rose the din of battle;
30At the wall by the door was the sound of battle;
In the hands of heroes the hollow bucklers
In the hands of heroes the vacant shields
Shattered the shields. Shook then the hall floor
Shattered the shields. Then the floor shook
Most daring and doughty of the dwellers on earth,
Most daring and brave of the people on earth,
35 The son of Guthlaf; and scores fell with him.
35 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__; and scores dropped with him.
O’er the corpses hovered the hungry raven,
O'er the corpses hovered the hungry crow,
Swarthy and sallow-brown. A sword-gleam blazed
Dark and dull brown. A sword's gleam blazed
As though all Finnsburg in flames were burning.
As if all of Finnsburg were on fire.
Never heard I of heroes more hardy in war,
Never have I heard of heroes bolder in battle,
40 Of sixty who strove more strongly or bravely,
40Of sixty who fought more boldly,
Of swains who repaid their sweet mead better
Of guys who paid back their sweet beer better
Than his loyal liegemen to their loved Hnæf.
Than his loyal liegemen to their beloved Hnæf.
Five days they fought, but there fell not a one
Five days they fought, but not a single one dropped
Of the daring band, though the doors they held always.
Of the brave group, even though they always opened the doors.
45 Now went from the warfare a wounded chief.
45 Now left the battle __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
He said that his burnie was broken asunder,
He said that his burnie was separated,
His precious war-gear, and pierced was his helmet.
His valuable battle gear, and his helmet got pierced.
Then questioned their chief and inquired of him
Then questioned __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and asked him
How the warriors recovered from the wounds they received,
How the warriors healed from the wounds they sustained,
50 Or which of the youths . . . . . . .
50Or which of the young people I’m sorry, but it seems that there’s no text provided for me to modernize. Please provide the text you’d like me to work on!
2. GNOMIC GROUP
CHARMS
[Edition used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
[Edition used: Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.]
Critical edition and discussion of most of the charms: Felix Grendon, Journal of American Folk-lore, xxii, 105 ff. See that article for bibliography.
Critical edition and discussion of most of the charms: Felix Grendon, Journal of American Folk-lore, xxii, 105 ff. Check that article for the bibliography.
Grendon divides the charms into five classes:
Grendon categorizes the charms into five groups:
- 1. Exorcisms of diseases and disease spirits.
- 2. Herbal charms.
- 3. Charms for transferring disease.
- 4. Amulet charms.
- 5. Charm remedies.
These charms contain some of the most interesting relics of the old heathen religion of the Anglo-Saxons incongruously mingled with Christian practices. They were probably written down at so late a time that the churchmen felt they could no longer do harm.]
These charms include some of the most fascinating remnants of the ancient pagan religion of the Anglo-Saxons mixed oddly with Christian practices. They were likely recorded at such a late date that the church leaders believed they could no longer pose a threat.
I. For Bewitched Land
Here is the remedy by which thou mayst improve thy fields if they will not produce well or if any evil thing is done to them by means of sorcery or witchcraft:
Here is the remedy that you can use to improve your fields if they aren't producing well or if something harmful has been done to them through sorcery or witchcraft:
5 Take at night, before daybreak, four pieces of turf from the four corners of the land and mark the places where they have stood. Take then oil and honey and yeast and the milk of every kind of cattle that is on that land and a piece of every kind of tree that is grown 10 on that land, except hard wood, and a piece of every kind of herb known by name, except burdock alone. Then put holy water on these and dip it thrice in the [39] base of the turfs and say these words: Crescite, grow, et multiplicamini, and multiply, et replete, and fill, terram, 15 this earth, in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti sint benedicti; and Pater Noster as often as anything else.
5 At night, before dawn, take four pieces of turf from the four corners of the land and mark where they were taken. Then, gather oil, honey, yeast, and milk from every kind of livestock on that land, along with a piece of every type of tree that grows on that land, except for hardwood, and a piece of every herb known by name, leaving out only burdock. Next, sprinkle holy water on these and dip them three times at the base of the turfs, saying these words: Crescite, grow, et multiplicamini, and multiply, et replete, and fill, terram, 15 this earth, in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti sint benedicti; and Pater Noster as often as anything else.
Then carry the turfs to the church and have the priest sing four masses over them and have the green sides 20 turned toward the altar. Then bring them back before sunset to the place where they were at first. Now make four crosses of aspen and write on the end of each Matheus and Marcus and Lucas and Johannes. Lay the crosses on the bottom of each hole and then say: 25 Crux Matheus, crux Marcus, crux Lucas, crux Sanctus Johannes. Then take the sods and lay them on top and say nine times the word Crescite, and the Pater Noster as often. Turn then to the east and bow humbly nine times and say these words:
Then take the chunks of grass to the church and have the priest perform four masses over them, making sure the green sides are facing the altar. After that, bring them back before sunset to the spot where they were originally. Now make four crosses out of aspen wood and write on the end of each one Matheus and Marcus and Lucas and Johannes. Place the crosses at the bottom of each hole and then say: 25 Crux Matheus, crux Marcus, crux Lucas, crux Sanctus Johannes. Then take the sods and place them on top and say the word Crescite nine times, along with the Pater Noster just as often. Turn to the east then, bow humbly nine times, and say these words:
30 Eastward I stand, for honors I pray;
30 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, I hope for honors;
I pray to the God of glory; I pray to the gracious Lord;
I pray to the God of glory; I pray to the loving Lord;
I pray to the high and holy Heavenly Father;
I pray to the high and holy Dear God;
I pray to the earth and all of the heavens,
I pray to the earth and all the skies,
And to the true and virtuous virgin Saint Mary,
And to the pure and virtuous Virgin Mary,
35 And to the high hall of Heaven and its power,
35And to the grand hall of Heaven and its power,
That with God’s blessing I may unbind this spell
That with God’s blessing I can end this spell.
With my open teeth, and through trusty thought
With my open teeth, and through sound reasoning
May awaken the growth for our worldly advantage,
May spark the growth for our practical use,
May fill these fields by fast belief,
May fill these fields with instant trust,
40 May improve this planting, for the prophet saith
40May enhance this planting, for the prophet speaks
That he hath honors on earth whose alms are free,
That he has honors on earth who makes generous donations,
Who wisely gives, by the will of God.
Who gives wisely, according to God's plan.
Then turn three times following the course of the sun, stretch thyself prostrate, and chant the litanies. 45 Then say Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus through to the end. Then chant Benedicte with outstretched arms, and the Magnificat and Pater Noster three times and commend thy prayer to the praise and glory of Christ and Saint Mary and the Holy Rood, and to the honor 50 of him who owns the land and to all those that are subject to him. When all this is done, get some unknown seed from beggars, and give them twice as much as thou takest from them. Then gather all thy plowing gear together and bore a hole in the beam and put in 55 it incense and fennel and consecrated soap and consecrated salt. Take the seed and put it on the body of the plow, and then say:
Then turn three times following the direction of the sun, lie down flat, and chant the prayers. 45 Then say Holy, Holy, Holy until the end. Then chant Blessed with your arms outstretched, and the Magnificat and Our Father three times and dedicate your prayer to the praise and glory of Christ and Saint Mary and the Holy Cross, and to the honor 50 of the one who owns the land and all those who are subject to him. When all this is done, get some unknown seeds from beggars and give them twice as much as you take from them. Then gather all your plowing equipment and drill a hole in the beam and place in it incense and fennel and blessed soap and blessed salt. Take the seeds and put them on the body of the plow, and then say:
May he graciously grant thee, God Eternal,
May he graciously grant you, Eternal God,
60 To have fertile fields and fruitful harvests,
60To have productive fields and plentiful harvests,
Growing in profit and gaining in power;
Growing in profit and gaining power;
A host of products and harvests in plenty,
A variety of products and abundant harvests,
Bright with the broad barley harvest;
Bright with the wide barley harvest;
And heavy with the white harvest of wheat,
And loaded with the white wheat harvest,
65 And all the harvest of the earth. May the Almighty Lord grant
65And all the harvest of the earth. May the Almighty Lord grant
And all his saints who are seated in heaven,
And all his saints who are in heaven,
That against all of the enemies this earth may be guarded,
That all the enemies this earth may have its guardians,
Protected and made proof against the powers of evil,
Protected and shielded from the evil forces,
Against sorceries and spells dispersed through the land.
Against sorcery and spells spread throughout the land.
70 Now I pray to the Power who planned the creation
70Now I pray to the Force that created the universe
That no woman of witchcraft, no worker of magic,
That no woman involved in witchcraft, no magician,
May change or unspell the charm I have spoken.
May change or undo the charm I mentioned.
Then drive forth the plow and turn the first furrow and say:
Then drive the plow and turn the first furrow and say:
75 Hail to thee, Earth, of all men the mother,
75 Hail to you, Earth, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
Be goodly thy growth in God’s embrace,
Be good in your growth in God's embrace,
Filled with food as a favor to men.
Filled with food as a favor to people.
Then take meal of every kind and bake a loaf as broad as it will lie between the two hands, kneading 80 it with milk and with holy water, and lay it under the first furrow. Say then:
Then take all kinds of food and bake a loaf that is as wide as it can fit between your two hands, kneading it with milk and holy water, and place it under the first furrow. Then say:
Full be the field with food for mankind,
Full be the field with food for everyone,
Blossoming brightly. Blessed by thou
Blossoming brightly. Blessed by you
By the holy name of Heaven’s Creator,
By the holy name of the Creator of Heaven,
85 And the maker of Earth, which men inhabit.
85And the creator of Earth, where people reside.
May God who created the ground grant us growing gifts,
May the God who created the earth bless us with plenty of gifts,
That each kernel of corn may come to use.
That each kernel of corn may be put to use.
Say then three times, Crescite in nomine patris, sint benedicti. Amen and Pater Noster three times.
Say then three times, "Grow in the name of the Father, may you be blessed. Amen" and Our Father three times.
II. Against a Sudden Stitch
Against a sudden stitch take feverfew, and the red nettle that grows through the house, and plantain. Boil in butter.
To counter a sudden stitch, take feverfew, and the red nettle that grows around the house, and plantain. Boil in butter.
Loud were they, lo loud, as over the lea they rode;
Loud they were, oh so loud, as they rode through the meadow;
5 Resolute they were when they rode over the land.
5They were determined as they rode across the land.
Protect thyself that thy trouble become cured and healed.
Take care of yourself so that your issues can be resolved and healed.
Out, little stick, if it still is
Out, little stick, if it still is
I stood under the linden, under the light shield,
I stood under the linden, under the light shield,
Where the mighty women their magic prepared,
Where the powerful women got their magic ready,
10 And they sent their spears spinning and whistling.
10And they sent their spears spinning and whistling.
But I will send them a spear in return,
But I will send them a spear back,
Unerringly aim an arrow against them.
Aim an arrow at them.
Out, little stick, if it still is within!
Out, little stick, if you're still here!
There sat a smith and a small knife forged
There was a blacksmith and a small knife he had crafted
15 . . . . . . . sharply with a stroke of iron.
15. . . . . . . hit hard with a metal weapon.
Out little stick if it still is within!
Out little stick if it's still in there!
Six smiths sat and worked their war-spears.
Six smiths sat and worked on their war-spears.
Out, spear! be not in, spear!
Out, spear! don't be in, spear!
If it still is there, the stick of iron,
If it's still there, the metal rod,
20 The work of the witches, away it shall melt.
20The witches' work, it will all vanish.
If thou wert shot in the skin, or sore wounded in the flesh,
If you were shot in the skin, or seriously injured in the body,
If in the blood thou wert shot, or in the bone thou wert shot,
If you were shot in the blood, or shot in the bone,
If in the joint thou wert shot, there will be no jeopardy to your life.
If you were shot in the joint, your life won’t be at risk.
If some deity shot it, or some devil shot it,
If some god shot it, or some devil fired it,
25 Or if some witch has shot it, now I am willing to help thee.
25Or if some witch has done it, I'm ready to help you now.
This is a remedy for a deity’s shot; this is a remedy for a devil’s shot;
This is a cure for a god's shot; this is a remedy for a devil's shot;
This is a remedy for a witch’s shot. I am willing to help thee.
This is a cure for a witch's curse. I’m here to assist you.
Flee there into the forests . . . . . . .
Flee there into the forests Sure, please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.
Be thou wholly healed. Thy help be from God.
Be completely healed. May your assistance come from God.
30 Then take the knife and put it into the liquid.
30 Then take the knife and dip it into the liquid.
RIDDLES
[Critical editions: Wyatt, Tupper, and Trautmann. Wyatt (Boston, 1912, Belles Lettres edition) used as a basis for these translations. His numbering is always one lower than the other editions, since he rejects one riddle.
[Critical editions: Wyatt, Tupper, and Trautmann. Wyatt (Boston, 1912, Belles Lettres edition) serves as the foundation for these translations. His numbering is always one less than the other editions, as he omits one riddle.]
Date: Probably eighth century for most of them.
Date: Probably the eighth century for most of them.
For translations of other riddles than those here given see Brooke, English Literature from the Beginning to the Norman Conquest, Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, and Cook and Tinker, Selections from Old English Poetry.
For translations of other riddles besides those provided here, see Brooke, English Literature from the Beginning to the Norman Conquest, Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, and Cook and Tinker, Selections from Old English Poetry.
There is no proof as to the authorship. There were probably one hundred of them in the original collection though only about ninety are left. Many of them are translations from the Latin. Some are true folk-riddles and some are learned.
There’s no evidence about who wrote them. There were probably around a hundred in the original collection, but only about ninety remain. Many of them are translations from Latin. Some are genuine folk riddles, while others are more scholarly.
In the riddles we find particulars of Anglo-Saxon life that we cannot find elsewhere. The Cambridge History of English Literature sums their effect up in the following sentence: “Furthermore, the author or authors of the Old English riddles borrow themes from native folk-songs and saga; in their hands inanimate objects become endowed with life and personality; the powers of nature become objects of worship such as they were in olden times; they describe the scenery of their own country, the fen, the river, and the sea, the horror of the untrodden forest, sun and moon engaged in perpetual pursuit of each other, the nightingale and the swan, the plow guided by the ‘gray-haired enemy of the wood,’ the bull breaking up clods left unturned by the plow, the falcon, the arm-companion of æthelings—scenes, events, characters familiar in the England of that day.”]
In the riddles, we discover details about Anglo-Saxon life that we can't find anywhere else. The Cambridge History of English Literature summarizes their impact with this statement: “Additionally, the author or authors of the Old English riddles draw on themes from local folk songs and sagas; they bring inanimate objects to life and give them personalities; the forces of nature become objects of reverence, just as they were in ancient times; they portray the landscapes of their own country, the marshes, the rivers, and the sea, the fear of the untouched forest, the sun and moon in a constant chase after each other, the nightingale and the swan, the plow steered by the ‘gray-haired enemy of the wood,’ the bull breaking up clumps left unturned by the plow, the falcon, the loyal companion of princes—scenes, events, and characters that were familiar in the England of that time.”
I. A Storm
What man is so clever, so crafty of mind,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, so clever,
As to say for a truth who sends me a-traveling?
As for the truth, Who’s sending me on this trip?
When I rise in my wrath, raging at times,
When I get up in my anger, sometimes angry,
Savage is my sound. Sometimes I travel,
Savage is my sound. Sometimes I travel.
5 Go forth among the folk, set fire to their homes
5Go out among the people, burn their houses down
And ravage and rob them; then rolls the smoke
And destroy and steal from them; then the smoke rises
Gray over the gables; great is the noise,
Gray over the rooftops; the noise is loud,
The death-struggle of the stricken. Then I stir up the woods
The dying struggle of the wounded. Then I stir up the forest.
And the fruitful forests; I fell the trees,
And the lush forests; I chopped down the trees.
10 I, roofed over with rain, on my reckless journey,
10I, covered by rain, on my bold journey,
Wandering widely at the will of heaven.
Wandering freely at the whim of fate.
I bear on my back the bodily raiment,
I carry on my back the actual clothing,
The fortunes of folk, their flesh and their spirits,
The fortunes of people, their bodies and minds,
Together to sea. Say who may cover me,
Together to the sea. Tell me who might protect me,
15 Or what I am called, who carry this burden?
15Or what am I called, who carries this burden?
II. A Storm
At times I travel in tracks undreamed of,
At times I travel on paths I never expected,
In vasty wave-depths to visit the earth,
In the deep waves to visit Earth,
The floor of the ocean. Fierce is the sea
The ocean floor. The ocean is fierce
. . . . . . . the foam rolls high;
. . . . . . . the foam rises high;
5 The whale-pool roars and rages loudly;
The whale pool roars loudly;
The streams beat the shores, and they sling at times
The streams crash against the shores, and they sometimes throw
Great stones and sand on the steep cliffs,
Great stones and sand on the steep cliffs,
With weeds and waves, while wildly striving
With weeds and waves, while passionately striving
Under the burden of billows on the bottom of ocean
Under the weight of waves at the bottom of the ocean
10 The sea-ground I shake. My shield of waters
10I shake the sea floor. My water shield
I leave not ere he lets me who leads me always
I won't leave until he lets me who always supports me
In all my travels. Tell me, wise man,
In all my travels. Tell me, wise guy,
Who was it that drew me from the depth of the ocean
Who was it that pulled me from the depths of the ocean
When the streams again became still and quiet,
When the streams became calm and quiet again,
15 Who before had forced me in fury to rage?
15Who had previously made me rage with anger?
III. A Storm
At times I am fast confined by my Master,
At times I am quickly held back by my teacher,
Who sendeth forth under the fertile plain
Who sends forth in the fertile plain
My broad bosom, but bridles me in.
My wide chest, but keeps me from moving forward.
He drives in the dark a dangerous power
He drives in the dark a risky power
5 To a narrow cave, where crushing my back
5To a small cave, where I leaned back
Sits the weight of the world. No way of escape
Sits the weight of the world. No escape
Can I find from the torment; so I tumble about
Can I escape from the pain; so I roll around
The homes of heroes. The halls with their gables,
The homes of heroes. The rooms with their slanted roofs,
The tribe-dwellings tremble; the trusty walls shake,
The tribe's homes shake; the strong walls shake,
10 Steep over the head. Still seems the air
10Steep over the head. Still feels the air
Over all the country and calm the waters,
Over the whole country and the calm waters,
Till I press in my fury from my prison below,
Till I push through my rage from my cell below,
Obeying His bidding who bound me fast
Obeying His request who restrained me tightly
In fetters at first when he fashioned the world,
In chains at first when he created the universe,
15 In bonds and in chains, with no chance of escape
15In restraints and held captive, trapped
From his power who points out the paths I must follow.
From his power who shows me the routes I need to follow.
Downward at times I drive the waves,
Downward at times I surf the waves,
Stir up the streams; to the strand I press
Stir up the streams; I'm heading to the shore.
The flint-gray flood: the foamy wave
The gray flood: the foamy wave
20 Lashes the wall. A lurid mountain
20 lashes the wall. A lurid mountain
Rises on the deep; dark in its trail
Rises from the depths; shadowy in its aftermath
Stirred up with the sea a second one comes,
Stirred up with the sea a second one arrives,
And close to the coast it clashes and strikes
And near the shore it crashes and collides
On the lofty hills. Loud soundeth the boat,
On the high hills. The boat makes loud noises,
25 The shouting of shipmen. Unshaken abide
The yelling of sailors. Unshaken endure
The stone cliffs steep through the strife of the waters,
The stone cliffs rise steeply through the struggle of the waters,
The dashing of waves, when the deadly tumult
The crashing of waves, when the lethal chaos
Crowds to the coast. Of cruel strife
Crowds heading to the coast. Of intense conflict
The sailors are certain if the sea drive their craft
The sailors are sure if the sea propels their boat
30 With its terrified guests on the grim rolling tide;
30With its scared guests on the dark, choppy waves;
They are sure that the ship will be shorn of its power,
They are confident that the ship will lose its influence,
Be deprived of its rule, and will ride foam-covered
Be deprived of its rule, and will ride on foamy
On the ridge of the waves. Then ariseth a panic,
On the crest of the waves. Then a panic sets in,
Fear among folk of the force that commands me,
Fear among people of the power that has control over me,
35 Strong on my storm-track. Who shall still that power?
35Powerful on my storm path. Who can tame that power?
At times I drive through the dark wave-vessels
At times I drive through the dark wave boats
That ride on my back, and wrench them asunder
That ride on my back, and take them apart
And lash them with sea-streams; or I let them again
And whip them with sea currents; or I'll allow them again
Glide back together. It is the greatest of noises,
Glide back together. It's the loudest sound,
40 Of clamoring crowds, of crashes the loudest,
40Of noisy crowds, of the loudest crashes,
When clouds as they strive in their courses shall strike
When clouds, as they move along their paths, will collide
Edge against edge; inky of hue
Edge against edge; dark in color
In flight o’er the folk bright fire they sweat,
In flight over the people bright fire they sweat,
A stream of flame; destruction they carry
A stream of fire; they cause destruction
45 Dark over men with a mighty din.
45Darkness fell over men with a loud sound.
Fighting they fare. They let fall from their bosom
Fighting they fare. They dropped from their chest.
A deafening rain of rattling liquid,
A deafening rain of rattling liquid,
Of storm from their bellies. In battle they strive,
Of storm from their bellies. In battle, they fight,
The awful army; anguish arises,
The terrible army; anguish arises,
50 Terror of mind to the tribes of men,
50Fear in the minds of people, to humanity,
Distress in the strongholds, when the stalking goblins,
Distress in the strongholds, when the sneaky goblins,
The pale ghosts shoot with their sharp weapons.
The pale ghosts fire with their sharp weapons.
The fool alone fears not their fatal spears;
The fool alone doesn't fear their lethal weapons;
But he perishes too if the true God send
But he also perishes if the true God sends
55 Straight from above in streams of rain,
55Pouring down from above in rain showers,
Whizzing and whistling the whirlwind’s arrows,
Zooming and whistling the whirlwind's arrows,
The flying death. Few shall survive
The flying death. Few will survive
Whom that violent guest in his grimness shall visit.
Whom that violent guest in his seriousness shall visit.
I always stir up that strife and commotion;
I always create that conflict and chaos;
60 Then I bear my course to the battle of clouds,
60Then I head towards the battle of clouds,
Powerfully strive and press through the tumult,
Push through the chaos powerfully,
Over the bosom of the billows; bursteth loudly
Over the surface of the waves; breaks out loudly
The gathering of elements. Then again I descend
The gathering of elements. Then I go down again
In my helmet of air and hover near the land,
In my air helmet and hovering just above the ground,
65 And lift on my back the load I must bear,
65And carry on my back the weight I have to carry,
Minding the mandates of the mighty Lord.
Minding the commands of the mighty Lord.
So I, a tried servant, sometimes contend:
So I, a weary servant, sometimes argue
Now under the earth; now from over the waves
Now underground; now from across the ocean
I drive to the depths; now dropping from heaven,
I drive deep down; now falling from the sky,
70 I stir up the streams, or strive to the skies,
70I stir up the rivers, or aim for the stars,
Where I war with the welkin. Wide do I travel,
Where I fight with the sky. I travel long distances,
Swift and noisily. Say now my name,
Swift and loudly. Say my name now,
Or who raises me up when rest is denied me,
Or who lifts me up when I can't find peace,
Or who stays my course when stillness comes to me?
Or who stops me when silence washes over me?
V. A Shield
A lonely warrior, I am wounded with iron,
A lonely warrior, I am hurt by metal,
Scarred with sword-points, sated with battle-play,
Scarred with sword marks, satisfied with combat,
Weary of weapons. I have witnessed much fighting,
Weary of weapons. I've seen a lot of fighting,
Much stubborn strife. From the strokes of war
Much stubborn conflict. From the blows of war
5 I have no hope for help or release
5I have no hope for help or freedom
Ere I pass from the world with the proud warrior band.
Ere I leave this world with the proud warrior squad.
With brands and billies they beat upon me;
With brands and sticks they attacked me;
The hard edges hack me; the handwork of smiths
The sharp edges cut into me; the skill of blacksmiths
In crowds I encounter; with courage I endure
In crowds I face; I endure with courage.
10 Ever bitterer battles. No balm may I find,
10Even more bitter battles. I can't find any comfort,
And no doctor to heal me in the whole field of battle,
And there’s no doctor to heal me anywhere on the battlefield,
To bind me with ointments and bring me to health,
To heal me with ointments and restore my health,
But my grievous gashes grow ever sorer
But my painful wounds hurt increasingly
Through death-dealing strokes by day and night.
Through deadly blows throughout the day and night.
VII. A Swan
My robe is noiseless when I roam the earth,
My robe is silent as I walk the world,
Or stay in my home, or stir up the water.
Or stay in my home, or complicate things.
At times I am lifted o’er the lodgings of men
At times I am lifted over people's homes
By the aid of my trappings and the air above.
By the help of my gear and the sky above.
5 The strength of the clouds then carries me far,
5The power of the clouds then takes me away,
Bears me on its bosom. My beautiful ornament,
Bears me on its chest. My stunning accessory,
My raiment rustles and raises a song,
My clothes rustle and make a song,
Sings without tiring. I touch not the earth
Sings without getting tired. I don’t hit the ground
But wander a stranger over stream and wood.
But a stranger wanders over stream and woods.
VIII. A Nightingale
With my mouth I am master of many a language;
With my mouth, I'm in charge of many languages;
Cunningly I carol; I discourse full oft
Cleverly I sing; I talk a lot
In melodious lays; loud do I call,
In sweet songs; I shout out loudly,
Ever mindful of melody, undiminished in voice.
Ever aware of melody, unfaded in tone.
5 An old evening-scop, to earls I bring
5I bring an old evening bard to the earls.
Solace in cities; when, skillful in music,
Solace in cities; when, skilled in music,
My voice I raise, restful at home
My voice I raise, chill at home
They sit in silence. Say what is my name,
They sit in silence. Tell me what my name is,
That call so clearly and cleverly imitate
That call clearly and cleverly imitates
10 The song of the scop, and sing unto men
10The song of the bard, and sing to others
Words full welcome with my wonderful voice.
Words full welcome with my awesome voice.
XIV. A Horn
I was once an armed warrior. Now the worthy youth
I used to be a soldier. Now the worthy young man
Gorgeously gears me with gold and silver,
Gorgeously outfits me with gold and silver,
Curiously twisted. At times men kiss me.
Curiously twisted. Sometimes guys kiss me.
Sometimes I sound and summon to battle
Sometimes I sound and call to arms
5 The stalwart company. A steed now carries me
5The strong group. A horse is carrying me now
Across the border. The courser of the sea
Across the border. The ocean route
Now bears me o’er the billows, bright in my trappings.
Now carries me over the waves, shining in my outfit.
Now a comely maiden covered with jewels
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ adorned with jewels
Fills my bosom with beer. On the board now I lie
Fills my chest with beer. Now I’m lying on the board.
10 Lidless and lonely and lacking my trappings.
10Without lids and feeling alone and missing my stuff.
Now fair in my fretwork at the feast I hang
Now beautiful in my carvings at the celebration I show
In my place on the wall while warriors drink.
In my spot on the wall while warriors relax.
Now brightened for battle, on the back of a steed
Now ready for battle, on a horse's back
A war-chief shall bear me. Then the wind I shall breathe,
A war chief will carry me. Then I will breathe in the wind,
15 Shall swell with sound from someone’s bosom.
15Will be filled with sound from someone's heart.
At times with my voice I invite the heroes,
At times with my voice I reach out to the heroes,
The warriors to wine; or I watch for my master,
The warriors drink wine; or I wait for my boss,
And sound an alarm and save his goods,
And sound an alarm and secure his stuff,
Put the robber to flight. Now find out my name.
Put the robber to flight. Now guess my name.
XV. A Badger
My throat is like snow, and my sides and my head
My throat feels cold like snow, and my sides and my head
Are a swarthy brown; I am swift in flight.
Are a dark brown; I’m fast in flight.
Battle-weapons I bear; on my back stand hairs,
Battle weapons I carry; I have goosebumps.
And also on my cheeks. O’er my eyes on high
And also on my cheeks. Over my eyes up high
5 Two ears tower; with my toes I step
5Two ears stand tall; I step with my toes
On the green grass. Grief comes upon me
On the green grass. Grief hits hard
If the slaughter-grim hunter shall see me in hiding,
If the grim hunter sees me hiding,
Shall find me alone where I fashion my dwelling,
Shall find me alone where I build my home,
Bold with my brood. I abide in this place
Bold with my kids. I’m staying here
10 With my strong young children till a stranger shall come
10With my strong young kids until someone new shows up
And bring dread to my door. Death then is certain.
And bring fear to my doorstep. So death is unavoidable.
Hence, trembling I carry my terrified children
Hence, trembling, I carry my frightened kids
Far from their home and flee unto safety.
Far from their home and get to safety.
If he crowds me close as he comes behind,
If he gets too close when he approaches from behind,
15 I bare my breast. In my burrow I dare not
15I show my chest. In my room I can’t
Meet my furious foe (it were foolish to do so),
Meet my angry enemy (it would be foolish to do so),
But, wildly rushing, I work a road
But, crazily rushing, I’m making a path
Through the high hill with my hands and feet.
Through the high hill using my hands and feet.
I fail not in defending my family’s lives;
I won’t hesitate to defend my family's lives;
20 If I lead the little ones below to safety,
20If I guide the little ones below for safety,
Through a secret hole inside the hill,
Through a hidden opening inside the hill,
My beloved brood, no longer need I
My beloved brood, I don't need to anymore
Fear the offense of the fierce-battling dogs.
Fear the attack of the fierce fighting dogs.
25 Whenever the hostile one hunts on my trail,
25 Whenever the enemy tracks me,
Follows me close, he will fail not of conflict,
Follows me closely, he won't skip a fight,
Of a warm encounter, when he comes on my war-path,
Of a warm encounter, when he walks by me,
If I reach, in my rage, through the roof of my hill
If I reach, in my anger, over the summit of my hill
And deal my deadly darts of battle
And manage my deadly __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ of battle
30 On the foe I have feared and fled from long.
30I have been afraid of my enemy and have avoided them for a long time.
XXIII. A Bow
My name is spelled AGOB with the order reversed.
My name is spelled AGOB with the order flipped.
I am marvelously fashioned and made for fighting.
I am wonderfully built and made for battle.
When I am bent and my bosom sends forth
When I am bent and my chest rises
Its poisoned stings, I straightway prepare
Its poisoned stings, I prepare immediately
5 My deadly darts to deal afar.
5 My lethal darts for long-range strikes.
As soon as my master, who made me for torment,
As soon as my master, who made me for suffering,
Loosens my limbs, my length is increased
Loosens my limbs, my height has increased
Till I vomit the venom with violent motions,
Till I throw up the poison with violent movements,
The swift-killing poison I swallowed before.
The fast-acting poison I swallowed before.
10 Not any man shall make his escape,
No one will escape,
Not one that I spoke of shall speed from the fight,
Not one that I mentioned will flee from the battle,
If there falls on him first what flies from my belly.
If what escapes from my belly hits him first.
He pays with his strength for the poisonous drink,
He pays with his strength for the harmful drink,
For the fatal cup which forfeits his life.
For the deadly cup that costs him his life.
15 Except when fettered fast, I am useless.
15Unless I’m tied down I’m totally no good.
Unbound I shall fail. Now find out my name.
Unbound, I will fail. Now find out my name.
XXVI. A Bible
A stern destroyer struck out my life,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ cut from my life,
Deprived me of power; he put me to soak,
Deprived me of power; he left me hanging,
Dipped me in water, dried me again,
Dunked me in water, then dried me off again,
And set me in the sun, where I straightway lost
And put me in the sun, where I quickly lost
5 The hairs that I had. Then the hard edge
5The hair I had. Then the hard edge
Of the keen knife cut me and cleansed me of soil;
Of the sharp knife cut me and cleaned me of dirt;
Then fingers folded me. The fleet quill of the bird
Then fingers folded me. The swift wings of the bird
With speedy drops spread tracks often
With fast drops spread tracks often
Over the brown surface, swallowed the tree-dye,
Over the brown surface, swallowed the tree dye,
10 A deal of the stream, stepped again on me,
10The stream flowed, stepped back onto me,
Traveled a black track. With protecting boards
Traveled a dark path. With guardrails
Then a crafty one covered me, enclosed me with hide,
Then a clever one covered me, wrapped me in leather,
Made me gorgeous with gold. Hence I am glad and rejoice
Made me beautiful with gold. I’m happy and celebrating.
At the smith’s fair work with its wondrous adornments.
At the blacksmith's fair, working with its stunning decorations.
15 Now may these rich trappings, and the red dye’s tracings,
15Now may these lavish decorations, and the markings of the red dye,
And all works of wisdom spread wide the fame
And all acts of wisdom share the fame
Of the Sovereign of nations! Read me not as a penance!
Of the Sovereign of nations! Don't see this as a punishment!
If the children of men will cherish and use me,
If people will appreciate and utilize me,
They shall be safer and sounder and surer of victory,
They will be safer and more secure and more sure of victory.
20 More heroic of heart and happier in spirit,
20 More brave and happy,
More unfailing in wisdom. More friends shall they have,
More reliable in wisdom. They'll have more friends.
Dear and trusty, and true and good,
Dear and loyal, and real and kind,
And faithful always, whose honors and riches
And always loyal, whose achievements and riches
Shall increase with their love, and who cover their friends
Shall increase with their love, and support their friends
25 With kindness and favors and clasp them fast
25With kindness and favors and hold them close
With loving arms. I ask how men call me
With loving arms. I ask how guys refer to me.
Who aid them in need. My name is far famed.
Who helps them in need. I have a popular name.
I am helpful to men, and am holy myself.
I’m helpful to people, and I'm holy too.
XLV. Dough
In a corner I heard a curious weak thing
In a corner, I heard a curious fragile thing
Swelling and sounding and stirring its cover.
Swelling and making noise and adjusting its cover.
On that boneless body a beautiful woman
On that lifeless body a stunning woman
Laid hold with her hands; the high-swelled thing
Laid hold with her hands; the swollen thing
She covered with a cloth, the clever lord’s daughter.
She covered with a cloth, the smart lord's daughter.
XLVII. A Bookworm
A moth ate a word. To me that seemed
A moth ate a word. That seemed to me
A curious happening when I heard of that wonder,
A curious event When I heard about that wonder,
That a worm should swallow the word of a man,
That a worm should swallow someone's words,
A thief in the dark eat a thoughtful discourse
A thief in the dark has a heartfelt talk
5 And the strong base it stood on. He stole, but he was not
5And the solid foundation it was built on. He took it, but he wasn’t
A whit the wiser when the word had been swallowed.
A bit wiser after the word was accepted.
LX. A Reed
I stood on the strand to the sea-cliffs near,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ to the nearby sea cliffs,
Hard by the billows. To the home of my birth
Hard by the waves. To the place where I was born
Fast was I fixed. Few indeed are there
Fast was I fixed. Few there are
Of men who have ever at any time
Of men who have ever anytime
5 Beheld my home in the hard waste-land.
5I saw my home in the barren wasteland.
In the brown embrace of the billows and waves
In the brown embrace of the waves and swells
I was locked each dawn. Little I dreamed
I was locked up every morning. I barely dreamed
That early or late I ever should
That early or late I should ever
With men at the mead-feast mouthless speak forth
With men at the mead feast silent voices speak out
10 Words of wisdom. It is a wondrous thing,
10Words of wisdom. It's an amazing thing,
And strange to the sight when one sees it first
And it's strange to see when you see it for the first time
That the edge of a knife and the active hand
That the edge of a knife and the engaged hand
And wit of the earl who wields the blade
And the cleverness of the earl who wields the sword
Should bring it about that I bear unto thee
Should make it so that I present to you
15 A secret message, meant for thee only,
A secret message, just for you,
Boldly announce it, so that no other man
Boldly announce it, so that no other guy
May speak our secrets or spread them abroad.
May share our secrets or distribute them.
EXETER GNOMES
[Critical edition: Blanche Colton Williams, Gnomic Poetry in Anglo-Saxon, New York, 1914.
[Critical edition: Blanche Colton Williams, Gnomic Poetry in Anglo-Saxon, New York, 1914.
There are two sets of gnomes or proverbs in Old English. The Exeter collection, from which these are taken, consists of three groups. The second group, which contains the justly popular lines about the Frisian wife, is typical of the whole set.]
There are two collections of gnomes or proverbs in Old English. The Exeter collection, from which these are taken, has three groups. The second group, which includes the well-known lines about the Frisian wife, is representative of the entire set.
Group II
All frost shall freeze, fire consume wood,
All frost will freeze, fire will burn wood,
Earth grow its fruits. Ice shall bridge water,
Earth produces its fruits. Ice will join the water,
Which shall carry its cover and cunningly lock
Which will have its cover and smartly lock
75 The herbs of earth. One only shall loose
75The herbs of the earth. Only one will be set free.
The fetter of frost, the Father Almighty.
The grip of frost, the Almighty Father.
Winter shall away, the weather be fair,
Winter will pass, the weather will be nice,
The sun hot in summer. The sea shall be restless.
The sun is hot in summer. The ocean will be restless.
The deep way of death is the darkest of secrets.
The deep way of death is the deepest secret.
80 Holly flames on the fire. Afar shall be scattered
80Holly flames on the fire. From afar, they will be scattered.
The goods of a dead man. Glory is best.
The possessions of a deceased person. Honor is everything.
A king shall with cups secure his queen,
A king will use cups to hold onto his queen,
Buy her with bracelets. Both shall at first
Buy her with bracelets. Both shall at the beginning
Be generous with gifts. Then shall grow in the man
Be generous with gifts. Then the person will grow
85 The pride of war, and his wife shall prosper,
85The pride of war, and his wife will thrive,
Cherished by the folk; cheerful of mood,
Cherished by the people; in a good mood,
She shall keep all counsel and in kindness of heart
She will keep all advice and with a warm heart
Give horses and treasure; before the train of heroes
Give horses and treasure; before the hero team
With full measure of mead on many occasions
With a full measure of mead often
90 She shall lovingly greet her gracious lord,
90She will warmly greet her kind master,
Shall hold the cup high and hand him to drink
Shall raise the cup high and let him drink it
Like a worthy wife. Wisely shall counsel
Like a respectable wife. She will give great advice.
The two who hold their home together.
The two who share their home together.
The ship shall be nailed, the shield be bound,
The ship will be fixed, the shield will be locked,
95 The light linden-wood.
The light linden wood.
When he lands in the haven,
When he gets to the harbor,
To the Frisian wife is the welcome one dear:
To the Frisian wife is the welcome one, dear:
The boat is at hand and her bread-winner home,
The boat is nearby and her provider is home,
Her own provider. She invites him in
Her own provider. She lets him in
And washes his sea-stained garments and gives him new ones to wear:
And washes his sea-stained clothes and gives him new ones to wear:
100 It is pleasant on land when the loved one awaits you.
100It feels nice on land when your loved one is waiting for you.
Woman shall be wedded to man, and her wickedness oft shall disgrace him;
Woman shall be married to man, and her mistakes will often embarrass him;
Some are firm in their faith, some forward and curious
Some are strong in their faith, some bold and curious
And shall love a stranger while their lord is afar.
And will love someone else while their partner is gone.
A sailor is long on his course, but his loved one awaits his coming,
A sailor is far along his journey, but his loved one is waiting for him to come back,
105 Abides what can not be controlled, for the time will come at last
105Accepts what cannot be controlled, for the time will eventually arrive
For his home return, if his health permit, and the heaving waters
For his return home, if his health allows, and the rising waters
High over his head do not hold him imprisoned.
High over his head don't keep him confined.
THE FATES OF MEN
[Text: Grein-Wülcker, Bibliothek der Angelsächischen Poesie, iii, 148. The poem is typical of a large group of Old English poems which give well-known sayings or proverbs. Other poems of this group are The Gifts of Men, The Wonders of Creation, A Father’s Instructions to His Son, and the like.]
[Text: Grein-Wülcker, Library of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, iii, 148. The poem is typical of a large group of Old English poems that present well-known sayings or proverbs. Other poems in this group include The Gifts of Men, The Wonders of Creation, A Father's Instructions to His Son, and similar works.]
Full often through the grace of God it happens
Full often through the grace God makes it happen
That man and wife to the world bring forth
That man and wife bring to the world
A babe by birth; they brightly adorn it,
A baby by birth; they decorate it beautifully,
And tend it and teach it till the time comes on
And take care of it and teach it until the time arrives
5 With the passing of years when the young child’s limbs
5As the years went by when the toddler's limbs
Have grown in strength and sturdy grace.
Have become stronger and more graceful.
It is fondled and fed by father and mother
It is cuddled and fed by mom and dad
And gladdened with gifts. God alone knows
And filled with joy from gifts. Only God knows.
What fate shall be his in the fast-moving years.
What fate awaits him in the rapid-paced years.
10 To one it chances in his childhood days
10 Sometimes it happens in childhood
To be snatched away by sudden death
To be taken away from sudden death
In woeful wise. The wolf shall devour him,
In a sad way. The wolf will eat him,
The hoary heath-dweller. Heart-sick with grief,
The old heath inhabitant. Heartbroken with grief,
His mother shall mourn him; but man cannot change it.
His mother will mourn him; but people can't change that.
15 One of hunger shall starve; one the storm shall drown.
15One will starve from hunger; one will be swept away by the storm.
One the spear shall pierce; one shall perish in war.
One will be pierced by the spear; someone will die in battle.
One shall lead his life without light in his eyes,
One should live his life without light in his eyes,
Shall feel his way fearing. Infirm in his step,
Shall feel his way with trepidation. Unsteady on his feet,
One his wounds shall bewail, his woeful pains—
One of his wounds will mourn, his awful pain—
20 Mournful in mind shall lament his fate.
20Feeling sorrowful, he will grieve his fate.
One from the top of a tree in the woods
One from the top of a tree in the forest
Without feathers shall fall, but he flies none the less,
Without feathers shall fall, but he still flies,
Swoops in descent till he seems no longer
Swoops down until he seems to vanish
The forest tree’s fruit: at its foot on the ground
The forest tree’s fruit: at the base on the ground
25 He sinks in silence, his soul departed—
25He sinks into silence, his soul is gone—
On the roots now lies his lifeless body.
On the roots now lies his dead body.
One shall fare afoot on far-away paths,
One will walk on distant paths,
Shall bear on his back his burdensome load,
Shall carry on his back his big burden,
Tread the dewy track among tribes unfriendly
Tread the damp path among hostile tribes
30 Amid foreign foemen. Few are alive
30 Among foreign enemies. Few are alive
To welcome the wanderer. The woeful face
To welcome the traveler. The sad expression
Of the hapless outcast is hateful to men.
Of the unfortunate outcast is disliked by people.
One shall end life on the lofty gallows;
One will end life on the tall gallows;
Dead shall he hang till the house of his soul,
Dead shall he hang to the home of his spirit,
35 His bloody body is broken and mangled:
35His bloody body is damaged and ruined:
His eyes shall be plucked by the plundering raven,
His eyes will be torn out by the stealing raven,
The sallow-hued spoiler, while soulless he lies,
The pale-colored spoiler, while he lies lifeless,
And helpless to fight with his hands in defense
And unable to defend himself using his hands
Against the grim thief. Gone is his life.
Against the grim thief. His life is finished.
40 With his skin plucked off and his soul departed,
40With his skin peeled away and his soul departed,
The body all bleached shall abide its fate;
The lifeless body will face its destiny;
The death-mist shall drown him— doomed to disgrace.
The death mist will overwhelm him— bound for shame.
The body of one shall burn on the fire;
The body of one will burn in the fire;
The flame shall feed on the fated man,
The flame will feed on the destined guy,
45 And death shall descend full sudden upon him
45And death will come suddenly at him
In the lurid glow. Loud weeps the mother
In the vivid glow. The mom cries out loudly
As her boy in the brands is burned to ashes.
As her boy in the brands is reduced to ashes.
One the sword shall slay as he sits in the mead-hall
One the sword shall slay as he sits in the gathering hall
Angry with ale; it shall end his life,
Angry with beer; it will take his life,
50 Wine-sated warrior: his words were too reckless!
50Drunken warrior: His words were way too careless!
One shall meet his death through the drinking of beer,
One will meet his death by having a beer.
Maddened with mead, when no measure he sets
Maddened with mead, when he has no boundaries
To the words of his mouth through wisdom of mind;
To the words he speaks with the wisdom of his intellect;
He shall lose his life in loathsome wise,
He will lose his life in a disgusting way,
55 Shall shamefully suffer, shut off from joy,
55Will shamefully suffer, cut off from happiness,
And men shall know him by the name of self-slayer,
And people will know him by the name of self-harm,
Shall deplore with their mouths the mead-drinker’s fall.
Shall mourn with their words the downfall of the mead drinker.
One his hardships of youth through the help of God
One of his hardships of youth with God's help
Overcomes and brings his burdens to naught,
Overcomes and makes his burdens pointless,
60 And his age when it comes shall be crowned with joy;
60And when he reaches that age, he will be filled with joy;
He shall prosper in pleasure, in plenty and wealth,
He will thrive in enjoyment, in plenty and wealth,
With flourishing family and flowing mead—
With thriving family and flowing mead—
For such worthy rewards may one well wish to live!
For such amazing rewards One might really want to live!
Thus many the fortunes the mighty Lord
Thus many the fortunes the powerful Lord
65 All over the earth to everyone grants,
65All around the world to everyone who gives,
Dispenses powers as his pleasure shall lead him.
Gives out powers as needed.
One is favored with fortune; one failure in life;
One is blessed with luck; a setback in life;
One pleasure in youth; one prowess in war,
One joy in youth; a skill in combat,
The sternest of strife; one in striking and shooting
The toughest battle; one involving hitting and shooting
70 Earns his honors. And often in games
70Earns his honors. And often in games
One is crafty and cunning. A clerk shall one be,
One is clever and sly. A clerk will be one,
Weighted with wisdom. Wonderful skill
Loaded with wisdom. Amazing skill
Is one granted to gain in the goldsmith’s art;
Is one allowed to gain in goldsmithing;
Full often he decks and adorns in glory
Full often he decks and shines in glory
75 A great king’s noble, who gives him rewards,
75A great king's noble, who gives him rewards,
Grants him broad lands, which he gladly receives.
Grants him vast lands, which he gladly accepts.
One shall give pleasure to people assembled
One should bring joy to everyone gathered
On the benches at beer, shall bring to them mirth,
On the benches with drinks, will make them happy,
Where drinkers are draining their draughts of joy.
Where drinkers are enjoying their happiness drinks.
80 One holding his harp in his hands, at the feet
80One holding his harp in his hands, at his feet
Of his lord shall sit and receive a reward;
Of his lord shall sit and get a reward;
Fast shall his fingers fly o’er the strings;
Fast shall his fingers fly over the strings;
Daringly dancing and darting across,
Daredevil dancing and darting across,
With his nails he shall pluck them. His need is great.
With his nails, he will pluck them. His need is significant.
85 One shall make tame the towering falcon,
85 One shall tame the giant falcon,
The hawk on his hand, till the haughty bird
The hawk on his hand, until the proud bird
Grows quiet and gentle; jesses he makes him,
Grows quiet and gentle; he makes his own jesses,
Feeds in fetters the feather-proud hawk,
Feeds in chains the feather-proud hawk,
The daring air-treader with daintiest morsels,
The bold skywalker with the tiniest bites,
90 Till the falcon performs the feeder’s will:
90Until the falcon does the feeder's intention:
Hooded and belled, he obeys his master,
Hooded and bell-adorned, he follows his boss's orders,
Tamed and trained as his teacher desires.
Tamed and trained the way his teacher prefers.
Thus in wondrous wise the Warden of Glory
Thus in an amazing way the Guardian of Glory
Through every land has allotted to men
Through every land has assigned to men
95 Cunning and craft; his decrees go forth
95 Cleverness and skill; he's given orders
To all men on earth of every race.
To all men on earth of all races.
For the graces granted let us give him thanks—
For the blessings we've received let's thank him—
For his manifold mercies to the men of earth.
For his many blessings to the people of the world.
3. ELEGIAC GROUP
THE WANDERER
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch. It is also given in Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader.
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch. It is also given in Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader.
Alliterative translations: Edward Fulton, Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, vol. xii (1898); Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, p. 65.
Alliterative translations: Edward Fulton, Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, vol. xii (1898); Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, p. 65.
Lines 77 ff. and 101 ff. have been compared to a passage in Keats’s Hyperion (book ii, 34-38).]
Lines 77 ff. and 101 ff. have been compared to a passage in Keats’s Hyperion (book ii, 34-38).
Often the lonely one longs for honors,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the lonely one seeks recognition,
The grace of God, though, grieved in his soul,
The grace of God, however, troubled his mind,
Over the waste of the waters far and wide he shall
Over the waste of the waters far and wide he will
Row with his hands through the rime-cold sea,
Row with his hands through the icy sea,
5 Travel the exile tracks: full determined is fate!
5Follow the paths of exile: fate is completely predetermined!
So the wanderer spake, his woes remembering,
So the wanderer spoke, reflecting on his troubles,
His misfortunes in fighting and the fall of his kinsmen:
His troubles in battle and the loss of his relatives:
“Often alone at early dawn
“Frequently alone at early dawn
I make my moan! Not a man now lives
I complain! No man is alive now.
10 To whom I can speak forth my heart and soul
10To whom can I express my heart and soul
And tell of its trials. In truth I know well
And share its challenges. Honestly, I know well
That there belongs to a lord an illustrious trait,
That belongs to a lord an impressive quality,
To fetter his feelings fast in his breast,
To hide his feelings deep inside,
To keep his own counsel though cares oppress him.
To keep his own thoughts to himself even though worries are weighing him down.
15 The weary in heart against Wyrd has no help
15The tired in spirit against __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ has no backing
Nor may the troubled in thought attempt to get aid.
Nor may those who are troubled in thought ask for help.
Therefore the thane who is thinking of glory
Therefore the thane who is thinking about success
Binds in his breast his bitterest thoughts.
Binds in his chest his angriest thoughts.
So I fasten with fetters, confine in my breast
So I bind with chains, trap in my heart
20 My sorrows of soul, though sick oft at heart,
20My heart is heavy with sorrow, even though it often feels unwell.
In a foreign country far from my kinsmen.
In a foreign country away from my family.
I long ago laid my loyal patron
I long ago laid my loyal supporter
In sorrow under the sod; since then I have gone
In grief beneath the ground; Since then, I've moved on.
Weary with winter-care over the wave’s foamy track,
Weary from winter's burden across the wave's bubbly path,
25 In sadness have sought a solace to find
25In sadness have sought a way to feel comfort
In the home and the hall of a host and ring-giver,
In the home and the hall of a host and gift giver,
Who, mindful of mercy in the mead-hall free,
Who, keeping mercy in mind, in the open mead-hall,
In kindness would comfort and care for me friendless,
In kindness, would comfort and take care of me, all by myself,
Would treat me with tenderness. The tried man knows
Would treat me with kindness. The knowledgeable person understands
30 How stern is sorrow, how distressing a comrade
30How harsh is sorrow, how unsettling a partner
For him who has few of friends and loved ones:
For someone who has few friends and family:
He trails the track of the exile; no treasure he has,
He follows the path of the exile; he has no wealth,
But heart-chilling frost— no fame upon earth.
But bone-chilling frost— no fame on Earth.
He recalls his comrades and the costly hall-gifts
He remembers his friends and the costly gifts from the hall
35 Of his gracious gold-friend, which he gave him in youth
35Of his generous gold-friend, which he gave him when he was younger
To expend as he pleased: his pleasure has vanished!
To spend as he wanted: he's lost his enjoyment!
He who lacks for long his lord’s advice,
He who goes without his lord’s advice for too long,
His love and his wisdom, learns full well
His love and his wisdom, knows very well
How sorrow and slumber soothe together
How sadness and sleep soothe together
40 The way-worn wanderer to welcome peace.
The exhausted traveler to welcome peace.
He seems in his sleep to see his lord;
He appears to see his lord in his sleep;
He kisses and clasps him, and inclines on his knee
He kisses him and holds him close, and leans on his knee
His hands and his head as in happier days
His hands and his head as in better times
When he experienced the pleasure of his prince’s favors.
When he felt the joy of his prince's favors.
45 From his sleep then awakens the sorrowful wanderer;
45Then the sorrowful wanderer awakens from his sleep;
He sees full before him the fallow waves,
He sees clearly in front of him the deserted waves,
The sea-birds bathing and beating their wings,
The seagulls splashing around and flapping their wings,
Frost and snow falling with freezing hail.
Frost and snow falling with freezing hail.
Then heavier grows the grief of his heart,
Then the grief in his heart becomes heavier,
50 Sad after his dream; he sorrows anew.
50Feeling sad after his dream; he grieves again.
His kinsmen’s memory he calls to his mind,
His relatives' memory he remembers,
And eagerly greets it; in gladness he sees
And eagerly welcomes it; he happily sees
His valiant comrades. Then they vanish away.
His courageous friends. Then they vanish.
In the soul of a sailor no songs burst forth,
In the heart of a sailor no songs emerge,
55 No familiar refrains. Fresh is his care
55No familiar tunes. His concern is recent.
Who sends his soul o’er the sea full oft,
Who often sends his soul over the sea,
Over the welling waves his wearied heart.
Over the rising waves his weary heart.
Hence I may not marvel, when I am mindful of life,
Hence I can't be surprised, when I think about life,
That my sorrowing soul grows sick and dark,
That my grieving soul grows ill and gloomy,
60 When I look at the lives of lords and earls,
60When I consider the lives of lords and earls,
How they are suddenly snatched from the seats of their power,
How they are suddenly taken from their positions of authority,
In their princely pride. So passes this world,
In their royal arrogance. That's how the world works,
And droops and dies each day and hour;
And it droops and dies every day, every hour;
And no man is sage who knows not his share
And no man is wise who doesn't know their part
65 Of winter in the world. The wise man is patient,
65Of winter in the world. A wise person is calm,
Not too hot in his heart, nor too hasty in words,
Not too warm-hearted, nor too quick to respond,
Nor too weak in war, nor unwise in his rashness,
Nor too weak in battle, nor naive in his impulsiveness,
Nor too forward nor fain, nor fearful of death,
Nor too eager nor hesitant, nor afraid of dying,
Nor too eager and arrogant till he equal his boasting.
Nor too eager and arrogant until he backs up his bragging.
70 The wise man will wait with his words of boasting
70The wise person will hold off about boasting
Till, restraining his thoughts, he thoroughly knows
Till, holding back his thoughts, he totally gets it
Where his vain words of vaunting eventually will lead him.
Where his boastful words will eventually lead him.
The sage man perceives how sorrowful it is
The wise man sees how sad that is
When all the wealth of the world lies wasted and scattered.
When all the wealth of the world is wasted and spread out.
75 So now over the earth in every land
75So now across the earth everywhere
Stormed on by winds the walls are standing
Stormed by the winds, the walls are still up
Rimy with hoar-frost, and the roofs of the houses;
Rimed with frost, and the rooftops of the houses;
The wine-halls are wasted; far away are the rulers,
The wine halls are empty; the leaders are far away,
Deprived of their pleasure. All the proud ones have fallen,
Deprived of their pleasure. All the proud have fallen.
80 The warriors by the wall: some war has borne off,
80The soldiers by the wall: some war has taken them away,
In its bloody embrace; some birds have carried
In its bloody grasp; some birds have delivered
Over the high seas; to some the hoar wolf
Over the high seas; to some, the gray wolf
Has dealt their death; some with dreary faces
Has dealt their death; some with sad faces
By earls have been exiled in earth-caves to dwell:
By earls have been exiled in caves on Earth to live:
85 So has wasted this world through the wisdom of God,
85So has wasted this world through God's wisdom,
Till the proud one’s pleasure has perished utterly,
Till the proud one's joy has completely disappeared,
And the old work of the giants stands worthless and joyless.
And the old work of the giants stands idle and discontent.
He who the waste of this wall-stead wisely considers,
He who wisely thinks about the waste of this wall-stead,
And looks down deep at the darkness of life,
And gazes deeply into the depths of life,
90 Mournful in mind, remembers of old
90 Mournful in mind, nostalgic
Much struggle and spoil and speaks these words:
Much struggle and spoil and says this:
‘Where are the horses? Where are the heroes?
‘Where are the horses? Where are the heroes?
Where are the high treasure-givers?
Where are the top donors?
Where are the proud pleasure-seekers? Where are the palace and its joys?
Where are the proud pleasure-seekers? Where is the palace and all its wonders?
Alas the bright wine-cup! Alas the burnie-warriors!
Alas, the bright wine cup! Sadly, the fierce fighters!
95 Alas the prince’s pride! How passes the time
95Oh, the prince’s pride! How fast time flies
Under the shadow of night as it never had been!
Under the cover of night like it never was!
Over the trusty troop now towers full high
Over the reliable group now stands strong
A wall adorned with wondrous dragons.
A wall covered with amazing dragons.
The strength of the spear has destroyed the earls,
The power of the spear has beaten the earls,
100 War-greedy weapons, Wyrd inexorable;
100 War-hungry weapons, Fate unstoppable;
And the storms strike down on the stony cliffs;
And the storms hit the rocky cliffs
The snows descend and seize all the earth
The snow falls and covers the entire area
In the dread of winter; then darkness comes
In the fear of winter; then darkness falls
And dusky night-shade. Down from the north
And dark nightshade. Coming from the north
105 The hated hail-storms beat on heroes with fury.
105The dreaded hailstorms attack the heroes with anger.
All on earth is irksome to man;
All on earth is annoying to people;
Oft changes the work of the fates, the world under the firmament.
Oftentimes, the fates change their work, the world under the skies.
Here treasure is fleeting; here true friends are fleeting;
Here, treasure is temporary; here, true friends are fleeting;
Here comrades are fleeting; here kinsmen are fleeting.
Here, friends are temporary; family is temporary here.
110 All idle and empty the earth has become.’
110All useless and vacant the earth has become.
So says the sage one in mind, as he sits and secretly ponders.
So says the wise one in thought, as he sits and thinks quietly.
Good is the man who is true to his trust; never should he betray anger,
Good is the man who is true to his word; he should never give in to anger,
Divulge the rage of his heart till the remedy he knows
Divulge the anger in his heart until he discovers the solution he already knows
That quickly will quiet his spirit. The quest of honor is a noble pursuit;
That will quickly calm his spirit. The pursuit of honor is an admirable journey;
115 Glory be to God on high, who grants us our salvation!”
115Praise be to God in the highest, who brings us our salvation!”
THE SEAFARER
[Edition used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
[Edition used: Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.
Up to line 65 this is one of the finest specimens of Anglo-Saxon poetry. It expresses as few poems in English have done the spirit of adventure, the wanderlust of springtime. The author was a remarkable painter of the sea and its conditions. From line 65 to the end the poem consists of a very tedious homily that must surely be a later addition.
Up to line 65, this is one of the best examples of Anglo-Saxon poetry. It captures, like few English poems do, the spirit of adventure and the wanderlust of spring. The author was an exceptional observer of the sea and its conditions. From line 65 to the end, the poem is made up of a rather dull sermon that must have been added later.
The use of the first person throughout and the opposing sentiments expressed have caused several scholars to consider the first part of the poem a dialogue between a young man eager to go to sea and an old sailor. The divisions of the speeches suggested have been as follows:
The use of the first person throughout and the contrasting feelings expressed have led several scholars to view the first part of the poem as a conversation between a young man excited to go to sea and an old sailor. The suggested divisions of the speeches are as follows:
| (By Hönncher) | (By Kluge) | (By Rieger) |
| 1-33a Sailor | 1-33 Sailor | 1-38a Sailor |
| 33b-38 Youth | 34-64 or 66 Youth | 33b-38 Youth |
| 39-43 Sailor | 39-47 Sailor | |
| 44-52 Youth | 48-52 Youth | |
| 53-57 Sailor | 53-57 Sailor | |
| 58-64a Youth | 58-71 Youth | |
| 71-end Sailor |
Sweet, in his Anglo-Saxon Reader, objects to these theories since there are not only no headings or divisions in the manuscript to indicate such divisions, but there are no breaks or contrasts in the poem itself.
Sweet, in his Anglo-Saxon Reader, disagrees with these theories because there are no headings or divisions in the manuscript to suggest such separations, and there are also no breaks or contrasts within the poem itself.
“If we discard these theories,” he says, “the simplest view of the poem is that it is the monologue of an old sailor who first describes the hardships of the seafaring life, and then confesses its irresistible attraction, which he justifies, as it were, by drawing a parallel between the seafarer’s contempt for the luxuries of the life on land on the one hand and the aspirations of a spiritual nature on the other, of which the sea bird is to him the type. In dwelling on these ideals the poet loses sight of the seafarer and his half-heathen associations, and as inevitably rises to a contemplation of the cheering hopes of a future life afforded by Christianity.”
“If we ignore these theories,” he says, “the simplest interpretation of the poem is that it’s the monologue of an old sailor who first talks about the struggles of life at sea and then admits to its irresistible pull. He justifies this, in a way, by comparing the sailor’s disdain for the comforts of life on land with the spiritual aspirations he has, which he sees embodied in the sea bird. As the poet focuses on these ideals, he loses sight of the sailor and his somewhat pagan connections, and inevitably begins to reflect on the uplifting hopes of an afterlife presented by Christianity.”
The dullness and obscurity of the last part of the poem, however, and the obvious similarity to the homilies of the time make it very unlikely that the whole poem was written by one author.]
The dullness and obscurity of the last part of the poem, however, and the obvious similarity to the sermons of the time make it very unlikely that the entire poem was written by one author.
I will sing of myself a song that is true,
I will sing about myself a genuine song,
Tell of my travels and troublesome days,
Tell about my travels and tough days,
How often I endured days of hardship;
How often I went through rough days;
Bitter breast-care I have borne as my portion,
Bitter breast-care I have put up with my fair share,
5 Have seen from my ship sorrowful shores,
5I've seen from my ship sad shores,
Awful welling of waves; oft on watch I have been
Awful swell of waves; I have frequently been on alert.
On the narrow night-wakes at the neck of the ship,
On the narrow night-wakes at the front of the ship,
When it crashed into cliffs; with cold often pinched
When it crashed into the cliffs; with the cold often biting
Were my freezing feet, by frost bound tight
Were my freezing feet, frozen solid
10 In its blighting clutch; cares then burned me,
10In its destructive grip; worries then haunted me,
Hot around my heart. Hunger tore within
Hot around my heart. Hunger gnawed inside
My sea-weary soul. To conceive this is hard
My tired soul from the sea. It's tough to picture this.
For the landsman who lives on the lonely shore—
For the person living on the deserted beach—
How, sorrowful and sad on a sea ice-cold,
How, sorrowful and sad on a frigid sea ice,
15 I eked out my exile through the awful winter
15I managed to get by during my exile through the brutal winter
. . . . . . . . deprived of my kinsmen,
. . . . . . . . cut off from my family,
Hung about by icicles; hail flew in showers.
Hung around by icicles; hail fell in bursts.
There I heard naught but the howl of the sea,
There I heard nothing but the roar of the ocean,
The ice-cold surge with a swan-song at times;
The freezing rush with a final goodbye sometimes;
20 The note of the gannet for gayety served me,
20The gannet's call Being cheerful was beneficial to me,
The sea-bird’s song for sayings of people,
The sea-bird's song about what folks say,
For the mead-drink of men the mew’s sad note.
For the mead-drink of men the cat's sad meow.
Storms beat on the cliffs, ’mid the cry of gulls,
Storms crash against the cliffs, among the gulls' cries,
Icy of feather; and the eagle screamed,
Icy like feathers; and the eagle shrieked,
25 The dewy-winged bird. No dear friend comes
25The bird with dewy wings. No dear friend is coming
With merciful kindness my misery to conquer.
With merciful kindness to overcome my sadness.
Of this little can he judge who has joy in his life,
Of this little can he judge who finds happiness in their life,
And, settled in the city, is sated with wine,
And, settled in the city, is happy with wine,
And proud and prosperous— how painful it is
And proud and prosperous— how painful it feels
30 When I wearily wander on the waves full oft!
30When I tiredly drift on the waves so frequently!
Night shadows descended; it snowed from the north;
Night fell; it snowed from the north;
The world was fettered with frost; hail fell to the earth,
The world was covered in frost; hail fell to the ground,
The coldest of corns.
The iciest of corns.
Yet course now desires
But the course now desires
Which surge in my heart for the high seas,
Which surge in my heart for the open sea,
35 That I test the terrors of the tossing waves;
35That I face the fears of the crashing waves;
My soul constantly kindles in keenest impatience
My soul is always ignited in intense impatience.
To fare itself forth and far off hence
To set itself out and far from here
To seek the strands of stranger tribes.
To find the connections of unfamiliar groups.
There is no one in this world so o’erweening in power,
There is no one in this world so cocky with power,
40 So good in his giving, so gallant in his youth,
40He was so generous in his giving, so fearless in his youth,
So daring in his deeds, so dear to his lord,
So bold in his actions, so valued by his lord,
But that he leaves the land and longs for the sea.
But he leaves the land and yearns for the sea.
By the grace of God he will gain or lose;
By the grace of God he will win or lose;
Nor hearkens he to harp nor has heart for gift-treasures,
Nor does he listen to the harp nor does it have any interest in gift-treasures,
45 Nor in the wiles of a wife nor in the world rejoices.
45Neither in the tricks of a wife nor in the world's happiness.
Save in the welling of waves no whit takes he pleasure;
Save in the sound of the waves, he takes no pleasure at all;
But he ever has longing who is lured by the sea.
But he always has a longing who is drawn to the sea.
The forests are in flower and fair are the hamlets;
The forests are blooming the villages are stunning;
The woods are in bloom, the world is astir:
The woods are in bloom, the world is buzzing
50 Everything urges one eager to travel,
50 Everything urges someone eager to travel,
Sends the seeker of seas afar
Sends the seeker of distant seas
To try his fortune on the terrible foam.
To try his luck on the treacherous waves.
The cuckoo warns in its woeful call;
The cuckoo warns with its sorrowful call;
The summer-ward sings, sorrow foretelling,
The summer bird sings, sorrow foretelling,
55 Heavy to the heart. Hard is it to know
55Heavy on the heart. It's hard to understand.
For the man of pleasure, what many with patience
For the thrill-seeker, what many endure
Endure who dare the dangers of exile!
Endure those who dare the risks of exile!
In my bursting breast now burns my heart,
In my racing heart now ignites my heart,
My spirit sallies over the sea-floods wide,
My spirit soars over the wide sea-floods,
60 Sails o’er the waves, wanders afar
60 Sails over the waves, wanders afar
To the bounds of the world and back at once,
To the ends of the earth and come back right away,
Eagerly, longingly; the lone flyer beckons
Eagerly, longingly; the lone flyer calls
My soul unceasingly to sail o’er the whale-path,
My soul constantly sails over the whale route,
Over the waves of the sea.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the ocean waves.
THE WIFE’S LAMENT
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch, p. 146.
Kluge, *Anglo-Saxon Reader*, p. 146.
The meaning of some parts of this poem is very obscure—especially lines 18-21 and 42-47. No satisfactory explanation of them has been given. There is probably no relation except in general theme between it and The Husband’s Message.]
The meaning of some parts of this poem is quite unclear—especially lines 18-21 and 42-47. No satisfactory explanation has been provided for them. There’s likely no connection except in general theme between it and The Husband’s Message.
Sorrowfully I sing my song of woe,
Saddened, I sing my sad song,
My tale of trials. In truth I may say
My story of struggles. Honestly, I can say
That the buffets I have borne since my birth in the world
That the hardships I've faced since I was born into this world
Were never more than now, either new or old.
Were never more than now, either new or old.
5 Ever the evils of exile I endure!
5I'm still facing the hardships of being in exile!
Long since went my lord from the land of his birth,
Long ago, my lord left the land where he was born,
Over the welling waves. Woeful at dawn I asked
Over the rising waves. Sad at dawn, I asked
Where lingers my lord, in what land does he dwell?
Where is my lord, In which country does he live?
Then I fared into far lands and faithfully sought him,
Then I traveled to distant lands and searched for him tirelessly,
10 A weary wanderer in want of comfort.
10A tired traveler seeking comfort.
His treacherous tribesmen contrived a plot,
His treacherous tribesmen had a plot,
Dark and dastardly, to drive us apart
Dark and evil, to separate us
The width of a world, where with weary hearts
The width of a world, where with weary hearts
We live in loneliness, and longing consumes me.
We live in loneliness, and desire eats away at me.
15 My master commanded me to make my home here.
15My boss told me to settle here.
Alas, in this land my loved ones are few,
Alas, in this land my circle is small,
My faithful friends! Hence I feel great sorrow
My loyal friends! I feel deep sadness.
That the man well-matched with me I have found
That the man who complements me well, I have found.
To be sad in soul and sorrowful in mind,
To feel sad in spirit and deep in thought,
20 Concealing his thoughts and thinking of murder,
20 Hiding his thoughts and plotting murder,
Though blithe in his bearing. Oft we bound us by oath
Though carefree in his demeanor. We often limit ourselves by making promises.
That the day of our death should draw us apart,
That the day of our death should drive us apart,
Nothing less end our love. Alas, all is changed!
Nothing can end our love. Sadly, everything has changed!
Now is as naught, as if never it were,
Now is nothing, like it never existed,
25 Our faith and our friendship. Far and near I shall
25Our belief and our friendship. Whether nearby or far away, I will __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Endure the hate of one dear to my heart!
Endure the hate from someone I care about!
He condemned me to dwell in a darksome wood,
He sentenced me to live in a dark forest,
Under an oak-tree in an earth-cave drear.
Under an oak tree in a dark underground cave.
Old is the earth-hall. I am anxious with longing.
Old is the earth-hall. I feel a strong yearning.
30 Dim are the dales, dark the hills tower,
30The valleys are dim, the hills look dark,
Bleak the tribe-dwellings, with briars entangled,
Bleak the tribe homes, with briars entangled,
Unblessed abodes. Here bitterly I have suffered
Unblessed homes. I've been through a lot.
The faring of my lord afar. Friends there are on earth
The journey of my lord far away. There are friends on Earth.
Living in love, in lasting bliss,
Living in love, in lasting bliss,
35 While, wakeful at dawn, I wander alone
35While I’m awake at dawn, I roam solo
Under the oak-tree the earth-cave near.
Under the oak tree the earth cave nearby.
Sadly I sit there the summer-long day,
Sadly I sit there the all-day summer,
Wearily weeping my woeful exile,
Tiredly crying over my sad exile,
My many miseries. Hence I may not ever
My many struggles. So I might never know.
40 Cease my sorrowing, my sad bewailing,
40 Stop my sorrow, my sad crying,
Nor all the longings of my life of woe.
Nor all the longings of my life of sorrow.
Always may the young man be mournful of spirit,
Always may the young man feel heartbroken,
Unhappy of heart, and have as his portion
Unhappy at heart, and have as his portion
Many sorrows of soul, unceasing breast-cares,
Many sorrows of the soul, endless worries.
45 Though now blithe of behavior. Unbearable likewise
45Even though they seem carefree now. Equally unbearable
Be his joys in the world. Wide be his exile
Be his joys in the world. May his exile be extensive
To far-away folk-lands where my friend sits alone,
To distant lands where my friend is sitting by themself,
A stranger under stone-cliffs, by storm made hoary,
A stranger under stone cliffs, made pale by the storm,
A weary-souled wanderer, by waters encompassed,
A tired wanderer, surrounded by water,
50 In his lonely lodging. My lover endures
50In his solitary room. My partner has a hard time
Unmeasured mind-care: he remembers too oft
Unmeasured mind-care: he remembers too often
A happier home. To him is fate cruel
A happier home. Fate is harsh on him
Who lingers and longs for the loved one’s return!
Who waits and wishes for their loved one's comeback!
THE HUSBAND’S MESSAGE
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.
The piece of wood on which the message is written speaks throughout the poem. It is impossible to tell whether the sender of the message is husband or lover of the woman addressed.
The piece of wood that the message is written on speaks throughout the poem. It's impossible to tell whether the sender of the message is the woman's husband or lover.
Some scholars consider the riddle on “The Reed,” number LX, as the true beginning of this poem. It precedes the “Message” in the manuscript. Hicketeir (Anglia, xi, 363) thinks that it does not belong with that riddle, but that it is itself a riddle. He cites the Runes, in lines 51-2, especially as evidence. Trautmann (Anglia xvi, 207) thinks that it is part of a longer poem, in which the puzzling relation would be straightened out.]
Some scholars see the riddle on “The Reed,” number LX as the true start of this poem. It comes before the "Message" in the manuscript. Hicketeir (Anglia, xi, 363) believes it doesn't belong with that riddle but is a riddle on its own. He references the Runes in lines 51-2 as evidence. Trautmann (Anglia xvi, 207) thinks it’s part of a longer poem, where the confusing relationship would be clarified.
First I shall freely confide to you
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ I'll openly share with you
The tale of this tablet of wood. As a tree I grew up
The story of this wooden tablet. I grew up like a tree.
Frequently thence to foreign lands
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ then to foreign lands
Full oft on the bosom of a boat I have dwelt,
Full often on the side of a boat I've stayed,
Fared over the foam a friend to see,
Fared over the foam to visit a friend,
Wherever my master on a mission sent me,
Wherever my master sent me on a quest,
10 Over the crest of the wave. I am come here to you
10Over the crest of the wave. I'm here to talk to you.
On the deck of a ship and in duty inquire
On the deck of a ship and on duty ask
How now in your heart you hold and cherish
How now in your heart you value and treasure
The love of my lord. Loyalty unwavering
The love of my lord. Unshakeable loyalty
I affirm without fear you will find in his heart.
I boldly assure you you'll find in his heart.
15 The maker of this message commands me to bid thee,
15The person who sent this message tells me to ask you,
O bracelet-adorned one, to bring to thy mind
O bracelet-wearing one, to remind you
And impress on thy heart the promises of love
And instill in your heart the promises of love
That ye two in the old days often exchanged
That you two in the old days frequently swapped
While at home in your halls unharmed you might still
While at home in your halls you might still be safe
20 Live in the land, love one another,
20Live in the land, care for one another,
Dwell in the same country. He was driven by feud
Dwell in the same country. He was driven by conflict.
From the powerful people. He prays now, most earnestly
From the powerful people. He prays now, very sincerely.
That you learn with delight you may launch on the sea-stream
That you learn with joy you can set out on the sea current
When from the height of the hill you hear from afar
When you hear from afar from the top of the hill you hear from far away
25 The melancholy call of the cuckoo in the wood.
25The sad call of the cuckoo in the forest.
Let not thereafter any living man
Let not any living person thereafter
Prevent thy voyage or prevail against it.
Prevent your journey or succeed against it.
Seek now the shore, the sea-mew’s home!
Seek now the shore, the seagull's nest!
Embark on the boat that bears thee south,
Embark on the boat that leads you south,
30 Where far over the foam thou shalt find thy lord,—
30Where far across the waves you will find your lord—
Where lingers thy lover in longing and hope.
Where is your lover in longing and hope.
In the width of the world not a wish or desire
In the breadth of the world not a want or need
More strongly stirs him (he instructs me to say)
More strongly stirs him (he tells me to say)
Than that gracious God should grant you to live
Than that gracious God would allow you to live
35 Ever after at ease together,
Ever after relaxed together,
To distribute treasures to retainers and friends,
To share treasures with loyal friends and servants,
To give rings of gold. Of gilded cups
To give gold rings. Gold-plated cups
And of proud possessions a plenty he has,
And he has plenty of proud possessions,
And holds his home far hence with strangers,
And keeps his home gone with strangers,
40 His fertile fields, where follow him many
40His productive fields, where many follow him
High-spirited heroes— though here my liege-lord,
High-spirited heroes— though here my king,
Forced by the fates, took flight on a ship
Forced by fate, set sail on a ship
And on the watery waves went forth alone
And on the watery waves went out alone
To fare on the flood-way: fain would he escape,
To travel on the flooded path: he would happily escape,
45 Stir up the sea-streams. By strife thy lord hath
45Stir up the sea currents. Through conflict, your ruler has
Won the fight against woe. No wish will he have
Won the battle against sadness. He won't have any wishes.
For horses or jewels or the joys of mead-drinking,
For horses or jewels for the joys of drinking mead,
Nor any earl’s treasures on earth to be found,
Nor any earl’s treasures to be found on Earth,
O gentle lord’s daughter, if he have joy in thee,
O gentle lord’s daughter, if he finds joy in you,
50 As by solemn vows ye have sworn to each other.
50As by solemn vows you have made a promise to each other.
I set as a sign S and R together,
I set a sign __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ together,
E, A, W, and D, as an oath to assure you
E, A, W, and D, as a commitment to ensure you
That he stays for thee still and stands by his troth;
That he still waits for you and keeps his promise;
And as long as he lives it shall last unbroken,—
And as long as he lives it will last uninterrupted,—
55 Which often of old with oaths ye have plighted.
55Which many times in the past you have made promises.
THE RUIN
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.
This description of a ruin with hot baths is generally assumed to be of the Roman city of Bath. The fact that the poet uses unusual words and unconventional lines seems to indicate that he wrote with his eye on the object.]
This description of a ruin with hot baths is usually thought to be about the Roman city of Bath. The poet's use of unusual words and unconventional lines suggests that he was focused on the subject.
Wondrous is its wall-stone laid waste by the fates.
Wondrous is its wall-stone ruined by fate.
The burg-steads are burst, broken the work of the giants.
The forts are destroyed, broke the giants' efforts.
The roofs are in ruins, rotted away the towers,
The roofs are in ruins, the towers have decayed,
The fortress-gate fallen, with frost on the mortar.
The fortress gate has collapsed, with frost on the bricks.
5 Broken are the battlements, low bowed and decaying,
5The walls are damaged, falling apart and sagging,
Eaten under by age. The earth holds fast
Eaten away by age. The earth stays steady
The master masons: low mouldering they lie
The master masons: they lie, gradually decaying
In the hard grip of the grave, till shall grow up and perish
In the tight hold of the grave, until they grow up and die
A hundred generations. Hoary and stained with red,
A hundred generations. Old and marked with red,
10 Through conquest of kingdoms, unconquered this wall endured,
10Through the conquest of kingdoms, this wall has remained strong and unbroken.
Stood up under storm. The high structure has fallen.
Stood strong against the storm. The tall building has fallen.
Still remains its wall-stone, struck down by weapons.
Still remains its wall-stone, brought down by guns.
They have fallen . . . . . . . . .
They have fallen It seems like you haven't provided any text to be modernized. Please share the text you'd like me to work on.
Ground down by grim fate . . . . . . . .
Ground brought down by harsh destiny Sure! Please provide the text you want me to modernize, and I'll be happy to help.
15 Splendidly it shone . . . . . . . .
15Splendidly it shone It seems there isn't any text provided to modernize. Please provide the text you would like me to update.
The cunning creation . . . . . . . .
The clever design I'm sorry, but it seems there is no text provided to modernize. Please provide the text you'd like me to work on.
. . . . . . . . from its clay covering is bent;
. . . . . . . . __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ its clay coating is uneven;
The bold ones in counsel bound in rings
The bold ones in discussion bound in rings
19 The wall-foundations with wires, wondrously together.
The wired wall foundations, wonderfully together.
20 Bright were the burgher’s homes, the bath halls many,
20The burgher's homes were bright, and there were many bathhouses.
Gay with high gables —a great martial sound,
Gay with high gables —a powerful martial sound,
Many mead-halls, where men took their pleasure,
Many mead-halls, where people hung out for fun,
Till an end came to all, through inexorable fate.
Till the end came for everyone, through unavoidable fate.
The people all have perished; pestilence came on them:
The people have all died; a plague hit them:
25 Death stole them all, the staunch band of warriors.
25Death took them all, the loyal group of warriors.
Their proud works of war now lie waste and deserted;
Their proud works of war now lie in ruins and are abandoned;
This fortress has fallen. Its defenders lie low,
This fortress has fallen. Its defenders are out.
Its repairmen perished. Thus the palace stands dreary,
Its repairmen died. So the palace stays gloomy,
And its purple expanse; despoiled of its tiles
And its purple expanse; removed of its tiles
30 Is the roof of the dome. The ruin sank to earth,
30The top of the dome. The ruin collapsed to the ground,
Broken in heaps —there where heroes of yore,
Broken in heaps —there where legendary heroes,
Glad-hearted and gold-bedecked, in gorgeous array,
Happy and adorned in gold,
Wanton with wine-drink in war-trappings shone:
Indulgent with wine in war gear shone:
They took joy in jewels and gems of great price,
They found joy in jewels and valuable gems,
35 In treasure untold and in topaz-stones,
In treasure untold and in topaz stones,
In the firm-built fortress of a far-stretching realm.
In the strong fortress of a huge kingdom.
The stone courts stood; hot streams poured forth,
The stone courts remained; lava flowed out,
Wondrously welled out. The wall encompassed all
Wondrously poured out. The wall enclosed everything
In its bright embrace. Baths were there then,
In its bright embrace. Baths were there back then,
40 Hot all within —a healthful convenience.
40 Hot all in —a healthy convenience.
They let then pour . . . . . . . . . .
They let then pour I'm sorry, but I don't have any text to modernize. Please provide the text you would like me to convert.
Over the hoary stones the heated streams,
Over the ancient stones the warm flows,
Such as never were seen by our sires till then.
Such as had never been seen by our parents until then.
Hringmere was its name . . . . . . . . . .
Hringmere was its name Sure, please provide the text you would like me to modernize.
45 The baths were there then; then is . . . . . .
45The baths were there back then; then is . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . That is a royal thing
. . . . . . . . . That's royal.
In a house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a house . . . . . . I'm sorry, but it looks like there was no text provided for me to modernize. Please provide the text you'd like me to assist with.
II. CHRISTIAN POETRY
1. CÆDMONIAN SCHOOL
[Concerning the man Cædmon, we have nothing but Bede’s account in his Ecclesiastical History (see p. 179 below) and Cædmon’s Hymn.
[Concerning the man Cædmon, we have nothing but Bede’s account in his Ecclesiastical History (see p. 179 below) and Cædmon’s Hymn.]
Genesis was first published in Amsterdam 1655, next in 1752. The first editions brought Genesis under Cædmon’s name, because of Bede’s account. There is, however, no such clue in the manuscript. The assignment of Genesis to Cædmon was questioned by Hicks as early as 1689. The Cædmonian authorship was defended in the early part of the nineteenth century by Conybeare and Thorpe. It is now agreed that all the Cædmonian Paraphrases are probably by different authors.
Genesis was first published in Amsterdam in 1655, and then again in 1752. The earliest editions credited Genesis to Cædmon because of Bede’s account. However, there’s no such indication in the manuscript. Hicks questioned the attribution of Genesis to Cædmon as early as 1689. Cædmon's authorship was defended in the early nineteenth century by Conybeare and Thorpe. It is now widely accepted that all the Cædmonian Paraphrases were likely written by different authors.
Cf. A. S. Cook, “The Name Cædmon,” Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, vi, 9, and “Cædmon and the Ruthwell Cross,” Modern Language Notes, v, 153.]
Cf. A. S. Cook, “The Name Cædmon,” Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, vi, 9, and “Cædmon and the Ruthwell Cross,” Modern Language Notes, v, 153.]
CÆDMON’S HYMN
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.
Prose translation: Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, p. xvii.
Prose translation: Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, p. xvii.
The poem is interesting in that it is found in two texts, the Northumbrian and the West Saxon. It is the only thing we have that was undoubtedly written by Cædmon.]
The poem is intriguing because it appears in two texts, the Northumbrian and the West Saxon. It's the only piece we have that was definitely written by Cædmon.
Now shall we praise the Prince of heaven,
Now let’s praise the Prince of Heaven,
The might of the Maker and his manifold thought,
The power of the Creator and his varied ideas,
The work of the Father: of what wonders he wrought
The work of the Father: of the amazing things he created
The Lord everlasting, when he laid out the worlds.
The eternal Lord, when he created the worlds.
5 He first raised up for the race of men
He first lifted up for humanity
The heaven as a roof, the holy Ruler.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ heaven above, the divine Ruler.
Then the world below, the Ward of mankind,
Then the world below, the Guardian of humanity,
The Lord everlasting, at last established
The eternal Lord, finally established
As a home for man, the Almighty Lord.
As a home for humanity, the Almighty God.
Primo cantavit Cædmon istud carmen.
Cædmon sang this song.
BEDE’S DEATH SONG
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch.
Kluge, Anglo-Saxon Reader.
This poem was attributed to Bede, who died in 735, by his pupil, Cuthbert, who translated it into Latin. The Northumbrian version is in a manuscript at St. Gall.
This poem was attributed to Bede, who died in 735, by his student, Cuthbert, who translated it into Latin. The Northumbrian version exists in a manuscript at St. Gall.
These verses are examples of gnomic poetry, which was very popular in Old English literature. Miss Williams, in her Gnomic Poetry in Anglo-Saxon (Columbia University Press, 1914), p. 67, says that this is the earliest gnomic expression in Old English for which a definite date may be set.
These verses are examples of gnomic poetry, which was quite popular in Old English literature. Miss Williams, in her Gnomic Poetry in Anglo-Saxon (Columbia University Press, 1914), p. 67, states that this is the earliest gnomic expression in Old English that can be definitively dated.
Text criticism: Charlotte D’Evelyn, “Bede’s Death Song,” Modern Language Notes, xxx, 31.]
Text criticism: Charlotte D’Evelyn, “Bede’s Death Song,” Modern Language Notes, xxx, 31.]
Of men of wisdom who will not need
Of wise men who won’t need
To consider and judge, ere he sets on his journey,
To think it over and decide, before he begins his journey,
What his soul shall be granted of good or evil—
What his soul will be given of right or wrong—
5 After his day of death what doom he shall meet.
5After his day of death what will happen to him.
SELECTIONS FROM GENESIS
[The poem readily divides itself into two parts: Genesis A, the bulk of the poem, and Genesis B, lines 235-853. The latter is a translation from the Old Saxon. The passage here translated is from Genesis A.
[The poem easily splits into two sections: Genesis A, which is the main part of the poem, and Genesis B, lines 235-853. The second part is a translation from Old Saxon. The section translated here is from Genesis A.
GENESIS A
Critical edition of Genesis A: F. Holthausen, Die ältere Genesis, Heidelberg, 1914.
Critical edition of Genesis A: F. Holthausen, Die ältere Genesis, Heidelberg, 1914.
Translation: C. W. Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, New York, 1916, p. 7.
Translation: C. W. Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, New York, 1916, p. 7.
Partial translation: W. F. H. Bosanquet, The Fall of Man or Paradise Lost of Cædmon, London, 1869.
Partial translation: W. F. H. Bosanquet, The Fall of Man or Paradise Lost of Cædmon, London, 1869.
Date and place: Early eighth century; Northern England. The author was obviously acquainted with Beowulf.
Date and place: Early eighth century; Northern England. The author was clearly familiar with Beowulf.
Source: Vulgate Bible; first twenty-two chapters.]
Source: Vulgate Bible; first twenty-two chapters.]
The Offering of Isaac
2845 Then the powerful King put to the test
2845 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the powerful King challenged
His trusted servant; tried him sorely
His trusted servant; challenged him intensely
To learn if his love was lasting and certain.
To find out if his love was authentic.
With strongest words he sternly said to him:
With firm words he said firmly:
“Hear me and hasten hence, O Abraham.
“Hear me and hurry go away, Abraham.
2850 As thou leavest, lead along with thee
2850 As you leave, take your things
Thy own child Isaac! As an offering to me
Your own child Isaac! As a tribute to me
Thyself shalt sacrifice thy son with thy hands.
You will sacrifice your son with your own hands.
When thy steps have struggled up the steep hill-side,
When you’ve worked hard hiking up the steep hill,
To the height of the land which from here I shall show you—
To the top of the land which I will show you from here—
2855 When thine own feet have climbed, there an altar erect me,
2855When you’ve climbed up on your own, build me a shrine there,
Build a fire for thy son; and thyself shalt kill him
Build a fire for your son; and you will kill him yourself
With the edge of the sword as a sacrifice to me;
With the edge of the sword as a tribute to me;
Let the black flame burn the body of that dear one.”
Let the black flame consume the body of that loved one.
He delayed not his going, but began at once
He didn't wait to leave, but started immediately
2860 To prepare for departure: he was compelled to obey
2860To get ready to leave: he had to obey orders
The angel of the Lord, and he loved his God.
The angel of the Lord, and he loved his God.
And then the faultless father Abraham
And then the perfect father Abraham
Gave up his night’s rest; he by no means failed
Gave up his night's sleep; he definitely did not fail
To obey the Lord’s bidding, but the blessed man
To follow the Lord’s command, but the lucky person
2865 Girded his gray sword, God’s spirit he showed
2865He strapped on his gray sword, and showed God's spirit
That he bore in his breast. His beasts then he fed,
That he carried in his heart. He then fed his pets,
This aged giver of gold. To go on the journey
This old gold provider. To start the journey
Two young men he summoned: his son made the third;
Two young men he called: his son was the third;
He himself was the fourth. He set forward eagerly
He was the fourth. He eagerly moved forward
2870 From his own home and Isaac with him,
2870From his own home and Isaac with him,
The child ungrown, as charged by his God.
The child has not yet grown, as directed by his God.
Then he hurried ahead and hastened forth
Then he quickly moved ahead and rushed forward.
Along the paths that the Lord had pointed,
Along the paths that the Lord had revealed,
The way through the waste; till the wondrous bright
The path through the waste; until the awesome light
2875 Dawn of the third day over the deep water
2875At the break of the third day across the wide ocean
Arose in radiance. Then the righteous man
Arose in radiance. Then the kind person
Saw the hill-tops rise high around him,
Saw the hilltops rise high around him,
As the holy Ruler of heaven had shown him.
As the divine Ruler of heaven had revealed to him.
Then Abraham said to his serving-men:
Then Abraham said to his servants:
2880 “O men of mine, remain here now
“Hey, everyone, hold tight for now
Quietly in this place! We shall quickly return
Quietly in this place! We'll be back shortly
When we two have performed the task before us
When we both have completed the task before us
Which the Sovereign of souls has assigned us to do.”
Which the Sovereign of souls has assigned us to do.”
The old man ascended with his own son
The old man went up with his son
2885 To the place which the Lord had appointed for them,
2885To the place that the Lord had assigned to them,
Went through the wealds; the wood Isaac carried—
Went through the woods; the wood Isaac carried—
His father the fire and the sword. Then first inquired
His father, the weapon of destruction. Then first inquired
The boy young in winters, in these words of Abraham:
The young boy in winter, in Abraham's words:
“Fire and sword, my father, we find here ready:
“Fire and sword, my father, we find it here ready:
2890 Where is the glorious offering which to God on the altar
2890Where is the glorious offering that is to be offered to God on the altar
Thou thinkest to bring and burn as a sacrifice?”
You think you can bring and burn as an offering?
Abraham answered (he had only one thing
Abraham answered he had just one thing
That he wished to perform, the will of the Father):
That he wanted to do, the Father's will:
“The Sovereign of all himself shall find it,
“The Sovereign of all he will find it,
2895 As the Lord of men shall believe to be meet.”
2895As the Lord of people will find to be suitable.
Up the steep hill struggled the stout-hearted man,
Up the steep hill struggled the courageous man,
Leading the child as the Lord had charged,
Leading the child as the Lord instructed,
Till climbing he came to the crest of the height,
Till he climbed to the top of the hill,
To the place appointed by the powerful Lord,
To the designated spot by the powerful Lord,
2900 Following the commands of his faithful Master.
2900Following the orders of his faithful Master.
He loaded the altar and lighted the fire,
He filled the altar and started the fire,
And fettered fast the feet and hands
And tightly bound the hands and feet
Of his beloved son and lifted upon it
Of his beloved son and lifted onto it
The youthful Isaac, and instantly grasped
The young Isaac, and instantly grasped
2905 The sword by the hilt; his son he would kill
2905The sword by the handle; he would harm his son
With his hands as he promised and pour on the fire
With his hands like he promised and put out the fire
The gore of his kinsman. —Then God’s servant,
The blood of his relative. —Then the servant of God,
An angel of the Lord, to Abraham loudly
An angel of the Lord called out to Abraham loudly
Spoke with words. He awaited in quiet
Spoke with words. He waited silently
2910 The behests from on high and he hailed the angel.
2910The commands from above and he welcomed the angel.
Then forthwith spoke from the spacious heavens
Then immediately spoke from the wide sky
The messenger of God, with gracious words:
The messenger of God, with kind words
“Burn not thy boy, O blessed Abraham,
“Don’t harm your son, O blessed Abraham,
Lift up the lad alive from the altar;
Lift up the boy alive from the altar;
2915 The God of Glory grants him his life!
2915The God of Glory gives him a new life!
O man of the Hebrews, as meed for thy obedience,
O man of the Hebrews, as a reward for your compliance,
Through the holy hand of heaven’s King,
Through the holy hand of heaven's ruler,
Thyself shall receive a sacred reward,
You will receive a sacred reward,
A liberal gift: the Lord of Glory
A generous gift: the Lord of Glory
2920 Shall favor thee with fortune; his friendship shall be
2920I will bring you good luck; his friendship will last
More sacred than thy son himself to thee.”
More sacred than your son himself over to you.
The altar still burned. Abraham was blessed
The altar was still burning. Abraham was fortunate
By the King of mankind, the kinsman of Lot,
By the King of people, Lot's relative,
With the grace of God, since he gave his son,
With God's grace, since He gave His Son,
2925 Isaac, alive. Then the aged man looked
2925Isaac, alive. Then the old man stared
Around over his shoulder, and a ram he saw
Around over his shoulder, and he saw a ram
Not far away fastened alone
Not far away, secured alone
In a bramble bush— Haran’s brother saw it.
In a thorny bush— __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ saw it.
Then Abraham seized it and set it on the altar
Then Abraham took it and put it on the altar
2930 In eager haste for his own son.
2930In a hurry for his son.
With his sword he smote it; as a sacrifice he adorned
With his sword, he struck it; he decorated as a sacrifice
The reeking altar with the ram’s hot blood,
The stinking altar with the warm blood of the ram,
Gave to his God this gift and thanked him
Gave this gift to his God and thanked Him
For all of the favors that before and after
For all the favors that before and after
2935 The Lord had allowed him in his loving grace.
2935The Lord had let him in his loving kindness.
SELECTIONS FROM EXODUS
[Critical edition: Francis A. Blackburn, Exodus and Daniel, Boston and London, 1907, Belles-Lettres Series.
[Critical edition: Francis A. Blackburn, Exodus and Daniel, Boston and London, 1907, Belles-Lettres Series.
Translation: Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, p. 99.
Translation: Kennedy, The Cædmon Poems, p. 99.
There can be no doubt that both Exodus and Daniel are by different hands from Genesis A or Genesis B, and they are themselves by different authors.]
There’s no doubt that both Exodus and Daniel were written by different authors than Genesis A or Genesis B, and they were written by different people as well.
The Crossing of the Red Sea
When these words had been uttered the army arose;
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the army gathered;
300 Still stood the sea for the staunch warriors.
300Still stood the sea for the brave fighters.
The cohorts lifted their linden-shields,
The groups lifted their linden shields,
Their signals on the sand. The sea-wall mounted,
Their signals on the sand. The seawall is built,
Stood upright over Israel’s legion,
Stood tall over Israel’s legion,
For day’s time; then the doughty band
For daytime; then the bold group
305 Was of one mind. The wall of the sea-streams
305Was of one mind. The wall of the waves
Held them unharmed in its hollow embrace.
Held them unharmed in its empty embrace.
They spurned not the speech nor despised its teaching,
They did not reject the speech or underestimate its teachings,
And the noise diminished and mingled with the sound.
And the noise lessened and mixed with the sound.
310 Then the fourth tribe traveled foremost,
310 Then the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ led the way,
Went into the waves, the warriors in a band
Went into the waves, the fighters in a squad
Over the green ground; the goodly Jewish troop
Over the green ground; the distinguished Jewish group
Struggled alone over the strange path
Struggled alone over the weird path
Before their kinsmen. So the King of heaven
Before their relatives. So the King of Heaven
315 For that day’s work made deep reward,
315For that day's work brought significant reward,
He gave them a great and glorious victory,
He gave them an amazing and glorious win,
That to them should belong the leadership
That should belong to them the leadership
In the kingdom, and triumph over their kinsmen and tribesmen.
In the kingdom, and victory over their relatives and fellow community members.
When they stepped on the sand, as a standard and sign
When they stepped onto the sand, as a benchmark and symbol
320 A beacon they raised over the ranks of shields,
320They raised a beacon above the ranks of shields,
Among the godly group, a golden lion,
Among the divine beings, a golden lion,
The boldest of beasts over the bravest of peoples.
The fiercest of animals against the bravest individuals.
At the hands of their enemy no dishonor or shame
At the hands of their enemy no disgrace or shame
Would they deign to endure all the days of their life,
Would they be willing to put up with all the days of their lives,
325 While boldly in battle they might brandish their shields
325While bravely in battle they could raise their shields
Against any people. The awful conflict,
Against any group. The awful conflict,
The fight was at the front, furious soldiers
The fight was at the front, fierce fighters
Wielding their weapons, warriors fearless,
Armed and fearless, warriors,
And bloody wounds, and wild battle-rushes,
And bloody wounds, and wild battles,
330 The jostling of helmets where the Jews advanced.
330The clashing of helmets where the Jews progressed.
Marching after the army were the eager seamen,
Marching behind the army were the enthusiastic __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
The sons of Reuben; raising their shields
The sons of Reuben; raising their shields
The sea-vikings bore them over the salt waves,
The sea-vikings carried them over the salty waves,
A multitude of men; a mighty throng
A crowd of men; a large crowd
335 Went bravely forth. The birthright of Reuben
335 Moved forward bravely. The birthright of Reuben
Was forfeited by his sins, so that he followed after
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, so he followed
In his comrade’s track. In the tribes of the Hebrews,
In his friend's footsteps. In the communities of the Hebrews,
The blessings of the birthright his brother enjoyed,
The blessings of the birthright his brother liked,
His riches and rank; yet Reuben was brave.
His wealth and status; yet Reuben was brave.
The sons of Simeon in swarming bands,
The sons of Simeon in swarming clusters,
The third great host. With hoisted banners
The third great host. With raised flags
Over the watery path the war-troop pressed
Over the watery path the troops pressed forward
Dewy under their shafts. When daylight shone
Dewy under their shafts. When the sun was out
345 Over the brink of the sea, —the beacon of God,
345Beyond the edge of the ocean, —God's light,
The bright morning,— the battle-lined marched.
The bright morning,— the battalions marched.
Each of the tribes traveled in order.
Each of the tribes traveled in sequence.
At the head of the helmeted host was one man,
At the front of the helmeted group was one person,
Mightiest in majesty and most renowned;
Mightiest and most renowned;
350 He led forward the folk as they followed the cloud,
350He moved the people as they followed the cloud,
By tribes and by troops. Each truly knew
By tribes and by troops. Each truly knew.
The right of rank as arranged by Moses,
The privilege of rank organized by Moses,
Every man’s order. They were all from one father.
Every man’s order. They all had the same dad.
Their sacred sire received his land-right,
Their __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ got his __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__,
355 Wise in counsel, well-loved by his kinsmen.
355Smart in advice, loved by his family.
He gave birth to a brave, bold-hearted race,
He gave birth to a brave, brave race,
The sage patriarch to a sacred people,
The wise elder to a sacred community,
To the Children of Israel, the chosen of God.
To the Children of Israel, God's chosen ones.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The folk were affrighted with fear of the ocean;
The people were terrified of the sea;
Sad were their souls. The sea threatened death;
Sad were their souls. The sea threatened danger;
The sides of the hill were soaked with blood;
The sides of the hill were covered in blood;
450 Gory was the flood, confusion on the waves,
450It was a bloody flood, chaos at sea,
The water full of weapons; the wave-mist arose.
The water filled with weapons; the mist of the wave rose.
The Egyptians turned and journeyed backward;
The Egyptians turned and retraced their steps;
They fled in fright; fear overtook them;
They ran away in terror; they were terrified;
Hurrying in haste their homes they sought;
Rushing home, they sought their homes;
455 Their pride had fallen; they felt sweep over them
455Their pride had collapsed; they felt it envelop them
The welling waters; not one returned
The rising waters; not one returned
Of the host to their homes, but behind they were locked
Of the host to their homes, but in the back, they were locked
By Wyrd in the waves. Where once was the path
By fate in the waves. Where there once was a path
The breakers beat and bore down the army.
The waves crashed and overwhelmed the military.
460 The stream stood up; the storm arose
The stream rose; the storm came.
High to the heavens, the harshest of noises.
High up in the sky, the loudest sounds.
Dark grew the clouds. The doomed ones cried
Dark clouds gathered. The doomed ones wailed
With fated voices; the foam became bloody.
With destined voices; the foam became red with blood.
The sea-walls were scattered and the skies were lashed
The sea walls were scattered and the skies were stirred
465 With the direst of deaths; the daring ones were slain,
465With the worst of deaths; the brave were killed,
The princes in their pomp— they were past all help
The princes in their glory— they were beyond help
In the edge of the ocean. Their armor shone
In the edge of the ocean. Their armor gleamed
High over the hosts. Over the haughty ones poured
High over the crowd. Over the arrogant ones flowed
The stream in its strength. Destroyed were the troop
The stream at its peak. The squad was wiped out.
470 And fettered fast; they could find no escape.
470And trapped tight; they couldn’t find an exit.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Egyptians were
The Egyptians were
For that day’s work deeply punished,
For that day's work severely punished,
Because not any of the army ever came home;
Because none of the army ever returned home;
Of that mighty multitude there remained not a one
Of that huge crowd there wasn't a single one remaining
510 Who could tell the tale of the traveling forth
510Who could share the story of the road ahead
Who could announce in the cities the sorrowful news
Who could share the sad news in the cities the sad news
To the wives of the warriors of the woeful disaster.
To the wives of the warriors of the tragic disaster.
But the sea-death swallowed the sinful men,
But the sea of death swallowed the wicked men,
And their messengers too, in the midst of their power,
And their messengers too, at the height of their power,
515 And destroyed their pride, for they strove against God.
515And brought down their arrogance, because they opposed God.
2. CYNEWULF AND HIS SCHOOL
[Aside from Cædmon’s Hymn, the only Old English poems whose
author we know are four bearing the name of Cynewulf, Christ, Juliana,
Elene, and The Fates of the Apostles. In these he signs his name by
means of runes inserted in the manuscript. These runes, which are at once
letters of the alphabet and words, are made to fit into the context. They are
[Aside from Cædmon’s Hymn, the only Old English poems we know the authors of are four works attributed to Cynewulf: Christ, Juliana, Elene, and The Fates of the Apostles. In these poems, he signs his name using runes included in the manuscript. These runes, which serve as both letters and words, are integrated into the text. They are
Several other poems have been ascribed to Cynewulf, especially Andreas, The Dream of the Rood, Guthlac, The Phœnix, and Judith. Except for internal evidence there is no proof of the authorship of these poems. The Riddles were formerly thought to be by Cynewulf, but recent scholars have, with one notable exception, abandoned that theory.
Several other poems are attributed to Cynewulf, particularly Andreas, The Dream of the Rood, Guthlac, The Phœnix, and Judith. Aside from internal evidence, there is no definitive proof of the authorship of these poems. The Riddles were once believed to be by Cynewulf, but recent scholars, with one notable exception, have moved away from that theory.
Many reconstructions of the life of Cynewulf have been undertaken. The most reasonable theories seem to be that he was Cynewulf, Bishop of Lindisfarne, who died about 781; or that he was a priest, Cynewulf, who executed a decree in 803. There is no real proof that either of these men was the poet. For a good discussion of the Cynewulf question, see Strunk, Juliana, pp. xvii-xix, and Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, Introduction.
Many attempts have been made to reconstruct Cynewulf's life. The most plausible theories suggest he was either Cynewulf, Bishop of Lindisfarne, who died around 781, or a priest named Cynewulf, who carried out a decree in 803. However, there's no solid evidence that links either of these individuals to the poet. For a thorough exploration of the Cynewulf question, refer to Strunk, Juliana, pp. xvii-xix, and Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, Introduction.
Of the signed poems of Cynewulf, selections are here given from Christ and Elene.]
Of the signed poems of Cynewulf, selections are provided here from Christ and Elene.
a. CYNEWULF
SELECTIONS FROM THE CHRIST
[Critical edition: Cook, The Christ of Cynewulf, Boston, 1900. Text and translation: Gollancz, Cynewulf’s Christ, London, 1892. Translation: Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 153, ff. The poem consists of three parts:
[Critical edition: Cook, The Christ of Cynewulf, Boston, 1900. Text and translation: Gollancz, Cynewulf’s Christ, London, 1892. Translation: Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 153, ff. The poem consists of three parts:]
- 1. Advent, largely from the Roman breviary.
- 2. Ascension, taken from an Ascension sermon of Pope Gregory.
- 3. Second coming of Christ, taken from an alphabetical Latin hymn on the Last Judgment, quoted by Bede.
Is there enough unity to make us consider it one work? Cook thinks we can. The differences in the language and meter are not so striking as to make it unlikely. The great objection to it is that the runes occur at the end of the second part, which is not far from the middle of the entire poem. In the three other poems signed by Cynewulf the runes occur near the end.]
Is there enough unity for us to think of it as one work? Cook believes we can. The differences in language and meter aren't so obvious as to make it seem impossible. The main issue is that the runes appear at the end of the second part, which is close to the middle of the whole poem. In the three other poems attributed to Cynewulf, the runes appear near the end.
1. Hymn to Christ
. . . . . . . . . . . to the King.
. . . . . . . . . . . to the King.
Thou art the wall-stone that the workmen of old
Thou art the wall-stone that the workers of the past
Rejected from the work. Well it befits thee
Rejected from the job. That works for you.
To become the head of the kingly hall,
To become the leader of the royal suite,
5 To join in one the giant walls
5To come together as one the huge walls
In thy fast embrace, the flint unbroken;
In your tight grip, the flint intact;
That through all the earth every eye may see
That all over the world everyone can see
And marvel evermore, O mighty Prince,
And always be amazed, O mighty Prince,
Declare thy accomplishments through the craft of thy hand,
Declare your accomplishments through the work you do,
10 Truth-fast, triumphant, and untorn from its place
10Truth is unwavering, victorious, and steady in its place
Leave wall against wall. For the work it is needful
Leave wall against wall. For the job, it's necessary
That the Craftsman should come and the King himself
That the Craftsman should come and the King himself
And raise that roof that lies ruined and decayed,
And lift that roof that's fallen apart and is in disrepair,
Fallen from its frame. He formed that body,
Fallen from its frame. He made that body.
15 The Lord of life, and its limbs of clay,
15The Lord of life, and its clay arms,
And shall free from foemen the frightened in heart,
And will free the terrified at heart from enemies.
The downcast band, as he did full oft.
The sad group, just like he usually did.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Hymn to Jerusalem
50 O vision of happiness! holy Jerusalem!
50 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ vision of happiness! holy Jerusalem!
Fairest of king’s thrones! fortress of Christ!
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ stronghold of Christ!
The home-seat of angels, where the holy alone,
The dwelling place of angels, where only the holy,
The souls of the righteous, shall find rest unceasing,
The souls of the righteous, will find eternal rest,
Exulting in triumph. No trace of sin
Exulting in victory. No evidence of wrongdoing
55 Shall be made manifest in that mansion of bliss,
55Will be revealed in that happy place,
But all faults shall flee afar from thee,
But all faults will run far away from you,
All crime and conflict; thou art covered with glory
All crime and conflict; you're covered in glory
Of highest hope, as thy holy name showest.
Of highest hope, as your sacred name shows.
Cast now thy gaze on the glorious creation,
Cast your gaze now on the glorious creation,
60 How around thee the roomy roof of heaven
60How spacious is the sky's ceiling around you!
Looks on all sides, how the Lord of Hosts
Looks on all sides, how the Lord of Hosts
Seeks thee in his course and comes himself,
Seeks you in his journey and comes himself,
And adopts thee to dwell in, as in days agone
And takes you in to live, like in the old days
In words of wisdom the wise men said,
In words of wisdom the wise ones said,
65 Proclaimed Christ’s birth as a comfort to thee,
65Proclaimed Christ’s birth as a source of comfort,
Thou choicest of cities! Now the child has come,
Thou choicest of cities! Now the baby is here,
Born to make worthless the work of the Hebrews.
Born to make worthless the work of the Hebrews.
He bringeth thee bliss; thy bonds he unlooseth;
He brings you joy; he frees you;
He striveth for the stricken; understandeth their
He strives for the troubled; understands them
needs,—
needs—
70 How woeful men must wait upon mercy.
70How miserable men must rely on mercy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Joseph and Mary
[Mary] “O my Joseph, O Jacob’s son,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, O Jacob's son,
165 Kinsman of David, the king renowned,
Kinsman of David, the famous king,
Dost thou plan to turn from thy plighted troth,
Dost thou plan to turn from your promised vows,
And leave my love?”
And leave my love?
[Joseph] “Alas, full soon
[Joseph] “Oh no, too soon
I am oppressed with grief and deprived of honor.
I am overwhelmed with sadness and stripped of dignity.
I have borne for thee many bitter words,
I have put up with a lot of harsh words for you,
170 Insulting slurs and sorrowful taunts,
170 Hurtful slurs and painful taunts,
Scathing abuses, and they scorn me now
Scathing insults, and they look down on me now
In wrathful tones. My tears I shall pour
In angry tones. I will cry
In sadness of soul. My sorrowful heart,
In sadness of soul. My aching heart,
My grief full easily our God may heal,
My grief can easily be healed by our God,
175 And not leave me forlorn. Alas, young damsel,
175And not leave me alone. Oh no, young woman,
Mary maiden!”
Mary, girl!
[Mary] “Why bemoanest thou
[Mary] “Why are you complaining
And bitterly weepest? No blame in thee,
And you weep bitterly? No blame on you.
Nor any fault have I ever found
Nor have I ever found any fault
For wicked works, and this word thou speakest
For evil deeds, and this word you’re saying
180 As if thou thyself with sinful deeds
180As if you yourself with sinful actions
And faults wert filled.”
And faults were filled.
[Joseph] “Far too much grief
“Way too much grief”
Thy conception has caused me to suffer in shame.
Your conception has made me feel ashamed.
How can I bear their bitter taunts
How can I stand their harsh mocking?
Or ever make answer to my angry foes
Or even respond to my angry foes
185 Who wish me woe? ’Tis widely known
185Who wants to harm me? Everyone knows
That I took from the glorious temple of God
That I took from the glorious God's temple
A beautiful virgin of virtue unblemished,
A stunning pure person,
The chastest of maidens, but a change has now come,
The purest of maidens, but now a change has arrived,
Though I know not the cause. Nothing avails me—
Though I don't know the reason. Nothing helps me—
190 To speak or to be silent. If I say the truth,
190To speak or to stay quiet. If I speak the truth,
Then the daughter of David shall die for her crime,
Then David's daughter will die for her crime,
Struck down with stones; yet still it were harder
Struck down with stones; but it would still be more difficult
To conceal the sin; forsworn forever
To hide the sin; forsworn forever
I should live my life loathed by all people,
I should live my life hated by all,
195 By men reviled.” Then the maid revealed
195By men despised.” Then the maid revealed
The work of wonder, and these words she spoke:
The amazing thing, and these are her words:
“Truly I say, by the Son of the Creator
“Honestly, I say, by the Creator's Son
The Savior of souls, the Son of God,
The Savior of souls, the Son of God,
I tell thee in truth that the time has not been
I tell you the truththat the time hasn't been
200 That the embrace of a mortal man I have known
200That the embrace of a mortal guy I have known
On all the earth; but early in life
On all the earth; but early in life
This grace was granted me, that Gabriel came,
This grace was given to me, that Gabriel showed up,
The high angel of heaven, and hailed me in greeting,
The high angel from heaven greeted me with a friendly smile,
In truthful speech: that the Spirit of heaven
In honest talk: that the spirit of heaven
With his light should illumine me, that life’s Glory by me
With his light should shine on me, that life’s glory shines through me
205 Should be borne, the bright Son, the blessed Child of God,
205Should be endured, the shining Son, the cherished Child of God,
Of the kingly Creator. I am become now his temple,
Of the kingly Creator. I have now become his temple,
Unspoiled and spotless; the Spirit of comfort
Unblemished and pristine; the comfort spirit
Hath his dwelling in me. Endure now no longer
Hath his dwelling in me. Don't put up with this any longer
Sorrow and sadness, and say eternal thanks
Sorrow and sadness, and express eternal gratitude
210 To the mighty Son of the Maker, that his mother I have become,
210To the powerful Son of the Creator, that I have become his mom,
Though a maid I remain, and in men’s opinion
Though I still serve as a maid, and according to men's opinions
Thou art famed as his father, if fulfillment should come
You are known as his father, if fulfillment is meant to happen
Of the truth that the Prophets foretold of his coming.”
Of the truth that the Prophets foretold his arrival.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Rune Passage
Not ever on earth need any man
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ever on earth needs any man
780 Have dread of the darts of the devil’s race,
780Beware of the attacks from the devil's crowd,
Of the fighting of the fiends, whose defense is in God,
Of the battle between the demons, whose protection comes from God,
The just Lord of Hosts. The judgment is nigh
The just Lord of Hosts. The verdict is coming soon
When each without fail shall find his reward,
When each one will definitely find his reward,
Of weal or of woe, for his work on the earth
Of good or bad, for his contributions to Earth
785 During the time of his life. ’Tis told us in books,
785During his lifetime. It’s written in books,
How from on high the humble one came,
How from above the humble one arrived,
The Treasure-hoard of honor, to the earth below
The treasure of honor, to the ground below
In the Virgin’s womb, the valiant Son of God,
In the Virgin's womb, the brave Son of God,
Holy from on high. I hope in truth
Holy from on high. I really hope
790 And also dread the doom far sterner,
790And also fear a much harsher fate,
When Christ and his angels shall come again,
When Christ and his angels come back,
Since I kept not closely the counsels my Savior
Since I didn't closely follow the guidance of my Savior
Bade in his books. I shall bear therefore
Bade in his books. I will endure, therefore.
To see the work of sin (it shall certainly be)
To see the outcome of sin (it's definitely going to happen)
795 When many shall be led to meet their doom,
795When many will be led to confront their fate,
To receive justice in the sight of their Judge.
To get justice in the eyes of their Judge.
Then the Courageous shall tremble, shall attend the King,
Then the Courageous will tremble, will serve the King,
The Righteous Ruler, when his wrath he speaks
The Righteous Ruler, when he shows his anger
To the worldlings who weakly his warning have heeded
To the people who weakly listened to his warning
800 While their Yearning and Need even yet could have easily
800While their Yearning and Need even now could have easily
Found a comfort. There, cowering in fear,
Found a comfort. There, crowded together in fear,
Many wearily shall wait on the wide plain
Many will tiredly wait on the open plain
What doom shall be dealt them for the deeds of their life,
What fate awaits them for the choices they make in their lives,
Of angry penalties. Departed hath Winsomeness,
Of angry penalties. Departed has __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__insomeness,
805 The ornaments of earth. It Used to be true
805The decorations of the world. It used to be true
That long our Life-joys were locked in the sea-streams,
That long our Life-joys were trapped in the currents,
Our Fortunes on earth; in the fire shall our treasure
Our Fortunes on earth; In the fire, our treasure will be.
Burn in the blast; brightly shall mount,
Burn in the explosion; brightly will rise,
The red flame, raging and wrathfully striding
The red flame, burning fiercely and moving in anger
810 Over the wide world; wasted shall be the plains;
810Across the vast world; the plains will be destroyed;
The castles shall crumble; then shall climb the swift fire,
The castles will fall; then the quick flames will rise,
The greediest of guests, grimly and ruthlessly
The greediest of guests, seriously and relentlessly
Eat the ancient treasure that of old men possessed
Eat the ancient treasure that old men used to have
While still on the earth was their strength and their pride.
While still on earth was their strength and their pride.
815 Hence I strive to instruct each steadfast man
815So I try to teach every determined person
That he be cautious in the care of his soul,
That he be careful in caring for his soul,
And not pour it forth in pride in that portion of days
And not spill it out in pride at that time
That the Lord allows him to live in the world,
That the Lord lets him live in society,
While the soul abideth safe in the body,
While the soul remains safe in the body,
820 In that friendly home. It behooveth each man
820In that welcoming home. It's important for everyone
To bethink him deeply in the days of his life
To reflect deeply during his life
How meekly and mildly the mighty Lord
How quietly and gently the powerful Lord
Came of old to us by an angel’s word;
Came to us long ago by an angel's message;
Yet grim shall he be when again he cometh,
Yet he will be serious when he comes back,
825 Harsh and righteous. Then the heavens shall rock,
825Harsh and just. Then the skies will rumble,
And the measureless ends of the mighty earth
And the vast reaches of the great Earth
Shall tremble in terror. The triumphant King
Shall shake in fear. The winning King
Shall avenge their vain and vicious lives,
Shall take revenge for their pointless and harsh lives,
Their loathsome wickedness. Long shall they wallow
Their disgusting evil. They will linger for a long time.
830 With heavy hearts in the heat of the fire bath,
830With heavy hearts in the warmth of the fire pit,
Suffer for their sins in its surging flame.
Suffer for their sins in its furious flames.
SELECTIONS FROM THE ELENE
[Critical edition: Holthausen, Kynewulf’s Elene, Heidelberg, 1905.
[Critical edition: Holthausen, Kynewulf’s Elene, Heidelberg, 1905.
Translation: Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 87 ff.; Kemble, The Poetry of the Codex Vercelliensis, with an English translation, London, 1856.
Translation: Kennedy, The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 87 ff.; Kemble, The Poetry of the Codex Vercelliensis, with an English translation, London, 1856.
Source: Acta Sanctorum for May 4.
Acta Sanctorum for May 4.
The first passage describes the vision of the cross by the Emperor Constantine, the second the finding of the true cross by his mother, Helena, in Old English, “Elene.”
The first passage describes Emperor Constantine's vision of the cross, while the second details his mother Helena's discovery of the true cross, in Old English, “Elene.”
The poem is usually regarded as Cynewulf’s masterpiece.]
The poem is generally seen as Cynewulf’s greatest work.
1. The Vision of the Cross
. . . . . . . . Heart-care oppressed
. . . . . . . . Heart care neglected
The Roman ruler; of his realm he despaired;
The Roman ruler; of his kingdom he despaired;
He was lacking in fighters; too few were his warriors,
He didn't have enough fighters; his warriors were too few,
His close comrades to conquer in battle
His close friends to win in combat
65 Their eager enemy. The army encamped,
Their eager enemy. The army camped,
Earls about their ætheling, at the edge of the stream,
Earls about their prince, at the stream's edge,
Where they spread their tents for the space of the
Where they set up their tents for the length of the
night,
night
After first they had found their foes approach.
After they first found enemies approaching.
To Cæsar himself in his sleep there came
To Caesar himself in his sleep, there came
70 A dream as he lay with his doughty men,
70A dream he had while resting with his brave fighters,
To the valiant king a vision appeared:
To the brave king a vision showed up:
It seemed that he saw a soldier bright,
It seemed that he saw a soldier shining,
Glorious and gleaming in the guise of a man
Glorious and shining in the shape of a man
More fair of form than before or after
More beautiful in appearance than before or after
75 He had seen under the skies. From his sleep he awoke,
75He had seen under the skies. He woke up from his sleep,
Hastily donned his helmet. The herald straightway,
Hastily put on his helmet. The messenger right away,
The resplendent messenger spoke unto him,
The shining messenger spoke to him,
Named him by name —the night vanished away:
Named him by name —the night faded away:
“O Constantine, the King of angels bids—
“O Constantine, the King of angels commands—
80 The Master Almighty, to make thee a compact,
80The Almighty Master, to strike a deal,
The Lord of the faithful. No fear shouldst thou have,
The Lord of the faithful. Don't be afraid,
Though foreign foes bring frightful war,
Though foreign enemies bring scary war,
And horrors unheard of! To heaven now look,
And unimaginable horrors! Look up to the sky,
To the Guardian of glory: Thou shalt gain there support,
To the Guardian of glory: You’ll earn their support,
85 The sign of victory!”
"85 The sign of victory!"
Soon was he ready
He was ready soon.
To obey the holy bidding, and unbound his heart,
To follow the divine command, and open his heart,
And gazed on high, as the herald had bade him,
And looked up, as the messenger had told him,
The princely Peace-weaver. With precious jewels adorned,
The royal Peace-weaver. Wearing valuable jewelry,
He saw the radiant rood over the roof of clouds,
He saw the shining cross above the clouds,
90 Gorgeous with gold and gleaming gems.
90 Stunning with gold and shiny gems.
The brilliant beam bore these letters
The bright beam bore these letters
Shining with light: “Thou shalt with this sign
Shining with light: “__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
The fearsome foe.” Then faded the light,
The terrifying enemy.” Then the lights dimmed,
95 And joining the herald, journeyed on high
95 And joined the herald, ascended
Unto the clean-hearted company. The king was the blither,
Unto the clean-hearted company. The king was more content,
And suffered in his soul less sorrow and anguish,
And felt in his soul less sadness and pain,
The valiant victor, through the vision fair.
The brave winner, through a stunning vision.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. The Discovery of the Cross
Striving in strength and with steadfast heart,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ in strength and with steadfast heart,
830 He began to delve for the glorious tree
830He started searching for the beautiful tree
Under its covering of turf, till at twenty feet
Under its layer of grass, soil at 20 feet
Below the surface concealed he found
Below the surface he found something hidden
Shut out from sight, under the shelving cliff,
Shut out from view, beneath the overhanging cliff,
In the chasm of darkness —three crosses he found,
In the deep darkness —he found three crosses,
In their gloomy grave together he found them,—
In their dark grave together he discovered them,—
835 Grimy all over, as in ancient days
835Filthy all over, just like back in the day
The unrighteous race had wrapped them in earth,
The wicked people had buried them in the ground,
The sinful Jews. Against the Son of God
The sinful Jews. Against the Son of God
They showed their hate as they should not have done
They showed their hate in a way that they shouldn’t have
Had they not harkened to the behests of the devil.
Had they not listened to the demands of the devil.
840 Then blithe was his heart and blissful within him.
840Then his heart was cheerful and joyful within him.
His soul was inspired by the sacred tree.
His soul was inspired by the holy tree.
His heart was emboldened when he beheld that beacon
His heart was lifted when he saw that signal
Holy and deep hidden. With his hands he seized
Holy and deeply hidden. He grabbed it with his hands.
The radiant cross of heaven, and with his host he raised it
The shining cross of heaven, and he and his followers raised it up
845 From its grave in the earth. The guests from afar
845From its grave in the ground. The guests from far away
And princes and æthelings went all to the town.
And princes and nobles went all over town.
In her sight they set the three sacred trees,
In her view, they placed the three holy trees,
The proud valiant men, plain to be seen
The proud and brave men, obvious
Before Elene’s knee. And now was joy
Before Elene’s knee. And now there was happiness
850 In the heart of the Queen; she inquired of the men
850In the heart of the Queen; she asked the guys
On which of the crosses the crucified Lord,
On which of the crosses the crucified Savior,
The heavenly Hope-giver, hung in pain:
The heavenly Hope-giver, hung in pain:
“Lo! we have heard from the holy books
“Look! we have heard from the sacred texts
It told for a truth that two of them
It said for real that two of them
855 Suffered with him and himself was the third
855Suffered with him and he was the third one himself
On the hallowed tree. The heavens were darkened
On the sacred tree. The sky was darkened
In that terrible time. Tell, if you can,
In that terrible time. Share if you're able,
On which of these roods the Ruler of angels,
On which of these crosses the King of Angels,
The Savior of men suffered his death.
The Savior of humanity experienced his death.
860 In no wise could Judas —for he knew not at all—
860In no way could Judas —for he didn’t know—
Clearly reveal that victory tree
Clearly reveal that victory tree
On which the Lord was lifted high,
On which the Lord was lifted up high,
The son of God, but they set, by his order,
The son of God, but they did it at his command,
In the very middle of the mighty city
In the heart of the great city
865 The towering trees to tarry there,
The tall trees to linger there,
Till the Almighty King should manifest clearly
Till the Almighty King should make himself known
Before the multitude the might of that marvelous rood.
Before the crowd the power of that incredible cross.
The assembly sat, their song uplifted;
The assembly sat, their song uplifting;
They mused in their minds on the mystery trees
They thought in their minds about the mysterious trees
870 Until the ninth hour when new delight grew
870Until the ninth hour when new joy emerged
Through a marvelous deed. —There a multitude came,
Through an amazing act. —A crowd formed,
Of folk not a little, and, lifted among them,
Of the people not a little, and raised among them,
There was borne on a bier by brave-hearted men
There was carried on a stretcher by brave men
Nigh to the spot —it was the ninth hour—
Nearing the place —it was 3 PM—
875 A lifeless youth. Then was lifted the heart
875A lifeless young man. Then the heart was uplifted
Of Judas in great rejoicing and gladness.
Of Judas in great joy and happiness.
He commanded them to set the soulless man,
He ordered them to release the heartless man,
With life cut off, the corpse on the earth,
With life gone, the body lying on the ground,
Bereft of life, and there was raised aloft
Bereft of life, and it was raised up high
880 By the proclaimer of justice, the crafty of heart,
880By the announcer of fairness, the kind-hearted,
The trusty in counsel, two of the crosses
The reliable advisor, two crosses
Over that house of death. It was dead as before
Over that house of death. It was just as dull as before.
The body fast to the bier: about the chill limbs
The body lies still on the bier: around the cold arms
Was grievous doom. Then began the third cross
Was a heavy fate. Then the third cross began
885 To be lifted aloft. There lay the body,
885To be lifted up high. The body lay there,
Until above him was reared the rood of the Lord,
Until above him was raised the Lord's cross,
The holy cross of heaven’s King,
The holy cross of heaven’s King,
The sign of salvation. He soon arose
The sign of salvation. He got up quickly.
With spirit regained, and again were joined
With renewed spirit, they reconnected again
890 Body and soul. Unbounded was the praise
890Body and soul. The praise was endless.
And fair of the folk. The Father they thanked
And beautiful are the people. They thanked Dad
And the true and sacred Son of the Almighty
And the true and holy God's Son
With gracious words. —Glory and praise be his
With kind words. —All glory and praise to him
Always without end from every creature.
Always without end from every being.
b. ANONYMOUS POEMS OF THE CYNEWULFIAN SCHOOL
THE DREAM OF THE ROOD
[Critical edition: Cook, The Dream of the Rood, Oxford, 1905.
[Critical edition: Cook, The Dream of the Rood, Oxford, 1905.
Author: “Making all due allowance, then, for the weakness of certain arguments both pro and con, the balance of probability seems to incline decidedly in favor of Cynewulfian authorship.”—Cook.
Author: “Taking into account the weaknesses in some arguments for and against it, the likelihood seems to strongly favor Cynewulf as the author.”—Cook.
Translations: English Prose: Kemble. Verse: Stephens, 1866; Morley, 1888; Miss Iddings, 1902.
Translations: English Prose: Kemble. Verse: Stephens, 1866; Morley, 1888; Miss Iddings, 1902.
The poem has much in common with Elene, especially the intimate self-analysis. Portions of it are on the Ruthwell Cross in Dumfriesshire. It is claimed as Cynewulf’s, but there is nothing to indicate this except the beauty of style, which has caused it to be called “the choicest blossom of Old English Christian poetry.”]
The poem shares a lot with Elene, particularly in its personal reflection. Parts of it can be found on the Ruthwell Cross in Dumfriesshire. It’s attributed to Cynewulf, but there's no real evidence to support this other than its beautiful style, which has led to it being referred to as “the finest example of Old English Christian poetry.”
Lo, I shall tell you the truest of visions,
Lo, I will share with you the most authentic of visions,
A dream that I dreamt in the dead of night
A dream I had in the dead of night
While people reposed in peaceful sleep.
While people slept peacefully.
I seemed to see the sacred tree
I felt like I could see the holy tree
5 Lifted on high in a halo of light,
5Lifted up high in a light glow,
The brightest of beams; that beacon was wholly
The brightest of beams; that beacon was all in
Gorgeous with gold; glorious gems stood
Gorgeous with gold; glorious gems stood
Fair at the foot; and five were assembled,
Fair at the foot; and five were together,
At the crossing of the arms. The angels of God looked on,
At the crossing of the arms. The angels of God watched,
10 Fair through the firmament. It was truly no foul sinner’s cross,
10Beautiful across the sky. It was definitely not the cross of a wicked person,
For beholding his sufferings were the holy spirits,
For witnessing his suffering were the divine spirits,
The men of the earth and all of creation.
The people of the world and all that’s in it.
Wondrous was that victory-wood, and I wounded and stained
Wondrous was that victory-wood, and I hurt and stained
With sorrows and sins. I saw the tree of glory
With sorrows and sins. I saw the tree of glory.
15 Blessed and bright in brilliant adornments,
15 Blessed and bright in stunning decorations,
Made joyous with jewels. Gems on all sides
Made joyful with jewels. Gems everywhere
Full rarely enriched the rood of the Savior.
Full rarely enriched the cross of the Savior.
Through the sight of that cross I came to perceive
Through the sight of that cross I came to realize
Its stiff struggle of old, when it started first
Its tough battle from back in the day, when it all started
20 To bleed on the right side. I was broken and cast down with sorrow;
20To bleed on the right side. I was broken and overwhelmed with sadness;
The fair sight inspired me with fear. Before me the moving beacon
The beautiful sight filled me with fear. In front of me, the moving light
Changed its clothing and color. At times it was covered with blood
Changed its clothing and color. Sometimes it was covered in blood.
Fearful and grimy with gore. At times with gold ’twas adorned.
Fearful and dirty with blood. Sometimes it was adorned with gold.
Then I lay and looked for a long time
Then I lay there and looked for a while
25 And saw the Savior’s sorrowful tree
And saw the Savior’s sad tree
Until I heard it lift high its voice.
Until I heard it speak up.
The worthiest of the wood-race formed words and spoke:
The best of the wood people formed words and spoke:
“It was ages ago —I shall always remember—
“It was ages ago —I’ll always remember—
When first I was felled at the forest’s edge,
When I first fell at the forest's edge,
30 My strong trunk stricken. Then strange enemies took me
30My sturdy trunk was hit hard. Then strange enemies took me
And fashioned my frame to a cross; and their felons I raised on high.
And shaped my body into a cross; and I elevated their criminals.
On their backs and shoulders they bore me to the brow of the lofty hill.
On their backs and shoulders, they carried me to the top of the steep hill.
There the hated ones solidly set me. I saw there the Lord of Mankind
There the ones I despised firmly placed me. I saw there the Lord of Humanity.
Struggling forward with courage to climb my sturdy trunk.
Struggling ahead with bravery to climb my sturdy trunk.
35 I dared not then oppose the purpose of the Lord,
35I didn't dare to challenge the Lord's will,
So I bent not nor broke when there burst forth a trembling
So I neither bent nor broke when a shake broke out
From the ends of the earth. Easily might I
From the ends of the earth. I can easily
Destroy the murderers, but I stood unmoved.
Destroy the killers, but I stayed unbothered.
“The Young Hero unclothed him —it was the holy God—
“The Young Hero undressed him —it was the holy God—
40 Strong and steadfast; he stepped to the high gallows,
40Strong and resolute; he approached the tall gallows,
Not fearing the look of the fiends, and there he freed mankind.
Not afraid of the gaze of the demons, and there he freed humanity.
At his blessed embrace I trembled, but bow to the earth I dared not,
At his blessed embrace, I trembled, but I didn't have the courage to kneel on the ground.
Or forward to fall to the ground, but fast and true I endured.
Or move forward and fall to the ground, but I remained strong and persevered.
As a rood I was raised up; a royal King I bore,
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__; I gave birth to a royal King,
45 The Lord of heavenly legions. I allowed myself never to bend.
45The Lord of heavenly armies. I refused to ever surrender.
Dark nails through me they drove; so that dastardly scars are upon me,
Dark nails were driven through me; so that I bear cowardly scars,
Wounds wide open; but not one of them dared I to harm.
Wounds wide open; but I didn't want to hurt any of them.
They cursed and reviled us together. I was covered all over with blood,
They shouted curses and insults at us together. I was covered in blood everywhere,
That flowed from the Savior’s side when his soul had left the flesh.
That flowed from the Savior’s side when he passed away.
50 Sorrowful the sights I have seen on that hill,
50It’s heartbreaking the things I’ve seen on that hill,
Grim-visaged grief: the God of mankind I saw
Grim-faced sorrow: the God of humanity I witnessed
And his frightful death. The forces of darkness
And his terrifying death. The dark forces
Covered with clouds the corpse of the Lord,
Covered with clouds the Lord's body,
The shining radiance; the shadows darkened
The bright light; the shadows darkened
55 Under the cover of clouds. Creation all wept,
55Under the cover of clouds. Creation wept,
The king’s fall bewailed. Christ was on the rood.
The king's downfall mourned. Christ was on the cross.
Finally from afar came faithful comrades
Finally from afar came loyal friends
To the Savior’s side, and I saw it all.
To the Savior’s side, I saw everything.
Bitter the grief that I bore, but I bowed me low to their hands;
Bitter was the grief I carried, but I submitted to their authority;
60 My travail was grievous and sore. They took then God Almighty,
60My struggles were painful and hard. They then took God Almighty,
From loathsome torment they lifted him. The warriors left me deserted,
From terrible suffering, they freed him. The fighters left me behind,
To stand stained with blood. I was stricken and wounded with nails.
To stand covered in blood. I was hurt and nailed.
Limb-weary they laid him there, and at their Lord’s head they stood.
Limb-weary, they laid him there, and stood at their Lord's head.
They beheld there the Ruler of heaven; and they halted a while to rest,
They saw the Ruler of heaven; and they took a break to rest,
65 Tired after the terrible struggle. A tomb then they began to make,
65Exhausted after the awful battle. So they began constructing a tomb,
His friends in sight of his foes. Of the fairest of stone they built it,
His friends could see his enemies. They constructed it with the finest stone,
And set their Savior upon it. A sorrowful dirge they chanted,
And placed their Savior on it. They sang a sad song,
Lamented their Master at evening, when they made their journey home,
Lamented their Master in the evening, when they went home,
Tired from their loved Lord’s side. And they left him with the guard.
Tired from their beloved Lord's side. And they left him with the guard.
70 We crosses stood there streaming with blood,
We stood there covered in blood,
And waited long after the wailing ceased
And waited a long time after the crying stopped
Of the brave company. The body grew cold,
Of the brave company. The body turned cold,
The most precious of corpses. Then they pulled us down,
The most valuable of bodies. Then they pulled us down,
All to the earth —an awful fate!
All to the earth –a horrible fate!
75 They buried us low in a pit. But the loved disciples of Christ,
75They buried us deep in a pit. But the cherished followers of Christ,
His faithful friends made search and found me and brought me to light,
His loyal friends searched for me, found me, and brought me into the open,
And gorgeously decked me with gold and with silver.
And beautifully adorned me with gold and silver.
“Now mayst thou learn, my beloved friend,
“Now you may learn, my dear friend,
That the work of the wicked I have worthily borne,
That I have rightly endured the work of the wicked,
80 The most trying of torments. The time is now come
80The toughest of challenges. The time has come
When through the wide world I am worshipped and honored,
When I am worshipped and honored throughout the vast world,
That all manner of men, and the mighty creation,
That all kinds of people, and the amazing creation,
Hold sacred this sign. On me the Son of God
Hold this sign sacred. I am the Son of God.
Death-pangs endured. Hence, dauntless in glory,
Death throes endured. Hence, fearless in glory,
85 I rise high under heaven, and hold out salvation
85I rise high in the sky, and provide salvation
To each and to all who have awe in my presence.
To everyone who feels amazed when I'm nearby.
“Long ago I was the greatest and most grievous of torments,
“Long ago I was the greatest and worst of torments,
Most painful of punishments, till I pointed aright
Most painful of punishments, until I aimed correctly
The road of life for the race of men.
The journey of life for humanity.
90 “Lo, a glory was given by the God of Creation
90“Look, a glory was given by the Creator God
To the worthless wood —by the Warden of heaven—
To the useless wood —by the heavenly Warden—
Just as Mary, his mother, the maiden blessed,
Just like Mary, his mother, the blessed young woman,
Received grace and glory from God Almighty,
Received grace and glory from God,
And homage and worship over other women.
And respect and admiration for other women.
95 “And now I bid thee, my best of comrades,
95“And now I say goodbye to you, my best friend,
That thou reveal this vision to men.
That you reveal this vision to others.
Tell them I am truly the tree of glory,
Tell them I am truly the tree of glory,
That the Savior sorrowed and suffered upon me
That the Savior felt sadness and endured pain for me
For the race of men and its many sins,
For humanity and its many wrongs,
100 And the ancient evil that Adam wrought.
100And the ancient evil that Adam caused.
“He there tasted of death; but in triumph he rose,
“He experienced death there; but he rose victorious,
The Lord in his might and gave life unto men.
The Lord in His power brought life to humanity.
Then he ascended to heaven, and hither again
Then he went up to heaven, and here once more
Shall the Savior descend to seek mankind
Shall the Savior come down to find humanity
105 On the day of doom, the dreaded Ruler
105On the day of reckoning, the feared leader
Of highest heaven, with his host of angels.
Of the highest heaven, with his squad of angels.
Then will he adjudge with justice and firmness
Then he will judge with fairness and determination
Rewards to the worthy whose works have deserved them,
Rewards to those who are worthy for their worthy actions,
Who loyally lived their lives on the earth.
Who faithfully lived their lives on Earth.
110 Then a feeling of fear shall fill every heart
110Then a feeling of fear will fill every heart
For the warning they had in the words of their Master:
For the warning they had in the words of their Master:
He shall demand of many where the man may be found
He will ask many where to find the man
To consent for the sake of his Savior to taste
To agree for the sake of his Savior to attempt
The bitter death as He did on the cross.
The painful death like He did on the cross.
115 They are filled with fear and few of them think
115They are filled with fear and few of them think
What words they shall speak in response to Christ.
What words will they say in response to Christ?
Then no feeling of fright or fear need he have
Then he doesn't need to feel any fright or fear.
Who bears on his heart the brightest of tokens,
Who carries in his heart the brightest symbols,
But there shall come to the kingdom through the cross and its power
But there will come to the kingdom through the cross and its strength
120 All the souls of the saved from the sorrows of earth,
120All the souls of the saved from the pains of the world,
Of the holy who hope for a home with their Lord.”
Of the saints who look forward "to a home with their Lord."
Then I adored the cross with undaunted courage,
Then I loved the cross with bold bravery,
With the warmest zeal, while I watched alone
With the utmost enthusiasm, while I watched by myself
And saw it in secret. My soul was eager
And saw it in secret. My soul was eager
125 To depart on its path, but I have passed through many
125To set off on its journey, but I have experienced many
An hour of longing. Through all my life
An hour of yearning. Throughout my life
I shall seek the sight of that sacred tree
I will look for the sight of that holy tree
Alone more often than all other men
Alone more often than others
And worthily worship it. My will for this service
And worship it properly. My goal for this service
130 Is steadfast and sturdy, and my strength is ever
130Is strong and resilient, and my strength is constant
In the cross of Christ. My comrades of old,
In the cross of Christ. My old friends,
The friends of fortune, all far from the earth
The friends of fortune, all distant from the earth
Have departed from the world and its pleasures and have passed to the King of Glory,
Have left behind the world and its pleasures and have moved on to the King of Glory,
And high in the heavens with the holy God
And high in the sky with God
135 Are living eternally. And I long for the time
135Are living forever. I'm looking forward to the time
To arrive at last when the rood of the Lord,
To finally get to when the cross of the Lord,
Which once so plainly appeared to my sight,
Which once looked so clear to me,
Shall summon my soul from this sorrowful life,
Shall call my soul from this difficult life,
And bring me to that bourne where bliss is unending
And take me to that place where happiness lasts forever
140 And happiness of heaven, where the holy saints
140And the happiness of heaven, where the holy saints are
All join in a banquet, where joy is eternal.
All gather for a feast, where happiness lasts forever.
May He set me where always in after time
May He place me where always later
I shall dwell in glory with God’s chosen ones
I will live in glory with God’s chosen people
In delights everlasting. May the Lord be my friend,
In everlasting joy. May the Lord be my friend,
145 Who came to earth and of old on the cross
145Who came to Earth and long ago on the cross
Suffered and sorrowed for the sins of men.
Suffered and grieved for humanity's sins.
He broke there our bonds and bought for us life
He broke our bonds there and gave us life
And a heavenly home. The hearts were now filled
And a heavenly home. The hearts are now filled
With blessings and bliss, which once burned with remorse.
With blessings and joy, that once burned with regret.
150 To the Son was his journey successful and joyful
150His journey to the Son was successful and happy
And crowned with triumph, when he came with his troops,
And crowned with victory, when he showed up with his troops,
With his gladsome guests into God’s kingdom,
With his joyful guests into God's kingdom,
The Almighty Judge’s, and brought joy to the angels,
The Almighty Judge’s, and brought happiness to the angels,
And the host of the holy who in heaven before
And the group of the holy who’s in heaven before
155 Dwelt in glory when their God arrived,
155Lived in glory when their God arrived,
The Lord Most High, at his home at last.
The Lord Most High, finally home.
JUDITH
[Critical edition: Cook, Judith, Boston, 1904.
[Critical edition: Cook, Judith, Boston, 1904.]
Translation: Hall, Judith, Phoenix and Other Anglo-Saxon Poems.
Translation: Hall, Judith, Phoenix and Other Anglo-Saxon Poems.
Manuscript: The same as the one containing Beowulf. It was injured by a fire in 1731. It had been printed by Thwaites in 1698 before the injury.
Manuscript: The same as the one containing Beowulf. It was damaged by a fire in 1731. It had been printed by Thwaites in 1698 before the damage.
Authorship and date: The mixture of dialect forms seems to indicate that a northern original passed through one or more hands and that at least the last scribe belonged to the late West Saxon period. Cook thinks that it is not earlier than about 825 nor later than 937, and that it is possibly by Cynewulf.
Authorship and date: The blend of dialect forms suggests that a northern original was handled by one or more individuals, and that at least the final writer was from the late West Saxon period. Cook believes it dates between roughly 825 and 937, and it might possibly be by Cynewulf.
Source: Apocryphal book of Judith.]
Apocryphal book of Judith.
1. The Feast
. . . . . . . . . . She doubted [not] the gifts
. . . . . . . . . . __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ believed in the gifts
In this wide world. There worthily she found
In this vast world. There she found what she needed
Help at the hands of the Lord, when she had the highest need,
Help from the Lord, when she needed it the most,
Grace from God on high, that against the greatest of dangers
Grace from God above, that in the face of the greatest threats
5 The Lord of Hosts should protect her; for this the Heavenly Father
5The Lord of Hosts should protect her; because of this, the Heavenly Father
Graciously granted her wish, for she had given true faith
Graciously granted her wish, because she had demonstrated genuine faith
To the holy Ruler of heaven.
To the divine ruler of heaven.
Holofernes then, I am told,
Holofernes, I've heard,
Called his warriors to a wine-feast and a wondrous and glorious
Called his warriors to a wine feast that was awesome and glorious
Banquet prepared. To this the prince of men
Banquet ready. To this, the prince of men
10 Bade the bravest of thanes. Then with bold haste
10Called the bravest of warriors. Then with bold speed
To the powerful prince came the proud shield-warriors,
To the powerful prince came the proud shieldfighters,
Before the chief of the folk. That was the fourth day
Before the leader of the people. That was the 4th day
Since the gentle Judith, just in her thoughts,
Since the kind Judith, lost in thought,
Of fairy-like beauty, was brought to the king.
Of fairy-like beauty, was taken to the king.
15 Then they sought the assembly to sit at the banquet,
15Then they gathered the group to join the feast,
Proud to the wine-pouring, all his partners in woe,
Proud to the wine-pouring, all his partners in struggle,
Bold burnie-warriors. Bowls large and deep
Bold burnie-warriors. Large, deep bowls
Were borne along the benches; beakers also and flagons
Were carried along the benches; cups and jugs
Full to the feasters. Fated they drank it,
Full to the eaters. Destined, they drank it.
20 Renowned shield-knights, though he knew not their doom,
20Famous shield-knights, even though he didn’t know what had happened to them,
The hateful lord of heroes. Holofernes, the king,
The despised lord of heroes. Holofernes, the king,
Bestower of jewels, took joy in the wine-pouring,
Bestower of jewels, enjoyed pouring the wine,
Howled and hurled forth a hideous din
Howled and blasted out a terrible noise
That the folk of the earth from afar might hear
That the people of the earth might hear from afar
25 How the stalwart and strong-minded stormed and bellowed,
25How the brave and determined yelled and screamed,
Maddened by mead-drink; he demanded full oft
Drunk on mead; he demanded often
That the brave bench-sitters should bear themselves well.
That the courageous bench-sitters should behave appropriately.
So the hellish demon through the whole of the day
So the hellish demon all day
Drenched with drink his dear companions,
Soaked with drink his dear companions,
30 The cruel gold-king, till unconscious they lay,
30The ruthless gold-king, until they were unconscious,
All drunk his doughty ones, as if in death they were slain,
All the brave ones were drunk, as if they had died in combat,
Every good gone from them.
All good gone from them.
2. The Slaying of Holofernes
He gave then commands
He then gave commands
To serve the hall-sitters till descending upon them
To attend to the people sitting in the hall until getting closer to them
Dark night came near. The ignoble one ordered
Dark night approached. The dishonorable person commanded
35 The blessed maiden, burdened with jewels,
35 The blessed girl, loaded with jewels,
Freighted with rings, to be fetched in all haste
Freighted with rings, to be picked up as soon as possible
To his hated bedside. His behest they performed,
To his hated bedside. They did what he asked,
His corps of retainers —the commands of their lord,
His group of followers —the orders of their leader,
Chief of the champions. Cheerfully they stepped
Chief of the champions. They walked happily.
40 To the royal guest-room, where full ready they found
40To the royal guest room, where everything was set up
The queenly Judith, and quickly then
The queenly Judith, and quickly then
The goodly knights began to lead
The noble knights began to lead
The holy maiden to the high tent,
The holy maiden to the big tent,
Where the rich ruler rested always,
Where the wealthy ruler always rested,
45 Lay him at night, loathsome to God,
45Lay him down at night, hateful to God,
Holofernes. There hung an all-golden
Holofernes. There hung a golden
Radiant fly-net around the folk-chief’s
Radiant fly net around the folk chief’s
Bed embroidered; so that the baleful one,
Bed embroidered; so that the dark one,
The loathed leader, might look unhindered
The hated leader, might look unhindered
50 On everyone of the warrior band
50 On everyone in the warrior band
Who entered in, and on him none
Who came in, and nobody
Contrivers of crime, he called to his presence:
Contrivers of crime, He called them to step forward:
His barons to bring him advice. Then they bore to his rest
His barons came to give him advice. Then they took him to his final resting place.
55 The wisest of women; went then the strong-hearted band
55The wisest of women; then the brave team went
To make known to their master that the maiden of God
To inform their master that the maiden of God
Was brought to his bower. Then blithe was the chief in his heart,
Was brought to his shelter. Then the chief felt happy in his heart,
The builder of burg-steads; the bright maiden he planned
The builder of fortresses; the shining girl he imagined
With loathsome filth to defile, but the Father of heaven knew
With disgusting filth to ruin, but the Father in heaven knew
60 His purpose, the Prince of goodness and with power he restrained him,
60His intention, the Prince of goodness and with strength he held him back,
God, the Wielder of Glory. Glad then the hateful one
God, the Holder of Glory. Happy then the detestable one
Went with his riotous rout of retainers
Went with his boisterous fan group
Baleful to his bedside, where his blood should be spilled
Baleful to his bedside, where his blood will be shed
Suddenly in a single night. Full surely his end approached
Suddenly, in just one night. It was obvious that his time was running out.
65 On earth ungentle, even as he lived,
65On earth unkind, just like he lived,
Stern striver for evil, while still in this world
Stern seeker of evil, while still in this reality
He dwelt under the roof of the clouds. Drunken with wine then he fell
He lived beneath the cloud-covered sky. Drunk from wine, he then collapsed.
In the midst of his regal rest so that he recked not of counsel
In the middle of his royal rest so that he ignored advice
In the chamber of his mind; the champions stepped
In the chamber of his mind; the champions arrived
70 Out of his presence and parted in haste,
70He quickly left his presence and rushed away,
The wine-sated warriors who went with the false one,
The wine-drunk warriors who followed the fraud,
And the evil enemy of man ushered to bed
And the evil enemy of man tucked into bed
For the last time.
For the final time.
Then the Lord’s servant
Then the Lord's servant
The mighty hand-maiden, was mindful in all things
The powerful servant girl was attentive to everything
75 How she most easily from the evil contriver
75How she most easily from the villainous mastermind
His life might snatch ere the lecherous deceiver,
His life could be taken before the deceptive seducer,
The creature crime-laden awoke. The curly-locked maiden
The crime-ridden creature woke up. The girl with curly hair
Of God then seized the sword well ground,
Of God then seized the sword properly sharpened,
Sharp from the hammers, and from its sheath drew it
Sharp from the hammers, and pulled it from its sheath
80 With her right hand; heaven’s Guardian she began
80With her right hand; heaven's Guardian began
To call by name, Creator of all
To name, Creator of everything
The dwellers in the world, and these words she spoke:
The people in the world, and she said this:
“O Heavenly God, and Holy Ghost,
“O Heavenly God, and Holy Spirit,”
Son of the Almighty, I will seek from Thee
Son of the Almighty, I'll ask You
85 Thy mercy unfailing to defend me from evil,
85Your unfailing mercy to shield me from harm,
O Holiest Trinity. Truly for me now
O Holiest Trinity. Honestly, for me now
Full sore is my soul and sorrowful my heart,
Full sore is my soul and my heart is filled with sadness,
Tormented with griefs. Grant me, Lord of the skies,
Tormented with grief. Grant me, Lord of the skies,
Success and soundness of faith, that with this sword I may
Success and strength of faith, that with this sword I can
90 Behead this hideous monster. Heed my prayer for salvation,
90Kill this ugly monster. Hear my call for help,
Noble Lord of nations; never have I had
Noble Lord of nations; I've never had
More need of thy mercy; mighty Lord, avenge now
More need of your mercy; mighty Lord, seek justice now
Bright-minded Bringer of glory, that I am thus baffled in spirit,
Bright-minded Bringer of glory, that I am very confused in my mind,
Heated in heart.” Her then the greatest of Judges
He was passionate in his heart.” So, the greatest of judges
95 With dauntless daring inspired, as he doth ever to all
95With fearless bravery inspired, as he always does to everyone
The sons of the Spirit who seek him for help,
The sons of the Spirit who asks him for help,
With reason and with right belief. Then was to the righteous in mind,
With logic and the right beliefs. Then it was for those who are righteous in their minds,
Holy hope renewed; the heathen man then she took,
Holy hope renewed; she then took the pagan man,
And held by his hair; with her hands she drew him
And holding his hair; She pulled him with her hands.
100 Shamefully toward her, and the traitorous deceiver
100Shamefully toward her, and the treacherous liar
Laid as she listed, most loathsome of men,
Laid out as she mentioned, the worst of men,
In order that easily the enemy’s body
In order to easily the enemy's corpse
She might wield at her will. The wicked one she slew,
She could use it as she pleased. The villain she killed,
The curly-locked maiden with her keen-edged sword,
The curly-haired girl with her sleek sword,
105 Smote the hateful-hearted one till she half cut through
105Hit the one with a hateful heart until she was almost cut in half
Severing his neck, so that swooning he lay
Severing his neck, and he lay there, unconscious
Drunken and death-wounded. Not dead was he yet,
Drunk and wounded to the point of death. He wasn’t dead yet,
Nor lifeless entirely: the triumphant lady
Not entirely lifeless: the triumphant lady
More earnestly smote the second time
More seriously hit the second time
110 The heathen hound, so that his head was thrown
110The heathen hound, so that his head was thrown
Forth on the floor; foul lay the carcass,
Forth on the floor; the rotten carcass lay,
Bereft of a soul; the spirit went elsewhere
Bereft of a soul; the spirit moved on
Under the burning abyss where abandoned it lay,
Under the burning abyss where it was abandoned,
Tied down in torment till time shall cease,
Tied down in pain until time runs out,
115 With serpents bewound, amid woes and tortures,
115With snakes coiled around, in the middle of challenges and pain,
All firmly fixed in the flames of hell,
All firmly fixed in hell's flames,
When death came upon him. He durst not hope,
When death came for him. He didn't dare hope.
Enveloped in blackness, to venture forth ever
Enveloped in darkness, to keep progressing always
From that dreary hole, but dwell there he shall
From that dreary hole, but he will need to stay there
120 Forever and aye till the end of time,
120Forever and always until the end of time,
In that hideous home without hope of joy.
In that terrible home with no hope for happiness.
3. The Return to Bethulia
Great was the glory then gained in the fight
Great was the glory earned in the fight
By Judith at war, through the will of God,
By Judith at war, by God's will,
The mighty Master, who permitted her victory.
The powerful Master, who let her win.
125 Then the wise-minded maiden immediately threw
125 Then the wise maiden immediately threw
The heathen warrior’s head so bloody,
The pagan warrior’s head so bloody,
Concealed it in the sack that her servant had brought—
Concealed it in the bag that her helper had brought—
The pale-faced woman, polished in manners—
The pale-faced woman, well-mannered—
Which before she had filled with food for them both.
Which before she had filled with food for both of them.
130 Then the gory head gave she to her goodly maid-servant
130Then she handed the bloody head to her loyal maid.
To bear to their home, to her helper she gave it,
To take it home, she handed it to her assistant,
To her junior companion. Then they journeyed together,
To her younger friend. Then they journeyed together,
Both of the women, bold in their daring,
Both of the women, confident in their bravery,
The mighty in mind, the maidens exultant,
The determined, the cheerful young women,
135 Till they had wholly escaped from the host of the enemy,
135Until they had completely escaped from enemy forces,
And could full clearly catch the first sight
And could clearly catch the first sight
Of their sacred city and see the walls
Of their holy city and check out the walls
Of bright Bethulia. Then the bracelet-adorned ones,
Of bright Bethulia. Then those wearing bracelets,
Traveling on foot, went forth in haste,
Walking quickly, hurried along,
140 Until they had journeyed, with joy in their hearts,
140Until they had traveled, with joy in their hearts,
To the wall-gate.
To the gate.
The warriors sat
The fighters sat
Unwearied in watching, the wardens on duty,
Unwavering in their vigilance, the on-duty wardens,
Fast in the fortress, as the folk erstwhile,
Fast in the fortress, as people used to,
The grieved ones of mind, by the maiden were counselled,
The troubled ones in their thoughts, the young woman advised us,
145 By the wary Judith, when she went on her journey,
145By the cautious Judith, when she began her journey,
The keen-witted woman. She had come once more,
The sharp-minded woman. She had arrived again,
Dear to her people, the prudent in counsel.
Dear to her people, the wise give advice.
She straightway summoned certain of the heroes
She immediately called on some of the heroes
From the spacious city speedily to meet her
From the large city hurry to meet her
150 And allow her to enter without loss of time
150 And let her enter without delay
Through the gate of the wall, and these words she spoke
Through the gate in the wall, and these words she spoke
To the victor-tribe:
To the winning tribe:
“I may tell to you now
“I can tell you now”
Noteworthy news, that you need no longer
Noteworthy news, that you don't need to
Mourn in your mind, for the Master is kind to you,
Mourn in your mind, because the Master is nice to you,
155 The Ruler of nations. It is known afar
155The Leader of nations. It's widely known
Around the wide world that you have won glory;
Around the vast world that you've achieved fame;
Very great victory is vouchsafed in return
Very great victory is given back
For all the evils and ills you have suffered.”
For all the problems and challenges you've faced.”
Blithe then became the burghers within,
Blithe then became the town folk,
160 When they heard how the Holy Maid spoke
160When they heard how the Holy Maid said
Over the high wall. The warriors rejoiced;
Over the high wall. The fighters celebrated;
To the gate of the fortress the folk then hastened,
To the gate of the fortress the people quickly hurried,
Wives with their husbands, in hordes and in bands,
Wives with their husbands, in groups and in packs,
In crowds and in companies; they crushed and thronged
In crowds and in groups; they pushed and crowded together
165 Towards the handmaid of God by hundreds and thousands,
165To the servant of God by the hundreds and thousands,
Old ones and young ones. All of the men
Old and young alike. All the guys
In the goodly city were glad in their hearts
In the nice city were happy inside
At the joyous news that Judith was come
At the happy news that Judith has arrived
Again to her home, and hastily then
Again to her home, and quickly then
170 With humble hearts the heroes received her.
170With humble hearts, the heroes embraced her.
Then gave the gold-adorned, sagacious in mind,
Then gave the gold-adorned, smart in mind,
Command to her comrade, her co-worker faithful
Command to her comrade, her dedicated co-worker
The heathen chief’s head to hold forth to the people,
The heathen chief’s head to show to the public,
To the assembly to show as a sign and a token,
To the assembly to show as a sign and symbol,
175 All bloody to the burghers, how in battle they sped.
175All bloody to the townspeople, how effectively they fought in battle.
To the famed victory-folk the fair maiden spoke:
To the celebrated victory crowd, the beautiful maiden said:
“O proudest of peoples, princely protectors,
“O proudest of people, princely guardians,”
Gladly now gaze on the gory face,
Gladly now look at the bloody face,
On the hated head of the heathen warrior,
On the despised head of the savage warrior,
180 Holofernes, wholly life-bereft,
180 Holofernes, completely lifeless,
Who most of all men contrived murder against us,
Who plotted murder against us more than anyone else,
The sorest of sorrows, and sought even yet
The deepest of pains, and still being looked for
With greater to grind us, but God would not suffer him
With more to deal with, but God wouldn't let it
Longer to live, that with loathsomest evils
Longer to live, that with the most revolting evils
185 The proud one should oppress us; I deprived him of life
185 The arrogant one should dominate us; I ended his life.
Through the grace of God. Now I give commands
Through the grace of God. Now I give commands
To you citizens bold, you soldiers brave-hearted,
To you bold citizens, you brave soldiers,
Protectors of the people, to prepare one and all
Protectors of the people, to prepare everyone
Forthwith for the fight. When first from the east
Forthwith for the fight. When first arriving from the east
190 The King of creation, the kindest of Lords,
190The King of all, the kindest of Lords,
Sends the first beams of light, bring forth your linden-shields,
Sends the first rays of light, bring out your linden shields,
Boards for your breasts and your burnie-corselets,
Boards for your breasts and your underwear,
Your bright-hammered helmets to the hosts of the scathers,
Your shiny helmets to the crowds of the troublemakers,
To fell the folk-leaders, the fated chieftains,
To take down the community leaders, the chosen leaders,
195 With your fretted swords. Your foes are all
195With your sharpened swords. Your enemies are everywhere.
Doomed to the death, and dearly-won glory
Doomed to die, and hard-earned fame
Shall be yours in battle, as the blessed Creator
Shall be yours in battle, as the gracious Creator
The mighty Master, through me has made known.”
The powerful Master, has revealed through me.
4. The Battle
Then a band of bold knights busily gathered,
Then a group of brave knights quickly gathered,
200 Keen men at the conflict; with courage they stepped forth,
200Determined men at the battle; they moved forward with courage,
Bearing banners, brave-hearted companions,
Carrying banners, brave-hearted companions,
And fared to the fight, forth in right order,
And went to the fight, in formation,
Heroes under helmets from the holy city
Heroes under helmets from the sacred city
At the dawning of day; dinned forth their shields
At daybreak; they pulled out their shields
205 A loud-voiced alarm. Now listened in joy
A loud alarm. Now listened in joy
The lank wolf in the wood and the wan raven,
The skinny wolf in the woods and the white raven,
Battle-hungry bird, both knowing well
Battle-hungry bird, both aware
That the gallant people would give to them soon
That the brave people will give to them soon
A feast on the fated; now flew on their track
A feast on the doomed; now flew in their direction
210 The deadly devourer, the dewy-winged eagle,
210 The deadly devourer, the dewy-winged eagle,
Singing his war-song, the swart-coated bird,
Singing his battle song, the dark-coated bird,
The horned of beak. Then hurried the warriors,
The horned beak. Then the fighters rushed,
Keen for the conflict, covered with shields,
Keen for the fight, shielded up,
With hollow lindens— they who long had endured
With hollow lindens— those who had long endured
215 The taunts and the tricks of the treacherous strangers,
215The mockery and deception of the deceitful outsiders,
The host of the heathen; hard was it repaid now
The host of the heathen; It’s difficult to pay this back now.
To all the Assyrians, every insult revenged,
To all the Assyrians, all insults avenged,
At the shock of the shields, when the shining-armed Hebrews
At the impact of the shields, when the shining-armed Hebrews
Bravely to battle marched under banners of war
Bravely marched into battle under battle flags
220 To face the foeman. Forthwith then they
220 Face the enemy. Right away they
Sharply shot forth showers of arrows,
Shot showers of arrows,
Bitter battle-adders from their bows of horn,
Bitter battle snakes from their horn bows,
Hurled straight from the string; stormed and raged loudly
Hurled straight from the string; stormed and raged loudly
The dauntless avengers; darts were sent whizzing
The brave avengers; arrows flew by
225 Into the hosts of the hardy ones. Heroes were angry
225Into the ranks of the brave. The heroes were livid
The dwellers in the land, at the dastardly race.
The people in the land, at the cowardly race.
Strong-hearted they stepped, stern in their mood;
Strong-hearted they stepped, serious in their vibe;
On their enemies of old took awful revenge,
On their old enemies, they took terrible revenge.
On their mead-weary foes. With the might of their hands
On their tired enemies. With the power of their hands
230 Their shining swords from their sheaths they drew forth.
230They pulled their shining swords from their sheaths.
With the choicest of edges the champions they smote—
With the best of edges the champions they beat—
Furiously felled the folk of Assyria,
Furiously defeated the people of Assyria,
The spiteful despoilers. They spared not a one
The spiteful wreckers. They didn't spare a single one.
Of the hated host, neither high nor low
Of the despised group, neither high nor low
235 Of living men that they might overcome.
235Of living men so they could get through.
So the kinsmen-companions at the coming of morning
So the family and friends at the break of dawn
Followed the foemen, fiercely attacking them,
Chased the enemies, fiercely attacking them,
Till, pressed and in panic, the proud ones perceived
Till, feeling pressured and panicked, the proud noticed
That the chief and the champions of the chosen people
That the leader and the champions of the selected people
240 With the swing of the sword swept all before them,
240With the swing of the sword cleared everything in their way,
The wise Hebrew warriors. Then word they carried
The wise Hebrew warriors. Then the message they delivered
To the eldest officers over the camp,
To the senior officers camp manager,
Ran with the wretched news, arousing the leaders,
Ran with the terrible news, rallying the leaders,
Fully informed them of the fearful disaster,
Fully informed them of the awful disaster,
245 Told the merry mead-drinkers of the morning encounter
245Shared with the cheerful mead-drinkers about the morning call
Of the horrible edge-play. I heard then suddenly
Of the intense edge-play. I heard suddenly
The slaughter-fated men from sleep awakened
The doomed men woke up
And toward the bower-tent of the baleful chief,
And towards the tent of the ominous leader,
Holofernes, they hastened: in hosts they crowded,
Holofernes, they hurried: they gathered in crowds,
250 Thickly they thronged. One thought had they only,
250They crowded in thickly. They had just one thought,
Their lasting loyalty to their lord to show,
Their lasting loyalty to their lord to demonstrate,
Before in their fury they fell upon him,
Before in their rage they assaulted him,
The host of the Hebrews. The whole crowd imagined
The host of the Hebrews. Everyone in the crowd believed
That the lord of despoilers and the spotless lady
That the lord of plunderers and the pure woman
255 Together remained in the gorgeous tent,
Together stayed in the gorgeous tent,
The virtuous virgin and the vicious deceiver,
The virtuous virgin and the evil deceiver,
Dreadful and direful; they dared not, however,
Dreadful and terrible; they didn’t dare, though,
Awaken the warrior, not one of the earls,
Awaken the warrior, not one of the nobles,
Nor be first to find how had fared through the night
Nor be first to find how it unfolded overnight
260 The most churlish of chieftains and the chastest of maidens,
260The rudest of leaders and the most pure women,
The pride of the Lord.
The Lord's pride.
Now approached in their strength
Now approaching in their strength
The folk of the Hebrews. They fought remorselessly
The people of the Hebrews. They fought fiercely
With hard-hammered weapons, with their hilts requited
With tough, forged weapons, with their usernames matched
Their strife of long standing, with stained swords repaid
Their long-standing conflict, with stained swords avenged
265 Their ancient enmity; all of Assyria
Their old rivalry; all of Assyria
Was subdued and doomed that day by their work,
Was subdued and doomed that day by their job,
Its pride bowed low. In panic and fright,
Its pride was humbled. In panic and fear,
In terror they stood around the tent of their chief,
In fear, they gathered around their chief's tent,
Moody in mind. Then the men all together
Moody in mind. Then the men all united
270 In concert clamored and cried aloud,
In concert shouted and cried out,
Ungracious to God, and gritted their teeth,
Ungracious to God, and tightened their jaws,
Grinding them in their grief. Then was their glory at an end,
Grinding them in their grief. Then their glory came to a close,
Their noble deeds and daring hopes. Then they deemed it wise
Their noble actions and bold aspirations. Then they thought it was smart
To summon their lord from his sleep, but success was denied them.
To wake their lord from his sleep, but they didn't succeed.
275 A loyal liegeman, —long had he wavered—
275A loyal vassal, —he had thought about it for a long time—
Desperately dared the door to enter,
Desperately dared the door to enter,
Ventured into the pavilion; violent need drove him.
Ventured into the pavilion; A strong sense of urgency drove him onward.
On the bed then he found, in frightful state lying,
On the bed, he found, in a shocking condition,
His gold-giver ghastly; gone was his spirit,
His gold-giver was terrifying; he was feeling lost,
280 No life in him lingered. The liegeman straight fell.
280No life was left in him. The vassal collapsed instantly.
Trembling with terror, he tore at his hair,
Trembling with fear, he tugged at his hair,
He clawed at his clothes; he clamored despairing,
He ripped at his clothes; he shouted in despair,
And to the waiting warriors these words he said,
And to the waiting warriors he said this,
As they stood outside in sadness and fear:
As they stood outside feeling down and anxious
285 “Here is made manifest our imminent doom,
“Here is revealed our doom,"
Is clearly betokened that the time is near,
Is clearly indicated the time is coming,
Pressing upon us with perils and woes,
Pressing on us with risks and challenges,
When we lose our lives, and lie defeated
When we lose our lives, and lie defeated
By the hostile host; here hewn by the sword,
By the unfriendly host; cut here with the sword,
290 Our lord is beheaded.” With heavy spirits
290Our lord has been executed.” With a heavy heart
They threw their weapons away, and weary in heart,
They tossed aside their weapons, and feeling drained inside,
Scattered in flight.
Flying around.
5. The Pursuit
Then their foemen pursued them,
Then their enemies chased them,
Their grim power growing, until the greatest part
Their grim power growing, until the best part
Of the cowardly band they conquered in battle
Of the cowardly group they won the battle
295 On the field of victory. Vanquished and sword-hewn,
295On the field of victory. Defeated and battle-scarred,
They lay at the will of the wolves, for the watchful and greedy
They were at the mercy of the wolves, for the vigilant and greedy
Fowls to feed upon. Then fled the survivors
Fowl to eat. Then the survivors fled.
From the shields of their foemen. Sharp on their trail came
From the shields of their enemies. Sharp on their trail arrived
The crowd of the Hebrews, covered with victory,
The crowd of the Hebrews, full of triumph,
300 With honors well-earned; aid then accorded them,
300With honors well-deserved; support given to them,
Graciously granted them, God, Lord Almighty.
Graciously granted them, God, Lord Almighty.
They then daringly, with dripping swords,
They then boldly, with dripping swords,
The corps of brave kinsmen, cut them a war-path
The group of brave relatives, created a path for war
Through the host of the hated ones; they hewed with their swords,
Through the crowd of those they despised; they attacked with their swords,
305 Sheared through the shield-wall. They shot fast and furiously,
305Cut through the shield wall. They fired quickly and fiercely,
Men stirred to strife, the stalwart Hebrews,
Men stirred to conflict, the strong Hebrews,
The thanes, at that time, thirsting exceedingly,
The thanes, at that time, excessively thirsty,
Fain for the spear-fight. Then fell in the dust
Fired up for the spear fight. Then fell to the ground
The chiefest part of the chosen warriors,
The main part of the chosen warriors,
310 Of the staunch and the steadfast Assyrian leaders,
310Of the strong and unwavering Assyrian leaders,
Of the fated race of the foe. Few of them came back
Of the doomed lineage of the enemy. Only a few of them came back.
Alive to their own land.
Awake to their own land.
The leaders returned
The leaders came back
Over perilous paths through the piles of the slaughtered,
Over dangerous paths through the bodies of the fallen,
Of reeking corpses; good occasion there was
Of rotting corpses; there was a solid reason
315 For the landsmen to plunder their lifeless foes,
315For the land soldiers to loot their defeated enemies,
Their ancient enemies in their armor laid low,
Their old enemies in their armor were defeated,
Of battle spoils bloody, of beautiful trappings,
Of bloody battle spoils, of beautiful decor,
Of bucklers and broad-swords, of brown war-helmets,
Of shields and broadswords, brown combat helmets,
Of glittering jewels. Gloriously had been
Of sparkling jewels. Gloriously had been
320 In the folk-field their foes overcome,
320 In the folk field their enemies defeated,
By home-defenders, their hated oppressors
By home defenders, their despised oppressors
Put to sleep by the sword. Senseless on the path
Put to sleep by the sword. Unconscious on the trail
Lay those who in life, the loathsomest were
Lay those who in life, were the most loathsome
Of the tribes of the living.
Of the tribes of the living.
6. The Spoil
Then the landsmen all,
Then all the land dwellers,
325 Famous of family, for a full month’s time,
325Famous for their family, for a whole month,
The proud curly-locked ones, carried and led
The proud ones with curly hair, carried and guided
To their glorious city, gleaming Bethulia,
To their glorious city, shining Bethulia,
Helms and hip-knives, hoary burnies,
Helmets and switchblades, old burnies,
Men’s garments of war, with gold adorned,
Men's military uniforms, adorned with gold,
330 With more of jewels than men of judgment,
330 With more jewels than wise people,
Keen in cunning might count or estimate;
Keen in cleverness might measure or estimate;
So much success the soldier-troop won,
So much success the soldier troop gained,
Bold under banners and in battle-strife
Bold under banners and in battle
Through the counsel of the clever Judith,
Through the advice of the clever Judith,
335 Maiden high-minded. As meed for her bravery,
335Young woman with high aspirations. As a reward for her courage, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
From the field of battle, the bold-hearted earls
From the battlefield, the brave earls
Brought in as her earnings the arms of Holofernes,
Brought in as her earnings the arms of Holofernes,
His broad sword and bloody helmet, likewise his breast-armor large,
His broad sword and bloody helmet, along with his large breastplate,
Chased with choice red gold, all that the chief of the warriors,
Chased with shiny red gold, all that the leader of the fighters,
340 The betrayer, possessed of treasure, of beautiful trinkets and heirlooms,
340The traitor, with their stash of wealth, of beautiful decorations and family treasures,
Bracelets and brilliant gems. All these to the bright maid they gave
Bracelets and sparkling gems. All of this was given to the energetic young woman.
As a gift to her, ready in judgment.
As a gift to her, prepared to decide.
7. The Praise
For all this Judith now rendered
For all of this, Judith now gave
Thanks to the Heavenly Host, from whom came all her success,
Thanks to the Heavenly Host, from whom all her success originated,
Greatness and glory on earth and likewise grace in heaven,
Greatness and glory on earth and also grace in heaven,
345 Paradise as a victorious prize, because she had pure belief
345Paradise as a hard-won reward, because she had strong faith
Always in the Almighty; at the end she had no doubt
Always in the Almighty; In the end, she was certain.
Of the prize she had prayed for long. For this be praise to God,
Of the prize she had prayed for a long time. For this, we thank God,
Glory in ages to come, who shaped the clouds and the winds,
Glory in future ages, who formed the clouds and the winds,
Firmament and far-flung realms, also the fierce-raging streams
Firmament and distant realms, also the fast, flowing rivers
350 And the blisses of heaven, through his blessed mercy.
350And the joys of heaven, through his amazing mercy.
THE PHŒNIX
[Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader. The Latin source is also printed there.
[Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader. The Latin source is also printed there.]
Alliterative translations: Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems; William Rice Sims, Modern Language Notes, vii, 11-13; Hall, Judith, Phœnix, etc.
Alliterative translations: Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems; William Rice Sims, Modern Language Notes, vii, 11-13; Hall, Judith, Phœnix, etc.
Source: First part, Lactantius, De Ave Phoenice; second part, application of the myth to Christ based on Ambrose and Bede.
Source: First part, Lactantius, De Ave Phoenice; second part, applying the myth to Christ based on Ambrose and Bede.
In summing up scholarly opinion up to the date of his own writing (1910) Mr. Kennedy says [The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 58-59]: “In general, however, it may be said that, while the question does not submit itself to definite conclusions, the weight of critical opinion leans to the side of Cynewulf’s having written the Phœnix, and that the time of its composition would fall between the Christ and the Elene.”
In summarizing scholarly opinions up to the time he was writing (1910), Mr. Kennedy says [The Poems of Cynewulf, pp. 58-59]: “In general, it can be said that, while the question doesn’t lead to definite conclusions, the majority of critical opinion leans towards the idea that Cynewulf wrote the Phœnix, and that it was composed sometime between the Christ and the Elene.”
The first part of the poem is among the most pleasing pieces of description in Anglo-Saxon.]
The first part of the poem is one of the most enjoyable descriptions in Anglo-Saxon.
I.
I have heard that there lies a land far hence
I have heard that there is a distant land
A noble realm well-known unto men,
A noble realm well-known to people,
In the eastern kingdoms. That corner of the world
In the eastern kingdoms. That region
Is not easy of access to every tribe
Is not easy for every tribe to access
5 On the face of the earth, but afar it was placed
5On the surface of the earth, but it was situated far away
By the might of the Maker from men of sin.
By the power of the Creator from bad people.
The plain is beautiful, a place of blessings,
The plain is beautiful, a place of good vibes,
And filled with the fairest fragrance of earth;
And filled with the sweetest earthy aroma;
Matchless is that island, its maker unequalled,
Matchless is that island, its creator unparalleled,
10 Steadfast and strong of heart, who established that land.
10Determined and courageous, who made that land.
There are often open to the eyes of the blessed,
There are often open to the eyes of the blessed,
The happiness of the holy through heaven’s door.
The happiness of the holy through heaven's door.
That is a winsome plain; the woods are green,
That is a charming plain; the forest is green,
Far stretching under the stars. There no storm of rain or snow,
Far stretching under the stars. There's no storm of rain or snow,
15 Nor breath of frost nor blast of fire,
15Neither the chill of frost nor a blast of flames,
Nor fall of hail nor hoary frost,
Nor hail nor gray frost,
Nor burning sun nor bitter cold,
Neither burning sun nor bitter cold,
Nor warm weather nor winter showers
Neither warm weather nor winter showers
Shall work any woe, but that winsome plain
Shall create any trouble, but that beautiful landscape
20 Is wholesome and unharmed; in that happy land
20Is healthy and safe; in that happy place
Blossoms are blown. No bold hills nor mountains
Blossoms are blown. No tall hills or mountains
There stand up steep; no stony cliffs
There stand up steep; no rocky cliffs
Lift high their heads as here with us,
Lift high their heads as they are here with us,
Nor dales nor glens nor darksome gorges,
Nor valleys nor hollows nor dark ravines,
25 Nor caves nor crags; nor occur there ever
25Neither caves nor cliffs; nor do they ever occur there
Anything rough; but under radiant skies
Anything tough; but under bright skies
Flourish the fields in flowers and blossoms.
Flourish the fields with flowers and blooms.
This lovely land lieth higher
This lovely land is elevated
By twelve full fathoms, as famous writers,
By twelve full fathoms, as well-known authors,
30 As sages say and set forth in books,
30As wise people say and explain in their texts,
Than any of the hills that here with us
Than any of the hills that are here with us
Rise bright and high under heaven’s stars.
Rise bright and high under the stars in the sky.
Peaceful is that plain, pleasant its sunny grove,
Peaceful is that plain, nice sunny grove,
Winsome its woodland glades; never wanes its increase
Winsome are its forest clearings; its growth never stops
35 Nor fails of its fruitage, but fair stand the trees,
35Nor does it fail to bear fruit, but the trees look stunning,
Ever green as God had given command;
Evergreen as God commanded;
In winter and summer the woodlands cease not
In winter and summer the woods never stop
To be filled with fruit, and there fades not a leaf;
To be full of fruit, and no leaf ever wilts;
Not a blossom is blighted nor burned by the fire
Not a flower is damaged or burned by the fire
40 Through all the ages till the end of time,
40Through all the ages until forever,
Till the world shall fail. When the fury of waters
Till the world ends. When the waters rage
Over all the earth in olden times
Over all the earth in the past
Covered the world, then the wondrous plain,
Covered the world, then the incredible plain,
Unharmed and unhurt by the heaving flood,
Unharmed and unhurt by the rising flood,
45 Strongly withstood and stemmed the waves,
45 Strongly resisted and controlled the waves,
Blest and uninjured through the aid of God:
Blessed and unharmed with God's help
Thus blooming it abides till the burning fire
Thus blooming, it remains until the blazing fire
Of the day of doom when the death-chambers open
Of the day of reckoning when the execution rooms open
And the ghastly graves shall give up their dead.
And the eerie graves will return their dead.
50 No fearsome foe is found in that land,
50No scary enemy is located in that area,
No sign of distress, no strife, no weeping,
No sign of distress, no drama, no tears,
Neither age, nor misery, nor the menace of death,
Neither age, nor suffering, nor the fear of death,
Nor failing of life, nor foemen’s approach,
Nor lacking life, nor the enemy coming,
No sin nor trial nor tribulation,
No sin, trial, or tribulation,
55 Nor the want of wealth, nor work for the pauper,
55Neither the lack of money, no jobs for the poor,
No sorrow nor sleep, nor sick-bed’s pain,
No sadness or sleep, nor the discomfort of being confined to a sickbed,
Nor wintry winds, nor weather’s raging,
Nor winter winds, nor weather’s raging,
Fierce under the heavens; nor the hard frost
Fierce under the sky; nor the freezing cold
Causeth discomfort with cold icicles.
Causes discomfort with cold icicles.
60 Neither hail nor frost fall from the heavens,
60Neither hail nor frost fall from the sky,
Nor wintry cloud nor water descendeth
Nor winter cloud nor water descends
Stirred by the storms; but streams there flow,
Stirred by the storms; but streams run there,
Wondrously welling and watering the earth,
Wondrously nourishing and watering the earth,
Pouring forth in pleasant fountains;
Flowing out in pleasant fountains;
65 The winsome water from the wood’s middle
65The charming water from the middle of the woods
Each month of the year from the mould of earth,
Each month of the year from the earth's mold,
Cold as the sea, coursing through the woods,
Cold as the sea, navigating the woods,
Breaketh abundantly. It is the bidding of the Lord
Break abundantly. It is the Lord's command
That twelve times yearly that teeming land
That twelve times a year that rich land
70 The floods shall o’erflow and fill with joy.
70The floods will overflow and fill with joy.
The groves are green with gorgeous bloom,
The groves are green with gorgeous flowers,
And fairest of fruits; there fail not at all
And the fairest of fruits; don't fail at all
The holy treasures of the trees under heaven,
The sacred treasures of the trees overhead,
Nor falleth from the forests the fallow blossoms,
Nor does the fallow blossoms fall from the forests,
75 The beauty of the trees; but, bounteously laden,
75The beauty of the trees; but, generously packed,
The boughs are hanging heavy with fruit
The branches are weighed down with plenty of fruit
That is always new in every season.
That is always new throughout the year.
In the grassy plain all green appear,
In the grassy plain everything looks fresh,
Gorgeously garnished by God in his might,
Gorgeously adorned by God's power,
80 The forests fair. Nor fails the wood
80The beautiful forests. And the forest never disappoints
In its pleasing prospect; a perfume holy
In its nice view; a lovely scent
Enchanteth the land. No change shall it know
Enchant the land. It won't change.
Forever till he ends his ancient plan,
Forever until he completes his outdated plan,
His work of wisdom as he willed it at first.
His work of wisdom as he initially intended it.
II
85 In that wood there dwelleth a wondrous bird,
85In that wood, there lives an incredible bird,
Fearless in flight, the Phœnix its name.
Fearless in flight, the Phoenix, its name.
Lonely it liveth its life in this place,
Lonely, it lives it's life in this place,
Doughty of soul; death never seeks him
Doughty of spirit; death never comes for him
In that well-loved wood while the world shall endure.
In that cherished forest as long as the world exists.
90 He is said to watch the sun on his way
90He is said to watch the sun on his way
And to go to meet God’s bright candle,
And to go meet God's shining light,
That gleaming gem, and gladly to note
That shining gem, and happily to report
When rises in radiance the most royal of stars
When the brightest star appears
Up from the east over the ocean’s waves,
Up from the east over the ocean waves,
95 The famous work of the Father, fair with adornments,
95The renowned work of the Father, beautifully decorated,
The bright sign of God. Buried are the stars,
The bright sign of God. The stars are hidden,
Wandering ’neath the waters to the western realms;
Wandering under the waters to the western territories;
They grow dim at dawn, and the dark night
They fade at dawn, and the dark night
Creepeth wanly away. Then on wings of strength,
Creep away slowly. Then on strong wings,
100 Proud on his pinions, he placeth his gaze
100Proud on his wings, he looks
Eagerly on the streams, and stares over the water
Eagerly on the streams, and gazes across the water
Where the gleam of heaven gliding shall come
Where the shine of heaven gliding will happen
O’er the broad ocean from the bright east.
O'er the wide ocean from the bright east.
So the wondrous bird at the water’s spring
So the amazing bird at the water spring
105 Bideth in beauty, in the brimming streams.
105Lives in beauty, in the flooded streams.
Twelve times there the triumphant bird
Twelve times there the victorious bird
Bathes in the brook ere the beacon appears,
Bathes in the stream before the beacon appears,
The candle of heaven, and the cold stream
The candle of heaven, and the chilly stream
Of the joy-inspiring springs he tasteth
Of the joy-inspiring springs he tastes
110 From the icy burn at every bath.
110From the cold sting during every bath.
Then after his sport in the springs at dawn,
Then after his fun in the spring at dawn,
Filled full of pride he flies to a tree
Filled with pride he flies to a tree
Where most easily he may in the eastern realm
Where he can most easily in the eastern region
Behold the journey, when the jewel of heaven
Behold the journey, when the gem of heaven
115 Over the shimmering sea, the shining light,
115Across the glistening sea, the bright light,
Gleameth in glory. Garnished is the land,
Gleaming in glory. The land is adorned,
The world made beautiful, when the blessed gem
The world became beautiful, when the valuable gem
Illumines the land, the largest of stars
Illuminates the ground, the biggest stars
In the circle of the seas sends forth its rays.
In the ocean's embrace lights up.
120 Soon as the sun over the salt streams;
120As soon as the sun sets over the salty sea;
Rises in glory, then the gray-feathered bird
Rises in glory, then the gray bird
Blithely rises from the beam where he rested;
Blithely rises from the beam where he was resting;
Fleet-winged he fareth and flieth on high;
Fleet-winged he goes and soars high;
Singing and caroling he soareth to heaven.
Singing and caroling he ascends to heaven.
125 Fair is the famous fowl in his bearing
125Fair is the well-known bird in his vibe
With joy in his breast, in bliss exulting;
With joy in his heart, in blissful celebration;
He warbles his song more wondrously sweet
He sings his song more wonderfully sweet
And choicer of note than ever child of man
And more remarkable than any child of man
Heard beneath the heavens since the High King,
Heard beneath the sky since the King,
130 The worker of wonders, the world established,
The miracle worker, the world created,
Heaven and earth. His hymn is more beautiful
Heaven and earth. His song is more gorgeous
And fairer by far than all forms of song-craft;
And much prettier than any kind of songwriting;
Its singing surpasseth the sweetest of music.
Its singing surpasses the sweetest music.
To the song can compare not the sound of trumpet,
To the song, the sound of a trumpet cannot compare,
135 Nor of horn; nor of harp, nor of heroes’ voices
135Neither of horn, nor of harp, nor heroes' voices
On all the earth, nor of organ’s sound,
On all the earth, nor of the organ's sound,
Nor singing song nor swan’s fair feathers,
Nor singing songs nor swan's gorgeous feathers,
Nor of any good thing that God created
Nor of any good thing that God made
As a joy to men in this mournful world!
As a joy to people in this sad world!
140 Thus he singeth and carolleth crowned with joy,
140So he sings and celebrates filled with happiness,
Until the bright sun in a southern sky
Until the bright sun in a southern sky
Sinks to its setting; then silent he is
Sinks to its setting; then he stays quiet
And listeneth and boweth and bendeth his head,
And listens and bows and lowers his head,
Sage in his thoughts, and thrice he shaketh
Sage in his thoughts, and he shakes three times
145 His feathers for flight; the fowl is hushed.
145His wings prepared for flying; the bird is quiet.
Twelve equal times he telleth the hours
Twelve equal times he tells the time
Of day and night. ’Tis ordained in this way,
Of day and night. It's supposed to be this way,
And willed that the dweller of the woods should have joy,
And wanted the person living in the woods to be happy,
Pleasure in that plain and its peaceful bliss,
Pleasure in that simple and its peaceful joy,
150 Taste delights and life and the land’s enjoyments,
150Experience the pleasures of taste and life and the pleasures of the land,
Till he waiteth a thousand winters of life,
Till he waits a thousand winters of life
The aged warden of the ancient wood.
The elderly warden of the ancient forest.
Then the gray-feathered fowl in the fullness of years
Then the gray-feathered bird in due time
Is grievously stricken. From the green earth he fleeth,
Is seriously injured. He runs away from the green earth,
155 The favorite of birds, from the flowering land,
155The favorite of birds, from the blooming land,
And beareth his flight to a far-off realm,
And carries his journey to a faraway place,
To a distant domain where dwelleth no man,
To a faraway place where no one is living,
As his native land. Then the noble fowl
As his homeland. Then the majestic bird
Becometh ruler over the race of birds,
Becomes ruler over the bird race,
160 Distinguished in their tribe, and for a time he dwelleth
160Respected in their community, and for a while he exists
With them in the waste. Then on wings of strength,
With them in the waste. Then on wings of power,
He flieth to the west, full of winters,
He flies to the west, full of winters,
Swift on his wing; in swarms then press,
Swift on his wing; in swarms then move in,
The birds about their lord; all long to serve him
The birds around their master; everyone wants to serve him
165 And to live in loyalty to their leader brave,
165And to live in loyalty to their courageous leader,
Until he seeketh out the Syrian land
Until he seeks out the Syrian territory
With mighty train. Then turneth the pure one
With mighty force. Then the pure one transforms
Sharply away, and in the shade of the forest
Sharply away, and in the shade of the woods
He dwells, in the grove, in the desert place,
He lives in the grove, in the desert region,
170 Concealed and hid from the host of men.
170Hidden away from the crowd of people.
There high on a bough he abides alone,
There high on a branch he's by himself,
Under heaven’s roof, hard by the roots
Under the sky, near the roots
Of a far stretching tree, which the Phœnix is called
Of a far-reaching tree, called the Phoenix
By the nations of earth from the name of that bird.
By the nations of earth from the name of that bird.
175 The King of glory has granted that tree,
175The King of glory has granted that tree,
The Holy One of heaven, as I have heard said,
The Holy One of heaven, as people say,
That it among all the other trees
That it among all the other trees
That grow in the glorious groves of the world
That grow in the beautiful world's groves
Bloometh most brightly. No blight may hurt it,
Bloometh most brightly. No blight can harm it.
180 Nor work it harm, but while the world stands
180Nor cause it any harm, but as long as the world is around
It shall be shielded from the shafts of evil.
It will be protected from the evil arrows.
III
When the wind is at rest and the weather is fair,
When the wind is calm and the weather is great,
And the holy gem of heaven is shining,
And the sacred gem of heaven is shining,
And clouds have flown and the forces of water
And clouds have moved and the strength of water
185 Are standing stilled, and the storms are all
185Are standing still, and the storms are everywhere
Assuaged and soothed: from the south there gleameth
Assuaged and soothed: from the south it shines
The warm weather-candle, welcomed by men.
The cozy weather candle, welcomed by men.
In the boughs the bird then buildeth its home,
In the branches, the bird then builds its nest,
Beginneth its nest; great is its need
Begins its nest; its need is huge
190 To work in haste, with the highest wisdom,
190To rush into things, with the best information,
That his old age he may give to gain new life,
That in his old age he may gain new life,
A fair young spirit. Then far and near,
A fair young spirit. Then everywhere,
He gathers together to his goodly home
He brings together to his lovely home
The winsomest herbs and the wood’s sweet blossoms,
The most delightful herbs and the lovely flowers of the woods,
195 The fair perfumes and fragrant shoots
The lovely scents and fragrant shoots
Which were placed in the world by the wondrous Lord,
Which were placed in the world by the amazing Lord,
By the Father of all, on the face of the earth,
By the Father of all, on the planet,
As a pleasure forever to the proud race of men—
As a lasting joy to the proud human race—
The beauty of blossoms. There he beareth away
The beauty of blossoms. There he takes away
200 To that royal tree the richest of treasure.
200To that royal tree the ultimate treasure.
There the wild fowl in the waste land
There the wild birds in the wasteland
On the highest beams buildeth his house,
On the highest beams he's building his house,
On the loftiest limbs, and he liveth there
On the highest branches, and he lives here
In that upper room; on all sides he surrounds
In that upper room; he is surrounded on all sides
205 In that shade unbroken his body and wings
205In that uninterrupted shade his body and wings
With blessed fragrance and fairest of blooms,
With a lovely scent and the most beautiful flowers,
The most gorgeous of green things that grow on the earth.
The most beautiful green things that grow on Earth.
He awaiteth his journey when the gem of heaven
He awaits his journey when the jewel of heaven
In the summer season, the sun at its hottest,
In the summer, the sun is at its hottest,
210 Shineth over the shade and shapeth its destiny,
210Shines over the shadow and determines its future,
Gazeth over the world. Then it groweth warm,
Gazeth over the world. Then it warms up,
His house becomes heated by the heavenly gleam;
His house heats up from the heavenly light;
The herbs wax hot; the house steameth
The herbs are getting hot; the house is hot
With the sweetest of savors; in the sweltering heat,
With the sweetest of flavors; in the sweltering heat,
215 In the furious flame, the fowl with his nest
215In the raging fire, the bird and its nest
Is embraced by the bale-fire; then burning seizeth
Is embraced by the bonfire; then the flames take over
The disheartened one’s house; in hot haste riseth
The downcast person's house; quickly rises
The fallow flame, and the Phœnix it reacheth,
The dormant flame, and the Phoenix it connects,
In fullness of age. Then the fire eateth,
In old age. Then the fire engulfs,
220 Burneth the body, while borne is the soul,
220The body burns, while the soul is taken away,
The fated one’s spirit, where flesh and bone
The destined one's spirit, where body and bone
Shall burn in the blaze. But it is born anew,
Shall burn in the flames. But it's come back to life,
Attaineth new life at the time allotted.
Attains new life at the scheduled time.
When the ashes again begin to assemble,
When the ashes start to come together again,
225 To fall in a heap when the fire is spent,
225To collapse in a pile when the fire’s out,
To cling in a mass, then clean becometh
To stick together as a group, then it gets clean
That bright abode— burnt by the fire
That bright place— burned by the flames
The home of the bird. When the body is cold
The home of the bird. When the body is cold
And its frame is shattered and the fire slumbers
And its frame is broken and the fire is calm
230 In the funeral flame, then is found the likeness
230In the funeral flame, then the resemblance is found
Of an apple that newly in the ashes appeareth,
Of an apple that just appears in the ashes,
And waxeth into a worm wondrously fair,
And turns into a strangely beautiful worm,
As if out from an egg it had opened its way,
As if it had just hatched from an egg,
Shining from the shell. In the shade it groweth,
Shining from the shell. It thrives in the shade,
235 Till at first it is formed like a fledgling eagle,
235Until it is initially shaped like a young eagle,
A fair young fowl; then further still
A beautiful young bird; then even further
It increaseth in stature, till in strength it is like
It grows in size, until it's strong like
To a full-grown eagle, and after that
To a fully grown eagle, and then
With feathers fair as at first it was,
With feathers beautiful as it was at the start,
240 Brightly blooming. Then the bird grows strong,
240Brightly blooming. Then the bird gets stronger,
Regains its brightness and is born again,
Regains its brightness and is reborn,
Sundered from sin, somewhat as if
Separated from sin, somewhat as if
One should fetch in food, the fruits of the earth,
One should bring in food, the bounty of the earth,
Should haul it home at harvest time,
Should bring it home during harvest season,
245 The fairest of corn ere the frosts shall come
245The finest of corn before the frost comes
At the time of reaping, lest the rain in showers
At harvest time, to prevent the rain from coming in heavy downpours
Strike down and destroy it; a stay they have ready
Strike it down and destroy it; they have a stay ready
A feast of food, when frost and snow
A feast of food, when it's frosty and snowy
With their mighty coursing cover the earth
With their powerful flow spread around the world
250 In winter weeds; the wealth of man
250In the winter weeds; the wealth of humanity
From those fair fruits shall flourish again
From those beautiful fruits will thrive again
Through the nature of grain, which now in the ground
Through the nature of grain, which is now underground
Is sown as clear seed; then the sun’s warm rays
Is sown as clear seed; then the sun's warm rays
In time of spring sprouts the life germ,
In spring, life starts to sprout,
255 Awakes the world’s riches so that wondrous fruits,
255Awakens the world’s treasures so that awesome fruits,
The treasures of earth, by their own kind
The treasures of the earth, by their own kind
Are brought forth again: that bird changeth likewise,
Are brought forth again: that bird changes too,
Old in his years, to youth again,
Old in his years, to youth once more,
With fair new flesh; no food nor meat
With fair new skin; no food or meat
260 He eateth on the earth save only a taste
260He eats on the ground except for a sample
Of fine honey-dew which falleth often
Of fine honeydew which falls often
In the middle of night; the noble fowl
In the middle of the night; the majestic bird
Thus feedeth and groweth till he flieth again
Thus he is fed and grows until he can fly again
To his own domain, to his ancient dwelling.
To his own place, to his childhood home.
IV
265 When the bird springs reborn from its bower of herbs,
265When the bird springs back to life from its plant nest,
Proud of pinion, pleased with new life,
Proud of its feathers, excited for new beginnings,
Young and full of grace, from the ground he then
Young and full of grace, from the ground, he then
Skillfully piles up the scattered parts
Skillfully stacks the scattered parts
Of the graceful body, gathers the bones,
Of the graceful body, collects the bones,
270 Which the funeral fire aforetime devoured;
Which the funeral fire consumed;
Then brings altogether the bones and the ashes,
Then brings together the bones and ashes,
The remnant of the flames he arranges anew,
The remains of the flames he rearranges again,
And carefully covers that carrion spoil
And carefully covers that dead meat
With fairest flowers. Then he fares away,
With the prettiest flowers. Then he leaves,
275 Seeking the sacred soil of his birthplace.
275Looking for the holy ground of his hometown.
With his feet he fastens to the fire’s grim leavings,
With his feet he secures to the fire's dark remnants,
Clasps them in his claws and his country again,
Clasps them in his claws and his country once more,
The sun-bright seat, he seeks in joy,
The sunlit seat, he seeks happiness,
His own native-land. All is renewed—
His homeland. All is renewed—
280 His body and feathers, in the form that was his,
280His body and feathers, in the form he had,
When placed in the pleasant plain by his Maker,
When set in the lovely plain by his Creator,
By gracious God. Together he bringeth
By gracious God. Together he brings
The bones of his body which were burned on the pyre,
The bones of his body that were burned on the pyre,
Which the funeral flames before had enveloped,
Which the funeral flames before had wrapped,
285 And also the ashes; then all in a heap
285And also the ashes; then all in a heap
This bird then burieth the bones and embers,
This bird then buries the bones and ashes,
His ashes on the island. Then his eyes for the first time
His ashes are on the island. Then his eyes, for the first time
Catch sight of the sun, see in the heaven
Catch sight of the sun, look up at the sky
That flaming gem, the joy of the firmament
That bright gem, the joy of the sky
290 Which beams from the east over the ocean billows.
290Which shines from the east over the ocean waves.
Before is that fowl fair in its plumage,
Before is that bird beautiful in its plumage,
Bright colors glow on its gorgeous breast,
Bright colors shine on its lovely chest,
Behind its head is a hue of green,
Behind its head is a green shade,
With brilliant crimson cunningly blended.
With bright red cunningly blended.
295 The feathers of its tail are fairly divided:
295The feathers of its tail are quite divided:
Some brown, some flaming, some beautifully flecked
Some brown, some bright red, some beautifully patterned
With brilliant spots. At the back, his feathers
With bright spots. At the back, his feathers
Are gleaming white; green is his neck
Are gleaming white; green is his neck
Both beneath and above, and the bill shines
Both below and above, and the bill glows
300 As glass or a gem; the jaws glisten
300Like glass or a jewel; the jaws glisten
Within and without. The eye ball pierces,
Within and without. The eye sees clearly,
And strongly stares with a stone-like gaze,
And stares intensely with a stony gaze,
Like a clear-wrought gem that is carefully set
Like a well-cut gem that is carefully positioned
Into a golden goblet by a goodly smith.
Into a golden goblet crafted by a skilled artisan.
305 Surrounding its neck like the radiant sun,
305Surrounding its neck like the bright sun,
Is the brightest of rings braided with feathers;
Is the brightest of rings feathered design;
Its belly is wondrous with wealth of color,
Its belly is amazing in various colors,
Sheer and shining. A shield extends
Sheer and shiny. A shield extends
Brilliantly fair above the back of the fowl.
Brilliantly bright above the bird's back.
310 The comely legs are covered with scales;
310The attractive legs are scaled;
The feet are bright yellow. The fowl is in beauty
The feet are bright yellow. The bird looks stunning.
Peerless, alone, though like the peacock
Unmatched, alone, though like the peacock
Delightfully wrought, as the writings relate.
Well-crafted, as the writings relate.
It is neither slow in movement, nor sluggish in mien,
It is neither slow in movement, nor slow in appearance,
315 Nor slothful nor inert as some birds are,
315Neither lazy nor inactive like certain birds are,
Who flap their wings in weary flight,
Who flap their wings in weary flight,
But he is fast and fleet, and floats through the air,
But he is quick and swift, and glides through the sky,
Marvelous, winsome, and wondrously marked.
Amazing, charming, and incredibly marked.
Blessed is the God who gave him that bliss!
Blessed is the God who gave him that happiness!
320 When at last it leaves the land, and journeys
320When it finally departs the land and travel
To hunt the fields of its former home,
To search the fields of its former home,
As the fowl flieth many folk view it.
As the bird flies a lot of people see it.
It pleases in passing the people of earth,
It delights the people of earth,
Who are seen assembling from south and north;
Who are seen gathering from the south and the north;
325 They come from the east, they crowd from the west,
325They come from the east, they gather from the west,
Faring from afar; the folk throng to see
Faring from afar; the crowd gathers to watch
The grace that is given by God in his mercy
The grace that is given by God in His mercy
To this fairest fowl, which at first received
To this beautiful bird, initially accepted
From gracious God the greatest of natures
From gracious God the best of nature
330 And a beauty unrivalled in the race of birds.
330And a beauty unmatched among all birds.
Then over the earth all men marvel
Then all men marvel over the earth.
At the freshness and fairness and make it famous in writings;
At the freshness and fairness and make it well-known in writings;
With their hands they mould it on the hardest of marble,
With their hands, they shape it on the hardest marble,
Which through time and tide tells the multitudes
Which through time and tide speaks to the masses
335 Of the rarity of the flying one. Then the race of fowls
335About the rarity of the flying one. Then the species of birds
On every hand enter in hosts,
On every hand, enter hosts,
Surge in the paths, praise it in song,
Surge along the paths, sing its praises,
Magnify the stern-hearted one in mighty strains;
Magnify the tough-hearted one in strong beats;
And so the holy one they hem in in circles
And so the holy one they form circles around
340 As it flies amain. The Phœnix is in the midst
340As it flies swiftly. The Phoenix is in the center.
Pressed by their hosts. The people behold
Pressed by their hosts. The crowd sees
And watch with wonder how the willing bands
And watch in amazement how the enthusiastic groups
Worship the wanderer, one after the other,
Worship the traveler, one by one,
Mightily proclaim and magnify their King,
Proclaim and magnify their King,
345 Their beloved Lord. They lead joyfully
345 Their beloved Lord. They lead happily
The noble one home; but now the wild one
The noble one is home; but now the rebel
Flies away fast; no followers may come
Flies away quickly; no followers allowed
From the happy host, when their head takes wing
From the cheerful host, when their mind takes off
Far from this land to find his home.
Far away from this place to find his house.
V
350 So the dauntless fowl after his fiery death
350So the fearless bird after his brutal death
Happily hastens to his home again,
Happily rushes home again,
To his beauteous abode. The birds return,
To his beautiful home. The birds return.
Leaving their leader, with lonely hearts,
Leaving their leader, with broken hearts,
Again to their land; then their gracious lord
Again to their land; then their kind lord
355 Is young in his courts. The King Almighty,
355Is young in his courts. The Supreme King,
God alone knows its nature by sex,
God alone knows its nature by gender,
Male or female; no man can tell,
Male or female; nobody can tell,
No living being save the Lord only
No living being except the Lord only
How wise and wondrous are the ways of the bird,
How amazing and incredible are the ways of the bird,
360 And the fair decree for the fowl’s creation!
360°And the beautiful decision for the bird's creation!
There the happy one his home may enjoy,
There the happy one can enjoy his place,
With its welling waters and woodland groves,
With its flowing waters and wooded areas,
May live in peace through the passing of winters
May live in peace through the passing winters
A thousand in number; then he knows again
A thousand in number; then he remembers again
365 The ends of his life; over him is laid
365 daysThe ends of his life; is placed over him
The funeral fire: yet he finds life again,
The funeral fire: but he rediscovers life,
And wondrously awakened he waxes in strength.
And wonderfully awakened he gains strength.
He droops not nor dreads his death therefore,
He doesn't slump or fear his passing,
The awful agony, since always he knows
The terrible pain, since he's always known
370 That the lap of the flame brings life afresh,
370That the embrace of the flame revives,
Peace after death, when undaunted once more
Peace after death, when fearless again
Fully feathered and formed as a bird
Fully feathered and bird-shaped
Out of the ashes up he can spring,
Out of the ashes he can rise up,
Safe under the heavens. To himself he is both
Safe under the heavens. He is both to himself
375 A father and a son, and finds himself also
375A father and a son, and he realizes that he is also
Ever the heir to his olden life.
Ever the heir to his past life.
The Almighty Maker of man has granted
The Almighty Creator man has given
That though the fire shall fasten its fetters upon him,
That even though the fire will hold him down,
He is given new life, and lives again
He is given a fresh start, and lives again
380 Fashioned with feathers as aforetime he was.
380Styled with feathers as he used to be.
VI
So each living man the life eternal
So every living person eternal life
Seeks for himself after sorest cares;
Seeks for himself after hardest cares;
That through the darksome door of death he may find
That through the dark door of death he might find
The goodly grace of God and enjoy
The generous grace of God and enjoy
385 Forever and aye unending bliss
385 Forever and always unending bliss
As reward for his work— the wonders of heaven.
As a reward for his work— the marvels of heaven.
The nature of this fowl is not unlike
The nature of this bird is similar to
That of those chosen as children of God,
That of those selected as God's children,
And it shows men a sign of how sacred joys
And it shows men a sign of how sacred happiness
390 Granted by God they may gain in trial—
390Given by God they can grow through challenges—
Hold beneath the heavens through his holy grace,
Hold beneath the skies through his divine grace,
And abide in rapture in the realms above.
And stay in bliss in higher realms.
We have found that the faithful Father created
We have found that the faithful Dad made
Man and woman through his wondrous might.
Man and woman through his incredible power.
395 At first in the fairest fields of his earth
395 At first in the most beautiful his fields
He set these sons on a soil unblemished,
He placed these sons on clean soil,
In a pleasant place, Paradise named,
In a nice place, Paradise named,
Since they lacked no delight as long as the pair
Since they had no shortage of joy as long as the pair
Wisely heeded the Holy word
Heed the Holy word
400 In their new home. There hatred came,
400In their new home. That's when their hate began,
The old foe’s envy, who offered them food,
The old enemy's jealousy, who supplied them with food,
The fruit of the tree, which in folly they tried;
The fruit of the tree, which in foolishness they tried;
Both ate of the apple against the order of God,
Both ate the apple against God's command,
Tasted the forbidden. Then bitter became
Tasted the forbidden. Then bitter turned
405 Their woe after eating and for their heirs as well—
405Their sorrow after eating and for their heirs as well—
For sons and daughters a sorrowful feast.
For sons and daughters a sad feast.
Grievously were punished their greedy teeth
They were severely punished for their greed.
For that greatest of guilt; God’s wrath they knew
For that greatest of guilt; they understood God's wrath
And bitter remorse; hence bearing their crimes,
And deep regret; thus carrying their mistakes,
410 Their sons must suffer for the sin of their parents
410Their sons have to endure the consequences of their parents' wrongdoings
Against God’s commands. Hence, grieved in soul
Against God’s commands. Feeling troubled inside
They shall lose the delights of the land of bliss
They will lose the joys of the land of joy
Through envy of the serpent who deceived our elders
Through envy of the serpent who deceived our ancestors
In direful wise in days of yore
In a terrible way in the past
415 Through his wicked heart, so that they went far hence
415Through his evil heart, so that they traveled far away
To the dale of death to doleful life
To the valley of death to a sorrowful life
In a sorrowful home. Hidden from them
In a sad home. Kept out of their view
Was the blessed life; and the blissful plain,
Was the blessed life; and the joyful plain,
By the fiend’s cunning, was fastened close
By the villain's cleverness, was secured snugly
420 For many winters, till the Maker of wonders,
420For many winters, until the Creator of miracles,
The King of mankind, Comforter of the weary,
The King of all people, Comforter of the weary,
Our only Hope, hither came down
Our only hope, came down here
To the godly band and again held it open.
To the faithful group and once again kept it open.
VII
His advent is likened by learned writers
His arrival is compared by knowledgeable writers
425 In their works of wisdom and words of truth,
425In their writings of wisdom and words of truth,
To the flight of that fowl, when forth he goes
To the flight of that bird, when it leaves
From his own country and becometh old,
From his own country and gets older,
Weighed with winters, weary in mind,
Heavy with winter, mentally exhausted,
And finds in wandering the forest wood
And discovers while exploring the forest
430 Where a bower he builds: with branches and herbs,
430Where he builds a shelter: with branches and greenery,
With rarest of twigs, he raises his dwelling,
With the rarest of twigs, he's building his home,
His nest in the wood. Great need he hath
His nest in the woods. He really needs it.
That he gain again his gladsome youth
That he regain his joyful youth
In the flame of fire that he may find new life,
In the flame of fire so he can find new life,
435 Renew his youth, and his native home,
435Renew his youth, and his hometown,
His sunbright seat, he may seek again
His bright spot in the sun, he might try again
After his bath of fire. So abandoned before us
After his fiery ordeal. So left behind in front of us
The first of our parents their fairest plain,
The first of our parents their prettiest area,
Their happy home, their hope of glory,
Their happy home, their hope for success,
440 To fare afar on a fearful journey,
440To go far awayon a frightening journey,
Where hostile hands harshly beset them;
Where hostile hands attacked them harshly;
Evil ones often injured them sorely.
Evil ones often harmed them badly.
Yet many men marked well the Lord,
Yet many men took note of the Lord,
Heeded his behests in holy customs,
Followed his requests in holy customs,
445 In glorious deeds, so that God, their Redeemer,
445In magnificent actions, so that God, their Savior,
The high Heaven-King hearkened to them.
The high Heaven-King listened to them.
That is the high tree wherein holy men
That is the tall tree where spiritual leaders
Hide their home from the harm of their foe
Hide their home from the threat of their enemy
And know no peril, neither with poison
And be aware of no danger, no toxins
450 Nor with treacherous token in time of evil.
450Nor with deceitful signs in tough times.
There God’s warrior works him a nest,
There, God's warrior builds a nest for himself,
With doughty deeds dangers avoids,
With brave actions avoids dangers,
He distributes alms to the stricken and needy,
He gives donations to those who are hurting and in need,
He tells graceless men of the mercy of God,
He tells clumsy men about God's mercy,
455 Of the Father’s help; he hastens forth,
455Of the Father’s help; he moves fast,
Lessening the perils of this passing life,
Lessening the dangers of this fleeting life,
Its darksome deeds, and does God’s will
Its dark deeds, and follows God’s will
With bravery in his breast. His bidding he seeks
With courage in his heart. He follows his orders
In prayer, with pure heart and pliant knee
In prayer, with a pure heart and a bendable knee
460 Bent to the earth; all evil is banished,
460Bent to the ground; all evil is gone,
All grim offences by his fear of God;
All serious offenses by his reverence for God;
Happy in heart he hopes full well
Joyful in heart, he hopes fully
To do good deeds: the Redeemer is his shield
To do good deeds: the Redeemer is his protection
In his varied walks, the Wielder of victory,
In his various pursuits, the Champion of victory,
465 Joy-giver to people. Those plants are the ones,
465Joy-giver to people. Those plants are the ones,
The flowers of fruit, which the fowl of wildness
The flowers of fruit, the wild birds
Finds in this world from far and wide
Finds in this world from everywhere
And brings to his abode, where it builds a nest
And brings it to his home, where it makes a nest
With firmness of heart against fear and hatred.
With strong determination against fear and hate.
470 So in that place God’s soldiers perform
470So in that place God's warriors take action
With courage and might the Creator’s commands.
With courage and strength the Creator's instructions.
Then they gain them glory: they are given rewards
Then they gain glory: they get rewards
By the gracious God for their goodness of heart.
By the gracious God for their kindness.
From those is made a pleasant dwelling
From those is made a nice home
475 As reward for their works, in the wondrous city;
475As a reward for their efforts, in the awesome city;
Since they held in their hearts the holy teachings,
Since they held in their hearts sacred teachings,
Serving their Lord with loving souls
Serving their Lord with love
By day and by night —and never ceasing—
By day and by night —and never stopping—
With fervent faith preferring their Lord
With fervent faith choosing their Lord
480 Above worldly wealth. They ween not, indeed,
480Above worldly wealth. They don't think, really,
That long they will live in this life that is fleeting.
That long they will live in this temporary life.
A blessed earl earns by his virtue
A blessed earl earns through his values
A home in heaven with the highest King,
A home in heaven with the highest ruler,
And comfort forever,— this he earns ere the close
And comfort forever,— he earns this before the end
485 Of his days in the world, when Death, the warrior,
485Of his days in the world, when Death, the fighter,
Greedy for warfare, girded with weapons,
Hungry for battle, armed with weapons,
Seeketh each life and sendeth quickly
Seek each life and send quickly
Into the bosom of the earth those deserted bodies
Into the heart of the earth those neglected bodies
Lorn of their souls, where long they shall bide
Lorn of their souls, where they will remain for a long time
490 Covered with clay till the coming of the fire.
490Covered in clay until the fire arrived.
Many of the sons of men into the assembly
Many of the sons of men in the meeting
Are led by the leaders; the Lord of angels,
Are led by the leaders; the Lord of Angels,
The Father Almighty, the Master of hosts,
The Almighty Father, the commander of armies,
Will judge with justice the joyful and the sad.
Will judge with fairness the good times and the bad.
495 Then mortal men in a mass shall arise
495Then human beings overall will improve
As the righteous King, the Ruler of angels,
As the just King, the leader of angels,
The Savior of souls said it must be,
The Savior of souls said it has to be,
Gave command by the trumpet to the tribes of the world.
Gave orders with the trumpet to the tribes of the world.
Then ends darkest death for those dear to the Lord;
Then ends the darkest death for those precious to the Lord;
500 Through the grace of God the good shall depart
500Thanks to God's grace, the good will depart
In clamoring crowds when this cruel world
In noisy crowds when this tough world
Shall burst into flames, into baleful fire;
Shall burst into flames, into destructive flames;
The earth shall end. Then all shall have
The earth will come to an end. Then everyone will have
Most frightful fear, when the fire crashes over
Most terrifying fear, when the fire engulfs
505 Earth’s fleeting fortunes, when the flame eats up
505Earth’s passing wealth, when the fire takes over
Its olden treasures, eagerly graspeth
Its old treasures, eagerly grasps
On goodly gold and greedily consumes
On shiny gold and greedily consumes
The land’s adornments. Then dawns in light
The land’s decorations. Then morning arrives with sunlight.
In that awesome hour for all of men,
In that incredible moment for all humankind,
510 The fair and sacred symbol of the fowl,
510The beautiful and sacred bird symbol
When the mighty Ruler shall arouse all men,
When the powerful Ruler will wake everyone up,
Shall gather together from the grave the bones,
Shall gather together from the grave, the bones,
The limbs of the body, those left from the flame,
The limbs of the body, those left from the fire,
Before the knee of Christ: the King in splendor
Before the knee of Christ: the King in grandeur
515 From his lofty seat shall give light to the holy,
515From his high place will illuminate the sacred,
The gem of glory. It will be joyous and gladsome
The jewel of glory. It will be cheerful and enjoyable.
To the servers of Truth in that sad time.
To the servers of Truth during that tough time.
VIII
There the bodies, bathed of their sins,
There the bodies, cleansed of their wrongdoings,
Shall go in gladness; again shall their spirits
Shall go in happiness; again will their spirits
520 To their bony frames, and the fire shall burn,
520To their skinny bodies, and the fire will burn,
Mounting high to heaven. Hot shall be to many
Mounting high to heaven. It will be hot for many people.
That awful flame, when every man,
That terrible flame, when every man,
Unblemished or sinful, his soul in his body,
Unmarked or flawed, his soul in his body,
From the depths of his grave seeks the doom of God,
From the depths of his grave seeks God's doom,
525 Frightfully afraid. The fire shall save men,
525Terribly scared. The fire will save lives,
Burning all sin. So shall the blessed
Burning all sin. This is how the blessed.
After weary wandering, with their works be clothed,
After a long and tiring journey, may they be recognized for their achievements,
With the fruit of their deeds: fair are these roots,
With the results of their actions: these roots are great,
These winsome flowers that the wild fowl
These charming flowers that the wild birds
530 Collects to lay on his lovely nest
530Gathers to rest in his cozy nest
In order that easily his own fair home
In order to easily his own nice home
May burn in the sun, and himself along with it,
May burn in the sun, and he went with it,
And so after the fire he finds him new life;
And so after the fire he finds a new life;
So every man in all the world
So every man in the whole world
535 Shall be covered with flesh, fair and comely,
535Will be covered with flesh, stunning and appealing,
And always young, if his own choice leads him
And always young, if his own choice leads him
To work God’s will; then the world’s high King
To fulfill God's purpose; then the world's ultimate ruler
Mighty at the meeting mercy will grant him.
Mighty at the meeting mercy will give him.
Then the hymns shall rise high from the holy band,
Then the hymns will rise high from the sacred group,
540 The chosen souls shall chant their songs,
540The chosen souls will share their songs,
In praise of the powerful Prince of men,
In praise of the strong Prince of men,
Strain upon strain, and strengthened and fragrant
Strain after strain, and enhanced with fragrance
Of their godly works they shall wend to glory.
Of their divine deeds they will journey to glory.
Then are men’s spirits made spotless and bright
Then people’s spirits are made clean and bright
545 Through the flame of the fire— refined and made pure.
545Through the fire's flame— refined and purified.
In all the earth let not anyone ween
In all the world, let no one think
That I wrought this lay with lying speech,
That I created this story with misleading words,
With hated word-craft! Hear ye the wisdom
With despised wordplay! Heed the wisdom
Of the hymns of Job! With heart of joy
Of the hymns of Job! With a happy heart
550 And spirit brave, he boldly spoke;
550 And brave spirit, he boldly spoke;
With wondrous sanctity that word he said:
With amazing reverence that word he said:
“I feel it a fact in the fastness of my soul
“I feel it a fact deep in my heart
That one day in my nest death I shall know,
That one day in my nest I will face death,
And weary of heart woefully go hence,
And tired of heart sad to leave here,
555 Compassed with clay, on my closing journey,
555Surrounded by earth, on my last journey,
Mournful of mind, in the moldy earth.
Mourning in my mind, in the moist soil.
And through the gift of God I shall gain once more
And through God's gift I'll succeed again.
Like the Phœnix fowl, a fair new life,
Like the Phoenix bird, a beautiful new life,
On the day of arising from ruinous death,
On the day of rising from fatal death,
560 Delights with God, where the loving throng
560Delights with God, where the loving crowd
Are exalting their Lord. I look not at all
Are praising their Lord. I don’t look at all
Ever to come to the end of that life
Ever to come until the end of that life
Of light and bliss, though my body shall lie
Of light and happiness, even though my body will rest
In its gruesome grave and grow decayed,
In its horrific grave and decay,
565 A joy to worms; for the Judge of the world
565A joy to worms; for the Judge of the world
Shall save my soul, and send it to glory
Shall save my soul, and send it to the cloud
After the time of death. I shall trust forever
After the time of death. I will trust you always.
With steadfast breast, in the Strength of angels;
With a brave heart, in the power of angels;
Firm is my faith in the Father of all.”
Firm is my faith in the Father of all.
570 Thus sang the sage his song of old,
570So the wise one sang his old song,
Herald to God, with gladsome heart:
Herald to God, with joyful heart:
How he was lifted to life eternal.
How he was raised to live forever.
Then we may truly interpret the token clearly
Then we can really understand the token is clear
Which the glorious bird gave through its burning.
Which the glorious bird shared through its flames.
575 It gathers together the grim bone-remnants,
It collects the grim bone fragments,
The ashes and embers all into one place
The ashes and embers all together now
After the surge of the fire; the fowl then seizes it
After the fire surge, the bird then takes it
With its feet and flies to the Father’s garden
With its feet and flies to the Father's garden
Towards the sun; for a time there he sojourns,
Towards the sun; for a while, he remains there,
580 For many winters, made in new wise,
580For many winters, reimagined,
All of him young; nor may any there yearn
All of him young; nor can anyone stay long
To do him menace with deeds of malice.
To threaten him with harm.
So may after death by the Redeemer’s might
So may after death by the Redeemer's power
Souls go with bodies, bound together,
Souls go with bodies, connected together,
585 Fashioned in loveliness, most like to that fowl,
585Designed in beauty, most similar to that bird,
In rich array, with rare perfumes,
In a rich array, with rare fragrances,
Where the steadfast sun streams its light
Where the steady sun shines its light
O’er the sacred hosts in the happy city.
O’er the sacred hosts in the joyful city.
IX
Then high over the roofs the holy Ruler
Then high over the roofs the sacred Leader
590 Shines on the souls of the saved and the loyal.
590Illuminates the souls of the saved and the faithful.
Radiant fowls follow around him
Radiant birds follow around him
Brightest of birds, in bliss exulting,
Brightest of birds, in bliss celebrating,
The chosen and joyous ones join him at home,
The chosen and joyful ones hang out with him at home,
Forever and ever, where no evil is wrought
Forever and ever, where no harm is caused
595 By the foulest fiend in his fickle deceit;
595By the most wicked monster in his sudden betrayal;
But they shall live in lasting light and beauty,
But they will live in eternal light and beauty,
As the Phœnix fowl, in the faith of God.
As the Phoenix bird, in God's faith.
Every one of men’s works in that wondrous home,
Every one of man's creations in that awesome home,
In that blissful abode, brightly shines forth
In that happy home, shines brightly
600 In the peaceful presence of the Prince eternal,
600In the calm presence of the everlasting Prince,
Who resembles the sun. A sacred crown
Who resembles the sun. A holy crown
Most richly wrought with radiant gems,
Most richly adorned with radiant gems,
High over the head of each holy soul
High over the head of every holy soul
Glitters refulgent; their foreheads gleam,
Shining brightly; their foreheads gleam,
605 Covered with glory; the crown of God
605Filled with glory; God's crown
Embellishes beautifully the blessed host
Embellishes beautifully the blessed host
With light in that life, where lasting joy
With light in that life, where true happiness
Is fresh and young and fades not away,
Is fresh and young and doesn't disappear,
But they dwell in bliss, adorned in beauty,
But they live in happiness, adorned with beauty,
610 With fairest ornaments, with the Father’s angels.
610With beautiful decorations, with the Father’s angels.
They see no sorrow in those sacred courts,
They see no sadness in those holy courts,
No sin nor suffering nor sad work-days,
No sin or suffering or dreary workdays,
No burning hunger, nor bitter thirst,
No extreme hunger, nor intense thirst,
No evil nor age: but ever their King
No evil or age: but always their king
615 Granteth his grace to the glorious band
615Grants his grace to the awesome group
That loves its Lord and everlasting King,
That loves its Lord and everlasting King,
That glorifies and praises the power of God.
That honors and celebrates the power of God.
That host round the holy high-set throne
That host around the holy raised throne
Makes then melody in mighty strains;
Makes the melody in powerful strains;
620 The blessed saints blithely sing
The blessed saints joyfully sing
In unison with angels, orisons to the Lord:
In harmony with angels, prayers to God:
“Peace to thee, O God, thou proud Monarch,
“Peace to you, O God, you proud monarch,
Thou Ruler reigning with righteousness and skill;
You, Ruler, reigning with integrity and expertise;
Thanks for thy goodly gifts to us all;
Thanks for your generous gifts for everyone;
625 Mighty and measureless is thy majesty and strength,
625Your majesty and strength are immense and boundless,
High and holy! The heavens, O Lord,
High and holy! The skies, O Lord,
Are fairly filled, O Father Almighty,
Are pretty full, O Father Almighty,
Glory of glories, in greatness ruling
Glory of glories, in greatness ruling
Among angels above and on earth beneath!
Among angels above and down here on earth!
630 Guard us, O God of creation; thou governest all things!
630Protect us, O God of creation; You control everything!
Lord of the highest heavens above!”
Lord of the highest heavens!
So shall the saints sing his praises,
So the saints will praise him,
Those free from sin, in that fairest of cities,
Those without sin, in that beautiful city,
Proclaim his power, the righteous people,
Proclaim his power, the righteous.
635 The host in heaven hail the Redeemer:
635The angels in heaven praise the Savior
Honor without end is only for him,
Honor without end is just for him,
Not ever at all had he any birth,
Not ever at all was he ever born,
Any beginning of bliss, though he was born in the world,
Any start of happiness, Even though he was born,
On this earth in the image of an innocent child;
On this earth in the form of an innocent kid;
640 With unfailing justice and fairest judgments,
640 With unwavering justice and fairest judgments,
High above the heavens in holiness he dwelt!
High above the heavens he lived in holiness!
Though he must endure the death of the cross,
Though he must endure the death on the cross,
Bear the bitter burden of men,
Bear the harsh burden of men,
When three days have passed after the death of his body,
When three days have passed after his body passed away,
645 He regains new life through the love of God,
645He experiences a renewed life through God's love,
Through the aid of the Father. So the Phœnix betokens
Through the help of the Father. So the Phoenix represents
In his youthful state, the strength of Christ,
In his youth, the power of Christ,
Who in a wondrous wise awakes from the ashes
Who, in an amazing way, rises from the ashes
Unto the life of life, with limbs begirded;
Unto the essence of life, wrapped limbs;
650 So the Savior sought to aid us
650So the Savior attempted to assist us
Through the loss of his body, life without end.
Through the loss of his body, eternal life.
Likewise that fowl filleth his wings,
Likewise that bird fills his wings,
Loads them with sweet and scented roots,
Loads them with sweet and aromatic roots,
With winsome flowers and flies away;
With charming flowers and flies away;
655 These are the words, wise men tell us,
655These are the words, smart people say,
The songs of the holy ones whose souls go to heaven,
The songs of the holy ones whose souls go to heaven,
With the loving Lord to live for aye,
With the loving Lord to live forever,
In bliss of bliss, where they bring to God
In the height of happiness, where they connect with God
Their words and their works, wondrous in savor,
Their words and their actions, flavorful,
660 As a precious gift, in that glorious place,
660As a treasured gift, in that amazing place,
In that life of light.
In that bright life.
Lasting be the praise
May the praise last forever
Through the world of worlds and wondrous honor,
Through the universe of universes and amazing honor,
And royal power in the princely realm,
And royal power in the royal realm,
The kingdom of heaven. He is King indeed
The kingdom of heaven. He is truly the King.
665 Of the lands below and of lordly majesty,
665Of the lands below and of noble greatness,
Encircled with honor in that city of beauty.
Encircled with honor in that gorgeous city.
He has given us leave lucis auctor,
He has given us permission lucis auctor,
That here we may merueri
That here we may earn
As reward for good gaudia in celo,
As a reward for good joy in heaven,
670 That all of us may maxima regna
670That all of us may maximum kingdoms
Seek and sit on sedibus altis,
Seek and sit on high places,
Shall live a life lucis et pacis,
Shall live a life of light and peace,
Shall own a home almae letitiae,
Will own a home almae letitiae,
Know blessings and bliss; blandem and mitem
Know blessings and happiness; kind and gentle
675 Lord they shall see sine fine,
Lord they shall see sine fine,
And lift up a song lauda perenne
And sing a song lauda perenne
Forever with the angels. Alleluia!
Forever with the angels. Alleluia!
THE GRAVE
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch, reprinted from Arnold Schroeer, Anglia, v, 289.
[Text used: Kluge, Angelsächsisches Lesebuch, reprinted from Arnold Schroeer, Anglia, v, 289.]
Translation: Longfellow. Discussion of this translation in Archiv für das Studium der neueren Sprache, xxix, 205.
Translation: Longfellow. Discussion of this translation in Archiv für das Studium der neueren Sprache, xxix, 205.
It is probably the latest in date of any of the Anglo-Saxon poems.]
It is likely the most recent of all the Anglo-Saxon poems.
Before thou wast born, there was built thee a house;
Before you were born, a house was built for you;
For thee was a mould meant ere thy mother bore thee;
For you were shaped before your mother gave birth to you;
They have not made it ready nor reckoned its depth;
They haven't prepared it or measured its depth;
No one has yet learned how long it shall be.
No one knows yet how long it will take.
5 I point out thy path to the place thou shalt be;
5I show you the way to where you need to go;
Now I shall measure thee, and the mould afterwards.
Now I will measure you, and the mold later.
Thy house is not highly timbered.
Your house is not highly timbered.
It is unhigh and low; when thou lyest therein,
It is not high or low; when you lie in it,
The bottom and side boards shall bind thee near:
The bottom and side boards will keep you close:
10 Close above thy breast is builded the roof.
10Right above your heart is where the roof is constructed.
Thou shalt dwell full cold in the clammy earth.
You will live very cold in the wet soil.
Full dim and dismal that den is to live in.
Full dim and gloomy that place is worth living in.
Doorless is that house, and is dark within;
Doorless is that house, and it's dark in here;
Down art thou held there and death hath the key.
Down you are held there and death holds the key.
15 Loathly is that house of earth and horrid to live in.
15That place on earth is disgusting and terrible to live in.
There thou shalt tarry and be torn by worms.
There you will stay and be eaten by worms.
Thus thou art laid, and leavest thy friends;
Thus you are laid, and ditch your friends;
Thou hast never a comrade who will come to thee,
Thou hast never a friend who will reach out to you,
Who will hasten to look how thou likest thy house.
Who will hurry to see how do you like your house?
20 Or ever will undo thy door for thee.
20Or will ever unlock your door for you.
. . . . . . . . and after thee descend;
. . . . . . . . and after you get down;
For soon thou art loathsome and unlovely to see:
For soon you will be disgusting and unattractive to look at:
From the crown of thy head shall the hair be lost;
From the top of your head your hair will be gone;
Thy locks shall fall and lose their freshness;
Your hair will fall and lose its freshness;
25 No longer is it fair for the fingers to stroke.
25It's no longer fair for the fingers to connect.
III. POEMS FROM THE CHRONICLE
THE BATTLE OF BRUNNANBURG
[Critical edition: Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon and Six Short Poems from the Saxon Chronicle, Boston, 1904, Belles Lettres Edition.
[Critical edition: Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon and Six Short Poems from the Saxon Chronicle, Boston, 1904, Belles Lettres Edition.
Translation: Tennyson; Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, p. 81.
Translation: Tennyson; Pancoast and Spaeth, Early English Poems, p. 81.
Date: It appears in the Chronicle under the year 937.
Date: It shows up in the Chronicle for the year 937.
Danes living north of the Humber conspired with their kinsmen in Ireland under the two Olafs, together with the Scottish king Constantine and the Strathclyde Britons under their king Eugenius, against Æthelstan, king of Wessex. The allies met in the south of Northumbria. Æthelstan encountered them at Brunnanburg and defeated them.
Danes living north of the Humber teamed up with their relatives in Ireland under the two Olafs, along with Scottish king Constantine and the Strathclyde Britons led by their king Eugenius, to oppose Æthelstan, king of Wessex. The allies gathered in the southern part of Northumbria. Æthelstan confronted them at Brunnanburg and beat them.
The site of Brunnanburg has not been identified. The best claim is probably for Bramber, near Preston, in the neighborhood of which, in 1840, was found a great hoard of silver ingots and coins, none later than 950. This was possibly the war chest of the confederacy. Dyngesmere has not been identified.
The location of Brunnanburg has not been pinpointed. The strongest possibility might be Bramber, close to Preston, where a significant hoard of silver ingots and coins was discovered in 1840, with none dating later than 950. This may have been the war chest of the confederacy. Dyngesmere has not been identified.
More than half the half-lines are exact copies from other Anglo-Saxon poems.]
More than half of the half-lines are exact copies from other Anglo-Saxon poems.
Here Æthelstan the king, of earls the lord,
Here Æthelstan the king, of the lord of earls,
Bracelet-giver of barons and his brother as well,
Bracelet-giver of barons and his brother as well,
Edmund the Ætheling, honor eternal
Edmund the Ætheling, eternal honor
Won at warfare by the wielding of swords
Won in battle with swords
5 Near Brunnanburg; they broke the linden-wall,
5 Near Brunnanburg; they breached the linden-wall,
Struck down the shields with the sharp work of hammers,
Struck down the shields with the loud strikes of hammers,
The heirs of Edward, as of old had been taught
The heirs of Edward, as previously taught
By their kinsmen who clashed in conflict often
By their relatives who frequently faced off in battle
Defending their firesides against foemen invaders,
Defending their homes against invaders,
10 Their hoards and their homes. The hated ones perished,
10Their treasures and their houses. The hated ones died,
Soldiers of Scotland and seamen-warriors—
Scottish soldiers and sailor-warriors—
Fated they fell. The field was wet
Fated they fell. The ground was wet
With the blood of the brave, after the bright sun
With the blood of the brave, after the shining sun
Had mounted at morning, the master of planets
Had mounted in the morning, the master of planets
15 Glided over the ground, God’s candle clear,
15Glided over the ground, God's bright candle,
The Lord’s everlasting, till the lamp of heaven
The Lord's forever, until the heavenly lamp
Sank to its setting. Soldiers full many
Sank to its setting. Many soldiers
Lay mangled by spears, men of the Northland,
Lay mangled by spears, Northland men,
Shamefully shot o’er their shields, and Scotchmen,
Shamefully shot over their shields, and Scots,
20 Weary and war-sated. The West-Saxons forth
20 Weary and battle-worn. The West-Saxons forth
All during the day with their daring men
All day long with their fearless warriors
Followed the tracks of their foemen’s troops.
Followed the tracks of their enemies' forces.
From behind they hewed and harried the fleeing,
From behind, they chopped and pursued the ones trying to escape,
With sharp-ground swords. Never shunned the Mercians
With sharp-edged swords. Never steered clear of the Mercians
25 The hard hand-play of hero or warrior
25The tough skill of a hero or warrior
Who over the oar-path with Anlaf did come,
Who traveled the oar-path with Anlaf came,
Who sailed on a ship and sought the land,
Who sailed on a ship and sought the land,
Fated in fight.
Destined to battle.
Five chieftains lay
Five chiefs lie
Killed in the conflict, kings full youthful,
Killed in the conflict, young kings,
30 Put to sleep by the sword, and seven also
30Put to sleep by the sword, and seven too
Of sailors and Scotchmen. Sent forth in flight then
Of sailors and Scotchmen. They were then sent on their way.
Was the prince of the Northmen, pressed hard by need,
Was the prince of the Northmen, facing urgent needs,
To the stem of his ship; with a staunch little band
To the back of his ship; with a loyal squad
35 To the high sea he hurried; in haste the king sailed
35He rushed to the open sea; the king sailed quickly
Over the fallow flood, fled for his life.
Over the dry flood, ran for his life.
Also the sage one sorrowfully northward
Also the wise one sorrowfully northward
Crept to his kinsmen, Constantinus,
Sneaked up to his relatives, Constantinus,
The hoary war-hero; for him was small need
The old war hero; he had little need
40 To boast of the battle-play; the best of his kinsmen
40To brag about the battle; the best in his family
And friends had fallen on the field of battle,
And friends had fallen in battle,
Slain at the strife, and his son left behind
Slain in the conflict, and his son was left behind
On the field of fight, felled and wounded,
On the battlefield, fallen and injured,
Young at the battle. No boast dared he make
Young at the battle. He didn’t want to brag.
45 Of strife and of sword-play, the silver-haired leader,
45About conflict and fighting, the gray-haired leader,
Full of age and of evil, nor had Anlaf the more.
Full of age and evil, Anlaf didn't have any more either.
With their vanquished survivors no vaunt could they make
With their defeated survivors, they couldn't boast about anything.
That in works of war their worth was unequalled,
That in works of war their value was unmatched,
In the fearful field, in the flashing of standards,
In the scary battlefield, in the bright flashes of banners,
50 In the meeting of men, and the mingling of spears,
50In the gathering of men, and the clashing of swords,
And the war-play of weapons, when they had waged their battle
And the clash of weapons, when they fought their fight
Against the heirs of Edward on the awful plain.
Against the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ on the terrible plain.
Now departed the Northmen in their nailed ships,
Now the Norsemen left in their ship equipped with nails,
Dreary from dart-play on Dyngesmere.
Dreary from playing darts on Dyngesmere.
55 Over the deep water to Dublin they sailed,
55They sailed over the deep water to Dublin,
Broken and baffled back to Ireland.
Broken and confused back to Ireland.
So, too, the brothers both went together,
So, the brothers both went together,
The King and the Ætheling; to their kinsmen’s home,
The King and the Ætheling; to their family’s house,
To the wide land of Wessex —warrior’s exultant.
To the vast land of Wessex —warrior’s victory.
60 To feast on the fallen on the field they left
60To celebrate the fallen on the field they abandoned
The sallow-hued spoiler, the swarthy raven,
The pale-colored spoiler, the dark raven,
Horned of beak, and the hoary-backed
Horned beak, and the gray-backed
White-tailed eagle to eat of the carrion,
White-tailed eagle eats carrion,
And the greedy goshawk, and that gray beast,
And the greedy goshawk, and that gray creature,
65 The wolf in the wood. Not worse was the slaughter
65The wolf in the woods. The slaughter was no worse.
Ever on this island at any time,
Ever on this island anytime,
Or more folk felled before this strife
Or more people fell before this issue
With the edge of the sword, as is said in old books,
With the edge of the sword, as mentioned in old books,
In ancient authors, since from the east hither
In ancient writings, since from the east here
70 The Angles and Saxons eagerly sailed
The Angles and Saxons eagerly sailed
Over the salt sea in search of Britain,—
Over the salty sea looking for the UK,—
Since the crafty warriors conquered the Welshmen
Since the clever warriors defeated the Welsh
And, greedy for glory, gained them the land.
And, eager for fame, took their land.
THE BATTLE OF MALDON
[Critical edition: Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon and Six Short Poems from the Saxon Chronicle, Boston, 1904, Belles Lettres Edition.
[Critical edition: Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon and Six Short Poems from the Saxon Chronicle, Boston, 1904, Belles Lettres Edition.
Date: It appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 991.
Date: It shows up in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 991.
“The Battle of Maldon treats not of legendary heroes of the Germanic races but of an actual historic personage, an English hero and patriot fallen in battle against a foreign invader a very short time before the poem was made. A single event in contemporary history is here described with hardly suppressed emotion by one who knew his hero and loved him. There is none of the allusiveness and excursiveness of the Beowulf; we have here not a member of an epic cycle, but an independent song. Very striking is the absence of ornament from the Battle of Maldon; all is plain, blunt, and stern.”—Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon, pp. vi-vii.]
The Battle of Maldon is about not legendary heroes from the Germanic tribes but about a real historical figure, an English hero and patriot who died in battle against a foreign invader shortly before the poem was written. It describes a single event from contemporary history with barely concealed emotion by someone who knew and loved his hero. Unlike Beowulf, it doesn't have the allusiveness or digressions; instead, we have an independent song. The lack of embellishment in The Battle of Maldon is very striking; everything is straightforward, direct, and serious.—Sedgefield, The Battle of Maldon, pp. vi-vii.
. . . . . . . . . . was broken;
. . . . . . . . . . was broken;
He bade the young barons abandon their horses,
He told the young barons to leave their horses behind,
To drive them afar and dash quickly forth,
To take them far away and hurry out quickly,
In their hands and brave heart to put all hope of success.
In their hands and brave heart to place all hope of success.
5 The kinsman of Offa discovered then first
The __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ discovered then first
That the earl would not brook dishonorable bearing.
That the earl would not tolerate disrespectful behavior.
He held in his hand the hawk that he loved,
He held in his hand __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ he loved,
Let him fly to the fields; to the fight then he stepped;
Let him fly to the fields; to the fight, he stepped;
By this one could know that the knight was unwilling
By this, one could tell that the knight was unwilling
10 To weaken in war, when his weapons he seized.
10To become weaker in battle, when he grabbed his weapons.
Edric wished also to aid his chief,
Edric also wanted to help his leader,
His folk-lord in fight; forward he bore
His leader in battle; he moved forward
His brand to the battle; a brave heart he had
His banner to the battle; he had a courageous heart
So long as he held locked in his hand
So long as he kept locked in his grip
15 His board and his broad sword; his boast he made good,
15His board and his broad sword; he backed up his claim,
Fearless to fight before his lord.
Fearless to fight in front of his lord.
Then Byrhtnoth began to embolden the warriors;
Then Byrhtnoth started to encourage the warriors;
He rode and counseled them, his comrades he taught
He rode and advised them, he educated his friends
How they should stand in the stronghold’s defence,
How they should stand in the fortress's defense,
20 Bade them to bear their bucklers correctly,
20Asked them to hold their shields correctly,
Fast by their hands without fear in their hearts.
Fast by their hands fearless.
When the folk by fair words he had fired with zeal,
When the people, inspired by his kind words,
He alighted in a crowd of his loyal comrades,
He got off in a crowd of his loyal friends,
Where he felt that his friends were most faithful and true.
Where he felt that his friends were the most loyal and sincere.
25 Then he stood on the strand; sternly the messenger
25Then he stood on the shore; seriously the messenger
Of the Vikings called in vaunting words,
Of the Vikings called in bragging terms,
Brought him the boast of the bloody seamen,
Brought him the bragging of the bloody sailors,
The errand to the earl, at the edge of the water:
The task for the earl, by the waterfront:
“I am sent to thee by seamen bold;
“I am sent to you by courageous sailors;
30 They bade me summon thee to send them quickly
30They asked me to call you to send them fast
Rings for a ransom, and rather than fight
Rings for a ransom, and rather than fighting
It is better for you to bargain with gold
It’s better for you to negotiate with cryptocurrency
Than that we should fiercely fight you in battle.
Than that we should aggressively fight you in a battle.
It is futile to fight if you fill our demands;
It’s pointless to fight if you meet our requests;
35 If you give us gold we will grant you a truce.
35If you give us gold let's agree to a truce.
If commands thou wilt make, who art mightiest of warriors,
If you want to give orders, you who are the mightiest of warriors,
That thy folk shall be free from the foemen’s attack,
That your people will be safe from the enemy's assault,
Shall give of their wealth at the will of the seamen,
Shall contribute their wealth at the sailors' discretion,
A treasure for tribute, with a truce in return,
A treasure for tribute, in exchange for a peace agreement,
40 We will go with the gold again to our ships,
40We're going back to our ships with the gold again,
We will sail to the sea and vouchsafe to you peace.”
We will sail to the sea and promise you peace.
Byrhtnoth burst forth, his buckler he grasped,
Byrhtnoth charged ahead, gripping his shield,
His spear he seized, and spoke in words
His spear in hand, he spoke clearly
Full of anger and ire, and answer he gave:
Full of anger and rage, and this is how he responded:
45 “Dost thou hear, oh seamen, what our heroes say?
45“Do you hear, oh sailors, what are our heroes saying?
Spears they will send to the sailors as tribute,
Spears will be sent to the sailors as a tribute,
Poisoned points and powerful swords,
Poisoned arrows and powerful swords,
And such weapons of war as shall win you no battles.
And those weapons of war that won't win you any battles.
Envoy of Vikings, your vauntings return,
Envoy of Vikings, your boasts return,
50 Fare to thy folk with a far sterner message,
50Go to your people with a much clearer message,
That here staunchly stands with his steadfast troops,
That here firmly stands with his dedicated troops,
The lord that will fight for the land of his fathers,
The lord who will fight for the land of his ancestors,
For the realm of Æthelred, my royal chief,
For the kingdom of Æthelred, my king/queen,
For his folk and his fold; fallen shall lie
For his people and his group; fallen shall lie
55 The heathen at shield-play; Shameful I deem it
55The non-believers playing with shields; I think it's disgraceful.
With our treasure as tribute that you take to your ships,
With our treasure as tribute that you bring to your ships,
Without facing a fight, since thus far hither
Without facing a fight, since so far gone
You have come and encroached on our king’s domain.
You have come and invaded our king's domain.
You shall not so easily earn our treasure;
You won't earn our treasure so easily;
60 You must prove your power with point and sword edge,
60You have to show your strength with accuracy and expertise,
With grim war grip ere we grant you tribute.”
With a serious war looming, before we give you props.
He bade then his band to bear forth their shields,
He then told his group to carry their shields,
Until they arrived at the river bank.
Until they arrived by the riverbank.
The waters prevented the warriors’ encounter;
The waters blocked the warriors' meeting;
65 The tide flowed in, the flood after the ebb,
65 __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, the flood after the low tide,
Locked up the land; too long it seemed
Locked up the land; it felt too long
Until they could meet and mingle their spears.
Until they could meet and join their weapons.
By Panta’s stream they stood in array,
By __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ they stood in formation,
The East Saxon army and the eager shield-warriors;
The East Saxon army and the eager shield warriors;
70 Each troop was helpless to work harm on the other,
70Each troop was helpless to harm the other,
Save the few who were felled by a flight of arrows.
Save for the few who were struck by a barrage of arrows.
The flood receded; the sailors stood ready,
The flood receded; the sailors stood by,
All of the Vikings eager for victory.
All of the Vikings hungry for victory.
Byrhtnoth bade the bridge to be defended,
Byrhtnoth ordered the bridge to defend,
75 The brave-hearted warrior, by Wulfstan the bold
75The courageous warrior, by Wulfstan the Brave
With his crowd of kinsmen; he was Ceola’s son,
With his group of relatives; he was Ceola's kid,
And he felled the first of the foemen who stepped
And he knocked down the first of the enemies who approached
On the bridge, the boldest of the band of men.
On the bridge, the bravest of the group of guys.
There waited with Wulfstan the warriors undaunted,
There with Wulfstan waited the fearless warriors,
80 Ælfhere and Maccus, men of courage;
80 Aelfhere and Maccus, brave men;
At the ford not a foot would they flee the encounter,
At the crossing, not a single person would back down from the confrontation,
But close in conflict they clashed with the foe,
But when they were in conflict, they fought the enemy,
As long as they wielded their weapons with strength.
As long as they used their weapons with power.
As soon as they saw and perceived it clearly,
As soon as they saw and got it clearly,
85 How fiercely fought was the defense of the bridge,
85How intensely was the defense of the bridge fought,
The treacherous tribe in trickery asked
The deceitful tribe in trickery asked
That they be allowed to lead their hosts
That they be allowed to lead their teams
For a closer conflict, to cross over the ford.
For a closer conflict, to cross the ford.
Then the earl, too eager to enter the fight,
Then the earl, too eager to join the fight,
90 Allowed too much land to the loathed pirates.
90Gave too much land to the despised pirates.
Clearly then called over the cold water
Clearly then called over the icy water
Byrhthelm’s son; the soldiers listened:
Byrhthelm's son; the soldiers paid attention:
“Room is now made for you; rush quickly here
“Room is now made for you; come here quickly
Forward to the fray; fate will decide
Forward to the fight; fate will decide
95 Into whose power shall pass this place of battle.”
95Into whose control will this battlefield fall?”
Went then the battle-wolves— of water they recked not—
Went then the battle-wolves— they didn’t care about the water—
The pirate warriors west over Panta;
The pirate warriors headed west over Panta;
Over the bright waves they bore their shields;
Over the bright waves they carried their shields;
The seamen stepped to the strand with their lindens.
The sailors walked to the shore with their linden trees.
100 In ready array against the raging hosts
100 In preparation for the fierce armies
Stood Byrhtnoth’s band; he bade them with shields
Stood Byrhtnoth’s group; he guided them with shields
To form a phalanx, and to defend themselves stoutly,
To create a phalanx and to defend themselves strongly,
Fast holding the foe. The fight was near,
Fast holding the enemy. The battle was intense,
The triumph at conflict; the time had come
The victory in battle; the time had come
105 When fated men should fall in battle.
105When destined men should fall in combat.
Then arose an alarm; the ravens soared,
Then an alarm sounded; the ravens soared high,
The eagle eager for prey; on earth was commotion.
The eagle was eager for its prey; There was chaos on the ground.
Then sped from their hands the hardened spears,
Then flew from their hands the tough spears,
Flew in fury file-sharpened darts;
Flew in fury file-sharpened darts;
110 Bows were busy, boards met javelins,
Bows were busy, boards met javelins.
Cruel was the conflict; in companies they fell;
Cruel was the conflict; they fell in groups;
On every hand lay heaps of youths.
On every side were groups of young people.
Wulfmere was woefully wounded to death,
Wulfmere was fatally wounded.
Slaughtered the sister’s son of Byrhtnoth;
Killed the sister’s son of Byrhtnoth;
115 With swords he was strongly stricken to earth.
115He was fiercely brought down to the ground with swords.
To the vikings quickly requital was given;
To the Vikings, quick repayment was made;
I learned that Edward alone attacked
I learned that Edward attacked alone.
Stoutly with his sword, not stinting his blows,
Sturdily with his sword, fighting without holding back,
So that fell at his feet many fated invaders;
So that fell at his feet many doomed invaders;
120 For his prowess the prince gave praise and thanks
120For his skill, the prince showed his appreciation and thanks
To his chamberlain brave, when chance would permit.
To his brave chamberlain, whenever there was an opportunity.
So firm of purpose they fought in their turn,
So determined were they that they fought in their turn,
Young men in battle; they yearned especially
Young men in battle; they craved, especially
To lead their line with the least delay
To lead their line without delay
125 To fight their foes in fatal conflict,
125To battle their enemies in lethal showdown,
Warriors with weapons. The world seethed with slaughter.
Warriors with weapons. The world was full of violence.
Steadfast they stood, stirred up by Byrhtnoth;
They stood firm, inspired by Byrhtnoth;
He bade his thanes to think on battle,
He urged his warriors to think about the fight,
And fight for fame with the foemen Danes.
And fight for glory against the rival Danes.
130 The fierce warrior went, his weapon he raised,
130The fierce warrior went, lifting his weapon,
His shield for a shelter; to the soldier he came;
His shield for a shelter; he approached the soldier;
The chief to the churl a challenge addressed;
The boss to the peasant a challenge tackled;
Each to the other had evil intent.
Each had bad intentions toward the other.
The seamen then sent from the south a spear,
The sailors then sent a spear from the south,
135 So that wounded lay the lord of the warriors;
135So the lord of the warriors lay wounded;
He shoved with his shield till the shaft was broken,
He pushed with his shield until the shaft broke,
And burst the spear till back it sprang.
And broke the spear until it snapped back.
Enraged was the daring one; he rushed with his dart
Enraged was the bold one; he charged with his spear
On the wicked warrior who had wounded him sore.
On the evil warrior who had hurt him badly.
140 Sage was the soldier; he sent his javelin
140 Sage was __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__; he launched his spear
Through the grim youth’s neck; he guided his hand
Through the grim youth’s neck; he led his hand
And furiously felled his foeman dead.
And furiously brought his foe down.
Straightway another he strongly attacked,
Immediately another he strongly attacked,
And burst his burnie; in his breast he wounded him.
And burst his bubble; he felt a pain in his chest.
145 Through his hard coat-of-mail; in his heart there stood
145Through his tough armor; in his heart there stood
The poisoned point. Pleased was the earl,
The poisoned point. The earl was happy,
Loudly he laughed, to the Lord he gave thanks
Loudly he laughed, he thanked God
For the deeds of the day the Redeemer had granted.
For the actions of the day the Redeemer had granted.
A hostile youth hurled from his hand a dart;
A hostile youth threw a dart from his hand;
150 The spear in flight then sped too far,
150The spear in flight then shot too far past,
And the honorable earl of Æthelred fell.
And __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ of Æthelred fell.
By his side there stood a stripling youth,
By his side there stood a young guy,
A boy in battle who boldly drew
A boy in battle who stepped up bravely
The bloody brand from the breast of his chief.
The bloody mark from his boss's chest.
155 The young Wulfmere, Wulfstan’s son,
The young Wulfmere, Wulfstan's son,
Gave back again the gory war-lance;
Gave back the gory war-lance;
The point pierced home, so that prostrate lay
The point hit home, to lie flat
The Viking whose valor had vanquished the earl.
The Viking whose bravery defeated the earl.
To the earl then went an armed warrior;
To the earl then went a soldier;
160 He sought to snatch and seize his rings,
160He tried to grab and take his rings,
His booty and bracelets, his bright shining sword.
His treasure and bracelets, his bright shining sword.
Byrhtnoth snatched forth the brown-edged weapon
Byrhtnoth grabbed the brown-edged weapon
From his sheath, and sharply shook the attacker;
From his sheath, he quickly shook off the attacker;
Certain of the seamen too soon joined against him,
Certain of the sailors turned against him too fast,
165 As he checked the arm of the charging enemy;
165As he examined the arm of the attacking foes;
Now sank to the ground his golden brand;
Now sank to the ground his golden sword;
He might not hold the hilt of his mace,
He might not hold the handle of his mace,
Nor wield his weapons. These words still he spoke,
Nor use his weapons. He still said these words,
To embolden the youths; the battle-scarred hero
To inspire the young people; the seasoned hero
170 Called on his comrades to conquer their foes;
170Called on his friends to beat their enemies;
He no longer had strength to stand on his feet,
He no longer had the strength to stand on his own,
. . . . . . . . he looked to heaven:
. . . . . . . . He looked up at the sky:
“Ruler of realms, I render thee thanks
“Ruler of realms, thank you
For all of the honors that on earth I have had;
For all the honors I've received on Earth;
175 Now, gracious God, have I greatest of need
175Now, gracious God, I really need help.
That thou save my soul through thy sovereign mercy,
That you save my soul through your gracious mercy,
That my spirit speed to its splendid home
That my spirit speeds to its beautiful home
And pass into thy power, O Prince of angels,
And come under your control, O Prince of Angels,
And depart in peace; this prayer I make,
And leave in peace; this prayer I offer,
180 That the hated hell-fiends may harass me not.”
180That the evil demons won't torment me.
Then the heathen dogs hewed down the noble one,
Then the savage dogs tore down the noble one,
And both the barons that by him stood—
And both the barons who supported him—
Ælfnoth and Wulfmær each lay slaughtered;
Ælfnoth and Wulfmær were both slain;
They lost their lives in their lord’s defence.
They lost their lives defending their boss.
185 Then fled from the fray those who feared to remain.
185Then ran away from the battle those who were too scared to stay.
First in the frantic flight was Godric,
First in the frantic flight was Godric,
The son of Odda; he forsook his chief
The son of Odda; he left his leader
Who had granted him gifts of goodly horses;
Who had given him gifts of premium horses;
Lightly he leapt on his lord’s own steed,
Lightly, he jumped onto his lord's own horse,
190 In its royal array —no right had he to it;
190In its royal attire —he had no right to it;
His brothers also the battle forsook.
His brothers also abandoned the battle.
Godwin and Godwy made good their escape,
Godwin and Godwy successfully escaped,
And went to the wood, for the war they disliked;
And went to the woods, because they opposed the war;
They fled to the fastnesses in fear of their lives,
They ran to the remote places out of fear for their safety,
195 And many more of the men than was fitting,
195And many more more than what was appropriate for the men,
Had they freshly in mind remembered the favors,
Had they recently remembered the favors,
The good deeds he had done them in days of old.
The good deeds he had done for them in the old days.
Wise were the words spoken once by Offa
Wise were the words spoken once by Offa
As he sat with his comrades assembled in council:
As he sat with his friends met for a meeting:
200 “There are many who boast in the mead-hall of bravery
200“There are many who brag in the beer hall discussing their bravery
Who turn in terror when trouble comes.”
Who turn in fear when trouble strikes.
The chief of the folk now fell to his death,
The leader of the people now fell to his death,
Æthelred’s earl; all his companions
Æthelred's earl; all his crew
Looked on their lord as he lay on the field.
Looked at their lord as he was lying on the field.
205 Now there approached some proud retainers;
205 Now some proud followers approached;
The hardy heroes hastened madly,
The tough heroes rushed quickly,
All of them eager either to die
All of them eager either to die
Or valiantly avenge their vanquished lord.
Or bravely avenge their defeated lord.
They were eagerly urged by Ælfric’s son,
They were eagerly encouraged by Ælfric’s son,
210 A warrior young in winters; these words he spoke—
210A warrior young in years; these were his words—
Ælfwine then spoke, an honorable speech:
Ælfwine then spoke, a noble speech:
“Remember how we made in the mead-hall our vaunts,
“Remember how we made in the hall, our boasts,
From the benches our boasts of bravery we raised,
From the benches, we raised our claims of bravery,
Heroes in the hall, of hard-fought battles;
Heroes in the hall, of tough battles;
215 The time has now come for the test of your courage.
215The moment has arrived to demonstrate your bravery.
Now I make known my noble descent;
Now I reveal my noble background;
I come from Mercia, of mighty kinsmen;
I come from Mercia, of influential family members;
My noble grandsire’s name was Ealdhelm,
My noble grandfather’s name was Ealdhelm,
Wise in the ways of the world this elder.
Wise in the ways of the world is this elder.
220 Among my proud people no reproach shall be made
220Among my proud people no one's to blame
That in fear I fled afar from the battle,
That in fear I ran away from the fight,
To leave for home with my leader hewn down,
To head home with my leader defeated,
Broken in battle; that brings me most grief;
Broken in battle; that's what hurts me the most;
He was not only my earl but also my kinsman.”
He was not just my earl but also my family member.
225 Then harboring hatred he hastened forth,
Then holding on to anger he hurried out,
And with the point of spear he pierced and slew
And with the tip of the spear he shot and killed
A seaman grim who sank to the ground
A grim sailor who fell to the ground
Under weight of the weapon. To war he incited
Under the weight of the weapon. He encouraged them to go to war.
His friends and fellows, in the fray to join.
His friends and peers, joining the fight.
230 Offa shouted; his ash-spear shook:
230 Offa shouted; his spear shook:
“Thou exhortest, O Ælfwine, in the hour of need,
“You're urging, O Ælfwine, in times of need,
When our lord is lying full low before us,
When our lord is lying totally low before us,
The earl on the earth; we all have a duty
The earl on the ground; we all have a duty
That each one of us should urge on the rest
That each one of us should motivate the others
235 Of the warriors to war, while his weapons in hand
235Of the warriors going to battle, with his weapons ready
He may have and hold, his hard-wrought mace,
He might have and hold, his hard-earned trophy,
His dart and good sword. The deed of Godric,
His dart and good sword. Godric's act,
The wicked son of Offa, has weakened us all;
The wicked son of Offa, has made us all weaker;
Many of the men thought when he mounted the steed,
Many of the men thought when he got on the horse,
240 Rode on the proud palfry, that our prince led us forth;
240Rode on the proud horse, that our prince led us out;
Therefore on the field the folk were divided,
Therefore on the field the people were split,
The shield-wall was shattered. May shame curse the man
The shield-wall was broken. May shame haunt the man
Who deceived our folk and sent them in flight.”
Who tricked our people and made them flee.”
Leofsunu spoke and his linden-shield raised,
Leofsunu spoke and his linden shield raised,
245 His board to defend him and embolden his fellows:
245His support to protect him and motivate his friends:
“I promise you now from this place I will never
“I promise you now From this place, I will never
Flee a foot-space, but forward will rush,
Flee a foot-space, but forward will hurry,
Where I vow to revenge my vanquished lord.
Where I vow to take revenge on my defeated leader.
The stalwart warriors round Sturmere shall never
The brave warriors around Sturmere will never
250 Taunt me and twit me for traitorous conduct,
250Mock me and tease me for being unfaithful,
That lordless I fled when my leader had fallen,
That I fled without a leader when my captain had fallen,
Ran from the war; rather may weapons,
Ran from the war; rather than weapons,
The iron points slay me.” Full ireful he went;
The iron points kill me.” Consumed by rage, he left;
Fiercely he fought; flight he disdained.
He fought fiercely; he dismissed flight.
255 Dunhere burst forth; his dart he brandished,
255Dunhere charged forward; he waved his spear,
Over them all; the aged churl cried,
Over them all; the greedy old man shouted,
Called the brave ones to battle in Bryhtnoth’s avenging:
Called the courageous to fight in Bryhtnoth’s vengeance:
“Let no hero now hesitate who hopes to avenge
“Let no hero hesitate now who wants to get revenge
His lord on the foemen, nor fear for his life.”
His lord on the enemies, nor fear for his life.
260 Then forward they fared and feared not for their lives;
260Then they moved ahead and weren't scared for their lives;
The clansman with courage the conflict began;
The brave clansman the conflict started;
Grasped their spears grimly, to God made their prayer
Gripped their spears tightly, they said their prayer to God
That they might dearly repay the death of their lord,
That they might deeply avenge the passing of their lord,
And deal defeat to their dastardly foes.
And defeat their evil enemies.
265 A hostage took hold now and helped them with courage;
265A hostage stepped in now and helped them courageously;
He came from Northumbria of a noble kindred,
He came from Northumbria from a noble family,
The son of Ecglaf, Æscferth his name;
The son of Ecglaf, his name is Aescferth;
He paused not a whit at the play of weapons,
He didn’t hesitate at all at the sound of weapons,
But unerringly aimed his arrows uncounted;
But consistently aimed his countless arrows;
270 Now he shot on the shield, now he shattered a Viking;
270Now he fired at the shield, now he defeated a Viking;
With the tip of his arrow he pierced to the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
While he wielded his weapons of war unsubdued.
While he wielded his weapons of war undefeated.
Still in the front stood the stalwart Edward,
Still in the front stood the mighty Edward,
Burning for battle; his boasts he spoke:
Ready for battle; he bragged:
275 He never would flee a foot-pace of land,
275He would never escape a small plot of land,
Or leave his lord where he lay on the field;
Or leave his lord where he was lying on the field;
He shattered the shield-wall; with the shipmen he fought,
He broke through the shield wall; he fought with the sailors,
Till on the treacherous tribesmen his treasure-giver’s death
Till on the treacherous tribesmen his benefactor's death
He valiantly avenged ere his violent end.
He bravely took revenge before his brutal end.
280 Such daring deeds did the doughty Æthric,
280Such bold acts did the brave Aethric,
Brother of Sibyrht and bravest of soldiers;
Brother of Sibyrht and the bravest soldier;
He eagerly fought and the others followed;
He eagerly fought and the others chimed in;
They cleft the curvèd shields; keenly they battled;
They split the curved shields; they fought hard;
Then burst the buckler’s rim, and the burnies sang
Then the rim of the shield broke, and the armor clinked
285 A song of slaughter. Then was slain in battle,
285A song about killing. Then was killed in combat,
The seaman by Offa; and the earth received him;
The sailor by Offa; and the earth embraced him;
Soon Offa himself was slain in battle;
Soon __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ himself was killed in battle;
He had laid down his life for his lord as he promised
He had given his life for his lord as he agreed
290 In return for his treasure, when he took his vow
290In exchange for his treasure, when he made his promise
That they both alive from battle should come,
That they both survived to come back from battle,
Hale to their homes or lie hewn down in battle,
Hale to their homes or lie slain in battle,
Fallen on the field with their fatal wounds;
Fallen on the field with their fatal injuries;
He lay by his lord like a loyal thane.
He lay by his lord like a devoted follower.
295 Then shivered the shields; the shipmen advanced,
295Then the shields trembled; the sailors advanced,
Raving with rage; they ran their spears
Raging with anger; they charged with their lances
Through their fated foes. Forth went Wistan,
Through their destined enemies. Wistan left,
Thurstan’s son then, to the thick of the conflict.
Thurstan’s son then, to the heart of the conflict.
In the throng he slew three of the sailors,
In the crowd, he killed three sailors,
300 Ere the son of Wigeline sent him to death.
300Before Wigeline's son sent him to his death.
The fight was stiff; and fast they stood;
The fight was intense; and they stood up quickly;
In the cruel conflict they were killed by scores,
In the brutal conflict they were killed by the dozens,
Weary with wounds; woeful was the slaughter.
Weary from injuries; the massacre was heartbreaking.
Oswald and Eadwold all of the while,
Oswald and Eadwold the whole time,
305 Both the brothers, emboldened the warriors,
305 Both brothers, motivated the warriors,
Encouraged their comrades with keen spoken words,
Lifted their friends with inspiring words,
Besought them to strive in their sore distress,
Besought them to try in their deep despair,
To wield their weapons and not weaken in battle.
To use their weapons and not hesitate in battle.
Byrhtwold then spoke; his buckler he lifted,
Byrhtwold then spoke; he lifted his shield,
310 The old companion, his ash-spear shook
310 The old friend, his ash spear trembled
And boldly encouraged his comrades to battle:
And confidently urged his friends to join the fight:
“Your courage be the harder, your hearts be the keener,
“Your courage be the stronger, sharpen your hearts,
And sterner the strife as your strength grows less.
And the battle gets tougher as your strength fades.
Here lies our leader low on the earth,
Here lies our leader close to the ground,
315 Struck down in the dust; doleful forever
315Knocked down to the ground; sad forever
Be the traitor who tries to turn from the war-play.
Be the traitor who tries to walk away from the fight.
I am old of years, but yet I flee not;
I am old, but I still don’t run away;
Staunch and steadfast I stand by my lord,
Staunch and steadfast I stand by my lord,
And I long to be by my loved chief.”
And I really want to be by my awesome leader.
320 So the son of Æthelgar said to them all.
320So the son of Æthelgar talked to them all.
Godric emboldened them; oft he brandished his lance,
Godric encouraged them; often he waved his spear,
Violently threw at the Vikings his war-spear,
Violently threw his battle spear at the Vikings,
So that first among the folk he fought to the end;
So he was the first among the people he fought until the end;
Hewed down and hacked, till the hated ones killed him—
Hacked away and chopped, until the hated ones killed him—
325 Not that Godric who fled in disgrace from the fight.
325Not that Godric who ran away in shame from the fight.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
APPENDIX—SELECTIONS FROM OLD ENGLISH PROSE
ACCOUNT OF THE POET CÆDMON
[From the Anglo-Saxon version of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History. Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 8 ff.]
[From the Anglo-Saxon version of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History. Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 8 ff.]
In the monastery of this abbess [Hild] was a certain brother especially distinguished and gifted with the grace of God, because he was in the habit of making poems filled with piety and virtue. Whatever he learned 5 of holy writ through interpreters he gave forth in a very short time in poetical language with the greatest of sweetness and inspiration, well wrought in the English tongue. Because of his songs the minds of many men were turned from the thoughts of this world and 10 incited toward a contemplation of the heavenly life. There were, to be sure, others after him among the Angles who tried to compose sacred poetry, but none of them could equal him; because his instruction in poetry was not at all from men, nor through the aid of 15 any man, but it was through divine inspiration and as a gift from God that he received the power of song. For that reason he was never able to compose poetry of a light or idle nature, but only the one kind that pertained to religion and was fitted to the tongue of a 20 godly singer such as he.
In the abbey run by Abbess Hild, there was a certain brother who was especially notable and blessed by God because he frequently created poems filled with faith and virtue. Whatever he learned from scripture through interpreters, he would express in poetic language that was sweet and inspiring, skillfully crafted in English. His songs inspired many people to turn away from worldly thoughts and focus on the heavenly life. There were others after him among the Angles who tried to write sacred poetry, but none could match his talent; his poetic skill was not taught by people or aided by anyone, but was a divine inspiration and a gift from God. For this reason, he was never able to write light or trivial poetry, but only that which was religious and suited for a devout singer like him.
This man had lived the life of a layman until he was somewhat advanced in years, and had never learned any songs. For this reason often at the banquets where for the sake of merriment it was ruled that they should 25 all sing in turn at the harp, when he would see the harp approach him, he would arise from the company out of shame and go home to his house. On one occasion he had done this and had left the banquet hall and gone out to the stable to the cattle which it was his duty to guard 30 that night. Then in due time he lay down and slept, and there stood before him in his dream a man who hailed him and greeted him and called him by name: “Cædmon, sing me something.” Then he answered and said: “I can not sing anything; and for that reason I left 35 the banquet and came here, since I could not sing.” Once more the man who was speaking with him said: “No matter, you must sing for me.” Then he answered: “What shall I sing?” Thereupon the stranger said: “Sing to me of the beginning of things.” When he had 40 received this answer he began forthwith to sing, in praise of God the Creator, verses and words that he had never heard, in the following manner:
This man had lived like an ordinary person until he was quite a bit older and had never learned any songs. Because of this, at the parties where it was decided that everyone should take turns singing while playing the harp, he would get up and leave the group in embarrassment whenever the harp came to him, and he would go home. One time, after he had left the banquet hall and gone out to the stable to look after the livestock he was responsible for that night, he eventually lay down and fell asleep. In his dream, a man appeared before him, greeted him, and called him by name: “Cædmon, sing me something.” He replied, “I can’t sing anything; that’s why I left the banquet and came here.” The man responded, “It doesn’t matter, you must sing for me.” He then asked, “What should I sing?” The stranger replied, “Sing to me about the beginning of things.” Upon hearing this, he immediately began to sing, praising God the Creator, with verses and words he had never heard before, in the following manner:
Now shall we praise the Prince of heaven,
Now let’s praise the Prince of Heaven,
The might of the Maker and his manifold thought,
The power of the Creator and his varied ideas,
45 The work of the Father: of what wonders he wrought,
45The work of the Father: of the wonders he made,
The Lord everlasting when he laid out the worlds.
The everlasting Lord when he created the universes.
He first raised up for the race of men
He first uplifted for humanity
The heaven as a roof, the holy Ruler.
The sky above as a ceiling, the holy Leader.
Then the world below, the Ward of mankind,
Then the world below, the Ward of humanity,
50 The Lord everlasting, at last established
50 The Lord everlasting, finally established
As a home for man, the Almighty Lord.
As a home for humanity, the Almighty.
Then he arose from his sleep, and all that he had sung while asleep he held fast in memory; and soon afterward he added many words like unto them befitting 55 a hymn to God. The next morning he came to the steward who was his master and told him of the gift he had received. The steward immediately led him to the abbess and related what he had heard. She bade assemble all the wise and learned men and asked Cædmon to 60 relate his dream in their presence and to sing the song that they might give their judgment as to what it was or whence it had come. They all agreed that it was a divine gift bestowed from Heaven. They then explained to him a piece of holy teaching and bade him if he could, 65 to turn that into rhythmic verse. When he received the instruction of the learned men, he departed for his house. In the morning he returned and delivered the passage assigned him, turned into an excellent poem.
Then he woke up from his sleep, and everything he had sung while dreaming stayed clear in his mind. Soon after, he added many words like those that were fitting for a hymn to God. The next morning, he went to the steward, who was his master, and told him about the gift he had received. The steward immediately took him to the abbess and shared what he had heard. She instructed everyone who was wise and learned to gather and asked Cædmon to share his dream in front of them and to sing the song so they could determine what it was and where it had come from. They all agreed that it was a divine gift from Heaven. They then explained to him a piece of holy teaching and asked him, if he could, to turn that into rhythmic verse. After receiving the guidance of the learned men, he went home. In the morning, he returned and presented the assigned passage as an excellent poem.
Thereupon, the abbess, praising and honoring the 70 gift of God in this man, persuaded him to leave the condition of a layman and take monastic vows. And this he did with great eagerness. She received him and his household into the monastery and made him one of the company of God’s servants and commanded that he 75 be taught the holy writings and stories. He, on his part, pondered on all that he learned by word of mouth, and just as a clean beast chews on a cud, transformed it into the sweetest of poetry. His songs and poems were so pleasing that even his teachers came to learn [182] 80 and write what he spoke. He sang first of the creation of the earth, and of the origin of mankind, and all the story of Genesis, the first book of Moses; and afterwards of the exodus of the Children of Israel from the land of Egypt and the entry into the Promised Land; 85 and many other stories of the Holy Scriptures; the incarnation of Christ, and his suffering and his ascension into heaven; the coming of the Holy Ghost and the teaching of the apostles; and finally he wrote many songs concerning the future day of judgment and of 90 the fearfulness of the pains of hell, and the bliss of heaven; besides these he composed many others concerning the mercies and judgments of God. In all of these he strove especially to lead men from the love of sin and wickedness and to impel them toward the love 95 and practice of righteousness; for he was a very pious man and submissive to the rules of the monastery. And he burned with zeal against those who acted otherwise. For this reason it was that his life ended with a fair death.
Then the abbess, praising and honoring the gift of God in this man, convinced him to leave his life as a layman and take monastic vows. He agreed with great enthusiasm. She welcomed him and his household into the monastery and included him among the community of God’s servants, instructing that he be taught the holy writings and stories. He, in turn, reflected on everything he learned verbally, and just like a clean animal chewing its cud, transformed it into beautiful poetry. His songs and poems were so delightful that even his teachers came to learn from him and write down what he expressed. He began with the creation of the earth, the origins of humanity, and the entire story of Genesis, the first book of Moses; then he recounted the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land; and many other tales from the Holy Scriptures; the incarnation of Christ, his suffering, and his ascension into heaven; the coming of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the apostles; and ultimately he wrote many songs about the future day of judgment, the terrifying pains of hell, and the joy of heaven; in addition to these, he composed many others about the mercies and judgments of God. In all of these, he aimed primarily to steer people away from the love of sin and wrongdoing and urge them toward the love and practice of righteousness; for he was a very devout man and obedient to the rules of the monastery. He was also zealous against those who acted otherwise. For this reason, his life concluded with a peaceful death.
ALFRED’S PREFACE TO HIS TRANSLATION OF GREGORY’S “PASTORAL CARE”
[Text: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 26 ff.]
[Text: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 26 ff.]
King Alfred sends greetings to Wærferth in loving and friendly words. I let thee know that it has often come to my mind what wise men there were formerly throughout England among both the clergy and the 5 laity, and what happy times there were then throughout England, and how the kings who held sway over the people in those days obeyed God and his ministers; and how they preserved not only their peace but their morality also and good order at home and extended 10 their possessions abroad; and how prosperous they were both with war and with wisdom; and how zealous the clergy were both in teaching and in learning, and in all the services they owed to God; and how foreigners came to the land in search of wisdom and learning, and 15 how we should now have to secure them from abroad if we were to have them. So complete was this decay in England that there were very few on this side of the Humber who could understand their rituals in English or translate a Latin letter into English; and I feel sure 20 that there were not many beyond Humber. So few there were that I can not remember a single one south of the Thames when I began to reign. Almighty God be [184] thanked that we have any teachers among us now....
King Alfred sends greetings to Wærferth with love and friendship. I want to share that I've often thought about how many wise people there used to be across England, both among the clergy and the laity, and how peaceful and prosperous those times were. The kings who ruled the people back then obeyed God and his ministers; they maintained not only their peace but also their morality and order at home while expanding their territories abroad. They thrived in both war and wisdom, and the clergy were dedicated to teaching, learning, and fulfilling their duties to God. Foreigners came to our land seeking knowledge and education, and now we would need to bring them here from elsewhere if we wanted to have that again. The decline in England is so severe that there are very few people south of the Humber who can understand their rituals in English or translate a Latin letter into English; I’m quite sure there aren't many who can do so north of the Humber either. There were so few that I can’t recall a single one south of the Thames when I began my reign. Thank Almighty God that we have any teachers among us now....
Then I considered all this, and brought to mind 25 also how, before it had all been laid waste and burned, the churches throughout all England stood filled with treasures and books; and there was a great multitude of God’s servants, but they knew very little about the books, for they could not understand anything in them, 30 since they were not written in their own language—as if they spoke thus: “Our fathers who held these places of old loved wisdom and through it acquired wealth and bequeathed it to us. Here we may still see their tracks, but we can not follow them, and hence we have 35 now lost both the wealth and the wisdom, since we would not incline our hearts after their example.”
Then I thought about all this and remembered how, before everything was destroyed and burned, the churches across England were filled with treasures and books. There were many servants of God, but they understood very little of the books because they weren't written in their own language. It was as if they were saying: “Our ancestors who held these places long ago valued wisdom and, through it, gained wealth and passed it down to us. We can still see their footsteps, but we cannot follow them, and so we have now lost both the wealth and the wisdom because we haven't oriented our hearts to follow their example.”
When I called all this to mind, I wondered very much, considering all the good and wise men who were formerly throughout England and all the books that they 40 had perfectly learned, that they had translated no part of them into their own language. But soon I answered myself and said: “They did not expect that men should ever become as careless and that learning should decay as it has; they neglected it through the desire that the 45 greater increase of wisdom there should be in the land the more should men learn of foreign languages.”
When I thought about all this, I was really surprised, considering all the great and wise people who used to be in England and all the books they had thoroughly studied, that they hadn’t translated any of them into their own language. But then I answered myself, saying, “They didn’t expect that people would become so careless and that knowledge would decline the way it has; they overlooked it because they hoped that as wisdom increased in the land, more people would learn foreign languages.”
I then considered that the law was first found in the Hebrew tongue, and again when the Greeks learned it, they translated it all into their own language. And the 50 Romans likewise when they had learned it, they translated it all through learned scholars into their own language. And all other Christian people have turned [185] some part into their own language. Wherefore it seems to me best, if it seems so to you, that we should translate 55 some books that are most needful for all men to know into the language which we can all understand and that we should bring about what we may very easily do with God’s help if we have tranquillity; namely, that all youths that are now in England of 60 free birth, who are rich enough to devote themselves to it, be put to learning as long as they are not fitted for any other occupation, until the time that they shall be able to read English writing with ease: and let those that would pursue their studies further be taught more 65 in Latin and be promoted to a higher rank. When I brought to mind how the knowledge of Latin had formerly decayed throughout England, and yet many knew how to read English writing, I began among other various and manifold troubles of this kingdom to turn 70 into English the book that is called in Latin Pastoralis and in English The Shepherd’s Book, sometimes word for word, sometimes thought by thought, as I had learned it from Plegmund my archbishop, and Asser my bishop, and Grimbald my priest, and John my priest. 75 After I had learned it so that I understood it and so that I could interpret it clearly, I translated it into English. I shall send one copy to every bishopric in my kingdom; and in each is a book-mark worth fifty mancuses. And I command in God’s name that no man 80 take the book-mark from the monastery. It is not certain that there will be such learned bishops as, thanks be to God, we now have nearly everywhere. Hence [186] I wish the books to remain always in their places, unless the bishop wishes to take them with him, or they be lent 85 out anywhere, or any one be copying them.
I then thought about how the law was first written in Hebrew, and when the Greeks learned it, they translated everything into their own language. Similarly, when the Romans learned it, they had scholars translate it all into their language. All other Christian communities have also translated some parts into their own languages. Therefore, I believe it would be best, if you agree, for us to translate some of the most important books that everyone needs to understand into a language that we can all grasp. With God's help, and if we can maintain peace, we can easily accomplish this; specifically, all freeborn youths in England who can afford it should focus on learning until they are capable of reading English easily. Those who wish to continue their studies could learn more Latin and advance further. Remembering how much the knowledge of Latin had declined in England, yet many could read English writing, I decided, amidst the many troubles of this kingdom, to translate the book known in Latin as Pastoralis and in English as The Shepherd’s Book, translating sometimes word for word and sometimes by the main ideas, as I learned it from Plegmund my archbishop, Asser my bishop, Grimbald my priest, and John my priest. Once I understood it well enough to interpret it clearly, I translated it into English. I will send one copy to each bishopric in my kingdom, and each will have a bookmark worth fifty mancuses. I command in God’s name that no one remove the bookmark from the monastery. It’s uncertain that we will always have such learned bishops as we currently do, thanks be to God. Therefore, I want the books to stay in their designated places unless a bishop chooses to take them or they are lent out or copied.
THE CONVERSION OF EDWIN.
[From Alfred’s translation of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History. Text: Bright, Anglo-Saxon Reader, p. 62, line 2—p. 63, line 17.]
[From Alfred’s translation of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History. Text: Bright, Anglo-Saxon Reader, p. 62, line 2—p. 63, line 17.]
When the king heard these words, he answered him [Paulinus, who had been preaching Christianity to him] and said that he was not only willing but expected to accept the faith that he taught; the king said, however, 5 that he wished to have speech and counsel with his friends and advisers, so that if they accepted the faith with him they might all together be consecrated to Christ, the Fountain of Life. The bishop consented and the king did as he said.
When the king heard these words, he replied to Paulinus, who had been preaching Christianity to him, that he was not only willing but also expected to accept the faith he was teaching. However, the king said that he wanted to discuss it with his friends and advisers first, so that if they accepted the faith alongside him, they could all be dedicated to Christ, the Source of Life. The bishop agreed, and the king followed through with his plan.
10 He now counselled and advised with his wise men, and he asked of each of them separately what he thought of the new doctrine and the worship of God that was preached. Cefi, the chief of his priests, then answered, “Consider, oh king, what this teaching is that is now 15 delivered to us. I declare to you, I have learned for a certainty that the religion we have had up to the present has neither virtue nor usefulness in it. For none of thy servants has applied himself more diligently to the worship of our gods than I, and nevertheless there 20 are many who receive greater gifts and favors from thee than I, and are more prosperous in all their undertakings. I know well that our gods, if they had had [188] any power, would have rewarded me more because I have more faithfully served and obeyed them. It seems 25 to me, therefore, wise, if you consider that these new doctrines which are preached to us are better and more efficacious, to receive them immediately.”
10 He sought advice from his wise men and asked each of them individually what they thought about the new teachings and the worship of God being preached. Cefi, the leader of his priests, answered, “Consider, oh king, the nature of this teaching that has been presented to us. I can say with certainty that the religion we have followed until now has no real worth or usefulness. None of your servants has worked harder at worshipping our gods than I have, yet there are many who receive greater gifts and favors from you than I do, and they are more successful in all their endeavors. I know very well that if our gods had any power, they would have rewarded me more for my faithful service and obedience. Therefore, it seems wise to me, if you believe that these new teachings are better and more effective, to accept them right away.”
Assenting to his words, another of the king’s wise men and chiefs spoke further: “O king, this present 30 life of man on earth seems to me, in comparison with the time that is unknown to us, as if thou wert sitting at a feast with thine eldermen and thanes in the winter time, and the fire burned brightly and thy hall was warm, and it rained and snowed and stormed outside; 35 there comes then a sparrow and flies quickly through thy house; in through one door he comes, through the other door he goes out again. As long as he is within he is not rained on by the winter storm, but after a twinkling of an eye and a mere moment he goes immediately 40 from winter back to winter again. Likewise this life of man appeareth for a little time, but what goes before or what comes after we know not. If therefore this teaching can tell us anything more satisfying or certain, it seems worthy to be followed.”
Agreeing with his words, another of the king's wise men and chiefs added: “O king, this current life of man on earth seems to me, compared to the time we don't know, like you sitting at a feast with your elders and warriors during winter, with the fire burning brightly and your hall warm, while it rains and snows and storms outside. Then, a sparrow comes and quickly flies through your house; it enters through one door and exits through the other. As long as it is inside, it isn't affected by the winter storm, but in the blink of an eye and a brief moment, it goes straight from winter back to winter again. Likewise, this life of man appears for a short time, but we do not know what comes before or after it. If this teaching can offer us anything more satisfying or certain, it seems worth following.”
THE VOYAGES OF OHTHERE AND WULFSTAN
[From Alfred’s version of Orosius’s History of the World. Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 38 ff.]
[From Alfred’s version of Orosius’s History of the World. Text used: Bright’s Anglo-Saxon Reader, pp. 38 ff.]
Ohthere’s Voyages
Ohthere told his lord, King Alfred, that he dwelt the farthest north of all the Northmen. He said that he lived in the northern part of the land toward the West Sea. He reported, however, that the land extended very 5 far north thence; but that it was all waste, except in a few places here and there where the Finns dwell, engaged in hunting in winter and sea fishing in summer. He said that on one occasion he wished to find out how far the land lay northward, or whether any man inhabited 10 the waste land to the north. Then he fared northward to the land; for three days there was waste land on his starboard and the wide sea on his larboard. Then he had come as far north as the whale hunters ever go. Whereupon, he journeyed still northward as far as he 15 could in three days sailing. At that place the land bent to the east—or the sea in on the land, he knew not which; but he knew that there he waited for a west wind, or somewhat from the northwest, and then sailed east, near the land, as far as he could in four days. There he had to 20 wait for a wind from due north, since there the land bent due south—or the sea in on the land, he knew not [190] which. From there he sailed due south, close in to the land, as far as he could in five days. At this point a large river extended up into the land. They then followed 25 this river, for they dared not sail beyond it because of their fear of hostile reception, the land being all inhabited on the other side of the river. He had not found any inhabited land since leaving his own home; for the land to the right was not inhabited all 30 the way, except by fishermen, fowlers, and hunters, and these were all Finns; to the left there was always open sea. The Permians had cultivated their soil very well, but they dared not enter upon it. The land of the Terfinns was all waste, except where hunters, fishers, or 35 fowlers dwelt.
Ohthere told his lord, King Alfred, that he lived farthest north of all the Northmen. He said that he resided in the northern part of the land near the West Sea. He mentioned that the land stretched very far north from there, but it was mostly uninhabited, except in a few spots where the Finns lived, hunting in winter and fishing in the summer. He explained that one time he wanted to find out how far north the land went or whether anyone lived in the empty land up north. So, he traveled northward for three days, with barren land on his right and the wide sea on his left. At that point, he had reached as far north as the whale hunters usually go. Then, he continued northward as far as he could in another three days of sailing. There, the land curved to the east—or maybe the sea curved in towards the land; he wasn't sure. But he knew he needed to wait for a west wind or something from the northwest before he sailed east, close to the land, for four days. He then had to wait for a wind from due north, since the land curved due south—or again, he wasn't sure if it was the sea coming towards the land. From there, he sailed due south, staying close to the land, for as far as he could in five days. At this point, a large river flowed inland. They followed this river, as they were afraid to sail beyond it due to the risk of encountering hostile people, with the land all inhabited on the other side of the river. He hadn’t discovered any inhabited land since leaving his home; the land on his right was uninhabited all the way, except for fishermen, bird hunters, and those were all Finns; to his left was always open sea. The Permians had farmed their land very well, but they didn't dare to approach it. The land of the Terfinns was mostly barren, except where hunters, fishers, or bird hunters lived.
The Permians told him many tales both about their own country and about surrounding countries, but he knew not how much was true, for he did not behold it for himself. The Finns and Permians, it appeared to him, 40 spoke almost the same language. He went hither on this voyage not only for the purpose of seeing the country, but mainly for walruses, for they have exceedingly good bone in their teeth—they brought some of the teeth to the king—and their hides are very good for 45 ship-ropes. This whale is much smaller than other whales; it is not more than seven ells long; but the best whale-fishing is in his own country—those are eight and forty ells long, and the largest are fifty ells long. He said that he was one of a company of six who killed 50 sixty of these in two days.
The Permians shared many stories with him about their own land and the neighboring regions, but he wasn’t sure how much of it was true since he hadn’t seen it for himself. The Finns and Permians, he noticed, spoke almost the same language. He traveled for this journey not just to see the land but mainly to hunt walruses, since they have really good bones in their teeth—they even brought some teeth to the king—and their hides are excellent for making ship ropes. This whale is much smaller than other whales; it measures no more than seven ells long, but the best whale fishing is in his homeland—those can reach up to forty-eight ells long, and the biggest can be fifty ells long. He mentioned that he was part of a group of six who managed to kill sixty of these in just two days.
Ohthere was a very rich man in such possessions as [191] make up their wealth, that is, in wild beasts. At the time when he came to the king, he still had six hundred tame deer that he had not sold. The men call these 55 reindeer. Six of these were decoy-reindeer, which are very valuable among the Finns, for it is with them that the Finns trap the wild reindeer. He was among the first men in the land, although he had not more than twenty cattle, twenty sheep, and twenty swine, and the 60 little that he plowed he plowed with horses. Their income, however, is mainly in the tribute that the Finns pay them—animals’ skins, birds’ feathers, whalebone, and ship-ropes made of the hide of whale and the hide of seal. Every one contributes in proportion to his 65 means; the richest must pay fifteen marten skins and five reindeer skins; one bear skin, forty bushels of feathers, a bear-skin or otter-skin girdle, and two ship-ropes, each sixty ells long, one made of the hide of the whale and the other of the hide of the seal.
Ohthere was a very wealthy man in terms of his possessions, particularly in wild animals. When he visited the king, he had six hundred tame deer that he hadn’t sold yet. People call these reindeer. Out of these, six were decoy reindeer, which are highly valued among the Finns, as they use them to catch wild reindeer. He was one of the most notable men in the region, even though he owned only twenty cattle, twenty sheep, and twenty pigs, and he did the little farming he managed with horses. However, his main source of income came from the tribute paid to him by the Finns, which included animal skins, bird feathers, whalebone, and ropes made from the hides of whales and seals. Everyone contributes according to their means; the richest are required to pay fifteen marten skins and five reindeer skins, one bear skin, forty bushels of feathers, a bear-skin or otter-skin belt, and two ropes, each sixty ells long, one made from whale hide and the other from seal hide.
70 He reported that the land of the Northmen was very long and very narrow. All that man can use for either grazing or plowing lies near the sea, and even that is very rocky in some places; and to the east, alongside the inhabited land, lie wild moors. The Finns live 75 in these waste lands. And the inhabited land is broadest to the eastward, becoming always narrower the farther north one goes. To the east it may be sixty miles broad, or even a little broader; and in the middle thirty or broader; and to the north, where it was narrowest, 80 he said that it might be three miles broad to the moor. Moreover the moor is so broad in some places [192] that it would take a man two weeks to cross it. In other places it was of such a breadth that a man can cross it in six days.
70 He reported that the land of the Northmen was very long and very narrow. All the land suitable for grazing or farming is close to the sea, and even that is quite rocky in some areas; to the east, next to the settled land, are wild moors. The Finns live in these wastelands. The settled land is widest to the east and becomes narrower as one goes further north. In the east, it may be sixty miles wide, or even a bit more; in the middle, it’s about thirty miles wide or more; and to the north, where it’s narrowest, he said it might be three miles wide to the moor. Moreover, the moor is so wide in some parts that it would take a person two weeks to cross it. In other areas, it’s narrow enough that a person can cross it in six days.
85 Then there is alongside that land southward, on the other side of the moor, Sweden, as far as the land to the north; and alongside the land northward, the land of the Cwens (Finns). The Finns plunder the Northmen over the moor sometimes and sometimes the Northmen 90 plunder them. And there are very many fresh lakes out over the moor; and the Finns bear their ships over the land to these lakes and then ravage the Northmen; they have very small and very light ships.
85 Then there's land to the south, on the other side of the moor, known as Sweden, extending northward; and to the north, there's the land of the Cwens (Finns). The Finns sometimes raid the Northmen across the moor, and at other times, the Northmen raid them. There are many new lakes spread across the moor, and the Finns carry their ships overland to these lakes and then attack the Northmen; they have very small and lightweight ships.
Ohthere said that the place was called Halgoland, in 95 which he dwelt. He said that no man lived north of him. There is one port in the southern part of the land which is called Sciringesheal. Thither he said that one might not sail in one month, if he encamped by night and had good wind all day; and all the while he should sail 100 close to land. And on the starboard he has first Ireland, and then the island that is between Ireland and this land. Then he has this land till he comes to Sciringesheal, and all the way he has Norway on the larboard. To the south of Sciringesheal the sea comes far up into 105 the land; the sea is so broad that no man may see across. And Jutland is in the opposite direction, and after that is Zealand. The sea runs many hundred miles up in on that land.
Ohthere said that the place was called Halgoland, in 95 which he lived. He mentioned that no one lived north of him. There is one port in the southern part of the land called Sciringesheal. He said it would take about a month to sail there if he set up camp at night and had good winds all day, and he would sail close to the coast the whole time. On his right, he first sees Ireland, and then the island that lies between Ireland and this land. Then he has this land until he reaches Sciringesheal, all while Norway is on his left. To the south of Sciringesheal, the sea comes far into the land; it's so wide that you can't see across it. Jutland is in the opposite direction, followed by Zealand. The sea runs many hundreds of miles into that land.
And from Sciringesheal he said that he sailed in five 110 days to that port that is called Haddeby; it lies between [193] the country of the Wends and the Saxons and the Angles, and belongs to the Danes. When he sailed away from Sciringesheal for three days, he had Denmark on the larboard and the wide sea on his starboard; and then, 115 two days before he reached Haddeby, he had Jutland on his starboard and also Zealand and many islands. In that land had dwelt the English before they came hither to this land. And then for two days he had on his larboard the islands which belong to Denmark.
And from Sciringesheal, he said he sailed for five days to a port called Haddeby; it’s located between the lands of the Wends, the Saxons, and the Angles, and is part of Denmark. After leaving Sciringesheal for three days, he had Denmark to his left and the open sea to his right; then, two days before reaching Haddeby, he had Jutland on his right, along with Zealand and many islands. In that land, the English had lived before they came here. For the last two days, he had the islands belonging to Denmark on his left.
Wulfstan’s Voyage
120 Wulfstan said that he set out from Haddeby, and that he arrived after seven days and nights at Truso, the ship being all the way under full sail. He had Wendland (Mecklenburg and Pomerania) on the starboard, and Langland, Laaland, Falster, and Sconey on 125 the larboard; and all these lands belong to Denmark. And then we had on our larboard the land of the Burgundians (Bornholmians), and they have their own king. Beyond the land of the Burgundians we had on our left those lands that were first called Blekinge, and 130 Meore, and Oland, and Gothland; these lands belong to the Swedes. To the starboard we had all the way the country of the Wends, as far as the mouth of the Vistula. The Vistula is a very large river, and it separates Witland from Wendland; and Witland belongs to the 135 Esthonians. The Vistula flows out of Wendland, and runs into the Frische Haff. The Frische Haff is about fifteen miles broad. Then the Elbing empties into the [194] Frische Haff, flowing from the east out of the lake on the shore of which Truso stands; and there they empty 140 together into the Frische Haff, the Elbing from the east, which flows out of Esthonia, and the Vistula from the south, out of Wendland. The Vistula then gives its name to the Elbing, and runs out of the mere west and north into the sea; hence it is called the mouth of the 145 Vistula.
120 Wulfstan said he left Haddeby and arrived at Truso after seven days and nights, with the ship sailing at full speed the entire time. On our right, we had Wendland (Mecklenburg and Pomerania), and on our left, we passed Langland, Laaland, Falster, and Sconey—all of which are part of Denmark. Then on our left, we saw the land of the Burgundians (Bornholmians), who have their own king. Beyond the Burgundians, we spotted lands that were first called Blekinge, Meore, Oland, and Gothland; these areas belong to the Swedes. To our right was the land of the Wends, stretching all the way to the mouth of the Vistula. The Vistula is a very large river that separates Witland from Wendland, with Witland belonging to the Esthonians. The Vistula flows out of Wendland into the Frische Haff, which is about fifteen miles wide. Then, the Elbing flows into the Frische Haff from the east, coming from the lake next to Truso; and they both empty into the Frische Haff, with the Elbing from the east, flowing out of Esthonia, and the Vistula from the south, out of Wendland. The Vistula then gives its name to the Elbing and flows out to the west and north into the sea; that's why it's called the mouth of the Vistula.
Esthonia is very large, and there are many towns there, and in every town there is a king. There is also very much honey, and fishing. The king and the richest men drink mare’s milk, but the poor men and the slaves 150 drink mead. There is much strife among them. There is no ale brewed by the Esthonians; there is, however, plenty of mead. And there is a custom among the Esthonians that when a man dies he lies unburied in his house, with his kindred and friends, for a month—sometimes 155 two; and the kings and most powerful men still longer, in proportion to their riches; it is sometimes half a year that they stay unburnt, lying above ground, in their own houses. All the time that the body is within, drinking and merry-making continue until 160 the day that he is burned. The same day on which they are to bear him to the funeral-pyre they divide his possessions, whatever may be left after the drinking and pleasures, into five or six parts—sometimes into more, in proportion to the amount of his goods. Then they 165 place the largest share about a mile from the town, then the second, then the third, until it is all laid within the one mile; and the smallest portion must be nearest [195] the town in which the dead man lies. Then there are gathered together all of the men in the land that have 170 the swiftest horses, about six or seven miles from the goods. Then they all run toward the possessions, and the one who has the swiftest horse comes to the first and largest part, and so one after another till all is taken up; and the man who arrives at the goods nearest the 175 town obtains the smallest part. Then each man rides his way with the property, and he may keep it all; and for this reason fast horses are very dear in that country. When the property is thus all spent, they bear him out and burn him along with his weapons and his raiment. 180 And generally they spend all his wealth, with the long time that the corpse lies within and with the goods that they lay along the roads, and that the strangers run for and bear off with them. Again, it is a custom with the Esthonians to burn men of every tribe, 185 and if any one finds a bone which is unburned he has to make amends for it. And there is one tribe among the Esthonians that has the power of making cold, and it is because they put this cold upon them that the corpses lie so long and do not decay. And if a man 190 places two vessels full of ale or water, they cause both to be frozen over, whether it is summer or winter.
Esthonia is very large, and there are many towns there, each with its own king. There is also an abundance of honey and fishing. The king and the wealthiest people drink mare’s milk, while the poorer individuals and slaves drink mead. There’s a lot of conflict among them. The Esthonians don’t brew ale; however, there’s plenty of mead available. There’s a custom among the Esthonians that when a man dies, he lies unburied in his house, surrounded by his family and friends, for a month—sometimes even two months; the kings and the most powerful men are left longer, depending on their wealth; sometimes, their bodies stay unburned for half a year, lying above ground in their own homes. During this time, drinking and festivities continue until the day of the cremation. On the day they take him to the funeral pyre, they divide his belongings, whatever is left after the drinking and celebrations, into five or six portions—sometimes more, based on how much he owned. Then they place the largest share about a mile from the town, followed by the second, then the third, until everything is laid out within a mile; the smallest portion must be nearest to the town where the deceased man rests. Then, all the men in the region who own the fastest horses gather about six or seven miles from the goods. They all race toward the possessions, and the one with the fastest horse reaches the first and largest portion, and so on, until all of it is collected; the person who arrives at the goods closest to town receives the smallest share. Each man then rides off with his acquired property, which he can keep; this is why fast horses are very valuable in that land. Once all the property is spent, they take him out and burn him along with his weapons and clothing. Generally, they exhaust all his wealth, thanks to the long period the corpse lies inside and the goods laid along the roads, which outsiders come to claim. Additionally, it’s customary for the Esthonians to burn individuals from every tribe, and if anyone finds a bone that hasn’t been burned, they must make restitution for it. There’s one tribe among the Esthonians that has the ability to create cold, which is why the corpses remain uncorrupted for so long. If a man places two vessels full of ale or water, they can freeze both, no matter if it’s summer or winter.
INDEX TO TITLES
- PAGE
- Account of the Poet Cædmon 179
- Alfred’s Preface to His Translation of Gregory’s “Pastoral Care” 183
- Badger, A 51
- Battle of Brunnanburg, The 159
- Battle of Maldon, The 163
- Bede’s Death Song 84
- Bible, A 52
- Bookworm, A 54
- Bow, A 52
- Brunnanburg, The Battle of 159
- Cædmon, Account of the Poet 179
- Cædmon’s Hymn 83
- Charm Against a Sudden Stitch 42
- Charm for Bewitched Land 38
- Christ, Selections from the 95
- Conversion of Edwin, The 187
- Crossing of the Red Sea, The 90
- Deor’s Lament 26
- Dough 54
- Dream of the Rood, The 108
- Edwin, The Conversion of 187
- Elene, Selections from the 103
- Exeter Gnomes 56
- Exodus, Selections from 90
- Fates of Men, The 58
- Fight at Finnsburg, The 34
- Finnsburg, The Fight at 34
- Genesis, Selections from 85
- Grave, The 157
- Gregory’s “Pastoral Care,” Preface to 183
- Horn, A 50
- Husband’s Message, The 75
- Isaac, The Offering of 85
- Judith 116
- Maldon, The Battle of 163
- Nightingale, A 49
- Offering of Isaac, The 85
- Ohthere and Wulfstan, The Voyages of 189
- “Pastoral Care,” Preface to 183
- Phœnix, The 132
- Reed, A 54
- Riddles 44
- I. Storm, A 44
- II. Storm, A 45
- III. Storm, A 46
- V. Shield, A 48
- VII. Swan, A 49
- VIII. Nightingale, A 49
- XIV. Horn, A 50
- XV. Badger, A 51
- XXIII. Bow, A 52
- XXVI. Bible, A 52
- XLV. Dough 54
- XLVII. Bookworm, A 54
- LX. Reed, A 54
- Ruin, The 78
- Seafarer, The 68
- Shield, A 48
- Storm, A 44
- Storm, A 45
- Storm, A 46
- Swan, A 49
- Voyages of Ohthere and Wulfstan, The 189
- Waldhere 29
- Widsith 15
- Wife’s Lament, The 72
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