Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem J. Lesslie Hall — Point out the place: he passed then unwillinglyTo the spot where he knew of the notable cavern, The cave under earth, not far from the ocean,The anger of eddies, which inward was full of Jewels and wires: a warden uncanny, Warrior weaponed, wardered the treasure, Old under earth; no easy possession For any of earth-folk access to get to. Then the battle-brave atheling sat on the naze-edge, While the gold-friend of Geatmen gracious saluted His fireside-companions: woe was his spirit, Death-boding, wavring; Weird very near him, Who must seize the old hero, his soul-treasure look for, Dragging aloof his life from his body: Not flesh-hidden long was the folk-leaders spirit. Beowulf spake, Ecgtheows son:It is the devout desire of this translator to hasten the day when the story of Beowulf shall be as familiar to English-speaking peoples as that of the Iliad. Beowulf is our first great epic. It is an epitomized history of the life of the Teutonic races. It brings vividly before us our forefathers of pre-Alfredian eras, in their love of war, of sea, and of adventure.My special thanks are due to Professors Francis A. March and James A. Harrison, for advice, sympathy, and assistance.
