Stories from old English romance

Contents

I'AGE

I. Beowulf and Grendel i

II. Beowulf and the Fire-Dragon .... 9

II Beowulf And The Fire-dragon

AFTER his return to the land of the Geats, Beowulf served Higelac faithfully till the day of the kings death, which befell in an expedition that he made to Friesland. Beowulf was with him on that disastrous journey, and only with difficulty did he escape with his life. But when he returned as a poor solitary fugitive to his people, Hygd, Higelac's wife, offered him the kingdom and the king's treasures, for she feared that her young son Heardred was not strong enough to hold the throne of his fathers against invading foes.

Beowulf, however, would not accept the kingdom, but rather chose to uphold Heardred among the people, giving him friendly counsel, and serving him faithfully and honourably.

But before very long Heardred was killed in battle ; and then at last Beowulf consented to become king of the Geats.

For fifty years he ruled well and wisely, and his people prospered. But at last trouble came in the ravages of a terrible Dragon, and once more Beowulf was called forth to a terrific combat.

For three hundred years this Dragon had kept watch over a hoard of treasure on a mountain by the sea-shore in the country of the Geats. The treasure had been hidden in a cave under the mountain by a band of searobbers ; and when the last of them was dead, the Dragon took possession of the cave and of the treasure and kept fierce watch over them.

But one day a poor man came to the spot while the Dragon was fast asleep, and carried off part of the treasure to his master.

When the Dragon awoke he soon discovered the man's footprints, and on examining the cave he found that part of the gold and splendid jewels had disappeared. In wrathful and savage mood he sought all round the mountain for the robber, but could find no one.

So, when evening came, he went forth eager for revenge, and throwing out flashes of fire in every direction, he began to set fire to all the land. Beowulf's own princely manor-house was burnt down, and terrible destruction was wrought on every hand, till day broke and the Fire-Dragon returned to his den.

Great was Beowulf's grief at this dire misfortune, and eager was his desire for vengeance. He scorned to seek the foe with a great host behind him, nor did he dread the combat in any way, for he called to mind his many feats of war, and especially his fight with Grendel.

So he quickly had fashioned a mighty battle-shield, made entirely of iron, for he knew that the wooden one that he was wont to use would be burnt up by the flames of the Fire-Dragon. Then he chose out eleven of his earls, and together they set out for the mountain, led thither by the man who had stolen the treasure.

When they came to the mouth of the cave Beowulf bade farewell to his companions, for he was resolved to fight single-handed against the foe.

" Many a fight have I fought in my youth," he said, " and now once more will I, the guardian of my people, seek the combat. I would not bear any sword or other weapon

BEOWULF AND THE FIRE-DRAGON 11

against the Dragon if I thought that I could grapple with him as I did with the monster Grendel. But I fear that I shall not be able to approach so close to this foe, for he will send forth hot, raging fire and venomous breath. Yet am I resolute in mood, fearless, and resolved not to yield one foot's-breadth to the monster.

" Tarry ye here on the hill, my warriors, and watch which of us two will survive the deadly combat, for this is no enterprise for you. I only can attempt it, because such great strength has been given to me. Therefore I will do battle alone, and will either slay the Dragon and win the treasure for my people, or fall in the fight, as Destiny shall appoint."

When he had spoken thus Beowulf strode forward to the fight, armed with his iron shield, his sword and his dagger. A stone arch spanned the mouth of the cave, and on one side a boiling stream, hot as though with raging fires, rushed forth. Undaunted by it, Beowulf uttered a shout to summon the Dragon to the fight. Immediately a burning breath from the monster came out of the rock, the earth rumbled, and then the Dragon rushed forth to meet his fate.

Standing with his huge shield held well before him, Beowulf received the attack, and struck from beneath his shield at the monster's side. But his blade failed him and turned aside, and the blow but served to enrage the Dragon, so that he darted forth such blasting rays of deadly fire that Beowulf was wellnigh overwhelmed and the fight went hard with him.

Now his eleven chosen comrades could see the combat from where they stood ; and one of them, Beowulf's kinsman Wiglaf, was moved to great sorrow at the sight of his lord's distress. At last he could bear it no longer, but grasped his wooden shield and his sword, and cried to the other thanes —

" Remember how we promised our lord in the banquet-hall, when he gave us our helmets and swords and battle-gear, that we would one day repay him for his gifts. Now is the day come that our liege lord has need of the strength of good warriors. We must go help him, even though he thought to accomplish this mighty work alone, for we can never return to our homes if we have not slain the enemy and saved our king's life. Rather than live when he is dead, I will perish with him in the deadly fire."

Then he rushed through the noisome smoke to his lord's side, crying—

" Dear Beowulf, take courage. Remember thy boast that thy valour should never fail thee in thy lifetime, and defend thyself now with all thy might, and I will help thee."

But the other warriors were afraid to follow him, so that Beowulf and Wiglaf stood alone to face the Dragon.

As soon as the monster advanced upon them, Wiglaf 's wooden shield was burnt away by the flames, so that he was forced to take refuge behind Beowulf's iron shield; and this time, when Beowulf struck with his sword, it was shivered to pieces. Then the Dragon flung himself upon him and caught him up in his arms, crushing him till he lay senseless and covered with wounds.

But now Wiglaf showed his valour and strength, and smote the monster with such mighty blows that at last the fire coming forth from him began to abate somewhat. Then Beowulf came once more to his senses, and drawing his deadly knife, struck with it from beneath ; and at last the force of the blows from the two noble kinsmen felled the fierce foe and he sank down dead beside them.

But Beowulf's wounds were very great, and he knew that the joys of life were ended for him and that death was very near. So while Wiglaf with wonderful tenderness unfastened his helmet for him and refreshed him with water, he spoke, saying —

" Though I am sick with mortal wounds, there is yet some comfort remaining for me. For I have governed my people for fifty winters and kept them safe from invading foes ; yet have not sought out quarrels, nor led my kinsmen to dire slaughter when there was no need.

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Therefore the Ruler of all men will not blame me when my life departs from my body.

" And now go thou quickly, dear Wiglaf, to spy out the treasure within the cave, so that I may see what wealth I have won for my people before I die."

So Wiglaf went into the cave, and there he saw many precious jewels, old vessels, helmets, gold armlets, and other treasures, which excelled in beauty and number any that mankind has ever known. Moreover, high above the treasure flapped a marvellous gilded standard, from which came a ray of light which lit up all the cave.

Then Wiglaf seized as much as he could carry of the precious spoils, and taking the standard also, hastened back to his lord, dreading lest he should find him already dead.

Beowulf was very near his life's end, but when Wiglaf had again revived him with water, he had strength to speak once more.

" Glad am I," he said, " that I have been able before my death to gain so much for my people. But now I may no longer abide here. Bid the gallant warriors burn my body on the headland here which juts into the sea, and afterwards to raise a huge mound on the same spot, that the sailors who drive their vessels over the misty floods may call it Beowulf's Mound."

Then the dauntless prince undid the golden collar from his neck, and gave it to Wiglaf with his helmet and coat of mail, saying —

" Thou art the last of all our race, for Fate has swept away all my kindred save thee to their doom, and now I also must join them," and with these words the aged king fell back dead.

Now as Wiglaf sat by his lord, grieving sorely at his death, the other ten thanes who had shown themselves to be faithless and cowardly approached with shame to his side. Then Wiglaf turned to them, crying bitterly —

" Truly our liege-lord flung away utterly in vain the battle-gear that he gave ye. Little could he boast of his comrades when the hour of need came. I myself was able to give him some succour in the fight, but ye should have stood by him also to defend him. But now the giving of treasure shall cease for ye, and ye will be shamed and will lose your land-right when the nobles learn of your inglorious deed. Death is better for every earl than ignominious life."

After this Wiglaf summoned the other earls, and told them of all that had happened and of the mound that Beowulf wished them to build. Then they gathered together at the mouth of the cave, and gazed with tears upon their lifeless lord, and looked with awe upon the huge Dragon as it lay stiff in death beside its conqueror. Afterwards, led by Wiglaf, seven chosen earls entered the cave and brought forth all the treasure, while others busied themselves in preparing the funeral pyre.

When all was ready, and the huge pile of wood had been hung with helmets, war-shields, and bright coats of mail, as befitted the funeral pyre of a noble warrior, the earls brought their beloved lord's body to the spot and laid it on the wood. Then they kindled the fire, and stood by mourning and uttering sorrowful chants, while the smoke rose up and the fire roared and the body was consumed away. Afterwards they built a mound on the hill, making it high and broad so that it could be seen from very far away. Ten days they spent in building it ; and because they desired to pay the highest of honours to Beowulf, they buried in it the whole of the treasure that the Dragon had guarded, for no price was too heavy to pay as a token of their love for their lord. So the treasure even now remains in the earth, as useless as it was before.

When at last the mound was completed, the noble warriors gathered together and rode round it, lamenting their king and singing the praise of his valour and mighty deeds.

Thus mourned the people of the Geats for the fall of

THE STORY OF C.EDMON 15

Beowulf, who of all kings in the world was the mildest and kindest, the most gracious to his people, and the most eager to win their praise.

The story of Beowulf is a legend which belo?iged in the first place to Scandinavia, and was made the subject of an Old English poem in the eighth century.

Ill

THE STORY OF CEDMON

IN a certain monastery, at the head of which was an abbess, there was once a monk named Caedmon to whom great honour was paid and who became very famous by reason of a wonderful gift that he possessed. This gift was the gift of writing poetry, and many were the beautiful songs that he wrote.

He was not a learned man himself, and could not read the sacred writings written in the Greek and Latin tongues which the other monks were wont to study. But they would tell him what they had read, and by the aid of the gift that he had received he would make what they had told him into wonderful poems, written in English, and full of such beauty and power that all who read them were inspired to lead better and holier lives than they had done before. And though many among the English people began afterwards to write sacred songs like those of Caedmon, yet none could do as he had done, because he had not learnt the art of making poetry from any other man, but had received it as a gift from God, in the manner which you shall hear.

Until the time that he was growing old, Caedmon was not a monk, but only a poor cowherd. Now it was the custom in those days that when a feast was held, and the guests had eaten and drunken, a harp should be passed round among them, and each in turn should play and sing for the pleasure and amusement of the company. But Caedmon had never learnt any songs and knew not how to play the harp. So when he saw that his turn was drawing near, he would rise from the table and go home ashamed to his own house.

Now once when he had done this, he went out from the banquet-house to the cattle-shed, the care of which had been entrusted to him that night, and laid himself down beside the oxen to sleep. And as he slept, it seemed to him that there came One and stood beside him, and called him by his name, saying —

11 Csedmon, sing Me something."

Then answered he and said —

" I cannot sing, and it was even for that reason that I went out from the banquet and came hither." But He that was speaking with him answered — " Nevertheless thou shalt sing to Me." Then said Caedmon — " What shall I sing ? "

And He made answer — "Sing to Me of the Creation."

So when Csedmon heard this he began forthwith to sing in praise of God the Creator, using verse and words which he had never heard before, and this is the order of his song : —

Now will we honour the heavenly Guardian, The might of the Maker, the thought of His Mind, Glorious Father of man, Who made every marvel In the beginning, the Lord God Eternal. He first created the earth for His children, With the heavens as a roof, the Holy Creator. Yea, the mid-earth the Guardian of men Ordained and created, the Lord God Eternal, The earth for mankind, the Lord God Almighty.

Then Csedmon arose from sleep, keeping in his mind all that which he had sung while sleeping, and soon he added to it many more words of a song to God in the same metre.

On the morrow he went to the headman of the town and told him of the gift which he had received ; and the headman soon led him to the abbess of the monastery and made known to her the story.

THE STORY OF C^DMON 17

So the abbess bade all the most learned men come together, and told Csedmon to relate his vision and sing his song, so that they might decide how it was that he had been able to write so beautiful a poem ; and when they had listened to him, they were all agreed that a heavenly gift had been given unto him from the Lord Himself. Thereat they told him a certain holy tale, bidding him, if he could, to turn it into poetry. So when he had understood the story he betook himself to his house, and coming again on the morrow, performed that which he was bidden and sang the story in a beautiful poem.

Now the abbess loved the gift which God had given to Caedmon and wished to help him to use it. So she bade him become a monk, in order that he might learn many sacred stories from the other monks and spend his time in writing poems. To this he gladly consented, and she received him into her own monastery and helped him to learn the sacred histories. All that he could learn he stored in his mind and pondered, even as a cow chews the cud ; and afterwards he turned it into songs which were so sweet and lovely that his very teachers learnt from the words of his mouth.

He sang first of the world's creation and the beginning of mankind, and all the story of Genesis (which is the first book of Moses); and afterwards of the going out of the people of Israel from the land of Egypt and their entry into the promised land. Many other stories wrote he also from the holy writings, and in all he wrote he strove to help men to lead better lives and to love only that which is good. For he was in all things a most holy man, and was kindled with a great and burning fervour to save those who would do evil.

Now when the time of his death drew near, he was very weak and ill for fourteen days, but nevertheless he was able to continue his usual life and did not take to his bed. There was in the neighbourhood of the monastery a house for the sick, and the custom was that those who were ill and dying should be taken thither from the monastery, so that they might all be cared for together there ; but for the first fourteen days of his illness Caedmon would not go thither.

But on the night that he was about to leave the world, he bade his servant prepare him a bed in that house that he might rest there. The servant wondered at this, for he did not think that his master's death was so near ; nevertheless he did what he was bidden.

So Csedmon went to rest in the sick-house, and with a cheerful mind he talked and jested with those who were therein. But after midnight he asked whether they all thought kindly of him and bore him no grudge ; and they answered with one accord that he was most dear to them and that they had no fault to find with him. Then in their turn they asked him if he had anything against them, and he answered —

" My brothers so dear, I feel nothing but love towards you and towards all God's people."

Then he asked how near the time was when the brothers would be going forth to teach the people and to sing their morning chant ; and when they said, " It is not far hence," he answered —

" It is well ; let us joyfully await the time"; and laying his head on the pillow, in a little while he fell asleep, and so peacefully ended his life.

The story of Ccedmon ivas told by King Alfred in a translation that he made of a book by the Vejierable Bede which ivas writte?i in Latin.

IV The Story Of The Fight At Maldon

NEAR the town of Maldon, in Essex, flows the River Panta, or Blackwater, as it is now called ; and on its banks was once fought one of the fiercest fights that ever took place between the Danes and the English. The river is divided into two branches, and on the strip of land

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between them the Danish sea-warriors were stationed, while the English, with their leader Brygtnoth at their head, were on the other side of one of the streams.

Then Brygtnoth bade his men dismount from their horses and go forth to battle, trusting in the might of their arms and their good purpose. One of the warriors was playing with a hawk, so little did he fear the fight ; but now he loosed it from his hand, and as it flew to the woods strode forth to the battle ; and all men could see by his bold countenance that he at least would not flag in the fight. Eadric also stepped forth, eager to fight for his lord, and bearing his weapons in readiness. Of good courage was he as he gripped his shield and broadsword, for now was his boast that he would fight before his lord about to be fulfilled.

Then Brygtnoth began to encourage his men. He rode and he counselled ; he taught the warriors how they should stand, keeping each his appointed place, and bade them hold their spears upright and firm, fearing naught ; and when he had full nobly exhorted his people, he sprang from his horse amid those of his retainers whom he knew to be most faithful and who were most dear to him.

Now soon a messenger from the Vikings stood forth on the bank of the river and shouted boastfully to Brygtnoth —

" The swift sea-warriors send me to thee, bidding me say that thou must quickly send bracelets and rings to win safety for thyself and for thy people ; for it were better to pay tribute to keep back our attack than to let us deal fierce battle to you. We need not destroy you if you will perform this, for we will make a firm truce in exchange for your gold. If thou, who art most powerful here, counsellest thus thy people, we will go to our ships with the tribute and leave you in peace."

But Brygtnoth grasped his spear, and with angry and resolute mien made answer —

" Listen, O seafarer, to what this people saith. The tribute that they will pay you shall be one of spears and swords, nor shall your own weapons avail you in the fight. Give to thy people, O messenger of pirates, tidings of hatred. Say that a noble earl stands here with his army, who will defend this country, the home of Ethelred ; yea, and ye heathen shall perish in the fight. Great shame does it seem to me that you should go scathless to your ships with our tribute ; you shall not obtain the treasure so easily. For ere we give you tribute, the spear and the sword shall be satisfied."

Thus he spake, and ordered his men to go forward, bearing their shields, till they stood upon the river-bank. Yet neither army could come to the other, for the water of Panta's stream flowed between them, and only by the flight of the arrows could one side injure the other.

But soon the tide began to go out, and then many a sea-warrior stood ready and eager to begin the fight. The Danes would have to cross the stream by a ford ; and Brygtnoth bade the bold warrior Wulfstan, Ceola's son, go to hold it, taking with him JEHheve and Maccus, men of dauntless courage. On no account would they leave their post, but would fight steadfastly as long as they could wield their weapons.

Now when the enemy found these fierce guardians at the ford, they tried to deceive them, begging that they might lead their troops unharmed over the stream ; and Brygtnoth, in his pride, granted their boon, crying —

" Now is the way laid open for ye. Come ye quickly to us, and bring your warriors to the battle."

So the host of the Vikings bore their shields and their spears over the bright water to where Brygtnoth and his followers stood ready ; and Brygtnoth bade his men form the battle-hedge with their shields and hold fast against the enemy.

Now was the hour of battle near, and soon the doomed men were to die. The cry of battle arose, and the ravens circled round, eager for prey.

Then the sharp javelins began to fly, bows were kept

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busy, and shields were gripped. Bitter was the onslaught, and many a warrior fell, Wulfmaer, the kinsman of Brygtnoth, among them. But he was soon avenged, for Edward, the chamberlain, stayed not his blows till a Danish warrior lay dead at his feet.

Thus, stern of purpose, the warriors fought, and each strove to be the first to take the life of an enemy.

But ere long a Viking sent forth a dart which wounded Brygtnoth. Full of wrath, he thrust with his spear and pierced the man through the neck. Then he struck at another and slew him, and rejoiced at the deeds he had wrought.

But another dart flew from an enemy's hand and struck the noble thane. Then Wulfmaer the Young, who stood by his lord, drew the dart from the wound and sent it forth again fiercely, and it struck him who had wounded Brygtnoth to the ground.

Meanwhile a warrior drew nigh to the earl, eager to seize his rings and armlets and his richly ornamented sword. Brygtnoth drew the weapon from its sheath and struck at the other's corselet ; but one of the Vikings quickly stayed his arm and the gold-hilted sword fell to the ground. Then the old warrior, feeling that he had received his death-wound, spoke a last word of good cheer to his brave comrades, bidding them press forward in the fight ; and looking up to the heavens he cried —

" I thank Thee, Ruler of all men, for all the joys that I have had in this world. Now, merciful God, I desire that Thou grant my soul bliss, that it may depart in peace, and journey to Thee, the Lord of the angels ; and I beseech Thee also that these fiends may not conquer us."

Then the heathens hewed him down ; and both the meiy who stood on either side of him, ^Elfnoth and Wulfmaer, gave up their lives beside their lord.

Now those who had no spirit for the fight began to take flight when they saw their lord fall, and foremost among them were the sons of Odda. Godric was one, to whom

Brygtnoth had many a time shown favour ; but now he leapt upon the horse which belonged to his lord, taking his trappings of war also, though shameful was the act, and he and his two brothers, Godrinc and Godwig, galloped off to the woods, caring nothing for the battle.

Many others also went with them, forgetful of the benefits that Brygtnoth had wrought for them. Even so had Offa one day foretold it, saying that though many spoke boldly in the assembly, yet in the time of need their courage would be found wanting.

But the proud thanes who stayed behind pressed forward eagerly, for they longed either to lose their lives or to avenge their lord ; and a young warrior, ^Elfwin, encouraged the others, crying boldly —

" Remember the boasts that we made at the banquet concerning the day of battle. Now shall we see who is in good sooth brave. I will make known my noble birth to all men ; for my father was Ealhelm, a wise and rich alderman of a clan that is great among the Mercians. Now therefore shall no man among my people twit me, saying that I fled from this army to my home when my lord lay hewn to pieces in the battle. Great is my grief at his death, for he was both my kinsman and my lord."

Then he pressed on to the forefront of the battle, and soon he lay dead with his weapon beside him.

Now after this Offa bade his comrades go forward, and shaking his spear he cried —

" Lo ! thou, JElhv'm, hast nobly encouraged the thanes ; now that our lord is dead, we have great need to put heart into each other. For Godric, the coward, has betrayed us, and turned many a man from the battle, when he rode away on the horse that was our lord's ; for then was our army divided and our shield-array broken up."

Leofson spoke also, raising on high his linden-shield.

" I swear," quoth he, " that I will not flee a single step hence, but rather will go forward, to avenge our lord. The men of Stourmere, where I live, shall not taunt me, now

THE STORY OF THE FIGHT AT MALDON 23

that the earl is dead, saying that I went home from the battle without a master ; for the cold steel of the weapon's point shall take away my life."

And with these words he strode forth fiercely, scornful of flight, and did battle without flinching.

Then Dunhere, the old freeman, cried aloud to them all, bidding each man avenge the death of Brygtnoth.

" He who thinks to wreak the earl's death on the foe," he said, " must neither hesitate, nor care aught for his life."