Beowulf

XXIX

Now further it fell with the flight of years,

with harryings horrid, that Hygelac perished,[3]

and Heardred, too, by hewing of swords

under the shield-wall slaughtered lay,

when him at the van of his victor-folk

sought hardy heroes, Heatho-Scilfings,

in arms o'erwhelming Hereric's nephew.

Then Beowulf came as king this broad

realm to wield; and he ruled it well

fifty winters,[4] a wise old prince,

warding his land, until One began

in the dark of night, a Dragon, to rage.

In the grave on the hill a hoard it guarded,

in the stone-barrow steep. A strait path reached it,

unknown to mortals. Some man, however,

came by chance that cave within

to the heathen hoard.[5] In hand he took

a golden goblet, nor gave he it back,

stole with it away, while the watcher slept,

by thievish