The Story of Beowulf, Translated from Anglo-Saxon into Modern English Prose

I The Prelude

Ernest J. B. (Ernest John Brigham) Kirtlan translation

At the fated hour Scyld passed away, very vigorous in spirit, to the keeping of his Lord. Then his pleasant companions carried him down to the ocean flood, as he himself had bidden them, whilst the friend of the Scyldings was wielding words, he who as the dear Lord of the Land had ruled it a long time. And there, in the haven, stood the ship, with rings at the prow, icy, and eager for the journey, the ferry of the Atheling.

Illustration from The Story of Beowulf, Translated from Anglo-Saxon into Modern English Prose

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · See Appendix II. ↑Note 2 · Not the hero of the poem. ↑Note 3 · Cp. with this the ‘Passing of Arthur,’ as related by Tennyson. The meaning is clear. Cp. also Appendix. ↑Note 4 · Then they laid down their dear Lord the giver of rings, the famous man, on the bosom of the ship, close to the mast, where were heaps of tre