VERSES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES

1981–1990

 

From THE BOOK OF PREFACES 2000

Poem: Alasdair Gray © 2005

15 – Beowulf, by Anon, translation of the start

 

Ho there! We spear-Danes   in days long gone,

a kingly people   well skilled in glory

had strong men   who framed them bravely.

Oft Scyld Scefing   mid threatening foes

from many men’s households   took mead benches

most from the nobles.   He who was found

an outcast orphan   (that woe was made good)

waxed under heaven   growing in worth

until the peoples   who dwelt about him

over the whale-roads   had to obey him

giving him gold:   that was good kinging!

 

Then his bairn was   afterward born

a lad in the king’s house   sent by God

to defend the folk.   God knew they suffered

cruel pains   when lacking a leader

a long while.   So the Life-Ruler

and world’s Well-Doer   forgave worldy fame.

Beowulf was brilliant – his glory wide sprang

Scyld’s son   in all of the Scandian lands.

So should a young lad   do good work,

give rich gifts   when his father’s bairn,

then as he ages   all his comrades

willingly at his side   when war come,

fight for his folk.   By generous deeds

through every homeland   a man shall thrive.

 
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