1981–1990 | |
Poem:
Alasdair Gray © 2005 | |
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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