Copy 1, Volume 1
Essays on subjects connected with the literature, popular superstitions, and history of England in the Middle Ages / By Thomas Wright.
- Thomas Wright
- Date:
- 1846
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Essays on subjects connected with the literature, popular superstitions, and history of England in the Middle Ages / By Thomas Wright. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![He immediately arrests the progress of Beowulf and his followers,—demands who they are, whence they come, and what is their errand, without attempting to conceal his suspicions that, as they were ignorant of the watchword, that errand could not be friendly,—pays a compliment to the gallant appearance of their leader,—and concludes his speech with the concise observation— “ Ofost is sélest “ Best is quickest t6 ge-cySanne to make known hwanan edwre cyme syndon.” whence is your coming.” (2. 510.) The guard was satisfied with the answer of Beowulf; and, after having taken the customary precautions of un- lading their vessel, and drawing it up on the beach, he per- mitted the strangers to pursue their way to the royal court, where they were again received with suspicion and distrust, until, on his name being announced to king Hrothgar, who was well acquainted with his family and his renown, the hero was ushered into the royal presence, to give an account of his mission. Beowulf then related to the king, in a set speech, how the report of the grendel’s depreda- tions had reached his country,—how his companions in arms, who had often witnessed his valour and the success of his exploits, had counselled him to go to the assistance of the unhappy Danes,—and how he was now come to offer his aid against the monster who persecuted them,— and ended by expressing his resignation to the fate which Heaven might send him in the encounter. ‘If I fall,” says he, ‘‘it will be in the performance of my duty,’’— “Na [pa] minne pearft “Thou needest not hafalan hydan ; to hide my hafela,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b33097963_0001_0033.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
