Old English Poems. Anonymous

Old English Poems - Anonymous


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      He had, as I have heard, a hand the readiest

      For praiseworthy deeds of prowess and daring;

      With liberal heart he lavished his treasures,

      Shining armlets —the son of Eadwine.

      With the Greeks I was and with the Finns and with far-famed Cæsar,

      Who sat in rule over the cities of revelry—

      With the Israelites I was and with the Assyrians,

      And with the Hebrews and with the Egyptians and with the Hindus I was,

      85 And with the Mofdings I was and against the Myrging band,

      There the king of the Goths gave me in honor

      90 The choicest of bracelets —the chief of the burghers—

      On which were six hundred pieces of precious gold,

      Of shining metal in shillings counted;

      To my kind protector when I came to my home,

      95 To my beloved prince, the lord of the Myrgings,

      Who gave me the land that was left by my father;

      Queen of the doughty ones, the daughter of Eadwine.

      Her praise has passed to all parts of the world,

      100 Wherever in song I sought to tell

      Where I knew under heavens the noblest of queens,

      Golden-adorned, giving forth treasures.

      Then in company with Scilling, in clear ringing voice

      ’Fore our beloved lord I uplifted my song;

      105 Loudly the harp in harmony sounded;

      Then many men with minds discerning

      Spoke of our lay in unsparing praise,

      That they never had heard a nobler song.

      Then I roamed through all the realm of the Goths;

      110 Unceasing I sought the surest of friends,

      The crowd of comrades of the court of Eormanric.

      Hethca sought I and Beadeca and the Harlungs,

      Sage and noble, the sire of Unwen.

      And the worthy troop of the With-Myrgings.

      Wulfhere sought I and Wyrmhere: there war was seldom lacking

      To hold their homes from the hordes of Attila.

      Rædhere sought I and Rondhere, Rumstan and Gislhere,

      125 These warriors were not the worst of comrades,

      Though their names at the last of my list are numbered.

      Full oft from that host the hissing spear

      Fiercely flew on the foemen’s troopers.

      There the wretches ruled with royal treasure,

      130 Wudga and Hama, over women and men.

      So I ever have found as I fared among men

      That in all the land most beloved is he

      To whom God giveth a goodly kingdom

      To hold as long as he liveth here.

      Minstrels of men through many lands,

      Express their needs and speak their thanks.

      Ever south and north some one they meet

      Skillful in song who scatters gifts,

      140 To further his fame before his chieftains,

      To do deeds of honor, till all shall depart,

      Light and life together: lasting praise he gains,

      And has under heaven the highest of honor.


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