XXXI - Page 2

in any wise move that atheling's mind
over young Heardred's head as lord
and ruler of all the realm to be:
yet the hero upheld him with helpful words,
aided in honor, till, older grown,
he wielded the Weder-Geats. -- Wandering exiles
sought him o'er seas, the sons of Ohtere,
who had spurned the sway of the Scylfings'-helmet,
the bravest and best that broke the rings,
in Swedish land, of the sea-kings' line,
haughty hero.[3] Hence Heardred's end.
For shelter he gave them, sword-death came,
the blade's fell blow, to bairn of Hygelac;
but the son of Ongentheow sought again
house and home when Heardred fell,
leaving Beowulf lord of Geats
and gift-seat's master. -- A good king he!

[1] Literally "loan-days," days loaned to man. [2] Chattuarii, a
tribe that dwelt along the Rhine, and took part in repelling the
raid of (Hygelac) Chocilaicus. [3] Onla, son of Ongentheow, who
pursues his two nephews Eanmund and Eadgils to Heardred's court,
where they have taken refuge after their unsuccessful rebellion.
In the fighting Heardred is killed.