Unit 2: Selection Vocabulary 1

'Twas my comrades who put the thought in my heart, for they had seen my valorous deeds, how I had conquered the foes of my country and brought the race of giants low, and slain monsters both on sea and on land.

'Twas my comrades who put the thought in my heart, for they had seen my valorous deeds, how I had conquered the foes of my country and brought the race of giants low, and slain monsters both on sea and on land.

I doubt not, O King, that if he has his way, he will devour the champions of the Geats, even as he has those of the Danes.

So I predict a worse adventure for thee—though doubtless thou art a sturdy warrior in the shock of battle—if thou dare to await Grendel's coming through the watch of night.

Be of good hope; be valiant; watch for the foe.

No counsellor could ever expect
fair reparation from those rabid hands.

Oh, cursed is he
who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul
in the fire's embrace, forfeiting help;
he has nowhere to turn.

So that troubled time continued, woe
that never stopped, steady affliction
for Halfdane's son, too hard an ordeal.

So he rode to the shore,
this horseman of Hrothgar's, and challenged them
in formal terms, flourishing his spear

Never before has a force under arms
disembarked so openly—not bothering to ask
if the sentries allowed them safe passage
or the clan had consented.

So now, before you fare inland
as interlopers, I have to be informed
about who you are and where you hail from.

Flavorsome delicacies of flesh were fetched in
and the freshest of foods, so many in fact
there was scarcely space to present the stews
or to set the soups in the silver bowls on
the cloth.

No doubt
not all were stunned and stilled
by dread, but duty bound
to hold their tongues
until their sovereign could respond.

Be assured by this hollin stem here in my hand
that I mean no menace. So expect no malice,
for if I’d slogged here tonight to slay and slaughter
my helmet and hauberk wouldn’t be at home
and my sword and spear would be here at my side,
and more weapons of war, as I’m sure you’re aware

Then Arthur answered, “Knight
most courteous, you claim
a fair, unarmored fight.
We’ll see you have the same.”

Where’s the fortitude and fearlessness you’re so famous for?

Then he glanced at Gawain and was graceful with his words:
“Now hang up your axe—one hack is enough.”