Forgotten Ground Regained
Beowulf Lies Dead Beside the Dragon (lines 2821-2840)
With heavy heart the young herolooked on his beloved lord and found himlying prone, his life pouring out.He saw this and sorrowed. But the savage monster,the dread dragon, lay draggled on the earthfallen, defeated defending its treasure.For iron's hard edge had ended its days --The battle-sharp blade had bit till blood flowedand the flying beast fell flat on the ground.No longer would it lurk below beside its hoard,or lift whirling aloft to huntat midnight to make merry sportpursuing the prey. It too lay prone,haughtiness humbled by the king's hand.I have heard of heroes holding their own,heard stories of strong and sturdy men.But none come near the name that Beowulfcan claim for courage. When he came the dragon'spoisoned breath made him pay its price for gold.Both foes lay limp and would fight no more.
Adaptation by Paul Deane. Copyright © Paul Deane, 1999.
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