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GREWSOME.--Cruel, fierce.
HEFT.--Handle, hilt; used by synecdoche for 'sword.'
HELM.--Helmet, protector.
HENCHMAN.--Retainer, va.s.sal.
HIGHT.--Am (was) named.
HOLM.--Ocean, curved surface of the sea.
HIMSEEMED.--(It) seemed to him.
LIEF.--Dear, valued.
MERE.--Sea; in compounds, 'mere-ways,' 'mere-currents,' etc.
MICKLE.--Much.
NATHLESS.--Nevertheless.
NAZE.--Edge (nose).
NESS.--Edge.
NICKER.--Sea-beast.
QUIT, QUITE.--Requite.
RATHE.--Quickly.
REAVE.--Bereave, deprive.
SAIL-ROAD.--Sea.
SETTLE.--Seat, bench.
SKINKER.--One who pours.
SOOTHLY.--Truly.
SWINGE.--Stroke, blow.
TARGE, TARGET.--s.h.i.+eld.
THROUGHLY.--Thoroughly.
TOLD.--Counted.
UNCANNY.--Ill-featured, grizzly.
UNNETHE.--Difficult.
WAR-SPEED.--Success in war.
WEB.--Tapestry (that which is 'woven').
WEEDED.--Clad (cf. widow's weeds).
WEEN.--Suppose, imagine.
WEIRD.--Fate, Providence.
WHILOM.--At times, formerly, often.
WIELDER.--Ruler. Often used of G.o.d; also in compounds, as 'Wielder of Glory,' 'Wielder of Wors.h.i.+p.'
WIGHT.--Creature.
WOLD.--Plane, extended surface.
WOT.--Knows.
YOUNKER.--Youth.
[1]
BEOWULF.
I.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SCYLD.
{The famous race of Spear-Danes.}
Lo! the Spear-Danes' glory through splendid achievements The folk-kings' former fame we have heard of, How princes displayed then their prowess-in-battle.
{Scyld, their mighty king, in honor of whom they are often called Scyldings. He is the great-grandfather of Hrothgar, so prominent in the poem.}
Oft Scyld the Scefing from scathers in numbers 5 From many a people their mead-benches tore.
Since first he found him friendless and wretched, The earl had had terror: comfort he got for it, Waxed 'neath the welkin, world-honor gained, Till all his neighbors o'er sea were compelled to 10 Bow to his bidding and bring him their tribute: An excellent atheling! After was borne him
