The Fate of Kings

"I give words of thanks for these adornments

Which I gaze on here, that I was able to acquire

Such things for my people before the moment of death.

Now that I have paid for the horde of treasures Which the life allotted me

You must attend to the people's needs henceforth;

I can remain here no longer!

Bid those famous for war to build a fine mound

After the pyre on the headland by the sea;

It shall tower high on Whale's Cape

As a remembrance to my people

So that seafarers when they drive their tall ships From afar across the mists of the flood will thereafter Call it Beowulf's Barrow"

- Beowulf