Сборник самых известных английских легенд. Уровень 1 - стр. 7
Beowulf said, “I know that this monster does not use any weapons, so I shall fight with him with my hands, without armour. If he kills me, he will take my body to his home. Then I ask you to send my armour back to my country.”
The aged King Hrothgar, who had listened attentively while the hero spoke of his plans and of his possible fate, said, “I shall do what you ask. Grendel has caused us much sorrow with his hatred. I know you will kill the monster. Now let us sit down and have a feast.”
So a company of warriors sat down at the table and ate and drank, and the bards sang and it was merry again in the banquet hall. Thereupon room was made for the warriors on the long benches, and Beowulf sat in the place of honour opposite to the king: great respect was shown to him, and all men looked with wonder on this mighty hero. When evening came, Hrothgar rose to leave the hall with his men. Then the king said to Beowulf, “I trust this great hall of the Danes to you and your men. Have courage, watch for the enemy[43]. Every wish that you have shall be granted[44] if you kill the monster Grendel.”
Then Beowulf and his warriors were alone. Beowulf lay down on the floor and waited for Grendel. Then Grendel came from the moor, an awful light like fire came from his eyes. In the hall he saw a company of sleeping men and laughed loudly, as he expected to have a great meal before dawn. Grendel entered the hall and attacked, devouring one of Beowulf’s men. He stepped further into the hall and seized Beowulf, lying on the floor. Beowulf was sleeping and leaped up to clench Grendel’s hand.
The monster felt the strength of thirty men in that grip of Beowulf’s hands, and he was frightened. He wanted to escape and run away to the moor, but he could not free himself from Beowulf’s grip, and his bones cracked. Beowulf held the monster fast, and Grendel knew that his death was near.
Beowulf’s retainers drew their swords and rushed to his aid, but their blades could not pierce Grendel’s skin. The companions of Beowulf, with their swords, struck the monster on every side, but they did not know that no weapon could touch him, for he was a demon. But as much as he struggled[45], he could not free himself from Beowulf’s grip. At last[46] Beowulf tore the arm out of Grendel’s body and a great wound appeared on the shoulder of the monster. Grendel ran to his home in the moor to die.
Everybody talked about the fame of Beowulf – that in all the world there was not a braver warrior than he. Then a famous bard composed a song about the killing of Grendel. The king greeted Beowulf and embraced him, and said, “We have suffered much from Grendel. Now you, Beowulf, the best of men, have done that which all of us could not do