Burton Raffel

“Fate will unwind as it must!”

“Art does not have to be dull, to be effective; the artist does not have to be a bore, to be real.”

“That struggle was too strong, hateful and long-lasting, which had come on the people,dire wrack and ruin - the greatest of night-evils.”

“Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted,Once, that nothing in the world would everDestroy your fame; fight to keep it,Now, be strong and brave, my nobleKing, protecting life and fameTogether. My sword will fight at your side!”

“Quickly, the dragon came at him, encouragedAs Beowulf fell back; its breath flared,And he suffered, wrapped around in swirlingFlames -- a king, before, but nowA beaten warrior. None of his comradesCame to him, helped him, his brave and nobleFollowers; they ran for their lives, fledDeep in a wood. And only one of themRemained, stood there, miserable, remembering,As a good man must, what kinship should mean.”