[54] The amount of freedom differs of course greatly from case to case (cf. Note IV, p. [101] ff.); but it is only in communities which have elaborated the art of minstrelsy to a very high degree that the form of words can become absolutely stereotyped.
[55] Beowulf (1889), pp. 110-160.
[56] Quellen und Forschungen, LXII (1888); summarised p. 242 ff.
[57] The Origin of the English Nation, p. 93, note.
[58] The references quoted on p. [41] ff. preclude the possibility that these stories were first acquired from the Danes, when the latter again became known in this country about the close of the eighth century.
[59] A different view is taken by Schücking, Beowulfs Rückkehr (Studien zur engl. Philologie, XXI), p. 65 ff.
[60] We may refer especially to the account of Attila's funeral given by Jordanes, cap. 49 (from Priscus).
[61] Apart from certain expressions the general tone of these speeches, especially the last words of all (v. 2813 ff.), is scarcely Christian; but they contain nothing which is obviously opposed to Christian doctrine.
[62] E.g. in the imprecation, v. 3069 ff. The imprecatory formulae of charters can scarcely be regarded as analogous.
[63] Cf. Brandl, op. cit., p. 1003.