His own fellows the dear: No sword would I fare with,

No weapon against the Worm, wist I but how

'Gainst the monster of evil in otherwise might I

Uphold me my boast, as erst did I with Grendel;

But there fire of the war-tide full hot do I ween me,

And the breath, and the venom; I shall bear on me therefore

Both the board and the byrny; nor the burg's warden shall I

Overflee for a foot's-breadth, but unto us twain

It shall be at the wall as to us twain Weird willeth,

The Maker of each man. Of mood am I eager;