Inspired by lines 20-25 of Beowulf (Chickering translation):
“So ought a young man / in his father’s household
Treasure up the future / by his goods and goodness
By splendid bestowals / so that later in life
His chosen men / stand by him in turn
His retainers serve him / when war comes.”
My poem:
So ought a young king / inheriting his father’s throne
Give great and wisely of / golden rings and bands.
By bestowals of silver / such to be loved later,
So well chosen men / stand by him in pride
To defend his folk / fiercely ‘gainst all harm.
High in his halls / Hans knows well this truth,
Needs none to speak / knowingly of gift duty.
Mighty gold ring giver / gifts joyfully of his hoard.
The above was written in roughly 20 minutes from “Got any good words about a Saxon King being a ring giver?” The request came in at 9pm Thursday. The requester was flying out to California at 5am Friday. The requester was very clear that he didn’t need a whole poem, just some phrases or something.
But this is me. Just giving a couple phrases would be halfassing it. And really, what’s a poem but a couple of phrases stuck together in a cohesive manner? This was easier anyhow.
Ultimately this poem was not used. Let this be a lesson to all aspiring bards: if you technically work for and represent someone Get Their Ok FIRST. Either that or don’t be disappointed if your work gets cut.
aethelfliedbrewbane 