Grendel

Where is the pool where Grendel sinks

The eyes ask of each other,

Where is the lake for the hero's plunge

To save us from his mother?

In another land and far away

The pool is dark and deep,

No hero now alive will ever

That appointment keep.

Beyond the marsh a cave in a cliff

Beyond the bluff a lake,

Who will take his sword down from the wall

And his bed forsake?

The marsh is wide and treacherous

The sand is quick beneath,

The mists form slowly in the night

The hero's wreath.

Grendel is huge, the mark of Cain

Upon his ugly brow,

Who from the sleeping table will arise

And seek him now?

He who sleeps will never wake

Grendel will take him,

Who among you will come near

To wake him?

O who will give his lovely daughter

For peace in our time,

Who will pacify the monster

And forgive his crime.

All will give their nearest kin

All will forgive, _

None will settle down in peace

Though some will live.