Grievous injuries, often accomplished,
Horrible hermit; Heort he frequented,
Gem-bedecked palace, when night-shades had fallen

{God is against the monster.}

(Since God did oppose him, not the throne could he touch,[5]
55 The light-flashing jewel, love of Him knew not).
'Twas a fearful affliction to the friend of the Scyldings

{The king and his council deliberate in vain.}

Soul-crushing sorrow. Not seldom in private
Sat the king in his council; conference held they
What the braves should determine 'gainst terrors unlooked for.

{They invoke the aid of their gods.}

60 At the shrines of their idols often they promised
Gifts and offerings, earnestly prayed they
The devil from hell would help them to lighten
Their people's oppression. Such practice they used then,
Hope of the heathen; hell they remembered
65 In innermost spirit, God they knew not,

{The true God they do not know.}

Judge of their actions, All-wielding Ruler,
No praise could they give the Guardian of Heaven,
The Wielder of Glory. Woe will be his who