for the last time:
"I dared many a fight in my youth; again as an old
protector of the people, I'll seek out conflict,
and earn some glory, if this mankiller
will come out to me from his earth-hall."
Then he addressed every man,
the bold helmet-wearers, his close comrades,
for the last time:
'I wouldn't be taking
a sword to the dragon, if I knew
how else I might with that monster
get a fighting grip, as with Grendel before,
but here I'm expecting hot battle-flames,
bad breath and venom; therefore I carry
a shield and mail-shirt. And I won't go back
one foot from the worm, but at the mound
we two will fare as Fate decrees,
every man's Master.' "
~ Excerpt from The book of beowulf, Michael Walton, 2007.
Note: Mike Walton will be in The Neat L'l Bookshop on Thursday, February 21 at 1:00 p.m. It's informal. All are welcome. Circle your calendar. "Coffee pot's always on..."
