Beowulf ond Godsylla

Below is an important, though often overlooked, primary source document in the study of the history of the English language. It was written in old English and may be a bit difficult to read.

Meanehwil, baccat meaddehile, monstir lurccen;

Fulle few too many drincce, hie luccen for fyht.

Wen Hreorfneorhtohwr, son of Hrwirowaheororthwl,

asccen iwful jeork to steop outsyd.

Ãžhud! Bashe! Crasch! Beoom! Ãe bigge gye

Eallum his bon brak, byt his nose offe;

Wicced Godsylla wild on his asse.

Monstir moppe fleor wya eallum men in hille.

Beowulf in bacceroome fonecall bemaccen wis;

Hearen sond of ruccus sid, 'Hwit oe helle?'

Graben sheold strang ond swich-blid scharp

Stond feorth to fyht oe grimlic foe.

'Me,' Godsylla sid, 'mac oe minsemete.'

Heoro cwyc geten heold wa fimed half-nelson

Ond flyng him lic frisbe bac to fen.

Beowulf belly up to meaddehile bar,

Sid, 'Ne foe beaten mie firsom cung-fu.'

Eorderen cocca-cohla yce-coeld, oe reol ayng.