Then, like many a lazy third son
in the folk tales, a change came, he suddenly showed
wonderful
daring and
was passionate for adventure.
Beowulf
2188. Gr., W., H. supply [wēn]don, = _weened_, instead of Th.'s [oft
sæg]don.
l. 2188. The "slack" Beowulf, like the sluggish Brutus, ultimately reveals
his true character, and is presented with a historic sword of honor. It is
"laid on his breast" (l. 2195) as Hun laid Lāfing on Hengest's breast, l.
1145.
l. 2188. "The boy was at first slothful, and the Geats thought him an
unwarlike prince, and long despised him.
Then, like many a lazy third son
in the folk tales, a change came, he suddenly showed
wonderful
daring and
was passionate for adventure.
"--Br., p. 22.
l. 2196. "Seven of thousands, manor and lordship" (Ha.). Kl., _Beit._ ix.
191, thinks with Ettm. that þūsendo means a hide of land (see Schmid, _Ges.
der Angl_, 610), Bede's familia = 1/2 sq. meter; seofan being used (like
hund, l. 2995) only for the alliteration.
