Translation One Manuscript Section 1a

lines 1-17

The Wanderer 

Translated by Robert E. Diamond

(Lines 1-18)

Often the solitary dweller awaits favor for himself, the mercy

of the Lord, although he, anxious in spirit, has long been

obliged to stir with his hands (i.e., row?) the ice-cold (lit.

frost-cold) sea over the path of the waters, to travel the paths

of exile. (5b) Fate is utterly inexorable (lit. resolute).

(6) So spoke the wanderer, mindful of hardships, of cruel

slaughters, of the death of beloved kinsmen: Often alone each

dawn I have had to bewail my sorrows; there is not now any

one living (lit. none of the living) to whom I dare speak my

mind openly. (11b) In truth I know that (it) is a very noble

custom in a man that he should bind fast his mind, guard the

treasury of his heart, let him think as he will. (15) (One)

weary in spirit cannot resist fate nor (can) the troubled

thought afford consolation ( lit. perform help ); therefore

(those) eager for glorious reputation often bind fast in their

hearts a gloomy (thought).

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