Laudator Temporis Acti

Beowulf 2105-2117 (tr. E. Talbot Donaldson):

There was song and mirth. The old Scylding, who has learned many things, spoke of times far-off. At times a brave one in bat­tle touched the glad wood, the harp's joy; at times he told tales, true and sad; at times he related strange stories according to right custom; at times, again, the great-hearted king, bound with age, the old warrior, would begin to speak of his youth, his battle-strength. His heart welled within when, old and wise, he thought of his many winters. Thus we took pleasure there the livelong day until another night came to men.

Þær wæs gidd ond gleo.    Gomela Scilding,        2105
felafricgende,    feorran rehte;
hwilum hildedeor    hearpan wynne,
gomenwudu grette,    hwilum gyd awræc
soð ond sarlic,    hwilum syllic spell
rehte æfter rihte    rumheort cyning.        2110
Hwilum eft ongan,    eldo gebunden,
gomel guðwiga    gioguðe cwiðan,
hildestrengo;    hreðer inne weoll,
þonne he wintrum frod    worn gemunde.
Swa we þær inne    ondlangne dæg        2115
niode naman,    oððæt niht becwom
oðer to yldum.

George Jack, Beowulf. A Student Edition (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995), p. 151: