Ethelbert Talbot Donaldson (18 March 1910–13 April 1987) was a scholar of medieval English literature, known for his 1966 translation of Beowulf and his writings on Chaucer's poetry.

[4] Students of literature such as Bonnie Wheeler admired his "eloquent" criticism of Chaucer, recognising the poet's "complexity and irony".

[6][3] The scholar Hugh Magennis calls it accurate, "foreignizing" prose, using asyndetic coordination, "somewhat ponderous but ...[with a] dignified tone ... viewed by teachers as dull".

Then from the wall the Scylding's guard who should watch over the seacliffs, saw bright shields borne over the gangway, armor ready for battle; strong desire stirred in him to learn what the men were.

When from the wall the Scyldings' watchman, whose duty it was to watch the sea-cliffs, saw them bear down the gangplank bright shields, ready battle-gear, he was bursting with curiosity in his mind to know who these men were.