THERE was hurry and hest in Heorot now
for hands to bedeck it, and dense was the throng
of men and women the wine-hall to cleanse
the guest-room to garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings
that were wove on the wall, and wonders many
to delight each mortal that looks upon them.
Though braced within by iron bands
that building bright was broken sorely
rent were its hinges; the roof alone
held safe and sound, when, seared with crime
the fiendish foe his flight essayed
of life despairing. — No light thing that
the flight for safety, — essay it who will
Forced of fate, he shall find his way
to the refuge ready for race of man
for soul-possessors, and sons of earth
and there his body on bed of death
shall rest after revel.
Arrived was the hour
when to hall proceeded Healfdene’s son
the king himself would sit to banquet.
Ne’er heard I of host in haughtier throng
more graciously gathered round giver-of-rings
Bowed then to bench those bearers-of-glory
fain of the feasting. Featly received
many a mead-cup the mighty-in-spirit
kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous hall
Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now
was filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings
ne’er yet had tried the traitor’s deed.
To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene
a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph
broidered battle-flag, breastplate and helmet
and a splendid sword was seen of many
borne to the brave one. Beowulf took
cup in hall: 42 for such costly gifts
he suffered no shame in that soldier throng.
For I heard of few heroes, in heartier mood
with four such gifts, so fashioned with gold
on the ale-bench honoring others thus
O’er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge
wound with wires, kept ward o’er the head
lest the relict-of-files 43 should fierce invade
sharp in the strife, when that shielded hero
should go to grapple against his foes.
Then the earls’-defence 44 on the floor 45 bade lead
coursers eight, with carven head-gear
adown the hall: one horse was decked
with a saddle all shining and set in jewels
twas the battle-seat of the best of kings
when to play of swords the son of Healfdene
was fain to fare. Ne’er failed his valor
in the crush of combat when corpses fell.
To Beowulf over them both then gave
the refuge-of-Ingwines right and power
o’er war-steeds and weapons: wished him joy of them.
Manfully thus the mighty prince
hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid
with steeds and treasures contemned by none
who is willing to say the sooth aright.