A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting
and winsome words. Of wounden gold
she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain
corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest
that ever I knew the earth around.
Ne’er heard I so mighty, ’neath heaven’s dome
a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore
to his bright-built burg the Brisings’ necklace
jewel and gem casket. — Jealousy fled he
Eormenric’s hate: chose help eternal.
Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting
on the last of his raids this ring bore with him
under his banner the booty defending
the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o’erwhelmed him
what time, in his daring, dangers he sought
feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems
he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves
sovran strong: under shield he died.
Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks
gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring
weaker warriors won the spoil
after gripe of battle, from Geatland’s lord
and held the death-field.
Din rose in hall.
Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said
This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth
Beowulf lov’d, these battle-weeds wear
a royal treasure, and richly thrive
Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here
counsel in kindness: requital be mine.
Hast done such deeds, that for days to come
thou art famed among folk both far and near
so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean
his windy walls. Through the ways of life
prosper, O prince! I pray for thee
rich possessions. To son of mine
be helpful in deed and uphold his joys
Here every earl to the other is true
mild of mood, to the master loyal
Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient
liegemen are revelling: list and obey
Went then to her place. — That was proudest of feasts
flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not
destiny dire, and the doom to be seen
by many an earl when eve should come
and Hrothgar homeward hasten away
royal, to rest. The room was guarded
by an army of earls, as erst was done.
They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread
beds and bolsters. — One beer-carouser
in danger of doom lay down in the hall.
At their heads they set their shields of war
bucklers bright; on the bench were there
over each atheling, easy to see
the high battle-helmet, the haughty spear
the corselet of rings. ’Twas their custom so
ever to be for battle prepared
at home, or harrying, which it were
even as oft as evil threatened
their sovran king. — They were clansmen good.