To him the stateliest spake in answer
the warriors’ leader his word-hoard unlocked
We are by kin of the clan of Geats
and Hygelac’s own hearth-fellows we.
To folk afar was my father known
noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.
Full of winters, he fared away
aged from earth; he is honored still
through width of the world by wise men all.
To thy lord and liege in loyal mood
we hasten hither, to Healfdene’s son
people-protector: be pleased to advise us
To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand
to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right
that aught be hidden. We hear — thou knowest
if sooth it is — the saying of men
that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster
dark ill-doer, in dusky nights
shows terrific his rage unmatched
hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I
in greatness of soul would succor bring
so the Wise-and-Brave 19 may worst his foes
if ever the end of ills is fated
of cruel contest, if cure shall follow
and the boiling care-waves cooler grow
else ever afterward anguish-days
he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place
high on its hill that house unpeered
Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered
clansman unquailing: “The keen-souled thane
must be skilled to sever and sunder duly
words and works, if he well intends.
I gather, this band is graciously bent
to the Scyldings’ master. March, then, bearing
weapons and weeds the way I show you.
I will bid my men your boat meanwhile
to guard for fear lest foemen come
your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean
faithfully watching till once again
it waft o’er the waters those well-loved thanes
winding-neck’d wood, — to Weders’ bounds
heroes such as the hest of fate
shall succor and save from the shock of war.
They bent them to march, — the boat lay still
fettered by cable and fast at anchor
broad-bosomed ship. — Then shone the boars
over the cheek-guard; chased with gold
keen and gleaming, guard it kept
o’er the man of war, as marched along
heroes in haste, till the hall they saw
broad of gable and bright with gold
that was the fairest, ’mid folk of earth
of houses ’neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived
and the gleam of it lightened o’er lands afar.
The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright
burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go
straightway thither; his steed then turned
hardy hero, and hailed them thus
Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty
in grace and mercy guard you well
safe in your seekings. Seaward I go
gainst hostile warriors hold my watch.