THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train
defence-of-Scyldings, forth from hall
fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek
couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory
against this Grendel a guard had set
so heroes heard, a hall-defender
who warded the monarch and watched for the monster.
In truth, the Geats’ prince gladly trusted
his mettle, his might, the mercy of God
Cast off then his corselet of iron
helmet from head; to his henchman gave
choicest of weapons, — the well-chased sword
bidding him guard the gear of battle.
Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man
Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought
Of force in fight no feebler I count me
in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him.
Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death
his life will I give, though it lie in my power.
No skill is his to strike against me
my shield to hew though he hardy be
bold in battle; we both, this night
shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here
unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God
sacred Lord, on which side soever
doom decree as he deemeth right.
Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held
the head of the earl, while all about him
seamen hardy on hall-beds sank.
None of them thought that thence their steps
to the folk and fastness that fostered them
to the land they loved, would lead them back
Full well they wist that on warriors many
battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall
of Danish clan. But comfort and help
war-weal weaving, to Weder folk
the Master gave, that, by might of one
over their enemy all prevailed
by single strength. In sooth ’tis told
that highest God o’er human kind
hath wielded ever! — Thro’ wan night striding
came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept
whose hest was to guard the gabled hall
all save one. ’Twas widely known
that against God’s will the ghostly ravager
him 34 could not hurl to haunts of darkness
wakeful, ready, with warrior’s wrath
bold he bided the battle’s issue.