A warder of Hrothgar, guarding the seashore, saw these warlike men and
wondered why they came. Shaking his spear, he cried: "Who are you?
Why come you over the seas in a giant ship, bearing arms into our land?
Haste to make known whence is your coming!"
Then Beowulf answered: "We are of the Goths; Hygelac is our king. My
father was a noble chief. All wise men through the earth remember him.
We have come in kindness to your lord and to defend him. For we have
heard that a foul fiend spreads terror through your land and in the
darkness slays your thanes. We would overcome this foe to joy."
[Illustration: THE LANDING OF BEOWULF IN HROTHGAR'S REALM]
Then the warder spake: "A warrior wise should know the difference
between words and works. But I perceive that you are a friendly band.
I will bid my fellows guard your ship against every foe, and then I
will direct you." So with their guide the warlike men hastened until
they saw the shining roof of the great hall. Their ringed armour rang
as they walked.
At last the warriors came to the entrance of the hall. Here, on a
bench, they sat until some one should bid them welcome.
Soon came the warder of the hall, a princely chief. "Whence bear you
the stout spears and war-shields? Great men and proud you seem, and
methinks you plan great deeds."
Then the proud lord, the leader, spoke: "Beowulf is my name. I will
relate my errand to your prince if he will grant that we may greet him."
Replied the Dane: "I will seek the king and tell him of your coming."
Quickly he came to Hrothgar, sitting with his wise men, and told him of
the strangers, praising the hardy warriors. Kindly spoke the king:
"Glad am I that Beowulf and his brave Goths have come thus to our
shores. For I have heard he has the strength of thirty in his
hand-grip. Him God in his great mercy has sent to us. Hasten, bid
them come in! Tell them that they are welcome guests to the Danes."