When the king's message had been told, Beowulf and all his men entered
the hall. Proud and warlike he stood before the king. "Hrothgar,
hail! Kinsman to Hygelac am I and daring deeds have I done. Now I
have heard that this brave hall of yours stands empty and silent when
night shuts out the day, because of Grendel's warfare. So I have come
with my good friends to help you. Deny me not one prayer: that I alone
with my brave thanes fight with Grendel. This monster fights not with
weapons, I have heard. Then I also will bear neither sword nor shield,
but with my strong hands will I seize him. If Grendel conquers me in
the battle, he will carry me off; so no care need you take of my body,
but send to Hygelac my armour."
At the brave, strong words of the young Beowulf the heart of the old
king rejoiced. "I welcome you to my home. Come, now, let us sit at
the feast and listen to the songs of brave deeds," said the king. Then
the mead-cup was passed, the gleeman sang, and there was joy in the
hall.
One man in the hall did not rejoice; there was envy in his heart, for
he did not wish any other man on earth to have more glory than himself.
So he said: "Are you the Beowulf who strove with Breca in the wide sea
in swimming? For seven nights you strove, but he had more strength and
overcame you in the race. Surely if you dare to fight with Grendel,
worse things will befall you."
Then spoke Beowulf: "Much do you speak of Breca. Now I speak the
truth. More strength on the sea have I than any other man. Five days
were we together. Then the cold winds and waves drove us apart. Many
a water monster tried to kill me, but sank to the bottom of the sea
with a blow from my powerful hands. Nine of these water nixies I
killed. I have never heard of a harder fight, yet from all these
dangers I escaped. I have never been told that you have gone through
such terrible fights. Although your wit be good, I must say in truth
that never had so many princes of Hrothgar's court fallen under
Grendel's stroke, if your courage were as fierce as your tongue.
Grendel fears not the Danes, but kills for pleasure. Now a Goth shall
offer him toil and battle. Afterwards, all who wish may go to the
mead-hall and rejoice."
All the Danes applauded Beowulf's bold words, for they did not like the
jealous prince who had taunted him. The queen, lovely and gracious,
bore the mead-cup to the king, and then to their guest. In kind words
she greeted him: "Glad am I and grateful to God that I may trust in you
for comfort against our sorrow."
Then replied Beowulf, for battle eager: "I alone shall work your
people's safety or bow in death. I shall perform deeds of noble valour
or my last day in this mead-hall await."
These words pleased both Goths and Danes, and applause filled the hall.
When darkness came on, the company arose and greeted one another.
Hrothgar to Beowulf said: "Never before, since I could raise hand to
shield, have I given to any man the Dane's festive hall to guard save
now to thee. Have now and hold the best of houses; keep watch against
our foe. All things shall be yours if you escape with life from the
battle of this night."