There was in the morning many a warrior in the gift hall. From far and
near over distant ways they came to behold the wonder, the arm of
Grendel the joy-killer. Away to the dark water, his home, had he gone
with his death-wound.
All the warriors rode in gladness to the great hall. There was told
the bravery of Beowulf. No other was so great, so worthy of honour, as
he. Hrothgar, also, they praised as a good king and famous in war.
All the Danes and the Goths were happy that the terror of the land had
been destroyed. Care was removed from their hearts. They were filled
with joy and turned to games and sports. Some let their beautiful
horses run in contest over the fair roads. Some who knew the famous
stories of heroes told them to eager listeners. Laughter, song, and
merry voices were heard once more in the hall. Soon one of the singers
began a song in honour of this new deed, the victory of Beowulf.
Then over the meadow came the great king with many knights famed for
their brave deeds. With them also walked the fair queen and a company
of maidens.
When Hrothgar entered the gold-crowned hall and saw the great hand and
arm of Grendel, he said: "Now let us give to the All-Father thanks!
Wonder after wonder can God work. This one brave warrior has, through
God's might, performed a deed which the Danes could not. Happy is the
mother of such a son! Now, Beowulf, as a dear son will I hold you in
my heart. Nothing shall you want which I have power to give you. You
have done a deed which will make your glory live through every age."
Then replied Beowulf; "With great good-will we fought the fight. I
seized the enemy quickly with hard hands and hoped to lay him on his
death-bed. But I have his hand and arm, and he will surely die, for
pain has him in its deadly grip."
Hrothgar now gave the order that the hall should be adorned for the
feast of joy. Men and women worked to make all clean and whole.
Beautiful banners, a wonder to all who beheld them, decked the walls.
When all was ready, the king himself came to the feast in honour of
Beowulf. Never had a larger or a nobler company sat in the gift hall.
Merry at heart were they all, and they had a merry feast.
Then Hrothgar gave to Beowulf a golden banner in reward of victory; a
sword, a cup, and a helmet he gave, four beautiful and wonderful gifts.
These were most precious gifts, of which Beowulf need not be ashamed.
Then Hrothgar, the shield of warriors, eight warlike steeds brought
into the hall as gifts to Beowulf. On one of the horses was the
war-seat the king himself used when going to battle. So with steeds
and treasures did the king of the Danes reward the brave prince.
To every man with the hero did the king give a precious gift. Then the
song of praise was heard. "The wise God rules all, therefore is
understanding everywhere best; wise forethought is best."
When the song was ended, the queen took the mead-cup to the king,
saying: "Accept this cup, my beloved lord; be thou happy, good friend
of men, and to the Goths speak with kind words as one should do. Be
cheerful to thy guests and mindful of gifts. The bright hall is made
safe; be happy with thy sons and friends."
Then the gracious queen said to Beowulf: "Receive as a gift this
collar, dear prince. Thou hast done that which men will praise
throughout all time. Be noble and happy! Be brave and gentle in
deeds. Here in this hall is every man to each other true and to his
lord faithful. The thanes unite to praise thee!"
Then the queen went to her seat, and all the court united in praise of
Beowulf, who had driven Grendel from the great hall.
After the merry feast, all left the hall except a few warriors who
slept rejoicing, thinking all their warfare was over.