Then Beowulf went to the seat of honour in great joy, and all were
merry. The helm of night grew dark; the warriors left their seats.
They greeted Beowulf and wished him well to rest. In the gold-roofed
hall well slept the prince until the black raven saw the coming of the
bright sun. At the first light the Goths hastened to the good ship,
eager to be gone to their homes.
When all were ready, Beowulf said: "O king, we seafarers wish to seek
our homes. Here have we been kindly treated. If there is more that I
can do, O lord of men, I shall always be ready. If when far away I
hear that foes surround thee, I shall come to help thee with many
warriors. Well I know that my king, Hygelac, will send me to thy aid."
Then Hrothgar spoke: "Into thy mind has the wise God sent these kind
words. Never have I heard wiser words from one so young. Thou art
strong and wise, and I think that if death should take Hygelac, the
people would wish thee for their king. So well hast thou borne thyself
that there shall be peace between the Danes and Goths, and many a gift
I shall send to thee over the great sea."
Then Hrothgar gave to Beowulf rich gifts and bade him seek his home in
safety. The good king wept when he said good-bye, for he loved the
noble youth and was sad to have him go away over the deep sea.
Beowulf was glad and proud of the king's praise. He set sail from the
land of Hrothgar, and often he and his men admired the rich gifts of
the great and good king.