Over ocean-stream went the brave youths and soon saw the shores of the
Goths, their homeland. Beowulf and his men brought the ship high up on
the shore lest the billow's force might wreck it. Then Beowulf ordered
them to carry the noble gifts of Hrothgar. Near the sea-wall was the
home of Hygelac. The bright sun, the candle of the world, was shining
when the brave Beowulf and his men went to greet their king. Hygelac
was glad to see their safe returning, and said: "Tell me, friend
Beowulf, how the Danes treated you. Long have I feared for you,
knowing you would meet Grendel, the deadly foe of men."
Beowulf answered: "Right well did Hrothgar greet me and gave me a seat
in his hall next his own son. All the people were gay, and never have
I seen a grander hall or greater cheer. Oft the sweet queen left her
seat and spoke to the young warriors, giving one and another a wreath.
Oft their young daughter bore the mead-cup to her father's friends.
"So all the day we spent in song and story. At night the beast Grendel
came. First he seized and slew one of my kindred, and then sought me.
But I seized his right hand and would not let go my hold. Long we
fought, and at last he fled, in the night, to his home in the black
waters. But his hand and arm were torn from him, and from this wound
he died.
"Much praise and many gifts I had from the old king, when he learned
that the cruel Grendel must die. But the next night Grendel's mother
crept up to the hall and seized one of the king's good friends. Sad
were we all when morning came. The king with tears begged me to hunt
out the wicked creature, and I plunged into the dark waters. Fierce
was the fight, but at last I won, and never will Hrothgar's hall be sad
again at the loss of brave warriors.
"Then Hrothgar gave me rich gifts which I bring to you, my king. With
gladness I bring them, for because of you are my pleasures long."
As Beowulf spoke, his men brought in the banner, the shield, the
battle-sword, and the helmet. They also brought four fiery steeds with
rich trappings, fit for a king. All these did Beowulf give to his
friend, the king Hygelac. To the queen he gave the lovely collar
Hrothgar's queen had given to him, beautiful and rare with jewels. He
also gave her three black horses with saddles bright.
[Illustration: BEOWULF PRESENTING HIS GIFTS TO HYGELAC]
The king and queen rejoiced in the precious gifts and in the love of
this brave warrior. To Beowulf the king gave a sword of wonder, the
best treasure he had, adorned with gold. Also he gave him many, many
rings of gold and a beautiful palace.
So there was love between the king and the brave hero.