Then the eldest gave answer, and unlocked his treasure of words,
the wise one of the troop: 'We are of the race of the Geats and
hearth-comrades of Hygelac. My father was well known to the folk,
a noble prince was he called Ecgtheow. And he bided many winters,
ere as an old man he set out on his journeys away from the dwelling
places. And wellnigh every councillor throughout all the world
remembered him well. We through bold thinking have come to seek thy
lord, the son of Healfdene, the protector of the people. Vouchsafe
to us good guidance. We have a great business with the lord of the
Danes, who is far famed. Nor of this shall aught be secret as I am
hoping. Well thou knowest if 'tis true as we heard say, that among
the Danes some secret evil-doer, I know not what scather, by terror
doth work unheard-of hostility, humiliation, and death. I may give
counsel through greatness of mind to Hrothgar as to how he, the wise
and good, may overcome the fiend, if ever should cease for him the
baleful business and bettering come after and his troubles wax cooler,
or for ever he shall suffer time of stress and miserable throes,
while the best of all houses shall remain on the high stead.'
Then the watchman, the fearless warrior, as he sat on his horse,
quickly made answer: 'The shield-warrior who is wide awake, shall know
how to tell the difference between words and works, if he well bethink
him. I can see that this band of warriors will be very welcome to the
Lord of the Danes. Go ye forth, therefore, bear weapons and armour, as
I will direct you. And I will command my thanes to hold against every
foe, your ship in honour, new tarred as it is, and dry on the sands,
until it shall carry the dearly loved man, that ship with the twisted
prow, to the land of the Geats. To each of the well-doers shall it
be given to escape scot-free out of the battle rush.' Then they went
forth carrying their weapons. And there the ship rested, fastened
by a rope, the wide-bosomed vessel secured by its anchor. The Boar
[13] held life ward, bright and battle-hard and adorned with gold,
over the neck-guard of the handsome Beowulf. There was snorting of
the war-like-minded, whilst men were hastening, as they marched on
together till they caught sight of the splendid place decked out
in gold. And it was the most famous of palaces, under the heavens,
of the earth-dwellers, where the ruler was biding. Its glory shone
over many lands. Then the dear one in battle showed them the bright
house where were the brave ones, that they might straightway make
their way towards it. Then one of the warriors turned his horse round,
and spake this word: 'Time it is for me to go. May the Almighty Father
hold you in favour, and keep you in safety in all your journeyings. I
will go to the sea-coast to keep my watch against the fierce troops.'
V
The way was paved with many coloured stones, and by it they knew
the path they should take. The coat of mail shone brightly, which
was firmly hand-locked. The bright iron ring sang in the armour as
they came on their way in their warlike trappings at the first to
the great hall. Then the sea-weary men set down their broad shields,
their shields that were wondrous hard 'gainst the wall of the great
house, and bowed towards the bench. And byrnies were rattling, the
war-weapons of men. And the spears were standing in a row together,
the weapons of the sea-men and the spear grey above. And the troop
of armed men was made glorious with weapons. Then the proud chieftain
asked the warriors of their kindred: 'From whence are ye bringing such
gold-plated shields, grey sarks and helmets with visors, and such
a heap of spears? I am the servant and messenger of Hrothgar. Never
saw I so many men prouder. I trow it was for pride and not at all for
banishment, but for greatness of mind that Hrothgar ye are seeking.'
Then answered the brave man, the chief of the Geats, and spake
these words, hard under helmet: 'We are the comrades at table of
Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will say fully this my errand to the
son of Healfdene the famous chieftain, unto thy lord and master,
if he will grant us that we may salute him who is so good.'
Then spake Wulfgar (he was Prince of the Wendels [14]). His courage
was known to all, his valour and wisdom. 'I will make known to the
Prince of the Danes, the Lord of the Scyldings [15] the giver of rings
the famous chieftain as thou art pleading, about thy journey, and will
make known to thee quickly the answer which he the good man thinks fit
to give me.' Quickly he turned then to where Hrothgar was sitting,
old and very grey with his troop of earls. The brave man then went
and stood before the shoulders of the Lord of the Danes. Well he knew
the custom of the doughty ones. Wulfgar then spoke to his lord and
friend: 'Here are come faring from a far country over the wide sea,
a people of the Geats, and the eldest the warriors call Beowulf. And
they are asking that they may exchange words with thee, my lord. O
gladman Hrothgar, do not refuse to be talking with them. For worthy
they seem all in their war-weeds, in the judgement of earls. At least
he is a daring Prince who hither hath led this band of warriors.'