Then was it bidden that Hart should be decked by their hands on the
inside. And many there were of the men and wives who adorned that
wine-hall the guest-chamber. And the tapestries shone along the walls
brocaded with gold; many a wonderful sight for every man who stareth
upon them. And that bright dwelling was greatly marred, though within
it was fast bound with iron yet the door-hinges had sprung apart. The
roof alone escaped all safe and sound when the monster turned to
flight despairing of life and doomed for his crimes. Nor will it be
easy to escape from that fate, whosoever may try to, but he shall get
by strife the ready place of the children of men of the soul-bearers,
who dwell upon earth, by a fate that cannot be escaped where his body
shall sleep after the banquet fast in the tomb.
Then was the time for Healfdene's son to go into the hall, when the
King himself would partake of the banquet. Nor have I ever heard
tell that any people in greater numbers bore themselves better about
their treasure-giver. And the wealthy ones sat down on the bench and
rejoiced in their feeding. And full courteously their kinsmen took many
a mead-cup, they the stout-hearted Hrothgar and Hrothulf in the high
hall. And within was Hart filled with friends. And by no means were the
Danes the while framing treacheries. Then the son of Healfdene gave
to Beowulf the golden banner, the decorated staff banner as a reward
for his conquest, and the helm and the byrny. And many a one saw the
youth bear in front the bejewelled sword. Beowulf took the cup in the
hall. Nor did he need to be ashamed of the fee-gift in the presence
of warriors. Nor have I heard tell of many men giving to others on any
ale-bench, four gifts gold-decked, in friendlier fashion. The outside
rim wound with wires gave protection to the head on the outer side
around the crown of the helmet. So that many an heirloom [25] could
not hurt fiercely the helmet that was hardened by being plunged in
cold water when the shield-warrior should attack the angry one. The
Protector of earls commanded eight horses to be brought in under the
barriers, with bridles gold plated. And a varicoloured saddle was
fixed upon one of them, decked out with treasures, and this was the
battle-seat of the high King when the son of Healfdene would be doing
the sword-play. Never in the van did it fail the warrior so widely
kenned when the helmets were falling. Then the Prince of the Danes
gave to Beowulf the wielding of them both, of horses and weapons;
and bade him well enjoy them. And thus in manly fashion the famous
chieftain, the treasure-guardian of heroes, rewarded the battle
onslaught with horses and treasures so as no man can blame them,
whoever will be saying rightly the truth.