And the cup was borne to them, and a friendly invitation given to
them in words, and twisted gold was graciously proffered him, two
arm-ornaments, armour and rings, and the greatest of neck-rings
of which I heard tell anywhere on earth. Ne'er heard I of better
hoard jewels of heroes under the sky, since Hama carried away
the Brosinga-men [32] to the bright city, ornaments and treasure
vessel. It was he who fled from the cunning plots of Eormanric [33]
and chose eternal gain. Hygelac of the Geats next had the ring, he
who was the grandson of Swerting, when under the standard he protected
the treasure and defended the plunder. And Weird carried him off when
he, because of pride suffered woes, the feud with the Frisians. Then
carried he the jewels, the precious stones over the sea, he who was
the ruling prince, and he fell under shield; and the life of the king
and the coat of mail and ring together came into possession of the
Franks. And worse warriors plundered the slaughter after the war. And
the corpses of the Geats held the field of death. The hall resounded
with noise when Wealtheow spake these words in the midst of the court:
'Enjoy this ring, dearest Beowulf, and use this coat of mail, these
national treasures, and good luck befall thee! Declare thyself a
good craftsman, and be to these boys gentle in teaching, and I will
be mindful of thy guerdon for that thou hast so acted that men will
esteem thee far and near for ever and ever, even as widely as the
sea doth encompass the windy earth-walls. Be a noble Atheling as
long as thou livest. I give thee many treasures. Be thou kindly in
deed to my sons, joyful as thou art. For here is each earl true to
his fellow, and mild of mood, and faithful to his liege-lord. Thanes
are gentle, the people all ready. O ye warriors who have drunk deep,
do as I tell you.' She went to the seat where was a choice banquet,
and the men drank wine. They knew not Weird, the Fate that was grim,
as it had befallen many an earl.
Then evening came on, and Hrothgar betook him to his own quarters,
the Prince to his resting-place, and a great number of earls kept guard
o'er the palace as often they had done in former days. They laid bare
the bench-board and spread it over with beds and bolsters. And one of
the beer-servants eager and fated went to his bed on the floor. And
they set at his head war-shields, that were bright. And over the
Atheling, there on the bench was easily seen the towering helmet and
the ringed byrny, the glorious spear. It was their wont to be ready
for war both at home and in battle, at whatever time their lord had
need of them. The season was propitious.