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| A CUP she gave him, with kindly greeting |
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| and winsome words. Of wounden gold, |
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| she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain, |
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| corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest |
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| that ever I knew the earth around. |
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| Ne'er heard I so mighty, 'neath heaven's dome, |
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| a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore |
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| to his bright-built burg the Brisings' necklace, |
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| jewel and gem casket.—Jealousy fled he, |
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| Eormenric's hate: chose help eternal. |
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| Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting, |
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| on the last of his raids this ring bore with him, |
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| under his banner the booty defending, |
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| the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o'erwhelmed him |
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| what time, in his daring, dangers he sought, |
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| feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems |
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| he bore with him over the beaker-of-waves, |
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| sovran strong: under shield he died. |
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| Fell the corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, |
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| gear of the breast, and that gorgeous ring; |
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| weaker warriors won the spoil, |
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| after gripe of battle, from Geatland's lord, |
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| and held the death-field. |
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| Din rose in hall. |
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| Wealhtheow spake amid warriors, and said:— |
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| "This jewel enjoy in thy jocund youth, |
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| Beowulf lov'd, these battle-weeds wear, |
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| a royal treasure, and richly thrive! |
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| Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here |
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| counsel in kindness: requital be mine. |
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| Hast done such deeds, that for days to come |
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| thou art famed among folk both far and near, |
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| so wide as washeth the wave of Ocean |
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| his windy walls. Through the ways of life |
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| prosper, O prince! I pray for thee |
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| rich possessions. To son of mine |
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| be helpful in deed and uphold his joys! |
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| Here every earl to the other is true, |
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| mild of mood, to the master loyal! |
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| Thanes are friendly, the throng obedient, |
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| liegemen are revelling: list and obey!" |
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| Went then to her place.—That was proudest of feasts; |
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| flowed wine for the warriors. Wyrd they knew not, |
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| destiny dire, and the doom to be seen |
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| by many an earl when eve should come, |
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| and Hrothgar homeward hasten away, |
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| royal, to rest. The room was guarded |
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| by an army of earls, as erst was done. |
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| They bared the bench-boards; abroad they spread |
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| beds and bolsters.—One beer-carouser |
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| in danger of doom lay down in the hall.— |
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|
