Scyld’s Successors—Hrothgar’s Great Mead-Hall
In the boroughs then Beowulf, bairn of the Scyldings, Belovèd land-prince, for long-lasting season Was famed mid the folk (his father departed, The prince from his dwelling), till afterward sprang Great-minded Healfdene; the Danes in his lifetime He graciously governed, grim-mooded, agèd. Four bairns of his body born in succession Woke in the world, war-troopers’ leader Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga the good; Heard I that Elan was Ongentheow’s consort, The well-beloved bedmate of the War-Scylfing leader. Then glory in battle to Hrothgar was given, Waxing of war-fame, that willingly kinsmen Obeyed his bidding, till the boys grew to manhood, A numerous band. It burned in his spirit To urge his folk to found a great building, A mead-hall grander than men of the era Ever had heard of, and in it to share With young and old all of the blessings The Lord had allowed him, save life and retainers. Then the work I find afar was assigned To many races in middle-earth’s regions, To adorn the great folk-hall. In due time it happened Early ’mong men, that ’twas finished entirely, The greatest of hall-buildings; Heorot he named it Who wide-reaching word-sway wielded ’mong earlmen. His promise he brake not, rings he lavished, Treasure at banquet. Towered the hall up High and horn-crested, huge between antlers: It battle-waves bided, the blasting fire-demon; Ere long then from hottest hatred must sword-wrath Arise for a woman’s husband and father. Then the mighty war-spirit endured for a season, Bore it bitterly, he who bided in darkness, That light-hearted laughter loud in the building Greeted him daily; there was dulcet harp-music, Clear song of the singer. He said that was able To tell from of old earthmen’s beginnings, That Father Almighty earth had created, The winsome wold that the water encircleth, Set exultingly the sun’s and the moon’s beams To lavish their lustre on land-folk and races,