The bold one in battle, was the bairn of his sister, And each unto other mindful of favors. I am told that to Hygd he proffered the necklace, Wonder-gem rare that Wealhtheow gave him, The troop-leader’s daughter, a trio of horses Slender and saddle-bright; soon did the jewel Embellish her bosom, when the beer-feast was over. So Ecgtheow’s bairn brave did prove him, War-famous man, by deeds that were valiant, He lived in honor, belovèd companions Slew not carousing; his mood was not cruel, But by hand-strength hugest of heroes then living The brave one retained the bountiful gift that The Lord had allowed him. Long was he wretched, So that sons of the Geatmen accounted him worthless, And the lord of the liegemen loth was to do him Mickle of honor, when mead-cups were passing; They fully believed him idle and sluggish, An indolent atheling: to the honor-blest man there Came requital for the cuts he had suffered. The folk-troop’s defender bade fetch to the building The heirloom of Hrethel, embellished with gold, So the brave one enjoined it; there was jewel no richer In the form of a weapon ’mong Geats of that era;