And hand and firm-sword.” Beowulf spake then, Boast-words uttered⁠—the latest occasion: “I braved in my youth-days battles unnumbered; Still am I willing the struggle to look for, Fame-deeds perform, folk-warden prudent, If the hateful despoiler forth from his cavern Seeketh me out!” Each of the heroes, Helm-bearers sturdy, he thereupon greeted Belovèd co-liegemen⁠—his last salutation: “No brand would I bear, no blade for the dragon, Wist I a way my word-boast to ’complish Else with the monster, as with Grendel I did it; But fire in the battle hot I expect there, Furious flame-burning: so I fixed on my body Target and war-mail. The ward of the barrow I’ll not flee from a foot-length, the foeman uncanny. At the wall ’twill befall us as Fate decreeth, Each one’s Creator. I am eager in spirit, With the wingèd war-hero to away with all boasting. Bide on the barrow with burnies protected, Earls in armor, which of us two may better Bear his disaster, when the battle is over.