Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless. Nor did kinsman’s bequest quail at the battle: This the dragon discovered on their coming together. Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying, Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit: “I remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup, We promised in the hall the lord of us all Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment, Swords and helmets, we’d certainly quite him, Should need of such aid ever befall him: In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously, Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels, Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen, Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement Our lord intended alone to accomplish, Ward of his people, for most of achievements, Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk. The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes: Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor, While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight. God wot in me, ’tis mickle the liefer