The Geats Reach Heorot
The chief of the strangers rendered him answer, War-troopers’ leader, and word-treasure opened: “We are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland, And Higelac’s hearth-friends. To heroes unnumbered My father was known, a noble head-warrior Ecgtheow titled; many a winter He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey, Old from his dwelling; each of the counsellors Widely mid world-folk well remembers him. We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people, The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit, Folk-troop’s defender: be free in thy counsels! To the noble one bear we a weighty commission, The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween, Naught of our message. Thou know’st if it happen, As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler, Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky By deeds very direful ’mid the Danemen exhibits Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction And the falling of dead. From feelings least selfish I am able to render counsel to Hrothgar, How he, wise and worthy, may worst the destroyer, If the anguish of sorrow should ever be lessened, Comfort come to him, and care-waves grow cooler, Or ever hereafter he agony suffer And troublous distress, while towereth upward The handsomest of houses high on the summit.” Bestriding his stallion, the strand-watchman answered, The doughty retainer: “The difference surely ’Twixt words and works, the warlike shield-bearer Who judgeth wisely well shall determine. This band, I hear, beareth no malice To the prince of the Scyldings. Pass ye then onward With weapons and armor. I shall lead you in person; To my war-trusty vassals command I shall issue To keep from all injury your excellent vessel, Your fresh-tarred craft, ’gainst every opposer Close by the sea-shore, till the curved-neckèd bark shall Waft back again the well-beloved hero O’er the way of the water to