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fighteth with pleasure, Killeth and feasteth, no contest expecteth From Spear-Danish people. But the prowess and valor Of the earls of the Geatmen early shall venture To give him a grapple. He shall go who is able Bravely to banquet, when the bright-light of morning Which the second day bringeth, the sun in its ether-robes, O’er children of men shines from the southward!” Then the gray-haired, war-famed giver of treasure Was blithesome and joyous, the Bright-Danish ruler Expected assistance; the people’s protector Heard from Beowulf his bold resolution. There was laughter of heroes; loud was the clatter, The words were winsome. Wealhtheow advanced then, Consort of Hrothgar, of courtesy mindful, Gold-decked saluted the men in the building, And the freeborn woman the beaker presented To the lord of the kingdom, first of the East-Danes, Bade him be blithesome when beer was a-flowing, Lief to his liegemen; he lustily tasted Of banquet and beaker, battle-famed ruler. The Helmingish lady then graciously circled ’Mid all the liegemen lesser and greater: Treasure-cups tendered, till time was afforded That the decorous-mooded, diademed folk-queen Might bear to Beowulf the bumper o’errunning; She greeted the Geat-prince, God she did thank, Most wise in her words, that her wish was accomplished, That in any of earlmen she ever should look for Solace in sorrow. He accepted the beaker, Battle-bold warrior, at Wealhtheow’s giving, Then equipped for combat quoth he in measures, Beowulf spake, offspring of Ecgtheow: “I purposed in spirit when I mounted the ocean, When I boarded my boat with a band of my liegemen, I would work to the fullest the will of your people Or in foe’s-clutches fastened fall in the battle. Deeds I shall do of daring and prowess, Or the last of my life-days live in this mead-hall.” These words to the lady were welcome and pleasing, The boast of the Geatman; with gold trappings broidered Went the freeborn folk-queen her fond-lord to sit by. Then again as of yore was heard in the building Courtly discussion, conquerors’ shouting, Heroes were happy, till Healfdene’s son would Go to his slumber to seek for refreshing; For the horrid hell-monster in the hall-building knew he A fight was determined,