Hrothgar’s Gratitude
Hrothgar discoursed (to the hall-building went he, He stood by the pillar, saw the steep-rising hall-roof Gleaming with gold-gems, and Grendel his hand there): “For the sight we behold now, thanks to the Wielder Early be offered! Much evil I bided, Snaring from Grendel: God can e’er ’complish Wonder on wonder, Wielder of Glory! But lately I reckoned ne’er under heaven Comfort to gain me for any of sorrows, While the handsomest of houses horrid with bloodstain Gory uptowered; grief had offfrightened Each of the wise ones who weened not that ever The folk-troop’s defences ’gainst foes they should strengthen, ’Gainst sprites and monsters. Through the might of the Wielder A doughty retainer hath a deed now accomplished Which erstwhile we all with our excellent wisdom Failed to perform. May affirm very truly What woman soever in all of the nations Gave birth to the child, if yet she surviveth, That the long-ruling Lord was lavish to herward In the birth of the bairn. Now, Beowulf dear, Most excellent hero, I’ll love thee in spirit As bairn of my body; bear well henceforward The relationship new. No lack shall befall thee Of earth-joys any I ever can give thee. Full often for lesser service I’ve given Hero less hardy hoard-treasure precious, To a weaker in war-strife. By works of distinction Thou hast gained for thyself now that thy glory shall flourish Forever and ever. The All-Ruler quite thee With good from His hand as He hitherto did thee!” Beowulf answered, Ecgtheow’s offspring: “That labor of glory most gladly achieved we, The combat accomplished, unquailing we ventured The enemy’s grapple; I would grant it much rather Thou wert able to look at the creature in person, Faint unto falling, the foe in his trappings! On murder-bed quickly I minded to bind him, With firm-holding fetters, that forced by my grapple Low he