Foes I escaped from, where five I had bound, The giant-race wasted, in the waters destroying The nickers 14 by night, bore numberless sorrows, The Weders avenged (woes had they suffered) Enemies ravaged; alone now with Grendel I shall manage the matter, with the monster of evil, The giant, decide it. Thee I would therefore Beg of thy bounty, Bright-Danish chieftain, Lord of the Scyldings, this single petition: Not to refuse me, defender of warriors, Friend-lord of folks, so far have I sought thee, That I may unaided, my earlmen assisting me, This brave-mooded war-band, purify Heorot. I have heard on inquiry, the horrible creature From veriest rashness recks not for weapons; I this do scorn then, so be Higelac gracious, My liegelord belovèd, lenient of spirit, To bear a blade or a broad-fashioned target, A shield to the onset; only with hand-grip The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then,