Hrothgar Lavishes Gifts Upon His Deliverer
Then straight was ordered that Heorot inside With hands be embellished: a host of them gathered, Of men and women, who the wassailing-building The guest-hall begeared. Gold-flashing sparkled Webs on the walls then, of wonders a many To each of the heroes that look on such objects. The beautiful building was broken to pieces Which all within with irons was fastened, Its hinges torn off: only the roof was Whole and uninjured when the horrible creature Outlawed for evil off had betaken him, Hopeless of living. ’Tis hard to avoid it (Whoever will do it!); but he doubtless must come to The place awaiting, as Wyrd hath appointed, Soul-bearers, earth-dwellers, earls under heaven, Where bound on its bed his body shall slumber When feasting is finished. Full was the time then That the son of Healfdene went to the building; The excellent atheling would eat of the banquet. Ne’er heard I that people with hero-band larger Bare them better tow’rds their bracelet-bestower. The laden-with-glory stooped to the bench then (Their kinsmen-companions in plenty were joyful, Many a cupful quaffing complaisantly), Doughty of spirit in the high-tow’ring palace, Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot then inside Was filled with friendly ones; falsehood and treachery The Folk-Scyldings now nowise did practise. Then the offspring of Healfdene offered to Beowulf A golden standard, as reward for the victory, A banner embossed, burnie and helmet; Many men saw then a song-famous weapon Borne ’fore the hero. Beowulf drank of The cup in the building; that treasure-bestowing He needed not blush for in battle-men’s presence. Ne’er heard I that many men on the ale-bench In friendlier fashion to their fellows presented Four bright jewels with gold-work embellished. ’Round the roof of the helmet a head-guarder outside Braided with wires, with bosses was furnished,