XIX

Weird they knew not, destiny cruel, As to many an earlman early it happened, When evening had come and Hrothgar had parted Off to his manor, the mighty to slumber. Warriors unnumbered warded the building As erst they did often: the ale-settle bared they, ’Twas covered all over with beds and pillows. Doomed unto death, down to his slumber Bowed then a beer-thane. Their battle-shields placed they, Bright-shining targets, up by their heads then; O’er the atheling on ale-bench ’twas easy to see there Battle-high helmet, burnie of ring-mail, And mighty war-spear. ’Twas the wont of that people To constantly keep them equipped for the battle, At home or marching⁠—in either condition⁠— At seasons just such as necessity ordered As best for their ruler; that people was worthy.