Sorrow at Parting
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow’s offspring: “We men of the water wish to declare now Fared from far-lands, we’re firmly determined To seek King Higelac. Here have we fitly Been welcomed and feasted, as heart would desire it; Good was the greeting. If greater affection I am anywise able ever on earth to Gain at thy hands, ruler of heroes, Than yet I have done, I shall quickly be ready For combat and conflict. O’er the course of the waters Learn I that neighbors alarm thee with terror, As haters did whilom, I hither will bring thee For help unto heroes henchmen by thousands. I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen, Though young in years, he yet will permit me, By words and by works, ward of the people, Fully to furnish thee forces and bear thee My lance to relieve thee, if liegemen shall fail thee, And help of my hand-strength; if Hrethric be treating, Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen, He thereat may find him friends in abundance: Faraway countries he were better to seek for Who trusts in himself.” Hrothgar discoursed then, Making rejoinder: “These words thou hast uttered All-knowing God hath given thy spirit! Ne’er heard I an earlman thus early in life More clever in speaking: thou’rt cautious of spirit, Mighty of muscle, in mouth-answers prudent. I count on the hope that, happen it ever That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel’s descendant, Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon Deprive thee of prince, of people’s protector, And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them, Gem-ward of heroes, than thou mightest prove thee, If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern. Thy mood-spirit likes me the longer the better, Beowulf dear: thou hast brought it to pass that To both these peoples peace shall be common, To Geat-folk and Danemen, the strife be suspended, The secret assailings they suffered in yore-days;