XXVII

And also that jewels be shared while I govern The wide-stretching kingdom, and that many shall visit Others o’er the ocean with excellent gift-gems: The ring-adorned bark shall bring o’er the currents Presents and love-gifts. This people I know Tow’rd foeman and friend firmly established, After ancient etiquette everywise blameless.” Then the warden of earlmen gave him still farther, Kinsman of Healfdene, a dozen of jewels, Bade him safely seek with the presents His well-beloved people, early returning. Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished, Dear-lovèd liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him, And claspèd his neck; tears from him fell, From the gray-headed man: he two things expected, Agèd and reverend, but rather the second, That bold in council they’d meet thereafter. The man was so dear that he failed to suppress the Emotions that moved him, but in mood-fetters fastened The long-famous hero longeth in secret Deep in his spirit for the dear-beloved man Though not a blood-kinsman. Beowulf thenceward, Gold-splendid warrior, walked o’er the meadows Exulting in treasure: the sea-going vessel Riding at anchor awaited its owner. As they pressed on their way then, the present of Hrothgar Was frequently referred to: a folk-king indeed that Everyway blameless, till age did debar him The joys of his might, which hath many oft injured.