Beowulf and Higelac
Then the brave one departed, his band along with him, Seeking the sea-shore, the sea-marches treading, The wide-stretching shores. The world-candle glimmered, The sun from the southward; they proceeded then onward, Early arriving where they heard that the troop-lord, Ongentheow’s slayer, excellent, youthful Folk-prince and warrior was distributing jewels, Close in his castle. The coming of Beowulf Was announced in a message quickly to Higelac, That the folk-troop’s defender forth to the palace The linden-companion alive was advancing, Secure from the combat courtward a-going. The building was early inward made ready For the foot-going guests as the good one had ordered. He sat by the man then who had lived through the struggle, Kinsman by kinsman, when the king of the people Had in lordly language saluted the dear one, In words that were formal. The daughter of Haereth Coursed through the building, carrying mead-cups: She loved the retainers, tendered the beakers To the high-minded Geatmen. Higelac ’gan then Pleasantly plying his companion with questions In the high-towering palace. A curious interest Tormented his spirit, what meaning to see in The Sea-Geats’ adventures: “Beowulf worthy, How throve your journeying, when thou thoughtest suddenly Far o’er the salt-streams to seek an encounter, A battle at Heorot? Hast bettered for Hrothgar, The famous folk-leader, his far-published sorrows Any at all? In agony-billows I mused upon torture, distrusted the journey Of the belovèd liegeman; I long time did pray thee By no means to seek out the murderous spirit, To suffer the South-Danes themselves to decide on Grappling with Grendel. To God I am thankful To be suffered to see thee safe from thy journey.” Beowulf answered, bairn of old Ecgtheow: “ ’Tis hidden by no means, Higelac chieftain, From many of men, the