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A hero is hired to kill a monster that has been plaguing the land.

Page 72 of 103
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XXIX

meeting so famous, What mournful moments of me and of Grendel Were passed in the place where he pressing affliction On the Victory-Scyldings scathefully brought, Anguish forever; that all I avengèd, So that any under heaven of the kinsmen of Grendel Needeth not boast of that cry-in-the-morning, Who longest liveth of the loth-going kindred, Encompassed by moorland. I came in my journey To the royal ring-hall, Hrothgar to greet there: Soon did the famous scion of Healfdene, When he understood fully the spirit that led me, Assign me a seat with the son of his bosom. The troop was in joyance; mead-glee greater ’Neath arch of the ether not ever beheld I ’Mid hall-building holders. The highly-famed queen, Peace-tie of peoples, oft passed through the building, Cheered the young troopers; she oft tendered a hero A beautiful ring-band, ere she went to her sitting. Oft the daughter of Hrothgar in view of the courtiers To the earls at the end the ale-vessel carried, Whom Freaware I heard then hall-sitters title, When nail-adorned jewels she gave to the heroes: Gold-bedecked, youthful, to the glad son of Froda Her faith has been plighted; the friend of the Scyldings, The guard of the kingdom, hath given his sanction, And counts it a vantage, for a part of the quarrels, A portion of hatred, to pay with the woman. Somewhere not rarely, when the ruler has fallen, The life-taking lance relaxeth its fury For a brief breathing-spell, though the bride be charming!

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