Gift-Giving Is Mutual
“So the belovèd land-prince lived in decorum; I had missed no rewards, no meeds of my prowess, But he gave me jewels, regarding my wishes, Healfdene his bairn; I’ll bring them to thee, then, Atheling of earlmen, offer them gladly. And still unto thee is all my affection: But few of my folk-kin find I surviving But thee, dear Higelac!” Bade he in then to carry The boar-image, banner, battle-high helmet, Iron-gray armor, the excellent weapon, In song-measures said: “This suit-for-the-battle Hrothgar presented me, bade me expressly, Wise-mooded atheling, thereafter to tell thee The whole of its history, said King Heregar owned it, Dane-prince for long: yet he wished not to give then The mail to his son, though dearly he loved him, Hereward the hardy. Hold all in joyance!” I heard that there followed hard on the jewels Two braces of stallions of striking resemblance, Dappled and yellow; he granted him usance Of horses and treasures. So a kinsman should bear him, No web of treachery weave for another, Nor by cunning craftiness cause the destruction Of trusty companion. Most precious to Higelac, The bold one in battle, was the bairn of his sister, And each unto other mindful of favors. I am told that to Hygd he proffered the necklace, Wonder-gem rare that Wealhtheow gave him, The troop-leader’s daughter, a trio of horses Slender and saddle-bright; soon did the jewel Embellish her bosom, when the beer-feast was over. So Ecgtheow’s bairn brave did prove him, War-famous man, by deeds that were valiant, He lived in honor, belovèd companions Slew not carousing; his mood was not cruel, But by hand-strength hugest of heroes then living The brave one retained the bountiful gift that The Lord had allowed him. Long was he wretched, So that sons of the Geatmen accounted him worthless, And the lord of the liegemen loth was to do him Mickle of honor, when