{Unferth asks Beowulf to accept his sword as a gift.  Beowulf thanks him.}

          Offspring of Ecglaf, off to bear Hrunting,
          To take his weapon, his well-beloved iron;
          He him thanked for the gift, saying good he accounted
       65 The war-friend and mighty, nor chid he with words then
          The blade of the brand:  ’twas a brave-mooded hero. 
          When the warriors were ready, arrayed in their trappings,
          The atheling dear to the Danemen advanced then
          On to the dais, where the other was sitting,
       70 Grim-mooded hero, greeted King Hrothgar.

[1] K. says ’proudly giveth.’—­Gr. says, ’And gives no gold-plated rings, in order to incite the recipient to boastfulness.’—­B. suggests ‘gyld’ for ‘gylp,’ and renders:  And gives no beaten rings for reward.

    [2] If S.’s emendation be accepted, v. 57 will read:  Then came the
    light, going bright after darkness:  the warriors, etc.

[3] As the passage stands in H.-So., Unferth presents Beowulf with the sword Hrunting, and B. thanks him for the gift.  If, however, the suggestions of Grdtvg. and M. be accepted, the passage will read:  Then the brave one (i.e._ Beowulf) commanded that Hrunting be borne to the son of Ecglaf (Unferth), bade him take his sword, his dear weapon; he (B.) thanked him (U.) for the loan, etc_.

XXVII.

SORROW AT PARTING.

{Beowulf’s farewell.}

          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
        5 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

{I shall be ever ready to aid thee.}

       10 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.

{My liegelord will encourage me in aiding thee.}

          I know as to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen,
       15 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,
[63] 20 Bairn of the king, at the court of the Geatmen,
          He thereat may find him friends in abundance: