There was hurry and hest in Heorot now for hands
to bedeck it, and dense was the throng of men and
women the wine-hall to cleanse, the guest-room to
garnish. Gold-gay shone the hangings that were
wove on the wall, and wonders many to delight each
mortal that looks upon them. Though braced within
by iron bands, that building bright was broken sorely;
{15a} rent were its hinges; the roof alone held safe
and sound, when, seared with crime, the fiendish foe
his flight essayed, of life despairing. —
No light thing that, the flight for safety, —
essay it who will! Forced of fate, he shall find
his way to the refuge ready for race of man, for
soul-possessors, and sons of earth; and there his
body on bed of death shall rest after revel.
Arrived was the hour when to hall proceeded Healfdene’s
son: the king himself would sit to banquet.
Ne’er heard I of host in haughtier throng more
graciously gathered round giver-of-rings! Bowed
then to bench those bearers-of-glory, fain of the
feasting. Featly received many a mead-cup the
mighty-in-spirit, kinsmen who sat in the sumptuous
hall, Hrothgar and Hrothulf. Heorot now was
filled with friends; the folk of Scyldings ne’er
yet had tried the traitor’s deed. To Beowulf
gave the bairn of Healfdene a gold-wove banner, guerdon
of triumph, broidered battle-flag, breastplate and
helmet; and a splendid sword was seen of many borne
to the brave one. Beowulf took cup in hall:
{15b} for such costly gifts he suffered no shame
in that soldier throng. For I heard of few heroes,
in heartier mood, with four such gifts, so fashioned
with gold, on the ale-bench honoring others thus!
O’er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge, wound
with wires, kept ward o’er the head, lest the
relict-of-files {15c} should fierce invade, sharp
in the strife, when that shielded hero should go to
grapple against his foes. Then the earls’-defence
{15d} on the floor {15e} bade lead coursers eight,
with carven head-gear, adown the hall: one horse
was decked with a saddle all shining and set in jewels;
’twas the battle-seat of the best of kings,
when to play of swords the son of Healfdene was fain
to fare. Ne’er failed his valor in the
crush of combat when corpses fell. To Beowulf
over them both then gave the refuge-of-Ingwines right
and power, o’er war-steeds and weapons:
wished him joy of them. Manfully thus the mighty
prince, hoard-guard for heroes, that hard fight repaid
with steeds and treasures contemned by none who is
willing to say the sooth aright.
XVI
And the lord of earls, to each that came with
Beowulf over the briny ways, an heirloom there at
the ale-bench gave, precious gift; and the price {16a}
bade pay in gold for him whom Grendel erst murdered,
— and fain of them more had killed, had
not wisest God their Wyrd averted, and the man’s
{16b} brave mood. The Maker then ruled human
kind, as here and now. Therefore is insight always
best, and forethought of mind. How much awaits
him of lief and of loath, who long time here, through
days of warfare this world endures!
