This heard in his home Hygelac’s thane, great
among Geats, of Grendel’s doings. He was
the mightiest man of valor in that same day of this
our life, stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker
he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he,
far o’er the swan-road he fain would seek, the
noble monarch who needed men! The prince’s
journey by prudent folk was little blamed, though
they loved him dear; they whetted the hero, and hailed
good omens. And now the bold one from bands of
Geats comrades chose, the keenest of warriors e’er
he could find; with fourteen men the sea-wood {3a}
he sought, and, sailor proved, led them on to the
land’s confines. Time had now flown; {3b}
afloat was the ship, boat under bluff. On board
they climbed, warriors ready; waves were churning
sea with sand; the sailors bore on the breast of the
bark their bright array, their mail and weapons:
the men pushed off, on its willing way, the well-braced
craft. Then moved o’er the waters by might
of the wind that bark like a bird with breast of foam,
till in season due, on the second day, the curved
prow such course had run that sailors now could see
the land, sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills, headlands
broad. Their haven was found, their journey ended.
Up then quickly the Weders’ {3c} clansmen climbed
ashore, anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing
and gear of battle: God they thanked or passing
in peace o’er the paths of the sea. Now
saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman, a warden that
watched the water-side, how they bore o’er the
gangway glittering shields, war-gear in readiness;
wonder seized him to know what manner of men they
were. Straight to the strand his steed he rode,
Hrothgar’s henchman; with hand of might he shook
his spear, and spake in parley. “Who are
ye, then, ye armed men, mailed folk, that yon mighty
vessel have urged thus over the ocean ways, here
o’er the waters? A warden I, sentinel set
o’er the sea-march here, lest any foe to the
folk of Danes with harrying fleet should harm the
land. No aliens ever at ease thus bore them,
linden-wielders: {3d} yet word-of-leave clearly
ye lack from clansmen here, my folk’s agreement.
— A greater ne’er saw I of warriors
in world than is one of you, — yon hero
in harness! No henchman he worthied by weapons,
if witness his features, his peerless presence!
I pray you, though, tell your folk and home, lest
hence ye fare suspect to wander your way as spies
in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, ocean-travellers,
take from me simple advice: the sooner the better
I hear of the country whence ye came.”
