Beowulf 47He sat by the man then who had lived through the struggle
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Literature · Poetry
Beowulf 47
He sat by the man then who had lived through the struggle
HallEnglish
Kinsman by kinsman, when the king of the people
Had in lordly language saluted the dear one,
{Queen Hygd receives the heroes.}
In words that were formal. The daughter of Hæreth
Coursed through the building, carrying mead-cups:
20 She loved the retainers, tendered the beakers
To the high-minded Geatmen. Higelac 'gan then
{Higelac is greatly interested in Beowulf's adventures.}
Pleasantly plying his companion with questions
In the high-towering palace. A curious interest
Tormented his spirit, what meaning to see in
25 The Sea-Geats' adventures: "Beowulf worthy,
{Give an account of thy adventures, Beowulf dear.}
How throve your journeying, when thou thoughtest suddenly
Far o'er the salt-streams to seek an encounter,
A battle at Heorot? Hast bettered for Hrothgar,
The famous folk-leader, his far-published sorrows
30 Any at all? In agony-billows
{My suspense has been great.}
I mused upon torture, distrusted the journey
Of the belovèd liegeman; I long time did pray thee
By no means to seek out the murderous spirit,
To suffer the South-Danes themselves to decide on
35 Grappling with Grendel. To God I am thankful
To be suffered to see thee safe from thy journey."
{Beowulf narrates his adventures.}
Beowulf answered, bairn of old Ecgtheow:
"'Tis hidden by no means, Higelac chieftain,
From many of men, the meeting so famous,
40 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
