Then my tribesmen instructed me, the best of our wise men, that I should seek you, Prince Hrothgar, because they knew my skillful power, they observed it themselves when I came back from sorties, splattered by my enemies, where I bound up five warriors, and destroyed a tribe of giants, and among the waves struck down water-beasts by night, enduring many close calls, avenging malice against the Weders—they asked for their woes— I ground down our oppressors and now, against Grendel, I must pay him back alone, that wretched monster, that demon. Nor have I heard a man more wise in making arrangements at such a young age. There he received a mortal blow for his hospitality, by the swinging of swords, the son of Hygelac, and soon the son of Ongentheow came seeking a home after Heardred lay dead, letting Beowulf control the king-throne, and rule over the Geats— and he was a good king— Beowulf remembered requital for that blow to his people in later days—he made friends with the wretched Eadgils, supporting his side across the broad sea, the son of Ohthere, with warriors and weapons. Now the day has come when our lord has need of strength, of good battle-warriors.
Then that man hailed the other, Hrothgar to Beowulf, and bid him fair fortune, ceding him care of the wine-hall, and speaking these words: Never have I before yielded up to any man, ever since I could control hand and shield, this majestic hall of the Danes, save to you right now. Be blessed so long as you live, noble prince. Then that hooped blade, that battle-bill burned up, when that blood burst out, the hottest of war-sweat. Swiftly there was the harbor-watch ready at the shore, who for a long time had looked out for those beloved men, eager at the ocean. Now it is the people’s expectation for a time of war when the secret is revealed to the Franks and the Frisians, the downfall of our king becomes blazoned about.