XV
The order was given at once to heal
Heorot's hurts, and many hands,
men and women, prepared the guest-hall.
All admired the glittering hangings
threaded with gold that adorned the walls.
But that bright building was sadly broken:
though iron bands held the inner walls,
Grendel's death-flight had burst the doors
out of their hinges, and only the roof
remained unharmed.
But it isn't easy
to flee from death. No one escapes
its grim summons: each soul on earth
lays his body at last on the death-bed,
to sleep after feasting.
When it was time
the Half-Dane's son entered the hall.
I never heard that a greater company
sat in such style with their ring-giver.
Famous men came to the benches
eager for feasting, and took with grace
many full mead cups, and the noble brothers
Hrothgar and Hrothulf reigned in the hall,
glad among friends. Treachery then
had no place among the Scyldings.
To honour his victory, Beowulf was given
the Half-Dane's sword, his helm and mailshirt
and a gold banner, richly embroidered.
All eyes watched as the famous blade
was brought before him. Beowulf's cup
was full indeed: there was no shame
in this rich gift-giving. Not many men
have handed in friendship four such treasures
across the ale-bench. The helmet's crest
was wound with wire, guarding its crown
against any sword that sought its temper
in savage battle. The king then ordered
eight horses with gilded bridles
into the hall. One bore a saddle
rich with jewels: this was the battle-seat
of the high king, when Half-Dane's son
led his men into deadly sword-play,
and it never failed him. All these prizes,
arms and horses, Hrothgar handed him,
bidding Beowulf to use them well.
So the famed chieftain paid like a man
the debt of battle in horses and treasures,
and no true tongue could fault his act.
--
Editor, Masthead: http://www.masthead.net.au
Blog: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com
Home page: http://www.alisoncroggon.com
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