Hail! We have heard tales sung of the Spear-Danes.
The glory of their war-kings in days gone by,
How princely nobles performed heroes’ deeds!
The men shoved off
The well-bound vessel, for the much-sought voyage.
The foamy-necked boat, most like a bird,
Soared over the waves, made eager by wind—
Then was bold Hrothgar given battle-success,
honor in warfare, so his comrades in combat
followed him eagerly, until the youths grew
to a great warrior band.
The men made haste,
marching together, till they might see
the timbered hall, grand and gold-adorned,
the greatest of buildings among earth dwellers,
of all under heaven.
