Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/118

102 more of thy love, O lord of men, aught anew, than I now have done, for work of war I am willing still! If it come to me ever across the seas that neighbor foemen annoy and fright thee,— as they that hate thee erewhile have used,— thousands then of thanes I shall bring, heroes to help thee. Of Hygelac I know, ward of his folk, that, though few his years, the lord of the Geats will give me aid by word and by work, that well I may serve thee, wielding the war-wood to win thy triumph and lending thee might when thou lackest men. If thy Hrethric should, come to court of Geats, a sovran’s son, he will surely there find his friends. A far-off land each man should visit who vaunts him brave.” Him then answering, Hrothgar spake:— “These words of thine the wisest God sent to thy soul! No sager counsel from so young in years e’er yet have I heard. Thou art strong of main and in mind art wary, art wise in words! I ween indeed if ever it hap that Hrethel’s heir by spear be seized, by sword-grim battle,