Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/131

Rh Healfdene’s heir, for my own disposal. Now to thee, my prince, I proffer them all, gladly give them. Thy grace alone can find me favor. Few indeed have I of kinsmen, save, Hygelac, thee!” Then he bade them bear him the boar-head standard, the battle-helm high, and breastplate gray, the splendid sword; then spake in form:— “Me this war-gear the wise old prince, Hrothgar, gave, and his best he added, that its story be straightway said to thee. — A while it was held by Heorogar king, for long time lord of the land of Scyldings; yet not to his son the sovran left it, to daring Heoroweard,—dear as he was to him, his harness of battle.—Well hold thou it all!” And I heard that soon passed o’er the path of this treasure, all apple-fallow, four good steeds, each like the others; arms and horses he gave to the king. So should kinsmen be, not weave one another the net of wiles, or with deep-hid treachery death contrive