Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/50

34 linden-wielders: yet word-of-leave clearly ye lack from clansmen here, my folk’s agreement.—A greater ne’er saw I of warriors in world than is one of you,— yon hero in harness! No henchman he worthied by weapons, if witness his features, his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fare suspect to wander your way as spies in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, ocean-travellers, take from me simple advice: the sooner the better I hear of the country whence ye came.”

  To him the stateliest spake in answer; the warriors’ leader his word-hoard unlocked:— “We are by kin of the clan of Geats, and Hygelac’s own hearth-fellows we. To folk afar was my father known, noble atheling, Ecgtheow named. Full of winters, he fared away agéd from earth; he is honored still through width of the world by wise men all. To thy lord and liege in loyal mood we hasten hither, to Healfdene’s son, people-protector: be pleased to advise us! To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, 