Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/92

76 young men together: the Geat, too, sat there, Beowulf brave, the brothers between.

 

A cup she gave him, with kindly greeting and winsome words. Of wounden gold, she offered, to honor him, arm-jewels twain, corselet and rings, and of collars the noblest that ever I knew the earth around. Ne’er heard I so mighty, ’neath heaven’s dome, a hoard-gem of heroes, since Hama bore to his bright-built burg the Brisings’ necklace, jewel and gem casket.—Jealousy fled he, Eormenric’s hate: chose help eternal. Hygelac Geat, grandson of Swerting, on the last of his raids this ring bore with him, under his banner the booty defending, the war-spoil warding; but Wyrd o’er whelmed him what time, in his daring, dangers he sought, feud with Frisians. Fairest of gems 