Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/97

Rh Uproar filled Heorot; the hand all had viewed, blood-flecked, she bore with her; bale was returned, dole in the dwellings: ’twas dire exchange where Dane and Geat were doomed to give the lives of loved ones. Long-tried king, the hoary hero, at heart was sad when he knew his noble no more lived, and dead indeed was his dearest thane. To his bower was Beowulf brought in haste, dauntless victor. As daylight broke, along with his earls the atheling lord, with his clansmen, came, where the king abode waiting to see if the Wielder-of-All would turn this tale of trouble and woe. Strode o’er floor the famed-in-strife, with his hand-companions,—the hall resounded,— wishing to greet the wise old king, Ingwines’ lord; he asked if the night had passed in peace to the prince’s mind.

 

Hrothgar spake, helmet-of-Scyldings:— “Ask not of pleasure! Pain is renewed to Danish folk. Dead is Æschere, of Yrmenlaf the elder brother, my sage adviser and stay in council, shoulder-comrade in stress of fight when warriors clashed and we warded our heads, 