"You marvel what can bring grief to the great king and his merry thanes? In all the broad lands there is but one who does not wish long life and joy to the king. This is Grendel. No man is he, but a monster whose heart is filled with wickedness. Laughter and happiness are strangers to him, and he hates all beauty and goodness.
"Far in a lake, dark, poisonous, and surrounded by a marsh, does Grendel live. When he heard the songs and sounds of joy in the great hall, he smiled grimly to think how he would turn their joy to gloom, their songs to groans. So, in the darkness, from his horrid home the monster crept up to the wondrous hall. There slept the warriors, little dreaming of evil. A score and ten the monster slew, then strode away, howling defiance to the king.
"When the sleeping thanes awoke and found their comrades slain, sad were they all at heart. Night after night the monster came and slew, and fear seized every heart. In all homes were cries of grief for the dead, and men knew not where to go for safety.
"This is the woe of the Danes, for none can battle with a monster of the deep. No one has ever seen this ugly shape, for he comes always in the darkness and when no one looks for him. Everywhere has the great king sought help, but none can be found. Hrothgar sits weeping for his brave comrades in the hall he built for their comfort and joy."
Beowulf and his Men
When the harper had ceased, the hall was still. All voices were hushed for they grieved at the sorrow of the good Hrothgar. Then the brave Beowulf cried out: "Give me leave, O king! Let me go to Hrothgar and free his land from this monster so wicked and fearsome." The other thanes applauded his words and cried: "Take us with you!"
But Hygelac, the great king, said wisely: "Brave men go to war with care and after deep thought. Not easy is the way over the sea; not easy is the contest with the evil Grendel. But to fight for a good cause and to nobly win or nobly die is the best a man can do. Proud is my heart when I see so many brave men ready to overcome the evil monster or to die fighting, but all may not venture. Go, my cousin and my thane," he said to Beowulf, "and make thy name famous in all places where honour is loved."
