Exulting in strength, what erst he had spoken
Drunken with wine, when the weapon he lent to
A sword-hero bolder; himself did not venture
’Neath the strife of the currents his life to endanger,
To fame-deeds perform; there he forfeited glory,
Repute for his strength. Not so with the other
When he clad in his corslet had equipped him for battle.
[XXIII.]
BEOWULF’S FIGHT WITH GRENDEL’S MOTHER.
Beowulf spake, Ecgtheow’s son: