Coursed through the building, carrying mead-cups:[1]

She loved the retainers, tendered the beakers

To the high-minded Geatmen. Higelac ’gan then

Pleasantly plying his companion with questions

In the high-towering palace. A curious interest

Tormented his spirit, what meaning to see in

The Sea-Geats’ adventures: “Beowulf worthy,

How throve your journeying, when thou thoughtest suddenly

Far o’er the salt-streams to seek an encounter,

A battle at Heorot? Hast bettered for Hrothgar,