[XXXI.]

GIFT-GIVING IS MUTUAL.

“So the belovèd land-prince lived in decorum;

I had missed no rewards, no meeds of my prowess,

But he gave me jewels, regarding my wishes,

Healfdene his bairn; I’ll bring them to thee, then,

Atheling of earlmen, offer them gladly.

And still unto thee is all my affection:[1]

But few of my folk-kin find I surviving

But thee, dear Higelac!” Bade he in then to carry[2]