But for high might of mind, ye to Hrothgar have sought.

Unto him then the heart-hardy answer'd and spake,

The proud earl of the Weders the word gave aback,

The hardy neath helm: Now of Hygelac are we

The board-fellows; Beowulf e'en is my name,

And word will I say unto Healfdene's son,

To the mighty, the folk-lord, what errand is mine,

Yea unto thy lord, if to us he will grant it

That him, who so good is, anon we may greet.

Spake Wulfgar the word, a lord of the Wendels,