From the bride-bower wended, the warder of ring-hoards,

All glorious he trod and a mickle troop had he,

He for choice ways beknown; and his Queen therewithal

Meted the mead-path with a meyny of maidens.

[ XV. KING HROTHGAR AND HIS THANES LOOK ON THE ARM OF GRENDEL. CONVERSE BETWIXT HROTHGAR AND BEOWULF CONCERNING THE BATTLE.]

Out then spake Hrothgar; for he to the hall went,

By the staple a-standing the steep roof he saw

Shining fair with the gold, and the hand there of Grendel:

For this sight that I see to the All-wielder thanks

Befall now forthwith, for foul evil I bided,