The Warder of the Shore
A warder of Hrothgar, guarding the seashore, saw these warlike men and wondered why they came. Shaking his spear, he cried: “Who are you? Why come you over the seas in a giant ship, bearing arms into our land? Haste to make known whence is your coming!”
Then Beowulf answered: “We are of the Goths; Hygelac is our king. My father was a noble chief. All wise men through the earth remember him. We have come in kindness to your lord and to defend him. For we have heard that a foul fiend spreads terror through your land and in the darkness slays your thanes. We would overcome this foe to joy.”
Then the warder spake: “A warrior wise should know the difference between words and works. But I perceive that you are a friendly band. I will bid my fellows guard your ship against every foe, and then I will direct you.” So with their guide the warlike men hastened until they saw the shining roof of the great hall. Their ringed armour rang as they walked.
At last the warriors came to the entrance of the hall. Here, on a bench, they sat until some one should bid them welcome.
Soon came the warder of the hall, a princely chief. “Whence bear you the stout spears and war-shields? Great men and proud you seem, and methinks you plan great deeds.”
Then the proud lord, the leader, spoke: “Beowulf is my name. I will relate my errand to your prince if he will grant that we may greet him.”
Replied the Dane: “I will seek the king and tell him of your coming.” Quickly he came to Hrothgar, sitting with his wise men, and told him of the strangers, praising the hardy warriors. Kindly spoke the king: “Glad am I that Beowulf and his brave Goths have come thus to our shores. For I have heard he has the strength of thirty in his hand-grip. Him God in his great mercy has sent to us. Hasten, bid them come in! Tell them that they are welcome guests to the Danes.”