seizing thirty thanes as they slept, set off on his homeward
journey, exulting in his booty.

At break of day his deed was known to all men, and great was the grief
among the thanes. The good King Hrothgar also sat in sorrow, suffering
heavy distress for the death of his warriors.

Not long afterwards Grendel again appeared, and wrought a yet worse deed
of murder. After that the warriors no longer dared to sleep at Heorot,
but sought out secret resting-places, leaving the great house empty.

A long time passed. For the space of twelve winters Grendel waged a
perpetual feud against Hrothgar and his people; the livelong night he
roamed over the misty moors, visiting Heorot, and destroying both the
tried warriors and the young men whenever he was able. Hrothgar was
broken-hearted, and many were the councils held in secret to deliberate
what it were best to do against these fearful terrors; but nothing
availed to stop the fiend's ravages.

Now the tale of Grendel's deeds went forth into many lands; and amongst
those who heard of it were the Geats, whose king was Higelac. Chief of
his thanes was a noble and powerful warrior named Beowulf, who resolved
to go to the help of the Danes. He bade his men make ready a good
sea-boat, that he might go across the wild swan's path to seek out
Hrothgar and aid him; and his people encouraged him to go on that
dangerous errand even though he was dear to them.

So Beowulf chose fourteen of his keenest warriors, and sailed away over
the waves in his well-equipped vessel, till he came within sight of the
cliffs and mountains of Hrothgar's kingdom. The Danish warder, who kept
guard over the coast, saw them as they were making their ship fast and
carrying their bright weapons on shore. So he mounted his horse and rode
to meet them, bearing in his hand his staff of office; and he questioned
them closely as to whence they came and what their business was.

Then Beowulf explained their errand, and the warder, when he had heard
it, bade them pass onwards, bearing their weapons, and gave orders that
their ship should be safely guarded.

Soon they came within sight of the fair palace Heorot, and the warder
showed them the way to Hrothgar's court, and then bade them farewell,
and returned to keep watch upon the coast.

Then the bold thanes marched forward to Heorot, their armor and their
weapons glittering as they went. Entering the hall, they set their
shields and bucklers against the walls