eat king, said wisely: "Brave men go to war with
care and after deep thought. Not easy is the way over the sea; not
easy is the contest with the evil Grendel. But to fight for a good
cause and to nobly win or nobly die is the best a man can do. Proud is
my heart when I see so many brave men ready to overcome the evil
monster or to die fighting, but all may not venture. Go, my cousin and
my thane," he said to Beowulf, "and make thy name famous in all places
where honour is loved."

[Illustration: THE DEPARTURE OF BEOWULF]

Beowulf thanked his king and chose fourteen of his bravest warriors to
go with him. They prepared the strong ship and found a pilot who knew
the road the swans take, and who could safely guide the boat. The
warriors made their weapons bright and carried them to the ship. The
men shoved the boat from the shore. The sails were raised, and, driven
by the wind, the boat flew over the foamy waves.

On the second day the voyagers saw the shining ocean-shore. The
sea-farer was at the end of the watery way. Quickly the men stepped
out upon the plain. They tied the sea-wood, shook their shirts of
mail, and thanked God that to them the wave paths had been easy.

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."

[Illustration: THE LANDING OF BEOWULF IN HROTHGAR'S REALM]

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
t