m my powerful hands. Nine of these water nixies I
killed. I have never heard of a harder fight, yet from all these
dangers I escaped. I have never been told that you have gone through
such terrible fights. Although your wit be good, I must say in truth
that never had so many princes of Hrothgar's court fallen under
Grendel's stroke, if your courage were as fierce as your tongue.
Grendel fears not the Danes, but kills for pleasure. Now a Goth shall
offer him toil and battle. Afterwards, all who wish may go to the
mead-hall and rejoice."

All the Danes applauded Beowulf's bold words, for they did not like the
jealous prince who had taunted him. The queen, lovely and gracious,
bore the mead-cup to the king, and then to their guest. In kind words
she greeted him: "Glad am I and grateful to God that I may trust in you
for comfort against our sorrow."

Then replied Beowulf, for battle eager: "I alone shall work your
people's safety or bow in death. I shall perform deeds of noble valour
or my last day in this mead-hall await."

These words pleased both Goths and Danes, and applause filled the hall.
When darkness came on, the company arose and greeted one another.
Hrothgar to Beowulf said: "Never before, since I could raise hand to
shield, have I given to any man the Dane's festive hall to guard save
now to thee. Have now and hold the best of houses; keep watch against
our foe. All things shall be yours if you escape with life from the
battle of this night."

The Contest with Grendel

Hrothgar then departed with all his warriors. And Beowulf spoke to his
men: "I do not think myself less in warlike strength than Grendel; so I
will not use the sword or shield, but we two shall fight to-night
without weapons, and God shall give the glory to whom glory belongs."

Around him lay the warriors, sadly thinking they would never see their
homes across the sea again, for so many before that night had been
slain by the cruel Grendel. At last they slept, all but one. The
mighty Beowulf in angry mood awaited the battle.

Now truly it is shown that mighty God rules the race of men. Over the
moor came the shadow-walker stalking. He strode under the clouds until
he saw the golden hall of men. This was not the first time he had come
to the hall of Hrothgar. On the door he rushed. He opened the wide
mouth and trod on the floor. When he saw the men sleeping on the
benches he laughed, thinking how he would take lif