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Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: ‘Now we the sea-farers, that have come from afar, desire to say that we are hastening back to Hygelac. And here have we been nobly waited on, and well thou hast treated us. And if I then on earth can gain a whit further greater heart-love from thee, O Lord of men, than I have gained already, in doing war-deeds, thereto I’m right ready. And if I shall hear o’er the sheet of waters that terrors are oppressing those who sit round thee, as erewhile thine enemies were doing upon thee, I will bring here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac, the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, will help me by word and works to bring to thee honour and bear spear to thine aid, the help of strength, if thou hast need of men. And if Hrethric⁴² the Prince’s child should ever take service in the court of the Geat, he may find there many a friend. It is better for him who is doughty himself to be seeking far countries.’

Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow, said: ‘We seafarers have come from far away, and now we wish to say we are hurrying back to Hygelac. We have been generously served here, and you have treated us well. Lord of men, if deeds in battle can earn me any more of your affection, I am ready to act. If I hear across the sea that terrors threaten your people, as your enemies threatened you before, I will return. I will bring a thousand thanes, warriors to help you. I know that Hygelac, Lord of the Geats and guardian of my people, will support me in word and deed. Though young in years, he will help me bring you honor and armed support if you need men. And if Hrethric⁴², the prince’s son, should ever enter service at the Geat court, he may find many friends there. It is better for a brave man to seek out distant lands.’

Hrothgar spake and gave him answer: ‘The all-knowing Lord doth send thee words into thy mind. Never heard I a man speak more wisely, so young in years, thou art strong of main and proud of soul, and of words a wise sayer. I reckon that if it cometh to pass that an arrow or fierce battle should take away the children of Hrethel or disease or sword destroy thy sovereign, the protector of the folk, and thou art still living, that the Sea-Geats will not have to choose any better king, if thou wilt hold the kingdom of the kinsmen. Thou hast brought about peace to the folk of the Geats and the Spear-Danes, and a ceasing of the strife and of the enmity which formerly they suffered. And whilst I am ruling the wide kingdom, treasures shall be in common between us. And many a man shall greet another with gifts over the sea.⁴³ And the ring-necked ship shall bear over the ocean both offerings and love-tokens. I know the two peoples to be steadfast towards friend and foe, and blameless in all things in the old wise.’

Hrothgar answered him: ‘The all-knowing Lord puts words into your mind. I have never heard anyone so young speak more wisely. You are strong in body, proud in spirit, and wise in speech. I believe the Sea-Geats could choose no better king than you, if you agree to rule your people. That is if an arrow or fierce battle takes Hrethel’s children, or disease or a sword kills your king. He is the protector of his people, and you must still be alive. You have brought peace between the Geats and the Spear-Danes. You have ended the conflict and hatred the two peoples once suffered. And as long as I rule this wide kingdom, we will share our treasures. And many people will greet one another with gifts sent across the sea.⁴³ And the ring-necked ship will carry offerings and tokens of love across the ocean. I know both peoples stand firm toward friends and enemies, and are blameless in all things, as of old.’

Then in that hall the prince of the earls, the son of Healfdene, gave him twelve treasures, and bade him be seeking his own people in safety and with the offerings, and quickly to come back again. Then the King, the Prince of the Danes, he of good lineage, kissed the best of thanes, and embraced his neck. And tears were falling down the face of the old man. And the old and wise man had hope of both things, but most of all of the other that they might see each the other, those thoughtful men in council.

Then, in that hall, the leader of the earls, the son of Healfdene, gave him twelve treasures. He told him to return safely to his own people with the gifts and to come back soon. Then the King, the noble-born ruler of the Danes, kissed the finest of his warriors and embraced him. Tears ran down the old man's face. The wise old man hoped for both things, but most of all for the latter: that they might meet again, those two thoughtful men of counsel.

For Beowulf was so dear to him that he could not restrain the whelming in his bosom, but a secret longing fast in the bonds of his soul was burning in his breast against his blood.⁴⁴ So Beowulf the warrior, proud of his golden gifts, went forth o’er the grassy plain rejoicing in treasure. And the sea-goer was awaiting her lord where she lay at anchor. And as he was going he often thought on the gift of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age, that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength.

For Beowulf was so dear to him that he could not hold back the feelings swelling in his chest. But a secret longing, bound deep within his soul, burned in his breast against his blood.⁴⁴ So Beowulf the warrior crossed the grassy plain, proud of his golden gifts and rejoicing in his treasure. His seagoing ship lay at anchor, waiting for her lord. And as Beowulf went, he often thought about Hrothgar’s gift. Hrothgar was a king, blameless in every way, until old age robbed him of the joys of strength. Old age harms many.