245linden-wielders:[1] yet word-of-leave
clearly ye lack from clansmen here,
my folk’s agreement.—A greater ne’er saw I
of warriors in world than is one of you,—
yon hero in harness! No henchman he
250worthied by weapons, if witness his features,
his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell
your folk and home, lest hence ye fare
suspect to wander your way as spies
in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar,
255ocean-travellers, take from me
simple advice: the sooner the better
I hear of the country whence ye came.”
IV
To him the stateliest[2] spake in answer;
the warriors’ leader his word-hoard unlocked:—
260“We are by kin of the clan of Geats,
and Hygelac’s own hearth-fellows we.
To folk afar was my father known,
noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.
Full of winters, he fared away
265agéd from earth; he is honored still
through width of the world by wise men all.
To thy lord and liege in loyal mood
we hasten hither, to Healfdene’s son,
people-protector: be pleased to advise us!
270To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand,
