The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,
War-troopers' leader, and word-treasure opened:

{We are Geats.}

"We are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,
And Higelac's hearth-friends. To heroes unnumbered

{My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day.}

5 My father was known, a noble head-warrior
Ecgtheow titled; many a winter
He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,
Old from his dwelling; each of the counsellors
Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.

{Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest.}

10 We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,
The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,
[11] Folk-troop's defender: be free in thy counsels!
To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,
The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween,

{Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes?}

15 Naught of our message. Thou know'st if it happen,
As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,
Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky