The ring-sword radiant rang 'mid the armor
5 As the party was approaching the palace together

{They set their arms and armor against the wall.}

In warlike equipments. 'Gainst the wall of the building
Their wide-fashioned war-shields they weary did set then,
[13] Battle-shields sturdy; benchward they turned then;
Their battle-sarks rattled, the gear of the heroes;
10 The lances stood up then, all in a cluster,
The arms of the seamen, ashen-shafts mounted
With edges of iron: the armor-clad troopers

{A Danish hero asks them whence and why they are come.}

Were decked with weapons. Then a proud-mooded hero
Asked of the champions questions of lineage:
15 "From what borders bear ye your battle-shields plated,
Gilded and gleaming, your gray-colored burnies,
Helmets with visors and heap of war-lances?--
To Hrothgar the king I am servant and liegeman.
'Mong folk from far-lands found I have never

{He expresses no little admiration for the strangers.}

20 Men so many of mien more courageous.
I ween that from valor, nowise as outlaws,
But from greatness of soul ye sought for King Hrothgar."

{Beowulf replies.}