"But ever temper thy might with
wisdom," advised the king, "that thou suffer not the end of Heremod, or be
punished as I have been, in this my spacious mead-hall."
After a night's rest, Beowulf prepared to return to his country. Returning
Hrunting to Hunferd, he praised the sword, saying nothing of its failure
in the fight. Then to Hrothgar: "Farewell. If e'er thou art harried by
foes, but let me know,--a thousand fighting men I'll bring. Higelac, well
I know, will urge me on to honor thee. If e'er thy son seeks Gothic halls,
I will intercede and win friends for him."
The old king, weeping, bade Beowulf farewell. "Peace be forever between
the Goths and the Gar-Danes; in common their treasures! May gifts be
interchanged between them!"
The bark was filled with the gifts heaped upon Beowulf and his men; and
the warder, who had hailed them so proudly at their coming, now bade them
an affectionate farewell. Over the swan-path sailed they, and soon reached
the Gothic coast, and landed their treasures.
Then went Beowulf before Higelac and told him of his adventures. Higelac
was a mighty king; lofty his house and hall, and fair and gentle was his
wife, Hygd. To him, after he had related his adventures, Beowulf presented
the boar-head crest, the battle-mail and sword, four of the steeds, and
much treasure, and upon the wise and modest Hygd bestowed he the wondrous
necklace given him by Waltheow.
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