When the time came for Scyld to die he ordered his
thanes to prepare the ring-stemmed ship, laden with treas-
ures, battle-weed, and swords, and place him in the death-
chamber. Laden with his people's gifts, and sailing under a
golden banner, he passed from sight, none knew whither.
After him ruled Beowulf, and after him Healfdene, — brave
warriors and kind monarchs. When, after Healfdene 's death,
his son Hrothgar succeeded him, his fame in war inclined
all his kinsmen towards him, and he, too, became a mighty
monarch.
To the mind of Hrothgar it came to build a lordly mead-
hall where he and his men could find pleasure in feasting,
drinking mead, and hearing the songs of the minstrels.
Heorot it was called, and when its high spires rose glistening
in the air, all hailed it with delight.
But, alas ! The joy in hall, the melody of the harp, and
the shouts of the warriors penetrated to the dismal fen where
lay concealed the monster Grendel, descendant of sin-cursed
Cain. At night came Grendel to the hall, found sleeping
the troop of warriors, and bore away in his foul hands thirty
of the honored thanes. Great was the sorrow in Heorot
when in the morning twilight the deed of Grendel became
known.
For twelve long winters did this borrow continue ; for so
long a time was Hrothgar plunged in grief; for so many
years did this beautiful mead-hall, destined for joyful things,
stand idle.
While thus the grief-stricken lord of the Scyldings brooded
over his wrongs, and the people besought their idols vainly



134 NATIONAL EPICS.
