‘Never, since my hand could hold a shield
have I entrusted or given control
of the Danes’ hall to anyone but you.
Ward and guard it, for it is the greatest of houses.
Be on your mettle now, keep in mind your fame,
beware of the enemy. There’s nothing you wish for
that won’t be yours if you win through alive.’
– Beowulf, Seamus Heaney (trans.)
Lines 655-661: Hrothgar both assures and warms Beowulf that he is trusting him with something he places a lot of value on.