He had been poorly regarded
for a long time, was taken by the Geats
for less than he was worth: and their lord too
had never much esteemed him in the mead-hall.
They firmly believed that he lacked force,
that the prince was a weakling; but presently
every affront to his deserving was reversed.
– Beowulf, Seamus Heaney (trans.)
Lines 2183-2189: At the end of Beowulf’s meeting with King Hygelac, the king acknowledges everything that Beowulf has accomplished.