He learned in his homeland
Huugleik's thane
Gautland's hero
of Grendel's deeds.
He was the mightiest
of men alive
indeed the strongest
of his day and age
straight-limbed and immense.
He commanded a swift
keel to be readied
declared he would seek
across the swan's way
the warring king
the renowned lord
for he had need of men.
From his decision to go
sensible men
did little to dissuade him
though he was loved by all
such spirit they viewed
as auspicious and hailed it.
This great man
of the Gautish people
had culled the best
from the keenest campaigners
that he could find.
Some 15 men
sought the skiff-deck.
One skilled in seacraft
led the way
along the shoreline.
Their respite over
they were riding the waves
at the base of the cliff.
They clambered up
to the prow of the craft.
Currents were winding
in streams near the beach.
Into the bosom of the ship
men bore
bright armor
corselets shimmering.
The crew shoved off
spirits buoyant
on the bound planking.
Skimming the waves
wind-driven
with foam on its neck
it flew like a bird
and in due time
on the day after
the curved prow
had covered the distance
and those seafarers
were seeing land
sea-cliffs shining
sheer bergs
wide headlands.
The waves had been crossed
the voyage was over.
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