e from the body of
every one there.

The shadowy form came nearer and nearer. At last he stretched out his
great hand to take Beowulf, but with all his strength the brave warrior
seized the arm of the monster. Then did the heart of Grendel fill with
fear. Fearful was his mind, but not for that could he escape the
sooner.

Then stood Beowulf upright and firmly grasped Grendel. Very angry were
both. The wonder was that the great hall did not fall to the ground.
But it was made fast within and without with iron bands, and naught but
fire could destroy it. Then the noise grew greater. The Danes who had
heard it were terrified; never had such horrid noise filled the air,
for Beowulf, the strongest of men, held Grendel fast. Not for anything
would he let the dreadful one escape that day.

The warriors sought to help their leader, but he would not use any
weapon. With his hands, with his bare hands, he held fast the fearful
foe. On the shoulder of Grendel was a horrid wound, and Beowulf tore
the arm from the body. Well knew the monster then that his life's end
had come.

Glad was Beowulf that his strength had aided the Danes, had freed the
great hall, and had healed the deep sorrow which had been theirs for so
many years.

The Feast of Joy

There was in the morning many a warrior in the gift hall. From far and
near over distant ways they came to behold the wonder, the arm of
Grendel the joy-killer. Away to the dark water, his home, had he gone
with his death-wound.

All the warriors rode in gladness to the great hall. There was told
the bravery of Beowulf. No other was so great, so worthy of honour, as
he. Hrothgar, also, they praised as a good king and famous in war.

All the Danes and the Goths were happy that the terror of the land had
been destroyed. Care was removed from their hearts. They were filled
with joy and turned to games and sports. Some let their beautiful
horses run in contest over the fair roads. Some who knew the famous
stories of heroes told them to eager listeners. Laughter, song, and
merry voices were heard once more in the hall. Soon one of the singers
began a song in honour of this new deed, the victory of Beowulf.

Then over the meadow came the great king with many knights famed for
their brave deeds. With them also walked the fair queen and a company
of maidens.

When Hrothgar entered the gold-crowned hall and saw the great hand and
arm of Grendel, he said: "N