Thus Beowulf set out "over the Swan-Road" for Denmark, to offer his services to the king.
The foamy-necked floater fanned by the breeze, Likest a bird, glided the waters, Till twenty and four hours thereafter The twist-stemmed vessel had travelled such distance That the sailing-men saw the sloping embankments, The sea-cliffs gleaming, precipitous mountains, Nesses enormous: they were nearing the limits At the end of the ocean.
On seeing a vessel with armed men approach their shores, the Danish coast guards challenged the new-comers, who rejoined their intentions were purely friendly, and begged to be led to the king.

There Beowulf and his attendants--after paying their respects to Hrothgar--offered their services to rid him of the terrible scourge which had preyed so long upon his people.

On hearing this, the king immediately ordered a feast prepared, and at its close allowed Beowulf, at his request, to remain alone in the hall with his men.

Aware that no weapon could pierce the armed hide of the uncanny monster, Beowulf--who had the strength of thirty men--laid aside his armor and prepared to grapple with Grendel by main strength when he appeared.
Then the brave-mooded hero bent to his slumber, The pillow received the cheek of the noble; And many a martial mere-thane attending Sank to his slumber.
Just as the chill of morning invades the hall, Beowulf hears stealthy steps approaching and the great door bursts open, admitting a monster, all enveloped in clammy mist, which--pouncing upon one of the men--crunches his bones and greedily drinks his blood.

Beowulf, intently watching the fiend, seeing him stretch out a horny hand for another victim, suddenly grasps it with such force and determination that the monster, notwithstanding frantic efforts, cannot free himself.