Learn from this, Beowulf, be generous to your people. Do not seek quarrels. Beware of becoming proud.

It is easy when you are young and strong to forget that one day sickness or a sword will end your life. Your bright eyes will grow dim, you will be old. Or else fire, or a storm when your ship is at sea, will finish you.

Remember this and you will not be proud. For a proud lord does not enjoy the things he has. He thinks they are not enough. He wants more. He does not do what a lord must for his people. Believe me, Beowulf, for I am many winters old.’  –Beowulf