This means: From the obligations of clientage, my friend Beowulf, and for assistance thou hast sought us .—This gives coherence to Hrothgar’s opening remarks in VIII., and also introduces a new motive for Beowulf’s coming to Hrothgar’s aid.
The first passage (v. 1599 (b)-1600) I translate literally: Then many agreed upon this (namely), that the sea-wolf had killed him .
The second passage (v. 2025 (b)-2027): She is promised …; to this the friend of the Scyldings has agreed, etc . By emending ‘ is ’ instead of ‘ wæs ’ (2025), the tenses will be brought into perfect harmony.