Tha waes sael ond mael thaet to healle gang Healfdenes sunu - which Heaney gives as: Then the due time arrived for Halfdane's son to proceed to the hall. There is no drama in the Heany. I like to experiment with what I take to be cliche moments in Beowulf, 'sael ond mael" so: That was a propitious moment for Halfdane's son to enter the hall. plus notice my "h's" work with not against speech rhythm. oh well