So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. . . . There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. . . . A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on . . . In the end each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.