He was formidable in battle yet behaved with honor and took no advantage: never cut down a comrade who was drunk, kept his temper and, warrior that he was, watched and controlled his God-sent strength and outstanding natural powers.

Thus Beowulf bore himself with valor;
he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honor
and took no advantage: never cut down
a comrade who was drunk, kept his temper
and, warrior that he was, watched and controlled
his God-sent strength and outstanding
natural powers.

– Beowulf, Seamus Heaney (trans.)

Lines 2177-2183: Beowulf is not just a good fighter, he is also morally good.

Beowulf Quotes