{1a}
That is, “The Hart,” or “Stag,” so called from
decorations in the gables that resembled the antlers of a deer. This hall
has been carefully described in a pamphlet by Heyne. The building was
rectangular, with opposite doors -- mainly west and east -- and a hearth
in the middle of th single room. A row of pillars down each side, at some
distance from the walls, made a space which was raised a little above the
main floor, and was furnished with two rows of seats. On one side, usually
south, was the high-seat midway between the doors. Opposite this, on the
other raised space, was another seat of honor. At the banquet soon to be
described, Hrothgar sat in the south or chief high-seat, and Beowulf
opposite to him. The scene for a flying (see below, v.499) was thus very
effectively set. Planks on trestles -- the “board” of later
English literature -- formed the tables just in front of the long rows of
seats, and were taken away after banquets, when the retainers were ready
to stretch themselves out for sleep on the benches.