What the watchman means by that response is:
He understands that Beowulf and his men are friends and not enemies. He can see that Beowulf is noble and loyal warrior who is there to help, not to conquer.
- The epic poem "Beowulf" was written in Old English and most likely composed in the 8th century. The main character is Beowulf, a warrior and hero who helps the king of the Danes get rid of the monster Grendel, who terrorizes the land.
- The lines we are analyzing here are said by a watchman when Beowulf arrives to help the king. Upon seeing Beowulf and his men, the watchman is at first concerned that they might be there to conquer and fight.
- However, he asks Beowulf what his purpose is, to which Beowulf replies by telling him who he is, who his father was, and that he is there to help kill Grendel.
- The watchman's response is the one we are analyzing here. He says it is important to "know that difference between words / And deeds" and that he believes in Beowulf's friendship.
- In other words, the watchman realizes Beowulf is a loyal warrior. His father was not an enemy of the Danes. And Beowulf has never given them any reasons to see him as an enemy himself. Thus, the watchman lets Beowulf and his men in.
In conclusion, the watchman's response shows he trusts Beowulf.
Learn more about Beowulf here:
https://brainly.com/question/2048119?referrer=searchResults
