The relation of the Comites was one of fealty: it was undertaken in the most solemn manner, and with appropriate, symbolic ceremonies, out of which, in later times, sprung homage and the other incidents of feudality. All history proves that it was of the most intimate nature; that even life itself was to be sacrificed without hesitation if the safety of the prince demanded it: the gesíðas of Beówulf expose themselves with him to the attack of the fiendish Grendel[304]; Wígláf risks his own life to assist his lord and relative in his fatal contest with the firedrake[305]; and the solemn denunciation which he pronounces against the remaining comites who neglected this duty, recalls the words of Tacitus, and the infamy that attached to the survivors of their chief[306]: Hú sceal sincþego How shall the service of treasure and swyrdgyfu, and the gift of swords, eall éðelwyn, all joy of a paternal inheritance, eówrum cynne [all] support fail lufen álicgean: your kin: londrihtes mót of the rights of citizenship must ðǽre mǽgburge of your family monna ǽghwilc every one ídel hweorfan, go about deprived, siððan æðelingas when once the nobles feorran gefricgean far and wide shall hear fleám eówerne, of your flight, dómleásan dǽd. your dishonourable deed. Deáð bið sella Death is better eorla gehwylcum for every warrior ðonne edwitlif. than a life of shame.