Answer: This passage can be translated as it follows: Hygelac's relative thought of what he had said that evening. He stood up and strongly squeezed the ogre's claw, breaking his fingers. The giant pulled and the man did not give up.
Explanation: Just to elaborate a little bit on the answer, it can be added that this scene relates the encounter between Beowulf (Higelac's nephew) and a giant demon called Grendel, while the former was in charge of protecting King Hrothgar's palace. Beowulf had promised to fight disarmed against Grendel, so he used only his strength to defeat him. He was eager to confront the beast, and, together with his men, laid in bed until the giant arrived (that is why he had to stand up).
