Then the noble Wiglaf went to his lord and said: "Dear Beowulf, once
did you say that never would your greatness sink. But in this great
deed I shall help."
After these words the dragon came forth in great anger. The fiery
flames burned the broad wooden shield of Wiglaf. Then the young, brave
hero fought from behind the great iron shield of his leader, Beowulf.
Now this warlike king called to mind the glorious deeds of his youth.
With all his strength he struck with his sword, but it broke in his
hand. Then rushed out for the third time the deadly dragon and wound
himself about his kingly foe.
To help the king in his great need did Wiglaf strike the dreadful foe.
The king drew his deadly knife and together they destroyed the fiery
creature. Then both rejoiced.
But now the wound in the breast of Beowulf began to burn. Wiglaf
brought water to help the king. Then Beowulf spoke: "My joy in earth
has gone. I have ruled this people fifty winters. All kings are my
friends. Never have I spoken falsely, and for this I have joy to-day.
Go quickly, dear Wiglaf, and find the treasures guarded by the great
dragon, that I may behold all the jewels, the precious gems for which
we fought."
Many wonders did Wiglaf find and bring to the eyes of his dying king:
jewels, helmets, rings, shields, swords rich with gold and jewels.
Most beautiful was a banner of cloth of gold so bright that it made the
dark cave light.