Then I heard tell that the Earl of the King of the People showed in his
time of need unfailing courage in helping him with craft and keenness,
as was fitting for him to do. He paid no heed to the head of the dragon
(but the brave man's hand was being burnt when he helped his kinsman),
but that warrior in arms struck at the hostile sprite somewhat lower in
his body so that his shining and gold-plated sword sank into his body,
and the fire proceeding therefrom began to abate. Then the good King
Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King
of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two
together had killed him, noble comrades in arms. And thus should a
man who is a thane always be helping his lord at his need. And that
was the very last victory achieved by that Prince during his life-work.
Then the wound which the Earth-dragon had formerly dealt him began
to burn and to swell. And he soon discovered that the baleful
venom was seething in his breast, the internal poison. Then the
young noble looked on the giant's work as he sat on a seat musing
by the cliff wall, how arches of rock, firmly on columns held the
eternal earth-house within. Then the most noble thane refreshed his
blood-stained and famous Lord, his dear and friendly Prince with water,
with his own hands, and loosened the helmet for the battle-sated
warrior. And Beowulf spake, over his deathly pitiful wound, for well
he knew that he had enjoyed the day's while of his earthly joy: and
the number of his days was all departed and death was coming very near.
'Now,' said Beowulf, 'I would have given battle-weeds to my son if any
heir had been given to me of my body. I held sway over these peoples
fifty years. And there was no folk-king of those who sat round about
who dared to greet me with swords, or oppress with terror. At home
have I bided my appointed time, and well I held my own [76], nor did
I seek out cunning feuds, nor did I swear many unrighteous oaths. And
I, sick of my life-wounds, can have joy of all this. For the Wielder
of men cannot reproach me with murder of kinsmen when my life shall
pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth
prone and asleep sorely wounded and bereft of his treasure. And do
thou make good speed that I may look upon the ancient gold treasures
and yarely be feasting mine eyes upon the bright and cunning jewels,
so that thereby after gazing on that wealth of treasure I may the
more easily give up my life and my lordship over the people, whom I
have ruled so long.'