house.
Hygelac is told of, and his wife Hygd, and her good conditions, against
whom is set as a warning the evil Queen Thrytho.

Beowulf tells all the tale of his doings in full to Hygelac, and gives
him his gifts, and the precious-gemmed collar to Hygd. Here is told of
Beowulf, and how he was contemned in his youth, and is now grown so
renowned.

Time wears; Hygelac is slain in battle; Heardred, his son, reigns in his
stead, he is slain by the Swedes, and Beowulf is made king. When he is
grown old, and has been king for fifty years, come new tidings. A great
dragon finds on the sea-shore a mound wherein is stored the treasure of
ancient folk departed. The said dragon abides there, and broods the gold
for 300 years.

Now a certain thrall, who had misdone against his lord and was fleeing
from his wrath, haps on the said treasure and takes a cup thence, which
he brings to his lord to appease his wrath. The Worm waketh, and findeth
his treasure lessened, but can find no man who hath done the deed.
Therefore he turns on the folk, and wars on them, and burns Beowulf's
house.

Now Beowulf will go and meet the Worm. He has an iron shield made, and
sets forth with eleven men and the thrall the thirteenth. He comes to
the ness, and speaks to his men, telling them of his past days, and
gives them his last greeting: then he cries out a challenge to the Worm,
who comes forth, and the battle begins: Beowulf's sword will not bite on
the Worm. Wiglaf eggs on the others to come to Beowulf's help, and goes
himself straightway, and offers himself to Beowulf; the Worm comes on
again, and Beowulf breaks his sword Naegling on him, and the Worm wounds
Beowulf. Wiglaf smites the Worm in the belly; Beowulf draws his ax, and
between them they slay the Worm.

Beowulf now feels his wounds, and knows that he is hurt deadly; he sits
down by the wall, and Wiglaf bathes his wounds. Beowulf speaks, tells
how he would give his armour to his son if he had one; thanks God that
he has not sworn falsely or done guilefully; and prays Wiglaf to bear
out the treasure that he may see it before he dies.

Wiglaf fetches out the treasure, and again bathes Beowulf's wounds;
Beowulf speaks again, rejoices over the sight of the treasure; gives to
Wiglaf his ring and his armour, and bids the manner of his bale-fire.
With that he passes away. Now the dastards come thereto and find Wiglaf
vainly bathing his dead lord. He casteth shame upon them with great
wrath