ed
that the cruel Grendel must die. But the next night Grendel's mother
crept up to the hall and seized one of the king's good friends. Sad
were we all when morning came. The king with tears begged me to hunt
out the wicked creature, and I plunged into the dark waters. Fierce
was the fight, but at last I won, and never will Hrothgar's hall be sad
again at the loss of brave warriors.

"Then Hrothgar gave me rich gifts which I bring to you, my king. With
gladness I bring them, for because of you are my pleasures long."

As Beowulf spoke, his men brought in the banner, the shield, the
battle-sword, and the helmet. They also brought four fiery steeds with
rich trappings, fit for a king. All these did Beowulf give to his
friend, the king Hygelac. To the queen he gave the lovely collar
Hrothgar's queen had given to him, beautiful and rare with jewels. He
also gave her three black horses with saddles bright.

[Illustration: BEOWULF PRESENTING HIS GIFTS TO HYGELAC]

The king and queen rejoiced in the precious gifts and in the love of
this brave warrior. To Beowulf the king gave a sword of wonder, the
best treasure he had, adorned with gold. Also he gave him many, many
rings of gold and a beautiful palace.

So there was love between the king and the brave hero.

The Dragon of the Mountain

After many years, when the king and his son had perished in the wars,
the Goths chose Beowulf for their king. No better king could they
have, and for many years he ruled over them. He was a wise king and
brave. The people loved him much.

Then a strange story came to his ears: that far away in a dark cave
lived a terrible dragon. The way to his lair was rough and steep. In
this cave was much treasure, and the dragon was guarding it.

Many men had gathered the treasures in this cave. Swords, helmets, and
shields, and rings were hidden there in time of war, so that the enemy
could not find them. For many years these treasures were collecting
there. At last a dragon came, a fierce creature, and for three hundred
winters he had kept watch with his fiery eyes.

At last a man found the cave filled with the treasures. The dragon was
asleep, so the man took a golden cup and bore it home to his lord.
Thus the secret of the hoard became known.

When the fearful dragon awoke and found that one of his treasures had
been taken, he was very angry. Fire came from his nostrils and from
his wicked mouth. He would find t