she feared that her young son Heardred was not strong enough to hold
the throne of his fathers against invading foes.

Beowulf, however, would not accept the kingdom, but rather chose to
uphold Heardred among the people, giving him friendly counsel and
serving him faithfully and honorably.

But before very long Heardred was killed in battle, and then at last
Beowulf consented to become king of the Geats.

For fifty years he ruled well and wisely and his people prospered. But
at last trouble came in the ravages of a terrible dragon, and once more
Beowulf was called forth to a terrific combat.

For three hundred years this dragon had kept watch over a hoard of
treasure on a mountain by the seashore in the country of the Geats. The
treasure had been hidden in a cave under the mountain by a band of
sea-robbers; and when the last of them was dead the dragon took
possession of the cave and of the treasure and kept fierce watch over
them.

But one day a poor man came to the spot while the dragon was fast asleep
and carried off part of the treasure to his master.

When the dragon awoke he soon discovered the man's footprints, and on
examining the cave he found that part of the gold and splendid jewels
had disappeared. In wrathful and savage mood he sought all round the
mountain for the robber, but could find no one.

So when evening came he went forth eager for revenge, and throwing out
flashes of fire in every direction, he began to set fire to all the
land. Beowulf's own princely manor-house was burnt down and terrible
destruction was wrought on every hand, till day broke and the
fire-dragon returned to his den.

Great was Beowulf's grief at this dire misfortune, and eager was his
desire for vengeance. He scorned to seek the foe with a great host
behind him, nor did he dread the combat in any way, for he called to
mind his many feats of war, and especially his fight with Grendel.

So he quickly had fashioned a mighty battle-shield, made entirely of
iron, for he knew that the wooden one that he was wont to use would be
burnt up by the flames of the fire-dragon. Then he chose out eleven of
his earls, and together they set out for the mountain, led thither by
the man who had stolen the treasure.

When they came to the mouth of the cave Beowulf bade farewell to his
companions, for he was resolved to fight single-handed against the foe.

"Many a fight have I fought in my youth," he said, "and now once more
will I, th