Then went Beowulf before Higelac and told him of his
adventures. Higelac was a mighty king ; lofty his house
and hall, and fair and gentle was his wife, Hygd. To him,
after he had related his adventures, Beowulf presented the
boar-head crest, the battle-mail and sword, four of the
steeds, and much treasure, and upon the wise and modest
Hygd bestowed he the wondrous necklace given him by
Waltheow. So should a good thane ever do 1

There had been a time when Beowulf was accounted a
sluggish knight, but now the land rang with his glory.
When Higelac died and Hardred was slain, Beowulf suc-
ceeded to the throne, and for fifty years ruled the people
gloriously.
At this time a great fire-drake cherished a vast hoard in a
cave on a high cliff, difficult of access, and known to few
men. Thither one day fled a thrall from his master's wrath,
and saw the hoard buried by some weary warrior, and now
guarded by the dragon. While the drake slept, the thrall
crept in and stole a cup as a peace-offering to his master.
When the drake awoke, he scented the foot-prints of the



THE STORY OF BEOWULF. jjg

foe, and discovered his loss. When even was come, he
hastened to wreak his revenge on the people, spewing out
flames of fire, and laying waste the land.
