It was beyond my measure. But I struck the foe and fire gushed less strongly from his head. There were too few men around the prince when he faced his time of need. Now shall the treasure, the sword gifts and delightful homes given to your people, cease. You will lose your land rights when men far and wide hear of your flight, your shameful doings.
Death is better to any man than a life of disgrace.
Beside him lies his life-enemy, sick from a dagger wound. His sword could not in any way wound the monster. Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, sits by Beowulf, one warrior by another, in the death-watch. Now may the people expect a time of war when the Franks and Frisians learn of our king's fall. A hard quarrel was made with the Hugas when Hygelac went traveling in ships to the land of the Frisians, attacked the Hetware.