When night came on its rage was still unappeased, and it flew all over the land, vomiting venom and flames, setting houses and crops afire, and causing so much damage that the people were almost beside themselves with terror.

Seeing that all their attempts to appease the dragon were utterly fruitless, and being afraid to attack it in its lair, they finally implored Beowulf to deliver them as he had delivered the Danes, and to slay this oppressor, which was even worse than the terrible Grendel.
Such an appeal could not be disregarded, and in spite of his advanced years Beowulf donned his armor once more.

Accompanied by Wiglaf and eleven of his bravest men, he then went out to seek the monster in its lair.

At the entrance of the mountain gorge Beowulf bade his followers pause, and advancing alone to the monster's den, he boldly challenged it to come forth and begin the fray.

A moment later the mountain shook as the monster rushed out breathing fire and flame, and Beowulf felt the first gust of its hot breath, even through his massive shield.
"First from his lair Shaking firm earth, and vomiting as he strode A foul and fiery blast, the monster came." _Beowulf_ (Conybeare's tr.).
A desperate struggle followed, in the course of which Beowulf's sword and strength both failed him.