I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to grapple with the dragon and make good my boast as I did against Grendel in days gone by. But I shall be meeting molten venom in the fire he breathes, so I go forth in mail-shirt and a shield.

‘I would rather not
use a weapon if I knew another way
to grapple with the dragon and make good my boast
as I did against Grendel in days gone by.
But I shall be meeting molten venom
in the fire he breathes, so I go forth
in mail-shirt and a shield.’

– Beowulf, Seamus Heaney (trans.)

Lines 2518-2524: Beowulf explains why he allows himself the use of armor and weapons in the battle with the dragon.

Beowulf Quotes