Final answer:
A paraphrase of the Beowulf passage describes the hero's escape from the dragon, recollection of the enchanted shield, and the unexpected falling of the shield as he approaches it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best paraphrase for the passage from Beowulf is as follows: The hero, having narrowly escaped the wrathful dragon, remembered the bronze shield and the spell cast upon it. He then cleared the dragon's corpse from his path and courageously strode across the castle's silver floor to the shield, which unexpectedly fell before him, emitting a loud, resounding clang.