Beowulf Good King

After Beowulf slays Grendel and Grendel's mother, he returns home to Geatland where he becomes king. I think Beowulf was a good king because he ruled Geatland for fifty years; so, if he wasn't a good king he would have been overthrown by the Geats. Another reason that points to him being a good king, is that he fearlessly goes to battle the dragon, even in his old age, for the safety of his people. "I remember how we sat in the mead-hall,drinking and boasting of how brave we'd be when Beowulf needed us, he who gave us these swords and armor: all of us swore to repay him,..." this quote shows the gratitude that many felt toward Beowulf for all he had done for them. However, there are also signs that point to Beowulf not being the greatest king. For one, it seems that Beowulf did not only go to sleigh the dragon for the safety of his people, but also for fame and glory, "But I will fight again, seek fame still." The text almost suggests that Beowulf was self-centered, and that is why all of his men, except Wiglaf, abandoned him, and left him to die alone. This abandonment could also show lack of faith, or is it just people being people?