第1章

WhilesintheearlyWintereveWepassamidthegatheringnightSomehomesteadthatwehadtoleaveYearspast；andseeitscandlesbrightShineintheroombesidethedoorWhereweweremerryyearsagoneButnowmustneverentermore，Asstillthedarkroaddrivesuson。

E’ensotheworldofmenmayturnAtevenofsomehurrieddayAndseetheancientglimmerburnAcrossthewastethathathnoway；

ThenwiththatfaintlightinitseyesAwhileIbiditlingernearAndnurseinwaveringmemoriesThebitter-sweetofdaysthatwere。

CHAPTERI——THEDWELLINGSOFMID-MARK

Thetaletellsthatintimeslongpasttherewasadwellingofmenbesideagreatwood。Beforeitlayaplain，notverygreat，butwhichwas，asitwere，anisleintheseaofwoodland，sinceevenwhenyoustoodontheflatground，youcouldseetreeseverywhereintheoffing，thoughasforhills，youcouldscarcesaythattherewereany；onlyswellings-upoftheearthhereandthere，liketheupheavingsofthewaterthatoneseesatwhilesgoingonamidsttheeddiesofaswiftbutdeepstream。

Oneitherside，torightandleftthetree-girdlereachedouttowardthebluedistance，thickcloseandunsundered，savewhereitandtheplainwhichitbegirdledwascleftamidmostbyariveraboutaswideastheThamesatSheenewhentheflood-tideisatitshighest，butsoswiftandfullofeddies，thatitgavetokenofmountainsnotsofardistant，thoughtheywerehidden。Oneachsidemoreoverofthestreamofthisriverwasawidespaceofstones，greatandlittle，andinmostplacesabovethisstonywastewerebanksofafewfeethigh，showingwheretheyearlywinterfloodwasmostcommonlystayed。

Youmustknowthatthisgreatclearinginthewoodlandwasnotamatterofhaphazard；thoughtheriverhaddrivenaroadwherebymenmightfareoneachsideofitshurryingstream。ItwasmenwhohadmadethatIsleinthewoodland。

Formanygenerationsthefolkthatnowdwelttherehadlearnedthecraftofiron-founding，sothattheyhadnolackofwaresofironandsteel，whethertheyweretoolsofhandicraftorweaponsforhuntingandforwar。ItwasthemenoftheFolk，whocomingadownbytheriver-sidehadmadethatclearing。Thetaletellsnotwhencetheycame，butbelikefromthedalesofthedistantmountains，andfromdalesandmountainsandplainsfurtheraloofandyetfurther。

Anyhowtheycameadowntheriver；onitswatersonrafts，byitsshoresinwainsorbestridingtheirhorsesortheirkine，orafoot，tilltheyhadamindtoabide；andthereasitfelltheystayedtheirtravel，andspreadfromeachsideoftheriver，andfoughtwiththewoodanditswildthings，thattheymightmaketothemselvesadwelling-placeonthefaceoftheearth。

Sotheycutdownthetrees，andburnedtheirstumpsthatthegrassmightgrowsweetfortheirkineandsheepandhorses；andtheydikedtheriverwhereneedwasallthroughtheplain，andfarupintothewild-woodtobridlethewinterfloods:andtheymadethemboatstoferrythemover，andtofloatdownstreamandtrackup-stream:theyfishedtheriver’seddiesalsowithnetandwithline；anddrewdriftfromoutofitoffar-travelledwoodandothermatters；andthegravelofitsshallowstheywashedforgold；anditbecametheirfriend，andtheylovedit，andgaveitaname，andcalledittheDusky，andtheGlassy，andtheMirkwood-water；forthenamesofitchangedwiththegenerationsofman。

Therethenintheclearingofthewoodthatformanyyearsgrewgreateryearlytheydravetheirbeaststopastureinthenew-mademeadows，whereyearbyyearthegrassgrewsweeterasthesunshoneonitandthestandingwaterswentfromit；andnowintheyearwhereofthetaletellethitwasafairandsmilingplain，andnofolkmighthaveabettermeadow。

Butlongbeforethathadtheylearnedthecraftoftillageandtakenheedtotheacresandbeguntogrowwheatandryethereonroundabouttheirroofs；thespadecameintotheirhands，andtheybethoughtthemoftheplough-share，andthetillagespreadandgrew，andtherewasnolackofbread。

InsuchwisethatFolkhadmadeanislandamidstoftheMirkwood，andestablishedahomethere，anduphelditwithmanifoldtoiltoolongtotellof。AndfromthebeginningthisclearinginthewoodtheycalledtheMid-mark:foryoushallknowthatmenmightjourneyupanddowntheMirkwood-water，andhalfaday’srideupordowntheywouldcomeonanotherclearingorislandinthewoods，andtheseweretheUpper-markandtheNether-mark:andallthesethreewereinhabitedbymenofonefolkandonekindred，whichwascalledtheMark-men，thoughofmanybrancheswasthatstemoffolk，whoborediverssignsinbattleandatthecouncilwherebytheymightbeknown。

NowintheMid-markitselfweremanyHousesofmen；forbythatwordhadtheycalledforgenerationsthosewhodwelttogetherunderonetokenofkinship。TheriverranfromSouthtoNorth，andbothontheEastsideandontheWestwerethereHousesoftheFolk，andtheirhabitationswereshoulderedupnighuntothewood，sothateverbetwixtthemandtheriverwasthereaspaceoftillageandpasture。

TellsthetaleofonesuchHouse，whosehabitationswereonthewestsideofthewater，onagentleslopeofland，sothatnofloodhigherthancommonmightreachthem。Itwasstraightdowntotherivermostlythatthelandfelloff，andonitsdownward-reachingslopeswasthetillage，"theAcres，"asthemenofthattimealwayscalledtilledland；andbeyondthatwasthemeadowgoingfairandsmooth，thoughwithhereandtherearisinginit，downtothelipsofthestonywasteofthewinterriver。

NowthenameofthisHousewastheWolfings，andtheyboreaWolfontheirbanners，andtheirwarriorsweremarkedonthebreastwiththeimageoftheWolf，thattheymightbeknownforwhattheywereiftheyfellinbattle，andwerestripped。

Thehouse，thatistosaytheRoof，oftheWolfingsoftheMid-markstoodonthetopmostoftheslopeaforesaidwithitsbacktothewild-woodanditsfacetotheacresandthewater。Butyoumustknowthatinthosedaysthemenofonebranchofkindreddweltunderonerooftogether，andhadthereintheirplaceanddignity；norweretheremanydegreesamongstthemashathbefallenafterwards，butalltheyofonebloodwerebrethrenandofequaldignity。Howbeittheyhadservantsorthralls，mentakeninbattle，menofalienblood，thoughtrueitisthatfromtimetotimeweresomeofsuchmentakenintotheHouse，andhailedasbrethrenoftheblood。

Also(tomakeanendatonceofthesemattersofkinshipandaffinity)themenofoneHousemightnotwedthewomenoftheirownHouse:totheWolfingmenallWolfingwomenwereassisters:theymustneedswedwiththeHartingsortheElkingsortheBearings，orothersuchHousesoftheMarkaswerenotsocloseakintothebloodoftheWolf；andthiswasalawthatnonedreamedofbreaking。ThusthendweltthisFolkandsuchwastheirCustom。

AstotheRoofoftheWolfings，itwasagreathallandgoodly，afterthefashionoftheirfolkandtheirday；notbuiltofstoneandlime，butframedofthegoodliesttreesofthewild-woodsquaredwiththeadze，andbetwixttheframingfilledwithclaywattledwithreeds。

Longwasthathouse，andatoneendanighthegablewastheMan’s-

door，notsohighthatamanmightstandonthethresholdandhishelmcrestclearthelintel；forsuchwasthecustom，thatatallmanmustbowhimselfashecameintothehall；whichcustommaybewasamemoryofthedaysofonslaughtwhenthefoemenweremostlywonttobesetthehall；whereasinthedayswhereofthetaletellstheydrewoutintothefieldsandfoughtunfenced；unlessatwhileswhentheoddswereovergreat，andthentheydrewtheirwainsaboutthemandwerefencedbythewain-burg。Atleastitwasfromnoniggardrythatthedoorwasmadethuslow，asmightbeseenbythefairandmanifoldcarvingofknotsanddragonsthatwaswroughtabovethelintelofthedoorforsomethreefoot’sspace。Butalikedoorwasthereanightheothergable-end，wherebythewomenentered，anditwascalledtheWoman’s-door。

Neartothehouseonallsidesexcepttowardthewoodweretheremanybowersandcotsroundaboutthepenfoldsandthebyres:andthesewereboothsforthestowageofwares，andforcraftsandsmithyingthatwereunhandytodointhehouse；andwithaltheywerethedwelling-placesofthethralls。Andtheladsandyoungmenoftenabodetheremanydaysandwerecherishedthereofthethrallsthatlovedthem，sinceatwhilestheyshunnedtheGreatRoofthattheymightbethefreertocomeandgoattheirpleasure，anddealastheywould。ThuswasthereaclusteringontheslopesandbentsbetwixttheacresoftheWolfingsandthewild-woodwhereindweltthewolves。

Astothehousewithin，tworowsofpillarswentdownitendlong，fashionedofthemightiesttreesthatmightbefound，andeachonefairlywroughtwithbaseandchapiter，andwreathsandknots，andfightingmenanddragons；sothatitwaslikeachurchoflaterdaysthathasanaveandaisles:windowstherewereabovetheaisles，andapassageunderneaththesaidwindowsintheirroofs。Intheaisleswerethesleeping-placesoftheFolk，anddownthenaveunderthecrownoftheroofwerethreehearthsforthefires，andaboveeachhearthalufferorsmoke-bearertodrawthesmokeupwhenthefireswerelighted。Forsoothonabrightwinterafternoonitwasstrangetoseethethreecolumnsofsmokegoingwaveringuptothedimnessofthemightyroof，andonemaybesmittenathwartbythesunbeams。Asforthetimberoftheroofitselfanditsframing，soexceedinggreatandhighitwas，thatthetaletellshowthatnonemightseethefashionofitfromthehall-floorunlessheweretoraisealoftablazingfaggotonalongpole:sincenolackoftimberwasthereamongthemenoftheMark。

AttheendofthehallanightheMan’s-doorwasthedais，andatablethereonsetthwartwiseofthehall；andinfrontofthedaiswasthenoblestandgreatestofthehearths；(butoftheothersonewasintheverymidmost，andanotherintheWoman’s-Chamber)androundaboutthedais，alongthegable-wall，andhungfrompillartopillarwerewovenclothspicturedwithimagesofancienttalesandthedeedsoftheWolfings，andthedeedsoftheGodsfromwhencetheycame。Andthiswasthefairestplaceofallthehouseandthebest-belovedoftheFolk，andespeciallyoftheolderandthemightiermen:andthereweretalestold，andsongssung，especiallyiftheywerenew:

andtheretoalsoweremessengersbroughtifanytidingswereabroad:

therealsowouldtheelderstalktogetheraboutmattersconcerningtheHouseortheMid-markorthewholeFolkoftheMarkmen。

Yetyoumustnotthinkthattheirsolemncouncilswereheldthere，thefolk-moteswhereatitmustbedeterminedwhattodoandwhattoforbeardoing；foraccordingassuchcouncils，(whichtheycalledThings)wereoftheHouseoroftheMid-markorofthewholeFolk，weretheyheldeachatthedueThing-steadsintheWoodalooffromeitheracreormeadow，(aswasthecustomofourforefathersforlongafter)andatsuchThingswouldallthemenoftheHouseortheMid-

markortheFolkbepresentmanbyman。AndineachofthesesteadswasthereaDoomringwhereinDoomwasgivenbytheneighbourschosen，(whomnowwecalltheJury)inmattersbetweenmanandman；andnosuchdoomofneighbourswasgiven，andnosuchvoiceoftheFolkproclaimedinanyhouseorunderanyroof，norevenasaforesaidonthetilledacresorthedepasturedmeadows。Thiswasthecustomofourforefathers，inmemory，belike，ofthedayswhenasyettherewasneitherhousenortillage，norflocksandherds，buttheEarth’sfaceonlyandwhatfreelygrewthereon。

Butoverthedaistherehungbychainsandpulleysfastenedtoatie-

beamoftheroofhighaloftawondrouslampfashionedofglass；yetofnosuchglassasthefolkmadethenandthere，butofafairandcleargreenlikeanemerald，andalldonewithfiguresandknotsingold，andstrangebeasts，andawarriorslayingadragon，andthesunrisingontheearth:nordidanytaletellwhencethislampcame，butitwasheldasanancientandholythingbyalltheMark-men，andthekindredoftheWolfhaditinchargetokeepalightburninginitnightanddayforever；andtheyappointedamaidenoftheirownkindredtothatoffice；whichdamselmustneedsbeunwedded，sincenoweddedwomandwellingunderthatroofcouldbeaWolfingwoman，butwouldneedsbeofthehouseswhereintheWolfingswedded。

ThislampwhichburnedeverwascalledtheHall-Sun，andthewomanwhohadchargeofit，andwhowasthefairestthatmightbefoundwascalledafterittheHall-Sunalso。

AttheotherendofthehallwastheWoman’s-Chamber，andthereinweretheloomsandothergearforthecardingandspinningofwoolandtheweavingofcloth。

SuchwastheRoofunderwhichdweltthekindredoftheWolfings；andtheotherkindredsoftheMid-markhadroofsliketoit；andofthesethechiefestweretheElkings，theVallings，theAlftings，theBeamings，theGaltings，andtheBearings；whoboreontheirbannerstheElk，theFalcon，theSwan，theTree，theBoar，andtheBear。Butotherlesserandnewerkindredstherewerethanthese:asfortheHartingsabovenamed，theywereakindredoftheUpper-mark。

CHAPTERII——THEFLITTINGOFTHEWAR-ARROW

Tellsthetalethatitwasaneveningofsummer，whenthewheatwasintheear，butyetgreen；andtheneat-herdsweredonedrivingthemilch-kinetothebyre，andthehorseherdsandtheshepherdshadmadethenight-shift，andtheout-goerswereridingtwobytwoandonebyonethroughthelanesbetweenthewheatandtheryetowardsthemeadow。Roundthecotsofthethrallsweregatheredknotsofmenandwomenboththrallsandfreemen，sometalkingtogether，somehearkeningasongoratale，somesingingandsomedancingtogether；

andthechildrengambollingaboutfromgrouptogroupwiththeirshrillandtunelessvoices，likeyoungthrostleswhohavenotyetlearnedthesongoftheirrace。Withtheseweremingleddogs，dunofcolour，longoflimb，sharp-nosed，gauntandgreat；theytooklittleheedofthechildrenastheypulledthemaboutintheirplay，butlaydown，orloiteredabout，asthoughtheyhadforgottenthechaseandthewild-wood。

Merrywasthefolkwiththatfairtide，andthepromiseoftheharvest，andthejoyoflife，andtherewasnoweaponamongthemsoclosetothehouses，savehereandtheretheboar-spearofsomeherdmanorherd-womanlatecomefromthemeadow。

Tallandforthemostpartcomelywerebothmenandwomen；themostofthemlight-hairedandgrey-eyed，withcheek-bonessomewhathigh；

whiteofskinbutforthesun’sburning，andthewind’sparching，andwhereastheyweretannedofaveryruddyandcheerfulhue。Butthethrallsweresomeofthemofashorteranddarkerbreed，black-hairedalsoanddark-eyed，lighteroflimb；sometimesbetterknit，butsometimescrookederoflegandknottierofarm。Butsomealsowereofbuildandhuenotmuchunliketothefreemen；andthesedoubtlesscameofsomeotherFolkoftheGothswhichhadgivenwayinbattlebeforetheMenoftheMark，eithertheyortheirfathers。

Moreoversomeofthefreemenwereunliketheirfellowsandkindred，beingslendererandcloser-knit，andblack-haired，butgrey-eyedwithal；andamongstthesewereoneortwowhoexceededinbeautyallothersoftheHouse。

Nowthesunwassetandthegloomingwasatpointtobeginandtheshadowlesstwilightlayupontheearth。Thenightingalesonthebordersofthewoodsangceaselesslyfromthescatteredhazel-treesabovethegreenswardwherethegrasswascroppeddownclosebythenibblingoftherabbits；butinspiteoftheirsongandthediversvoicesofthemen-folkaboutthehouses，itwasaneveningonwhichsoundsfromaloofcanbewellheard，sincenoisescarryfaratsuchtides。

Suddenlytheywhowereontheedgesofthosethrongsandwerethelessnoisy，heldthemselvesasiftolisten；andagroupthathadgatheredaboutaminstreltohearhisstoryfellhearkeningalsoroundaboutthesilencedandhearkeningtale-teller:someofthedancersandsingersnotedthemandintheirturnstayedthedanceandkeptsilencetohearken；andsofromgrouptogroupspreadthechange，tillallwerestrainingtheirearstohearkenthetidings。

Alreadythemenofthenight-shifthadheardit，andtheshepherdsofthemhadturnedabout，andweretrottingsmartlybackthroughthelanesofthetallwheat:butthehorse-herdswerenowscarceseenonthedarkeningmeadow，astheygallopedonfasttowardtheirherdstodrivehomethestallions。Forwhattheyhadheardwasthetidingsofwar。

Therewasasoundintheairasofahumble-beeclosetotheearofonelyingonagrassybank；orwhilesasofacowafarinthemeadowlowingintheafternoonwhenmilking-timedrawsnigh:butitwasevershrillerthantheone，andfullerthantheother；foritchangedatwhiles，thoughafterthefirstsoundofit，itdidnotriseorfall，becausetheevewaswindless。Youmighthearatoncethatforallitwasafar，itwasagreatandmightysound；nordidanythathearkeneddoubtwhatitwas，butallknewitfortheblastofthegreatwar-hornoftheElkings，whoseRooflayupMirkwood-waternexttotheRoofoftheWolfings。

Sothoselittlethrongsbrokeupatonce；andallthefreemen，andofthethrallsagoodmany，flocked，bothmenandwomen，totheMan’s-

doorofthehall，andstreamedinquietlyandwithlittletalk，asmenknowingthattheyshouldhearallindueseason。

WithinundertheHall-Sun，amidstthewovenstoriesoftimepast，sattheeldersandchiefwarriorsonthedais，andamidstofallabigstrongmanoffortywinters，hisdarkbeardalittlegrizzled，hiseyesbigandgrey。BeforehimontheboardlaythegreatWar-hornoftheWolfingscarvedoutofthetuskofasea-whaleoftheNorthandwithmanydevicesonitandtheWolfamidstthemall；itsgoldenmouth-pieceandrimwroughtfinelywithflowers。Thereitabodetheblowing，untilthespokenwordofsomemessengershouldsetforththetidingsborneontheairbythehornoftheElkings。

Butthenameofthedark-hairedchiefwasThiodolf(towitFolk-wolf)

andhewasdeemedthewisestmanoftheWolfings，andthebestmanofhishands，andofheartmostdauntless。BesidehimsatthefairwomancalledtheHall-Sun；forshewashisfoster-daughterbeforemen’seyes；andshewasblack-hairedandgrey-eyedliketoherfosterer，andneverwaswomanfashionedfairer:shewasyoungofyears，scarcetwentywintersold。

Theresatthechiefsandeldersonthedais，androundaboutstoodthekindredintermingledwiththethralls，andnomanspake，fortheywereawaitingsureandcertaintidings:andwhenallwerecomeinwhohadamindto，therewassogreatasilenceinthehall，thatthesongofthenightingalesonthewood-edgesoundedclearandloudtherein，andeventhechinkofthebatsabouttheupperwindowscouldbeheard。Thenamidstthehushofmen-folk，andthesoundsofthelifeoftheearthcameanothersoundthatmadeallturntheireyestowardthedoor；andthiswasthepad-padofonerunningonthetroddenandsummer-driedgroundanighthehall:itstoppedforamomentattheMan’s-door，andthedooropened，andthethrongparted，makingwayforthemanthatenteredandcamehastilyuptothemidstofthetablethatstoodonthedaisathwartthehall，andstoodtherepanting，holdingforthinhisoutstretchedhandsomethingwhichnotallcouldseeinthedimnessofthehall-twilight，butwhichallknewnevertheless。Themanwasyoung，litheandslender，andhadnoraimentbutlinenbreechesroundhismiddle，andskinshoesonhisfeet。Ashestoodtheregatheringhisbreathforspeech，Thiodolfstoodup，andpouredmeadintoadrinkinghornandhelditouttowardsthenew-comer，andspake，butinrhymeandmeasure:

"Welcome，thouevening-farer，andholybethinehead，SincethouhastsoughtuntousintheheartoftheWolfings’stead；

Drinknowofthehornofthemighty，andcallahealthifthouwiltO’ertheeddiesofthemead-horntothewashingoutofguilt。

Forthoucom’sttothepeaceoftheWolfings，andourveryguestthouart，AndmeseemsasIbeholdthee，thatIlookonachildoftheHart。"

Butthemanputthehornfromhimwithahastyhand，andnonesaidanotherwordtohimuntilhehadgottenhisbreathagain；andthenhesaid:

"AllhailyeWood-Wolfs’children！noughtmayIdrinkthewine，ForthemouthandthemawthatIcarrythisevearenoughtofmine；

Andmyfeetarethefeetofthepeople，sincethewordwentforththattide，’OElfhereoftheHartings，nolongershaltthoubideInanyhouseoftheMarkmenthantospeakthewordandwend，Tillallmenknowthetidingsandthineerrandhathanend。’

Behold，OWolves，thetokenandsayifitbetrue！

Ibeartheshaftofbattlethatisfour-wisecloventhrough，Anditseachenddippedintheblood-stream，boththeironandthehorn，Anditsmidmostscathedwiththefire；andthewordthatIhaveborneAlongwiththiswar-tokenis，’WolfingsoftheMarkWhensoyeseethewar-shaft，bythedaylightorthedark，Buskyetobattlefaring，andleaveallworkundoneSavethegatheringforthehandplayattherisingofthesun。

Threedayshenceisthehosting，andthitherbearalongYourwainsandyourkinefortheslaughterlestthejourneyshouldbelong。

ForgreatistheFolk，saiththetidings，thatagainsttheMarkmencome；

Inafarofflandistheirdwelling，whensotheysitathome，AndWelsh{1}istheirtongue，andwewotnotofthewordthatisintheirmouth，AstheymarchamanytogetherfromthecitiesoftheSouth。’"

Therewithheheldupyetforaminutethetokenofthewar-arrowraggedandburntandbloody；andturningaboutwithitinhishandwenthiswaysthroughtheopendoor，nonehindering；andwhenhewasgone，itwasasifthetokenwerestillintheairthereagainsttheheadsofthelivingmen，andtheheadsofthewovenwarriors，sointentlyhadallgazedatit；andnonedoubtedthetidingsorthetoken。ThensaidThiodolf:

"ForthwillweWolfingchildren，andcastasoundabroad:

Themouthofthesea-beast’sweaponshallspeakthebattle-word；

Andyewarriorshearkenandhasten，anddighttheweedofwar，Andthentoacreandmeadowwendyeadownnomore，Forthisworkshallbeforthewomentodriveourneatfromthemead，Andtoyokethewains，andtoloadthemasthemenofwarhaveneed。"

Outthentheystreamedfromthehall，andnomanwasleftthereinsavethefairHall-Sunsittingunderthelampwhosenameshebore。

Buttothehighestoftheslopetheywent，wherewasamoundmadehigherbyman’shandiwork；thereonstoodThiodolfandhandledthehorn，turninghisfacetowardthedownwardcourseofMirkwood-water；

andhesetthehorntohislips，andblewalongblast，andthenagain，andyetagainthethirdtime；andallthesoundsofthegatheringnightwerehushedunderthesoundoftheroaringofthewar-hornoftheWolfings；andtheKinoftheBeamingshearditastheysatintheirhall，andtheygatthemreadytohearkentothebearerofthetidingswhoshouldfollowonthesoundofthewar-

blast。

Butwhenthelastsoundofthehornhaddiedaway，thensaidThiodolf:

"NowWolfingchildrenhearken，whatthesplinteredWar-shaftsaith，Thefirescathedblood-stainedaspen！weshallrideforlifeordeath，Wewarriors，alongjourneywiththeherdandwiththewain；

Butuntothisourhomesteadshallwewendusbackagain，Allthegleaningsofthebattle；andhereforthemthatliveShallstandtheRoofoftheWolfings，andforthemshallthemeadowthrive，Andtheacresgivetheirincreaseintheharvestoftheyear；

NowisnolongdepartingsincetheHall-Sunbidethhere’NeaththeholyRoofoftheFathers，andtheplaceoftheWolfingkin，Andthefeastofourgladreturningshallyetbeheldtherein。

HearthebiddingoftheWar-shaft！Allmen，boththrallsandfree，’Twixttwentywintersandsixty，beneaththeshieldshallbe，AndthehostingisattheThingstead，theUpper-markanigh；

Andwewendawayto-morroweretheSunisnoon-tidehigh。"

Therewithhesteppeddownfromthemound，andwenthiswaybacktothehall；andmanifoldtalkaroseamongthefolk；andofthewarriorssomewerealreadydightforthejourney，butmostnot，andamanywenttheirwaystoseetotheirweaponsandhorses，andtherestbackagainintothehall。

Bythistimenighthadfallen，andbetweenthenandthedawningwouldbenodarkerhour，forthemoonwasjustrising；amanyofthehorse-

herdshaddonetheirbusiness，andwerenowmakingtheirwaybackagainthroughthelanesofthewheat，drivingthestallionsbeforethem，whoplayedtogetherkicking，bitingandsquealing，payingbutlittleheedtothestandingcornoneitherside。Lightsbegantoglitternowinthecotsofthethralls，andbrighterstillinthestithieswherealreadyyoumighthearthehammersclinkingontheanvils，asmenfelltolookingtotheirbattlegear。

ButthechiefmenandthewomensatundertheirRoofontheeveofdeparture:andthetunsofmeadwerebroached，andthehornsfilledandborneroundbyyoungmaidens，andmenateanddrankandweremerry；andfromtimetotimeassomeoneofthewarriorshaddonewithgivingheedtohisweapons，heenteredintothehallandfellintothecompanyofthosewhomhelovedmostandbywhomhewasbestbeloved；andwhilestheytalked，andwhilestheysangtotheharpupanddownthatlonghouse；andthemoonrisenhighshoneinatthewindows，andtherewasmuchlaughterandmerriment，andtalkofdeedsofarmsoftheolddaysontheeveofthatdeparture:tilllittlebylittlewearinessfellonthem，andtheywenttheirwaystoslumber，andthehallwasfallensilent。

CHAPTERIII——THIODOLFTALKETHWITHTHEWOOD-SUN

ButyetsatThiodolfundertheHall-Sunforawhileasoneindeepthought；tillatlastashestirred，hisswordclatteredonhim；andthenhelifteduphiseyesandlookeddownthehallandsawnomanstirring，sohestoodupandsettledhisraimentonhim，andwentforth，andsotookhiswaysthroughthehall-door，asonewhohathanerrand。

Themoonlightlayinagreatfloodonthegrasswithout，andthedewwasfallinginthecoldesthourofthenight，andtheearthsmelledsweetly:thewholehabitationwasasleepnow，andtherewasnosoundtobeknownasthesoundofanycreature，savethatfromthedistantmeadowcamethelowingofacowthathadlosthercalf，andthatawhiteowlwasflittingaboutneartheeavesoftheRoofwithherwildcrythatsoundedlikethemockingofmerrimentnowsilent。

Thiodolfturnedtowardthewood，andwalkedsteadilythroughthescatteredhazel-trees，andtherebyintothethickofthebeech-trees，whosebolesgrewsmoothandsilver-grey，highandclose-set:andsoonandonhewentasonegoingbyawell-knownpath，thoughtherewasnopath，tillallthemoonlightwasquenchedunderthecloseroofofthebeech-leaves，thoughyetforallthedarkness，nomancouldgothereandnotfeelthattheroofwasgreenabovehim。Stillhewentonindespiteofthedarkness，tillatlasttherewasaglimmerbeforehim，thatgrewgreatertillhecameuntoasmallwood-lawnwhereontheturfgrewagain，thoughthegrasswasbutthin，becauselittlesunlightgottoit，socloseandthickwerethetalltreesroundaboutit。Intheheavensaboveitbynowtherewasalightthatwasnotallofthemoon，thoughitmightscarcebetoldwhetherthatlightwerethememoryofyesterdayorthepromiseofto-morrow，sincelittleoftheheavenscouldbeseenthence，savethecrownofthem，becauseofthetalltree-tops。

NoughtlookedThiodolfeitherattheheavensabove，orthetrees，ashestrodefromoffthehusk-strewnfloorofthebeechwoodontothescantygrassofthelawn，buthiseyeslookedstraightbeforehimatthatwhichwasamidmostofthelawn:andlittlewonderwasthat；forthereonastonechairsatawomanexceedingfair，cladinglitteringraiment，herhairlyingaspaleinthemoonlightonthegreystoneasthebarleyacresintheAugustnightbeforethereaping-hookgoesinamongstthem。Shesatthereasthoughshewereawaitingsomeone，andhemadenostopnorstay，butwentstraightuptoher，andtookherinhisarms，andkissedhermouthandhereyes，andshehimagain；

andthenhesathimselfdownbesideher。Buthereyeslookedkindlyonhimasshesaid:

"OThiodolf，hardyartthou，thatthouhastnofeartotakemeinthinearmsandtokissme，asthoughthouhadstmetinthemeadowwithamaidenoftheElkings:andI，whoamadaughteroftheGodsofthykindred，andaChooseroftheSlain！Yea，andthatupontheeveofbattleandthedawnofthydeparturetothestrickenfield！"

"OWood-Sun，"hesaid"thouartthetreasureoflifethatIfoundwhenIwasyoung，andtheloveoflifethatIhold，nowthatmybeardisgrizzling。SincewhendidIfearthee，Wood-Sun？DidIfeartheewhenfirstIsawthee，andwestoodamidstthehazelledfield，wetwainlivingamongsttheslain？Butmyswordwasredwiththebloodofthefoe，andmyraimentwithmineownblood；andIwasa-wearywiththeday’swork，andsickwithmanystrokes，andmethoughtIwasfaintingintodeath。Andtherethouwertbeforeme，fulloflifeandruddyandsmilingbothlipsandeyes；thyraimentcleanandclear，thinehandsstainedwithblood:thendidstthoutakemebymybloodyandwearyhand，anddidstkissmylipsgrownashenpale，andthousaidst’Comewithme。’AndIstrovetogo，andmightnot；somanyandsoreweremyhurts。ThenamidstmysicknessandmywearinesswasImerry；forIsaidtomyself，Thisisthedeathofthewarrior，anditisexceedingsweet。Whatmeanethit？Folksaidofme；heisoveryoungtomeetthefoeman；yetamInotoveryoungtodie？"

Therewithhelaughedoutamidthewild-wood，andhisspeechbecamesong，andhesaid:

"Wewroughtintheringofthehazels，andthewineofwarwedrank:

Fromthetidewhenthesunstoodhighesttothehourwhereinshesank:

Andthreekingscameagainstme，themightiestoftheHuns，Theevil-eyedinbattle，theswift-footwilyones；

Andtheygnashedtheirteethagainstme，andtheygnawedontheshield-rimsthere，Onthatafternoonofsummer，inthehigh-tideoftheyear。

Keen-eyedIgazedaboutme，andIsawthecloudsdrawupTilltheheavensweredarkasthehollowofawine-stainedironcup，Andthewild-deerlayunfeedingonthegrassoftheforestglades，Andallearthwasscaredwiththethunderaboveourclashingblades。

"ThensankaKingbeforeme，andonfelltheothertwain，AndItossedupthereddenedsword-bladeinthegatheredrushoftherainAndthebloodandthewaterblended，andfragrantgrewtheearth。

"TherelongIturnedandtwistedwithinthebattle-girthBeforethosebearsofonset:whileoutfromthegreyworldstreamedThebroadredlashofthelighteningandinourbyrniesgleamed。

AndlongIleaptandlabouredinthatgarlandofthefight’Midthebluebladesandthelightening；buteretheskygrewlightThesecondoftheHun-kingsontherain-drencheddaisieslay；

Andwetwainwiththebattleblindedalittlewhilemadestay，Andleaningonoursword-hiltseachontheothergazed。

"Thentheraingrewless，andonecorneroftheveilofcloudswasraised，AndasfromthebroideredcoveringgleamsouttheshoulderwhiteOfthebed-mateofthewarriorwhenonhisweddingnightHelayethhishandtothelinen；so，downthereinthewestGleamedoutthenakedheaven:butthewrathroseupinmybreast，Andtheswordinmyhandrosewithit，andIleapedandhewedattheHun；

Andfromhimtooflaredthewar-flame，andthebladesdancedbrightinthesunComebacktotheearthforalittlebeforetheendingofday。

"TherethenwithallthatwasinhimdidtheHunplayouttheplay，Tillhefell，andleftmetottering，andIturnedmyfeettowendTotheplaceofthemoundofthemighty，thegateofthewaywithoutend。

Andtherethouwert。Howwasit，thouChooseroftheSlain，DidIdieinthinearms，andthereafterdidthymouth-kisswakemeagain？"

Erethelastsoundofhisvoicewasdonesheturnedandkissedhim；

andthenshesaid；"Neverhadstthouafearandthineheartisfullofhardihood。"

Thenhesaid:

"’Tisthehardyheart，beloved，thatkeepethmealive，Astheking-leekinthegardenbytherainandthesundoththrive，SoIthrivebythepraiseofthepeople；itisblentwithmydrinkandmymeat；

AsIslumberinthenight-tideitlapsmesoftandsweet；

AndthroughthechamberwindowwhenIwakeninthemornWiththewindofthesun’sarisingfromthemeadowisitborneAndbiddethmerememberthatyetIliveonearth:

ThenIriseandmymightiswithme，andfillsmyheartwithmirth，AsIthinkofthepraiseofthepeople；andallthisjoyIwinBythedeedsthatmyheartcommandethandthehopethatlieththerein。"

"Yea，"shesaid，"butdayrunnetheverontheheelsofday，andtherearemanyandmanydays；andbetwixtthemdotheycarryeld。"

"Yetartthounoolderthanindaysbygone，"saidhe。"Isitso，O

DaughteroftheGods，thatthouwertneverborn，butwertfrombeforetheframingofthemountains，fromthebeginningofallthings？"

Butshesaid:

"Nay，nay；Ibegan，Iwasborn；althoughitmaybeindeedThatnotonthehillsoftheearthIsprangfromthegodhead’sseed。

Ande’enasmybirthandmywaxingshallbemywaningandend。

Butthouonmanyanerrand，tomanyafielddostwendWherethebowatadventurebended，orthefleeingdastard’sspearOftlulleththemirthofthemighty。Nowmethoudostnotfear，Yetfearwithme，beloved，forthemightyMaidIfear；

AndDoomishername，andfulloftenshemakethmeafraidAndevennowmeseemethonmylifeherhandislaid。"

Buthelaughedandsaid:

"Inwhatlandissheabiding？Isshenearorfaraway？

Willshedrawupclosebesidemeinthepressofthebattleplay？

AndifthenImaynotsmiteher’midstthewarriorsofthefieldWiththepalebladeofmyfathers，willshebidetheshoveofmyshield？"

Butsadlyshesanginanswer:

"InmanyasteadDoomdwelleth，norsleepethdaynornight:

Therimofthebowlshekisseth，andbeareththechamberinglightWhenthekingsofmenwendhappytothebride-bedfromtheboard。

Itislittletosaythatshewendeththeedgeofthegrindedsword，Whenaboutthehousehalfbuildedshehangethmanyaday；

Theshipfromthestrandsheshoveth，andonhiswontedwayBythemountain-hunterfarethwherehisfootne’erfailedbefore:

Sheiswherethehighbankcrumblesatlastontheriver’sshore:

Themower’sscytheshewhetteth；andlulleththeshepherdtosleepWherethedeadlyling-wormwakenethinthedesertofthesheep。

NowwethatcomeoftheGod-kinofherredesforourselveswewot，Butherwillwiththelivesofmen-folkandtheirendingknowwenot。

SothereforeIbidtheenotfearforthyselfofDoomandherdeed，Butforme:andIbidtheehearkentothehelpingofmyneed。

Orelse——Artthouhappyinlife，orlusteththoutodieIntheflowerofthydays，whenthygloryandthylongingbloomonhigh？"

ButThiodolfansweredher:

"Ihavedeemed，andlonghaveIdeemedthatthisismysecondlife，Thatmyfirstonewanedwithmywoundingwhenthoucam’sttotheringofstrife。

ForwheninthinearmsIwakenedonthehazelledfieldofyore，MeseemedIhadnewlyarisentoaworldIknewnomore，Somuchhadallthingsbrightenedonthatdewydawnofday。

ItwasdarkdulldeaththatIlookedforwhenmythoughthaddiedaway。

ItwaslovelylifethatIwoketo；andfromthatdayhenceforthMyjoyofthelifeofman-folkwasmanifoldedofworth。

FarfairerthefieldsofthemorningthanIhadknownthemerst，AndtheacreswhereIwended，andthecornwithitshalf-slakedthirst；

AndthenobleRoofoftheWolfings，andthehawksthatsatthereon；

AndthebodiesofmykindredwhosedeliveranceIhadwon；

AndtheglimmeringoftheHall-Sunintheduskyhouseofold；

Andmynameinthemouthofthemaidens，andthepraisesofthebold，AsIsatinmybattle-raiment，andtheruddyspearwellsteeledLeaned’gainstmysidewar-battered，andthewoundsthinehandhadhealed。

Yea，fromthatmornthenceforwardhasmylifebeengoodindeed，Thegainofto-daywasgoodly，andgoodto-morrow’sneed，Andgoodthewhirlofthebattle，andthebroilIwieldedthere，TillIfashionedtheorderedonset，andtheunhopedvictoryfair。

AndgoodwerethedaysthereafterofutterdeedlessrestAndtheprattleofthydaughter，andherhandsonmyunmailedbreast。

Ahgoodisthelifethouhastgiven，thelifethatminehandshavewon。

Andwhereshallbetheendingtilltheworldisallundone？

Heresitwetwaintogether，andbothweinGodheadclad，WetwainoftheWolfingkindred，andeachoftheotherglad。"

Butsheanswered，andherfacegrewdarkerwithal:

"Omightymanandjoyous，artthouoftheWolfingkin？

’Twasnoevildeedwhenwemingled，norliethdoomtherein。

Thoulovelyman，thoublack-haired，thoushaltdieandhavedonenoill。

Fame-crownedarethedeedsofthydoing，andthemouthsofmentheyfill。

ThoubettereroftheGodfolk，enduringisthyfame:

Yetasapaintedimageofadreamisthydreadedname。

Ofanalienfolkthoucomest，thatwetwainmightbeoneindeed。

Thoushaltdieoneday。Sohearken，tohelpmeatmyneed。"

Hisfacegrewtroubledandhesaid:"WhatisthiswordthatIamnochiefoftheWolfings？"

"Nay，"shesaid，"butbetterthanthey。LookthouonthefaceofourdaughtertheHall-Sun，thydaughterandmine:favourethsheatallofme？"

Helaughed:"Yea，whereassheisfair，butnototherwise。Thisisahardsaying，thatIdwellamonganalienkindred，anditwottethnotthereof。Whyhastthounottoldmehereofbefore？"

Shesaid:"Itneedednottotelltheebecausethydaywaswaxing，asnowitwaneth。OncemoreIbidtheehearkenanddomybiddingthoughitbehardtothee。"

Heanswered:"EvensowillIasmuchasImay；andthuswisemustthoulookuponit，thatIlovelife，andfearnotdeath。"

Thenshespake，andagainherwordsfellintorhyme:

"Infortyfightshastthoufoughten，andbeenworstedbutinfour；

AndIlookedonandwasmerry；andevermoreandmoreWertthoudeartotheheartoftheWood-Sun，andtheChooseroftheSlain。

Butnowwhereasyearewendingwithslaughter-herdandwainTomeetafolkthatyeknownot，awonder，apeerlessfoe，Ifearforthyglory’swaning，andIseetheelyingalow。"

Thenhebrakein:"Hereinislittleshametobeworstedbythemightofthemightiest:ifthissomightyfolkshearethalimboffthetreeofmyfame，yetshallitwaxagain。"

Butshesang:

"Infortyfightshastthoufoughten，andbesidetheewhobutI

Beheldthewind-tossedbanners，andsawtheaspenfly？

Butto-daytothywarIwendnot，forWeirdwithholdethmeAndsoremyheartforebodethforthebattlethatshallbe。

To-daywiththeeIwendnot；soIfeared，andlomyfeet，Thatarewonttothewoodlandgirdleoftheacresofthewheat，Fortheeamongstrangepeopleandthefoeman’sthronghavetrod，AndItelltheetheirbannerofbattleisawiseandamightyGod。

Forthesearethefolkofthecities，andinwondrouswisetheydwell’Midconfusionofheapedhouses，dimandblackasthefaceofhell；

Thoughtherefromriseroofsmostgoodly，wheretheircaptainsandtheirkingsDwellamidstthewallsofmarbleinabundanceoffairthings；

And’midthese，norworsernorbetter，butbuildedotherwiseStandtheHousesoftheFathers，andthehiddenmysteries。

Andascloseasarethetree-trunksthatwithinthebeech-woodthriveE’ensomanyaretheirpillars；andthereinlikemenaliveStandtheimagesofgod-folkinsuchraimentastheyworeIntheyearsbeforethecitiesandthehiddendaysofyore。

AhforthegoldthatIgazedon！andtheirstoreofbattlegear，AndstrangeenginesthatIknewnot，ortheendforwhichtheywere。

Ahfortheorderedwisdomofthewar-arrayofthese，Andthefolksthataresittingaboutthemindumbdown-troddenpeace！

SoIthoughtnowfarethwar-wardmywell-belovedfriend，AndtheweirdoftheGodshathdoomeditthatnomorewithhimmayI

wend！

Woe’smeforthewaroftheWolfingswherefromIamsunderedapart，Andthefruitlessdeathofthewar-wise，andthedoomofthehardyheart！"

Thenheanswered，andhiseyesgrewkindashelookedonher:

"ForthyfairloveIthankthee，andthyfaithfulword，Ofriend！

Buthowmightitotherwisehappenbutwetwainmustmeetintheend，TheGodofthismightypeopleandtheMarkmenandtheirkin？

Lo，thisistheweirdoftheworld，andwhatmaywedoherein？"

Thenmirthcameintoherfaceagainasshesaid:

"WhowottethofWeird，andwhatsheistilltheweirdisaccomplished？LonghathitbeenmyweirdtolovetheeandtofashiondeedsfortheeasImay；norwillIdepartfromitnow。"Andshesang:

"Keen-edgedistheswordofthecity，andbitterisitsspear，Butthybreastinthebattle，beloved，hathawallofthestithy’sgear。

Whatnowisthywontinthehandplaywiththehelmandthehauberkofrings？

Farestthouasthethrallandthecot-carle，orcladintheraimentofkings？"

Hestarted，andhisfacereddenedasheanswered:

"OWood-Sunthouwottestourbattleandthewaywhereinwefare:

Thatoftatthebattle’sbeginningthehelmandthehauberkwebear；

LesttheshaftofthefleeingcowardorthebowatadventurebentShouldslayuseretheneedbe，ereourmightbegivenandspent。

Yetofterethefightisover，andDoomhathscatteredthefoe，Noleaderofthepeoplebyhiswar-gearshallyeknow，Butbyhishurtstherather，fromthecot-carleandthethrall:

Forwhenallisdonethatamanmay，’tisthehourforamantofall。"

Sheyetsmiledasshesaidinanswer:

"OFolk-wolf，heedandhearken；forwhenshallthylifebespentAndtheFolkwhereinthoudwellestwiththydeathbewellcontent？

Whensofolkneedthefire，dotheyhewtheapple-tree，AndburntheMotherofBlossomandthefruitthatistobe？

Ormewiltthoubidtothygrave-moundbecausethybattle-wrathMaynothingmorebebridledthanthewhirlwindonhispath？

Sohearkenanddomybidding，forthehauberkshaltthoubearE’enwhentheotherwarriorscastofftheirbattle-gear。

Socomethou，comeunwoundedfromthewar-fieldofthesouth，Andsitwithmeinthebeech-wood，andkissme，eyesandmouth。"

Andshekissedhiminverydeed，andmademuchofhim，andfawnedonhim，andlaidherhandonhisbreast，andhewassoftandblithewithher，butatlasthelaughedandsaid:

"God’sDaughter，longhastthoulived，andmanyamatterseen，Andmenfulloftengrievingforthedeedthatmighthavebeen；

ButheremyheartthouwheedlestasamaidoftenderyearsWhenfirstinthearmsofherdarlingthehornofwarshehears。

Thouknowesttheaxetobeheavy，andthesword，howkeenitis；

ButthatDoomofwhichthouhastspoken，wiltthounottellofthis，God’sDaughter，howitsheareth，andhowitbreakeththroughEachwallthatthewarriorbuildeth，yeaalldeedsthathemaydo？

Whatmightinthehammer’sleavings，inthefire’sthrallshallabideToturnthatFolks’o’erwhelmerfromthefatedwarrior’sside？"

Thenshelaughedinherturn，andloudly；butsosweetlythatthesoundofhervoicemingledwiththefirstsongofanewlyawakenedwood-thrushsittingonarowantwigontheedgeoftheWood-lawn。

Butshesaid:

"Yea，IthatamGod’sDaughtermaytelltheeneverawhitFromwhatlandcomeththehauberknorwhatsmithsmithiedit，Thatthoushaltwearinthehandplayfromthefirststroketothelast；

ButthisthereofItellthee，thatitholdethfirmandfastThelifeofthebodyitlappeth，ifthegiftoftheGodfolkitbe。

Lothisistheyoke-mateofdoom，andthegiftofmeuntothee。"

Thensheleaneddownfromthestonewhereontheysat，andherhandwasinthedewygrassforalittle，andthenitliftedupadarkgreyripplingcoatofrings；andshestraightenedherselfintheseatagain，andlaidthathauberkonthekneesofThiodolf，andheputhishandtoit，andturneditabout，whileheponderedlong:thenatlasthesaid:

"Whatevilthingabidethwiththiswarderofthestrife，Thisburgandtreasurechamberforthehoardingofmylife？

Forthisistheworkofthedwarfs，andnokindlykinoftheearth；

Andallwefearthedwarf-kinandtheirangerandsorrowandmirth。"

Shecastherarmsabouthimandfondledhim，andhervoicegrewsweeterthanthevoiceofanymortalthingassheanswered:

"Noillforthee，beloved，orformeinthehauberklies；

Nosunderinggriefisinit，nolonelymiseries。

Butweshallabidetogether，andthatnewlifeIgave，Foralongwhileyethenceforwardwetwainitsjoyshallhave。

Yea，ifthoudostmybiddingtowearmygiftinthefightNohunterofthewild-woodatthechangingofthenightShallseemyshapeonthygrave-moundormytearsinthemorningfindWiththedewofthemorningmingled；norwiththeeveningwindShallmybodypasstheshepherdashewanderethinthemeadAndfillhimwithforebodingsontheeveoftheWolfings’need。

Northehorse-herdwakeinthemidnightandhearmyfatefulcry；

NoryetshalltheWolfingwomenhearwordsonthewindgobyAstheyweaveandspinthenightdownwhentheHouseisgonetothewar，Andweepfortheswainstheyweddedandthechildrenthattheybore。

Yeadomybidding，OFolk-wolf，lestagriefoftheGodsshouldweighOntheancientHouseoftheWolfingsandmydeatho’erclouditsday。"

Andstillsheclungabouthim，whilehespakenowordofyeaornay:

butatthelasthelethimselfglidewhollyintoherarms，andthedwarf-wroughthauberkfellfromhiskneesandlayonthegrass。

Sotheyabodetogetherinthatwood-lawntillthetwilightwaslonggone，andthesunarisenforsomewhile。AndwhenThiodolfsteppedoutofthebeech-woodintothebroadsunshinedappledwiththeshadowoftheleavesofthehazelsmovinggentlyinthefreshmorningair，hewascoveredfromthenecktothekneebyahauberkofringsdarkandgreyandgleaming，fashionedbythedwarfsofancientdays。

CHAPTERIV——THEHOUSEFARETHTOTHEWAR

NowwhenThiodolfcamebacktothehabitationsofthekindredthewholeHousewasastir，boththrall-menandwomen，andfreewomenhurryingfromcottostithy，andfromstithytohallbearingthelastofthewar-gearorraimentforthefighting-men。ButtheyfortheirpartweresomestandingaboutanightheMan’s-door，somesittinggravelywithinthehall，somewatchingthehurryofthethrallsandwomenfromthemidmostoftheopenspaceamidstofthehabitations，whereontherestoodyetcertainwainswhichwerebelated:forthemostofthewainswerenowstandingwiththeoxenalreadyyokedtothemdowninthemeadowpasttheacres，encircledbyaconfusedthrongofkineandhorsesandthrall-folk，forthitherhadallthebeastsfortheslaughter，andthehorsesforthewarriorsbeenbrought；andtherewerethehorsestetheredorheldbythethralls；

someindeedwerealreadysaddledandbridled，andonotherswerethethrallsdoingtheharness。

ButasforthewainsoftheMarkmen，theywerestoutlyframedofash-

treewithpanelsofaspen，andtheywerebroad-wheeledsothattheymightgooverroughandsmooth。Theyhadhightiltsoverthemwellframedofwillow-polescoveredoverwithsquaresofblackfeltover-

lappinglikeshingles；whichfelttheymadeoftheroughoftheirfleeces，fortheyhadmanysheep。Andthesewainsweretothemforhousesuponthewayifneedwere，andthereinasnowwerestoredtheirmealandtheirwar-storeandafterfighttheywouldflittheirwoundedmeninthem，suchasweretoosorelyhurttobackahorse:

normustitbehiddenthatwhilestheylookedtobringbackwiththemthetreasureofthesouth。Moreoverthefolkiftheywereworstedinanybattle，insteadoffleeingwithoutmoredone，wouldoftendrawbackfightingintoagarthmadebythesewains，andguardedbysomeoftheirthralls；andtherewouldabidetheonsetofthosewhohadthrustthembackinthefield。AndthisgarththeycalledtheWain-

burg。

SonowstoodthreeofthesewainsaforesaidbelatedamidstofthehabitationsoftheHouse，theiryoke-beastsstandingorlyingdownunharnessedasyettothem:butintheverymidstofthatplacewasawainunliketothem；smallerthantheybuthigher；squareofshapeastothefloorofit；builtlighterthanthey，yetfarstronger；asthewarriorisstrongerthanthebigcarleandtrencher-lickerthatloitersaboutthehall；andfromthemidstofthiswainaroseamastmadeofatallstraightfir-tree，andthereonhungthebanneroftheWolfings，whereinwaswroughttheimageoftheWolf，butredofhueasatokenofwar，andwithhismouthopenandgapinguponthefoemen。Alsowhereastheotherwainsweredrawnbymereoxen，andthoseofdiverscolours，aschancewouldhaveit，thewainofthebannerwasdrawnbytenblackbullsofthemightiestoftheherd，deep-dewlapped，high-crestedandcurly-browed；andtheirharnesswasdeckedwithgold，andsowasthewainitself，andthewoodworkofitpaintedredwithvermilion。TherethenstoodtheBanneroftheHouseoftheWolfingsawaitingthedepartureofthewarriorstothehosting。

SoThiodolfstoodonthetopofthebentbesidethatsamemoundwherefromhehadblowntheWar-hornyester-eve，andwhichwascalledtheHillofSpeech，andheshadedhiseyeswithhishandandlookedaroundhim；andeventherewiththecarlesfelltoyokingthebeaststothebelatedwains，andthewarriorsgatheredtogetherfromoutofthemixedthrongs，andcamefromtheRoofandtheMan’s-doorandallsettheirfacestowardtheHillofSpeech。

SoThiodolfknewthatallwasreadyfordeparture，anditwantedbutanhourofhigh-noon；soheturnedaboutandwentintotheHall，andtherefoundhisshieldandhisspearhanginginhissleepingplacebesidethehauberkhewaswonttowear；thenhelooked，asonestrivingwiththought，athisemptyhauberkandhisownbodycoveredwiththedwarf-wroughtrings；nordidhisfacechangeashetookhisshieldandhisspearandturnedaway。Thenhewenttothedaisandtheresathisfoster-daughter(asmendeemedher)sittingamidstofitasyester-eve，andnowarrayedinagarmentoffinewhitewool，onthebreastwhereofwerewroughtingoldtwobeastsrampingupagainstafire-altarwhereonaflameflickered；andontheskirtsandthehemswereotherdevices，ofwolveschasingdeer，andmenshootingwiththebow；andthatgarmentwasanancienttreasure；butshehadabroadgirdleofgoldandgemsabouthermiddle，andonherarmsandnecksheworegreatgoldringswroughtdelicately。BythentherewerefewsavetheHall-SunundertheRoof，andtheybuttheoldestofthewomen，orafewveryoldmen，andsomewhowereailingandmightnotgoabroad。ButbeforeheronthethwarttablelaytheGreatWar-

hornawaitingthecomingofThiodolftogivesignalofdeparture。

ThenwentThiodolftotheHall-Sunandkissedandembracedherfondly，andshegavethehornintohishands，andhewentforthandupontotheHillofSpeech，andblewthenceashortblastonthehorn，andthencamealltheWarriorsflockingtotheHillofSpeech，eachmanstarkinhisharness，alertandjoyous。

ThenpresentlythroughtheMan’s-doorcametheHall-Suninthatancientgarment，whichfellstraightandstiffdowntoheranclesasshesteppedlightlyandslowlyalong，herheadcrownedwithagarlandofeglantine。Inherrighthandalsosheheldagreattorchofwaxlighted，whoseflameamidstthebrightsunlightlookedlikeawaveringleafofvermilion。

Thewarriorssawher，andmadealaneforher，andshemadeherwaythroughituptotheHillofSpeech，andshewentuptothetopofitandstoodthereholdingthelightedcandleinherhand，sothatallmightseeit。Thensuddenlywasthereasgreatasilenceastheremaybeonaforenoonofsummer；foreventhethrallsdowninthemeadowhadnotedwhatwastoward，andceasedtheirtalkingandshouting，forasfaroffastheywere，sincetheycouldseethattheHall-SunstoodontheHillofSpeech，forthewoodwasdarkbehindher；sotheyknewtheFarewellFlamewaslighted，andthatthemaidenwouldspeak；andtoallmenherspeechwasabodingofgoodorofill。

Soshebeganinasweetvoiceyetclearandfar-reaching:

"OWarriorsoftheWolfingsbythetokenoftheflameThathereinmyrighthandflickers，comeabacktotheHouseoftheName！

ForthereyetburneththeHall-SunbeneaththeWolfingroof，Andthisflameislittenfromit，norasnowshallitfarealoofTillagainitseeththemightyandthementobegleanedfromthefight。

Sowendyeasweirdwillethandletyourheartsbelight；

Forthroughyourdaysofbattleallthedeedsofourdaysshallbefair。

To-morrowbeginneththehaysel，asifeverycarlewerehere；

Andwhoknowethereyourreturningbutthehookshallsmitethecorn？

Butthekineshallgodowntothemeadowastheirwontiseverymorn，Andeacheveshallcomebacktothebyre；andthemaresandfoalsafieldShalleverbeheededduly；andallthingsshalltheirincreaseyield。

AndifitshallbefalusthathithercomethafoeHerehaveweswainsoftheshepherdsgoodplayerswiththebow，Andoldmenbattle-craftywhosemightisnowisespent，AndwomenfellandfearlesswellwonttotreadthebentAmidthesheepandtheoxen；andtheirhandsarehardwiththespearAndtheirarmsarestrongandstalwartthebattleshieldtobear；

Andstoreofweaponshaveweandthemightywallsofthestead；

AndtheRoofshallabideyousteadfastwiththeHall-Sunoverhead。

LohereIquenchthiscandlethatislitfromtheHall-Sun’sflameWhichuntotheWild-woodclearingwiththekinoftheWolfingscameAndshallwendwiththeirdeparturetothelimitsoftheearth；

Noragainshallthetorchbelightedtillinsorroworinmirth，Overthrownoroverthrowing，yecomeabackoncemore，AndbidmebearthecandlebeforetheWolfofWar。"

Asshespakethewordsheturnedthecandledownward，andthrustitagainstthegrassandquencheditindeed；butthewholethrongofwarriorsturnedabout，forthebullsofthebanner-wainloweredtheirheadsintheyokesandbegantodraw，lowingmightily；andthewaincreakedandmovedon，andallthemen-at-armsfollowedafter，anddowntheywentthroughthelanesofthecorn，andamanywomenandchildrenandoldmenwentdownintothemeadwiththem。

IntheirheartstheyallwonderedwhattheHall-Sun’swordsmightsignify；forshehadtoldthemnoughtaboutthebattlestobe，savingthatsomeshouldcomebacktotheMid-mark；whereasaforetimesomewhatwouldsheforetelltothemconcerningthefortuneofthefight，andnowhadshesaidtothemnothingbutwhattheirownheartstoldthem。NeverthelesstheyboretheircrestshighastheyfollowedtheWolfdownintothemeadow，whereallwasnowreadyfordeparture。

TheretheyarrayedthemselvesandwentdowntothelipofMirkwood-

water；andsuchwastheirarraythatthebannerwentfirst，savethatabandoffullyarmedmenwentbeforeit；andbehinditandaboutweretheothersaswellarrayedasthey。Thenwentthewainsthatboretheirmunition，witharmedcarlesofthethrall-folkaboutthem，whowereevertheguardofthewains，andshouldneverleavethemnightorday；andlastlywentthegreatbandofthewarriorsandtherestofthethrallswiththem。

Astotheirwar-gear，allthefreemenhadhelmsofsomekind，butnotallofironorsteel；forsomeborehelmsfashionedofhorse-hideandbull-hidecoveredoverwiththesimilitudeofaWolf’smuzzle；norweretheseill-defenceagainstasword-stroke。Shieldstheyallhad，andallthesehadtheimageoftheWolfmarkedonthem，butformanytheirthrallsborethemonthejourney。Astotheirbody-armoursomecarriedlongbyrniesofring-mail，somecoatsofleathercoveredwithsplintersofhornlaidliketheshinglesofaroof，andsomeskin-

coatsonly:whereofindeedthereweresomeofwhichtaleswentthattheywerebetterthanthesmith’shammer-work，becausetheyhadhadspellssungoverthemtokeepoutsteeloriron。

Butfortheirweapons，theyborespearswithshaftsnotverylong，someeightfeetofourmeasure；andaxesheavyandlong-shafted；andbillswithgreatandbroadheads；andsomefew，butnotmanyofthekindredwerebowmen，andeveryfreemanwasgirtwithasword；butoftheswordssomewerelongandtwo-edged，someshortandheavy，cuttingononeedge，andthesewereofthekindwhichtheyandourforefatherslongaftercalled’sax。’Thuswerethefreemenarrayed。

Butforthethralls，thereweremanybowsamongthem，especiallyamongthosewhowereofbloodalienfromtheGoths；theothersboreshortspears，andfeatheredbroadarrows，andclubsboundwithiron，andknivesandaxes，butnoteverymanofthemhadasword。Fewironhelmstheyhadandnoringedbyrnies，butmosthadabucklerattheirbackswithnosignorsymbolonit。

ThusthensetforththefightingmenoftheHouseoftheWolftowardtheThing-steadoftheUpper-markwherethehostingwastobe，andbythentheyweremovingupalongthesideofMirkwood-wateritwassomewhatpasthigh-noon。

Butthestay-at-homepeoplewhohadcomedownwiththemtothemeadowlingeredlonginthatplace；andmuchforebodingtherewasamongthemofeviltocome；andoftheoldfolk，somerememberedtalesofthepastdaysoftheMarkmen，andhowtheyhadcomefromtheendsoftheearth，andthemountainswherenonedwellnowbuttheGodsoftheirkindreds；andmanyofthesetalestoldoftheirwoesandtheirwarsastheywentfromrivertoriverandfromwild-woodtowild-woodbeforetheyhadestablishedtheirHousesintheMark，andfallentodwellingthereseasonbyseasonandyearbyyearwhetherthedaysweregoodorill。Anditfellintotheirheartsthatnowatlastmayhappenwastheirabidingwearingouttoanend，andthatthedayshouldsoonbewhentheyshouldhavetobeartheHall-Sunthroughthewild-wood，andseekanewdwelling-placeafarfromthetroublingofthesenewlyarisenWelshfoemen。

AndsothoseofthemwhocouldnotridthemselvesofthisforebodingweresomewhatheavierofheartthantheirwontwaswhentheHousewenttotheWar。ForlonghadtheyabidedthereintheMark，andthelifewassweettothemwhichtheyknew，andthelifewhichtheyknewnotwasbittertothem:andMirkwood-waterwasbecomeasaGodtothemnolessthantotheirfathersofoldtime；norlesserwasthemeadwherefedthehorsesthattheylovedandthekinethattheyhadreared，andthesheepthattheyguardedfromtheWolfoftheWild-

wood:andtheyworshippedthekindacreswhichtheythemselvesandtheirfathershadmadefruitful，weddingthemtotheseasonsofseed-

timeandharvest，thatthebirththatcamefromthemmightbecomeapartofthekindredoftheWolf，andthejoyandmightofpastspringsandsummersmightruninthebloodoftheWolfingchildren。

AndadearGodindeedtothemwastheRoofoftheKindred，thattheirfathershadbuiltandthattheyyetwardedagainstthefireandthelighteningandthewindandthesnow，andthepassingofthedaysthatdevourandtheyearsthatheapthedustovertheworkofmen。

Theythoughtofhowithadstood，andseensomanygenerationsofmencomeandgo；howoftenithadwelcomedthenew-bornbabe，andgivenfarewelltotheoldman:howmanysecretsofthepastitknew；howmanytaleswhichmenofthepresenthadforgotten，butwhichyetmayhapmenoftimestocomeshouldlearnofit；fortothemyetlivingithadspokentimeandagain，andhadtoldthemwhattheirfathershadnottoldthem，anditheldthememoriesofthegenerationsandtheverylifeoftheWolfingsandtheirhopesforthedaystobe。

ThusthesepoorpeoplethoughtoftheGodswhomtheyworshipped，andthefriendswhomtheyloved，andcouldnotchoosebutbeheavy-

heartedwhentheythoughtthatthewild-woodwasawaitingthemtoswallowallup，andtakeawayfromthemtheirGodsandtheirfriendsandthemirthoftheirlife，andburdenthemwithhungerandthirstandweariness，thattheirchildrenmightbeginoncemoretobuildtheHouseandestablishthedwelling，andcallnewplacesbyoldnames，andworshipnewGodswiththeancientworship。

Suchimaginationsoftroublethenwereintheheartsofthestay-at-

homesoftheWolfings；thetaletellsnotindeedthatallhadsuchforebodings，butchieflytheoldfolkwhowerenursingtheendoftheirlife-daysamidstthecherishingKindredoftheHouse。