第2章
Butnowtheywerebeginningtoturnthembackagaintothehabitations，andathinstreamwasflowingthroughtheacres，whentheyheardaconfusedsounddrawingnearblendedofhornsandthelowingofbeastsandtheshoutingofmen；andtheylookedandsawathrongofbrightlycladmencomingupstreamalongsideofMirkwood-
water；andtheywerenotafraid，fortheyknewthatitmustbesomeothercompanyoftheMarkmenjourneyingtothehostingoftheFolk:
andpresentlytheysawthatitwastheHouseoftheBeamingsfollowingtheirbanneronthewaytotheThing-stead。Butwhenthenew-comerssawthethrongoutinthemeads，someoftheiryoungmenprickedontheirhorsesandgallopedonpastthewomenandoldmen，towhomtheythrewagreeting，astheyranpasttocatchupwiththebandsoftheWolfings；forbetweenthetwohouseswasthereaffinity，andmuchgoodlikinglaybetweenthem；andthestay-at-homes，manyofthem，lingeredyettillthemainbodyoftheBeamingscamewiththeirbanner:andtheirarraywasmuchliketothatoftheWolfings，butgayer；forwhereasitpleasedthelattertodarkenalltheirwargeartothecolourofthegreyWolf，theBeamingspolishedalltheirgearasbrightasmightbe，andtheirraimentalsowasmostlybrightgreenofhueandmuchbeflowered；andthesignontheirbannerwasagreenleafytree，andthewainwasdrawnbygreatwhitebulls。
Sowhentheircompanydrewaneartothethrongofthestay-at-homestheywenttomeetandgreeteachother，andtelltidingstoeachother；buttheirbannerheldsteadilyonwardamidsttheirconverse，andinalittlewhiletheyfollowedit，forthewaywaslongtotheThing-steadoftheUpper-mark。
SopassedawaythefightingmenbythesideofMirkwood-water，andthethrongofthestay-at-homesmeltedslowlyfromthemeadowandtrickledalongthroughtheacrestothehabitationsoftheWolfings，andtheretheyfelltodoingwhatsoofworkorplaycametotheirhands。
CHAPTERV——CONCERNINGTHEHALL-SUN
Whenthewarriorsandtheothershadgonedowntothemead，theHall-
SunwasleftstandingontheHillofSpeech，andshestoodtheretillshesawthehostinduearraygoingonitswaysdarkandbrightandbeautiful；thenshemadeasiftoturnabacktotheGreatRoof；butallatonceitseemedtoherasifsomethingheldherback，asifherwilltomovehaddepartedfromher，andthatshecouldnotputonefootbeforetheother。SoshelingeredontheHill，andthequenchedcandlefellfromherhand，andpresentlyshesankadownonthegrassandsattherewiththefaceofonethinkingintently。Yetwasitwithherthatathousandthoughtswereinhermindatonceandnooneofthemuppermost，andimagesofwhathadbeenandwhatthenwasflickeredaboutinherbrain，andbetwixtthemwereengenderedimagesofthingstobe，butunstableandnottobetrowedin。SosattheHall-SunontheHillofSpeechlostinadreamoftheday，whosestorieswereaslittleclearasthoseofanight-dream。
Butasshesatmusingthus，cametoherawomanexceedingoldtolookon，whomsheknewnotasoneofthekindredorathrall；andthiscarlinegreetedherbythenameofHall-Sunandsaid:
"Hail，Hall-SunoftheMarkmen！howfaresitnowwiththeeWhenthewhelpsoftheWoodbeastwanderwiththeLeafageoftheTreeAlluptheMirkwood-watertoseekwhattheyshallfind，Theoak-bolesofthebattleandthewar-woodstarkandblind？"
Thenansweredthemaiden:
"Itfareswithme，Omother，thatmysoulwouldfaingoforthTobeholdthewaysofthebattle，andthepraiseofthewarriors’
worth。
Butyetisitheldentangledinamazeofmanyathing，Asthelow-grownbrambleholdeththebrake-shootsoftheSpring。
Ithinkofthethingthathathbeen，butnoshapeisinmythought；
Ithinkofthedaythatpasseth，anditsstorycomestonought。
Ithinkofthedaysthatshallbe，norshapeIanytale。
Iwillhearkenthee，Omother，ifhearkeningmayavail。"
TheCarlinegazedatherwithdarkeyesthatshonebrightlyfromamidstherbrownwrinkledface:thenshesatherselfdownbesideherandspake:
"FromafarfolkhaveIwanderedandIcomeofanalienblood，ButIknowalltalesoftheWolfingsandtheirevilandtheirgood；
AndwhenIheardofthyfairness，thereofIhearditsaid，Thatfortheeshouldbeneverabridalnoraplaceinthewarrior’sbed。"
Themaidenneitherreddenednorpaled，butlookingwithcalmsteadyeyesintotheCarline’sfacesheanswered:
"Yeatrueitis，Iamweddedtothemightyonesofold，AndthefathersoftheWolfingserethedaysoffieldandfold。"
Thenasmilecameintotheeyesoftheoldwomanandshesaid。
"Howgladshallbethymotherofthyworshipandthyworth，Andthefatherthatbegattheeifyettheydwellonearth！"
ButtheHall-Sunansweredinthesamesteadymannerasbefore:
"Noneknowethwhoismymother，normyveryfather’sname；
ButwhentotheHouseoftheWolfingsawild-woodwaifIcame，Theygavemeafoster-motheranancientdameandgood，Andagloriousfoster-fatherthebestofalltheblood。"
SpaketheCarline。
"Yea，Ihaveheardthestory，butscarcethereinmightItrowThatthouwithallthybeautywertborn’neaththeoakenbough，Andhastcrawledanakedbabyo’ertherain-drenchedautumn-grass；
WiltthoutellthewanderingwomanwhatwiseitcomethtopassThatthouarttheMid-mark’sHall-Sun，andthesignoftheWolfings’
gain？
Thoushaltpleasurememuchbythetelling，andthereofshaltthoubefain。"
ThenansweredtheHall-Sun。
"Yea；thusmuchIrememberforthefirstofmymemories；
ThatIlayonthegrassinthemorningandaboveweretheboughsofthetrees。
ButnoughtnakedwasIasthewood-whelp，butcladinlinenwhite，Andadownthegladesoftheoakwoodthemorningsunlaybright。
Thenahindcameoutofthethicketandstoodonthesunlitglade，Andturnedherheadtowardtheoaktreeandastepontowardmemade。
Thenstopped，andboundedaback，andawayasifinfear，ThatIsawhernomore；thenIwondered，thoughsittingcloseanearWasashe-wolfgreatandgrisly。ButwithherwasIwonttoplay，Andpullherears，andbelabourherruggedsidesandgrey，Andholdherjawstogether，whileshewhimpered，slobberingFortheloveofmylove；andnowiseIdeemedherafearsomething。
Thereshesatasthoughshewerewatching，ando’erheadablue-
wingedjayShriekedoutfromthetopmostoak-twigs，andasquirrelranhiswayTwotree-trunksoff。Buttheshe-wolfaroseupsuddenlyAndgrowledwithherneck-fellbristling，asifdangerdrewanigh；
AndtherewithIheardafootstep，fornicewasmyeartocatchAllthenoisesofthewild-wood；sotheredidwesitatwatchWhilethesoundoffeetgrewnigher:thenIclappedhandonhandAndcrowedforjoyandgladness，forthereoutinthesundidstandAman，agloriouscreaturewithagleaminghelmonhishead，Andgoldringsonhisarms，inraimentgold-broideredcrimson-red。
StraightwayhestrodeuptowardusnorheededthewolfofthewoodButsangashewentintheoak-glade，asamanwhosethoughtisgood，Andnoughtsheheededthewarrior，buttameasasheepwasgrown，Andtrottedawaythroughthewild-woodwithhercrestalllaidadown。
Thencamethemanandsatdownbytheoak-bolecloseuntomeAndtookmeupnoughtfearfulandsetmeonhisknee。
Andhisfacewaskindandlovely，somycheektohischeekIlaidAndtouchedhiscoldbrightwar-helmandwithhisgoldringsplayed，Andhearkenedhiswords，thoughIknewnotwhattaletheyhadtotell，Yetfainwasmyheartoftheirmusic，andmeseemedIlovedhimwell。
Sowefaredforawhileandwerefain，tillhesetdownmyfeetonthegrass，Andkissedmeandstooduphimself，andawaythroughthewooddidhepass。
Andthencamebacktheshe-wolfandwithherIplayedandwasfain。
LothefirstthingIremember:wiltthouhavemebabbleagain？"
SpaketheCarlineandherfacewassoftandkind:
"Naydamsel，longwouldIhearkentothyvoicethissummerday。
Buthowdidstthouleavethewild-wood，whatpeoplebroughttheeaway？"
ThensaidtheHall-Sun:
"Iawokeonatimeintheeven，andvoicesIheardasIwoke；
AndtherewasIinthewild-woodbytheboleoftheancientoak，Andaringofmenwasaroundme，andgladwasIindeedAsIlookedupontheirfacesandthefashionoftheirweed。
ForIgazedontheredandthescarletandthebeatensilverandgold，Andblitheweretheirnoblefacesandkindlytobehold，AndnoughthadIseenofsuch-likesincethathouroftheotherdayWhenthatwarriorcametotheoakgladewiththelittlechildtoplay。
Andforthnowhecame，withthefacethatmyhandshadfondledbefore，Andabattleshieldwroughtfairlyuponhisarmhebore，Andthereonthewood-wolf’simageinruddygoldwasdone。
ThenIstretchedoutmylittlearmstowardsthegloriousshiningoneAndhetookmeupandsetmeonhisshoulderforawhileAndturnedabouttohisfellowswithablitheandjoyoussmile；
AndtheyshoutedaloudaboutmeanddrewforthgleamingswordsAndclashedthemontheirbucklers；butnoughtIknewofthewordsOftheirshoutingandrejoicing。SothereafterwasIlaidAndborneforthonthewarrior’swarshield，andourwaythroughthewoodwemade’Midstthemirthandgreatcontentmentofthosefair-cladshieldedmen。
"Butnotaleofthewolfandthewild-woodabideswithmesincethen，AndthenextthingIrememberisahugeandduskyhall，Aworldformylittlebodyfromancientwalltowall；
Aworldofmanydoings，andnoughtformetodo，Aworldofmanynoises，andknowntomewerefew。
"Timewore，andIspokewiththeWolfingsandknewthespeechoftheAndwasstrange’neaththeroofnolonger，asalonelywaiftherein；
AndIwroughtasachildwithmyplaymatesandeveryhourlookedonkin，Untothenexthour’sjoyancetillthehappydaywasdone。
AndgoingandcomingamidstuswasawomantallandthinWithhairlikethehoarybarleyandsilverstreakstherein。
Andkindandsadofvisage，asnowIrememberme，Andshesatandtoldusstorieswhenwewereawearywithglee，Andmanyofusshefondled，butmethemostofall。
Andoncefrommysleepshewakedmeandboremedownthehall，Inthehushoftheverymidnight，andIwasfearedthereat。
Butshebroughtmeuntothedais，andtherethewarriorsat，Whotookmeupandkissedme，aserstwithinthewood；
AndmeseemsinhisarmsIslumbered:butIwakenedagainandstoodAlonewiththekindlywoman，andgonewasthegoodlyman，AndathwartthehushoftheFolk-hallthemoonshonebrightandwan，Andthewomandealtwithalamphungupbyachainaloft，Andshetrimmeditandfeditwithoil，whileshechantedsweetandsoftAsongwhosewordsIknewnot:thensheranitupagain，Andupinthedarknessaboveusdiedthelengthofitswaveringchain。"
"Yea，"saidthecarline，"thiswomanwillhavebeentheHall-Sunthatcamebeforethee。Whatnextdostthouremember？"
Saidthemaiden:
"NextImindmeofthehazelsbehindthePeople’sRoof，Andthechildrenrunningthitherandthemagpieflittingaloof，AndmyhandinthehandoftheHall-Sun，asaftertheotherswewent，Andshesoberlyhearkeningmyprattleandthewordsofmyintent。
AndnowwouldIcallher’Mother，’andindeedIlovedherwell。
"SoIwaxed；andnowofmymemoriesthetalewerelongtotell；
Butasthedayspassedover，andIfaredtofieldandwood，Aloneorwithmyplaymates，stillthedayswerefairandgood。
ButthesadandkindlyHall-SunformyfosterernowIknew，AndthegreatandgloriouswarriorthatmyheartclungsorelytoWasbutmyfoster-father；andIknewthatIhadnokinIntheancientHouseoftheWolfings，thoughlovewaswarmtherein。"
Thensmiledthecarlineandsaid:"Yea，heisthyfoster-father，andyetafondone。"
"Soothisthat，"saidtheHall-Sun。"Butwiseartthoubyseeming。
HastthoucometotellmeofwhatkindredIam，andwhoismyfatherandwhoismymother？"
Saidthecarline:"Artthounotalsowise？IsitnotsothattheHall-SunoftheWolfingsseeththingsthataretocome？"
"Yea，"shesaid，"yethaveIseenwakingorsleepingnootherfathersavemyfoster-father；yetmyverymotherIhaveseen，asonewhoshouldmeetherinthefleshoneday。"
"Andgoodisthat，"saidthecarline；andasshespokeherfacewaxedkinder，andshesaid:
"TellusmoreofthydaysintheHouseoftheWolfingsandhowthoufaredstthere。"
SaidtheHall-Sun:
"Iwaxed’neaththeRoofoftheWolfings，tillnowtolookuponIwasofsixteenwinters，andtheloveoftheFolkIwon，AndinlovelyweedtheycladmeliketheimageofaGod:
Andlonelynowfulloftenthewild-woodwaysItrod，AndIfearednowild-woodcreature，andmypresencescaredthemnought；
AndIfelltoknowofwisdom，andwithinmestirredmythought，SothatoftanightswouldIwanderthroughthemeadandfaraway，AndswimtheMirkwood-water，andamidsthiseddiesplayWhenearthwasdarkinthedawn-tide；andoverallthefolkIknewofthebeasts’desires，asthoughinwordstheyspoke。
"SoIsawofthingsthatshouldbe，weretheymightythingsorsmall，Anduponadayasithappenedcamethewar-wordtothehall，AndtheHousemustwendtothewarfield，andastheysang，andplayedWiththestringsoftheharpthateven，andthemirthofthewar-evemade，Camethesightofthefieldtomyeyes，andthewordswaxedhotinme，AndIneedsmustshowthepictureoftheendofthefighttobe。
ThenIshowedthemtheRedWolfbristlingo’erthebrokenfleeingfoe；
Andthewar-gearofthefleers，andtheirbannerdidIshow，TowittheLing-worm’simagewiththemaideninhismouth；
ThereIsawmyfoster-father’midthepalebladesoftheSouth，Tillaloofsweptallthehandplayandthehurryofthechase，Andhelayalongbyanash-tree，nohelmabouthisface，Nobyrnyonhisbody；andanarrowinhisthigh，Andabrokenspearinhisshoulder。ThenIsawmyselfdrawnighTosingthesongblood-staying。ThensawIhowwetwainWent’midstofthehosttriumphantintheWolfings’banner-wain，Theblackbullslowingbeforeusathwartthewarriors’song，AsupfromMirkwood-waterwewentourwaysalongTotheGreatRoofoftheWolfings，whencestreamedthewomenoutAndthesoundoftheirrejoicingblentwiththewarriors’shout。
"Theyheardmeandsawthepicture，andtheywottedhowwiseIwasgrown，Andtheylovedme，andgladweretheirheartsatthetalemylipshadshown；
AndmybodycladasanimageofaGodtothefieldtheybore，AndIheldbythemastofthebannerasIlookedupontheirwar，Andenduredtoseeunblenchingonthewind-sweptsunnyplainAllthepictureofmyvisionbythemenfolkdoneagain。
AndovermyFoster-fatherIsangthestaunching-song，Tillthelife-bloodthatwasebbingflowedbacktohisheartthestrong，Andwewendedbackinthewar-wain’midstthegleaningsofthefightUntotheancientdwellingandtheHall-Sun’sglimmeringlight。
"Sofromthatdayhenceforwardfolkhunguponmywords，Forthebattleoftheautumn，andtheharvestoftheswords；
Ande’enmorewasIlovedthanaforetime。Soworeayearaway，Andheavywastheburdenofthelorethatonmelay。
"ButmyfosterertheHall-Suntooksickatthebirthoftheyear，Andchangedherlifeastheyearchanged，assummerdrewanear。
Butsheknewthatherlifewaswaning，andlyinginherbedShetaughtmetheloreoftheHall-Sun，andeverywordtobesaidAtthetrimminginthemidnightandthefeedinginthemorn，AndshelaidherhandsuponmeereuntothehoweshewasborneWiththekindredgatheredaboutus；andtheywottedherweirdandherwill，AndhailedmefortheHall-Sunwhenatlastshelaytherestill。
Andtheydidonmethegarment，theholyclothofold，Andtheneck-chainwroughtforthegoddess，andtheringsofthehallowedgold。
SohereamIabiding，andofthingstobeItell，YetknownotwhatshallbefallmenorwhywiththeWolfingsIdwell。"
Thensaidthecarline:
"Whatseestthou，Odaughter，ofthejourneyofto-day？
Andwhywendestthounotwiththewar-hostonthebattle-echoingway？"
SaidtheHall-Sun。
"Omother，heredwelleththeHall-Sunwhilethekinhathadwelling-
place，NoreveragainshallIlookontheonsetorthechase，TillthedaywhentheRoofoftheWolfingslookethdownonthegirdleoffoes，Andthearrowsingethoverthegrassofthekindred’sclose；
Tillthepillarsshakewiththeshoutingandquiverstheroof-treedear，WhentheHalloftheWolfingsgarnerstheharvestofthespear。"
TherewithshestoodonherfeetandturnedherfacetotheGreatRoof，andgazedlongatit，notheedingthecronebyherside；andshemutteredwordsofwhosesignificationtheotherknewnot，thoughshelistenedintently，andgazedeveratherascloselyasmightbe。
ThenfelltheHall-Sunutterlysilent，andthelidsclosedoverhereyes，andherhandswereclenched，andherfeetpressedhardonthedaisies:herbosomheavedwithsoresighs，andgreattear-dropsoozedfromunderhereyelidsandfellontoherraimentandherfeetandontotheflowerysummergrass；andatthelasthermouthopenedandshespake，butinavoicethatwasmarvellouslychangedfromthatshespakeinbefore:
"Whywentyeforth，OWolfings，fromthegarthyourfathersbuilt，AndtheHousewheresorrowdieth，andallunloosedisguilt？
Turnback，turnback，andbeholdit！lestyourfeetbeoverslowWhenyourshieldsareheavy-burdenedwiththearrowsofthefoe；
Howyetotter，howyestumbleontheroughandcorpse-strewnway！
Andlo，howtheeveiseatingtheafternoonofday！
OwhyareyeabidingtillthesunissunkinnightAndtheforesttreesareruddywiththebattle-kindledlight？
Orestnotyet，yeWolfings，lestvoidbeyourresting-place，AndintolandsthatyeknownottheWolfmustturnhisface，Andyewanderandyewandertillthelandintheoceancease，Andyourbattlebringnosafetyandyourlabournoincrease。"
Thenwasshesilentforawhile，andhertearsceasedtoflow；butpresentlyhereyesopenedoncemore，andshelifteduphervoiceandcriedaloud-
"Isee，Isee！OGodfolkbeholditfromaloof，HowthelittleflamesstealflickeringalongtheridgeoftheRoof！
Theyaresmallandred’gainsttheheavensinthesummerafternoon；
Butwhenthedayisdusking，white，highshalltheywavetothemoon。
Lo，thefireplaysnowonthewindowslikestripsofscarletclothWind-waved！butlookinthenight-tideontheonsetofitswrath，HowitwrapsroundtheancienttimbersandhidesthemightyroofButlightethlittlecrannies，solostandfaraloof，Thatnomanyetofthekindredhathseenthemereto-night，Sincefirstthebuilderbuildedinlovinganddelight！"
Thenagainshestayedherspeechwithweepingandsobbing，butafterawhilewasstillagain，andthenshespokepointingtowardtheroofwithherrighthand。
"Iseethefire-raisersandiron-helmedtheyare，Brown-facedaboutthebannersthattheirhandshaveborneafar。
AndwhointhegarthofthekindredshallbearadowntheirshieldSincetheonrushoftheWolfingstheycaughtintheopenfield，Asthemightofthemountainlionfallsdeadinthehempennet？
OWolfings，longhaveyetarried，butthehourabidethyet。
Whatlifeforthelifeofthepeopleshallbegivenonceforall，Whatsorrowshallstaysorrowinthehalf-burntWolfingHall？
ThereisnoughtshallquenchthefiresavethetearsoftheGodfolk’skin，Andtheheartofthelife-delighter，andthelife-bloodcasttherein。"
Thenonceagainshefellsilent，andhereyesclosedagain，andtheslowtearsgushedoutfromthem，andshesankdownsobbingonthegrass，andlittlebylittlethestormofgriefsankandherheadfellback，andshewasasonequietlyasleep。Thenthecarlinehungoverherandkissedherandembracedher；andthenthroughherclosedeyesandherslumberdidtheHall-Sunseeamarvel；forshewhowaskissingherwasyounginsemblanceandunwrinkled，andlovelytolookon，withplenteouslonghairofthehueofripebarley，andcladinglisteningraimentsuchashasbeenwoveninnoloomonearth。
AndindeeditwastheWood-Suninthesemblanceofacrone，whohadcometogatherwisdomofthecomingtimefromtheforeseeingoftheHall-Sun；sincenowatlastsheherselfforesawnothingofit，thoughshewasofthekindredoftheGodsandtheFathersoftheGoths。SowhenshehadheardtheHall-Sunshedeemedthatsheknewbuttoowellwhatherwordsmeant，andwhatforlove，whatforsorrow，shegrewsickatheartassheheardthem。
SoatlastshearoseandturnedtolookattheGreatRoof；andstrongandstraight，andcoolanddarkgreyshoweditsridgeagainstthepaleskyofthesummerafternoonallquiveringwiththeheatofmanyhours’sun:darkshoweditswindowsasshegazedonit，andstarkandstiffsheknewwereitspillarswithin。
Thenshesaidaloud，buttoherself:"Whatthenifamerryandmightylifebegivenforit，andthesorrowofthepeopleberedeemed；yetwillnotIgivethelifewhichishis；nayratherlethimgivetheblisswhichismine。Butoh！howmayitbethatheshalldiejoyousandIshallliveunhappy！"
ThenshewentslowlydownfromtheHillofSpeech，andwhososawherdeemedherbutagangrelcarline。Soshewentherwaysandletthewoodcoverher。
ButinalittlewhiletheHall-Sunawokealone，andsatupwithasigh，andsherememberednothingconcerninghersightoftheflickeringflamealongthehall-roof，andthefire-tongueslikestripsofscarletclothblownbythewind，norhadsheanymemoryofherwordsconcerningthecomingday。Buttherestofhertalkwiththecarlinesheremembered，andalsothevisionofthebeautifulwomanwhohadkissedandembracedher；andsheknewthatitwasherverymother。Alsosheperceivedthatshehadbeenweeping，thereforesheknewthatshehadutteredwordsofwisdom。Forsoitfaredwithheratwhiles，thatsheknewnotherownwordsofforetelling，butspokethemoutasifinadream。
SonowshewentdownfromtheHillofSpeechsoberly，andturnedtowardtheWoman’sdoorofthehall，andonherwayshemetthewomenandoldmenandyouthscomingbackfromthemeadowwithlittlemirth:
andthereweremanyofthemwholookedshylyatherasthoughtheywouldgladlyhaveaskedhersomewhat，andyetdurstnot。Butforher，hersadnesspassedawaywhenshecameamongthem，andshelookedkindlyonthisandthatoneofthem，andenteredwiththemintotheWoman’sChamber，anddidwhatcametoherhandtodo。
CHAPTERVI——THEYTALKONTHEWAYTOTHEFOLK-THING
AlldaylongonestandingontheSpeech-hilloftheWolfingsmighthaveseenmenintheirwar-arraystreamingalongthesideofMirkwood-water，onbothsidesthereof；andthelastcomersfromtheNether-markcamehasteningalltheymight；fortheywouldnotbelateatthetrysting-place。ButthesewereofakindredcalledtheLaxings，whoboreasalmonontheirbanner；andtheyweresomewhatfewinnumber，fortheyhadbutoflateyearsbecomeaHouseoftheMarkmen。Theirbanner-wainwasdrawnbywhitehorses，fleetandstrong，andtheywerenogreatband，fortheyhadbutfewthrallswiththem，andall，freemenandthralls，werea-horseback；sotheyrodebyhastilywiththeirbanner-wain，theirfewmunition-wainsfollowingastheymight。
Nowtellsthetaleofthemen-at-armsoftheWolfingsandtheBeamings，thatsoontheyfellinwiththeElkinghost，whichwasjourneyingbutleisurely，sothattheWolfingsmightcatchupwiththem:theywereaverygreatkindred，themostnumerousofallMid-
mark，andatthistimetheyhadaffinitywiththeWolfings。ButoldmenoftheHouserememberedhowtheyhadheardtheirgrandsiresandveryoldmentellthattherehadbeenatimewhentheElkingHousehadbeenestablishedbymenfromoutoftheWolfingkindred，andhowtheyhadwanderedawayfromtheMarkinthedayswhenithadbeenfirstsettled，andhadabidedaloofformanygenerationsofmen；andsoatlasthadcomebackagaintotheMark，andhadtakenuptheirhabitationataplaceinMid-markwherewasdwellingbutaremnantofaHousecalledtheThyrings，whohadoncebeenexceedingmighty，buthadbythattimealmostutterlyperishedinagreatsicknesswhichbefelinthosedays。SothenthesetwoHouses，thewandererscomebackandtheremnantleftbythesicknessoftheGods，madeoneHousetogether，andincreasedandthroveaftertheircomingtogether，andweddedwiththeWolfings，andbecameaverygreatHouse。
Gallantandgloriouswastheirarraynow，astheymarchedalongwiththeirbanneroftheElk，whichwasdrawnbytheverybeaststhemselvestamedtodraughttothatendthroughmanygenerations；
theywerefatterandsleekerthantheirwild-woodbrethren，butnotsomighty。
Sowerethemenofthethreekindredssomewhatmingledtogetherontheway。TheWolfingswerethetallestandthebiggestmade；butofthosedark-hairedmenaforesaid，weretherefewestamongsttheBeamings，andmostamongtheElkings，asthoughtheyhaddrawntothemmoremenofalienbloodduringtheirwanderingsaforesaid。Sotheytalkedtogetherandmadeeachothergoodcheer，asisthewontofcompanionsinarmsontheeveofbattle；andthetalkran，asmaybedeemed，onthatjourneyandwhatwaslikelytocomeofit:andspakeanElkingwarriortoaWolfingbywhomherode:
"OWolfkettle，haththeHall-Sunhadanyforesightofthedayofbattle？"
"Nay，"saidtheother，"whenshelightedthefarewellcandle，shebadeuscomebackagain，andspokeofthedayofourreturn；butthatmethinks，asthouandIwouldtalkofit，thinkingwhatwouldbelikelytobefal。Sinceweareagreathostofvaliantmen，andtheseWelshmen{2}mostvaliant，andastherumourrunnethbigger-bodiedmenthantheHun-folk，andsowellorderedasneverfolkhavebeen。
Sothenifweoverthrowthemweshallcomebackagain；andiftheyoverthrowus，theremnantofusshallfallbackbeforethemtillwecometoourhabitations；foritisnottobelookedforthattheywillfallinuponourrearandpreventus，sincewehavethethicketofthewild-woodonourflanks。"
"Soothisthat，"saidtheElking；"andastothemightinessofthisfolkandtheircustoms，yemaygathersomewhatfromthesongswhichourHouseyetsingeth，andwhichyehaveheardwideaboutintheMark；forthisisthesamefolkofwhichamanyofthemtell，makingupthatstory-laywhichiscalledtheSouth-WelshLay；whichtellethhowwehavemetthisfolkintimespastwhenwewereinfellowshipwithafolkoftheWelshoflikecustomstoourselves:forweoftheElkingswerethenbutafeeblefolk。SowemarchedwiththisfolkoftheKymryandmetthemenofthecities，andwhilesweoverthrewandwhileswereoverthrown，butatlastinagreatbattlewereoverthrownwithsogreataslaughter，thattheredbloodroseoverthewheelsofthewains，andthecity-folkfaintedwiththeworkoftheslaughter，asmenwhomowamatchinthemeadowswhentheswathesaredryandheavyandtheafternoonofmidsummerishot；andtheretheystoodandstaredonthefieldoftheslain，andknewnotwhethertheywereinHomeorHell，sofiercethefighthadbeen。"
TherewithamanoftheBeamings，whowasridingontheothersideoftheElking，reachedoutoverhishorse’sneckandsaid:
"Yeafriend，butistherenotsometellingofataleconcerninghowyeandyourfellowshiptookthegreatcityoftheWelshmenoftheSouth，anddwelttherelong。"
"Yea，"saidtheElking，"HearkenhowitistoldintheSouth-WelshLay:
"’HaveyenotheardOfthewaysofWeird？
HowthefolkfaredforthFarawayfromtheNorth？
AndaslightasonewendethWhereasthewoodendeth，Whenofnoughtisourneed，Andnonetellethourdeed，SoRodgeirunweariedandReidfariwanThetownwherenonetarriedtheshield-shakingman。
Alllonelythestreetthere，andvoidwasthewayAndnoughthinderedourfeetbutthedeadmenthatlayUndershieldinthelanesofthehousesheavens-high，Allthering-bearingswainsthatabodetheretodie。’
"TellstheLay，thatnoneabodetheGothsandtheirfellowship，butsuchasweremightyenoughtofallbeforethem，andtherest，bothmanandwoman，fledawaybeforeourfolkandbeforethefolkoftheKymry，andlefttheirtownforustodwellin；assaiththeLay:
"’GlisteningofgoldDidmen’seyenbehold；
ShookthepaleswordO’ertheunspokenword，NomandrewnighusWithweapontotryus，FortheWelsh-wroughtshieldLaylowonthefield。
Byman’shandunbuildedallseemedtheretobe，Thewallsruddygilded，thepearlsofthesea:
Yeaallthingsweredeadtheresavepillarandwall，ButTHEYlivedandTHEYsaidusthesongofthehall；
Thedearhalllefttoperishbymenoftheland，FortheGoth-folktocherishwithgoldgaininghand。’
"SeeyehowtheLaytellsthatthehallwasbolderthanthemen，whofledfromit，andleftallforourfellowshiptodealwithinthedaysgoneby？"
SaidtheWolfingman:
"Andasitwasonce，soshallitbeagain。Maybeweshallgofaronthisjourney，andseeatleastoneofthegarthsoftheSouthlands，eventhosewhichtheycallcities。ForIhavehearditsaidthattheyhavemorecitiesthanoneonly，andthatsogreataretheirkindreds，thateachlivethinagarthfullofmightyhouses，withawallofstoneandlimearoundit；andthatineveryoneofthesegarthsliethwealthuntoldheapedup。AndwhereforeshouldnotallthisfalltotheMarkmenandtheirvaliancy？"
SaidtheElking:
"Astotheirmanycitiesandthewealthofthem，thatissooth；butastoeachcitybeingthehabitationofeachkindred，itisotherwise:forratheritmaybesaidofthemthattheyhaveforgottenkindred，andhavenone，nordotheyheedwhomtheywed，andgreatistheconfusionamongstthem。Andmightymenamongthemordainwheretheyshalldwell，andwhatshallbetheirmeat，andhowlongtheyshalllabouraftertheyareweary，andinallwisewhatmanneroflifeshallbeamongstthem；andthoughtheybecalledfreemenwhosufferthis，yetmaynohouseorkindredgainsaythisruleandorder。Insooththeyareapeoplemighty，butunhappy。"
SaidWolfkettle:
"Andhastthoulearnedallthisfromtheancientstorylays，O
Hiarandi？ForsomeofthemIknow，thoughnotall，andthereinhaveInotednothingofallthis。IstheresomenewminstrelariseninthineHouseofamemoryexcellingallthosethathavegonebefore？
Ifthatbeso，IbidhimtotheRoofoftheWolfingsassoonasmaybe；forwelacknewtales。"
"Nay，"saidHiarandi，"ThisthatItelltheeisnotataleofpastdays，butataleofto-day。Fortherecametousamanfromoutofthewild-wood，andprayeduspeace，andwegaveithim；andhetoldusthathewasofaHouseoftheGael，andthathisHousehadbeeninagreatbattleagainsttheseWelshmen，whomhecalleththeRomans；
andthathewastakeninthebattle，andsoldasathrallinoneoftheirgarths；andhowbeit，itwasnottheirmaster-garth，yettherehelearnedoftheircustoms:andsorewasthelesson！Hardwashislifeamongstthem，fortheirthrallsbenotsowellentreatedastheirdraught-beasts，somanydotheytakeinbattle；fortheyareamightyfolk；andthesethrallsandthoseaforesaidunhappyfreemendoalltillingandherdingandalldeedsofcraftsmanship:andabovethesearemenwhomtheycallmastersandlordswhodonought，naynotsomuchassmithytheirownedge-weapons，butlingerouttheirdaysintheirdwellingsandoutoftheirdwellings，lyingaboutinthesunorthehall-cinders，likecur-dogswhohavefallenawayfromkind。
"Sothismanmadeashifttofleeawayfromoutofthatgarth，sinceitwasnotfarfromthegreatriver；andbeingavaliantman，andyoungandmightyofbody，heescapedallperilsandcametousthroughtheMirkwood。Butwesawthathewasnoliar，andhadbeenveryevillyhandled，foruponhisbodywasthemarkofmanyastripe，andoftheshacklesthathadbeensolderedontohislimbs；alsoitwasmorethanoneoftheseaccursedpeoplewhomhehadslainwhenhefled。Sohebecameourguestandwelovedhim，andhedweltamongusandyetdwelleth，forwehavetakenhimintoourHouse。Butyesterdayhewassickandmightnotridewithus；butmaybehewillfollowonandcatchupwithusinadayortwo。Andifhecomenot，thenwillIbringhimovertotheWolfingswhenthebattleisdone。"
ThenlaughedtheBeamingman，andspake:
"Howthenifyecomenotback，norWolfkettle，northeWelshGuest，norImyself？MeseemethnooneoftheseSouthlandCitiesshallwebehold，andnomoreoftheSouthlandersthantheirwar-array。"
"Theseareevilwords，"saidWolfkettle，"thoughsuchanoutcomemustbethoughton。Butwhydeemestthouthis？"
SaidtheBeaming:"ThereisnoHall-SunsittingunderourRoofathometotelltruetalesconcerningtheKindredeveryday。YetforsoothfromtimetotimeisawordsaidinourFolk-hallforgoodorforevil；andwhocanchoosebuthearkenthereto？Andyesterevewasawoefulwordspoken，andthatbyaman-childoftenwinters。"
SaidtheElking:"Nowthatthouhasttoldusthusmuch，thoumusttellusmore，yea，allthewordwhichwasspoken；elsebelikeweshalldeemofitasworsethanitwas。"
SaidtheBeaming:"Thusitwas；thislittleladbrakeoutweepingyestereve，whentheHallwasfullandfeasting；andhewailed，androaredout，aschildrendo，andwouldnotbepacified，andwhenhewasaskedwhyhemadethattodo，hesaid:’Wellaway！Ravenhathpromisedtomakemeaclayhorseandtobakeitinthekilnwiththepotsnextweek；andnowhegoethtothewar，andheshallnevercomeback，andnevershallmyhorsebemade。’Thereatwealllaughedasyemaywelldeem。Buttheladmadeasourcountenanceonusandsaid，’whydoyelaugh？lookyonder，whatseeye？’’Nay，’saidone，’noughtbuttheFeast-hallwallandthehangingsoftheHigh-tidethereon。’Thensaidtheladsobbing:’Yeseeill:furtherafieldseeI:Iseealittleplain，onahilltop，andfellsbeyonditfarbiggerthanourspeech-hill:andthereontheplainliethRavenaswhiteasparchment；andnonehathsuchhuesavethedead。’ThensaidRaven，(andhewasayoungman，andwasstandingthereby)。’Andwellisthat，swain，todieinharness！Yetholdupthineheart；hereisGunbertwhoshallcomebackandbakethinehorseforthee。’’Naynevermore，’quoththechild，’ForIseehispaleheadlyingatRaven’sfeet；buthisbodywiththegreengold-broideredkirtleIseenot。’Thenwasthelaughterstilled，andmanaftermandrewneartothechild，andquestionedhim，andasked，’dostthouseeme？’’dostthouseeme？’Andhefailedtoseebutfewofthosethataskedhim。
ThereforenowmeseemeththatnotmanyofusshallseethecitiesoftheSouth，andthosefewbelikeshalllookontheirownshacklestherewithal。"
"Nay，"saidHiarandi，"Whatisallthis？heardyeeverofacompanyoffightingmenthatfaredafield，andfoundthefoe，andcamebackhomeleavingnonebehindthem？"
SaidtheBeaming:"YetseldomhaveIheardachildforetellthedeathofwarriors。Itelltheethathadstthoubeenthere，thouwouldsthavethoughtofitasiftheworldwerecomingtoanend。"
"Well，"saidWolfkettle，"letitbeasitmay！YetatleastIwillnotbeledawayfromthefieldbythefoemen。Oftmayamanbehinderedofvictory，butneverofdeathifhewillethit。"
Therewithhehandledaknifethathungabouthisneck，andwentontosay:"Butindeed，IdomuchmarvelthatnowordcameintothemouthoftheHall-Sunyesterevenorthismorning，butsuchasanywomanofthekindredmightsay。"
Therewithfelltheirtalkawhile，andastheyrodetheycametowherethewooddrewnighertotheriver，andthustheMid-markhadanend；
fortherewasnoHousehadadwellingintheMid-markhigherupthewaterthantheElkings，saveoneonly，notrightgreat，whomostlyfaredtowaralongwiththeElkings:andthiswastheOselings，whosebannerboretheimageoftheWood-ousel，theblackbirdwiththeyellowneb；andtheyhadjustfallenintothecompanyofthegreaterHouse。
SonowMid-markwasoverandpast，andtheserriedtreesofthewoodcamedownlikeawallbutalittlewayfromthelipofthewater；andscatteredtrees，mostlyquicken-treesgrewhereandthereontheverywaterside。ButMirkwood-waterrandeepswiftandnarrowbetweenhighclean-clovenbanks，sothatnonecoulddreamoffording，andnotsomanyofswimmingitsdarkgreendangerouswaters。Andthedayworeontowardseveningandthegloryofthewesternskywasunseenbecauseofthewallofhightrees。Andstillthehostmadeon，andbecauseofthenarrownessofthespacebetweenriverandwooditwasstrungoutlongerandlookedaverygreatcompanyofmen。Andmoreoverthemenoftheeastern-lyingpartofMid-mark，werenowmarchingthickandcloseontheothersideoftheriverbutalittlewayfromtheWolfingsandtheirfellows；fornothingbutthenarrowriversunderedthem。
Sonightfell，andthestarsshone，andthemoonrose，andyettheWolfingsandtheirfellowsstayednot，sincetheywottedthatbehindthemfollowedamanyofthemenoftheMark，boththeMidandtheNether，andtheywouldbynomeanshindertheirmarch。
SowendedtheMarkmenbetweenwoodandstreamoneithersideofMirkwood-water，tillnowatlastthenightgrewdeepandthemoonset，anditwashardonmidnight，andtheyhadkindledmanytorchestolightthemoneithersideofthewater。Sowhereastheyhadcometoaplacewherethetreesgavebacksomewhatfromtheriver，whichwaswell-grassedfortheirhorsesandneat，andwascalledBaitmead，thecompaniesonthewesternsidemadestaytheretillmorning。Andtheydrewthewainsrightuptothethickofthewood，andallmenturnedasideintothemeadfromthebeatenroad，sothatthosewhowerefollowingaftermightholdontheirwayifsotheywould。Therethentheyappointedwatchersofthenight，whiletherestofthemlayupontheswardbythesideofthetrees，andsleptthroughtheshortsummernight。
Thetaletellsnotthatanymandreamedofthefighttocomeinsuchwisethattherewasmuchtotellofhisdreamonthemorrow；manydreamedofnofightorfaringtowar，butofmatterslittle，andoftenlaughable，meremingledmemoriesofbygonetimethathadnowakingwitstomarshalthem。
ButthatmanoftheBeamingsdreamedthathewasathomewatchingapotter，amanofthethrallsoftheHouseworkingathiswheel，andfashioningbowlsandewers:andhehadamindtotakeofhisclayandfashionahorsefortheladthathadbemoanedthepromiseofhistoy。Andhetriedlongandfailedtofashionanything；fortheclayfelltopiecesinhishands；tillatlastitheldtogetherandgrewsuddenly，notintoanimageofahorse，butoftheGreatYuleBoar，thesimilitudeoftheHolyBeastofFrey。Sohelaughedinhissleepandwasglad，andleapedupanddrewhisswordwithhisclay-stainedhandsthathemightwaveitovertheEarthBoar，andswearagreatoathofadoughtydeed。Andtherewithhefoundhimselfstandingonhisfeetindeed，justawakenedinthecolddawn，andholdingbyhisrighthandtoanash-saplingthatgrewbesidehim。Sohelaughedagain，andlaidhimdown，andleanedbackandslepthissleepouttillthesunandthevoicesofhisfellowsstirringawakenedhim。
CHAPTERVII——THEYGATHERTOTHEFOLK-MOTE
Whenitwasthemorning，allthehostoftheMarkmenwasastironeithersideofthewater，andwhentheyhadbrokentheirfast，theygotspeedilyintoarray，andwerepresentlyontheroadagain；andthehostwasnowstrungoutlongeryet，forthespacebetweenwaterandwoodoncemorediminishedtillatlastitwasnowiderthantenmenmightgoabreast，andlookingaheaditwasasifthewild-woodswallowedupbothriverandroad。
Butthefighting-menhastenedonmerrilywiththeirheartsraisedhigh，sincetheyknewthattheywouldsoonbefallinginwithmoreoftheirpeople，andthecomingfightwasgrowingaclearerpicturetotheireyes；sofromsidetosideoftherivertheyshoutedoutthecriesoftheirHouses，orfriendcalledtofriendacrosstheeddiesofMirkwood-water，andtherewasgameandgleeenough。
Sotheyfaredtillthewoodgavewaybeforethem，andlo，thebeginningofanotherplain，somewhatliketheMid-mark。Therealsothewaterwidenedoutbeforethem，andtherewereeyotsinitwithstonyshorescrownedwithwilloworwithalder，andaspensrisingfromthemidstofthem。
Butasfortheplain，itwasthusmuchdifferentfromMid-mark，thatthewoodwhichbegirtitroseonthesouthintolowhills，andawaybeyondthemwereotherhillsblueinthedistance，forthemostbareofwood，andnotrighthigh，thepasturesofthewild-bullandthebison，whereasnowdweltafolksomewhatscatteredandfeeble；
huntersandherdsmen，withlittletillageabouttheirabodes，afolkakintotheMarkmenandalliedtothem。TheyhadcomeintothosepartslaterthantheMarkmen，astheoldtalestold；whichsaidmoreoverthatindaysgonebyafolkdweltamongthosehillswhowerealienfromtheGoths，andgreatfoestotheMarkmen；andhowthatonatimetheycamedownfromtheirhillswithagreathost，togetherwithnew-comersoftheirownblood，andmadetheirwaythroughthewild-wood，andfellupontheUpper-mark；andhowthattherebefelafearfulbattlethatenduredforthreedays；andthefirstdaytheAliensworstedtheMarkmen，whowerebutafew，sincetheyweretheyoftheUpper-markonly。SotheAliensburnedtheirhousesandslewtheiroldmen，anddraveoffmanyoftheirwomenandchildren；andtheremnantofthemenoftheUpper-markwithallthattheyhad，whichwasnowbutlittle，tookrefugeinanislandofMirkwood-water，wheretheyfencedthemselvesaswellastheycouldforthatnight；
fortheyexpectedthesuccouroftheirkindredoftheMid-markandtheNether-mark，untowhomtheyhadspedthewar-arrowwhentheyfirsthadtidingsoftheonsetoftheAliens。
Soatthesun-risingtheysacrificedtotheGodstwentychieftainsoftheAlienswhomtheyhadtaken，andtherewithalamaidenoftheirownkindred，thedaughteroftheirwar-duke，thatshemightleadthatmightycompanytotheHouseoftheGods；andtheretowasshenothingloth，butwentrightwillingly。
Therethentheyawaitedtheonset。ButthemenofMid-markcameupinthemorning，whenthebattlewasbutjustjoined，andfellonsofiercelythatthealiensgaveback，andthentheyoftheUpper-markstormedoutoftheireyot，andfellonovertheford，andfoughttillthewaterranredwiththeirblood，andthebloodofthefoemen。SotheAliensgavebackbeforetheonsetoftheMarkmenalloverthemeads；butwhentheycametothehillocksandthetoftsofthehalf-
burnedhabitations，andthewoodwasontheirflank，theymadeastandagain，andoncemorethebattlewaxedhot，fortheywereverymany，andhadmanybow-men:therefelltheWar-dukeoftheMarkmen，whosedaughterhadbeenofferedupforvictory，andhisnamewasAgni，sothatthetoftswherehefellhavesincebeencalledAgni’sTofts。Sothatdaytheyfoughtallovertheplain，andagreatmanydied，bothoftheAliensandtheMarkmen，andthoughtheselastwerevictorious，yetwhenthesunwentdowntherestillweretheAliensabidingintheUpper-mark，fencedbytheirwain-burg，beaten，andmuchdiminishedinnumber，butstillahostofmen:whileoftheMarkmenmanyhadfallen，andmanymorewerehurt，becausetheAliensweregoodbowmen。
Butonthemorrowagain，astheoldtaletold，cameupthemenoftheNether-markfreshandunwounded；andsothebattlebeganagainonthesouthernlimitoftheUpper-markwheretheAlienshadmadetheirwain-burg。Butnotlongdiditendure；fortheMarkmenfellonsofiercely，thattheystormedoverthewain-burg，andslewallbeforethem，andtherewasaverygreatslaughteroftheAliens；sogreat，tellstheoldtale，thatneveragaindursttheymeettheMarkmeninwar。
ThuswentforththehostoftheMarkmen，faringalongbothsidesofthewaterintotheUpper-mark；andonthewestside，wherewenttheWolfings，thegroundnowrosebyalongslopeintoalowhill，andwhentheycameuntothebrowthereof，theybeheldbeforethemthewholeplainoftheUpper-mark，andthedwellingsofthekindredthereinallgirdledaboutbythewild-wood；andbeyond，thebluehillsoftheherdsmen，andbeyondthemstill，alongwayaloof，lyinglikeawhitecloudonthevergeoftheheavens，thesnowytopsofthegreatmountains。Andastheylookeddownontotheplaintheysawitembroidered，asitwere，roundaboutthehabitationswhichlaywithinkenbycrowdsofmanypeople，andthebannersofthekindredsandthearmsofmen；andmanyaplacetheysawnamedaftertheancientbattleandthatgreatslaughteroftheAliens。
Ontheirlefthandlaytheriver，andasitnowfairlyenteredwiththemintotheUpper-mark，itspreadoutintowideripplingshallowsbesetwithyetmoresandyeyots，amongstwhichwasonemuchgreater，risingamidmostintoalowhill，grassyandbareoftreeorbush；andthiswastheislandwhereontheMarkmenstoodonthefirstdayoftheGreatBattle，anditwasnowcalledtheIslandoftheGods。
Therebywastheford，whichwasfirmandgoodandchangedlittlefromyeartoyear，sothatallMarkmenknewitwellanditwascalledBattleford:thereovernowcrossedalltheeasterncompanies，footmenandhorsemen，freemenandthralls，wainsandbanners，withshoutingandlaughter，andthenoiseofhornsandthelowingofneat，tillallthatplain’sendwasfloodedwiththehostoftheMarkmen。
Butwhentheeastern-abidershadcrossed，theymadenostay，butwentdulyorderedabouttheirbanners，windingontowardthefirstoftheabodesonthewesternsideofthewater；becauseitwasbutalittlewaysouthwestofthisthattheThing-steadoftheUpper-marklay；andthewholeFolkwassummonedthitherwhenwarthreatenedfromtheSouth，justasitwascalledtotheThing-steadoftheNether-mark，whenthethreatofwarcamefromtheNorth。Butthewesterncompaniesstayedonthebrowofthatlowhilttillalltheeasternmenwereovertheriver，andontheirwaytotheThing-stead，andthentheymovedon。
SocametheWolfingsandtheirfellowsuptothedwellingsofthenorthernmostkindred，whowerecalledtheDaylings，andboreontheirbannertheimageoftherisingsun。ThereaboutwastheMarksomewhatmorehillyandbrokenthanintheMid-mark，sothattheGreatRoofoftheDaylings，whichwasaverybighouse，stoodonahillockwhosesideshadbeendeftdownsheeronallsidessaveone(whichwasleftasabridge)bythelabourofmen，anditwasaverydefensibleplace。
ThereonwerenowgatheredroundabouttheRoofallthestay-at-homesofthekindred，whogreetedwithjoyouscriesthemen-at-armsastheypassed。Albeitoneveryoldman，whosatinachairneartotheedgeofthesheerhilllookingonthewararray，whenhesawtheWolfingbannerdrawnear，stooduptogazeonit，andthenshookhisheadsadly，andsankbackagainintohischair，andcoveredhisfacewithhishands:andwhenthefolksawthat，asilencebredofthecoldnessoffearfellonthem，forthatelderwasdeemedaforeseeingman。
Butasthosethreefellows，ofwhosetalkofyesterdaythetalehastold，drewnearandbeheldwhattheoldcarledid(fortheywereridingtogetherthisdayalso)theBeamingmanlaidhishandonWolfkettle’sreinandsaid:
"Loyou，neighbour，ifthyValahathseennought，yethaththisoldmanseensomewhat，andthatsomewhatevenasthelittleladsawit。
Manyamother’ssonshallfallbeforetheWelshmen。"
ButWolfkettleshookhisreinfree，andhisfacereddenedasofonewhoisangry，yethekeptsilence，whiletheElkingsaid:
"Letbe，Toti！forhethatlivesshalltellthetaletotheforeseers，andshallmakethemwiserthantheyareto-day。"
ThenlaughedToti，asonewhowouldnotbethoughttobetooheedfulofthemorrow。ButWolfkettlebrakeoutintospeechandrhyme，andsaid:
"Owarriors，theWolfingkindredshallliveoritshalldie；
Andaliveitshallbeastheoak-treewhenthesummerstormgoesby；
Butdeaditshallbeasitsbole，thattheyhewforthecorner-postOfsomefairandmightyfolk-hall，andtheroofofawar-fainhost。"
SotherewiththeyrodetheirwayspasttheabodeoftheDaylings。
Straighttothewoodwentallthehost，andsointoitbyawidewaycleftthroughthethicket，andinsomethirtyminutestheycametherebyintoagreatwood-lawnclearedamidstofitbytheworkofmen’shands。Therealreadywasmuchofthehostgathered，sittingorstandinginagreatringroundaboutaspacebareofmen，whereamidmostroseagreatmoundraisedbymen’shandsandwroughtintostepstobethesitting-placesofthechoseneldersandchiefmenofthekindred；andatopthemoundwasflatandsmoothsaveforaturfbenchorseatthatwentathwartitwhereontenmenmightsit。
Allthewainssavethebanner-wainshadbeenleftbehindattheDaylingabode，norwasanybeasttheresavetheholybeastswhodrewthebanner-wainsandtwentywhitehorses，thatstoodwreathedaboutwithflowerswithintheringofwarriors，andthesewerefortheburntofferingtobegiventotheGodsforahappydayofbattle。
Eventhewar-horsesofthehosttheymustleaveinthewoodwithoutthewood-lawn，andallmenwereafootwhowerethere。
ForthiswastheThing-steadoftheUpper-mark，andtheholiestplaceoftheMarkmen，andnobeast，eitherneat，sheep，orhorsemightpasturethere，butwasstraightwayslainandburnedifhewanderedthere；normightanymaneatthereinsaveattheholyfeastswhenofferingsweremadetotheGods。
SotheWolfingstooktheirplacethereintheringofmenwiththeElkingsontheirrighthandandtheBeamingsontheirleft。AndinthemidstoftheWolfingarraystoodThiodolfcladinthedwarf-
wroughthauberk:buthisheadwasbare；forhehadswornovertheCupofRenownthathewouldfightunhelmedthroughoutallthattrouble，andwouldbearnoshieldinanybattlethereofhoweverfiercetheonsetmightbe。
Short，andcurlingclosetohisheadwashisblackhair，alittlegrizzled，sothatitlookedlikeringsofharddarkiron:hisforeheadwashighandsmooth，hislipsfullandred，hiseyessteadyandwide-open，andallhisfacejoyouswiththethoughtofthefameofhisdeeds，andthecomingbattlewithafoemanwhomtheMarkmenknewnotyet。
Hewastallandwide-shouldered，butsoexceedingwellfashionedofallhislimbsandbodythathelookednohugeman。Hewasamanwellbelovedofwomen，andchildrenwouldmostlyruntohimgladlyandplaywithhim。Amostfellwarriorwashe，whosedeedsnomanoftheMarkcouldequal，butblitheofspeechevenwhenhewassorrowfulofmood，amanthatknewnotbitternessofheart:andforallhisexceedingmightandvaliancy，hewasproudandhightonoman；sothattheverythrallslovedhim。
Hewasnotaboundinginwordsinthefield；nordidheusemuchthecustomofthosedaysinrevilinganddefyingwithwordsthefoethatwastobesmittenwithswords。
Therewerethosewhohadseenhiminthefieldforthefirsttimewhodeemedhimslackatthework:forhewouldnotalwayspressonwiththeforemost，butwouldholdhimalittleaback，andwhilethebattlewasyoungheforboretosmite，andwoulddonothingbuthelpakinsmanwhowashardpressed，orsuccourthewounded。Sothatifmenweredealingwithnoveryhardmatter，andtheirheartswerehighandoverweening，hewouldcomehomeatwhileswithunbloodiedblade。Butnomanblamedhimsavethosewhoknewhimnot:forhisintentwasthattheyoungermenshouldwinthemselvesfame，andsoraisetheircourage，andbecomehigh-heartedandstout。
Butwhenthestourwashard，andthebattlewasbroken，andtheheartsofmenbegantofailthem，anddoubtfellupontheMarkmen，thenwasheanothermantosee:wise，butswiftanddangerous，rushingonasifshotoutbysomemightyengine:heedfulofall，oneithersideandinfront；runninghitherandthitherasthefightfailedandthefireofbattlefaltered；hisswordsoswiftanddeadlythatitwasasifhewieldedtheverylighteningoftheheavens:forwiththesworditwaseverhiswonttofight。
Butitmustbesaidthatwhenthefoementurnedtheirbacks，andthechasebegan，thenThiodolfwouldnowisewithholdhismightasintheearlybattle，buteverledthechase，andsmoteontherighthandandontheleft，sparingnone，andcryingouttothemenofthekindrednottowearyintheirwork，buttofulfilallthehoursoftheirday。
Forthuswisewouldhesayandthiswasawordofhis:
"Letusrestto-morrow，fellows，sinceto-daywehavefoughtamain！
Letnotthesemenwehavesmittencomeabackonourhandsagain，Andsay’YeWolfingwarriors，yehavedoneyourworkbutill，Falltonowanddoitagain，likethecraftsmanwholearnethhisskill。’"
SuchthenwasThiodolf，andeverwashethechosenleaderoftheWolfingsandoftentheWar-dukeofthewholeFolk。
Byhissidestoodtheotherchosenleader，whosenamewasHeriulf；amanwellstrickeninyears，butverymightyandvaliant；wiseinwarandwellrenowned；offewwordssaveinbattle，andthereinasingerofsongs，alaugher，ajoyousman，amerrycompanion。HewasamuchbiggermanthanThiodolf；andindeedsohugewashisstature，thatheseemedtobeofthekindredoftheMountainGiants；andhisbodilymightwentwithhisstature，sothatnoonemanmightdealwithhimbodytobody。Hisfacewasbig；hischeek-boneshigh；hisnoselikeaneagle’sneb，hismouthwide，hischinsquareandbig；hiseyeslight-greyandfierceundershaggyeyebrows:hishairwhiteandlong。
Suchwerehisraimentandweapons，thatheworeacoatoffenceofdarkironscalessewnontohorse-hide，andadarkironhelmfashionedabovehisbrowintothesimilitudeoftheWolf’sheadwithgapingjaws；andthishehadwroughtforhimselfwithhisownhands，forhewasagoodsmith。Aroundbucklerheboreandahugetwibill，whichnomanofthekindredcouldwellwieldsavehimself；anditwasdonebothbladeandshaftwithknotsandrunesingold；andhelovedthattwibillwell，andcalledittheWolf’sSister。
TherethenstoodHeriulf，lookingnolessthanoneoftheforefathersofthekindredcomebackagaintothebattleoftheWolfings。
Hewaswell-belovedforhiswondrousmight，andhewasnohardman，thoughsofellawarrior，andthoughoffewwords，asaforesaid，wasablithecompaniontooldandyoung。Innumberlessbattleshadhefought，andmendeemeditawonderthatOdinhadnottakentohimamansomuchafterhisownheart；andtheysaiditwasneighbourlydoneoftheFatheroftheSlaintoforbearhiscompanysolong，andshowedhowwellhelovedtheWolfingHouse。
ForagoodwhileyetcameotherbandsofMarkmenintotheThing-
stead；butatlasttherewasanendoftheircoming。Thentheringofmenopened，andtenwarriorsoftheDaylingsmadetheirwaythroughit，andoneofthem，theoldest，boreinhishandtheWar-
hornoftheDaylings；forthiskindredhadchargeoftheThing-stead，andofallappertainingtoit。SowhilehisninefellowsstoodroundabouttheSpeech-Hill，theoldwarriorclombuptothetopmostofit，andblewablastonthehorn。Thereontheywhoweresittingroseup，andtheywhoweretalkingeachtoeachheldtheirpeace，andthewholeringdrewnighertothehill，sothattherewasaclearspacebehindthem’twixtthemandthewood，andaspacebeforethembetweenthemandthehill，whereinwerethoseninewarriors，andthehorsesfortheburnt-offering，andthealtaroftheGods；andnowwereallwellwithinear-shotofamanspeakingamidstthesilenceinaclearvoice。
ButthereweregatheredoftheMarkmentothatplacesomefourthousandmen，allchosenwarriorsanddoughtymen；andofthethrallsandaliensdwellingwiththemtheywereleadingtwothousand。ButnotallofthefreemenoftheUpper-markcouldbeattheThing；forneedsmusttherebesomeguardtothepassesofthewoodtowardthesouthandthehillsoftheherdsmen，whereasitwasnowiseimpassabletoawiselyledhost:sofivehundredmen，whatoffreemen，whatofthralls，abodetheretoguardthewild-wood；andtheselookedtohavesomehelpingfromthehill-men。
Nowcameanancientwarriorintothespacebetweenthemenandthewild-woodholdinginhishandakindledtorch；andfirsthefacedduesouthbythesun，then，turning，heslowlypacedthewholecirclegoingfromeasttowest，andsoontillhehadreachedtheplacehestartedfrom:thenhedashedthetorchtothegroundandquenchedthefire，andsowenthiswaystohisowncompanyagain。
ThentheoldDaylingwarrioronthemound-topdrewhissword，andwaveditflashinginthesuntowardthefourquartersoftheheavens；
andthereafterblewagainablastontheWar-horn。Thenfelluttersilenceonthewholeassembly，andthewoodwasstillaroundthem，savehereandtherethestampingofawar-horseorthesoundofhistuggingatthewoodlandgrass；fortherewaslittleresortofbirdstothedepthsofthethicket，andthesummermorningwaswindless。
CHAPTERVIII——THEFOLK-MOTEOFTHEMARKMEN
SotheDaylingwarriorlifteduphisvoiceandsaid:
"OkindredsoftheMarkmen，hearkenthewordsIsay；
Fornochancehapassemblyisgatheredhereto-day。
Thefirehathgonearoundusinthehandsofourverykin，Andtwicethehornhathsounded，andtheThingishallowedin。
Willyehearorforbeartohearkenthetalethereistotell？
Therearemanymouthstotellit，andamanyknowitwell。
Andthetaleisthis，thatthefoemenagainstourkindredsfareWhoeatthemeadowsdesert，andburnthedesertbare。"
Thensathedownontheturfseat；buttherearoseamurmurintheassemblyasofmeneagertohearken；andwithoutmoreadocameamanoutofacompanyoftheUpper-mark，andclombuptothetopoftheSpeech-Hill，andspokeinaloudvoice:
"IamBork，amanoftheGeiringsoftheUpper-mark:twodaysagoI
andfiveotherswereinthewild-wooda-hunting，andwewendedthroughthethicket，andcameintothelandofthehill-folk；andafterwehadgoneawhilewecametoalongdalewithabrookrunningthroughit，andyew-treesscatteredaboutitandahazelcopseatoneend；andbythecopsewasabandofmenwhohadwomenandchildrenwiththem，andafewneat，andfewerhorses；butsheepwerefeedingupanddownthedale；andtheyhadmadethemboothsofturfandboughs，andweremakingreadytheircookingfires，foritwasevening。Sowhentheysawus，theyrantotheirarms，butwecriedouttotheminthetongueoftheGothsandbadethempeace。ThentheycameupthebenttousandspaketousintheGothictongue，albeitalittlediverselyfromus；andwhenwehadtoldthemwhatandwhencewewere，theyweregladofus，andbadeustothem，andwewent，andtheyentreateduskindly，andmadeussuchcheerastheymight，andgaveusmuttontoeat，andwegavethemvenisonofthewild-woodwhichwehadtaken，andweabodewiththemtherethatnight。
"Buttheytoldusthattheywereahouseofthefolkoftheherdsmen，andthattherewaswarintheland，andthatthepeoplethereofwerefleeingbeforethecrueltyofahostofwarriors，menofamightyfolk，suchastheearthhathnotheardof，whodwellingreatcitiesfartothesouth；andhowthatthishosthadcrossedthemountains，andtheGreatWaterthatrunnethfromthem，andhadfallenupontheirkindred，andovercometheirfighting-men，andburnedtheirdwellings，slaintheirelders，anddriventheirneatandtheirsheep，yea，andtheirwomenandchildreninnobetterwisethantheirneatandsheep。
"Andtheysaidthattheyhadfledawaythusfarfromtheiroldhabitations，whichwerealongwaytothesouth，andwerenowatpointtobuildthemdwellingsthereinthatDaleoftheHazels，andtotrusttoitthattheseWelshmen，whomtheycalledRomans，wouldnotfollowsofar，andthatiftheydid，theymightbetakethemtothewild-wood，andletthethicketcoverthem，theybeingsonightoit。
"Thustheytoldus；whereforewesentbackoneofourfellowship，BirstioftheGeirings，totellthetale；andoneoftheherdsmenfolkwentwithhim，butweourselveswentonwardtohearmoreoftheseRomans；forthefolkwhenweaskedthem，saidthattheyhadbeeninbattleagainstthem，buthadfledawayforfearoftheirrumouronly。Thereforewewenton，andayoungmanofthiskindred，whonamedthemselvestheHrutingsoftheFell-folk，wentalongwithus。Buttheothersweresoreafeard，foralltheyhadweapons。
"Soaswewentupthelandwefoundtheyhadtoldustheverysooth，andwemetdiversHouses，andbands，andbrokenmen，whowerefleeingfromthistrouble，andmanyofthempoorandinmisery，havinglosttheirflocksandherdsaswellastheirroofs；andthislastbebutlittlelosstothem，astheirdwellingsarebutpoor，andforthemostparttheyhavenotillage。Nowofthesemen，wemetnotafewwhohadbeeninbattlewiththeRomanhost，andmuchtheytoldusoftheirmightnottobedealtwith，andtheirmishandlingofthosewhomtheytook，bothmenandwomen；andatthelastweheardtruetidingshowtheyhadraisedthemagarth，andmadeastrongholdinthemidstoftheland，asmenwhomeantabidingthere，sothatneithermightthewinterdrivethemaback，andthattheymightbesuccouredbytheirpeopleontheothersideoftheGreatRiver；towhichendtheyhavemadeothergarths，thoughnotsogreat，ontheroadtothatwater，andallthesewellandwiselywardedbytriedmen。ForastotheFolksontheothersideoftheWater，alltheselieundertheirhandalready，whatbyfraudwhatbyforce，andtheirwarriorsgowiththemtothebattleandhelpthem；ofwhomwemetbandsnowandagain，andfoughtwiththem，andtookmenofthem，whotoldusallthisandmuchmore，overlongtotellofhere。"
Hepausedandturnedabouttolookonthemightyassembly，andhisearsdrankinthelongmurmurthatfollowedhisspeaking，andwhenithaddiedouthespakeagain，butinrhyme:
"Lothusmuchofmytidings！Butthistooitbehovethtotell，ThatthesemasterfulmenofthecitiesoftheMarkmenknowfullwell:
Andtheywotofthewell-grassedmeadows，andtheacresoftheMark，Andourlifeamidstofthewild-woodlikeacandleinthedark；
Andtheyknowofouryoungmen’svalourandourwomen’sloveliness，Andourtreewouldtheyspoilwithdestructionifitsfruittheymayneverpossess。
Fortheirlustiswithoutalimit，andnoughtmaysatiateTheirraveningmaw；andtheirhungerifyecheckitturnethtohate，Andtheblood-feverburnsintheirbosoms，andtormentandanguishandwoeO’erthewidefieldploughedbythesword-bladeforthecomingyearstheysow；
Andruthisathingforgottenandallhopestheytrampledown；
Andwhatsothingissteadfast，whatsoofgoodrenown，Whatsoisfairandlovely，whatsoisancientsoothInthebloodymarlshalltheymingleastheylaughforlackofruth。
Lothecurseoftheworldcomethhither；forthementhatwetookinthelandSaidthus，thattheirhostisgatheringwithmanyanorderedbandTofallonthewild-woodpassesandfloodthelovelyMark，Astheriveroverthemeadowsuprisethinthedark。
Looktoit，Oyekindred！availethnownowordButthevoiceoftheclashingofiron，andthesword-bladeonthesword。"
Therewithhemadeanend，anddeeperandlongerwasthemurmurofthehostoffreemen，amidstwhichBorkgathimdownfromtheSpeech-Hill，hisweaponsclatteringabouthim，andmingledwiththemenofhiskindred。
ThencameforthamanofthekinoftheShieldingsoftheUpper-mark，andclombthemound；andhespakeinrhymefrombeginningtoend；forhewasaminstrelofrenown:
"LoIamamanoftheShieldingsandGeirmundismyname；
Ahalf-moonbackfromthewild-woodoutintothehillsIcame，AndIwentaloneinmywar-gear；forwehaveaffinityWiththeHundingsoftheFell-folk，andwiththemIfainwouldbe；
ForIlovedamaidoftheirkindred。NowtheirdwellingwasnotfarFromtheoutermostboundsoftheFell-folk，andboldinthebattletheyare，Andhavemetamanypeople，andheldtheirownabode。
Gaythenwastheheartwithinme，asoverthehillsIrodeAndthoughtofthemirthofto-morrowandthesweet-mouthedHundingmaidAndtheiroldmenwiseandmerryandtheiryoungmenunafraid，Andthehall-gleeoftheHundingsandthehealthso’ertheguestingcup。
ButasIrodethevalley，IsawasmokegoupO’erthecrestofthelastofthegrass-hills’twixtmeandtheHundingroof，Andthatsmokewasblackandheavy:soawhileIbidedaloof，Anddrewmygirthsthetighter，andlookedtothearmsIboreAndhandledmyspearforthecasting；formyheartmisgavemesore，Fornoughtwasthatpillarofsmokeliketheguest-faincooking-fire。
Ilingeredinthoughtforaminute，thenturnedmetorideuphigher，AndasamanmostwaryupoverthebentIrode，Andnighhidpeeredo’erthehill-crestadownontheHundingabode；
Andforsooth’twasthefirewaveringallo’ertheroofofold，Andallinthegarthandaboutitlaythebodiesofthebold；
Andboundtoaropeamidmostwerethewomenfairandyoung，Andyouthsandlittlechildren，likethefishonawithystrungAstheylieonthegrassfortheanglerbeforethebeginningofnight。
Thentherushofthewrathwithinmeforawhilenighblindedmysight；
Yetaboutthecoweringwar-thralls，shortdark-facedmenIsaw，Mencladinironarmour，thiswayandthatwaydraw，Aswarriorsafterthebattleareeverwonttodo。
ThenIknewthemforthefoemenandtheirdeedstobeIknew，AndIgatheredthereinstogethertoridedownthehillamain，TodiewithagoodstrokestrickenandslayereIwasslain。
Whenlo，onthebentbeforemerosetheheadofabrown-facedman，Wellhelmedandiron-shielded，whosomeWelshspeechbeganAndashortswordbrandishedagainstme；thenmysightclearedandI
sawFiveothersarmedinlikewiseuphillandtowardmedraw，AndIshookthespearandspeditandclatteringonhisshieldHefellandrolledo’ersmittentowardthegarthandtheFell-folk’sfield。
"Butmyheartchangedwithhisfallingandthespeedingofmystroke，AndIturnedmyhorse；forwithinmetheloveoflifeawoke，AndIspurred，norheededthehill-side，buto’erroughandsmoothI
rodeTillIheardnochasebehindme；thenIdrewreinandabode。
AnddowninadellwasIgottenwithathorn-brakeinitsthroat，Andheardbuttheplover’swhistleandtheblackbird’sbrokennote’Midthethorns；whenlo！fromathorn-twigawaytheblackbirdswept，Andoutfromthebrakeandtowardsmeanakedmantherecrept，AndstraightIrodeuptowardshim，andknewhisfaceforoneIhadseeninthehalloftheHundingsereitshappydaysweredone。
Iaskedhimhistale，buthebademeforthrighttobearhimaway；
SoItookhimupbehindme，andwerodetilllateintheday，Towardthecoverofthewild-wood，andasswiftlyaswemight。
Butwhenyetaloofwasthethicketanditnowwasmoonlessnight，Westayedperforceforalittle，andhetoldmeallthetale:
Howthealienscameagainstthem，andtheyfoughtwithoutavailTilltheRoofo’ertheirheadswasburningandtheyburstforthonthefoe，Andwerehewndowntheretogether；noryetwastheslaughterslow。
Butsometheysavedforthralldom，yea，e’enofthefightingmen，Ortoquellthemwithpains；sotheystrippedthem；andthismanespyingjustthenSomechance，Imindnotwhatwise，fromthegarthfledoutandaway。
"Nowmanyathingnoteworthyofthesealiensdidhesay，ButthisIbidyouhearken，lestIwearthetimefornought，ThatstillupontheMarkmenandtheMarktheysettheirthought；
Fortheyquestionedthismanandothersthroughago-betweeninwordsOfus，andourlandsandourchattels，andthenumberofourswords；
Ofthewayandthewild-woodpassesandthewinterandhisways。