第4章
CHAPTERXV——THEYHEARTELLOFTHEBATTLEONTHERIDGE
"YehaveheardhowtheDaylingswereappointedtogotohelpThiodolfindrivingthefolk-spearhometotheheartoftheRomanhost。Sotheywent；butsixhoursthereaftercomesonetoOtterbiddinghimsendagreatpartofthekindredstohim；forthathehadhadtidingsthatagreathostofRomansweredrawingnearthewood-edge，butwerenotenteredtherein，andthatfainwouldhemeetthemintheopenfield。
"Sothekindredsdrewlots，andthelotfellfirsttotheElkings，whoareagreatcompany，asyeknow；andthentotheHartings，theBeamings，theAlftings，theVallings(alsoagreatcompany)，theGaltings，(andtheynolesser)eachintheirturn；andlastofalltotheLaxings；andtheOselingsprayedtogowiththeElkings，andthisOtterdeemedgood，whereasamanyofthembebowmen。
"Allthesethentothenumberofathousandormoreenteredthewood；
andIwaswiththem，forinsoothIwasthemessenger。
"Nodelaymadeweinthewood，norwentweoverwarily，trustingtothewardingofthewoodbyThiodolf；andthereweremenwithuswhoknewthepathswell，whereofIwasone；sowespeedilycamethroughintotheopencountry。
"ShortlywecameuponourfolkandtheWar-dukelyingatthefootofalittlehillthatwentupasabuttresstoalongridgehighaboveus，whereonwesetawatch；andalittlebrookcamedownthedaleforourdrink。
"Nightfellaswecamethither；sowesleptforawhile，butabodenotthemorning，andwewereafoot(forwehadnohorseswithus)
beforethemoongrewwhite。Wetooktheroadingoodorder，albeitourfolk-bannerswehadleftbehindintheburg；soeachkindredraisedaloftashieldofitstokentobeforabanner。Sowewentforth，andsomeswiftfootmen，withFox，whohathseentheRomanwar-
garth，hadbeensentonbeforetospyoutthewaysofthefoemen。
"Twohoursaftersunrisecomethoneofthese，andtellethhowhehathseentheRomans，andhowthattheyarebutashortmilehencebreakingtheirfast，notlookingforanyonslaught；’but，’saithhe，’theyareonahighridgewhencetheycanseewideabout，andbeinnodangerofambush，becausetheplaceisbareforthemostpart，noristhereanycoverexcepthereandtheredowninthedalesafewhazelsandblackthornbushes，andtherushesofthebecksinthemarshybottoms，whereinasnipemayhide，orahare，butscarceaman；andnotethatthereisnowayuptothatridgebutbyaspurthereofasbareasmyhand；soyewillbewellseenasyewendupthereto。’
"Sospakeheinmyhearing。ButThiodolfbadehimleadontothatspur，andoldHeriulf，whowasstandingnigh，laughedmerrilyandsaid:’Yea，leadon，andspeedily，lestthedaywaneandnothingdonesavethehuntingofsnipes。’
"Soonwewent，andcomingtothehithersideofthatspurbeheldthoseothersandFoxwiththem；andheheldinhishandanarrowofthealiens，andhisfacewasallastirwithhalf-hiddenlaughter，andhebreathedhard，andpointedtotheridge，andsomewhatlowdownonitwesawasteelcapandthreespear-headsshowingwhitefromoutalittlehollowinitsside，butthemenhiddenbythehollow:soweknewthatFoxhadbeenchased，andthattheRomanswerewarnedandwary。
"NodelaymadetheWar-duke，butledusupthatspur，whichwassomewhatsteep；andaswerosehigherwesawabandofmenontheridge，alittlewaydownit，notamany；archersandslingersmostly，whoabodeustillwewerewithinshot，andthensentafewshotsatus，andsofled。Buttwomenwerehurtwiththesling-plummets，andone，andhenotgrievously，withanarrow，andnotoneslain。
"Thuswecameupontotheridge，sothattherewasnothingbetweenusandthebareheavens；thencewelookedsouth-eastandsawtheRomanswiselypostedontheridgenotfarfromwhereitfelldownsteeplytothenorth；butonthesouth，thatistosayontheirlefthands，andallalongtheridgepastwherewewerestayed，thegroundslopedgentlytothesouth-westforagoodway，beforeitfell，somewhatsteeply，intoanotherlongdale。LookingnorthwesawtheouteredgeofMirkwoodbutalittlewayfromus，andweweregladthereof；becauseereweleftoursleeping-placethatmornThiodolfhadsenttoOtteranothermessengerbiddinghimsendyetmoremenontousincaseweshouldbehard-pressedinthebattle；forhehadhadalaterumourthattheRomansweremany。AndnowwhenhehadlookedontheRomanarrayandnotedhowwiseitwas，hesentthreeswift-
footonestotakestandonahighknollwhichwehadpassedontheway，thattheymighttakeheedwhereourfolkcameoutfromthewoodandgivesignaltothembythehorn，andleadthemtowherethebattleshouldbe。
"Sowestoodawhileandbreathedus，andhandledourweaponssomehalfafurlongfromthealienhost。Theyhadnoearthrampartaroundthem，forthatridgeiswaterless，andtheycouldnotabidetherelong，buttheyhadpitchedsharppalesinfrontofthemandtheystoodinverygoodorder，asifabidinganonslaught，andmovednotwhentheysawus；forthatbandofshootershadjoinedthemselvestothemalready。Takenonewithanotherwedeemedthemtobemorethanwewere；buttheirhauberkedfootmenwiththeheavycast-spearsnotsomanyaswebyagooddeal。
"Nowwewereofmindtofallonthemeretheyshouldfallonus；soallsuchofusashadshot-weaponsspreadoutfromourcompanyandwentforthalittle；andoftheothersHeriulfstoodforemostalongwiththeleadersoftheBeamingsandtheElkings；butasyetThiodolfheldabackandledthemidmostcompany，ashiswontwas，andthemorepartoftheWolfingswerewithhim。
"Thusweorderedourselves，andawaitedalittlewhileyetwhatthealiensshoulddo；andpresentlyawar-hornblewamongstthem，andfromeachflankoftheirmailedfootmencameforthamanybowmenandslingersandabandofhorsemen；anddrewwithinbowshot，theshootersinopenarrayyetwisely，andsofelltoonus，andthehorsemenhungabackalittleasyet。
"Theirarrow-shotwasoflittleavail，theirbowmenfellfastbeforeours；butdeadlywastheirsling-shot，andhurtandslewmanyandsomeeveninourmainbattle；fortheyslungroundleadenballsandnotstones，andtheyaimedtrueandshotquick；andthemenwithalweresolightandlithe，neverstill，butcrouchingandcreepingandboundinghereandthere，thattheywerenoeasiertohitthanconeysamidstofthefern，unlesstheywereverynigh。
"Howbeitwhenthisstormhadenduredawhile，andwemovedbutlittle，andnotaninchaback，andgavethemshotforshot，thenwasanotherhornwindedfromamongstthealiens；andthereatthebowmencastdowntheirbows，andtheslingerswoundtheirslingsabouttheirheads，andtheyallcameonwithswordsandshortspearsandfeathereddarts，runningandleapinglustily，makingforourflanks，andthehorsemensetspurstotheirhorsesandfellonintheveryfrontofourfolklikegoodandvaliantmen-at-arms。
"ThatsawHeriulfandhismen，andtheysetupthewar-whoop，andranforthtomeetthem，axeandswordaloft，terriblyyetmaybesomewhatunwarily。Thearchersandslingersnevercamewithinsword-strokeofthem，butfellawaybeforethemonallsides；buttheslingersflednotfar，butbeganagainwiththeirshot，andslewamany。Thenwasahornwinded，asiftocallbackthehorsemen，who，iftheyheard，heedednot，butrodehardonourkindredlikevaliantwarriorswhofearednotdeath。Soothtosay，neitherwerethehorsesbigorgood，northemenfitforthework，savingfortheirhardihood；andtheirspearswereshortwithalandtheirbucklersunhandytowield。
"NowcoulditbeseenhowtheGothsgavewaybeforethemtoletthemintothetrap，andthenclosedaroundagain，andtheaxesandedgeweaponswentaworkhewingasinawood；andHeriulftoweredoverallthepress，andtheWolf’s-sisterflashedoverhisheadinthesummermorning。
"Soonwasthatstormover，andwesawtheGothstossinguptheirspearsovertheslain，andhorsesrunninglooseandmasterlessadownoverthewestward-lyingslopes，andafewwiththeirridersstillclingingtothem。Yetsome，sorehurtbyseeming，gallopingtowardthemainbattleoftheRomans。
"UnwarilythenfaredthechildrenofTyrthatwerewithHeriulf；forbythistimetheywerewellnighwithinshotofthespearsofthosemightyfootmenoftheRomans:andontheirflanksweretheslingers，andthebowmen，whohadnowgottentheirbowsagain；andourbowmen，thoughtheyshotwellandstrong，weretoofewtoquellthem；andindeedsomeofthemhadcastbytheirbowstojoininHeriulf’sstorm。Alsothelieofthegroundwasagainstus，foritslopeduptowardtheRomanarrayatfirstverygently，butafterwardssteeplyenoughtobreatheashort-windedman。Alsobehindthemwereweoftheotherkindreds，whomThiodolfhadorderedintothewedge-array；
andwewereallreadytomoveforward，sothathadtheyabidedsomewhat，allhadbeenwellandbetter。
"Sodidtheynot，butstraightwaysetuptheVictory-whoopandranforwardontheRomanhost。Andtheseweresoorderedthat，asaforesaid，theyhadbeforethemsharppilesstuckintotheearthandpointedagainstus，aswefoundafterwardstoourcost；andwithinthesepilesstoodthemensomewayapartfromeachother，soastohandletheircastingspears，andinthreeranksweretheyorderedandmanyspearscouldbecastatonce，andifanyinthefrontwereslain，hisfellowbehindhimtookhisplace。
"Sonowthestormofwarfellatonceuponourfolk，andswiftandfierceaswastheironslaughtyetwereamanyslainandhurtorevertheycametothepilesaforesaid。Thensawtheydeathbeforethemandheededitnought，buttoreupthepilesanddashedthroughthem，andfellinonthosevaliantfootmen。Shortisthetaletotell:
wheresoeveraswordorspearoftheGothswasupraisedtherewerethreeuponhim，andsaithTotioftheBeamings，whowashurtandcrawledawayandyetlives，thatonHeriulfthereweresixatfirstandthenmore；andhetooknothoughtofshieldinghimself，butraiseduptheWolf’s-sisterandhewedasthewoodmaninthethicket，whennightcomethandhungerisonhim。TherefellHeriulftheAncientandmanyamanoftheBeamingsandtheElkingswithhim，andmanyaRoman。
"Butamidsttheslainandthehurtourwedge-arraymovedforwardslowlynow，warilyshieldedagainsttheplummetsandshaftsoneitherside；andwhentheRomanssawourunbrokenarray，andThiodolfthefirstwithThrong-ploughnakedinhishand，theychasednotsuchmenofoursunhurtorlittlehurt，asdrewabackfrombeforethem:sothesewetookamongstus，andwhenwehadgottenallwemight，andheldagrimfacetothefoe，wedrewabacklittlebylittle，stillfacingthemtillwewereoutofshotoftheirspears，thoughtheshotofthearrowsandthesling-plummetsceasednotwhollyfromus。ThusendedHeriulf’sStorm。"
Thenherestedfromhisspeakingforawhile，andnonesaidaught，buttheygazedonhimasifheborewithhimapictureofthebattle，andmanyofthewomenweptsilentlyforHeriulf，andyetmoreoftheyoungeroneswerewoundedtotheheartwhentheythoughtoftheyoungmenoftheElkings，andtheBeamings，sincewithboththosehousestheyhadaffinity；andtheylamentedthelovesthattheyhadlost，andwouldhaveaskedconcerningtheirownspeech-friendshadtheydurst。Buttheyheldtheirpeacetillthetalewastoldouttoanend。
ThenEgilspakeagain:
"NolongwhilehadwornbyinHeriulf’sStorm，andthoughmen’sheartswerenothingdaunted，butratherangeredbywhathadbefallen，yetwouldThiodolfwearawaythetimesomewhatmore，sincehehopedforsuccourfromtheWain-burgandtheWood；andhewouldnotthatanyoftheseRomansshouldescapeus，butwouldgivethemalltoTyr，andtobeafollowingtoHeriulftheOldandtheGreat。
"Sothereweabidedawhilemovingnought，andThiodolfstoodwithThrong-ploughonhisshoulder，unhelmed，unbyrnied，asthoughhetrustedtothekindredforalldefence。NorfortheirpartdidtheRomansdaretoleavetheirvantage-ground，whentheybeheldwhatgrimcountenancewemadethem。
"Albeit，whenwehadthricemadeasifwewouldfallon，andyettheymovednot，whereasittriethamansorelytostandlongbeforethefoeman，anddonoughtbutendure，andwhereasmanyofourbowmenwereslainorhurt，andtheresttoofewtomakeheadagainsttheshot-
weaponsofthealiens，thenatlastwebegantodrawnearerandalittlenearer，notbreakingthewedge-array；andatlast，justbeforewewerewithinshotofthecast-spearsoftheirmainbattle，loudroaredourwar-horn:thenindeedwebrokethewedge-array，butorderlyasweknewhow，spreadingoutfromrightandleftoftheWar-
duketillwewerefacingtheminalongline:oneminuteweabodethus，andthenranforththroughthespear-storm:andeventherewithweheard，asitwere，theechoofourownhorn，andwhosohadtimetothinkbetwixtthefirstofthestormandthehandstrokesoftheRomansdeemedthatnowwouldbecomingfreshkindredsforourhelping。
"Notlongenduredthespear-rain，soswiftwewere，neitherwereweinonethrongasbetidinHeriulf’sStorm，butspreadabroad，eachtrustingintheotherthatnonethoughtofthebackwardway。
"Thoughwehadthegroundagainstuswedashedlikefreshmenattheirpales，andwereundertheweaponsatonce。Thenwasthebattlegrim；theycouldnotthrustusback，nordidwebreaktheirarraywithourfirststorm；manhewedatmanasiftherewerenofoesintheworldbuttheytwo:swordmetsword，andsaxmetsax；itwasthrustingandhewingwithpointandedge，andnolong-shaftedweaponswereofanyavail；therewefoughthandtohandandnomanknewbyeyesighthowthebattlewenttwoyardsfromwherehefought，andeachoneputallhisheartinthestrokehewasthenstriking，andthoughtofnothingelse。
"Yetatthelastwefeltthattheywerefalteringandthatourworkwaseasierandourhopehigher；thenwecriedourcriesandpressedonharder，andinthatverynickoftimetherearoseclosebehindustheroaroftheMarkmen’shornandthecriesofthekindredsansweringours。ThensuchoftheRomansaswerenotintheveryactofsmiting，orthrusting，orclingingorshielding，turnedandfled，andthewhoopofvictoryrangaroundus，andtheearthshook，andpasttheplaceoftheslaughterrushedtheridersoftheGoths；fortheyhadsenthorsementous，andthepathsweregrowneasierforourmuchtreadingofthem。ThenIbeheldThiodolf，thathehadjustslainafoe，andclearwasthespacearoundhim，andherushedsidewaysandcaughtholdofthestirrupofAngantyroftheBearings，andrantenstridesbesidehim，andthenboundedonafootswifterthantheredhorsesoftheBearings，urgingonthechase，ashiswontwas。
"Butwewhowerewearier，whenwehaddoneourwork，stoodstillbetweenthelivingandthedead，betweenthefreemenoftheMarkandtheirwar-thralls。AndinnolongwhiletherecamebacktousThiodolfandthechasers，andwemadeagreatringonthefieldoftheslain，andsangtheSongofTriumph；anditwastheWolfingSongthatwesang。
"ThusthenendedThiodolf’sStorm。"
Whenheheldhispeacetherewasbutlittlenoiseamongthestay-at-
homes，forstillweretheythinkingaboutthedeathsoftheirkindredandtheirlovers。ButEgilspokeagain。
"Yetwithinthatringlaythesorrowofourhearts；forOdinhadcalledamanyhome，andtherelaytheirbodies；andthemightiestwasHeriulf；andtheRomanshadtakenhimupfromwherehefell，andcasthimdownoutoftheway，buttheyhadnotstrippedhim，andhishandstillgrippedtheWolf’s-sister。Hisshieldwasfullofshaftsofarrowsandspears；hisbyrnywasrentinmanyplaces，hishelmbatteredoutofform。Hehadbeengrievouslyhurtinthesideandinthethighbycast-spearsoreverhecametohand-blowswiththeRomans，butmoreoverhehadthreegreatwoundsfromthepointofthesax，inthethroat，intheside，inthebelly，eachenoughforhisbane。Hisfacewasyetfairtolookon，andwedeemedthathehaddiedsmiling。
"AthisfeetlayayoungmanoftheBeamingsinagaygreencoat，andbesidehimwastheheadofanotherofhisHouse，buthisgreen-cladbodylaysomeyardsaloof。TherelayoftheElkingsamany。Wellmayyeweep，maidens，forthemthatlovedyou。NowfaretheytotheGodsagoodlycompany，butagoodlycompanyiswiththem。
"SeventyandsevenoftheSonsoftheGothslaydeadwithintheRomanbattle，andfifty-fourontheslopebeforeit；andtobootthereweretwenty-fourofusslainbythearrowsandplummetsoftheshooters，andamanyhurtwithal。
"ButtherewerenohurtmeninsidetheRomanarrayorbeforeit。Allwereslainoutright，forthehurtmeneitherdraggedthemselvesbacktoourfolk，oronwardtotheRomanranks，thattheymightdiewithonemorestrokesmitten。
"Nowofthealiensthedeadlayinheapsinthatplace，forgrimwastheslaughterwhentheridersoftheBearingsandtheWormingsfellonthealiens；andamanyofthefoemenscornedtoflee，butdiedwheretheystood，cravingnopeace；andtofewofthemwaspeacegiven。TherefelloftheRomanfootmenfivehundredandeightyandfive，andtheremnantthatfledwasbutlittle:butoftheslingersandbowmenbuteightyandsixwereslain，fortheyweretheretoshootandnottostand；andtheywerenimbleandfleetoffoot，menroundoflimb，verydark-skinned，butnotfouloffavour。"
Thenhesaid:
"Therearementhroughtheduska-faring，ourspeech-fiendsandourkin，Nomoreshalltheycraveourhelping，noraskwhatworktowin；
TheyhavedonetheirdeedsanddepartedwhentheyhadholpentheHouse，Sohightheirheadsareholden，andtheirhurtsaregloriousWiththestoryofstrokesstricken，andnewweaponstobemet，Andnewscowlingoffoes’faces，andnewcursesunknownyet。
Lo，theydightthefeastinGodhome，andfairarethetablesspread，Latecome，butwell-belovediseverywar-wornhead，AndtheGod-folkandtheFathers，asthesecrossthetinklingbridge，CrowdroundandcraveforstoriesoftheBattleontheRidge。"
TherewithhecamedownfromtheSpeech-Hillandthewomen-folkcameroundabouthim，andtheybroughthimtotheHall，andwashedhim，andgavehimmeatanddrink；andthenwouldhesleep，forhewasweary。
Howbeitsomeofthewomencouldnotrefrainthemselves，butmustneedsaskaftertheirspeech-friendswhohadbeeninthebattle；andheansweredashecould，andsomehemadeglad，andsomesorry；andastosome，hecouldnottellthemwhethertheirfriendswerealiveordead。Sohewenttohisplaceandfellasleepandsleptlong，whilethewomenwentdowntoacreandmeadow，orsawtothebakingofbreadorthesewingofgarments，orwentfarafieldtotendtheneatandthesheep。
HowbeittheHall-Sunwentnotwiththem；butshetalkedwiththatoldwarrior，Sorli，whowasnowhaltandgrownunmeetfortheroad，butwasawiseman；andsheandhetogetherwithsomeoldcarlinesandafewyoungladsfelltowork，andsawtomanymattersabouttheHallandthegarththatday；andtheygottogetherwhatweaponstherewerebothforshotandforthehand-play，andlaidthemwheretheywerehandytocomeat，andtheysawtothemealinthehallthattherewasprovisionformanydays；andtheycarrieduptoaloftabovetheWomen’s-Chambermanygreatvesselsofwater，lestthefireshouldtaketheHall；andtheylookedeverywheretotheentrancesandwindowsandhadfasteningsandboltsandbarsfashionedandfittedtothem；andsawthatallthingsweretrimandstout。Andsotheyabidedtheissue。
CHAPTERXVI——HOWTHEDWARF-WROUGHTHAUBERKWASBROUGHTAWAYFROMTHE
HALLOFTHEDAYLINGS
Nowitmustbetoldthatearlyinthemorning，afterthenightwhenGislihadbroughttotheWolfingSteadthetidingsoftheBattleintheWood，amancameridingfromthesouthtotheDaylingabode。Itwasjustbeforesunrise，andbutfewfolkwerestirringaboutthedwellings。HerodeuptotheHallandgotoffhisblackhorse，andtiedittoaringinthewallbytheMan’s-door，andwentinclashing，forhewasinhisbattle-gear，andhadagreatwide-rimmedhelmonhishead。
FolkwerebutjustastirintheHall，andtherecameanoldwomantohim，andlookedonhimandsawbyhisattirethathewasamanoftheGothsandoftheWolfingkindred；soshegreetedhimkindly:buthesaid:
"Mother，Iamcomehitheronanerrand，andtimepresses。"
Saidshe:"Yea，myson，orwhattidingsbearestthoufromthesouth？
forbyseemingthouartnew-comefromthehost。"
Saidhe:"Thetidingsareasyesterday，savethatThiodolfwillleadthehostthroughthewild-woodtolookfortheRomansbeyondit:
thereforewilltheresoonbebattleagain。Seeye，Mother，hastthouhereonethatknoweththisringofThiodolf’s，ifperchancemendoubtmewhenIsaythatIamsentonmyerrandbyhim？"
"Yea，"shesaid，"Agniwillknowit；sinceheknowethallthechiefmenoftheMark；butwhatisthineerrand，andwhatisthyname？"
"Itissoontold，"saidhe，"IamaWolfinghightThorkettle，andI
cometohaveawayforThiodolfthetreasureoftheworld，theDwarf-
wroughtHauberk，whichheleftwithyouwhenwefaredhencetothesouththreedaysago。NowletAgnicome，thatImayhaveit，fortimepressessorely。"
Therewerethreeorfourgatheredaboutthemnow，andamaidenofthemsaid:"ShallIbringAgnihither，mother？"
"Whatneedethit？"saidthecarline，"hesleepeth，andshallbehardtoawaken；andheisold，solethimsleep。Ishallgofetchthehauberk，forIknowwhereitis，andmyhandmaycomeonitaseasilyasonmineowngirdle。"
Soshewentherwaystothetreasurywherewerethepreciousthingsofthekindred；thewovenclothswereputawayinfaircofferstokeepthemcleanfromthewhirloftheHall-dustandthereek；andthevesselsofgoldandsomeofsilverwerestandingontheshelvesofacupboardbeforewhichhungaveilofneedlework:buttheweaponsandwar-gearhunguponpinsalongthewall，andmanyofthemhadmuchfairworkonthem，andweredightwithgoldandgems:butamidstthemallwasthewondroushauberkcleartosee，darkgreyandthin，foritwassowondrouslywroughtthatithunginsmallcompass。Sothecarlinetookitdownfromthepin，andhandledit，andmarvelledatit，andsaid:
"Strangearethehandsthathavepassedoverthee，sword-rampart，andinstrangeplacesoftheearthhavetheydwelt！Fornosmithofthekindredshathfashionedthee，unlesshehadforhisfriendeitheraGodorafoeoftheGods。Wellshaltthouwotofthetaleofswordandspearerethoucomestbackhither！ForThiodolfshallbringtheewheretheworkiswild。"
Thenshewentwiththehauberktothenew-comewarrior，andmadenodelay，butgaveittohim，andsaid:
"WhenAgniawaketh，IshalltellhimthatThorkettleoftheWolfingshathborneabacktoThiodolftheTreasureoftheWorld，theDwarf-
wroughtHauberk。"
ThenThorkettletookitandturnedtogo；buteventherewithcameoldAsmundfromoutofhissleeping-place，andgazedaroundtheHall，andhiseyesfellontheshapeoftheWolfingashewasgoingoutofthedoor，andheaskedthecarline。
"Whatdoethhehere？Whattidingsistherefromthehost？Formysoulwasnoughtunquietlastnight。"
"Itisalittlematter，"shesaid；"theWar-dukehathsentforthewondrousByrnythatheleftinourtreasurywhenhedepartedtomeettheRomans。Belikethereshallbeaperilousbattle，andfewheartsneedastoutsword-wallmorethanThiodolf’s。"
Asshespoke，Thorkettlehadpassedthedoor，andgotintohissaddle，andsathisblackhorselikeamightymanasheslowlyrodedowntheturfbridgethatledintotheplain。AndAsmundwenttothedoorandstoodwatchinghimtillhesetspurstohishorse，anddepartedagreatgalloptothesouth。ThensaidAsmund:
"WhatthenaretheGodsdevising，whatwondersdotheywill？
Whatmightyneedisonthemtoworkthekindredsill，ThattheseedoftheAncientFathersandawomanoftheirkinWithherallunfadingbeautymustblendherselftherein？
Aretheyfearinglestthekindredsshouldgrowtoofairandgreat，AndclimbthestairsofGod-home，andfashionalltheirfate，Andmakeallearthsomerrythatitneverwaxtheworse，Norneedagiftfromany，norprayerstoquenchthecurse？
FeartheythattheFolk-wolf，growingasthefirefromoutthesparkIntoaveryfolk-god，shallleadtheweaponedMarkFromwoodtofieldandmountain，tostandbetweentheearthAndthewrightsthatforgeitsthraldomandtheswordtoslayitsmirth？
Feartheythatthesonsofthewild-woodtheLoathlyFolkshallquell，AndgrowintoGodsthereafter，andaloofinGod-homedwell？
TherewithheturnedbackintotheHall，andwasheavy-heartedanddrearyofaspect；forhewassomewhatforeseeing；anditmaynotbehiddenthatthisseemingThorkettlewasnowarrioroftheWolfings，buttheWood-Suninhislikeness；forshehadthepowerandcraftofshape-changing。
CHAPTERXVII——THEWOOD-SUNSPEAKETHWITHTHIODOLF
NowtheMarkmenlaidHeriulfinhoweontheridge-crestwherehehadfallen，andheapedamightyhoweoverhimthatcouldbeseenfromfar，androundabouthimtheylaidtheotherwarriorsofthekindreds。Fortheydeemeditwasfittestthattheyshouldlieontheplacewhosestorytheyhadfashioned。Buttheycastearthonthefoemenlowerdownonthewestward-lyingbents。
Thesunsetamidsttheirwork，andnightcameon；andThiodolfwaswearyandwouldfainresthimandsleep:buthehadmanythoughts，andponderedwhitherwardheshouldleadthefolk，soastosmitetheRomansonceagain，andhehadamindtogoapartandbealoneforrestandslumber；sohespoketoamanofthekindrednamedSolviinwhomheputalltrust，andthenhewentdownfromtheridge，andintoalittledaleonthesouthwestsidethereof，afurlongfromtheplaceofthebattle。Abeckrandownthatdale，andthefurtherendofitwasclosedbyalittlewoodofyewtrees，low，butgrowingthicktogether，andgreatgreystoneswerescatteredupanddownontheshortgrassofthedale。Thiodolfwentdowntothebrook-side，andtoaplacewhereittrickledintoapool，whenceitranagaininathinthreaddownthedale，turningasidebeforeitreachedtheyew-
woodtorunitswaysunderlowledgesofrockintoawiderdale。Helookedatthepoolandsmiledtohimselfasifhehadthoughtofsomethingthatpleasedhim；thenhedrewabroadknifefromhisside，andfelltocuttingupturfstillhehadwhathewanted；andthenhebroughtstonestotheplace，andbuiltadamacrossthemouthofthepool，andsatbyonagreatstonetowatchitfilling。
AshesathestrovetothinkabouttheRomanhostandhowheshoulddealwithit；butdespitehimselfhisthoughtswandered，andmadeforhimpicturesofhislifethatshouldbewhenthistimeofbattlewasover；sothathesawnothingofthetroublesthatwereuponhishandsthatnight，butratherhesawhimselfpartakinginthedeedsofthelifeofman。Therehewasbetweentheplough-stiltsintheacresofthekindredwhenthewestwindwasblowingoverthepromiseofearlyspring；orsmitingdowntheripewheatinthehotafternoonamidstthelaughterandmerrytalkofmanandmaid；orfarawayoverMirkwood-waterwatchingtheedgesofthewoodagainsttheprowlingwolfandlynx，thestarsjustbeginningtoshineoverhishead，asnowtheywere；orwendingthewindlesswoodsinthefirstfrostsbeforethesnowcame，thehunter’sboworjavelininhand:orcomingbackfromthewoodwiththequarryonthesledgeacrossthesnow，whenwinterwasdeep，throughthebitingicywindandthewhirlofthedriftingsnow，tothelightsandmusicoftheGreatRoof，andthemerrytalkthereinandthesmilingofthefacesgladtoseethehunting-carlescomeback；andthefulldraughtsofmead，andthesweetrestanight-tidewhenthenorthwindwasmoaningroundtheancienthome。
Allseemedgoodandfairtohim，andwhileshelookedaroundhim，andsawthelongdalelyingonhislefthandandthedarkyewsinitsjawspressingupagainsttherock-ledgesofthebrook，andonhisrightitswindingsasthegroundroseuptothebuttressesofthegreatridge。Themoonwasrisingoverit，andheheardthevoiceofthebrookasittinkledoverthestonesabovehim；andthewhistleoftheploverandthelaughofthewhimbrelcamedownthedalesharpandclearinthecalmevening；andsoundingfaraway，becausethegreathillmuffledthem，werethevoicesofhisfellowsontheridge，andthesongsofthewarriorsandthehigh-pitchedcriesofthewatch。
Andthisalsowasapartofthesweetlifewhichwas，andwastobe；
andhesmiledandwashappyandlovedthedaysthatwerecoming，andlongedforthem，astheyoungmanlongsforthefeetofhismaidenatthetrysting-place。
Soashesatthere，thedreamswrappinghimupfromtroublousthoughts，atlastslumberovertookhim，andthegreatwarrioroftheWolfingssatnoddinglikeanoldcarleinthechimneyingle，andhefellasleep，hisdreamsgoingwithhim，butallchangedandturnedtofollyandemptiness。
Hewokewithastartinnolongtime；thenightwasdeep，thewindhadfallenutterly，andallsoundswerestilledsavethevoiceofthebrook，andnowandagainthecryofthewatchersoftheGoths。Themoonwashighandbright，andthelittlepoolbesidehimglitteredwithitinallitsripples；foritwasfullnowandtricklingoverthelipofhisdam。Sohearosefromthestoneanddidoffhiswar-
gear，castingThrong-ploughdownintothegrassbesidehim，forhehadbeenmindedtobathehim，buttheslumberwasstillonhim，andhestoodmusingwhilethestreamgrewstrongerandpushedofffirstoneofhisturfsandthenanother，androlledtwoorthreeofthestonesover，andthensoftlythrustallawayandranwithagushdownthedale，fillingallthelittlebightsbythewayforaminuteortwo；helaughedsoftlythereat，andstayedtheundoingofhiskirtle，andsolaidhimselfdownonthegrassbesidethestonelookingdownthedale，andfellatonceintoadreamlesssleep。
Whenheawokeagain，itwasyetnight，butthemoonwasgettinglowerandthefirstbeginningsofdawnwereshowingintheskyovertheridge；helaystillamomentgatheringhisthoughtsandstrivingtorememberwherehewas，asisthewontofmenwakingfromdeepsleep；
thenheleapttohisfeet，andlo，hewasfacetofacewithawoman，andshewhobuttheWood-Sun？andhewonderednot，butreachedouthishandtotouchher，thoughhehadnotyetwhollycastofftheheavinessofslumberorrememberedthetidingsofyesterday。
Shedrewabackalittlefromhim，andhiseyesclearedoftheslumber，andhesawherthatshewasscantilycladinblackraiment，barefoot，withnogoldringonherarmsornecklaceonherneck，orcrownaboutherhead。Butshelookedsofairandlovelyeveninthatendofthenight-tide，thatherememberedallherbeautyofthedayandthesunshine，andhelaughedaloudforjoyofthesightofher，andsaid:
"Whataileththee，OWood-Sun，andisthisanewcustomofthykindredandthefolkofGod-homethattheirbridesarraythemselveslikethrallsnew-taken，andaswomenwhohavelosttheirkindredandareoutcast？WhothenhathwontheBurgoftheAnses，andclombtherampartofGod-home？"
Butshespokefromwhereshestoodinavoicesosweet，thatitthrilledtotheverymarrowofhisbones。
"Ihavedweltawhilewithsorrowsincewemet，wetwain，inthewood:
Ihavemourned，whilethouhastbeenmerry，whodeemestthewar-playgood。
ForIknowtheheartofthewilfulandhowthouwouldstcastawayTherampartofthylife-days，andthewallofmyhappyday。
YeaIamthethrallofSorrow；shehathstrippedmyraimentoffAndlaidsorestripesuponmewithmanyabitterscoff。
StillbiddingmerememberthatIcomeoftheGod-folk’skin，Andyetforallmygodheadnoloveoftheemaywin。"
Thenshelookedlonginglyathimawhileandatlastcouldnolongerrefrainher，butdrewnighhimandtookhishandsinhers，andkissedhismouth，andsaidasshecaressedhim:
"Owherearethywounds，beloved？howturnedthespearfromthybreast，Whenthestormofwarblewstrongest，andthebestmenmetthebest？
Lo，thisisthetaleofto-day:butwhatshallto-morrowtell？
ThatThiodolftheMightyinthefight’sbeginningfell；
Thattherecameastrokeill-stricken，therecameanaimlessthrust，Andthelifeofthepeople’shelperlayquenchedinthesummerdust。"
Heanswerednothing，butsmiledasthoughthesoundofhervoiceandthetouchofherhandwerepleasanttohim，forsomuchlovetherewasinher，thatherverygriefwasscarcelygrievous。Butshesaidagain:
"Thousayestit:Iamoutcast；foraGodthatlackethmirthHathnomoreplaceinGod-homeandneveraplaceonearth。
Amangrieves，andhegladdens，orhediesandhisgriefisgone；
ButwhatofthegriefoftheGods，andthesorrowneverundone？
YeaverilyIamtheoutcast。WhenfirstinthinearmsIlayOntheblossomsofthewoodlandmygodheadpassedaway；
ThenceforthuntotheewasIlookingforthelightandthegloryoflifeAndtheGods’doorsshutbehindmetillthedayoftheuttermoststrife。
Andnowthouhasttakenmysoul，thouwiltcastitintothenight，Andcoverthineheadwiththedarkness，andturnthineeyesfromthelight。
ThouwouldstgototheemptycountrywhereneveraseedissownAndneveradeedisfashioned，andtheplacewhereeachisalone；
ButIthythrallshallfollow，Ishallcomewherethouseemesttolie，Ishallsitonthehowethathidesthee，andthousodearandnigh！
Afewboneswhiteintheirwar-gearthathavenohelporthought，ShallbeThiodolftheMighty，sonigh，sodear——andnought。"
Hishandsstrayedoverhershouldersandarms，caressingthem，andhesaidsoftlyandlovingly:
"IamThiodolftheMighty:butaswiseasImaybeNostoryofthatgrave-nightmineeyescaneversee，ButratherthetaleoftheWolfingsthroughthecomingdaysofearth，Andtheyoungmenintheirtriumphandthemaidensintheirmirth；
Andmorn’spromiseeveryevening，andeachdaythepromisedmorn，AndIamidstiteverrebornandyetreborn。
ThistaleIknow，whohaveseenit，whohavefeltthejoyandpain，Eachfleeing，eachpursuing，likethelinksofthedraw-well’schain:
Butthatdeedlesstideofthegrave-mound，andthedaylessnightlessday，E’enasIstrivetoseeit，itsimagewanesaway。
Whatsay’stthouofthegrave-mound？shallIbethereatallWhentheylifttheHornofRemembrance，andtheshoutgoesdownthehall，AndtheydrinktheMightyWar-dukeandThiodolftheold？
Nayrather；therewheretheyounglingthatlongethtobeboldSitsgazingthroughthehall-reekandseesacrosstheboardAvisionofthereapingoftheharvestofthesword，ThereshallThiodolfbesitting；e’enthereshalltheyounglingbeThatonceintheringofthehazelsgaveuphislifetothee。"
Shelaughedasheended，andhervoicewassweet，butbitterwasherlaugh。Thenshesaid:
"Naythoushaltbedead，Owarrior，thoushaltnotseetheHallNorthechildrenofthypeople’twixtthedaisandthewall。
AndI，andIshallbeliving；stillontheeshallwastemythought:
Ishalllongandlackthylonging；Ishallpineforwhatisnought。"
Buthesmiledagain，andsaid:
"NotonearthshallIlearnthiswisdom；andhowshallIlearnitthenWhenIliealoneinthegrave-mound，andhavenospeechwithmen？
Butforthee，——Odoubtitnothingthatmylifeshallliveinthee，Andsoshallwetwainbelovinginthedaysthatyetshallbe。"
Itwasasifsheheardhimnot；andshefellabackfromhimalittleandstoodsilentlyforawhileasoneindeepthought；andthenturnedandwentafewpacesfromhim，andstoopeddownandcamebackagainwithsomethinginherarms(anditwasthehauberkoncemore)，andsaidsuddenly:
"OThiodolf，nowtellmeforwhatcausethouwouldstnotbearThisgreywallofthehammerinthetempestofthespear？
Didstthoudoubtmyfaith，OFolk-wolf，orthecounseloftheGods，Thatthouneedsmustcasttheenakedmidsttheflashingbattle-rods，OristhypridesomightythatitseemedtotheeindeedThatdeathwasabetterguerdonthantheloveoftheGod-head’sseed？"
ButThiodolfsaid:"OWood-Sun，thisthouhastarighttoaskofme，whyIhavenotworninthebattlethygift，theTreasureoftheWorld，theDwarf-wroughtHauberk！Andwhatisthisthatthousayest？
Idoubtnotthyfaithtowardsmeandthineabundantlove:andasfortheredeoftheGods，Iknowitnot，normayIknowit，norturnitthiswaynorthat:andasforthyloveandthatIwouldchoosedeathsooner，Iknownotwhatthoumeanest；IwillnotsaythatIlovethylovebetterthanlifeitself；forthesetwo，mylifeandmylove，areblendedtogetherandmaynotbesundered。
"HearkenthereforeastotheHauberk:Iwotwellthatitisfornolightmatterthatthouwouldsthavemebearthygift，thewondroushauberk，intobattle；Ideemthatsomedoomiswrappedupinit；
maybethatIshallfallbeforethefoeifIwearitnot；andthatifIwearit，somewhatmaybetidemewhichisunmeettobetideawarrioroftheWolfings。ThereforewillItelltheewhyIhavefoughtintwobattleswiththeRomanswithunmailedbody，andwhyIleftthehauberk，(whichIseethatthoubearestinthinearms)intheRoofoftheDaylings。ForwhenIenteredtherein，cladinthehauberk，therecametomeetmeanancientman，oneoftheveryvaliantofdayspast，andhelookedonmewiththeeyesoflove，asthoughhehadbeentheveryfatherofourfolk，andIthemanthatwastocomeafterhimtocarryonthelifethereof。Butwhenhesawthehauberkandtouchedit，thenwashislovesmittencoldwithsadnessandhespokewordsofevilomen；sothatputtingthistogetherwiththywordsaboutthegift，andthatthoudidstinamannercompelmetowearit，Icouldnotbutdeemthatthismailisfortheransomofamanandtheruinofafolk。
"Wiltthousaythatitisnotso？thenwillIwearthehauberk，andliveanddiehappy。ButifthousayestthatIhavedeemedaright，andthatacursegoethwiththehauberk，theneitherforthesakeofthefolkIwillnotwearthegiftandthecurse，andIshalldieingreatglory，andbecauseofmetheHouseshalllive；orelseforthysakeIshallbearitandlive，andtheHouseshallliveordieasmaybe，butInothelping，nayInolongeroftheHousenorinit。Howsayestthou？"
Thenshesaid:
"Hailbethymouth，beloved，forthatlastwordofthine，Andthehopethatthineheartconceivethandthehopethatisborninmine。
Yea，foraman’sdelivrancewasthehauberkbornindeedThatoncemorethemightywarriormighthelpthefolkatneed。
Andwhereisthecurse’sdwellingifthylifebesavedtodwellAmidsttheWolfingwarriorsandthefolkthatlovestheewellAndthehousewherethehighGodslefttheetobecherishedwelltherein？
"Yeamore:Ihavetoldthee，beloved，thatthouartnotofthekin；
ThebloodinthybodyisblendedofthewanderingElkingrace，AndonethatImaynottellof，whoinGod-homehathhisplace，Andwhochangedhisshapetobegettheeinthewild-wood’sleafyroof。
HowthenshallthedoomoftheWolfingsbewoveninthewoofWhichtheNornsfortheehaveshuttled？orshallonemanofwarCastdownthetreeoftheWolfingsontherootsthatspreadsofar？
Ofriend，thouartwiseandmighty，butothermenhavelivedBeneaththeWolfingroof-treewherebythefolkhasthrived。"
Hereddenedatherword；buthiseyeslookedeagerlyonher。Shecastdownthehauberk，anddrewonestepnighertohim。Sheknittedherbrows，herfacewaxedterrible，andherstatureseemedtogrowgreater，asshelifteduphergleamingrightarm，andcriedoutinagreatvoice。
"ThouThiodolftheMighty！HadstthouwilltocastthenetAndtangletheHouseinthytrouble，itisIwouldslaytheeyet；
For’tisIandIthatlovethem，andmysorrowwouldIgive，Andthylife，thouGodofbattle，thattheWolfingHousemightlive。"
Therewithsherushedforward，andcastherselfuponhim，andthrewherarmsabouthim，andstrainedhimtoherbosom，andkissedhisface，andheherinlikewise，fortherewasnonetobeholdthem，andnoughtbutthenakedheavenwastheroofabovetheirheads。
Andnowitwasasifthetouchofherfaceandherbody，andthemurmuringofhervoicechangedandsoftclosetohisear，asshemurmuredmerewordsoflovetohim，drewhimawayfromthelifeofdeedsanddoubtsandmadeanewworldforhim，whereinhebeheldallthosefairpicturesofthehappydaysthathadbeeninhismusingswhenfirstheleftthefieldofthedead。
Sotheysatdownonthegreystonetogetherhandinhand，herheadlaiduponhisshoulder，nootherwisethaniftheyhadbeentwolovers，youngandwithoutrenownindaysofdeeppeace。
Soastheysat，herfootsmoteonthecoldhiltsofthesword，whichThiodolfhadlaiddowninthegrass；andshestoopedandtookitup，andlaiditacrossherkneesandhisastheysatthere；andshelookedonThrong-ploughashelaystillinthesheath，andsmiledonhim，andsawthatthepeace-stringswerenotyetwoundabouthishilts。Soshedrewhimforthandraisedhimupinherhand，andhegleamedwhiteandfearfulinthegrowingdawn，forallthingshadnowgottentheircoloursagain，whereasamidsttheirtalkinghadthenightworn，andthemoonlowdownwasgrownwhiteandpale。
Butsheleanedaside，andlaidhercheekagainstThiodolf’s，andhetooktheswordoutofherhandandsetitonhiskneesagain，andlaidhisrighthandonit，andsaid:
"TwothingsbytheseblueedgesinthefaceofthedawningIswear；
Andfirstthiswarrior’sransominthecomingfighttobear，Andevermoretolovetheewhohastgivenmesecondbirth。
AndbytheswordIswearit，andbytheHolyEarth，TolivefortheHouseoftheWolfings，andatlasttodiefortheirneed。
ForthoughItrowthysayingthatIamnotoneoftheirseed，NoryetbythehandhavebeentakenanduntotheFathershownAsaverysonoftheFathers，yetmidthemhathmybodygrown；
AndIamtheguestoftheirFolk-Hall，andeachonethereismyfriend。
Sowiththemismyjoyandsorrow，andmylife，andmydeathintheend。
Nowwhatsodoomhereaftermycomingdaysshallbide，Thouspeech-friend，thoudeliverer，thineisthisdawning-tide。"
Shespokenowordtohim；buttheyroseupandwenthandinhanddownthedale，hestillbearinghisnakedswordoverhisshoulder，andthustheywenttogetherintotheyew-copseatthedale’send。Theretheyabodetillaftertherisingofthesun，andeachtoeachspakemanylovingwordsattheirdeparture；andtheWood-Sunwentherwaysatherwill。
ButThiodolfwentupthedaleagain，andsetThrong-ploughinhissheath，andwoundthepeace-stringsroundhim。ThenhetookupthehauberkfromthegrasswhereastheWood-Sunhadcastit，anddiditonhim，asitwereoftheattirehewaswonttocarrydaily。SohegirtThrong-ploughtohim，andwentsoberlyuptotheridge-toptothefolk，whowerejuststirringintheearlymorning。
CHAPTERXVIII——TIDINGSBROUGHTTOTHEWAIN-BURG
NowitmustbetoldofOtterandtheyoftheWain-burghowtheyhadthetidingsoftheoverthrowoftheRomansontheRidge，andthatEgilhadleftthemonhiswaytoWolf-stead。Theywerejoyfulofthetale，aswasliketobe，buteageralsotostriketheirstrokeatthefoe-men，andinthatmoodtheyabodefreshtidings。
IthasbeentoldhowOtterhadsenttheBearingsandtheWormingstotheaidofThiodolfandhisfolk，andthesetwoweregreatkindreds，andtheybeinggone，thereabodewithOtter，onemanwithanother，thrallsandfreemen，scantthreethousandmen:ofthesemanywerebowmengoodtofightfrombehindawallorfence，orsomesuchcover，butscarcemeettowithstandashockintheopenfield。HoweveritwasdeemedatthistimeintheWain-burgthatThiodolfandhismenwouldsoonreturntothem；andinanycase，theysaid，helaybetweentheRomansandtheMark，sothattheyhadbutlittledoubt；orrathertheyfearedthattheRomansmightdrawabackfromtheMarkbeforetheycouldbemetinbattleagain，forasaforesaidtheywereeagerforthefray。
NowitwasinthecooloftheeveningtwodaysaftertheBattleontheRidge，thatthemen，bothfreemenandthralls，hadbeendisportingthemselvesintheplaingroundwithouttheBurgincastingthespearandputtingthestone，andrunningracesa-footanda-
horseback，andnowcloseonsunsetthreeyoungmen，twooftheLaxingsandoneoftheShieldings，andagreyoldthrallofthatsameHouse，wereshootingamatchwiththebow，drivingtheirshaftsatarushenroundelhungonapolewhichtheoldthrallhaddight。Menwerepeacefulandhappy，forthetimewasfairandcalm，and，asaforesaid，theydreadednottheRomanHostanymorethaniftheywereGodsdwellinginGod-home。Theshootersweredeftmen，andtheyoftheBurgwerecurioustonotetheirdeftness，andmanywerebreathedwiththegameswhereintheyhadstriven，andthoughtitgoodtorest，andlookonthenewsport:sotheysatandstoodonthegrassabouttheshootersonthreesides，andthemead-hornwentbrisklyfrommantoman；fortherewasnolackofmeatanddrinkintheBurg，whereasthekindredsthatlaynighesttoithadbroughtinabundantprovision，andwomenofthekindredshadcometothem，andnotafewweretherescatteredupanddownamongthecarles。
NowtheShieldingman，Geirbaldbyname，hadjustloosedatthemark，andhadshotstraightandsmittentheroundelinthemidst，andashoutwentupfromtheonlookersthereat；butthatshoutwas，asitwere，linedwithanother，andacrythatamessengerwasridingtowardtheBurg:thereatmostmenlookedroundtowardthewood，becausetheirmindsweresetonfreshtidingsfromThiodolf’scompany，butasithappeneditwasfromthenorthandthesidetowardMid-markthattheyontheoutsideofthethronghadseentheridercoming；andpresentlythewordwentfrommantomanthatsoitwas，andthatthenewcomerwasayoungmanonagreyhorse，andwouldspeedilybeamongstthem；sotheywonderedwhatthetidingsmightbe，butyettheydidnotbreakupthethrong，butabodeintheirplacesthattheymightreceivethemessengermoreorderly；andastheriderdrewnear，thosewhowerenighesttohimperceivedthatitwasawoman。
Somenmadewaybeforethegreyhorse，anditsrider，andthehorsewasmuchspentandtravel-worn。Sothewomanroderightintotheringofwarriors，anddrewreinthere，andlighteddownslowlyandpainfully，andwhenshewasonthegroundcouldscarcestandforstiffness；andtwoorthreeoftheswainsdrewnearhertohelpher，andknewheratonceforHrosshildoftheWolfings，forshewaswell-
knownasadoughtywoman。
Thenshesaid:"BringmetoOttertheWar-duke；orbringhimhithertome，whichwerebest，sincesomanymenaregatheredtogether；andmeanwhilegivemetodrink；forIamthirstyandweary。"
SowhileonewentforOtter，anotherreachedtoherthemead-horn，andshehadscarcedoneherdraught，ereOtterwasthere，fortheyhadfoundhimatthegateoftheBurg。HehadmanyatimebeenintheWolfingHall，soheknewheratonceandsaid:
"Hail，Hrosshild！howfarestthou？"
Shesaid:"Ifareasthebearerofeviltidings。Bidthyfolkdoontheirwar-gearandsaddletheirhorses，andmakenodelay；fornowpresentlyshalltheRomanhostbeinMid-mark！"
ThencriedOtter:"Blowupthewar-horn！getyealltoyourweaponsandbereadytoleaponyourhorses，andcomeyetotheThingingoodorderkindredbykindred:lateronyeshallhearHrosshild’sstoryassheshalltellittome！"
Therewithheledhertoagrassyknollthatwashardby，andsetherdownthereonandhimselfbesideher，andsaid:
"Speaknow，damsel，andfearnot！Fornowshallonefategooverusall，eithertolivetogetherordietogetherasthefreechildrenofTyr，andfriendsoftheAlmightyGodoftheEarth。HowcamestthoutomeettheRomansandknowoftheirwaysandtolivethereafter？"
Shesaid:"Thusitwas:theHall-SunbethoughtherhowthattheeasternwaysintoMid-markthatbringamantothethicketbehindtheRoofoftheBearingsarenowisehard，evenforanhost；soshesenttenwomen，andmetheeleventhtotheBearingdwellingandtheroadthroughthethicketaforesaid；andweweretotakeoftheBearingstay-at-homeswhomsowewouldthatwerehandy，andthenallwetowatchthewaysforfearoftheRomans。Andmethinksshehashadsomevisionoftheirways，thoughmayhapnotaltogetherclear。
"AnyhowwecametotheBearingdwellings，andtheygaveusoftheirfolkeightdoughtywomenandtwolight-footlads，andsoweweretwentyandoneinall。
"SothenwedidastheHall-Sunbadeus，andordainedachainofwatchersfarupintothewaste；andtheseweretosoundapointofwarupontheirhornseachtoeachtillthesoundthereofshouldcometouswholaywithourhorseshoppledreadybesideusinthefairplainoftheMarkoutsidethethicket。
"Tobeshort，thehornswakedusupinthemidstofyesternight，andofthewatchesalsocametousthelast，whichhadheardthesoundamidstthethicket，andsaidthatitwascertainlythesoundoftheGoths’horn，andthenoteagreedon。ThereforeIsentamessengeratoncetotheWolfingRooftosaywhatwastoward；buttotheeIwouldnotrideuntilIhadmadesurerofthetidings；soIwaitedawhile，andthenrodeintothewild-wood；andalongtaleImightmakebothofthewaitingandtheriding，hadItimethereto；butthisistheendofit；thatgoingwarilyalittlepastwherethethicketthinnethandtheroadendeth，Icameonthreeofthosewatchesorlinksinthechainwehadmade，andhalfofanotherwatchorlink；thatistosaysixwomen，whowerecometogetherafterhavingblowntheirhornsandfled(thoughtheyshouldratherhaveabidedinsomelurking-placetoespywhatevermightcomethatway)andoneotherwoman，whohadbeenoneofthewatchmuchfurtheroff，andhadspokenwiththefurthestofall，whichonehadseenthefaringoftheRomanHost，andthatitwasverygreat，andnomerebandofpillagersorofscouts。And，saidthisfleer(whowasindeedhalfwildwithfear)，thatwhiletheyweretalkingtogether，cametheRomansuponthem，andsawthem；andabandofRomansbeatthewoodforthemwhentheyfled，andshe，thefleer，wasatpointtobetaken，andsawtwotakenindeed，andhaledoffbytheRomanscourersofthewood。Butsheescapedandsocametotheothersontheskirtsofthethicket，havingleftofherskinandbloodonmanyathornbushandrockbytheway。
"NowwhenIheardthis，IbadethisfleergetherhometotheBearingsasswiftlyasshemight，andtellhertale；andshewentawaytrembling，andscarceknowingwhetherherfeetwereonearthoronwateroronfire；butbelikefailednottocomethere，asnoRomanswerebeforeher。
"Butfortheothers，IsentonetogostraighttoWolf-steadontheheelsofthefirstmessenger，totelltheHall-Sunwhathadbefallen，andotherfiveIsettolurkinthethicket，whereasnonecouldlightlylayhandsonthem，andwhentheyhadnewtidings，tofleetoWolf-steadasoccasionmightservethem；andformyselfItarriednot，butrodeonthespurtotelltheehereof。
"Butmylastwordtothee，Otter，isthatbytheHall-sun’sbiddingtheBearingswillnotabidefireandsteelattheirownstead，butwhentheyheartruetidingsoftheRomansbeinghardathand，willtakewiththemallthatisnottoohotortooheavytocarry，andgotheirwaysuntoWolf-stead:andthetidingswillgoupanddowntheMarkonbothsidesofthewater，sothatwhateverisofavailfordefencewillgatherthereatourdwelling，andifwefall，goodlyshallbethehoweheapedoverus，evenifyecomenotintime。
"NowhaveItoldtheewhatIneedsmustandthereisnoneedtoquestionmemore，forthouhastitall——dothouwhatthouhasttodo！"
Withthatwordshecastherselfdownonthegrassbythemound-side，andwaspresentlyasleep，forshewasveryweary。
Butallthetimeshehadbeentellinghertalehadthehornbeensounding，andtherewerenowamanywarriorsgatheredandmorecomingineverymoment:soOtterstooduponthemoundafterhehadbiddenamanofhisHousetobringhimhishorseandwar-gear，andabidedalittle，till，asmightbesaid，thewholehostwasgathered:thenhebadecrysilence，andspake:
"SonsofTyr，nowhathanHostoftheRomansgottenintotheMark；amightyhost，butnotsomightythatitmaynotbemet。Fewwordsarebest:lettheSteerings，whoarenotmany，butaremenwell-triedinwarandwisdomabideintheBurgalongwiththefightingthralls:
butlettheBurgbebrokenupandmovedfromtheplace，andletitswarderswendtowardsMid-mark，butwarilyandwithouthaste，andeachnightletthemmakethewain-garthandkeepgoodwatch。
"ButknowyethattheRomansshallfallwithalltheirpowerontheWolfingdwellings，deemingthatwhentheyhavethat，theyshallhaveallthatisourswithourselvesalso。ForthereistheHall-SunundertheGreatRoof，andtherehathThiodolf，ourWar-duke，hisdwelling-place；thereforeshallallofus，savethosethatabidewiththewains，takehorse，andridewithoutdelay，andcrossthewateratBattleford，sothatwemayfalluponthefoebeforetheycomewestofthewater；forasyeknowthereisbutonefordwherebyamanwendingstraightfromtheBearingsmaycrossMirkwood-water，anditislikethatthefoewilltarryattheBearingsteadlongenoughtoburnandpillageit。
"Sodoyeorderyourselvesaccordingtoyourkindreds，andlettheShieldingslead。Makenomoredelay！ButformeIwillnowsendamessengertoThiodolftotellhimofthetidings，andthenspeedilyshallhebewithus。Geirbald，Iseethee；comehither！"
NowGeirbaldstoodamidsttheShieldings，andwhenOtterhadspoken，hecameforthbestridingawhitehorse，andwithhisbowslungathisback。SaidOtter:"Geirbald，thoushaltrideatoncethroughthewood，andfindThiodolf；andtellhimthetidings，andthatinnowisehefollowtheRomanfleersawayfromtheMark，nortoheedanythingbutthetrailofthefoementhroughthesouth-easternheathsofMirkwood，whetherotherRomansfollowhimornot:whateverhappenslethimleadtheGothsbythatroad，whichforhimistheshortest，towardsthedefenceoftheWolfingdwellings。Lothou，myringforatoken！Takeitanddepartinhaste。YetfirsttakethyfellowViglundtheWoodmanwiththee，lestifperchanceonefall，theothermaybearthemessage。Tarrynot，norresttillthywordbesaid！"
ThenturnedGeirbaldtofindViglundwhowasanightohim，andhetookthering，andthetwainwenttheirwayswithoutmoreado，androdeintothewild-wood。
Butaboutthewain-burgwasthereplenteousstirofmentillallwasorderedforthedepartureofthehost，whichwasnolongwhile，fortherewasnothingtodobutonwiththewar-gearandupontothehorse。
ForththentheywentdulyorderedintheirkindredstowardstheheadoftheUpper-mark，ridingasswiftlyastheymightwithoutbreakingtheirarray。
CHAPTERXIX——THOSEMESSENGERSCOMETOTHIODOLF
OfGeirbaldandViglundthetaletellsthattheyrodethewoodlandpathsasspeedilyastheymight。Theyhadnotgonefar，andwerewindingthroughapathamidstofathicketmingledofthehornbeamandholly，betwixttheopeningsofwhichthebrackengrewexceedingtall，whenViglund，whowasveryfine-eared，deemedthatheheardahorsecomingtomeetthem:sotheylayascloseastheymight，anddrewbacktheirhorsesbehindagreatholly-bushlestitshouldbesomeoneormoreofthefoeswhohadfledintothewoodwhentheRomanswerescatteredinthatfirstfight。Butasthesounddrewnearer，anditwasclearlythefootstepsofagreathorse，theydeemeditwouldbesomemessengerfromThiodolf，asindeeditturnedout:forasthenew-comerfaredon，somewhatunwarily，theysawabrighthelmafterthefashionoftheGothsamidstofthetrees，andthenpresentlytheyknewbyhisattirethathewasoftheBearings，andsoatlasttheyknewhimtobeAsbiornofthesaidHouse，adoughtyman；sotheycameforthtomeethimandhedrewreinwhenhesawarmedmen，butpresentlybeholdingtheirfacesheknewthemandlaughedonthem，andsaid:
"Hailfellows！whattidingsaretoward？"
"These，"saidViglund，"thatthouartwellmet，sincenowshaltthouturnbackandbringustoThiodolfasspeedilyasmaybe。"
ButAsbiornlaughedandsaid:"Nayratherturnaboutwithme；orwhyareyesogrimofcountenance？"
"Ourerrandisnolightone，"saidGeirbald，"butthou，whyartthousomerry？"
"IhaveseentheRomansfall，"saidhe，"andbelikeshallsoonseemoreofthatgame:forIamonanerrandtoOtterfromThiodolf:
theWar-duke，whenhehadquestionedsomeofthosewhomwetookontheDayoftheRidge，begantohaveadeemingthattheRomanshadbeguiledus，andwillfallontheMarkbythewayofthesouth-eastheaths:sonowishehasteningtofetchacompassandfollowthatroadeithertoovertakethemorpreventthem；andhebiddethOttertarrynot，butridehardalongthewatertomeetthemifhemay，orevertheyhavesettheirhandstothedwellingsofmyHouse。AndbelikewhenIhavedonemineerrandtoOtterIshallridewithhimtolookontheseburnersandslayersoncemore；thereforeamImerry。
Nowforyourtidings，fellows。"
SaidGeirbald:"Ourtidingsarethatbothourerrandsareprevented，andcometonought:forOtterhathnottarried，buthathriddenwithallhisfolktowardthesteadofthineHouse。Soshaltthouindeedseetheseburnersandslayersifthouridesthard；sincewehavetidingsthattheRomanswillbynowbeinMid-mark。Andasforourerrand，itistobidThiodolfdoevenashehathdone。HerebymayweseehowgoodapairofWar-dukeswehavegotten，sinceeachthinkethofthesamewisdom。Nowtakewecounseltogetherastowhatweshalldo；whetherweshallgobacktoOtterwiththee，orthougobacktoThiodolfwithus；orelseeachgotheroadordainedforus。"
SaidAsbiorn:"ToOtterwillIrideasIwasbidden，thatImaylookontheburningofourroof，andavengemeoftheRomansafterwards；
andIbidyou，fellows，ridewithme，sincefewermentherearewithOtter，andhemustbethefirsttobidethebruntofbattle。"
"Nay，"saidGeirbald，"asformeyemustevenloseaman’said；fortoThiodolfwasIsent，andtoThiodolfwillIgo:andbethinktheeifthisbenotbest，sinceThiodolfhathbutadeemingofthewaysoftheRomansandwewotsurelyofthem。Ourcomingshallmakehimthespeedier，andthelessliketoturnbackifanyalienbandshallfollowafterhim。Whatsayestthou，Viglund？"
SaidViglund:"Evenasthou，Geirbald:butformyselfIdeemImaywellturnbackwithAsbiorn。ForIwouldservetheHouseinbattleassoonasmaybe；andmaybeweshallslaughterthesekitesofthecities，sothatThiodolfshallhavenoworktodowhenhecometh。"
SaidAsbiorn；"Geirbald，knowestthourightwellthewaysthroughthewoodandontheothersidethereof，totheplacewhereThiodolfabideth？foryeseethatnightisathand。"
"Nay，notoverwell，"saidGeirbald。
SaidAsbiorn:"ThenIredetheetakeViglundwiththee；forheknoweththemyardbyyard，andwheretheybehardandwheretheybesoft。MoreoveritwerebestindeedthatyemeetThiodolfbetimes；
forIdeemnotbutthathewendethleisurely，thoughalwayswarily，becausehedeemethnotthatOtterwillridebeforeto-morrowmorning。
Hearken，Viglund！Thiodolfwillrestto-nightontheothersideofthewater，nightowherethehillsbreakoffintothesheercliffsthatarecalledtheKites’Nest，andthewaterrunnethunderthem，comingfromtheeast:andbeforehimlieththeeasygroundoftheeasternheathswhereheismindedtowendto-morrowbetimesinthemorning:andifyedoyourbestyeshallbetherebeforeheisupontheroad，andsureitisthatyourtidingsshallhastenhim。"
"Thousayestsooth，"saithGeirbald，"tarrywenolonger；heresunderourways；farewell！"
"Farewell，"saidhe，"andthou，Viglund，takethiswordinparting，thatbelikethoushaltyetseetheRomans，andstrikeastroke，andmaybebesmitten。Forindeedtheybemostmightywarriors。"
Thenmadetheynodelaybutrodetheirwayseitherside。AndGeirbaldandViglundrodeoverroughandsmoothallnight，andwereoutofthethickwoodbyday-dawn:andwhereastheyrodehard，andViglundknewthewayswell，theycametoMirkwood-waterbeforethedaywasold，andsawthatthehostwasstirring，butnotyetontheway。Andorevertheycametothewater’sedge，theyweremetbyWolfkettleoftheWolfings，andHiarandioftheElkings，andthreeotherswhowerebutjustcomefromtheplacewherethehurtmenlaydowninadaleneartheGreatRidge；therehadWolfkettleandHiarandibeentendingTotioftheBeamings，theirfellow-in-arms，whohadbeensorelyhurtinthebattle，butwasdoingwell，andwasliketolive。Sowhentheysawthemessengers，theycameuptothemandhailedthem，andaskedthemifthetidingsweregoodorevil。
"Thatisasitmaybe，"saidGeirbald，"buttheyareshorttotell；
theRomansareinMid-mark，andOtterridethonthespurtomeetthem，andsendethustobidThiodolfwendtheheathstofallinonthemalso。NormaywetarryoneminuteerewehaveseenThiodolf。"
SaidWolfkettle，"Wewillleadyoutohim；heisontheeastsideofthewater，withallhishost，andtheyarehardondeparting。"
Sotheywentdowntheford，whichwasnotverydeep；andWolfkettlerodethefordbehindGeirbald，andanothermanbehindViglund；butHiarandiwentafootwiththeothersbesidethehorses，forhewasaverytallman。
ButastheyrodeamidsttheclearwaterWolfkettlelifteduphisvoiceandsang:
"Whitehorse，withwhatareyeladenasyewadetheshallowswarm，Butwithtidingsofthebattle，andthefearofthefatefulstorm？
Whatlourethnowbehindus，whatpilethcloudsbefore，Oneitherhandwhatgatherethsavethestormytideofwar？
Nowgrowsmidsummermirky，andfallowfallsthemorn，AndduskeththeMoon’sSister，andthetreeslookoverworn；
God’sAshtreeshakesandshivers，andthesheercliffstandethwhiteAsthebonesofthegiants’fatherwhentheGodsfirstfaredtofight。"
Andindeedthemorninghadgrownmirkyandgreyandthreatening，andfromfarawaythethundergrowled，andthefaceoftheKite’sNestshowedpaleandawfulagainstadarksteelycloud；andafewdropsofrainpatteredintothesmoothwaterbeforethemfromaragofthecloud-flockrightoverhead。Theywereinmidstreamnow，forthewaterwaswidethere；ontheeasternbankwerethewarriorsgathering，fortheyhadbeheldthefaringofthosemen，andthevoiceofWolfkettlecametothemacrossthewater，sotheydeemedthatgreattidingsweretoward，andwouldfainknowonwhaterrandthosewerecome。
ThenthewatersoftheforddeepenedtillHiarandiwaswadingmorethanwaist-deep，andthewaterflowedoverGeirbald’ssaddle；thenWolfkettlelaughed，andturningashesat，draggedouthissword，andwaveditfromeasttowestandsang:
"Osun，paleupinheaven，shrinkfromusifthouwilt，Andturnthyfacefrombeholdingtheshockofguiltwithguilt！
Standstill，Obloodofsummer！andlettheharvestfade，Tilltherebenoughtbutfallowwhereoncewasbloomandblade！
Oday，giveoutbutaglimmerofallthyfloodoflight，Ifitbebutenoughforoureyentoseetheroadoffight！
Forgetallelseandslumber，ifstillyeletuswake，Andourmouthsshallmakethethunder，andourswordsshallthelighteningmake，Andweshallbethestorm-windanddrivetheruddyrain，Tillthejoyofourheartsinbattlebringbackthedayagain。"
Ashespakethatwordtheycameupthroughtheshallowwaterdrippingontothebank，andtheyandthemenwhoabodethemonthebankshoutedtogetherforjoyoffellowship，andalltossedalofttheirweapons。ThemanwhohadriddenbehindViglundslippedoffontotheground；butWolfkettleabodeinhisplacebehindGeirbald。
Sothemessengerspassedon，andtheotherscloseduproundaboutthem，andallthethrongwentuptowhereThiodolfwassittingonarockbeneathasoleash-tree，thefaceoftheKite’sNestrisingbehindhimontheothersideofabightoftheriver。Therehesatunhelmedwiththedwarf-wroughthauberkabouthim，holdingThrong-
ploughinitssheathacrosshisknees，whilehegavewordtothisandthatmanconcerningtheorderofthehost。
Sowhentheywerecomethither，thethrongopenedthatthemessengersmightcomeforward；forbythistimehadmanymoredrawnneartohearkenwhatwastoward。Theretheysatontheirhorses，thewhiteandthegrey，andWolfkettlestoodbyGeirbald’sbridlerein，forhehadnowlighteddown；andalittlebehindhim，hisheadtoweringovertheothers，stoodHiarandigreatandgaunt。Theraggedcloudhaddrifteddownsouth-eastnowandtherainfellnomore，butthesunwasstillpaleandclouded。
ThenThiodolflookedgravelyonthem，andspake:
"WhatdoyesonsoftheWar-shield？whattaleistheretotell？
IsthekindredfallentangledinthegraspofthefallowHell？
Crowstheredcockoverthehomesteads，havewemetthefoetoolate？
Formeseemsyourbrowsareheavywiththeshadowingo’eroffate。"
ButGeirbaldanswered:
"StillcoldwithdewinthemorningtheShieldingRoof-ridgestands，NoryethathgreyHellboundentheShieldingwarriors’hands；
Butlo，theswords，OWar-duke，howthickinthewindtheyshake，Becausewebearthemessagethatthebattle-roadyetake，Nortarryforthethunderorthecomingonofrain，Orthewindycloudynight-tide，lestyourbattlebebutvain。
AndthisisthewordthatOtteryestre’enhathsetinmymouth；
SeekthouthetrailoftheAliensoftheCitiesoftheSouth，Andthoushaltfinditleadingo’ertheheathstothebeechen-wood，Andthencetothestonyplaceswherethefoxesfindtheirfood；
Andthencetothetangledthicketwherethefolkwaycleavesitthrough，TotheeasternedgeofMid-markwheretheBearingsdealanddo。"
ThensaidThiodolfinacoldvoice，"WhatthenhathbefallenOtter？"
SaidGeirbald:
"WhenlastIlookeduponOtter，allarmedherodetheplain，Withhiswholehostclatteringroundhimliketherushofthesummerrain；
TotherightorthelefttheylookednotbuttheyrodethroughtheduskandthedarkBeholdingnoughtbeforethembutthedreamofthefoesintheMark。
Sohewent；buthiswordfledfromhimandonmyhorseitrode，Andagainitsaith，OWar-dukeseekthoutheBear’sabode，Andtarryneveramomentforoughtthatseemsofworth，Forthereshallyefindthesword-edgeandtheflameofthefoesoftheearth。
"Tarrynot，Thiodolf，norturnabackthoughanewfoefollowethonthineheels。Noneedtoquestionmemore；Ihavenomoretotell，savethatawomanbroughtthesetidingstous，whomtheHall-Sunhadsentwithotherstowatchtheways:andsomeofthemhadseentheRomans，whoareagreathostandnobandstealingforthtolifttheherds。"
Nowallthoseroundabouthimheardhiswords，forhespakewithaloudvoice；andtheyknewwhatthebiddingoftheWar-dukewouldbe；
sotheyloiterednot，buteachmanwentabouthisbusinessoflookingtohiswar-gearandgatheringtotheappointedplaceofhiskindred。
AndevenwhileGeirbaldhadbeenspeaking，hadHiarandibroughtupthemanwhoborethegreathorn，whowhenThiodolfleapttohisfeettofindhim，wascloseathand。Sohebadehimblowthewar-blast，andallmenknewthemeaningofthatvoiceofthehorn，andeverymanarmedhiminhaste，andtheywhohadhorses(andthesewerebuttheBearingsandtheWarnings)，saddledthem，andmounted，andfrommouthtomouthwentthewordthattheRomansweregottenintoMid-mark，andwereburningtheBearingabodes。Sospeedilywasthewholehostreadyfortheway，theWolfingsattheheadofall。ThencameforthThiodolffromthemidstofhiskindred，andtheyraisedhimuponagreatwar-shieldupheldbymanymen，andhestoodthereonandspake:
"OsonsofTyr，yehavevanquished，andsorehathbeenyourpain；
Buthethatsmitethinbattlemusteversmiteagain；
Andthuswithyouitfareth，andthedayabidethyetWhenyeshallholdtheAliensasthefishesinthenet。
OntheRidgeyeslewamany；buttherecameamanymoreFromtheirstrongholdsbythewatertotheirnew-builtgarthofwar，Andallthesehavebeenledbydastardso’erthewayourfeetmusttreadThroughtheeasternheathsandthebeechwoodtothedooroftheBearingstead，Nowe’enyesterdayIdeemedit，butIdurstnothasteawayErethewordwasbornetoOtterand’tishebidshasteto-day；
Sonowbydayandbynight-tideitbehovethustowendAndwindthereelofbattleandweaveitswebtoend。
Hadyedeemedmyeyesforeseeing，Iwouldtellyouofmysight，HowIseethefolkdeliveredandtheAliensturnedtoflight，WhilemyownfeetwendthemonwardstotheancientFather’sHome。
ButbelikethesearebutthevisionsthattomanyamanshallcomeWhenhegoethadowntothebattle，andbeforehimrisethhighThewallofvaliantfoementohideallthingsanigh。
ButindeedIknowfullsurelythatnoworkthatwemaywinTo-morroworthenextdayshallquenchtheMarkmen’skin。
Onmanyadayhereaftershalltheirwarriorscarryshield；
Onmanyadaytheirmaidensshalldrivethekineafield，OnmanyadaytheirreapersbearsickleinthewheatWhenthegoldenwind-wroughtripplestirsroundthefeast-hall’sfeet。
Lo，nowistheday’sworkeasy——toliveandovercome，OrtodieandyettoconqueronthethresholdoftheHome。"
Andtherewithhegathimdownandwenta-foottotheheadoftheWolfingband，agreatshoutgoingwithhim，whichwasmingledwiththevoiceofthewar-hornthatbadeaway。
Sofellthewholehostintoduearray，andtheyweresomewhatoverthreethousandwarriors，allgoodandtriedmenandmeettofacetheuttermostofbattleintheopenfield；sotheywenttheirwayswithallthespeedthatfootmenmay，andinfairorder；andtheskyclearedabovetheirheads，butthedistantthunderstillgrowledabouttheworld。GeirbaldandViglundjoinedthemselvestotheWolfingsandwenta-footalongwithWolfkettle；butHiarandiwentwithhiskindredwhoweresecondinthearray。
CHAPTERXX——OTTERANDHISFOLKCOMEINTOMID-MARK
OtterandhisfolkrodetheirwaysalongMirkwood-water，andmadenostay，exceptnowandagaintobreathetheirhorses，tilltheycametoBattlefordintheearlymorning；theretheybaitedtheirhorses，forthegrasswasgoodinthemeadow，andthewatereasytocomeat。
Soaftertheyhadrestedthereashorthour，andhadeatenwhatwaseasyforthemtoget，theycrossedtheford，andwendedalongMirkwood-waterbetweenthewoodandtheriver，butwentslowerthanbeforelesttheyshouldwearytheirhorses；sothatitwashigh-noonbeforetheyhadcomeoutofthewoodlandwayintoMid-mark；andatonceassoonasthewholeplainoftheMarkopenedoutbeforethem，theysawwhatmostofthemlookedtosee(sincenonedoubtedHrosshild’stale)，andthatwasacolumnofsmokerisinghighandstraightupintotheair，fortheafternoonwashotandwindless。
Greatwrathroseintheirheartsthereat，andmanyastrongmantrembledforanger，thoughnoneforfear，asOtterraisedhisrighthandandstretcheditouttowardsthattokenofwrackandruin；yettheymadenostay，nordidtheyquickentheirpacemuch；becausetheyknewthattheyshouldcometoBearhambeforenight-fall，andtheywouldnotmeettheRomansway-wornandhaggard；buttheyrodeonsteadily，aterriblecompanyofwrathfulmen。
Theypassedbythedwellingsofthekindreds，thoughsavefortheGaltingsthehousesontheeastsideofthewaterbetweentheBearingsandthewild-woodroadwerebutsmall；forthethicketcamesomewhatneartothewaterandpinchedthemeadows。ButtheGaltingsweregreathuntersandtrackersofthewild-wood，andtheyoftheGeddings，theEringsandtheWithings，whichweresmallerHouses，livedsomewhatonthetakeoffishfromMirkwood-water(asdidtheLaxingsalsooftheNether-mark)，forthereaboutweretheregoodlypoolsandeddies，andsun-warmedshallowstherewithalforthespawningofthetrouts；astherewereeyotsinthewater，mostofwhichtailedoffintoagravellyshallowattheirlowerends。