第6章

AnightheSpeech-Hill，onitseasternside，hadtheboleofaslenderbeechtreebeensetup，andatthetopofitacross-beamwasnailedon，andtherefromhungthewondrouslamp，theHall-Sun，glimmeringfromonhigh，andthoughitslightwasbutaglimmeramongstthemightywood，yetwasitalsoscreenedonthreesidesfromthesightofthechancewandererbywingsofthinplank。ButbeneathhernamesakeasbeforetimeintheHallsattheHall-Sun，themaiden，onaheapoffaggots，andshewaswrappedinadarkbluecloakfromunderwhichgleamedthefoldsofthefairgolden-broideredgownshewaswonttowearatfolk-motes，andherrighthandrestedonanakedswordthatlayacrossherknees:besidehersattheoldmanSorli，theWiseinWar，andaboutherwereslimladsandsturdymaidensandoldcarlesofthethrallsorfreedmenreadytobearthecommandsthatcamefromhermouth；forsheandSorliwerethecaptainsofthestay-

at-homes。

NowcameThiodolfandArinbiornandotherleadersintotheringofmenbeforeher，andshegreetedthemkindlyandsaid:

"Hail，SonsofTyr！nowthatIbeholdyouagainitseemethtomeasifallwerealreadywon:thetimeofwaitinghathbeenweary，andwehavebornetheburdenoffeareverydayfrommorntilleven，andinthewakinghourwepresentlyrememberedit。Butnowyearecome，evenifthisThing-steadwerelightedbytheflamesoftheWolfingRoofinsteadofbythesemoonbeams；evenifwehadtobeginagainandseeknewdwellings，andanotherwaterandothermeadows，yetgreatshouldgrowthekindredsoftheMenwhohavedweltintheMark，andnoughtshouldovershadowthem:andthoughthebeastsandtheRomansweredwellingintheiroldplaces，yetshouldthesekindredsmakenewclearingsintheWild-wood；andtheywiththeirdeedsshouldcauseotherwaterstobefamous，thatasyethaveknownnodeedsofman；

andtheyshouldcompeltheEarthtobearincreaseroundabouttheirdwelling-placesforthewelfareofthekindreds。OSonsofTyr，friendlyareyourfaces，andundismayed，andtheTerroroftheNationshasnotmadeyouafraidanymorethanwouldtheonrushofthebisonsthatfeedadownthegrasshills。Happyistheeve，OchildrenoftheGoths，yetshallto-morrowmornbehappier。"

Manyheardwhatshespake，andamurmurofjoyranthroughtheranksofmen:fortheydeemedherwordstoforecastvictory。

Andnowamidstherspeaking，themoon，whichhadarisenonMid-mark，whenthehostfirstenteredintothewood，hadovertoppedthetalltreesthatstoodlikeagreenwallroundabouttheThing-stead，andshonedownonthatassembly，andflashedcoldlybackfromthearmsofthewarriors。AndtheHall-Suncastoffherdarkbluecloakandstoodupinhergolden-broideredraiment，whichflashedbackthegreylightlikeasithadbeenaniciclehangingfromtheroofofsomehallinthemidnightofYule，whenthefeastishighwithin，andwithouttheworldissilentwiththenightoftheten-weeks’frost。

Thenshespakeagain:"OWar-duke，thymouthissilent；speaktothiswarrioroftheBearingsthathebidthehostwhattodo；forwiseareyeboth，anddeararetheminutesofthisnightandshouldnotbewasted；sincetheybringaboutthesalvationoftheWolfings，andthevengeanceoftheBearings，andthehoperenewedofallthekindreds。"

ThenThiodolfabodeawhilewithhisheaddowncast；hisbosomheaved，andhesethislefthandtohisswordlessscabbard，andhisrighttohisthroat，asthoughheweresoretroubledwithsomethinghemightnottellof:butatlasthelifteduphisheadandspoketoArinbiorn，butslowlyandpainfully，ashehadspokenbefore:

"ChiefoftheBearings，goupontotheHillofSpeech，andspeaktothefolkoutofthywisdom，andletthemknowthatto-morrowearlybeforethesun-risingthosethatmay，andarenotboundbytheGodsagainstit，shalldodeedsaccordingtotheirmight，andwinrestforthemselves，andnewdaysofdeedsforthekindreds。"

Therewithheceased，andlethisheadfallagain，andtheHall-Sunlookedathimaskance。ButArinbiornclombtheSpeech-Hillandsaid:

"Menofthekindreds，itisnowafewdayssincewefirstmettheRomansandfoughtwiththem；andwhileswehavehadthebetter，andwhilestheworseinourdealings，asoftinwarbefalleth:fortheyaremen，andwenolessthanmen。Butnowlooktoitwhatyewilldo；forwemaynolongerenduretheseoutlandersinourhouses，andwemusteitherdieorgetourownagain:andthatisnotmerelyafewwaresstoredupforuse，norafewheadofneat，norcertaintimberspiledupintoadwelling，butthelifewehavemadeinthelandwehavemade。Ishowyounochoice，fornochoicethereis。

Herearewebareofeverythinginthewild-wood:forthemostpartourchildrenarecryingforusathome，ourwivesarelongingforusinourhouses，andifwecomenottotheminkindness，theRomansshallcometothemingrimness。Downyonderintheplain，moreover，isourwain-burgslowlydrawingneartous，andwithitismuchlivelihoodofours，whichisalittlething，forwemaygetmore；butalsothereareourbannersofbattleandthetokensofthekindred，whichisagreatthing。Andbetweenallthisandusthereliethbutlittle；noughtbutabandofvaliantmen，andafewswordsandspears，andafewwounds，andthehopeofdeathamidstthepraiseofthepeople；andthisyehavetosetouttowendacrosswithintwoorthreehours。Iwillnotaskifyewilldoso，forIwotthatevensoyewill；thereforewhenIhavedone，shoutnot，norclashswordonshield，forwearenogreatwayoffthathouseofourswhereindwellsthefoethatwoulddestroyus。Leteachmanrestashemay，andsleepifhemaywithhiswar-gearonhimandhisweaponsbyhisside，andwhenheisnextawakenedbythecaptainsandtheleadersofhundredsandscores，lethimnotthinkthatitisnight，butlethimbetakehimselftohisplaceamonghiskindredandbereadytogothroughthewoodwithaslittlenoiseasmaybe。NowallissaidthattheWar-dukewouldhavemesay，andto-morrowshallthoseseehimwhoareforemostinfallinguponthefoemen，forhelongethsorelyforhisseatonthedaysoftheWolfingHall。"

Sohespake，andevenashebadethem，theymadenosoundsaveajoyousmurmur；andstraightwaythemorepartofthembetookthemselvestosleepasmenwhomustbusythemselvesaboutaweightymatter；fortheywerewiseinthewaysofwar。Sosankallthehosttothegroundsavethosewhowereappointedaswatchersofthenight，andArinbiornandThiodolfandtheHall-Sun；theythreeyetstoodtogether；andArinbiornsaid:

"Nowitseemstomenotsomuchasifwehadvanquishedthefoeandweresafeandatrest，butratherasifwehadnofoemenandneverhavehad。Deeppeaceisonme，thoughhithertoIhavebeendeemedawrathfulman，anditistomeasifthekindredsthatIlovehadfilledthewholeearth，andleftnoroomforfoemen:evensoitmayreallybeoneday。To-nightitiswell，yetto-morrowitshallbebetter。Whatthineerrandmaybe，Thiodolf，Iscarceknow；forsomethinghathchangedinthee，andthouartbecomestrangetous。

Butasformineerrand，Iwilltellitthee；itisthatIamseekingOtteroftheLaxings，myfriendandfellow，whosewisdommyfoolishnessdraveunderthepointandedgeoftheRomans，sothatheisnolongerhere；Iamseekinghim，andto-morrowIthinkIshallfindhim，forhehathnothadtimetotravelfar，andweshallbeblitheandmerrytogether。AndnowwillIsleep；forIhavebiddenthewatchersawakenmeifanyneedbe。Sleepthoualso，Thiodolf！

andwakeupthineoldselfwhenthemoonislow。"Therewithhelaidhimselfdownundertheleeofthepileoffaggots，andwaspresentlyasleep。

CHAPTERXXVI——THIODOLFTALKETHWITHTHEWOOD-SUN

NowwereThiodolfandtheHall-SunleftalonetogetherstandingbytheSpeech-Hill；andthemoonwasrisenhighintheheavensabovethetree-topsofthewild-wood。Thiodolfscarcestirred，andhestillheldhisheadbentdownasonelostinthought。

ThensaidtheHall-Sun，speakingsoftlyamidstthehushofthecamp:

"Ihavesaidthattheminutesofthisnightaredear，andtheyarepassingswiftly；anditmaybethatthouwilthavemuchtosayandtodobeforethehostisastirwiththedawning。Socomethouwithmealittleway，thatthoumaysthearofnewtidings，andthinkwhatwerebesttodoamidstthem。"

Andwithoutmoreadoshetookhimbythehandandledhimforth，andhewentashewasled，notsayingaword。Theypassedoutofthecampintothewood，nonehindering，andwentalongwaywhereunderthebeech-leavestherewasbutaglimmerofthemoonlight，andpresentlyThiodolf’sfeetwentasitwereofthemselves；fortheyhadhitapaththatheknewwellandover-well。

Socametheytothatlittlewood-lawnwherefirstinthistaleThiodolfmettheWood-Sun；andthestoneseattherewasnotemptynowanymorethanitwasthen；forthereonsattheWood-Sun，cladoncemoreinherglitteringraiment。Herheadwassunkendown，herfacehiddenbyherhands；neitherdidshelookupwhensheheardtheirfeetonthegrass，forsheknewwhotheywere。

Thiodolflingerednot；foramomentitwastohimasifallthatpasttimehadneverbeen，anditsbattlesandhurryandhopesandfearsbutmereshows，andtheunspokenwordsofadream。Hewentstraightuptoherandsatdownbyhersideandputhisarmabouthershoulders，andstrovetotakeherhandtocaressit；butshemovedbutlittle，anditwasasifsheheededhimnot。AndtheHall-Sunstoodbeforethemandlookedatthemforalittlewhile；andthenshefelltospeech；butatthefirstsoundofhervoice，itseemedthattheWood-Suntrembled，butstillshehidherface。SaidtheHall-

Sun:

"TwogriefsIseebeforemeinmightyheartsgrowngreat；

Andtochangeboththeseintogladnessout-goesthepoweroffate。

YetI，alonelymaiden，havemighttovanquishoneTillitmeltasthemistofthemorningbeforethesummersun。

OWood-Sun，thouhastborneme，andIwerefainindeedTogivetheebackthygladness；butthoucom’stoftheGodhead’sseed，Andhereinmymightavailsnot；becauseIcanbutshowUntotheseweddedsorrowsthetruththattheheartshouldknowErethewillhathwieldedthehand；andforthee，IcantelltheenoughtThatthouhastnotknownthislongwhile；thywillandthinehandhavewrought，AndthemanthatthoulovestshallliveindespiteofGodsandofmen，Ifyetthywillendureth。ButwhatshallitprofittheethenThatafterthefashionofGodheadthouhastgottentheeathrallTobethineandneveranother’s，whatsointheworldmaybefall？

Lo！yesterdaythiswasaman，andto-morrowitmighthavebeenTheveryjoyofthepeople，thoughneveragainitwereseen；

Yetapartofalltheyhopedforthroughallthelapseofyears，Tomaketheirlaughterhappyanddullthestingoftears；

Toquickenallremembranceofdeedsthatneverdie，Anddeaththatmaketheagertoliveasthedaysgoby。

Yea，manyadeedhadhedoneashelayinthedarkofthemound；

Astheseed-wheatplottethofspring，laidunderthefaceofthegroundThatthefootofthehusbandmantreadeth，thatthewindofthewinterwears，Thattheturbidcoldfloodhidethfromtheconstanthopeoftheyears。

ThismanthatshouldleaveinhisdeathhislifeuntomanyanoneWiltthoumakehimaGodofthefearfulwholiveloneunderthesun？

AndthenshaltthouhavewhatthouwouldedstwhenamidstofthehazelledfieldThoukissed’stthemouthofthehelper，andthehandofthepeople’sshield，Shaltthouhavethethingthatthouwouldedstwhenthoubroughtestmetobirth，AndI，thesouloftheWolfings，begantolookonearth？

WiltthouplaytheGod，Omother，andmakeamananew，Ajoylessthingandafearful？ThenIbetwixtyoutwo，’Twixtyourlongingandyoursorrowwillcastthesunderingword，Andtelloutallthestoryofthatrampartofthesword！

Ishallbidmymightyfathermakechoiceofdeathinlife，Orlifeindeathvictoriousandthecrownedendofstrife。"

Ereshehadended，theWood-Sunletherhandsfalldown，andshowedherface，whichforallitsunpaledbeautylookedweariedandanxious；andshetookThiodolf’shandinhers，whileshelookedwitheyesofloveupontheHall-Sun，andThiodolflaidhischeektohercheek，andthoughhesmilednot，yetheseemedasonewhoishappy。

AtlasttheWood-Sunspokeandsaid:

"Thousayestsooth，Odaughter:IamnoGodofmight，YetIamoftheirrace，andIthinkwiththeirthoughtsandseewiththeirsight，AndthethreatofthedoomdidIknowof，andyetsparednottolie:

ForIthoughtthatthefateforebodedmighttouchandpassusby，Astheswordthatheweththewar-helmandcleavethacantleaway，Andthecunningsmithshallmenditanditgoethagaintothefray；

Ifmyhandmighthaveheldforamoment，yea，evenagainsthiswill，Thelifeofmybeloved！ButWeirdisthemasterstill:

Andthisman’sloveofmybodyandhisloveoftheancientkinWerematterso’ermightytodealwithandthegamewithaltowin。

Woe’smeforthewaningofallthings，andmyhopethatneedsmustfadeAsthefruitlesssunofsummeronthewastewherenoughtismade！

Andnowfarewell，Odaughter，thoumaystnotseethekissOfthehaplessandthedeath-doomedwhenIhavetoldofthis；

Yetonceagainshaltthouseehim，thoughInomoreagain，Fairwiththejoythathopethanddiethnotinvain。"

ThencametheHall-Sunclosetoher，andkneltdownbyher，andlaidherheaduponherkneesandweptforloveofhermother，whokissedheroftandcaressedher；andThiodolf’shandstrayed，asitwere，ontohisdaughter’shead，andhelookedkindlyonher，thoughscarcenowasifheknewher。Thenshearosewhenshehadkissedhermotheroncemore，andwentherwaysfromthatwood-lawnintothewoodsagain，andsototheFolk-moteofherpeople。

Butwhenthosetwainwereallaloneagain，theWood-Sunspoke:"O

Thiodolfcanstthouhearmeandunderstand？"

"Yea，"hesaid，"whenthouspeakestofcertainmatters，asofourlovetogether，andofourdaughterthatcameofourlove。"

"Thiodolf，"shesaid，"Howlongshallourlovelast？"

"Aslongasourlife，"hesaid。

"Andifthoudiestto-day，wherethenshallourlovebe？"saidtheWood-Sun。

Hesaid，"Imustnowsay，Iwotnot；thoughtimewasIhadsaid，ItshallabidewiththesouloftheWolfingKindred。"

Shesaid:"Andwhenthatsouldieth，andthekindredisnomore？"

"Timeagone，"quothhe，"Ihadsaid，itshallabidewiththeKindredsoftheEarth；butnowagainIsay，Iwotnot。"

"WilltheEarthhideit，"saidshe，"whenthoudiestandartbornetomound？"

"Evensodidstthousaywhenwespaketogetherthatothernight，"

saidhe；"andnowImaysaynoughtagainstthyword。"

"Artthouhappy，OFolk-Wolf？"shesaid。

"Whydostthouaskme？"saidhe；"Iknownot；weweresunderedandI

longedforthee；thouarthere；itisenough。"

"AndthepeopleofthyKindred？"shesaid，"dostthounotlongforthem？"

Hesaid；"DidstthounotsaythatIwasnotofthem？Yetweretheymyfriends，andneededme，andIlovedthem:butbythiseveningtheywillneedmenomore，orbutlittle；fortheywillbevictoriousovertheirfoes:sohaththeHall-Sunforetold。Whatthen！shallI

takeallfromtheetogivelittletothem？"

"Thouartwise，"shesaid；"Wiltthougotobattleto-day？"

"Soitseemeth，"saidhe。

Shesaid:"AndwiltthoubeartheDwarf-wroughtHauberk？forifthoudost，thouwiltlive，andifthoudostnot，thouwiltdie。"

"Iwillbearit，"saidhe，"thatImaylivetolovethee。"

"Thinkestthouthatanyevilgoeswithit？"saidshe。

Therecameintohisfaceaflashofhisancientboldnessasheanswered:"Soitseemedtomeyesterday，whenIfoughtcladinitthefirsttime；andIfellunsmittenonthemeadow，andwasshamed，andwouldhaveslainmyselfbutforthee。Andyetitisnotsothatanyevilgoeswithit；forthouthyselfdidstsaythatpastnightthattherewasnoevilweirdinit。"

Shesaid:"HowthenifIliedthatnight？"

Saidhe；"ItisthewontoftheGodstolie，andbeunashamed，andmen-folkmustbearwithit。"

"Ah！howwisethouart！"shesaid；andwassilentforawhile，anddrewawayfromhimalittle，andclaspedherhandstogetherandwrungthemforgriefandanger。Thenshegrewcalmagain，andsaid:

"Wouldestthoudieatmybidding？"

"Yea，"saidhe，"notbecausethouartoftheGods，butbecausethouhastbecomeawomantome，andIlovethee。"

Thenwasshesilentsomewhile，andatlastshesaid，"Thiodolf，wiltthoudoofftheHauberkifIbidthee？"

"Yea，yea，"saidhe，"andletusdepartfromtheWolfings，andtheirstrife，fortheyneedusnot。"

Shewassilentoncemoreforalongerwhilestill，andatlastshesaidinacoldvoice；"Thiodolf，Ibidtheearise，andputofftheHauberkfromthee。"

Helookedatherwondering，notatherwords，butatthevoicewherewithshespakethem；buthearosefromthestonenevertheless，andstoodstarkinthemoonlight；hesethishandtothecollarofthewar-coat，andundiditsclasps，whichwereofgoldandbluestones，andpresentlyhedidthecoatfromoffhimandletitslidetothegroundwhereitlayinalittlegreyheapthatlookedbutahandful。Thenhesatdownonthestoneagain，andtookherhandandkissedherandcaressedherfondly，andshehimagain，andtheyspakenowordforawhile:butatthelasthespakeinmeasureandrhymeinalowvoice，butsosweetandclearthatitmighthavebeenheardfarinthehushofthelasthourofthenight:

"Dearnowarethisdawn-dusk’smomentsasisthelastofthelightWhenthefoemen’sranksarewavering，andthevictoryfearethnight；

AndofallthetimeIhavelovedtheeoftheseamImostfain，WhenIknownotwhatshallbetideme，norwhatshallbemygain。

Butdearastheyare，theyarewaning，andatlastthetimeiscomeWhennomoreshallIbeholdtheetillIwendtoOdin’sHome。

NowisthetimesolittlethatoncehathbeensolongThatIfainwouldasktheepardonwhereinIhavedonetheewrong，Thatthylongingmightbesofter，andthylovemoresweettohave。

ButinnothinghaveIwrongedthee，thereisnoughtthatImaycrave。

Strangetoo！astheminutesfailme，sodomyspeech-wordsfail，Yetstrongisthejoywithinmeforthishourthatcrownsthetale。"

Therewithheclippedherandcaressedher，andshespakenothingforawhile；andhesaid；"Thyfaceisfairandbright；artthounotjoyousoftheseminutes？"

Shesaid:"Thywordsaresweet；buttheypiercemyheartlikeasharpknife；fortheytellmeofthydeathandtheendingofourlove。"

Saidhe；"Itelltheenothing，beloved，thatthouhastnotknown:isitnotforthisthatwehavemethereoncemore？"

Sheansweredafterawhile；"Yea，yea；yetmightestthouhavelived。"

Helaughed，butnotscornfullyorbitterlyandsaid:

"SothoughtIintimepast:buthearken，beloved；IfIfallto-day，shalltherenotyetbeaminuteafterthestrokehathfallenonme，whereinIshallknowthatthedayiswonandseethefoemenfleeing，andwhereinIshallonceagaindeemIshallneverdie，whatevermaybetideafterwards，andthoughtheswordliethdeepinmybreast？AndshallInotseethenandknowthatourlovehathnoend？"

Bittergriefwasinherfaceassheheardhim。Butshespakeandsaid:"LoheretheHauberkwhichthouhastdoneoffthee，thatthybreastmightbethenearertomine！Wiltthounotwearitinthefightformysake？"

Heknithisbrowssomewhat，andsaid:

"Nay，itmaynotbe:trueitisthatthousaidestthatnoevilweirdwentwithit，buthearken！YesterdayIboreitinthefight，andereImingledwiththefoe，beforeImightgivethetokenofonset，acloudcamebeforemyeyesandthickdarknesswrappedmearound，andI

felltotheearthunsmitten；andsowasIborneoutofthefight，andevildreamsbesetmeofevilthings，andthedwarfsthathatemankind。ThenIcametomyself，andtheHauberkwasoffme，andI

roseupandbeheldthebattle，thatthekindredswerepressingonthefoe，andIthoughtnotthenofanypasttime，butoftheminutesthatwerepassing；andIranintothefightstraightway:butonefollowedmewiththatHauberk，andIdiditon，thinkingofnoughtbutthebattle。Fiercethenwasthefray，yetIfalteredinit；tillthefreshmenoftheRomanscameinuponusandbrokeupourarray。Thenmyheartalmostbrokewithinme，andIfalterednomore，butrushedonasofold，andsmotegreatstrokesallroundabout:nohurtI

got，butoncemorecamethatuglymistovermyeyes，andagainIfellunsmitten，andtheyboremeoutofbattle:thenthemenofourfolkgavebackandwereovercome；andwhenIawokefrommyevildreams，wehadgottenawayfromthefightandtheWolfingdwellings，andwereonthemoundsabovethefordcoweringdownlikebeatenmen。TherethenIsatshamedamongthemenwhohadchosenmefortheirbestmanattheHolyThing，andloIwastheirworst！Thenbefellthatwhichnevertillthenhadbefallenme，thatlifeseemedemptyandworthlessandIlongedtodieandbedonewithit，andbutforthethoughtofthyloveIhadslainmyselfthenandthere。

"ThereafterIwentwiththehosttotheassemblyofthestay-at-homesandfleers，andsatbeforetheHall-Sunourdaughter，andsaidthewordswhichwereputintomymouth。ButnowmustItelltheeahardandevilthing；thatIlovedthemnot，andwasnotofthem，andoutsidemyselftherewasnothing:withinmewastheworldandnoughtwithoutme。Nay，asforthee，Iwasnotsunderedfromthee，butthouwertapartofme；whereasfortheothers，yea，evenforourdaughter，thineandmine，theywerebutimagesandshowsofmen，andIlongedtodepartfromthem，andtoseethybodyandtofeelthineheartbeating。AndbythensoevilwasIgrownthatmyveryshamehadfallenfromme，andmywilltodie:nay，Ilongedtolive，thouandI，anddeathseemedhatefultome，andthedeedsbeforedeathvainandfoolish。

"Wherethenwasmygloryandmyhappylife，andthehopeofthedaysfreshborneveryday，thoughneverdying？Wherethenwaslife，andThiodolfthatoncehadlived？

"Butnowallischangedoncemore；Ilovedtheeneversowellasnow，andgreatismygriefthatwemustsunder，andthepainoffarewellwringsmyheart。YetsinceIamoncemoreThiodolftheMighty，inmyheartthereisroomforjoyalso。Lookatme，OWood-Sun，lookatme，Obeloved！tellme，amInotfairwiththefairnessofthewarriorandthehelperofthefolk？Isnotmyvoicekind，donotmylipssmile，andmineeyesshine？Seehowsteadyisminehand，thefriendofthefolk！Formineeyesareclearedagain，andIcanseethekindredsastheyare，andtheirdesireoflifeandscornofdeath，andthisiswhattheyhavemadememyself。NowthereforeshalltheyandItogetherearnthemerrydaystocome，thewinterhuntingandthespringsowing，thesummerhaysel，theingatheringofharvest，thehappyrestofmidwinter，andYuletidewiththememoryoftheFathers，weddedtothehopeofthedaystobe。Wellmaytheybidmehelpthemwhohaveholpenme！Wellmaytheybidmediewhohavemademelive！

"ForwhereasthousayestthatIamnotoftheirblood，noroftheiradoption，oncemoreIheeditnot。ForIhavelivedwiththem，andeatenanddrunkenwiththem，andtoiledwiththem，andledtheminbattleandtheplaceofwoundsandslaughter；theyaremineandIamtheirs；andthroughthemamIofthewholeearth，andallthekindredsofit；yea，evenofthefoemen，whomthisdaytheedgesinminehandshallsmite。

"ThereforeIwillbeartheHauberknomoreinbattle；andbelikemybodybutoncemore:soshallIhavelivedanddeathshallnothaveundoneme。

"Lothou，isnotthistheThiodolfwhomthouhastloved？nochangelingoftheGods，butthemaninwhommenhavetrusted，thefriendofEarth，thegiveroflife，thevanquisherofdeath？"

Andhecasthimselfuponher，andstrainedhertohisbosomandkissedher，andcaressedher，andawokethebitter-sweetjoywithinher，ashecriedout:

"Orememberthis，andthis，whenatlastIamgonefromthee！"

Butwhentheysunderedherfacewasbright，butthetearswereonit，andshesaid:"OThiodolf，thouwertfainhadstthoudoneawrongtomesothatImightforgivethee；nowwiltthouforgivemethewrongI

havedonethee？"

"Yea，"hesaid，"EvensowouldIdo，werewebothtolive，andhowmuchmoreifthisbethedawnofoursunderingday！Whathastthoudone？"

Shesaid:"IliedtotheeconcerningtheHauberkwhenIsaidthatnoevilweirdwentwithit:andthisIdidforthesavingofthylife。"

Helaidhishandfondlyonherhead，andspakesmiling:"SuchisthewontoftheGod-kin，becausetheyknownottheheartsofmen。Tellmeallthetruthofitnowatlast。"

Shesaid:

"HearthenthetaleoftheHauberkandthetruththereistotell:

TherewasamaidoftheGod-kin，andshelovedamanrightwell，Whountothebattlewaswending；andsheofherwisdomknewThatthencetothefolk-hallthresholdshouldcomebackbutaveryfew；

Andshefearedforherlove，forshedoubtedthatoftheseheshouldnotbe；

Soshewendedthewildslamenting，asIhavelamentedforthee；

Andmanywiseshepondered，howtobringherwilltopass(E’enasIfortheehavepondered)，asherfeetledoverthegrass，Tillsheliftedhereyesinthewild-wood，andlo！shestoodbeforeTheHalloftheHollow-places；andtheDwarf-lordstoodinthedoorAndheldinhishandtheHauberk，whereonthehammer’sblowThelastofallhadbeensmitten，andtheswordshouldbehammernow。

ThentheDwarfbeheldherfairness，andthewild-woodmany-leavedBeforehiseyeswasreelingatthehopehisheartconceived；

Sosorelyhelongedforherbody；andhelaughedbeforeherandcried，’OLadyoftheDisir，thoufarestwanderingwideLamentingthybelovedandthefolkmoteofthespear，ButifamidstofthebattlethischildofthehammerhebearHeshalllaughatthefoemen’sedgesandcomebacktothylilybreastAndofallthedaysofhislife-timeshallhiscomingyearsbebest。’

ThenshebowedadownhergodheadandsorefortheHauberksheprayed；

Buthisgreedyeyesdevouredherashestoodinthedoorandsaid；

’Comelieinminearms！Comehither，andwetwainthenighttowake！

AndthenasagiftofthemorningtheHauberkshallyetake。’

Soshehumbledherselfbeforehim，andenteredintothecave，Thedusky，thedeep-gleaming，thegem-strewngoldengrave。

Buthesawnothergirdleloosened，orherbosomgleamonhislove，Forshesetthesleep-thorninhim，thathesaw，butmightnotmove，Thoughthebittersalttearsburnedhimfortheanguishofhisgreed；

Andshetookthehammer’soffspring，herunearnedmorningmeed，Andwentherwaysfromtherock-hallandwasgladforherwarrior’ssake。

Butbehindherdullspeechfollowed，andthevoiceofthehollowspake:

’Thouhastleftmeboundinanguish，andhastgainedthineheart’sdesire；

NowIwouldthatthedewynight-grassmightbetothyfeetasthefire，Andshrivelthyraimentaboutthee，andleavetheebaretotheflame，Andnowaybutafieryfurnacefortheroadwherebyyecame！

ButsincethefolkofGod-homewemaynotslaynorsmite，Andthatfoolofthefolkthatthoulovest，thouhastsavedinmydespite，Takewiththee，thiefofGod-home，thisotherwordIsay:

Sincethesafeguardwroughtinthering-mailImaynotdoawayIlaythiscurseuponit，thatwhosoweareththesame，Shallsavehislifeinthebattle，andhavethebattle’sshame；

Heshalllivethroughwrackandruin，andeverhavetheworse，Anddragadownhiskindred，andbearthepeople’scurse。’

"Lo，thisthetaleoftheHauberk，andIknewitforthetruth:

AndlittleIthoughtofthekindreds；oftheirdayIhadnoruth；

ForIsaid，Theyaredoomedtodeparture；inalittlewhilemusttheywane，AndnoughtithelpethorhindrethifIholdmyhandorrefrain。

Yea，thouwertbecomethekindred，boththineandmine；andthybirthTomewastheroofingofheaven，andthebuildingupofearth。

Ihaveloved，andImustsorrow；thouhastlived，andthoumustdie；

Ah，whereforewerethereothersintheworldthanthouandI？"

Heturnedroundtoherandclaspedherstronglyinhisarmsagain，andkissedhermanytimesandsaid:

"Lo，hereartthouforgiven；andhereIsayfarewell！

Herethetokenofmywonderwhichmywordsmaynevertell；

Thewonderpastallthinking，thatmyloveandthineshouldblend；

Thatthusourlivesshouldmingle，andsunderintheend！

Lo，this，forthelastremembranceofthemightymanIwas，Ofthyloveandthyforbearing，andallthatcametopass！

Nightwanes，andheavendightsherforthekissofsunandearth；

Lookup，looklastuponmeonthismornofthekindreds’mirth！"

Therewithhearoseandlingerednominutelonger，butdeparted，goingasstraighttowardstheThing-steadandtheFolk-moteofhiskindredastheswallowgoestohernestinthehall-porch。Helookednotoncebehindhim，thoughabitterwailingrangthroughthewoodsandfilledhisheartwiththebitternessofherwoeandtheanguishofthehourofsundering。

CHAPTERXXVII——THEYWENDTOTHEMORNINGBATTLE

NowwhenThiodolfcamebacktothecampthesignsofdawnwereplaininthesky，themoonwaslowandsinkingbehindthetrees，andhesawatoncethatthemenwerestirringandgettingreadyfordeparture。

Helookedgladlyandblithelyatthemenhefellinwith，andtheyathim，andscarcecouldtheyrefrainashoutwhentheybeheldhisfaceandthebrightnessofit。HewentstraightuptowheretheHall-Sunwasyetsittingunderhernamesake，withArinbiornstandingbeforeheramidstofaringofleadersofhundredsandscores:butoldSorlisatbyhersidecladinallhiswar-gear。

WhenThiodolffirstcameintothatringofmentheylookeddoubtfullyathim，asiftheydreadedsomewhat，butwhentheyhadwellbeheldhimtheirfacescleared，andtheybecamejoyous。

HewentstraightuptoArinbiornandkissedtheoldwarrior，andsaidtohim，"Igivetheegoodmorrow，OleaderoftheBearings！HerenowiscometheWar-duke！andmeseemsthatweshouldgettoworkasspeedilyasmaybe，forlothedawning！"

"Hailtothinehand，War-duke！"saidArinbiornjoyously；"thereisnomoretodobuttotakethywordconcerningtheorderwhereinweshallwend；forallmenarearmedandready。"

SaidThiodolf；"Loye，Ilackwar-gearandweapons！Isthereagoodswordhereby，ahelm，abyrnyandashield？Forhardwillbethebattle，andwemustfenceourselvesallwemay。"

"Hardby，"saidArinbiorn，"isthewar-gearofIvarofourHouse，whoisdeadinthenightofhishurtsgotteninyesterday’sbattle:thouandhearealikeinstature，andwithagoodwilldothhegivethemtothee，andtheyaregoodlythings，forhecomesofsmithyingblood。

YetisitapityofThrong-ploughthatheliethonthefieldoftheslain。"

ButThiodolfsmiledandsaid:"Nay，Ivar’sbladeshallservemyturnto-day；andthereaftershallitbeseento，forthenwillbetimeformanythings。"

Sotheywenttofetchhimtheweapons；buthesaidtoArinbiorn，"Hastthounumberedthehost？WhatarethegleaningsoftheRomansword？"

SaidArinbiorn:"Herehavewemorethanthreethousandthreehundredwarriorsofthehostfitforbattle:andbesidesthisherearegatheredeighteenhundredoftheWolfingsandtheBearings，andoftheotherHouses，mostlyfromoverthewater，andofthesenighuponsevenhundredmaybearswordorshootshaft；neithershallyehinderthemfromsodoingifthebattlebejoined。"

ThensaidThiodolf:"Weshallorderusintothreebattles；theWolfingsandtheBearingstoleadthefirst，forthisisourbusiness；butothersofthesmallerHousesthissidethewatertobewithus；andtheElkingsandGaltingsandtheotherHousesoftheMid-markonthefurthersideofthewatertobeinthesecond，andwiththemthemorepartoftheNether-mark；butthemenofUp-marktobeinthethird，andthestay-at-homestofollowonwiththem:andthisthirdbattletoletthewoodcoverthemtilltheybeneeded，whichmaynotbetillthedayoffightdrawstoanend，whenallshallbeneeded:fornoRomanmanmustbeleftaliveoruntakenbythiseven，orelsemustweallgototheGodstogether。Hearken，Arinbiorn。Iamnotcalledfore-sighted，andyetmeseemsIseesomewhathowthisdayshallgo；anditisnottobehiddenthatI

shallnotseeanotherbattleuntilthelastofallbattlesisathand。Butbeofgoodcheer，forIshallnotdietilltheendofthefight，andoncemoreIshallbeaman’shelpuntoyou。NowthefirstoftheRomanswemeetshallnotbeabletostandbeforeus，fortheyshallbeunready，andwhentheirmenaregottenreadyandarefightingwithusgrimly，yeofthesecondbattleshallhearthewar-

token，andshallfallon，andtheyshallbedismayedwhentheyseesomanyfreshmencomeintothefight；yetshalltheystandstoutly；fortheyarevaliantmen，andshallnotallbetakenunawares。Then，iftheywithstanduslongenough，shallthethirdbattlecomeforthfromthewood，andfalloneitherflankofthem，andthedayshallbewon。

ButIthinknotthattheyshallwithstandussolong，butthatthemenofUp-markandthestay-at-homesshallhavethechasingofthem。

Nowgetmemywar-gear，andletthefirstbattlegetthemtotheoutgateofthegarth。"

Sotheybroughthimhisarms；andmeanwhiletheHall-SunspaketooneoftheCaptains，andheturnedandwentawayalittlespace，andthencameback，havingwithhimthreestrongwarriorsoftheWolfings，andhebroughtthembeforetheHall-Sun，whosaidtothem:

"Yethree，Steinulf，Athalulf，andGranitheGrey，Ihavesentforyoubecauseyearemenbothmightyinbattleanddeftwood-wrightsandhouse-smiths；yeshallfollowThiodolfclosely，whenhewinnethintotheRomangarth，yetshallyefightwisely，sothatyebenotslain，oratleastnotall；yeshallentertheHallwithThiodolf，andwhenyearetherein，ifneedbe，yeshallrundowntheHallatyourswiftest，andmountupintotheloftbetwixttheMiddle-hearthandtheWomen’s-Chamber，andthereshallyefindgoodstoreofwaterinvatsandtubs，andthisyeshalluseforquenchingthefireoftheHallifthefoemenfireit，asisnotunliketobe。"

ThenGranispokefortheothersandsaidhewouldpayallheedtoherwords，andtheydepartedtojointheircompany。

NowwasThiodolfarmed；andArinbiorn，turningaboutbeforehewenttohisplace，beheldhimandknithisbrow，andsaid:"Whatisthis，Thiodolf？DidstthounotsweartotheGodsnottobearhelmorshieldinthebattlesofthisstrife？yethastthouIvar’shelmonthineheadandhisshieldreadybesidethee:wiltthouforswearthyself？sodoingshaltthoubringwoeupontheHouse。"

"Arinbiorn，"saidThiodolf，"wheredidstthouheartellofmethatI

hadmademyselfthethralloftheGods？TheoaththatIswarewasswornwhenmineheartwasnotwholetowardsourpeople；andnowwillIbreakitthatImaykeepwhatofgoodintenttherewasinit，andcastawaytherest。Longisthestory；butifwejourneytogetherto-nightIwilltellitthee。LikewiseIwilltellittotheGodsiftheylooksourlyuponmewhenIseethem，andallshallbewell。"

Hesmiledashespoke，andArinbiornsmiledonhiminturnandwenthiswaystoarraythehost。ButwhenhewasgoneThiodolfwasaloneinthatplacewiththeHall-Sun，andheturnedtoher，andkissedher，andcaressedherfondly，andspakeandsaid:

"Sofarewe，Omydaughter，tothesunderingoftheways；

Shortismyjourneyhenceforthtothedoorthatendsmydays，Andlongtheroadthatliethasyetbeforethyfeet。

HowfainwereIthatthyjourneyfromdaytodayweresweetWithpeacetotheeandpleasure；thatanoblewarrior’shandInitsearlydaysmightleadtheeadownthefloweryland，Andthychildreninitsnoon-tideclingroundaboutthygown，Andthewisethatthywombhascarriedwhenthesunisgoingdown，Bethyhappyfellow-farerstotellthetaleofEarth，ButIwotthatfornosuchsweetnessdidwebringtheeuntobirth，ButtobethesouloftheWolfingstilltheotherdaysshouldcome，Andthefruitofthekindreds’harvestwiththeeisgarneredhome。

Yetiffornoblithefaringthylife-dayisordained，Yetpeacethatlongendurethmaybethysoulhathgained；

Andthysorrowofthiseventhylatestgriefshallbe，Thegriefwherewiththousingestthedeath-songoverme。"

Shelookedupathimandsmiled，thoughthetearswereonherface；

thenshesaid:

"Thoughto-daythegriefbeginnethyetthebitternessisdone。

Thoughmybodywendethbarren’neaththebeamsofthequickeningsun，Yetremembrancestillabideth，andlongafterthedaysofmylifeShallIliveinthetaleofthemorning，whentheytelloftheendingofstrife；

Andthedeedsofthislittlehand，andthethoughtconceivedinmyheart，AndneveragainhenceforwardfromthefolkshallIfareapart。

AndifoftheEarth，myfather，thouhasttidingsinthyplaceThoushalthearhowtheycallmetheRansomandtheMotherofhappydays。"

Thensheweptoutrightforabriefspace，andthereaftershesaid:

"Keepthisinthineheart，Ofather，thatIshallrememberallSincethouliftedsttheshe-wolf’snurslingintheoak-tree’sleafyhall。

Yea，everytimeIrememberwhenhandinhandwewentAmidsttheshaftsofthebeech-trees，anddowntotheyounglingbentTheFolk-wolfinhisglorywhentheeveoffightdrewnigh；

AndeverytimeIrememberwhenwewanderedjoyfullyAdownthesunnymeadowandlivedawhileoflife’Midsttheherbsandthebeastsandthewaterssofreefromfearandstrife，Thatthyyearsandthymightandthywisdom，Ihadnoparttherein；

Butthouwertasthetwin-bornbrotherofthemaidenslimandthin，Themaidenshyinthefeast-hallandblitheinwoodandfield。

Thushavewefared，myfather；ande’ennowwhenthoubearestshield，Onthelastofthydaysofmid-earth，twixtus’tisevensoThattheheartofmylike-agedbrotheristheheartoftheethatI

know。"

Thenthebitternessoftearsstayedherspeech，andhespakenowordmore，buttookherinhisarmsawhileandsoothedherandfondledher，andthentheyparted，andhewentwithgreatstridestowardstheoutgoingoftheThing-stead。

TherehefoundthewarriorsofhisHouseandoftheBearingsandthelesserHousesofMid-mark，alldulyorderedforwendingthroughthewood。Thedawnwascomingonapace，butthewoodwasyetdark。ButwhereastheWolfingsled，andeachmanofthemknewthewoodlikehisownhand，therewasnostrayingordisarray，andinlessthanahalf-

hour’sspaceThiodolfandthefirstbattlewerecometothewoodbehindthehazel-treesatthebackofthehall，andbeforethemwasthedawningroundabouttheRoofoftheKindred；theeasternheavenswerebrightening，andtheycouldseeallthingsclearwithoutthewood。

CHAPTERXXVIII——OFTHESTORMOFDAWNING

ThenThiodolfbadeFoxandtwoothersstealforward，andseewhatoffoemenwasbeforethem；sotheyfelltocreepingontowardstheopen:

butscarcelyhadtheystarted，beforeallmencouldhearthetrampofmendrawingnigh；thenThiodolfhimselftookwithhimascoreofhisHouseandwentquietlytowardthewood-edgetilltheywerebarelywithintheshadowofthebeechwood；andhelookedforthandsawmencomingstraighttowardstheirlurking-place。Andthosehesawwereagoodmany，andtheyweremostlyofthedastardsoftheGoths；butwiththemwasaCaptainofanHundredoftheRomans，andsomeothersofhiskindred；andThiodolfdeemedthattheGothshadbeenbiddentogatherupsomeofthenight-watchersandenterthewoodandfallonthestay-at-homes。Sohebadehismengetthemaback，andhehimselfabodestillattheverywood’sedgelisteningintentlywithhisswordbareinhishand。Andhenotedthatthosemenofthefoestayedinthedaylightoutsidethewood，butafewyardsfromit，and，bycommandasitseemed，fellsilentandspakenoword；andthemornwasverystill，andwhenthesoundoftheirtrampoverthegrasshadceased，Thiodolfcouldhearthetrampofmoremenbehindthem。Andthenhehadanotherthought，towitthattheRomanshadsentscoutstoseeiftheGothsyetabidedonthevantage-groundbytheford，andthatwhentheyhadfoundthemgone，theyweremindedtofallonthemunawaresintherefugeoftheThing-steadandwereabouttodosobythecounselandleadingofthedastardGoths；andthatthiswasonebodyofthehostledbythosedastards，whoknewsomewhatofthewoods。Sohedrewabackspeedily，andcatchingholdofFoxbytheshoulder(forhehadtakenhimalonewithhim)hebadehimcreepalongthroughthewoodtowardtheThing-stead，andbringbackspeedywordwhethertherewereanymorefoemennearthewoodthereaway；andhehimselfcametohismen，andorderedthemforonset，drawingthemupinashallowhalfmoon，withthebowmenatthehornsthereof，withthewordtolooseattheRomansassoonastheyheardthewar-hornblow:andallthiswasdonespeedilyandwithlittlenoise，fortheywerewellnighsoarrayedalready。

Thusthentheywaited，andtherewasmorethanaglimmeroflightevenunderthebeechenleaves，andtheeasternskywasyellowingtosunrise。Theotherwarriorswerelikehoundsintheleasheagertobeslipped；butThiodolfstoodcalmandhigh-heartedturningoverthememoryofpastdays，andthetimehethoughtofseemedlongtohim，buthappy。

Scarcehadascoreofminutespassed，andtheRomansbeforethem，whowerenowgatheredthickbehindthosedastardsoftheGoths，hadnotmoved，whenbackcomesFoxandtellshowhehascomeuponagreatcompanyoftheRomansledbytheirthrallsoftheGothswhowerejustenteringthewood，awaytheretowardstheThing-stead。

"But，War-duke，"sayshe，"Icamealsoacrossourownfolkofthesecondbattledulyorderedinthewoodreadytomeetthem；andtheyshallbewelldealtwith，andthesunshallriseforusandnotforthem。"

ThenturnsThiodolfroundtothosenighesttohimandsays，butstillsoftly:

"Hearyeaword，Opeople，ofthewisdomofthefoe！

Beforeusthicktheygather，anduntothedeaththeygo。

Theyfareasladswiththeircur-dogswhohavestoppedafox’searth，Andstandingroundthespinny，nowchuckleintheirmirth，TilloneputsbytheleafageandtremblingstandsastareAtthesightoftheWoodwolf’sfatherarisinginhislair-

Theyhavecomeforourwivesandourchildren，andoursword-edgeshalltheymeet；

Andwhichofthemishappysaveheoftheswiftestfeet？"

SpeedilythenwentthatwordalongtheranksoftheKindred，andmenweremerrywiththerestlessjoyofbattle:butscarcehadtwominutespassederesuddenlythestillnessofthedawnwasbrokenbyclamouranduproar；byshoutsandshrieks，andtheclashingofweaponsfromthewoodontheirlefthand；andoverallarosetheroaroftheMarkmen’shorn，forthebattlewasjoinedwiththesecondcompanyoftheKindreds。ButarumourandmurmurwentfromthefoemenbeforeThiodolf’smen；andthensprangforththeloudsharpwordofthecaptainscommandingandrebuking，asifthemenweredoubtfulwhichwaytheyshouldtake。

AmidstallwhichThiodolfbrandishedhissword，andcriedoutinagreatvoice:

"Now，now，yeWar-sons！

NowtheWolfwaketh！

LohowtheWood-beastWendethinonset。

E’enashisfeetfareFallonandfollow！"

Andheledforthjoyously，andterriblerangthelongrefrainedgatheredshoutofhisbattleashisfolkrushedontogetherdevouringthelittlespacebetweentheirambushandthehazel-besetgreen-

sward。

Inthetwinklingofaneyethehalf-moonhadlappedaroundtheRoman-

Gothsandthosethatwerewiththem；andthedastardsmadenostandbutturnedaboutatonce，cryingoutthattheGodsoftheKindredswerecometoaidandnonecouldwithstandthem。ButthesefleersthrustagainstthebandofRomanswhowerenexttothem，andborethemaback，andgreatwastheturmoil；andwhenThiodolf’sstormfellfulluponthem，asitfailednottodo，socloseweretheydriventogetherthatscarcecouldanymanraisehishandforastroke。ForbehindthemstoodagreatcompanyofthosevaliantspearmenoftheRomans，whowouldnotgivewayifanywisetheymightholditout:

andtheirrankswerecloselyserried，shieldnightouchingshield，andtheirfacesturnedtowardthefoe；andsoarrayed，thoughtheymightdie，theyscarceknewhowtoflee。Astheymightthesethrustandhewedatthefleers，andgavefiercewordsbutfewtotheRoman-

Goths，drivingthembackagainsttheirfoemen:butthefleershadlostthecunningoftheirrighthands，andtheyhadcastawaytheirshieldsandcouldnotdefendtheirverybodiesagainstthewrathofthekindreds；andwhentheystrovetofleetotherighthandortotheleft，theyweremetbythehornsofthehalf-moon，andthearrowsbegantoraininuponthem，andfromsocloseweretheyshotatthatnoshaftfailedtosmitehome。

Therethenwerethedastardsslain；andtheirbodiesservedforarampartagainsttheonrushoftheMarkmentothoseRomanswhohadstoodfast。Tothemweregatheringmoreandmoreeveryminute，andtheyfacedtheGothssteadilywiththeirhardbrownvisagesandgleamingeyesabovetheiriron-platedshields；notcastingtheirspears，butstandingcloselytogether，silent，butfierce。Thelightwasspreadnowoveralltheearth；theeasternheavensweregrowngolden-red，fleckedhereandtherewithlittlecrimsonclouds:thisbattlewasfallennearsilent，buttotheNorthwasgreatuproarofshoutsandcries，andtheroaringofthewar-horns，andtheshrillblastsofthebrazentrumpets。

NowThiodolf，ashiswontwaswhenhesawthatallwasgoingwell，hadrefrainedhimselfofhand-strokes，butwashereandthereandeverywheregivinghearttohisfolk，andkeepingthemindueorder，andclosearray，lesttheRomansshouldyetcomeamongthem。Buthewatchedtheranksofthefoe，andsawhowpresentlytheybegantospreadoutbeyondhis，andmight，ifitwerenotlookedto，taketheminflank；andhewasabouttoorderhismenanewtomeetthem，whenhelookedonhislefthandandsawhowRomanmenwerepouringthickfromthewoodoutofallarray，followedbyaclosethrongofthekindreds:foronthissidetheRomanswereoutnumberedandhadstumbledunawaresintotheambushoftheMarkmen，whohadfallenonthemstraightwayanddisarrayedthemfromthefirst。ThisflightoftheirfolktheRomanssawalso，andheldtheirmentogether，refrainingfromtheonset，asmenwhodeemthattheywillhaveenoughtodotostandfast。

ButthesecondbattleoftheMarkmen，(whowereoftheNether-mark，mingledwiththeMid-mark)foughtwisely，fortheysweptthosefleersfrombeforethem，slayingmanyanddrivingtherestscattering，yetheldthechasefornolongway，butwheelingaboutcamesidelongontowardthebattleoftheRomansandThiodolf。AndwhenThiodolfsawthat，hesetupthewhoopofvictory，heandhis，andfellfiercelyontheRomans，castingeverythingthatwouldfly，astheyrushedontothehandplay；sothattherewasmanyaRomanslainwiththeRomanspearsthatthosewhohadfallenhadleftamongtheirfoemen。

NowtheRomancaptainsperceivedthatitavailednottotarrytillthemenoftheMidandNether-marksfellupontheirflank；sotheygavecommand，andtheirranksgavebacklittlebylittle，facingtheirfoes，andstrivingtodrawthemselveswithinthedikeandgarth，which，aftertheircustom，theyhadalreadycastupabouttheWolfingRoof，theirstronghold。

NowasfierceaswastheonsetoftheMarkmen，themainbodyoftheRomanscouldnotbehinderedfromdoingthismuchbeforethemenofthesecondbattlewereuponthem；butThiodolfandArinbiornwithsomeofthemightiestbraketheirarrayintwoplacesandenteredinamongstthem。AndwrathsoseizeduponthesoulofArinbiornfortheslayingofOtter，andhisownfaulttowardshim，thathecastawayhisshield，andheedingnostrokes，firstbrakehisswordinthepress，andthen，gettingholdofagreataxe，smoteatallbeforehimasthoughnonesmoteathiminturn；yea，asthoughheweresmitingdowntree-bolesforamatchagainstsomeothermightyman；andallthewhileamidstthehurry，strokesofswordsandspearsrainedonhim，somefallingflatwiseandsomeglancingsideways，butsometrueandsquare，sothathishelmwassmittenoffandhishauberkrentadown，andpointandedgereachedhislivingflesh；andhehadthrusthimselfsofaramidstthefoethatnonecouldfollowtoshieldhim，sothatatlasthefellshatteredandrentatthefootofthenewclayeywallcastupbytheRomans，evenasThiodolfandabandwithhimcamecleavingthepress，andtheRomansclosedthebarriersagainstfriendandfoe，andcastgreatbeamsadown，andmassesofironandleadandcoppertakenfromthesmithying-boothsoftheWolfings，tostaythemifitwerebutalittle。

ThenThiodolfbestrodethefallenwarrior，andmenofhisHousewereclosebehindhim，forwiselyhadhefought，cleavingthepresslikeawedge，helpinghisfriendsthattheymighthelphim，sothattheyallwentforwardtogether。ButwhenhesawArinbiornfallhecriedout:

"Woe’sme，Arinbiorn！thatthouwouldestnotwaitforme；forthedayisyoungyet，andover-young！"

Therethentheyclearedthespaceoutsidethegate，andlifteduptheBearingWarrior，andbarehimbackfromtherampart。Forsofiercehadbeenthefightandsoeagerthestormofthosethathadfollowedafterhimthattheymustneedsordertheirbattleafresh，sinceThiodolf’swedgewhichhehaddrivenintotheRomanhostwasbutofafewandthefoehadbeenmanyandtherampartandtheshot-weaponswerecloseanigh。Wisethereforeitseemedtoabidethemofthesecondbattleandjoinwiththemtoswarmoverthenew-builtslipperywallintheteethoftheRomanshot。

Inthis，thefirstonsetoftheMorningBattle，someoftheMarkmenhadfallen，butnotmany，sincebutafewhadenteredoutrightintotheRomanranks；andwhentheyfirstrushedonfromthewoodbutthreeofthemwereslain，andtheslaughterwasallofthedastardsandtheRomans；andafterwardsnotafewoftheRomanswereslain，whatbyArinbiorn，whatbytheothers；fortheywerefightingfleeing，andbeforetheireyeswastheimageofthegarth-gatewhichwasbehindthem；andtheystumbledagainsteachotherastheyweredrivensidewaysagainsttheonrushoftheGoths，norweretheynowstandingfairandsquaretothem，andtheywerehurriedandconfusedwiththedreadoftheonsetofthemofthetwoMarks。