WhilesintheearlyWintereveWepassamidthegatheringnightSomehomesteadthatwehadtoleaveYearspast；andseeitscandlesbrightShineintheroombesidethedoorWhereweweremerryyearsagoneButnowmustneverentermore，Asstillthedarkroaddrivesuson。
E’ensotheworldofmenmayturnAtevenofsomehurrieddayAndseetheancientglimmerburnAcrossthewastethathathnoway；
ThenwiththatfaintlightinitseyesAwhileIbiditlingernearAndnurseinwaveringmemoriesThebitter-sweetofdaysthatwere。
CHAPTERI——THEDWELLINGSOFMID-MARK
Thetaletellsthatintimeslongpasttherewasadwellingofmenbesideagreatwood。Beforeitlayaplain，notverygreat，butwhichwas，asitwere，anisleintheseaofwoodland，sinceevenwhenyoustoodontheflatground，youcouldseetreeseverywhereintheoffing，thoughasforhills，youcouldscarcesaythattherewereany；onlyswellings-upoftheearthhereandthere，liketheupheavingsofthewaterthatoneseesatwhilesgoingonamidsttheeddiesofaswiftbutdeepstream。
Oneitherside，torightandleftthetree-girdlereachedouttowardthebluedistance，thickcloseandunsundered，savewhereitandtheplainwhichitbegirdledwascleftamidmostbyariveraboutaswideastheThamesatSheenewhentheflood-tideisatitshighest，butsoswiftandfullofeddies，thatitgavetokenofmountainsnotsofardistant，thoughtheywerehidden。Oneachsidemoreoverofthestreamofthisriverwasawidespaceofstones，greatandlittle，andinmostplacesabovethisstonywastewerebanksofafewfeethigh，showingwheretheyearlywinterfloodwasmostcommonlystayed。
Youmustknowthatthisgreatclearinginthewoodlandwasnotamatterofhaphazard；thoughtheriverhaddrivenaroadwherebymenmightfareoneachsideofitshurryingstream。ItwasmenwhohadmadethatIsleinthewoodland。
Formanygenerationsthefolkthatnowdwelttherehadlearnedthecraftofiron-founding，sothattheyhadnolackofwaresofironandsteel，whethertheyweretoolsofhandicraftorweaponsforhuntingandforwar。ItwasthemenoftheFolk，whocomingadownbytheriver-sidehadmadethatclearing。Thetaletellsnotwhencetheycame，butbelikefromthedalesofthedistantmountains，andfromdalesandmountainsandplainsfurtheraloofandyetfurther。
Anyhowtheycameadowntheriver；onitswatersonrafts，byitsshoresinwainsorbestridingtheirhorsesortheirkine，orafoot，tilltheyhadamindtoabide；andthereasitfelltheystayedtheirtravel，andspreadfromeachsideoftheriver，andfoughtwiththewoodanditswildthings，thattheymightmaketothemselvesadwelling-placeonthefaceoftheearth。
Sotheycutdownthetrees，andburnedtheirstumpsthatthegrassmightgrowsweetfortheirkineandsheepandhorses；andtheydikedtheriverwhereneedwasallthroughtheplain，andfarupintothewild-woodtobridlethewinterfloods:andtheymadethemboatstoferrythemover，andtofloatdownstreamandtrackup-stream:theyfishedtheriver’seddiesalsowithnetandwithline；anddrewdriftfromoutofitoffar-travelledwoodandothermatters；andthegravelofitsshallowstheywashedforgold；anditbecametheirfriend，andtheylovedit，andgaveitaname，andcalledittheDusky，andtheGlassy，andtheMirkwood-water；forthenamesofitchangedwiththegenerationsofman。
Therethenintheclearingofthewoodthatformanyyearsgrewgreateryearlytheydravetheirbeaststopastureinthenew-mademeadows，whereyearbyyearthegrassgrewsweeterasthesunshoneonitandthestandingwaterswentfromit；andnowintheyearwhereofthetaletellethitwasafairandsmilingplain，andnofolkmighthaveabettermeadow。
Butlongbeforethathadtheylearnedthecraftoftillageandtakenheedtotheacresandbeguntogrowwheatandryethereonroundabouttheirroofs；thespadecameintotheirhands，andtheybethoughtthemoftheplough-share，andthetillagespreadandgrew，andtherewasnolackofbread。
InsuchwisethatFolkhadmadeanislandamidstoftheMirkwood，andestablishedahomethere，anduphelditwithmanifoldtoiltoolongtotellof。AndfromthebeginningthisclearinginthewoodtheycalledtheMid-mark:foryoushallknowthatmenmightjourneyupanddowntheMirkwood-water，andhalfaday’srideupordowntheywouldcomeonanotherclearingorislandinthewoods，andtheseweretheUpper-markandtheNether-mark:andallthesethreewereinhabitedbymenofonefolkandonekindred，whichwascalledtheMark-men，thoughofmanybrancheswasthatstemoffolk，whoborediverssignsinbattleandatthecouncilwherebytheymightbeknown。
NowintheMid-markitselfweremanyHousesofmen；forbythatwordhadtheycalledforgenerationsthosewhodwelttogetherunderonetokenofkinship。TheriverranfromSouthtoNorth，andbothontheEastsideandontheWestwerethereHousesoftheFolk，andtheirhabitationswereshoulderedupnighuntothewood，sothateverbetwixtthemandtheriverwasthereaspaceoftillageandpasture。
TellsthetaleofonesuchHouse，whosehabitationswereonthewestsideofthewater，onagentleslopeofland，sothatnofloodhigherthancommonmightreachthem。Itwasstraightdowntotherivermostlythatthelandfelloff，andonitsdownward-reachingslopeswasthetillage，"theAcres，"asthemenofthattimealwayscalledtilledland；andbeyondthatwasthemeadowgoingfairandsmooth，thoughwithhereandtherearisinginit，downtothelipsofthestonywasteofthewinterriver。
NowthenameofthisHousewastheWolfings，andtheyboreaWolfontheirbanners，andtheirwarriorsweremarkedonthebreastwiththeimageoftheWolf，thattheymightbeknownforwhattheywereiftheyfellinbattle，andwerestripped。
Thehouse，thatistosaytheRoof，oftheWolfingsoftheMid-markstoodonthetopmostoftheslopeaforesaidwithitsbacktothewild-woodanditsfacetotheacresandthewater。Butyoumustknowthatinthosedaysthemenofonebranchofkindreddweltunderonerooftogether，andhadthereintheirplaceanddignity；norweretheremanydegreesamongstthemashathbefallenafterwards，butalltheyofonebloodwerebrethrenandofequaldignity。Howbeittheyhadservantsorthralls，mentakeninbattle，menofalienblood，thoughtrueitisthatfromtimetotimeweresomeofsuchmentakenintotheHouse，andhailedasbrethrenoftheblood。
AlsotomakeanendatonceofthesemattersofkinshipandaffinitythemenofoneHousemightnotwedthewomenoftheirownHouse:totheWolfingmenallWolfingwomenwereassisters:theymustneedswedwiththeHartingsortheElkingsortheBearings，orothersuchHousesoftheMarkaswerenotsocloseakintothebloodoftheWolf；andthiswasalawthatnonedreamedofbreaking。ThusthendweltthisFolkandsuchwastheirCustom。
AstotheRoofoftheWolfings，itwasagreathallandgoodly，afterthefashionoftheirfolkandtheirday；notbuiltofstoneandlime，butframedofthegoodliesttreesofthewild-woodsquaredwiththeadze，andbetwixttheframingfilledwithclaywattledwithreeds。
Longwasthathouse，andatoneendanighthegablewastheMan’s-
door，notsohighthatamanmightstandonthethresholdandhishelmcrestclearthelintel；forsuchwasthecustom，thatatallmanmustbowhimselfashecameintothehall；whichcustommaybewasamemoryofthedaysofonslaughtwhenthefoemenweremostlywonttobesetthehall；whereasinthedayswhereofthetaletellstheydrewoutintothefieldsandfoughtunfenced；unlessatwhileswhentheoddswereovergreat，andthentheydrewtheirwainsaboutthemandwerefencedbythewain-burg。Atleastitwasfromnoniggardrythatthedoorwasmadethuslow，asmightbeseenbythefairandmanifoldcarvingofknotsanddragonsthatwaswroughtabovethelintelofthedoorforsomethreefoot’sspace。Butalikedoorwasthereanightheothergable-end，wherebythewomenentered，anditwascalledtheWoman’s-door。
Neartothehouseonallsidesexcepttowardthewoodweretheremanybowersandcotsroundaboutthepenfoldsandthebyres:andthesewereboothsforthestowageofwares，andforcraftsandsmithyingthatwereunhandytodointhehouse；andwithaltheywerethedwelling-placesofthethralls。Andtheladsandyoungmenoftenabodetheremanydaysandwerecherishedthereofthethrallsthatlovedthem，sinceatwhilestheyshunnedtheGreatRoofthattheymightbethefreertocomeandgoattheirpleasure，anddealastheywould。ThuswasthereaclusteringontheslopesandbentsbetwixttheacresoftheWolfingsandthewild-woodwhereindweltthewolves。
Astothehousewithin，tworowsofpillarswentdownitendlong，fashionedofthemightiesttreesthatmightbefound，andeachonefairlywroughtwithbaseandchapiter，andwreathsandknots，andfightingmenanddragons；sothatitwaslikeachurchoflaterdaysthathasanaveandaisles:windowstherewereabovetheaisles，andapassageunderneaththesaidwindowsintheirroofs。Intheaisleswerethesleeping-placesoftheFolk，anddownthenaveunderthecrownoftheroofwerethreehearthsforthefires，andaboveeachhearthalufferorsmoke-bearertodrawthesmokeupwhenthefireswerelighted。Forsoothonabrightwinterafternoonitwasstrangetoseethethreecolumnsofsmokegoingwaveringuptothedimnessofthemightyroof，andonemaybesmittenathwartbythesunbeams。Asforthetimberoftheroofitselfanditsframing，soexceedinggreatandhighitwas，thatthetaletellshowthatnonemightseethefashionofitfromthehall-floorunlessheweretoraisealoftablazingfaggotonalongpole:sincenolackoftimberwasthereamongthemenoftheMark。
AttheendofthehallanightheMan’s-doorwasthedais，andatablethereonsetthwartwiseofthehall；andinfrontofthedaiswasthenoblestandgreatestofthehearths；butoftheothersonewasintheverymidmost，andanotherintheWoman’s-Chamberandroundaboutthedais，alongthegable-wall，andhungfrompillartopillarwerewovenclothspicturedwithimagesofancienttalesandthedeedsoftheWolfings，andthedeedsoftheGodsfromwhencetheycame。Andthiswasthefairestplaceofallthehouseandthebest-belovedoftheFolk，andespeciallyoftheolderandthemightiermen:andthereweretalestold，andsongssung，especiallyiftheywerenew:
andtheretoalsoweremessengersbroughtifanytidingswereabroad:
therealsowouldtheelderstalktogetheraboutmattersconcerningtheHouseortheMid-markorthewholeFolkoftheMarkmen。
Yetyoumustnotthinkthattheirsolemncouncilswereheldthere，thefolk-moteswhereatitmustbedeterminedwhattodoandwhattoforbeardoing；foraccordingassuchcouncils，whichtheycalledThingswereoftheHouseoroftheMid-markorofthewholeFolk，weretheyheldeachatthedueThing-steadsintheWoodalooffromeitheracreormeadow，aswasthecustomofourforefathersforlongafterandatsuchThingswouldallthemenoftheHouseortheMid-
markortheFolkbepresentmanbyman。AndineachofthesesteadswasthereaDoomringwhereinDoomwasgivenbytheneighbourschosen，whomnowwecalltheJuryinmattersbetweenmanandman；andnosuchdoomofneighbourswasgiven，andnosuchvoiceoftheFolkproclaimedinanyhouseorunderanyroof，norevenasaforesaidonthetilledacresorthedepasturedmeadows。Thiswasthecustomofourforefathers，inmemory，belike，ofthedayswhenasyettherewasneitherhousenortillage，norflocksandherds，buttheEarth’sfaceonlyandwhatfreelygrewthereon。
Butoverthedaistherehungbychainsandpulleysfastenedtoatie-
beamoftheroofhighaloftawondrouslampfashionedofglass；yetofnosuchglassasthefolkmadethenandthere，butofafairandcleargreenlikeanemerald，andalldonewithfiguresandknotsingold，andstrangebeasts，andawarriorslayingadragon，andthesunrisingontheearth:nordidanytaletellwhencethislampcame，butitwasheldasanancientandholythingbyalltheMark-men，andthekindredoftheWolfhaditinchargetokeepalightburninginitnightanddayforever；andtheyappointedamaidenoftheirownkindredtothatoffice；whichdamselmustneedsbeunwedded，sincenoweddedwomandwellingunderthatroofcouldbeaWolfingwoman，butwouldneedsbeofthehouseswhereintheWolfingswedded。
ThislampwhichburnedeverwascalledtheHall-Sun，andthewomanwhohadchargeofit，andwhowasthefairestthatmightbefoundwascalledafterittheHall-Sunalso。
AttheotherendofthehallwastheWoman’s-Chamber，andthereinweretheloomsandothergearforthecardingandspinningofwoolandtheweavingofcloth。
SuchwastheRoofunderwhichdweltthekindredoftheWolfings；andtheotherkindredsoftheMid-markhadroofsliketoit；andofthesethechiefestweretheElkings，theVallings，theAlftings，theBeamings，theGaltings，andtheBearings；whoboreontheirbannerstheElk，theFalcon，theSwan，theTree，theBoar，andtheBear。Butotherlesserandnewerkindredstherewerethanthese:asfortheHartingsabovenamed，theywereakindredoftheUpper-mark。
CHAPTERII——THEFLITTINGOFTHEWAR-ARROW
Tellsthetalethatitwasaneveningofsummer，whenthewheatwasintheear，butyetgreen；andtheneat-herdsweredonedrivingthemilch-kinetothebyre，andthehorseherdsandtheshepherdshadmadethenight-shift，andtheout-goerswereridingtwobytwoandonebyonethroughthelanesbetweenthewheatandtheryetowardsthemeadow。Roundthecotsofthethrallsweregatheredknotsofmenandwomenboththrallsandfreemen，sometalkingtogether，somehearkeningasongoratale，somesingingandsomedancingtogether；
andthechildrengambollingaboutfromgrouptogroupwiththeirshrillandtunelessvoices，likeyoungthrostleswhohavenotyetlearnedthesongoftheirrace。Withtheseweremingleddogs，dunofcolour，longoflimb，sharp-nosed，gauntandgreat；theytooklittleheedofthechildrenastheypulledthemaboutintheirplay，butlaydown，orloiteredabout，asthoughtheyhadforgottenthechaseandthewild-wood。
Merrywasthefolkwiththatfairtide，andthepromiseoftheharvest，andthejoyoflife，andtherewasnoweaponamongthemsoclosetothehouses，savehereandtheretheboar-spearofsomeherdmanorherd-womanlatecomefromthemeadow。
Tallandforthemostpartcomelywerebothmenandwomen；themostofthemlight-hairedandgrey-eyed，withcheek-bonessomewhathigh；
whiteofskinbutforthesun’sburning，andthewind’sparching，andwhereastheyweretannedofaveryruddyandcheerfulhue。Butthethrallsweresomeofthemofashorteranddarkerbreed，black-hairedalsoanddark-eyed，lighteroflimb；sometimesbetterknit，butsometimescrookederoflegandknottierofarm。Butsomealsowereofbuildandhuenotmuchunliketothefreemen；andthesedoubtlesscameofsomeotherFolkoftheGothswhichhadgivenwayinbattlebeforetheMenoftheMark，eithertheyortheirfathers。
Moreoversomeofthefreemenwereunliketheirfellowsandkindred，beingslendererandcloser-knit，andblack-haired，butgrey-eyedwithal；andamongstthesewereoneortwowhoexceededinbeautyallothersoftheHouse。
Nowthesunwassetandthegloomingwasatpointtobeginandtheshadowlesstwilightlayupontheearth。Thenightingalesonthebordersofthewoodsangceaselesslyfromthescatteredhazel-treesabovethegreenswardwherethegrasswascroppeddownclosebythenibblingoftherabbits；butinspiteoftheirsongandthediversvoicesofthemen-folkaboutthehouses，itwasaneveningonwhichsoundsfromaloofcanbewellheard，sincenoisescarryfaratsuchtides。
Suddenlytheywhowereontheedgesofthosethrongsandwerethelessnoisy，heldthemselvesasiftolisten；andagroupthathadgatheredaboutaminstreltohearhisstoryfellhearkeningalsoroundaboutthesilencedandhearkeningtale-teller:someofthedancersandsingersnotedthemandintheirturnstayedthedanceandkeptsilencetohearken；andsofromgrouptogroupspreadthechange，tillallwerestrainingtheirearstohearkenthetidings。
Alreadythemenofthenight-shifthadheardit，andtheshepherdsofthemhadturnedabout，andweretrottingsmartlybackthroughthelanesofthetallwheat:butthehorse-herdswerenowscarceseenonthedarkeningmeadow，astheygallopedonfasttowardtheirherdstodrivehomethestallions。Forwhattheyhadheardwasthetidingsofwar。
Therewasasoundintheairasofahumble-beeclosetotheearofonelyingonagrassybank；orwhilesasofacowafarinthemeadowlowingintheafternoonwhenmilking-timedrawsnigh:butitwasevershrillerthantheone，andfullerthantheother；foritchangedatwhiles，thoughafterthefirstsoundofit，itdidnotriseorfall，becausetheevewaswindless。Youmighthearatoncethatforallitwasafar，itwasagreatandmightysound；nordidanythathearkeneddoubtwhatitwas，butallknewitfortheblastofthegreatwar-hornoftheElkings，whoseRooflayupMirkwood-waternexttotheRoofoftheWolfings。
Sothoselittlethrongsbrokeupatonce；andallthefreemen，andofthethrallsagoodmany，flocked，bothmenandwomen，totheMan’s-
doorofthehall，andstreamedinquietlyandwithlittletalk，asmenknowingthattheyshouldhearallindueseason。
WithinundertheHall-Sun，amidstthewovenstoriesoftimepast，sattheeldersandchiefwarriorsonthedais，andamidstofallabigstrongmanoffortywinters，hisdarkbeardalittlegrizzled，hiseyesbigandgrey。BeforehimontheboardlaythegreatWar-hornoftheWolfingscarvedoutofthetuskofasea-whaleoftheNorthandwithmanydevicesonitandtheWolfamidstthemall；itsgoldenmouth-pieceandrimwroughtfinelywithflowers。Thereitabodetheblowing，untilthespokenwordofsomemessengershouldsetforththetidingsborneontheairbythehornoftheElkings。
Butthenameofthedark-hairedchiefwasThiodolftowitFolk-wolf
andhewasdeemedthewisestmanoftheWolfings，andthebestmanofhishands，andofheartmostdauntless。BesidehimsatthefairwomancalledtheHall-Sun；forshewashisfoster-daughterbeforemen’seyes；andshewasblack-hairedandgrey-eyedliketoherfosterer，andneverwaswomanfashionedfairer:shewasyoungofyears，scarcetwentywintersold。
Theresatthechiefsandeldersonthedais，androundaboutstoodthekindredintermingledwiththethralls，andnomanspake，fortheywereawaitingsureandcertaintidings:andwhenallwerecomeinwhohadamindto，therewassogreatasilenceinthehall，thatthesongofthenightingalesonthewood-edgesoundedclearandloudtherein，andeventhechinkofthebatsabouttheupperwindowscouldbeheard。Thenamidstthehushofmen-folk，andthesoundsofthelifeoftheearthcameanothersoundthatmadeallturntheireyestowardthedoor；andthiswasthepad-padofonerunningonthetroddenandsummer-driedgroundanighthehall:itstoppedforamomentattheMan’s-door，andthedooropened，andthethrongparted，makingwayforthemanthatenteredandcamehastilyuptothemidstofthetablethatstoodonthedaisathwartthehall，andstoodtherepanting，holdingforthinhisoutstretchedhandsomethingwhichnotallcouldseeinthedimnessofthehall-twilight，butwhichallknewnevertheless。Themanwasyoung，litheandslender，andhadnoraimentbutlinenbreechesroundhismiddle，andskinshoesonhisfeet。Ashestoodtheregatheringhisbreathforspeech，Thiodolfstoodup，andpouredmeadintoadrinkinghornandhelditouttowardsthenew-comer，andspake，butinrhymeandmeasure:
"Welcome，thouevening-farer，andholybethinehead，SincethouhastsoughtuntousintheheartoftheWolfings’stead；
Drinknowofthehornofthemighty，andcallahealthifthouwiltO’ertheeddiesofthemead-horntothewashingoutofguilt。
Forthoucom’sttothepeaceoftheWolfings，andourveryguestthouart，AndmeseemsasIbeholdthee，thatIlookonachildoftheHart。"
Butthemanputthehornfromhimwithahastyhand，andnonesaidanotherwordtohimuntilhehadgottenhisbreathagain；andthenhesaid:
"AllhailyeWood-Wolfs’children！noughtmayIdrinkthewine，ForthemouthandthemawthatIcarrythisevearenoughtofmine；
Andmyfeetarethefeetofthepeople，sincethewordwentforththattide，’OElfhereoftheHartings，nolongershaltthoubideInanyhouseoftheMarkmenthantospeakthewordandwend，Tillallmenknowthetidingsandthineerrandhathanend。’
Behold，OWolves，thetokenandsayifitbetrue！
Ibeartheshaftofbattlethatisfour-wisecloventhrough，Anditseachenddippedintheblood-stream，boththeironandthehorn，Anditsmidmostscathedwiththefire；andthewordthatIhaveborneAlongwiththiswar-tokenis，’WolfingsoftheMarkWhensoyeseethewar-shaft，bythedaylightorthedark，Buskyetobattlefaring，andleaveallworkundoneSavethegatheringforthehandplayattherisingofthesun。
Threedayshenceisthehosting，andthitherbearalongYourwainsandyourkinefortheslaughterlestthejourneyshouldbelong。
ForgreatistheFolk，saiththetidings，thatagainsttheMarkmencome；
Inafarofflandistheirdwelling，whensotheysitathome，AndWelsh{1}istheirtongue，andwewotnotofthewordthatisintheirmouth，AstheymarchamanytogetherfromthecitiesoftheSouth。’"
Therewithheheldupyetforaminutethetokenofthewar-arrowraggedandburntandbloody；andturningaboutwithitinhishandwenthiswaysthroughtheopendoor，nonehindering；andwhenhewasgone，itwasasifthetokenwerestillintheairthereagainsttheheadsofthelivingmen，andtheheadsofthewovenwarriors，sointentlyhadallgazedatit；andnonedoubtedthetidingsorthetoken。ThensaidThiodolf:
"ForthwillweWolfingchildren，andcastasoundabroad:
Themouthofthesea-beast’sweaponshallspeakthebattle-word；
Andyewarriorshearkenandhasten，anddighttheweedofwar，Andthentoacreandmeadowwendyeadownnomore，Forthisworkshallbeforthewomentodriveourneatfromthemead，Andtoyokethewains，andtoloadthemasthemenofwarhaveneed。"
Outthentheystreamedfromthehall，andnomanwasleftthereinsavethefairHall-Sunsittingunderthelampwhosenameshebore。
Buttothehighestoftheslopetheywent，wherewasamoundmadehigherbyman’shandiwork；thereonstoodThiodolfandhandledthehorn，turninghisfacetowardthedownwardcourseofMirkwood-water；
andhesetthehorntohislips，andblewalongblast，andthenagain，andyetagainthethirdtime；andallthesoundsofthegatheringnightwerehushedunderthesoundoftheroaringofthewar-hornoftheWolfings；andtheKinoftheBeamingshearditastheysatintheirhall，andtheygatthemreadytohearkentothebearerofthetidingswhoshouldfollowonthesoundofthewar-
blast。
Butwhenthelastsoundofthehornhaddiedaway，thensaidThiodolf:
"NowWolfingchildrenhearken，whatthesplinteredWar-shaftsaith，Thefirescathedblood-stainedaspen！weshallrideforlifeordeath，Wewarriors，alongjourneywiththeherdandwiththewain；
Butuntothisourhomesteadshallwewendusbackagain，Allthegleaningsofthebattle；andhereforthemthatliveShallstandtheRoofoftheWolfings，andforthemshallthemeadowthrive，Andtheacresgivetheirincreaseintheharvestoftheyear；
NowisnolongdepartingsincetheHall-Sunbidethhere’NeaththeholyRoofoftheFathers，andtheplaceoftheWolfingkin，Andthefeastofourgladreturningshallyetbeheldtherein。
HearthebiddingoftheWar-shaft！Allmen，boththrallsandfree，’Twixttwentywintersandsixty，beneaththeshieldshallbe，AndthehostingisattheThingstead，theUpper-markanigh；
Andwewendawayto-morroweretheSunisnoon-tidehigh。"
Therewithhesteppeddownfromthemound，andwenthiswaybacktothehall；andmanifoldtalkaroseamongthefolk；andofthewarriorssomewerealreadydightforthejourney，butmostnot，andamanywenttheirwaystoseetotheirweaponsandhorses，andtherestbackagainintothehall。
Bythistimenighthadfallen，andbetweenthenandthedawningwouldbenodarkerhour，forthemoonwasjustrising；amanyofthehorse-
herdshaddonetheirbusiness，andwerenowmakingtheirwaybackagainthroughthelanesofthewheat，drivingthestallionsbeforethem，whoplayedtogetherkicking，bitingandsquealing，payingbutlittleheedtothestandingcornoneitherside。Lightsbegantoglitternowinthecotsofthethralls，andbrighterstillinthestithieswherealreadyyoumighthearthehammersclinkingontheanvils，asmenfelltolookingtotheirbattlegear。
ButthechiefmenandthewomensatundertheirRoofontheeveofdeparture:andthetunsofmeadwerebroached，andthehornsfilledandborneroundbyyoungmaidens，andmenateanddrankandweremerry；andfromtimetotimeassomeoneofthewarriorshaddonewithgivingheedtohisweapons，heenteredintothehallandfellintothecompanyofthosewhomhelovedmostandbywhomhewasbestbeloved；andwhilestheytalked，andwhilestheysangtotheharpupanddownthatlonghouse；andthemoonrisenhighshoneinatthewindows，andtherewasmuchlaughterandmerriment，andtalkofdeedsofarmsoftheolddaysontheeveofthatdeparture:tilllittlebylittlewearinessfellonthem，andtheywenttheirwaystoslumber，andthehallwasfallensilent。
CHAPTERIII——THIODOLFTALKETHWITHTHEWOOD-SUN
ButyetsatThiodolfundertheHall-Sunforawhileasoneindeepthought；tillatlastashestirred，hisswordclatteredonhim；andthenhelifteduphiseyesandlookeddownthehallandsawnomanstirring，sohestoodupandsettledhisraimentonhim，andwentforth，andsotookhiswaysthroughthehall-door，asonewhohathanerrand。
Themoonlightlayinagreatfloodonthegrasswithout，andthedewwasfallinginthecoldesthourofthenight，andtheearthsmelledsweetly:thewholehabitationwasasleepnow，andtherewasnosoundtobeknownasthesoundofanycreature，savethatfromthedistantmeadowcamethelowingofacowthathadlosthercalf，andthatawhiteowlwasflittingaboutneartheeavesoftheRoofwithherwildcrythatsoundedlikethemockingofmerrimentnowsilent。
Thiodolfturnedtowardthewood，andwalkedsteadilythroughthescatteredhazel-trees，andtherebyintothethickofthebeech-trees，whosebolesgrewsmoothandsilver-grey，highandclose-set:andsoonandonhewentasonegoingbyawell-knownpath，thoughtherewasnopath，tillallthemoonlightwasquenchedunderthecloseroofofthebeech-leaves，thoughyetforallthedarkness，nomancouldgothereandnotfeelthattheroofwasgreenabovehim。Stillhewentonindespiteofthedarkness，tillatlasttherewasaglimmerbeforehim，thatgrewgreatertillhecameuntoasmallwood-lawnwhereontheturfgrewagain，thoughthegrasswasbutthin，becauselittlesunlightgottoit，socloseandthickwerethetalltreesroundaboutit。Intheheavensaboveitbynowtherewasalightthatwasnotallofthemoon，thoughitmightscarcebetoldwhetherthatlightwerethememoryofyesterdayorthepromiseofto-morrow，sincelittleoftheheavenscouldbeseenthence，savethecrownofthem，becauseofthetalltree-tops。
NoughtlookedThiodolfeitherattheheavensabove，orthetrees，ashestrodefromoffthehusk-strewnfloorofthebeechwoodontothescantygrassofthelawn，buthiseyeslookedstraightbeforehimatthatwhichwasamidmostofthelawn:andlittlewonderwasthat；forthereonastonechairsatawomanexceedingfair，cladinglitteringraiment，herhairlyingaspaleinthemoonlightonthegreystoneasthebarleyacresintheAugustnightbeforethereaping-hookgoesinamongstthem。Shesatthereasthoughshewereawaitingsomeone，andhemadenostopnorstay，butwentstraightuptoher，andtookherinhisarms，andkissedhermouthandhereyes，andshehimagain；
andthenhesathimselfdownbesideher。Buthereyeslookedkindlyonhimasshesaid:
"OThiodolf，hardyartthou，thatthouhastnofeartotakemeinthinearmsandtokissme，asthoughthouhadstmetinthemeadowwithamaidenoftheElkings:andI，whoamadaughteroftheGodsofthykindred，andaChooseroftheSlain！Yea，andthatupontheeveofbattleandthedawnofthydeparturetothestrickenfield！"
"OWood-Sun，"hesaid"thouartthetreasureoflifethatIfoundwhenIwasyoung，andtheloveoflifethatIhold，nowthatmybeardisgrizzling。SincewhendidIfearthee，Wood-Sun？DidIfeartheewhenfirstIsawthee，andwestoodamidstthehazelledfield，wetwainlivingamongsttheslain？Butmyswordwasredwiththebloodofthefoe，andmyraimentwithmineownblood；andIwasa-wearywiththeday’swork，andsickwithmanystrokes，andmethoughtIwasfaintingintodeath。Andtherethouwertbeforeme，fulloflifeandruddyandsmilingbothlipsandeyes；thyraimentcleanandclear，thinehandsstainedwithblood:thendidstthoutakemebymybloodyandwearyhand，anddidstkissmylipsgrownashenpale，andthousaidst’Comewithme。’AndIstrovetogo，andmightnot；somanyandsoreweremyhurts。ThenamidstmysicknessandmywearinesswasImerry；forIsaidtomyself，Thisisthedeathofthewarrior，anditisexceedingsweet。Whatmeanethit？Folksaidofme；heisoveryoungtomeetthefoeman；yetamInotoveryoungtodie？"
Therewithhelaughedoutamidthewild-wood，andhisspeechbecamesong，andhesaid:
"Wewroughtintheringofthehazels，andthewineofwarwedrank:
Fromthetidewhenthesunstoodhighesttothehourwhereinshesank:
Andthreekingscameagainstme，themightiestoftheHuns，Theevil-eyedinbattle，theswift-footwilyones；
Andtheygnashedtheirteethagainstme，andtheygnawedontheshield-rimsthere，Onthatafternoonofsummer，inthehigh-tideoftheyear。
Keen-eyedIgazedaboutme，andIsawthecloudsdrawupTilltheheavensweredarkasthehollowofawine-stainedironcup，Andthewild-deerlayunfeedingonthegrassoftheforestglades，Andallearthwasscaredwiththethunderaboveourclashingblades。
"ThensankaKingbeforeme，andonfelltheothertwain，AndItossedupthereddenedsword-bladeinthegatheredrushoftherainAndthebloodandthewaterblended，andfragrantgrewtheearth。
"TherelongIturnedandtwistedwithinthebattle-girthBeforethosebearsofonset:whileoutfromthegreyworldstreamedThebroadredlashofthelighteningandinourbyrniesgleamed。
AndlongIleaptandlabouredinthatgarlandofthefight’Midthebluebladesandthelightening；buteretheskygrewlightThesecondoftheHun-kingsontherain-drencheddaisieslay；
Andwetwainwiththebattleblindedalittlewhilemadestay，Andleaningonoursword-hiltseachontheothergazed。
"Thentheraingrewless，andonecorneroftheveilofcloudswasraised，AndasfromthebroideredcoveringgleamsouttheshoulderwhiteOfthebed-mateofthewarriorwhenonhisweddingnightHelayethhishandtothelinen；so，downthereinthewestGleamedoutthenakedheaven:butthewrathroseupinmybreast，Andtheswordinmyhandrosewithit，andIleapedandhewedattheHun；
Andfromhimtooflaredthewar-flame，andthebladesdancedbrightinthesunComebacktotheearthforalittlebeforetheendingofday。
"TherethenwithallthatwasinhimdidtheHunplayouttheplay，Tillhefell，andleftmetottering，andIturnedmyfeettowendTotheplaceofthemoundofthemighty，thegateofthewaywithoutend。
Andtherethouwert。Howwasit，thouChooseroftheSlain，DidIdieinthinearms，andthereafterdidthymouth-kisswakemeagain？"
Erethelastsoundofhisvoicewasdonesheturnedandkissedhim；
andthenshesaid；"Neverhadstthouafearandthineheartisfullofhardihood。"
Thenhesaid:
"’Tisthehardyheart，beloved，thatkeepethmealive，Astheking-leekinthegardenbytherainandthesundoththrive，SoIthrivebythepraiseofthepeople；itisblentwithmydrinkandmymeat；
AsIslumberinthenight-tideitlapsmesoftandsweet；
AndthroughthechamberwindowwhenIwakeninthemornWiththewindofthesun’sarisingfromthemeadowisitborneAndbiddethmerememberthatyetIliveonearth:
ThenIriseandmymightiswithme，andfillsmyheartwithmirth，AsIthinkofthepraiseofthepeople；andallthisjoyIwinBythedeedsthatmyheartcommandethandthehopethatlieththerein。"
"Yea，"shesaid，"butdayrunnetheverontheheelsofday，andtherearemanyandmanydays；andbetwixtthemdotheycarryeld。"
"Yetartthounoolderthanindaysbygone，"saidhe。"Isitso，O
DaughteroftheGods，thatthouwertneverborn，butwertfrombeforetheframingofthemountains，fromthebeginningofallthings？"
Butshesaid:
"Nay，nay；Ibegan，Iwasborn；althoughitmaybeindeedThatnotonthehillsoftheearthIsprangfromthegodhead’sseed。
Ande’enasmybirthandmywaxingshallbemywaningandend。
Butthouonmanyanerrand，tomanyafielddostwendWherethebowatadventurebended，orthefleeingdastard’sspearOftlulleththemirthofthemighty。Nowmethoudostnotfear，Yetfearwithme，beloved，forthemightyMaidIfear；
AndDoomishername，andfulloftenshemakethmeafraidAndevennowmeseemethonmylifeherhandislaid。"
Buthelaughedandsaid:
"Inwhatlandissheabiding？Isshenearorfaraway？
Willshedrawupclosebesidemeinthepressofthebattleplay？
AndifthenImaynotsmiteher’midstthewarriorsofthefieldWiththepalebladeofmyfathers，willshebidetheshoveofmyshield？"
Butsadlyshesanginanswer:
"InmanyasteadDoomdwelleth，norsleepethdaynornight:
Therimofthebowlshekisseth，andbeareththechamberinglightWhenthekingsofmenwendhappytothebride-bedfromtheboard。
Itislittletosaythatshewendeththeedgeofthegrindedsword，Whenaboutthehousehalfbuildedshehangethmanyaday；
Theshipfromthestrandsheshoveth，andonhiswontedwayBythemountain-hunterfarethwherehisfootne’erfailedbefore:
Sheiswherethehighbankcrumblesatlastontheriver’sshore:
Themower’sscytheshewhetteth；andlulleththeshepherdtosleepWherethedeadlyling-wormwakenethinthedesertofthesheep。
NowwethatcomeoftheGod-kinofherredesforourselveswewot，Butherwillwiththelivesofmen-folkandtheirendingknowwenot。
SothereforeIbidtheenotfearforthyselfofDoomandherdeed，Butforme:andIbidtheehearkentothehelpingofmyneed。
Orelse——Artthouhappyinlife，orlusteththoutodieIntheflowerofthydays，whenthygloryandthylongingbloomonhigh？"
ButThiodolfansweredher:
"Ihavedeemed，andlonghaveIdeemedthatthisismysecondlife，Thatmyfirstonewanedwithmywoundingwhenthoucam’sttotheringofstrife。
ForwheninthinearmsIwakenedonthehazelledfieldofyore，MeseemedIhadnewlyarisentoaworldIknewnomore，Somuchhadallthingsbrightenedonthatdewydawnofday。
ItwasdarkdulldeaththatIlookedforwhenmythoughthaddiedaway。
ItwaslovelylifethatIwoketo；andfromthatdayhenceforthMyjoyofthelifeofman-folkwasmanifoldedofworth。
FarfairerthefieldsofthemorningthanIhadknownthemerst，AndtheacreswhereIwended，andthecornwithitshalf-slakedthirst；
AndthenobleRoofoftheWolfings，andthehawksthatsatthereon；
AndthebodiesofmykindredwhosedeliveranceIhadwon；
AndtheglimmeringoftheHall-Sunintheduskyhouseofold；
Andmynameinthemouthofthemaidens，andthepraisesofthebold，AsIsatinmybattle-raiment，andtheruddyspearwellsteeledLeaned’gainstmysidewar-battered，andthewoundsthinehandhadhealed。
Yea，fromthatmornthenceforwardhasmylifebeengoodindeed，Thegainofto-daywasgoodly，andgoodto-morrow’sneed，Andgoodthewhirlofthebattle，andthebroilIwieldedthere，TillIfashionedtheorderedonset，andtheunhopedvictoryfair。
AndgoodwerethedaysthereafterofutterdeedlessrestAndtheprattleofthydaughter，andherhandsonmyunmailedbreast。
Ahgoodisthelifethouhastgiven，thelifethatminehandshavewon。
Andwhereshallbetheendingtilltheworldisallundone？
Heresitwetwaintogether，andbothweinGodheadclad，WetwainoftheWolfingkindred，andeachoftheotherglad。"
Butsheanswered，andherfacegrewdarkerwithal:
"Omightymanandjoyous，artthouoftheWolfingkin？
’Twasnoevildeedwhenwemingled，norliethdoomtherein。
Thoulovelyman，thoublack-haired，thoushaltdieandhavedonenoill。
Fame-crownedarethedeedsofthydoing，andthemouthsofmentheyfill。
ThoubettereroftheGodfolk，enduringisthyfame:
Yetasapaintedimageofadreamisthydreadedname。
Ofanalienfolkthoucomest，thatwetwainmightbeoneindeed。
Thoushaltdieoneday。Sohearken，tohelpmeatmyneed。"
Hisfacegrewtroubledandhesaid:"WhatisthiswordthatIamnochiefoftheWolfings？"
"Nay，"shesaid，"butbetterthanthey。LookthouonthefaceofourdaughtertheHall-Sun，thydaughterandmine:favourethsheatallofme？"
Helaughed:"Yea，whereassheisfair，butnototherwise。Thisisahardsaying，thatIdwellamonganalienkindred，anditwottethnotthereof。Whyhastthounottoldmehereofbefore？"
Shesaid:"Itneedednottotelltheebecausethydaywaswaxing，asnowitwaneth。OncemoreIbidtheehearkenanddomybiddingthoughitbehardtothee。"
Heanswered:"EvensowillIasmuchasImay；andthuswisemustthoulookuponit，thatIlovelife，andfearnotdeath。"
Thenshespake，andagainherwordsfellintorhyme:
"Infortyfightshastthoufoughten，andbeenworstedbutinfour；
AndIlookedonandwasmerry；andevermoreandmoreWertthoudeartotheheartoftheWood-Sun，andtheChooseroftheSlain。
Butnowwhereasyearewendingwithslaughter-herdandwainTomeetafolkthatyeknownot，awonder，apeerlessfoe，Ifearforthyglory’swaning，andIseetheelyingalow。"
Thenhebrakein:"Hereinislittleshametobeworstedbythemightofthemightiest:ifthissomightyfolkshearethalimboffthetreeofmyfame，yetshallitwaxagain。"
Butshesang:
"Infortyfightshastthoufoughten，andbesidetheewhobutI
Beheldthewind-tossedbanners，andsawtheaspenfly？
Butto-daytothywarIwendnot，forWeirdwithholdethmeAndsoremyheartforebodethforthebattlethatshallbe。
To-daywiththeeIwendnot；soIfeared，andlomyfeet，Thatarewonttothewoodlandgirdleoftheacresofthewheat，Fortheeamongstrangepeopleandthefoeman’sthronghavetrod，AndItelltheetheirbannerofbattleisawiseandamightyGod。
Forthesearethefolkofthecities，andinwondrouswisetheydwell’Midconfusionofheapedhouses，dimandblackasthefaceofhell；
Thoughtherefromriseroofsmostgoodly，wheretheircaptainsandtheirkingsDwellamidstthewallsofmarbleinabundanceoffairthings；
And’midthese，norworsernorbetter，butbuildedotherwiseStandtheHousesoftheFathers，andthehiddenmysteries。
Andascloseasarethetree-trunksthatwithinthebeech-woodthriveE’ensomanyaretheirpillars；andthereinlikemenaliveStandtheimagesofgod-folkinsuchraimentastheyworeIntheyearsbeforethecitiesandthehiddendaysofyore。
AhforthegoldthatIgazedon！andtheirstoreofbattlegear，AndstrangeenginesthatIknewnot，ortheendforwhichtheywere。
Ahfortheorderedwisdomofthewar-arrayofthese，Andthefolksthataresittingaboutthemindumbdown-troddenpeace！
SoIthoughtnowfarethwar-wardmywell-belovedfriend，AndtheweirdoftheGodshathdoomeditthatnomorewithhimmayI
wend！
Woe’smeforthewaroftheWolfingswherefromIamsunderedapart，Andthefruitlessdeathofthewar-wise，andthedoomofthehardyheart！"
Thenheanswered，andhiseyesgrewkindashelookedonher:
"ForthyfairloveIthankthee，andthyfaithfulword，Ofriend！
Buthowmightitotherwisehappenbutwetwainmustmeetintheend，TheGodofthismightypeopleandtheMarkmenandtheirkin？
Lo，thisistheweirdoftheworld，andwhatmaywedoherein？"
Thenmirthcameintoherfaceagainasshesaid:
"WhowottethofWeird，andwhatsheistilltheweirdisaccomplished？LonghathitbeenmyweirdtolovetheeandtofashiondeedsfortheeasImay；norwillIdepartfromitnow。"Andshesang:
"Keen-edgedistheswordofthecity，andbitterisitsspear，Butthybreastinthebattle，beloved，hathawallofthestithy’sgear。
Whatnowisthywontinthehandplaywiththehelmandthehauberkofrings？
Farestthouasthethrallandthecot-carle，orcladintheraimentofkings？"
Hestarted，andhisfacereddenedasheanswered:
"OWood-Sunthouwottestourbattleandthewaywhereinwefare:
Thatoftatthebattle’sbeginningthehelmandthehauberkwebear；
LesttheshaftofthefleeingcowardorthebowatadventurebentShouldslayuseretheneedbe，ereourmightbegivenandspent。
Yetofterethefightisover，andDoomhathscatteredthefoe，Noleaderofthepeoplebyhiswar-gearshallyeknow，Butbyhishurtstherather，fromthecot-carleandthethrall:
Forwhenallisdonethatamanmay，’tisthehourforamantofall。"
Sheyetsmiledasshesaidinanswer:
"OFolk-wolf，heedandhearken；forwhenshallthylifebespentAndtheFolkwhereinthoudwellestwiththydeathbewellcontent？
Whensofolkneedthefire，dotheyhewtheapple-tree，AndburntheMotherofBlossomandthefruitthatistobe？
Ormewiltthoubidtothygrave-moundbecausethybattle-wrathMaynothingmorebebridledthanthewhirlwindonhispath？
Sohearkenanddomybidding，forthehauberkshaltthoubearE’enwhentheotherwarriorscastofftheirbattle-gear。
Socomethou，comeunwoundedfromthewar-fieldofthesouth，Andsitwithmeinthebeech-wood，andkissme，eyesandmouth。"
Andshekissedhiminverydeed，andmademuchofhim，andfawnedonhim，andlaidherhandonhisbreast，andhewassoftandblithewithher，butatlasthelaughedandsaid:
"God’sDaughter，longhastthoulived，andmanyamatterseen，Andmenfulloftengrievingforthedeedthatmighthavebeen；
ButheremyheartthouwheedlestasamaidoftenderyearsWhenfirstinthearmsofherdarlingthehornofwarshehears。
Thouknowesttheaxetobeheavy，andthesword，howkeenitis；
ButthatDoomofwhichthouhastspoken，wiltthounottellofthis，God’sDaughter，howitsheareth，andhowitbreakeththroughEachwallthatthewarriorbuildeth，yeaalldeedsthathemaydo？
Whatmightinthehammer’sleavings，inthefire’sthrallshallabideToturnthatFolks’o’erwhelmerfromthefatedwarrior’sside？"
Thenshelaughedinherturn，andloudly；butsosweetlythatthesoundofhervoicemingledwiththefirstsongofanewlyawakenedwood-thrushsittingonarowantwigontheedgeoftheWood-lawn。
Butshesaid:
"Yea，IthatamGod’sDaughtermaytelltheeneverawhitFromwhatlandcomeththehauberknorwhatsmithsmithiedit，Thatthoushaltwearinthehandplayfromthefirststroketothelast；
ButthisthereofItellthee，thatitholdethfirmandfastThelifeofthebodyitlappeth，ifthegiftoftheGodfolkitbe。
Lothisistheyoke-mateofdoom，andthegiftofmeuntothee。"
Thensheleaneddownfromthestonewhereontheysat，andherhandwasinthedewygrassforalittle，andthenitliftedupadarkgreyripplingcoatofrings；andshestraightenedherselfintheseatagain，andlaidthathauberkonthekneesofThiodolf，andheputhishandtoit，andturneditabout，whileheponderedlong:thenatlasthesaid:
"Whatevilthingabidethwiththiswarderofthestrife，Thisburgandtreasurechamberforthehoardingofmylife？
Forthisistheworkofthedwarfs，andnokindlykinoftheearth；
Andallwefearthedwarf-kinandtheirangerandsorrowandmirth。"
Shecastherarmsabouthimandfondledhim，andhervoicegrewsweeterthanthevoiceofanymortalthingassheanswered:
"Noillforthee，beloved，orformeinthehauberklies；
Nosunderinggriefisinit，nolonelymiseries。
Butweshallabidetogether，andthatnewlifeIgave，Foralongwhileyethenceforwardwetwainitsjoyshallhave。
Yea，ifthoudostmybiddingtowearmygiftinthefightNohunterofthewild-woodatthechangingofthenightShallseemyshapeonthygrave-moundormytearsinthemorningfindWiththedewofthemorningmingled；norwiththeeveningwindShallmybodypasstheshepherdashewanderethinthemeadAndfillhimwithforebodingsontheeveoftheWolfings’need。
Northehorse-herdwakeinthemidnightandhearmyfatefulcry；
NoryetshalltheWolfingwomenhearwordsonthewindgobyAstheyweaveandspinthenightdownwhentheHouseisgonetothewar，Andweepfortheswainstheyweddedandthechildrenthattheybore。
Yeadomybidding，OFolk-wolf，lestagriefoftheGodsshouldweighOntheancientHouseoftheWolfingsandmydeatho’erclouditsday。"
Andstillsheclungabouthim，whilehespakenowordofyeaornay:
butatthelasthelethimselfglidewhollyintoherarms，andthedwarf-wroughthauberkfellfromhiskneesandlayonthegrass。
Sotheyabodetogetherinthatwood-lawntillthetwilightwaslonggone，andthesunarisenforsomewhile。AndwhenThiodolfsteppedoutofthebeech-woodintothebroadsunshinedappledwiththeshadowoftheleavesofthehazelsmovinggentlyinthefreshmorningair，hewascoveredfromthenecktothekneebyahauberkofringsdarkandgreyandgleaming，fashionedbythedwarfsofancientdays。
CHAPTERIV——THEHOUSEFARETHTOTHEWAR
NowwhenThiodolfcamebacktothehabitationsofthekindredthewholeHousewasastir，boththrall-menandwomen，andfreewomenhurryingfromcottostithy，andfromstithytohallbearingthelastofthewar-gearorraimentforthefighting-men。ButtheyfortheirpartweresomestandingaboutanightheMan’s-door，somesittinggravelywithinthehall，somewatchingthehurryofthethrallsandwomenfromthemidmostoftheopenspaceamidstofthehabitations，whereontherestoodyetcertainwainswhichwerebelated:forthemostofthewainswerenowstandingwiththeoxenalreadyyokedtothemdowninthemeadowpasttheacres，encircledbyaconfusedthrongofkineandhorsesandthrall-folk，forthitherhadallthebeastsfortheslaughter，andthehorsesforthewarriorsbeenbrought；andtherewerethehorsestetheredorheldbythethralls；
someindeedwerealreadysaddledandbridled，andonotherswerethethrallsdoingtheharness。
ButasforthewainsoftheMarkmen，theywerestoutlyframedofash-
treewithpanelsofaspen，andtheywerebroad-wheeledsothattheymightgooverroughandsmooth。Theyhadhightiltsoverthemwellframedofwillow-polescoveredoverwithsquaresofblackfeltover-
lappinglikeshingles；whichfelttheymadeoftheroughoftheirfleeces，fortheyhadmanysheep。Andthesewainsweretothemforhousesuponthewayifneedwere，andthereinasnowwerestoredtheirmealandtheirwar-storeandafterfighttheywouldflittheirwoundedmeninthem，suchasweretoosorelyhurttobackahorse:
normustitbehiddenthatwhilestheylookedtobringbackwiththemthetreasureofthesouth。Moreoverthefolkiftheywereworstedinanybattle，insteadoffleeingwithoutmoredone，wouldoftendrawbackfightingintoagarthmadebythesewains，andguardedbysomeoftheirthralls；andtherewouldabidetheonsetofthosewhohadthrustthembackinthefield。AndthisgarththeycalledtheWain-
burg。
SonowstoodthreeofthesewainsaforesaidbelatedamidstofthehabitationsoftheHouse，theiryoke-beastsstandingorlyingdownunharnessedasyettothem:butintheverymidstofthatplacewasawainunliketothem；smallerthantheybuthigher；squareofshapeastothefloorofit；builtlighterthanthey，yetfarstronger；asthewarriorisstrongerthanthebigcarleandtrencher-lickerthatloitersaboutthehall；andfromthemidstofthiswainaroseamastmadeofatallstraightfir-tree，andthereonhungthebanneroftheWolfings，whereinwaswroughttheimageoftheWolf，butredofhueasatokenofwar，andwithhismouthopenandgapinguponthefoemen。Alsowhereastheotherwainsweredrawnbymereoxen，andthoseofdiverscolours，aschancewouldhaveit，thewainofthebannerwasdrawnbytenblackbullsofthemightiestoftheherd，deep-dewlapped，high-crestedandcurly-browed；andtheirharnesswasdeckedwithgold，andsowasthewainitself，andthewoodworkofitpaintedredwithvermilion。TherethenstoodtheBanneroftheHouseoftheWolfingsawaitingthedepartureofthewarriorstothehosting。
SoThiodolfstoodonthetopofthebentbesidethatsamemoundwherefromhehadblowntheWar-hornyester-eve，andwhichwascalledtheHillofSpeech，andheshadedhiseyeswithhishandandlookedaroundhim；andeventherewiththecarlesfelltoyokingthebeaststothebelatedwains，andthewarriorsgatheredtogetherfromoutofthemixedthrongs，andcamefromtheRoofandtheMan’s-doorandallsettheirfacestowardtheHillofSpeech。
SoThiodolfknewthatallwasreadyfordeparture，anditwantedbutanhourofhigh-noon；soheturnedaboutandwentintotheHall，andtherefoundhisshieldandhisspearhanginginhissleepingplacebesidethehauberkhewaswonttowear；thenhelooked，asonestrivingwiththought，athisemptyhauberkandhisownbodycoveredwiththedwarf-wroughtrings；nordidhisfacechangeashetookhisshieldandhisspearandturnedaway。Thenhewenttothedaisandtheresathisfoster-daughterasmendeemedhersittingamidstofitasyester-eve，andnowarrayedinagarmentoffinewhitewool，onthebreastwhereofwerewroughtingoldtwobeastsrampingupagainstafire-altarwhereonaflameflickered；andontheskirtsandthehemswereotherdevices，ofwolveschasingdeer，andmenshootingwiththebow；andthatgarmentwasanancienttreasure；butshehadabroadgirdleofgoldandgemsabouthermiddle，andonherarmsandnecksheworegreatgoldringswroughtdelicately。BythentherewerefewsavetheHall-SunundertheRoof，andtheybuttheoldestofthewomen，orafewveryoldmen，andsomewhowereailingandmightnotgoabroad。ButbeforeheronthethwarttablelaytheGreatWar-
hornawaitingthecomingofThiodolftogivesignalofdeparture。
ThenwentThiodolftotheHall-Sunandkissedandembracedherfondly，andshegavethehornintohishands，andhewentforthandupontotheHillofSpeech，andblewthenceashortblastonthehorn，andthencamealltheWarriorsflockingtotheHillofSpeech，eachmanstarkinhisharness，alertandjoyous。
ThenpresentlythroughtheMan’s-doorcametheHall-Suninthatancientgarment，whichfellstraightandstiffdowntoheranclesasshesteppedlightlyandslowlyalong，herheadcrownedwithagarlandofeglantine。Inherrighthandalsosheheldagreattorchofwaxlighted，whoseflameamidstthebrightsunlightlookedlikeawaveringleafofvermilion。
Thewarriorssawher，andmadealaneforher，andshemadeherwaythroughituptotheHillofSpeech，andshewentuptothetopofitandstoodthereholdingthelightedcandleinherhand，sothatallmightseeit。Thensuddenlywasthereasgreatasilenceastheremaybeonaforenoonofsummer；foreventhethrallsdowninthemeadowhadnotedwhatwastoward，andceasedtheirtalkingandshouting，forasfaroffastheywere，sincetheycouldseethattheHall-SunstoodontheHillofSpeech，forthewoodwasdarkbehindher；sotheyknewtheFarewellFlamewaslighted，andthatthemaidenwouldspeak；andtoallmenherspeechwasabodingofgoodorofill。
Soshebeganinasweetvoiceyetclearandfar-reaching:
"OWarriorsoftheWolfingsbythetokenoftheflameThathereinmyrighthandflickers，comeabacktotheHouseoftheName！
ForthereyetburneththeHall-SunbeneaththeWolfingroof，Andthisflameislittenfromit，norasnowshallitfarealoofTillagainitseeththemightyandthementobegleanedfromthefight。
Sowendyeasweirdwillethandletyourheartsbelight；
Forthroughyourdaysofbattleallthedeedsofourdaysshallbefair。
To-morrowbeginneththehaysel，asifeverycarlewerehere；
Andwhoknowethereyourreturningbutthehookshallsmitethecorn？
Butthekineshallgodowntothemeadowastheirwontiseverymorn，Andeacheveshallcomebacktothebyre；andthemaresandfoalsafieldShalleverbeheededduly；andallthingsshalltheirincreaseyield。
AndifitshallbefalusthathithercomethafoeHerehaveweswainsoftheshepherdsgoodplayerswiththebow，Andoldmenbattle-craftywhosemightisnowisespent，AndwomenfellandfearlesswellwonttotreadthebentAmidthesheepandtheoxen；andtheirhandsarehardwiththespearAndtheirarmsarestrongandstalwartthebattleshieldtobear；
Andstoreofweaponshaveweandthemightywallsofthestead；
AndtheRoofshallabideyousteadfastwiththeHall-Sunoverhead。
LohereIquenchthiscandlethatislitfromtheHall-Sun’sflameWhichuntotheWild-woodclearingwiththekinoftheWolfingscameAndshallwendwiththeirdeparturetothelimitsoftheearth；
Noragainshallthetorchbelightedtillinsorroworinmirth，Overthrownoroverthrowing，yecomeabackoncemore，AndbidmebearthecandlebeforetheWolfofWar。"
Asshespakethewordsheturnedthecandledownward，andthrustitagainstthegrassandquencheditindeed；butthewholethrongofwarriorsturnedabout，forthebullsofthebanner-wainloweredtheirheadsintheyokesandbegantodraw，lowingmightily；andthewaincreakedandmovedon，andallthemen-at-armsfollowedafter，anddowntheywentthroughthelanesofthecorn，andamanywomenandchildrenandoldmenwentdownintothemeadwiththem。
IntheirheartstheyallwonderedwhattheHall-Sun’swordsmightsignify；forshehadtoldthemnoughtaboutthebattlestobe，savingthatsomeshouldcomebacktotheMid-mark；whereasaforetimesomewhatwouldsheforetelltothemconcerningthefortuneofthefight，andnowhadshesaidtothemnothingbutwhattheirownheartstoldthem。NeverthelesstheyboretheircrestshighastheyfollowedtheWolfdownintothemeadow，whereallwasnowreadyfordeparture。
TheretheyarrayedthemselvesandwentdowntothelipofMirkwood-
water；andsuchwastheirarraythatthebannerwentfirst，savethatabandoffullyarmedmenwentbeforeit；andbehinditandaboutweretheothersaswellarrayedasthey。Thenwentthewainsthatboretheirmunition，witharmedcarlesofthethrall-folkaboutthem，whowereevertheguardofthewains，andshouldneverleavethemnightorday；andlastlywentthegreatbandofthewarriorsandtherestofthethrallswiththem。
Astotheirwar-gear，allthefreemenhadhelmsofsomekind，butnotallofironorsteel；forsomeborehelmsfashionedofhorse-hideandbull-hidecoveredoverwiththesimilitudeofaWolf’smuzzle；norweretheseill-defenceagainstasword-stroke。Shieldstheyallhad，andallthesehadtheimageoftheWolfmarkedonthem，butformanytheirthrallsborethemonthejourney。Astotheirbody-armoursomecarriedlongbyrniesofring-mail，somecoatsofleathercoveredwithsplintersofhornlaidliketheshinglesofaroof，andsomeskin-
coatsonly:whereofindeedthereweresomeofwhichtaleswentthattheywerebetterthanthesmith’shammer-work，becausetheyhadhadspellssungoverthemtokeepoutsteeloriron。
Butfortheirweapons，theyborespearswithshaftsnotverylong，someeightfeetofourmeasure；andaxesheavyandlong-shafted；andbillswithgreatandbroadheads；andsomefew，butnotmanyofthekindredwerebowmen，andeveryfreemanwasgirtwithasword；butoftheswordssomewerelongandtwo-edged，someshortandheavy，cuttingononeedge，andthesewereofthekindwhichtheyandourforefatherslongaftercalled’sax。’Thuswerethefreemenarrayed。
Butforthethralls，thereweremanybowsamongthem，especiallyamongthosewhowereofbloodalienfromtheGoths；theothersboreshortspears，andfeatheredbroadarrows，andclubsboundwithiron，andknivesandaxes，butnoteverymanofthemhadasword。Fewironhelmstheyhadandnoringedbyrnies，butmosthadabucklerattheirbackswithnosignorsymbolonit。
ThusthensetforththefightingmenoftheHouseoftheWolftowardtheThing-steadoftheUpper-markwherethehostingwastobe，andbythentheyweremovingupalongthesideofMirkwood-wateritwassomewhatpasthigh-noon。
Butthestay-at-homepeoplewhohadcomedownwiththemtothemeadowlingeredlonginthatplace；andmuchforebodingtherewasamongthemofeviltocome；andoftheoldfolk，somerememberedtalesofthepastdaysoftheMarkmen，andhowtheyhadcomefromtheendsoftheearth，andthemountainswherenonedwellnowbuttheGodsoftheirkindreds；andmanyofthesetalestoldoftheirwoesandtheirwarsastheywentfromrivertoriverandfromwild-woodtowild-woodbeforetheyhadestablishedtheirHousesintheMark，andfallentodwellingthereseasonbyseasonandyearbyyearwhetherthedaysweregoodorill。Anditfellintotheirheartsthatnowatlastmayhappenwastheirabidingwearingouttoanend，andthatthedayshouldsoonbewhentheyshouldhavetobeartheHall-Sunthroughthewild-wood，andseekanewdwelling-placeafarfromthetroublingofthesenewlyarisenWelshfoemen。
AndsothoseofthemwhocouldnotridthemselvesofthisforebodingweresomewhatheavierofheartthantheirwontwaswhentheHousewenttotheWar。ForlonghadtheyabidedthereintheMark，andthelifewassweettothemwhichtheyknew，andthelifewhichtheyknewnotwasbittertothem:andMirkwood-waterwasbecomeasaGodtothemnolessthantotheirfathersofoldtime；norlesserwasthemeadwherefedthehorsesthattheylovedandthekinethattheyhadreared，andthesheepthattheyguardedfromtheWolfoftheWild-
wood:andtheyworshippedthekindacreswhichtheythemselvesandtheirfathershadmadefruitful，weddingthemtotheseasonsofseed-
timeandharvest，thatthebirththatcamefromthemmightbecomeapartofthekindredoftheWolf，andthejoyandmightofpastspringsandsummersmightruninthebloodoftheWolfingchildren。
AndadearGodindeedtothemwastheRoofoftheKindred，thattheirfathershadbuiltandthattheyyetwardedagainstthefireandthelighteningandthewindandthesnow，andthepassingofthedaysthatdevourandtheyearsthatheapthedustovertheworkofmen。
Theythoughtofhowithadstood，andseensomanygenerationsofmencomeandgo；howoftenithadwelcomedthenew-bornbabe，andgivenfarewelltotheoldman:howmanysecretsofthepastitknew；howmanytaleswhichmenofthepresenthadforgotten，butwhichyetmayhapmenoftimestocomeshouldlearnofit；fortothemyetlivingithadspokentimeandagain，andhadtoldthemwhattheirfathershadnottoldthem，anditheldthememoriesofthegenerationsandtheverylifeoftheWolfingsandtheirhopesforthedaystobe。
ThusthesepoorpeoplethoughtoftheGodswhomtheyworshipped，andthefriendswhomtheyloved，andcouldnotchoosebutbeheavy-
heartedwhentheythoughtthatthewild-woodwasawaitingthemtoswallowallup，andtakeawayfromthemtheirGodsandtheirfriendsandthemirthoftheirlife，andburdenthemwithhungerandthirstandweariness，thattheirchildrenmightbeginoncemoretobuildtheHouseandestablishthedwelling，andcallnewplacesbyoldnames，andworshipnewGodswiththeancientworship。
Suchimaginationsoftroublethenwereintheheartsofthestay-at-
homesoftheWolfings；thetaletellsnotindeedthatallhadsuchforebodings，butchieflytheoldfolkwhowerenursingtheendoftheirlife-daysamidstthecherishingKindredoftheHouse。