Nowlooktoseethemshortly；forwornarefifteendaysSinceinthegarthoftheHundingsIsawthemdightforwar，Andahardyfolkandreadyandaswift-foothosttheyare。"
TherewithGeirmundwentdownclatteringfromtheHillandstoodwithhiscompany。Butamancameforthfromtheothersideofthering，andclombtheHill:hewasared-hairedman，ratherbig，cladinaskincoat，andbearingabowinhishandandaquiverofarrowsathisback，andalittleaxehungbyhisside。Hesaid:
"IdwellintheHouseoftheHrossingsoftheMid-mark，andIamnowmadeamanofthekindred:howbeitIwasnotbornintoit；forIamthesonofafairandmightywomanofafolkoftheKymry，whowastakeninwarwhileshewentbigwithme；IamcalledFoxtheRed。
"TheseRomanshaveIseen，andhavenotdied:sohearken！formytaleshallbeshortforwhatthereisinit。
"Iam，asmanyknow，ahunterofMirkwood，andIknowallitswaysandthepassesthroughthethicketsomewhatbetterthanmost。
"AmoonagoIfaredafootfromMid-markthroughUpper-markintothethicketofthesouth，andthroughitintotheheathcountry；andI
wentoveraneckandcameintheearlydawnintoalittledalewhensomewhatofmiststillhungoverit。Atthedale’sendIsawamanlyingasleeponthegrassunderaquickentree，andhisshieldandswordhangingoverhisheadtoaboughthereof，andhishorsefeedinghoppledhigherupthedale。
"Icreptupsoftlytohimwithashaftnockedonthestring，butwhenIdrewnearIsawhimtobeofthesonsoftheGoths。SoIdoubtednothing，butlaiddownmybow，andstoodupright，andwenttohimandrousedhim，andheleaptup，andwaswroth。
"Isaidtohim，’Wiltthoubewrothwithabrotherofthekindredmeetinghiminunpeopledparts？’
"Buthereachedoutforhisweapons；buterehecouldhandlethemI
raninonhimsothathegatnothissword，andhadscanttimetosmiteatmewithaknifewhichhedrewfromhiswaist。
"Igavewaybeforehimforhewasaverybigman，andherushedpastme，andIdealthimablowonthesideoftheheadwithmylittleaxewhichiscalledtheWar-babe，andgavehimagreatwound:andhefellonthegrass，andasithappenedthatwashisbane。
"IwassorrythatIhadslainhim，sincehewasamanoftheGoths:
albeitotherwisehehadslainme，forhewasverywrothanddazedwithslumber。
"Hediednotforawhile；andhebademefetchhimwater；andtherewasawellhardbyontheothersideofthetree；soIfetchedithiminagreatshellthatIcarry，andhedrank。Iwouldhavesungtheblood-staunchingsongoverhim，forIknowitwell。Buthesaid，’Itavailethnought:Ihaveenough:whatmanartthou？’
"Isaid，’IamafosterlingoftheHrossings，andmymotherwastakeninwar:mynameisFox。’
"Saidhe；’OFox，Ihavemydueatthyhands，forIamaMarkmanoftheElkings，butaguestoftheBurgundiansbeyondtheGreatRiver；
andtheRomansaretheirmastersandtheydotheirbidding:evensodidIwhowasbuttheirguest:andIaMarkmantofightagainsttheMarkmen，andallforfearandforgold！Andthouanalien-bornhastslaintheirtraitorandtheirdastard！Thisismydue。Givemetodrinkagain。’
"SodidI；andhesaid；’Wiltthoudoanerrandformetothineownhouse？’’Yea，’saidI。
"Saidhe，’IamamessengertothegarthoftheRomans，thatImaytelltheroadtotheMark，andleadthemthroughthethicket；andotherguidesarecomingafterme:butnotyetforthreedaysorfour。SotilltheycometherewillbenomanintheRomangarthtoknowtheethatthouartnotevenImyself。Ifthouartdoughty，stripmewhenIamdeadanddomyraimentonthee，andtakethisringfrommyneck，forthatismytoken，andwhentheyasktheeforawordsay，"NOLIMIT"；forthatisthetoken-word。Gosouth-eastoverthedaleskeepingBroadshield-fellsquarewiththyrighthand，andletthywisdom，OFox，leadtheetotheGarthoftheRomans，andsobacktothykindredwithalltidingsthouhastgathered——forindeedtheycome——amanyofthem。Givemetodrink。’
"Sohedrankagain，andsaid，’ThebearerofthistokeniscalledHrosstyroftheRiverGoths。Hehaththatnameamongdastards。Thoushaltlayaturfuponmyhead。Letmydeathpayformylife。’
"Therewithhefellbackanddied。SoIdidashebademeandtookhisgear，worthsixkine，anddiditonme；Ilaidturfuponhiminthatdale，andhidmybowandmygearinablackthornbrakehardby，andthentookhishorseandrodeaway。
"DayandnightIrodetillIcametothegarthoftheRomans；thereI
gavemyselfuptotheirwatchers，andtheybroughtmetotheirDuke，agrimmanandhard。Hesaidinaterriblevoice，’Thyname？’I
said，’HrosstyroftheRiverGoths。’Hesaid，’Whatlimit？’I
answered，’NOLIMIT。’’Thetoken！’saidhe，andheldouthishand。
Igavehimthering。’Thouarttheman，’saidhe。
"Ithoughtinmyheart，’thouliest，lord，’andmyheartdancedforjoy。
"Thenhefelltoaskingmequestionsamany，andIansweredeveryonegliblyenough，andtoldhimwhatIwould，butnowordoftruthsaveforhishurt，andmysoullaughedwithinmeatmylies；thoughtI，theothers，thetraitors，shallcome，andtheyshalltellhimthetruth，andhewillnottrowit，orattheworsthewilldoubtthem。
Butmehedoubtednothing，elsehadhecalledinthetormentorstohavethetruthofmebypains；asIwellsawafterwards，whentheyquestionedwithtormentsamanandawomanofthehill-folkwhomtheyhadbroughtincaptive。
"Iwentfromhimandwentallaboutthatgarthespyingeverything，fearingnothing；albeittherewerediverswofulcaptivesoftheGoths，whocursedmeforadastard，whentheysawbymyattirethatI
wasoftheirblood。
"Iabodetherethreedays，andlearnedallthatImightofthegarthandthehostofthem，andthefourthdayinthemorningIwentoutasiftohunt，andnonehinderedme，fortheydoubtedmenot。
"SoIcamemywayshometotheUpper-mark，andwasguestedwiththeGeirings。WillyethatItellyousomewhatofthewaysoftheseRomansofthegarth？Thetimepresses，andmytalerunnethlongerthanIwould。Whatwillye？"
Thentherearoseamurmur，"Tellall，tellall。""Nay，"saidtheFox，"AllImaynottell；somuchdidIbeholdthereduringthethreedays’stay；butthismuchitbehovethyoutoknow:thatthesemenhavenootherthoughtsavetowintheMarkandwasteit，andslaythefightingmenandtheoldcarles，andenthrallsuchastheywill，thatis，allthatbefairandyoung，andtheylongsorelyforourwomeneithertohaveortosell。
"Asfortheirgarth，itisstronglywalledaboutwithadykenewlydug；onthetopthereofaretheybuildingawallmadeofclay，andburnedlikepotsintoashlarstoneshardandred，andthesearelaidinlime。
"Itisnowthetoilofthethrallsofourbloodwhomtheyhavetaken，bothmenandwomen，todigthatclayandtoworkit，andbearittokilns，andtohaveforrewardscantmeatandmanystripes。Foritisagrimfolk，thatlaughethtoseeothersweep。
"Theirmen-at-armsarewelldightandforthemostpartinoneway:
theyarehelmedwithiron，andhaveironontheirbreastsandreins，andbearlongshieldsthatcoverthemtotheknees。Theyaregirtwithasaxandhaveaheavycasting-spear。Theyaredark-skinnedanduglyofaspect，surlyandoffewwords:theydrinklittle，andeatnotmuch。
"Theyhavecaptainsoftensandofhundredsoverthem，andthatwar-
dukeoverall；hegoethtoandfrowithgoldonhisheadandhisbreast，andcommonlyhathacloakcastoverhimofthecolourofthecrane’s-billblossom。
"Theyhaveanaltarinthemidstoftheirburg，andthereontheysacrificetotheirGod，whoisnoneotherthantheirbannerofwar，whichisanimageoftheraveningeaglewithoutspreadwings；butyetanotherGodtheyhave，andlookyou！itisawolf，asiftheywereofthekinofourbrethren；ashe-wolfandtwoman-childrenatherdugs；
wonderfulisthis。
"Itellyouthattheyaregrim；andknowitbythistoken:thosecaptainsoftens，andofhundreds，sparenottosmitethewarriorswithstavesevenbeforeallmen，whenallgoethnotastheywould；
andyet，thoughtheybefreemen，andmightywarriors，theyendureitandsmitenotinturn。Theyareamostevilfolk。
"Astotheirnumbers，theyoftheburgarehardonthreethousandfootmenofthebest；andofhorsemenfivehundred，nowisegood；andofbowmenandslingerssixhundredormore:theirbowsweak；theirslingerscunningbeyondmeasure。AndthetalkisthatwhentheycomeuponustheyshallhavewiththemsomefivehundredwarriorsoftheOverRiverGoths，andothersoftheirownfolk。"
Thenhesaid:
"OmenoftheMark，willyemeettheminthemeadowsandthefield，Orwillyefleebeforethemandhavethewoodforashield？
Orwillyewendtotheirwar-burgwithweaponscastaway，Withyourwomenandyourchildren，apeaceofthemtopray？
Sodoing，notallshallperish；butmostshalllongtodieEreinthegarthsoftheSouthlandtwomoonshaveloiteredby。"
Thenrosetherumourloudandangrymingledwiththerattleofswordsandtheclashofspearsonshields；butFoxsaid:
"Needsmustyefollowoneofthesethreeways。Nay，whatsayI？
therearebuttwowaysandnotthree；forifyefleetheyshallfollowyoutotheconfinesoftheearth。EithertheseWelshshalltakeall，andourlivestoboot，orweshallholdtoallthatisours，andlivemerrily。Thesworddoometh；andinthreedaysitmaybethecourtsshallbehallowed:smallisthespacebetweenus。"
TherewithhealsogothimdownfromtheHill，andjoinedhisownhouse:andmensaidthathehadspokenwellandwisely。Buttherearoseanoiseofmentalkingtogetheronthesetidings；andamidstitanoldwarrioroftheNether-markstrodeforthanduptotheHill-
top。Gauntandstarkhewastolookon；andallmenknewhimandhewaswell-beloved，soallheldtheirpeaceashesaid:
"IamOtteroftheLaxings:nowneedethbutfewwordstilltheWar-
dukeischosen，andwegetreadytowendourwaysinarms。Herehaveyeheardthreegoodmenandtruetellofourfoes，andthislast，FoxtheRed，hathseenthemandhathmoretotellwhenweareontheway；
noristhewayhardtofind。Itwerescarcewelltofalluponthesemenintheirgarthandwar-burg；forhardisawalltoslay。BetteritweretomeetthemintheWild-wood，whichmaywellbeafriendtousandawall，buttothemanet。OAgnioftheDaylings，thouwarderoftheThing-stead，bidmenchooseaWar-dukeifnonegainsayit。"
AndwithoutmorewordsheclattereddowntheHill，andwentandstoodwiththeLaxingband。ButtheoldDaylingaroseandblewthehorn，andtherewasatonceagreatsilence，amidstwhichhesaid:
"ChildrenofSlains-father，doththeFolkgotothewar？"
Therewasnovoicebutshouted"yea，"andthewhiteswordssprangaloft，andthewesteringsunsweptalongahalfofthemastheytossedtoandfro，andtheothersshoweddead-whiteandfirelessagainstthedarkwood。
ThenagainspakeAgni:
"WillyechoosetheWar-dukenowandonce，orshallitbeinawhile，afterothershavespoken？"
AndthevoiceoftheFolkwentup，"Choose！Choose！"
SaidAgni:"Sayethanyaughtagainstit？"Butnovoiceofagainsayerwasheard，andAgnisaid:
"ChildrenofTyr，whatmanwillyehaveforaleaderandadukeofwar？"
Thenagreatshoutsprangupfromamidsttheswords:"WewillhaveThiodolf；ThiodolftheWolfing！"
SaidAgni:"Ihearnoothername；areyeofonemind？hathanyaughttosayagainstit？Ifthatbeso，lethimspeaknow，andnotforbeartofollowinthewheatfieldofthespears。Speak，yethatwillnotfollowThiodolf！"
Novoicegainsaidhim:thensaidtheDayling:"ComeforththouWar-
dukeoftheMarkmen！takeupthegoldringfromthehornsofthealtar，setitonthinearmandcomeuphither！"
ThencameforthThiodolfintothesun，andtookupthegoldringfromwhereitlay，anddiditonhisarm。Andthiswastheringoftheleaderofthefolkwhensooneshouldbechosen:itwasancientanddaintilywrought，butnotveryheavy:soancientitwasthatmensaidithadbeenwroughtbythedwarfs。
SoThiodolfwentupontothehill，andallmencriedoutonhimforjoy，fortheyknewhiswisdominwar。Manywonderedtoseehimunhelmed，buttheyhadadeemingthathemusthavemadeoathtotheGodsthereofandtheirheartsweregladofit。Theytooknoteofthedwarf-wroughthauberk，andevenfromagoodwayofftheycouldseewhatatreasureofsmith’sworkitwas，andtheydeemeditlikeenoughthatspellshadbeensungoverittomakeitsureagainstpointandedge:fortheyknewthatThiodolfwaswellbelovedoftheGods。
ButwhenThiodolfwasontheHillofSpeech，hesaid:
"Menofthekindreds，IamyourWar-duketo-day；butitisoftenestthecustomwhenyegotowartochooseyoutwodukes，andIwoulditweresonow。Nochild’splayistheworkthatliesbeforeus；andifoneleaderchancetofalllettherebeanothertotakehisplacewithoutstoporstay。ThouAgnioftheDaylings，bidtheFolkchoosethemanotherdukeifsotheywill。"
SaidAgni:"GoodisthiswhichourWar-dukehathspoken；saythen，menoftheMark，whoshallstandwithThiodolftoleadyouagainstthealiens？"
Thenwasthereanoiseandacryingofnames，andmorethantwonamesseemedtobecriedout；butbyfarthegreaterpartnamedeitherOtteroftheLaxings，orHeriulfoftheWolfings。TrueitisthatOtterwasaverywisewarrior，andwellknowntoallthemenoftheMark；yetsodearwasHeriulftothem，thatnonewouldhavenamedOtterhaditnotbeenmostlytheircustomnottochoosebothWar-
dukesfromoneHouse。
NowspakeAgni:"ChildrenofTyr，Ihearyounamemorethanonename:nowleteachmancryoutclearlythenamehenameth。
SotheFolkcriedthenamesoncemore，butthistimeitwasclearthatnonewasnamedsaveOtterandHeriulf；sotheDaylingwasatpointtospeakagain，butoreverawordlefthislips，Heriulfthemighty，theancientofdays，stoodforth:andwhenmensawthathewouldtakeupthewordtherewasagreatsilence。Sohespake:
"Hearken，children！Iamoldandwar-wise；butmywisdomisthewisdomoftheswordofthemightywarrior，thatknowethwhichwayitshouldwend，andhathnothoughtofturningbacktillitliethbrokeninthefield。SuchwisdomisgoodagainstFolksthatwehavemetheretofore；aswhenwehavefoughtwiththeHuns，whowouldsweepusawayfromthefaceoftheearth，orwiththeFranksortheBurgundians，whowouldquellusintobeingsomethingworserthantheybe。Buthereisanewfoe，andnewwisdom，andthatrightshifty，doweneedtomeetthem。Onewisedukehaveyegotten，Thiodolftowit；
andheisyoungbesidemeandbesideOtteroftheLaxings。Andnowifyemustneedshaveanoldermantostandbesidehim，andthatisnotilltakeyeOtter；foroldthoughhisbodybe，thethoughtwithinhimiskeenandsupplelikethebestofWelsh-wroughtblades，anditlivethinthedaysthatnoware:whereasforme，meseemeth，mythoughtsareinthedaysbygone。Yetlooktoit，thatIshallnotfailtoleadastheswordofthevaliantleadeth，ortheshaftshotbythecunningarcher。ChooseyeOtter；Ihavespokenoverlong。"
ThenspokeAgnitheDayling，andlaughedwithal:"OnemanoftheFolkhathspokenforOtterandagainstHeriulf——nowletothersspeakiftheywill！"
Sothecrycameforth，"Otterletitbe，wewillhaveOtter！"
"SpeakethanyagainstOtter？"saidAgni。Buttherewasnovoiceraisedagainsthim。
ThenAgnisaid:"Comeforth，OtteroftheLaxings，andholdtheringwithThiodolf。"
ThenOtterwentupontothehillandstoodbyThiodolf，andtheyheldtheringtogether；andtheneachthrusthishandandarmthroughtheringandclaspedhandstogether，andstoodthusawhile，andalltheFolkshoutedtogether。
ThenspakeAgni:"NowshallwehewthehorsesandgivethegiftstotheGods。"
TherewithheandthetwoWar-dukescamedownfromthehill；andstoodbeforethealtar；andtheninewarriorsoftheDaylingsstoodforthwithaxestohewthehorsesandwithcopperbowlswhereintocatchthebloodofthem，andeachheweddownhishorsetotheGods，butthetwoWar-dukesslewthetenthandfairest:andthebloodwascaughtinthebowls，andAgnitookasprinklerandwentroundabouttheringofmen，andcastthebloodoftheGods’-giftsovertheFolk，aswasthecustomofthosedays。
ThentheycutupthecarcasesandburnedonthealtartheshareoftheGods，andAgniandtheWar-dukestastedthereof，andtheresttheyboreofftotheDaylings’abodeforthefeasttobeholdenthatnight。
ThenOtterandThiodolfspakeaparttogetherforawhile，andpresentlywentupagainontotheSpeech-Hill，andThiodolfsaid:
"OkindredsoftheMarkmen；to-morrowwiththedayWeshallwendupMirkwood-watertobarourfoestheway；
Andthereshallwemakeourwain-burgontheedgesofthewood，Whereinthedayspastoveratlastthealiensstood，TheSlaughterToftsyecallit。TheretidingsshallwegetIfthecurseoftheworldisawakened，andtheserpentcrawlethyetAmidsttheMirkwoodthicket；andwhenthesoothweknow，Thenbearingbattlewithusthroughthethicketshallwego，TheancientWood-wolf’schildren，andthePeopleoftheShield，AndtheSpear-kinandtheHorse-kin，whiletheotherskeepthefieldAboutthewardedwain-burg；fornotmanyneedwethereWhereamidstofthethickets’tangleandthewoodlandnettheyfare，Andtheheartsofthealiensfalterandtheycursethefightne’erdone，Andwonderwhoisfightingandwhichwayisthesun。"
Thushespoke；thenAgnitookupthewar-hornagain，andblewablast，andthenhecriedout:
"NowsunderwetheFolk-mote！andthefeastisforto-night，Andto-morrowtheWayfaring；Butunnamedisthedayofthefight；
Owarriors，lookyetoitthatnotlongweneedabide’Twixtthehourofthewordwehavespoken，andourfair-fame’sbloomingtide！
Forthen’midstthetoilandtheturmoilshallwesowtheseedsofpeace，AndtheKindreds’longendurance，andtheGoth-folk’sgreatincrease。"
Thenarosethelastgreatshout，andsoberlyandindueorder，kindredbykindred，theyturnedanddepartedfromtheThing-steadandwenttheirwaythroughthewoodtotheabodeoftheDaylings。
CHAPTERIX——THEANCIENTMANOFTHEDAYLINGS
Therestillhungthemorepartofthestay-at-homesroundabouttheRoof。Butontheplainbeneaththetoftswereallthewainsofthehostdrawnuproundaboutasquarelikethestreetsaboutamarket-
place；allthesenowhadtheirtiltsriggedoverthem，somewhite，someblack，somered，sometawnyofhue；andsome，whichwereoftheBeamings，greenliketheleafytree。
Thewarriorsofthehostwentdownintothiswain-town，whichtheyhadnotfencedinanyway，sincetheyinnowiselookedforanyonsetthere；andthereweretheirthrallsdightingthefeastforthem，andamanyoftheDaylingkindred，bothmenandwomen，wentwiththem；
butsomemendidtheDaylingsbringintotheirRoof，fortherewasroomforagoodmanybesidestheirownfolk。SotheywentovertheBridgeofturfintothegarthandintotheGreatRoofoftheDaylings；andamongstthesewerethetwoWar-dukes。
Sowhentheycametothedaisitwasasfairallroundaboutthereasmightwellbe；andtheresateldersandancientwarriorstowelcometheguests；andamongthemwastheoldcarlewhohadsatontheedgeoftheburgtowatchthefaringofthehost，andhadshudderedbackatthesightoftheWolfingBanner。
Andwhentheoldcarlesawtheguests，hefixedhiseyesonThiodolf，andpresentlycameupandstoodbeforehim；andThiodolflookedontheoldman，andgreetedhimkindlyandsmiledonhim；butthecarlespakenottillhehadlookedonhimawhile；andatlasthefella-
trembling，andreachedhishandsouttoThiodolf’sbarehead，andhandledhiscurlsandcaressedthem，asamotherdoeswithherson，evenifhebeagrizzled-hairedman，whenthereisnoneby:andatlasthesaid:
"Howdearistheheadofthemighty，andtheappleofthetreeThatbloomswiththelifeofthepeoplewhichisandyetshallbe！
Itishelmedwithancientwisdom，andthelongrememberedthought，Thatlivethwhendeadistheiron，anditsveryrustbutnought。
Ah！wereIbutyoungasaforetime，Iwouldfaretothebattle-steadAndstandamidstofthespear-hailforthepraiseofthehandandthehead！"
ThenhishandsleftThiodolf’shead，andstrayeddowntohisshouldersandhisbreast，andhefeltthecoldringsofthehauberk，andlethishandsfalldowntohissideagain；andthetearsgushedoutofhisoldeyesandagainhespake:
"Ohouseoftheheartofthemighty，Obreastofthebattle-lordWhyartthoucoldlyhiddenfromtheflickeringflameofthesword？
Iknowtheenot，norseethee；thouartasthefellsafarWheretheFathershavetheirdwelling，andthehallsofGodhomeare:
Thewindblowswildbetwixtus，andthecloud-rackfliesalong，Andhighaloftenfoldeththedwellingofthestrong；
Theyare，asofoldtheyhavebeen，buttheirhearthsflamenotforme；
Andthekindnessoftheirfeast-hallsmineeyesshallneversee。"
Thiodolf’slipsstillsmiledontheoldman，butashadowhadcomeoverhiseyesandhisbrow；andthechiefoftheDaylingsandtheirmightyguestsstoodbylisteningintentlywiththeknitbrowsofanxiousmen；nordidanyspeaktilltheancientmanagainbetookhimtowords:
"Icametothehouseofthefoemanwhenhungermademeafool；
Andthefoemansaid，’Thouartweary，lo，setthyfootonthestool；’
AndIstretchedoutmyfeet，——andwasshackled:andhespakewithadastard’ssmile，’Oguest，thinehandsareheavy；nowrestthemforawhile！’
SoIstretchedoutmyhands，andthehand-gyveslaycoldoneitherwrist:
Andthewoodofthewolfhadbeenbetterthanthatfeast-hall，hadI
wistThatthiswastheancientpit-fall，andthelongexpectedtrap，Andthatnowformyheart’sdesireIhadsoldtheworld’sgoodhap。"
TherewiththeancientmanturnedslowlyawayfromThiodolf，anddepartedsadlytohisownplace。Thiodolfchangedcountenancebutlittle，albeitthoseabouthimlookedstrangelyonhim，asthoughiftheydursttheywouldaskhimwhatthesewordsmightbe，andifhefromhishiddenknowledgemightfitameaningtothem。Fortomanytherewasawordofwarninginthem，andtosomeanevilomenofthedayssoontobe；andscarceanyoneheardthosewordsbuthehadamisgivinginhisheart，fortheancientmanwasknowntobeforeseeing，andwildandstrangehiswordsseemedtothem。
ButAgniwouldmakelightofit，andhesaid:"AsmundtheOldisofgoodwill，andwiseheis；buthehathgreatlongingsforthedeedsofmen，whenhehathtidingsofbattle；foragreatwarriorandared-handhewerhehathbeenintimespast；helovestheKindred，anddeemsitillifhemaynotfareafieldwiththem；forthethoughtofdyinginthestrawishatefultohim。"
"Yea，"saidanother，"andmoreoverhehathseensonswhomhelovedslaininbattle；andwhenheseethawarriorinhisprimehebecomethdeartohim，andhefearethforhim。"
"Yet，"saidathird，"Asmundisforeseeing；andmaybe，Thiodolf，thouwiltwotofthedriftofthesewords，andtellusthereof。"
ButThiodolfspakenoughtofthematter，thoughinhisheartheponderedit。
Sotheguestswereledtotable，andthefeastbegan，withinthehallandwithoutit，andwideabouttheplain；andtheDaylingmaidenswentinbandstrimlydeckedoutthroughoutallthehostandservedthewarriorswithmeatanddrink，andsangtheoverwordtotheirlays，andsmotetheharp，anddrewthebowoverthefiddletillitlaughedandwailedandchuckled，andwereblitheandmerrywithall，andgreatwasthegleeontheeveofbattle。AndifThiodolf’sheartwereovercast，hisfaceshoweditnot，buthepassedfromhalltowain-burgandfromwain-burgtohallagainblitheandjoyouswithallmen。Andtherebyheraisedtheheartsofmen，andtheydeemeditgoodthattheyhadgottensuchaWar-duke，meettoupholdallheartsofmenbothatthefeastandinthefray。
CHAPTERX——THATCARLINECOMETHTOTHEROOFOFTHEWOLFINGS
NowitwasthreedaysafterthisthatthewomenweregatheringtotheWomen’s-ChamberoftheRoofoftheWolfingsalittlebeforetheafternoonchangesintoevening。Theheartsofmostweresomewhatheavy，forthedoubtwherewiththeyhadwatchedthedepartureofthefighting-menstillhungaboutthem；norhadtheyanytidingsfromthehostnorwasitlikethattheyshouldhave。Andastheyweresomewhatdown-hearted，soitseemedbytheaspectofallthingsthatafternoon。Itwasnotyettheevening，asisaforesaid，butthedaywaswornandworsened，andallthingslookedweary。Theskywasalittleclouded，butnotmuch；yetwasitmurkydowninthesouth-
east，andtherewasathreatofstorminit，andintheaircloseroundeachman’shead，andintheverywavingoftheleafyboughs。
Therewasbythistimelittledoinginfieldandfoldforthekineweremilked，andthewomenwerecomingupfromtheacresandthemeadowandovertheopengroundanightheRoof；therewasthegrasswornanddusty，andthewomenthattrodit，theirfeetweretannedandworn，anddustyalso；skin-dryandwearytheylooked，withthesweatdrieduponthem；theirgirt-upgownsgreyandlightless，theirhalf-unboundhairblowingabouttheminthedrywind，whichhadinitnomorningfreshness，andnoeveningcoolness。
Itwasatimewhentoilwaswell-nighdone，buthadleftitsachingbehindit；atimeforfolktosleepandforgetforalittlewhile，tillthelowsunshouldmakeitevening，andmakeallthingsfairwithhislevelrays；notimeforanxiousthoughtsconcerningdeedsdoing，whereintheanxiousonescoulddonoughttohelp。Yetsuchthoughtsthosestay-at-homesneedsmusthaveinthehouroftheirtoilscarceover，theirrestandmirthnotbegun。
SlowlyonebyonethewomenwentinbytheWomen’s-door，andtheHall-Sunsatonastonehardby，andwatchedthemastheypassed；andshelookedkeenlyatallpersonsandallthings。Shehadbeenworkingintheacres，andherhandwasyetonthehoeshehadbeenusing，andbutforherfaceherbodywasasofonerestingaftertoil:herdarkbluegownwasungirded，herdarkhairlooseandfloating，theflowersthathadwreathedit，nowfaded，lyingstrewnuponthegrassbeforeher:herfeetbareforcoolness’sake，herlefthandlyinglooseandopenuponherknee。
Yetthoughherbodyotherwiselookedthuslistless，inherfacewasnolistlessness，norrest:hereyeswerealertandclear，shiningliketwostarsintheheavensofdawntide；herlipsweresetclose，herbrowknit，asofonestrivingtoshapethoughtshardtounderstandintowordsthatallmightunderstand。
Soshesatnotingallthings，aswomanbywomanwentpastherintothehall，tillatlastsheslowlyrosetoherfeet；fortherecametwoyoungwomenleadingbetweenthemthatsameoldcarlinewithwhomshehadtalkedontheHill-of-Speech。Shelookedonthecarlinesteadfastly，butgavenotokenofknowingher；buttheancientwomanspokewhenshecameneartotheHall-Sun，andoldashersemblancewas，yetdidherspeechsoundsweettotheHall-Sun，andindeedtoallthosethathearditandshesaid:
"Maywebehereto-night，OHall-Sun，thoulovelySeeressofthemightyWolfings？mayawanderingwomansitamongstyouandeatthemeatoftheWolfings？"
ThenspaketheHall-Suninasweetmeasuredvoice:"Surelymother:
allmenwhobringpeacewiththemarewelcomegueststotheWolfings:
norwillanyaskthineerrand，butwewillletthytidingsflowfromtheeasthouwilt。Thisisthecustomofthekindred，andnowordofmineown；Ispeaktotheebecausethouhastspokentome，butIhavenoauthorityhere，beingmyselfbutanalien。AlbeitIservetheHouseoftheWolfings，andIloveitasthehoundlovethhismasterwhofeedethhim，andhismaster’schildrenwhoplaywithhim。Enter，mother，andbegladofheart，andputawaycarefromthee。"
Thentheoldwomandrewnighertoherandsatdowninthedustatherfeet，forshewasnowsittingdownagain，andtookherhandandkisseditandfondledit，andseemedlothtoleavehandlingthebeautyoftheHall-Sun；butshelookedkindlyonthecarline，andsmiledonher，andleaneddowntoher，andkissedhermouth，andsaid:
"Damsels，takecareofthispoorwoman，andmakehergoodcheer；forsheiswiseofwit，andafriendoftheWolfings；andIhaveseenherbefore，andspokenwithher；andshelovethus。ButasformeImustneedsbealoneinthemeadsforawhile；anditmaybethatwhenI
cometoyouagain，Ishallhaveawordtotellyou。"
NowindeeditwasinamannertruethattheHall-SunhadnoauthorityintheWolfingHouse；yetwasshesowellbelovedforherwisdomandbeautyandhersweetspeech，thatallhastenedtodoherwillinsmallmattersandingreat，andnowastheylookedatheraftertheoldwomanhadcaressedher，itseemedtothemthatherfairnessgrewundertheireyes，andthattheyhadneverseenhersofair；andthesightofherseemedsogoodtothem，thattheoutworndayanditswearinesschangedtothem，anditgrewaspleasantasthefirsthoursofthesunlight，whenmenarisehappyfromtheirrest，andlookonthedaythatliethhopefulbeforethemwithallitsdeedstobe。
Sotheygrewmerry，andtheyledthecarlineintotheHallwiththem，andsetherdownintheWomen’s-Chamber，andwashedherfeet，andgavehermeatanddrink，andbadeherrestandthinkofnothingtroublous，andinallwisemadehergoodcheer；andshewasmerrywiththem，andpraisedtheirfairnessandtheirdeftness，andaskedthemmanyquestionsabouttheirweavingandspinningandcarding；
howbeittheloomswereidleasthenbecauseitwasmidsummer，andthemengonetothewar。Andthistheydeemedstrange，asitseemedtothemthatallwomenshouldknowofsuchthings；buttheythoughtitwasatokenthatshecamefromfaraway。
Butafterwardsshesatamongthem，andtoldthempleasanttalesofpasttimesandfarcountries，andwasblithetothemandtheytoherandthetimeworeontowardnightfallintheWomen’s-Chamber。
CHAPTERXI——THEHALL-SUNSPEAKETH
ButfortheHall-Sun；shesatlongonthatstonebytheWomen’s-door；
butwhentheeveningwasnowcome，shearoseandwentdownthroughthecornfieldsandintothemeadow，andwanderedawayasherfeettookher。
NightwasfallingbythenshereachedthatpoolofMirkwood-water，whoseeddiessheknewsowell。Theresheletthewatercoverherinthedeepstream，andshefloateddownandsportedwiththerippleswheretheriverleftthatdeeptoraceovertheshallows；andthemoonwascastingshadowsbythenshecameupthebankagainbytheshallowendbearinginherarmsabundleoftheblue-floweringmouse-
ear。Thenshecladherselfatonce，andwentstraightasonewithasetpurposetowardtheGreatRoof，andenteredbytheMan’s-door；andtherewerefewmenwithinandtheybutoldandheavywiththeburdenofyearsandthecomingofnight-tide；buttheywonderedandlookedtoeachotherandnoddedtheirheadsasshepassedthemby，asmenwhowouldsay，Thereissomethingtoward。
Soshewenttohersleeping-place，anddidonfreshraiment，andcameforthpresentlycladinwhiteandshodwithgoldandhavingherhairwreathedaboutwiththeherbofwonder，theblue-floweringmouse-earofMirkwood-water。ThusshepassedthroughtheHall，andthoseelderswerestirredintheirheartswhentheybeheldherbeauty。ButsheopenedthedooroftheWomen’s-Chamber，andstoodonthethreshold；andlo，theresatthecarlineamidstaringoftheWolfingwomen，andshetellingthemtalesofoldtimesuchastheyhadnotyetheard；andhereyeswereglittering，andthesweetwordswereflowingfromhermouth；butshesatstraightuplikeayoungwoman；
andatwhilesitseemedtothosewhohearkened，thatshewasnooldandoutwornwoman，butfairandstrong，andofmuchavail。ButwhensheheardtheHall-Sunsheturnedandsawheronthethreshold，andherspeechfellsuddenly，andallthatmightandbrisknessfadedfromher，andshefixedhereyesontheHall-Sunandlookedwistfullyandanxiouslyonher。
ThenspaketheHall-Sunstandinginthedoorway:
"Hearyeamatter，maidens，andyeWolfingwomenall，AndthoualienguestoftheWolfings！Butcomeyeupthehall，Thattheancientmenmayhearken:formethinksIhaveawordOfthebattleoftheKindreds，andtheharvestofthesword。"
Thenallaroseupwithgreatjoy，fortheyknewthatthetidingsweregood，whentheylookedonthefaceoftheHall-Sunandbeheldtheprideofherbeautyunmarredbydoubtorpain。
Sheledthemforthtothedais，andtherewerethesickandtheeldersgatheredandsomeancientmenofthethralls:soshesteppedlightlyuptoherplace，andstoodunderhernamesake，thewondrouslampofancientdays。Andthusshespake:
"Onmysoulthereliesnoburden，andnotangleofthefightInplainordaleorwild-woodenmeshesnowmysight。
IseetheMarkmen’swain-burg，andIseetheirwarriorsgoAsmenwhowaitforbattleandthecomingofthefoe。
Andtheypass’twixtthewoodandthewain-burgwithinearshotofthehorn，Butoverthewindymeadowsnosoundthereofisborne，Andalliswellamongstthem。TotheburgIdrawanighAndIseeallbattle-bannersinthebreezeofmorningfly，ButnoWolfingsroundtheirbannerandnowarrioroftheShield，NoGeiringandnoHrossingintheburgoronthefield。"
Sheheldherpeaceforalittlewhile，andnoonedaredtospeak；
thensheliftedupherheadandspake:
"NowIgobythelipofthewild-woodandasoundwithalIhear，Asofmeninthepathsofthethicket，andamanydrawinganear。
Then，muffledyetbythetree-boles，IheartheShieldingsong，Andwarriorsblitheandmerrywiththebattleofthestrong。
Givebackalittle，Markmen，makewayformentopassToyourorderedbattle-dwellingo’erthetroddenmeadow-grass，Foralivewithmenisthewild-woodandshinethwiththesteel，AndhathavoicemostmerrytotelloftheKindreds’weal，’Twixteachtreeawarriorstandethcomebackfromthespear-strewnway，Andforththeycomefromthewild-woodandalittlebandarethey。"
Thenagainwasshesilent；butherheadsanknot，asofonethinking，asbeforeitdid，butshelookedstraightforwardwithbrighteyesandsmiling，asshesaid:
"Lo，nowthegueststheyarebringingthatyehavenotseenbefore；
Yetguestsbutill-entreated；fortheylacktheirshieldsofwar，Nospearinthehandtheycarryandwithnosaxaregirt。
Lo，thesearethedreadedfoemen，theseoncesostrongtohurt；
Thementhatallfolkfledfrom，theswifttodrivethespoil，Thementhatfashionednothingbutthetraptomakementoil。
Theydrewtheswordinthecities，theycameandstruckthestrokeAndsmotetheshieldoftheMarkmen，andpointandedgetheybroke。
Theydrewtheswordinthewar-garth，theysworetobringabackGod’sgiftsfromtheMarkmenhouseswherethetablesneverlack。
OMarkmen，taketheGod-giftsthatcameontheirownfeetO’erthehillsthroughtheMirkwoodthickettheStoneofTyrtomeet！"
Againshestayedhersong，whichhadbeenloudandjoyous，andtheywhoheardherknewthattheKindredshadgainedtheday，andwhilsttheHall-Sunwassilenttheyfelltotalkingofthisfairdayofbattleandthetakingofcaptives。Butpresentlyshespreadoutherhandsagainandtheyheldtheirpeace，andshesaid:
"Isee，OWolfingwomen，andmanyathingIsee，Butnotallthings，Oelders，thiseveshallyelearnofme，Foranothermouththerecometh:thethicketIbeholdAndtheSonsofTyramidstit，andIseetheoak-treesold，Andthewar-shoutringingroundthem；andIseethebattle-lordUnhelmedamidstofthemighty；andIseehisleapingsword；
Strokesstruckandwarriorsfalling，andthestreaksofspearsIsee，Buthereofshalltheothertellyouwhospeakethafterme。
FornoneotherthantheShieldingsfromoutthewoodhavecome，AndtheyshifttheturnwiththeDaylingstodrivethefolk-spearhome，AndtofollowwiththeWolfingsandthrustthewar-beastforth。
AndsogoodmendeemthetidingsthattheybidthemjourneynorthOnthefeetofaShieldingrunner，thatGislihathtoname；
AndwestofthewaterhewendethbythewaythattheWolfingscame；
Nowforsleephetarriesnever，andnomeatisinhismouthTillthefirstoftheHouseshearkeneththetidingsofthesouth；
Lo，hespeaks，andthemead-seasippeth，andthebreadbythewaydotheat，AndovertheGeiringthresholdandoutwardpasshisfeet；
AndhebreaststheBurgoftheDaylingsandsaithhishappyword，AndstayethtodrinkforaminuteofthewavesofBattle-ford。
Lonethenbythestreamherunneth，andwendeththewild-woodroad，AnddasheththroughthehazelsoftheOselings’fairabode，AndtheElkingwomenknowit，andtheirheartsaregladoncemore，Andye——yea，hearken，Wolfings，forhisfeetareatthedoor。"
CHAPTERXII——TIDINGSOFTHEBATTLEINMIRKWOOD
AstheHall-Sunmadeanendtheyheardingoodsooththefeetoftherunneronthehardgroundwithoutthehall，andpresentlythedooropenedandhecameleapingoverthethreshold，anduptothetable，andstoodleaningonitwithonehand，hisbreastheavingwithhislastswiftrun。Thenhespakepresently:
"IamGislioftheShieldings:OttersendethmetotheHall-Sun；butonthewayIwastotelltidingstotheHouseswestoftheWater:sohaveIdone。Nowismyjourneyended；forOttersaith:’LettheHall-Sunnotethetidingsandsendwordofthembyfourofthelightestlimbedofthewomen，orbyladsa-horseback，bothwestandeastoftheWater；lethersendthewordasitseemethtoher，whethershehathseenitornot。Iwilldrinkashortdraughtsincemyrunningisover。"
Thenadamselbroughthimahornofmeadandletitcomeintohishand，andhedranksighingwithpleasure，whilethedamselforpleasureofhimandhistidingslaidherhandonhisshoulder。Thenhesetdownthehornandspake:
"We，theShieldings，withtheGeirings，theHrossings，andtheWolfings，threehundredwarriorsandmore，wereledintotheWoodbyThiodolftheWar-duke，besidewhomwentFox，whohathseentheRomans。Wewereallafoot；forthereisnowidewaythroughtheWood，norwouldwehaveitotherwise，lestthefoefindthethicketeasy。Butmanyofusknowthethicketanditsways；sowemadenottheeasyhard。IwasneartheWar-duke，forIknowthethicketandamlight-foot:Iamabowman。IsawThiodolfthathewasunhelmedandborenoshield，norhadheanycoatoffence；noughtbutadeer-
skinfrock。"
Ashesaidthatword，thecarline，whohaddrawnveryneartohimandwaslookinghardathisface，turnedandlookedontheHall-Sunandstaredathertillshereddenedunderthosekeeneyes:forinherheartbegantogathersomeknowledgeofthetaleofhermotherandwhatherwillwas。
ButGisliwenton:"Yetbyhissidewashismightysword，andweallknewitforThrong-plough，andweregladofitandofhimandtheunfencedbreastofthedauntless。Sixhourswewentspreadingwidethroughthethicket，notalwaysseeingoneanother，butknowingoneanothertobenigh；thosethatknewthethicketbestled，theothersfollowedon。Sowewenttillitwashighnoonontheplainandglimmeringduskinthethicket，andwesawnought，savehereandtherearoe，andhereandthereasounderofswine，andconeyswhereitwasopener，andthesunshoneandthegrassgrewforalittlespace。Socameweuntowherethethicketendedsuddenly，andtherewasalonggladeofthewild-wood，allsetaboutwithgreatoak-treesandgrassthereunder，whichIknewwell；andthereofthetaletellsthatitwasaholyplaceofthefolkwhoabidedinthesepartsbeforetheSonsoftheGoths。NowwillIdrink。"
Sohedrankofthehornandsaid:"ItseemeththatFoxhadadeemingofthewaytheRomansshouldcome；sonowweabidedinthethicketwithoutthatgladeandlayquietandhidden，spreadingourselvesasmuchaboutthatlawnoftheoak-treesaswemight，thewhileFoxandthreeotherscreptthroughthewoodtoespywhatmightbetoward:
notlonghadtheybeengoneereweheardawar-hornblow，anditwasnoneofourhorns:itwasalongwayoff，butwelookedtoourweapons:formenareeagerforthefoeandthedeaththatcometh，whentheyliehiddeninthethicket。Awhilepassed，andagainweheardthehorn，anditwasnigherandhadamarvellousvoice；theninawhilewasalittlenoiseofmen，nottheirvoices，butfootstepsgoingwarilythroughthebraketothesouth，andtwelvemencameslowlyandwarilyintothatoak-lawn，andlo，oneofthemwasFox；
buthewascladintheraimentofthedastardoftheGothswhomhehadslain。Itellyoumyheartbeat，forIsawthattheotherswereRomanmen，andoneofthemseemedtobeamanofauthority，andheheldFoxbytheshoulder，andpointedtothethicketwherewelay，andsomethinghesaidtohim，aswesawbyhisgestureandface，buthisvoiceweheardnot，forhespakesoft。
"Thenofthosetenmenofhishesentbacktwo，andFoxgoingbetweenthem，asthoughheshouldbeslainifhemisledthem；andheandtheeightabidedtherewiselyandwarily，standingsilentlysomesixfeetfromeachother，movingscarceatall，butlookinglikeimagesfashionedofbrowncopperandiron；holdingtheircasting-spearswhichbemarvellousheavyweaponsandgirtwiththesax。
"Astheystoodthere，notoutofearshotofamanspeakinginhiswontedvoice，ourWar-dukemadeasigntothoseabouthim，andwespreadveryquietlytotherighthandandtheleftofhimoncemore，andwedrewascloseasmightbetothethicket’sedge，andthosewhohadbowsthenighestthereto。Thusthenweabidedawhileagain；andagaincamethehorn’svoice；forbeliketheyhadnomindtocometheirwayscovertlybecauseoftheirpride。
"SoontherewithalcomesFoxcreepingbacktous，andIsawhimwhisperintotheearoftheWar-duke，butheardnotthewordhesaid。
IsawthathehadhangingtohimtwoRomansaxes，soIdeemedhehadslainthosetwo，andsoescapedtheRomans。Maidens，itwerewellthatyegavemetodrinkagain，forIamwearyandmyjourneyisdone。"
Soagaintheybroughthimthehorn，andmademuchofhim；andhedrank，andthenspakeon。
"Nowheardwethehorn’svoiceagainquiteclose，anditwassharpandshrill，andnothingliketotheroarofourbattle-horns:stillwasthewoodandnowindabroad，notevendowntheoak-lawn；andweheardnowthetrampofmanymenastheythrashedthroughthesmallwoodandbrackenofthethicket-way；andthoseeightmenandtheirleadercameforward，movinglikeone，closeuptothethicketwhereI
lay，justwherethepathpassedintothethicketbesetbytheSonsoftheGoths:soneartheywerethatIcouldseethedintsupontheirarmour，andthestrandsofthewireontheirsax-handles。Downthenbowedthetallbrackenonthefurthersideofthewood-lawn，thethicketcrashedbeforethemarchofmen，andontheystrodeintothelawn，agoodlyband，wary，alert，andsilentofcries。
"Butwhentheycameintothelawntheyspreadoutsomewhattotheirlefthands，thatistosayonthewestside，forthatwaywastheclearglade；butontheeastthethicketcamecloseuptothemandedgedthemaway。ThereinlaytheGoths。
"Theretheystayedawhile，andspreadoutbutalittle，asmenmarching，notasmenfighting。Awhileweletthembe；andwesawtheircaptain，nobigman，butdightwithveryfairarmourandweapons；andtheredrewuptohimcertainGothsarmed，thedastardsofthefolk，andanotherunarmed，anoldmanboundandbleeding。
WiththeseGothshadthecaptainsomeconverse，andpresentlyhecriedouttwoorthreewordsofWelshinaloudvoice，andtheninemenwhowereaheadshiftedthemsomewhatawayfromustoleaddownthegladewestward。
"Thepreyhadcomeintothenet，buttheyhadturnedtheirfacestowardthemouthofit。
"ThenturnedThiodolfswiftlytothemanbehindhimwhocarriedthewar-horn，andeverymanhandledhisweapons:butthatmanunderstood，andsetthelittleendtohismouth，andloudroaredthehornoftheMarkmen，andneitherfriendnorfoemisdoubtedthetalethereof。Thenleapedeverymantohisfeet，allbow-stringstwangedandthecast-spearsflew；nomanforeboretoshout；eachashemightleaptoutofthethicketandfellonwithswordandaxeandspear，foritwasfromthebowmenbutoneshaftandnomore。
"ThenmightyouhaveseenThiodolfasheboundedforwardlikethewild-catonthehare，howhehadnoeyesforanysavetheRomancaptain。Foemenenoughhehadroundabouthimafterthetwofirstboundsfromthethicket；fortheRomansweredoingtheirbesttospread，thattheymighthandlethoseheavycast-spears，thoughtheymightscarcedoit，justcomeoutofthethicketastheywere，andthrusttogetherbythatonslaughtofthekindredsfallingonfromtwosidesandevensomewhatfrombehind。TorightandleftflashedThrong-plough，whileThiodolfhimselfscarceseemedtoguideit:menfellbeforehimatonce，andcloseathisheelspouredtheWolfingkindredintothegap，andinaminuteoftimewasheamidstofthethrongandfacetofacewiththegold-dightcaptain。
"WhatwiththesweepofThrong-ploughandtheWolfingonrush，therewasspaceabouthimforagreatstroke；hegaveaside-longstroketohisrightandheweddownatallBurgundian，andthenupsprangthewhiteblade，butereitsedgefellheturnedhiswrist，anddrovethepointthroughthatCaptain’sthroatjustabovetheendingofhishauberk，sothathefelldeadamidstofhisfolk。
"Allthefourkindredswereonthemnow，andamidstthem，andneedsmusttheygiveway:butstoutlytheyfought；forsurelynootherwarriorsmighthavewithstoodthatonslaughtoftheMarkmenforthetwinklingofaneye:buthadtheRomanshadbutthespacetohavespreadthemselvesoutthere，soastohandletheirshot-weapons，manyawoman’ssonofushadfallen；fornomanshieldedhimselfinhiseagerness，butlettheswiftnessoftheOnsetofpoint-and-edgeshieldhim；which，soothtosay，isoftenagoodshield，asherewasfound。
"Sothosethatwereunslainandunhurtfledwestalongtheglade，butnotasdastards，andhadnotThiodolffollowedhardinthechaseaccordingtohiswont，theymightevenyethavemadeafreshstandandspreadfromoak-treetooak-treeacrosstheglade:butasitbefel，theymightnotgetafairoffingsoastodisentanglethemselvesandarraythemselvesingoodordersidebyside；andwhereastheMarkmenwerefleetoffoot，andinthewoodstheyknew，therewereamanyaliensslaininthechaseortakenaliveunhurtorlittlehurt:buttherestfledthiswayandthatwayintothethicket，withwhomweresomeoftheBurgundians；sotheretheyabidenowasoutcastsandmenunholy，tobeslainaswild-beastsonebyoneaswemeetthem。
"SuchthenwasthebattleinMirkwood。Givemethemead-hornthatI
maydrinktothelivingandthedead，andthememoryofthedead，andthedeedsofthelivingthataretobe。"
Sotheybroughthimthehorn，andhewaveditoverhisheadanddrankagainandspake:
"SixtyandthreedeadmenoftheRomanswecountedthereupanddownthatoak-glade；andwecastearthoverthem；andthreedeaddastardsoftheGoths，andweleftthemforthewolvestodealwith。Andtwenty-fivemenoftheRomanswetookalivetobeforhostagesifneedshouldbe，andthesedidweShieldingmen，whoarenotverymany，bringabacktothewain-burg；andtheDaylings，whoareagreatcompany，wereappointedtoenterthewoodandbewithThiodolf；andmedidOtterbidtobearthetidings，evenasIhavetoldyou。AndI
havenotloiteredbytheway。"
GreatthenwasthejoyintheHall；andtheytookGisli，andmademuchofhim，andledhimtothebath，andcladhiminfineraimenttakenfromthecofferwhichwasbutseldomopened，becausetheclothsitheldwereprecious；andtheysetagarlandofgreenwheat-earsonhishead。Thentheyfelltoandspreadthefeastinthehall；andtheyateanddrankandweremerry。
Butasforspeedingthetidings，theHall-Sunsenttwowomenandtwolads，alla-horseback，tobearthewords:thewomentorememberthewordswhichshetaughtthemcarefully，theladstobehandywiththehorses，orintheford，ortheswimmingofthedeeps，orinthethicket。Sotheywenttheirways，downthewater:onepairwentonthewesternside，andtheothercrossedMirkwood-waterattheshallowsforbeingMidsummerthewaterwasbutsmall，andwentalongtheeastside，sothatallthekindredmightknowofthetidingsandrejoice。
GreatwasthegleeintheHall，thoughthewarriorsoftheHousewereaway，andmanyasongandlaytheysang:butamidstthefirstofthesingingtheybethoughtthemoftheoldwoman，andwouldhavebiddenhertellthemsometaleoftimespast，sinceshewassowiseintheancientlore。Butwhentheysoughtforheronallsidesshewasnottobefound，norcouldanyonerememberseeingherdepartfromtheHall。Butthishadtheynocalltoheed，andthefeastended，asitbegan，ingreatglee。
AlbeittheHall-Sunwastroubledaboutthecarline，boththatshehadcome，andthatshehadgone:andshedeterminedthatthenexttimeshemethershewouldstrivetohaveofheratruetaleofwhatshewas，andofallthatwastoward。
CHAPTERXIII——THEHALL-SUNSAITHANOTHERWORD
Itwasnolaterthanthenextnight，andamanyofwhatthrallswerenotwiththehostwereaboutinthefeast-hallwiththeeldersandladsandweaklingsoftheHouse；forlastnight’stidingshaddrawnthemthither。Gislihadgonebacktohiskindredandthewain-burgintheUpper-mark，andthewomenweresitting，mostofthem，intheWomen’s-Chamber，someofthemdoingwhatlittlesummerworkneededdoingaboutthelooms，butmorerestingfromtheirworkinfieldandacre。
ThencametheHall-Sunforthfromherroomcladinglitteringraiment，andsummonednoone，butwentstraighttoherplaceonthedaisunderhernamesaketheLamp，andstoodtherealittlewithoutspeaking。Herfacewaspalenow，herlipsalittleopen，hereyessetandstaringasiftheysawnothingofallthatwasroundabouther。
NowwentthewordthroughtheHallandtheWomen’s-ChamberthattheHall-Sunwouldspeakagain，andthatgreattidingsweretoward；soallfolkcameflock-mealtothedais，boththrallsandfree；andscarcewereallgatheredthere，eretheHall-Sunbeganspeaking，andsaid:
"Thedaysoftheworldthrustonward，andmenarebornthereinAmanyandamany，anddiversdeedstheywinInthefashioningofstoriesforthekindredsoftheearth，Agarlandinterwovenofsorrowandofmirth。
Totheworldawarriorcometh；fromtheworldhepassethaway，Andnomanthenmaysunderhisgoodfromhisevilday。
BytheGodshathhebeentormented，andbeensmittenbythefoe:
Hehathseenhismaidenperish，hehathseenhisspeech-friendgo:
Hishearthathconceivedajoyanceandhathbroughtituntobirth:
Buthehathnotcarriedwithhimhissorroworhismirth。
Hehathlived，andhislifehathfashionedtheoutcomeofthedeed，Fortheblossomofthepeople，andthecomingkindreds’seed。
"Thus-wisetheworldisfashioned，andthenewsunofthemornWhereearthlastnightwasdesertbeholdsakindredborn，Thatto-morrowandto-morrowblossomsallgloriouslyWithmanyamanandmaidenforthekindredsyettobe，AndfairtheGoth-folkgroweth。AndyetthestorysaithThatthedeedsthatmakethesummermaketoothewinter’sdeath，Thatsummer-tidesunceasingfromoutthegravemaygrowAndthespringriseupunblemishedfromthebosomofthesnow。
"ThusastoeverykindredthedaycomesonceforallWhenyesterdayitwasnot，andto-dayitbuildsthehall，Soeverykindredbideththenight-tideoftheday，Whereofitknowethnothing，e’enwhennoonispastaway。
E’enthustheHouseoftheWolfings’twixtduskanddarkdothstand，Andnarrowisthepathwaywiththedeeponeitherhand。
Ontheleftarethedaysforgotten，ontherightthedaystocome，AndanotherfolkandtheirstoryinthesteadoftheWolfinghome。
Dotheshadowsdarkenaboutit，istheevenhereatlast？
Oristhisbutastormofthenoon-tidethatthewindisdrivingpast？
"Unscathedasyetitstandeth；itbearsthestormydrift，Norbowstothelighteningflashingadownfromthecloudylift。
Iseethehailofbattleandtheonslaughtofthestrong，Andtheygoadowntothefolk-motethatshallbidethereoverlong。
Iseetheslain-heapsrisingandthealienfolkprevail，AndtheGothsgivebackbeforethemontheridgeo’erthetreelessvale。
Iseetheancientfallen，andtheyoungmansmittendead，AndyetIseetheWar-dukeshakeThrong-plougho’erhishead，Andstandunhelmed，unbyrniedbeforethealienhost，Andthehurtmenrisearoundhimtowinbackbattlelost；
Andthewoodyieldupherwarriors，andthewholehostrushingon，Andtheswayinglinesofbattleuntilthelostiswon。
Thenforthgoesthecryoftriumph，astheyringthecaptivesroundAndcheatthecrowofherportionandheapthewarriors’mound。
Therearefacesgonefromourfeast-hallnottheleastbelovednorworst，ButthewaneoftheHouseoftheWolfingsnotyettheworldhathcursed。
Thesunshallriseto-morrowonourcoldanddewyroof，Fortheythatlongedforslaughterwereslaughteredfaraloof。"
Sheceasedforalittle，buthercountenance，whichhadnotchangedduringhersong，changednotatallnow:sotheyallkeptsilencealthoughtheywererejoicinginthisnewtaleofvictory；fortheydeemedthatshewasnotyetattheendofherspeaking。Andingoodsoothshespakeagainpresently，andsaid:
"Iwotnotwhathathbefallennorwheremysoulmaybe，ForconfusioniswithinmeandbutdimlydoIsee，AsifthethingthatIlookonhadhappedawhileago。
Theystandbythetoftsofawar-garth，acaptainofthefoe，AndamanthatisoftheGoth-folk，andasfriendandfriendtheyspeak，ButIhearnowordtheyaresaying，thoughforeverywordIseek。
AndnowthemistflowsroundmeandblindIcomeabackTotheHouse-roofoftheWolfingsandthehearththathathnolack。"
Hervoicegrewweakerasshespakethelastwords，andshesankbackwardontoherchair:herclenchedhandsopened，thelidsfelldownoverherbrighteyes，herbreastheavednomoreasithaddone，andpresentlyshefellasleep。
Thefolkweredoubtfulandsomewhatheavy-heartedbecauseofthoselastwordsofhers；buttheywouldnotaskhermore，orrouseherfromhersleep，lesttheyshouldgrieveher；sotheydepartedtotheirbedsandsleptforwhatwasyetleftofthenight。
CHAPTERXIV——THEHALL-SUNISCAREFULCONCERNINGTHEPASSESOFTHE
WOOD
Inthemorningearlyfolkarose；andtheladsandwomenwhowerenotofthenight-shiftgotthemreadytogotothemeadandtheacres；
forthesunshinehadbeenplentytheselastdaysandthewheatwasdoneblossoming，andallmustbegotreadyforharvest。Sotheybroketheirfast，andgottheirtoolsintotheirhands:buttheyweresomewhatheavy-heartedbecauseofthoselastwordsoftheHall-
Sun，andthedoubtoflastnightstillhungaboutthem，andtheywerescarcelyasmerryasmenarewonttobeinthemorning。
AsfortheHall-Sun，shewasafootwiththeearliest，andwasnoless，butmayhapmoremerrythanherwontwas，andwasblithewithall，botholdandyoung。
Butastheywereatthepointofgoingshecalledtothem，andsaid:
"Tarryalittle，comeyealltothedaisandhearkentome。"
Sotheyallgatheredthereto，andshestoodinherplaceandspake。
"WomenandeldersoftheWolfings，isitsothatIspakesomewhatoftidingslastnight？"
"Yea，"saidtheyall。
Shesaid，"Andwasitawordofvictory？"
Theyanswered"yea"again。
"Goodisthat，"shesaid；"doubtyenot！thereisnoughttounsay。
Buthearken！IamnothingwiseinwarlikeThiodolforOtteroftheLaxings，orasHeriulftheAncientwas，thoughhewasnoughtsowiseastheybe。Neverthelessyeshalldowelltotakemeforyourcaptain，whilethisHouseisbareofwarriors。"
"Yea，yea，"theysaid，"sowillwe。"
Andanoldwarrior，hightSorli，whosatinhischair，nolongerquiteway-worthy，said:
"Hall-Sun，thiswelookedforofthee；sincethywisdomisnotwhollythewisdomofaspae-wife，butratherisofthechildrenofwarriors:
andweknowthinehearttobehighandproud，andthatthydeathseemethtotheeasmallmatterbesidethelifeoftheWolfingHouse。"
Thenshesmiledandsaid，"Willyealldomybidding？"
Andtheyallcriedoutheartily，"Yea，Hall-Sun，thatwillwe。"
Shesaid:"Hearkenthen；yeallknowthateastofMirkwood-water，whenyecometothetoftsoftheBearings，andtheirGreatRoof，thethicketbehindthemisclose，butthatthereisawidewaycutthroughit；andoftenhaveIgonethere:ifyegobythatway，inawhileyecometothethicket’sendandtobareplaceswheretherockscropupthroughthegravelandthewoodlandloam。Therebreedtheconeyswithoutnumber；andwild-catshaunttheplaceforthatsake，andfoxes；andthewood-wolfwalkeththereinsummer-tide，andhardbytheshe-wolfhathherlitterofwhelps，andallthesehaveenough；
andthebald-headernehangethoveritandthekite，andalsothekestril，forshrewsandmiceaboundthere。Ofthesethingsthereisnonethatfearethme，andnonethatmakethmeafraid。Beyondthisplaceforalongwaythewoodisnowisethick，forfirstgrowash-
treesaboutthecleftsoftherockandalsoquicken-trees，butnotmanyofeither；andhereandthereahazelbrakeeasytothrustthrough；thencomesaspaceofoak-treesscatteredaboutthelovelywood-lawn，andthenatlastthebeech-woodcloseabovebutclearbeneath。ThisIknowwell，becauseImyselfhavegonesofarandfurther；andbythiseasywayhaveIgonesofartothesouth，thatI
havecomeoutintothefellcountry，andseenafaroffthesnowymountainsbeyondtheGreatWater。
"Nowfearyenot，butpluckupaheart！ForeitherIhaveseenitordreamedit，orthoughtit，thatbythisroadeasytowendtheRomansshouldcomeintotheMark。ForshallnotthosedastardsandtraitorsthatweartheraimentandbodiesoftheGothsovertheheartsandthelivesoffoemen，tellthemhereof？AndwilltheynothaveheardofourThiodolf，andthismyholynamesake？
"Willtheynotthereforebesayingtothemselves，’Gotonow，whyshouldwewrenchthehingesoffthedoorwithplenteouslabour，whenanotherdoortothesamechamberstandethopenbeforeus？ThisHouseoftheWolfingsisthedoortothetreasurechamberoftheMarkmen；
letusfallonthatatonceratherthanhavemanybattlesforotherlessermatters，andthenatlasthavetofightforthisalso:forhavingthiswehaveall，andtheyshallbeourthralls，andwemayslaughterwhatwewill，andtormentwhatwewillanddeflowerwhatwewill，andmakeoursoulsgladwiththeirgriefandanguish，andtakeabackwithustothecitieswhatwewillofthethralls，thattheiranguishandourjoymayendurethelonger。’Thuswilltheysay:
thereforeisitmyredethatthestrongestandhardiestofyouwomentakehorse，atenofyouandonetoleadbesides，andridetheshallowstotheBearingHouse，andtellthemofourrede；whichistowatchdiligentlythewaysofthewood；theoutgatetotheMark，andtheplaceswherethewoodisthinandeasytotravelon:andyeshallbidthemgiveyouoftheirfolkasmanyastheydeemfittesttheretotojoinyourcompany，sothatyemayhaveachainofwatchersstretchingfarintothewilds；buttwoshallliewithoutthewood，theirhorsesreadyforthemtoleaponandrideonthespurtothewain-burgintheUpper-markifanytidingsbefal。
"NowoftheseelevenIordainHrosshildtobetheleaderandcaptain，andtochooseforherfellowsthestoutest-limbedandheaviest-handedofallthemaidenshere:artthoucontentHrosshild？"
ThenstoodHrosshildforthandsaidnought，butnoddedyea；andsoonwasherchoicemadeamidjestsandlaughter，forthisseemednohardmattertothem。
Sothetengottogether，andtheothersfellofffromthem，andtherestoodthetenmaidenswithHrosshild，wellnighasstrongasmen，clean-limbedandtall，tannedwithsunandwind；forallthesewereunweariedafield，andoftwouldlieouta-nights，sincetheylovedthelark’ssongbetterthanthemouse’ssqueak；butastheirkirtlesshiftedatneckandwrist，youmightseetheirskinsaswhiteasprivet-flowerwheretheywerewonttobecovered。
ThensaidtheHall-Sun:"Yehaveheardtheword，seeyetoit，Hrosshild，andtakethisotherwordalso:BidtheBearingstay-at-
homesbidenottheswordandthetorchathomeiftheRomanscome，buthiethemoverhither，toholdtheHallorliveinthewild-woodwithus，asneedmaybe；formightbideswithmany。
"Butyemaidens，takethiscounselforyourselves；doyeeachbearwithyoualittlekeenknife，andifyebetaken，anditseemtoyouthatyemaynotbearthesmartoftheRomantormentsfortheybewiseintormenting，butwillspeakandbewrayusunderthem，thenthrustthislittleedgetoolintotheplaceofyourbodieswherethelifeliethclosest，andsogototheGodswithagoodtaleinyourmouths:somaytheAlmightyGodofEarthspeedyou，andthefathersofthekindred！"
Soshespoke；andtheymadenodelaybuteachonetookwhataxeorspearorswordshelikedbest，andtwohadtheirbowsandquiversofarrows；andsoallfolkwentforthfromtheHall。
Soonwerethehorsessaddledandbridled，andthemaidensbestrodethemjoyouslyandsetforthontheirway，goingdownthelanesofthewheat，androdedownspeedilytowardtheshallowsofthewater，andallcriedgoodspeedafterthem。Buttheotherswouldturntotheirday’swork，andwouldgoabouttheirdiverserrands。Butevenastheywereatpointtosunder，theysawaswiftrunnerpassingbythosemaidensjustwheretheacresjoinedthemeadow，andhewavedhishandaloftandshoutedtothem，butstayednothisrunningforthem，butcameupthelanesofthewheatathisswiftest:sotheyknewatoncethatthiswasagainamessengerfromthehost，andtheystoodtogetherandawaitedhiscoming；andashedrewneartheyknewhimforEgil，theswiftest-footedoftheWolfings；andhegaveagreatshoutashecameamongthem；andhewasdustyandwayworn，buteager；andtheyreceivedhimwithalllove，andwouldhavebroughthimtotheHalltowashhimandgivehimmeatanddrink，andcherishhiminallways。
Buthecriedout，"TotheSpeech-Hillfirst，totheSpeech-Hillfirst！Butevenbeforethat，onewordtothee，Hall-Sun！SaithThiodolf，SendyewatcherstolooktotheentranceintoMid-mark，whichisbytheBearingdwelling；andifaughtuntowardbefallethletonerideonthespurwiththetidingstotheWain-burg。Forbythatwayalsomayperilcome。"
Thensmiledsomeofthebystanders，andtheHall-Sunsaid:"Goodisitwhenthethoughtofafriendstirrethbetimesinone’sownbreast。
Thethingisdone，Egil；orsawestthounotthosetenwomen，andHrosshildtheeleventh，asthoucamestupintotheacres？"
SaidEgil；"Fairfallthinehand，Hall-Sun！thouarttheWolfings’
Ransom。WendwenowtotheSpeech-Hill。"
Sodidthey，andeverythrallthatwasaboutthedwellings，man，woman，andchildfaredwiththem，andstoodabouttheSpeech-Hill:
andthedogswentroundabouttheedgeofthatassembly，wanderinginandout，andsometimeslookinghardonsomeonewhomtheyknewbest，ifhecriedoutaloud。
Butthemen-folkgavealltheirearstohearkening，andstoodascloseastheymight。
ThenEgilclombtheSpeech-Hill，andsaid。