NowastheridersoftheGothscameoveragainstthedwellingsoftheWithings，theysawpeople，mostlywomen，drivingupthebeastsfromthemeadowtowardsthegarth；butuponthetoftsabouttheirdwellingsweregatheredmanyfolk，whohadtheireyesturnedtowardthetokenofravagethathungintheskyabovethefairplain；butwhenthesebeheldtheridingofthehost，theytosseduptheirarmstothemandwhatevertheyboreinthem，andthesoundoftheirshrillcryfortheywereallwomenandyoungladscamedownthewindtotheearsoftheriders。Butdownbytheriveronaswellofthegroundweresomeswainsandafewthralls，andamongthemsomemenarmedanda-horseback；andthese，whentheyperceivedthehostcomingonturnedandrodetomeetthem；andastheydrewneartheyshoutedasmenoverjoyedtomeettheirkindred；andindeedthefighting-menoftheirownHousewereridinginthehost。Andthearmedmenwerethreeoldmen，andoneveryoldwithmarvellouslongwhitehair，andfourlongladsofsomefifteenwinters，andfourstoutcarlesofthethrallsbearingbowsandbucklers，andtheserodebehindtheswains；
sotheyfoundtheirownkindredandrodeamongstthem。
Butwhentheywerealljinglingandclashingontogether，thedustarisingfromthesun-driedturf，theearthshakingwiththethunderofthehorse-hoofs，thentheheartofthelong-hoaryonestirredwithinhimashebethoughthimofthedaysofhisyouth，andtohisoldnostrilscamethesmellofthehorsesandthesavourofthesweatofwarriorsridingclosetogetherkneetokneeadownthemeadow。Sohelifteduphisvoiceandsang:
"RidethlovelyalongThestrongbythestrong；
SoftunderhisbreathSingethswordinthesheath，AndshieldbabblethoftUntohelm-crestaloft；
HowsoonshalltheirwordsrisemidwrathofthebattleIntowrangleunheededofclangingandrattle，AndnomanshallnotethenthegoldontheswordWhentheruneshavenomeaning，themouth-crynoword，Whenallmingledtogether，thewar-seaofmenShalltossupthesteel-sprayroundfourscoreandten。
"NowasmaidsburntheweedBetwixtacreandmead，SotheBearings’RoofBurnethlittlealoof，AndredgloweththehallBetwixtwallandfairwall，Whereoftenthemead-seawesippedinolddays，Whenourfeetwerea-wearywithwendingtheways；
Whentheloveofthelovelyatevenwasborn，Andourhandsfeltfairhandsastheyfellonthehorn。
ThereroundaboutstandeththeringofthefoeTossingbabesontheirspearsliketheweedso’erthelow。
"Ride，ridethen！norspareTheredsteedsasyefare！
Yetifdaylightshallfail，Bythefire-lightofbaleShallweseetheblearedeyesOfthewar-learned，thewise。
Intheacreofbattletheworkistowin，Letuslivebythelabour，sheaf-smitingtherein；
Andasofto’erthesicklewesangintimepastWhenthecrakethatlongmockedusfledlightatthelast，Sosingo’erthesword，andthesword-hardenedhandBearingdowntothereapingthewrathoftheland。"
Sohesang；andagreatshoutwentupfromhiskindredandthosearoundhim，anditwastakenupallalongthehost，thoughmanyknewnotwhytheyshouted，andthewholehostquickeneditspace，andwentagreattrotoverthesmoothmeadow。
SoinnolongwhileweretheycomeoveragainstthesteadoftheErings，andthereaboutswerenobeastsa-field，andnowomen，foralltheneatweredrivenintothegarthoftheHouse；butalltheywhowerenotwar-fitwerestandingwithoutdoorslookingdowntheMarktowardsthereekoftheBearingdwellings，andthesealsosentacryofwelcometowardthehostoftheirkindred。Butalongtheriver-
bankcametomeetthehostanarmedbandoftwooldmen，twoyouthswhoweretheirsons，andtwelvethrallswhowerearmedwithlongspears；andallthesewerea-horseback:sotheyfellinwiththeirkindredandthehostmadenostayforthem，butpressedonover-
runningthemeadow。Andstillwentupthatcolumnofsmoke，andthickerandblackeritgrewa-top，andruddieramidmost。
SocametheybytheabodeoftheGeddings，andtherealsotheneatandsheepwerecloseinthehome-garth:butarmedmenwerelyingorstandingabouttheriverbank，talkingorsingingmerrilynoneotherwisethanthoughdeeppeacewereontheland；andwhentheysawthefaringofthehosttheysprangtotheirfeetwithashoutandgattotheirhorsesatonce:theyweremorethantheotherbandshadbeen，fortheGeddingswereagreaterHouse；theyweresevenoldmen，andtenswains，andtenthrallsbearinglongspearsliketothoseoftheErings；andnosoonerhadtheyfalleninwiththeirkindred，thanthemenofthehostespiedagreatercompanyyetcomingtomeetthem:
andthesewereofthefolkoftheGaltings；andamongstthemweretenwarriorsintheirprime，becausetheyhadbutoflatecomebackfromthehuntinginthewoodandhadbeenbelatedfromthemusterofthekindreds；andwiththemwereeightoldmenandfifteenlads，andeighteenthralls；andtheswainsandthrallsallborebowsbesidestheswordsthattheyweregirtwithal，andnotallofthemhadhorses，buttheywhohadnonerodebehindtheothers:sotheyjoinedthemselvestothehost，shoutingaloud；andtheyhadwiththemagreathornthattheyblewontilltheyhadtakentheirplaceinthearray；andwhereastheirkindredwaswithThiodolf，theyfollowedalongwiththehindermenoftheShieldings。
Sonowallthehostwentontogether，andwhentheyhadpassedtheGaltingabodes，therewasnothingbetweenthemandBearham，norneedtheylookforanyfurtherhelpofmen；therewerenobeastsafieldnoranytoherdthem，andthestay-at-homeswerewithindoorsdightingthemfordepartureintothewild-woodifneedshouldbe:
butalittlewhileaftertheyhadpassedthesedwellingscameintothehosttwoswainsofabouttwentywinters，andadoughtymaid，theirsister，andtheybarenoweaponssaveshortspearsandknives；
theywerewetanddrippingwiththewater，fortheyhadjustswumMirkwood-water。TheywereoftheWolfingHouse，andhadbeenshepherdingafewsheeponthewestsideofthewater，whentheysawthehostfaringtobattle，andmightnotrefrainthem，butswamtheirhorsesacrosstheswiftdeepstojointheirkindredtoliveanddiewiththem。Thetaletellsthattheythreefoughtinthebattlesthatfollowedafter，andwerenotslainthere，thoughtheyenteredthemunarmed，butlivedlongyearsafterwards:ofthemneednomorebesaid。
Now，whenthehostwasbutalittlepasttheGaltingdwellingsmenbegantoseetheflamesmingledwiththesmokeoftheburning，andthesmokeitselfgrowingthinner，asthoughthefirehadover-
masteredeverythingandwasconsumingitselfwithitsownviolence；
andsomewhatafterwards，thegroundrising，theycouldseetheBearingmeadowandthefoementhereon:yetalittlefurther，andfromtheheightofanotherswellingoftheearththeycouldseetheburninghousesthemselvesandthearrayoftheRomans；sotheretheystayedandbreathedtheirhorsesawhile。AndtheybeheldhowoftheRomansagreatcompanywasgatheredtogetherinclosearraybetwixtthefordandtheBearingHall，butnigheruntotheford，andthesewereashortmilefromthem；butotherstheysawstreamingoutfromtheburningdwellings，asiftheirworkweredonethere，andtheycouldnotseethattheyhadanycaptiveswiththem。OtherRomanstherewere，andamongstthemmenintheattireoftheGoths，busiedabouttheriverbanks，asthoughtheyweregoingtotrytheford。
ButalittlewhileabodeOtterinthatplace，andthenwavedhisarmandrodeonandallthehostfollowed；andastheydrewnigher，Otter，whowaswiseinwar，beheldtheRomansanddeemedthemagreathost，andtheverykernelandmainbodyofthemmanymorethanallhiscompany；andmoreovertheyweredulyandwellarrayedasmenwaitingafoe；soheknewthathemustbewaryorhewouldlosehimselfandallhismen。
Sohestayedhiscompanywhentheywereabouttwofurlongsfromthem，andthemainbodyofthefoestirrednot，buthorsemenandslingerscameforthfromitssidesandmadeontowardtheGoths，andinthreeorfourminuteswerewithinbowshotofthem。ThenthebowmenoftheGothsslippeddownfromtheirhorsesandbenttheirbowsandnockedtheirarrowsandletfly，andslewandhurtmanyofthehorsemen，whoenduredtheirshotbutforaminuteortwoandthenturnedreinandrodebackslowlytotheirfolk，andtheslingerscamenotonveryeagerlywhereastheyweredealingwithmena-horseback，andthebowmenoftheGothsalsoheldthemstill。
NowturnedOttertohisfolkandmadethemasign，whichtheyknewwell，thattheyshouldgetdownfromtheirhorses；andwhentheywereafoottheleadersoftensandhundredsarrayedthem，intothewedge-
array，withthebowmenoneitherflank:andOttersmiledashebeheldthisadoingandthattheRomansmeddlednotwiththem，belikebecausetheylookedtohavethemgoodcheap，sincetheywerebutafewwildmen。
Butwhentheywereallarrayedhesatstillonhishorseandspaketothemshortandsharply，saying:
"MenoftheGoths，willyemountyourhorsesagainandrideintothewoodandletitcoveryou，orwillyefighttheseRomans？"Theyansweredhimwithagreatshoutandtheclashingoftheirweaponsontheirshields。"Thatiswell，"quothOtter，"sincewehavecomesofar；forIperceivethatthefoewillcometomeetus，sothatwemusteitherabidetheirshockorturnourbacks。Yetmustwefightwiselyorweareundone，andThiodolfinriskofundoing；thishavewetodoifwemay，tothrustinbetweenthemandtheford，andifwemaydothat，thereletusfightitout，tillwefalloneoveranother。Butifwemaynotdoit，thenwillwenotthrowourlivesawaybutdothefoemenwhathurtwemaywithoutminglingourselvesamongstthem，andsoabidethecomingofThiodolf；forifwegetnotbetwixtthemandthefordwemayinnocasehinderthemfromcrossing。AndallthisItellyouthatyemayfollowmewisely，andrefrainyourwraththatyemayliveyettogiveitthereinwhenthetimecomes。"
Sohespakeandgotdownfromhishorseanddrewhisswordandwenttotheheadofthewedge-arrayandbeganslowlytoleadforth；butthethrallsandswainshadheedofthehorses，andtheydrewabackwiththemtowardsthewoodwhichwasbutalittlewayfromthem。
ButforOtterheledhismendowntowardstheford，andwhentheRomanssawthat，theirmainbodybegantomoveforward，faringslant-
wise，asacrab，downtowardtheford；thenOtterhastenedsomewhat，ashewellmight，sincehismenwerewelllearnedinwaranddidnotbreaktheirarray；butnowbythistimewerethoseburnersoftheRomanscomeupwiththemainbattle，andtheRomancaptainsentthematonceagainsttheGoths，andtheyadvancedboldlyenough，agreatcloudofmeninloosearraywhofelltowitharrowsandslingsonthewedge-arrayandslewandhurtmany:yetdidnotOtterstayhisfolk；
butitwasillgoingforthem，fortheirunshieldedsideswereturnedtotheRomans，nordurstOtterscatterhisbowmenoutfromthewedge-
array，lesttheRomans，whoweremorethanthey，shouldenterinamongstthem。EverhegazedearnestlyonthemainbattleoftheRomans，andwhattheyweredoing，andpresentlyitbecamecleartohimthattheywouldoutgohimandcometotheford，andthenhewottedwellthattheywouldsetonhimjustwhentheirlight-armedwereonhisflankandhisrearward，andthenitwouldgohardbuttheywouldbreaktheirarrayandallwouldbelost:thereforeheslackedhispaceandwentveryslowlyandtheRomanswentnonetheslowerforthat；buttheirlight-armedgrewbolderanddrewmoretogetherastheycamenighertotheGoths，asthoughtheywouldgivethemanonset；butjustatthatnickoftimeOtterpassedtheworddowntheranks，and，wavinghissword，turnedsharplytotherightandfellwithallthewedge-arrayontheclusteringthrongofthelight-armed，andhisbowmenspreadoutnowfromtherightflankofthewedge-array，andshotsharpandswiftandthebowmenontheleftflankranforwardswiftlytilltheyhadclearedthewedge-arrayandwereontheflankofthelight-armedRomans；andthey，whatbetweentheonsetoftheswordsmenandspearmenoftheGoths，andtheirsharparrows，knewnotwhichwaytoturn，andagreatslaughterbefellamongstthem，andtheyofthemwerethehappiestwhomightsavethemselvesbytheirfeet。
Nowafterthisstorm，andafterthesemenhadbeenthrustaway，Otterstayednot，butsweptroundaboutthefieldtowardthehorses；andindeedhelookedtoitthatthemain-battleoftheRomansshouldfollowhim，buttheydidnot，butstayedstilltoreceivethefleersoftheirlight-armed。AndthisindeedwasthegoodhapoftheGoths；
fortheyweresomewhatdisorderedbytheirchaseofthelight-armed，andtheysmoteandsparednot，theirheartsbeingfullofbitterwrath，asmightwellbe；forevenastheyturnedontheRomans，theybeheldthegreatroofoftheBearingsfallinovertheburnedhall，andagreatshowerofsparksburstupfromitsfall，andthereweretheraggedgablesleftstanding，lickedbylittletonguesofflamewhichcouldnottakeholdofthembecauseoftheclaywhichfilledthespacesbetweenthegreattimbersandwasdaubedoverthem。Andtheysawthatalltheotherhouseswereeitheralightorsmouldering，downtothesmallestcotofathrall，andeventhebarnsandboothsbothgreatandlittle。
Therefore，whereastheMarkmenwerefarfewerinallthantheRomanmain-battle，andwhereasthissamehostwasinverygoodarray，nodoubttherewasthattheMarkmenwouldhavebeengrievouslyhandledhadtheRomansfallenon；buttheRomanCaptainwouldnothaveitso:
forthoughhewasaboldman，yetwashisboldnessthatofthewolf，thatfallethonwhenheishungryandskulkethwhenheisfull。Hewasbothyoungandveryrich，andamightymanamonghistownsmen，andwellhadhelearnedthatgingerishotinthemouth，andthoughhehadcomeforthtothewarfortheincreasingofhisfame，hehadnowilltodieamongtheMarkmen，eitherforthesakeofthecityofRome，orofanyfolkwhatsoever，butwasliefertoliveforhisownsake。Thereforewashecomeouttovanquisheasily，thatbyhisfamewonhemightwinmorerichesanddominioninRome；andhewaswellcontentalsotohaveforhisownwhateverwaschoiceamongsttheplunderofthesewild-menashedeemedthem，ifitwerebutafairwomanortwo。Sothismanthought，ItismybusinesstocrossthefordandcometoWolfstead，andtheretakethetreasureofthetribe，andhaveastrongholdthere，whencewemayslaysomanyofthesebeastswithlittlelosstousthatwemaymarchawayeasilyandwithourhandsfull，evenifMaeniuswithhismencomenottoouraid，asfullsurelyhewill:thereforeastotheseangrymen，whobenotwithoutmightandconductinbattle，letusremembertheoldsawthatsaith’abridgeofgoldtoafleeingfoe，’andletthemdepartwithnomorehurtofRomans，andseekusafterwardswhenwearefencedintotheirstead，whichshallthenbeourstronghold:evensospakehetohisCaptainsabouthim。
ForitmustbetoldthathehadnotidingsoftheoverthrowoftheRomansontheRidge；nordidheknowsurelyhowmanyfighting-mentheMarkmenmightmuster，exceptbythereportofthosedastardsoftheGoths；andthoughhehadtakenthosetwowomeninthewastes，yethadhegotnowordfromthem，fortheydidastheHall-Sunbadethem，whentheyknewthattheywouldbequestionedwithtorments，andsmitingthemselveseachwithalittlesharpknife，sowenttheirwaystotheGods。
ThusthentheRomanCaptainlettheMarkmengotheirways，andturnedtowardtheford，andtheMarkmenwentslowlynowtowardtheirhorses。
HowbeitthereweremanyofthemwhomurmuredagainstOtter，sayingthatitwasilldonetohavecomesofarandriddensohard，andthentohavedonesolittle，andthatwereto-morrowcome，theywouldnotbeledawaysoeasily:butnowtheysaiditwasill；fortheRomanswouldcrossthewater，andmaketheirwaystoWolfstead，nonehinderingthem，andwouldburnthedwellingsandslaytheoldmenandthralls，andhaveawaythewomenandchildrenandtheHall-SunthetreasureoftheMarkmen。Insooth，theyknewnotthatabandoftheRomanlight-armedhadalreadycrossedthewater，andhadfallenuponthedwellingsoftheWolfings；butthattheoldmenandyounglingsandthrallsoftheHousehadcomeuponthemastheywereentangledamidstthetoftsandthegarths，andhadovercomethemandslainmany。
ThuswentOtterandhismentotheirhorseswhenitwasnowdrawingtowardsunsetforallthiswassomewhileadoing，andbetookthemtoarisinggroundnotfarfromthewood-side，andtheremadewhatsortofagarththeymight，withtheirhorsesandthelimbsoftreesandlong-shaftedspears；andtheysetawatchandabodeinthegarthrightwarily，andlightednofireswhennightfell，butatewhatmeattheyhadwiththem，whichwasbutlittle，andsosleepingandwatchingabodethemorning。ButthemainbodyoftheRomansdidnotcrossthefordthatnight，fortheyfearedlesttheymightgoastraytherein，foritwasanillfordtothosethatknewnotthewater:sotheyabodeonthebanknightothewater’sedge，withthemindtocrossassoonasitwasfairlydaylight。
NowOtterhadlostofhismensomehundredandtwentyslainorgrievouslyhurt，andtheyhadawaywiththemthehurtmenandthebodiesoftheslain。ThetaletellsnothowmanyoftheRomanswereslain，butamanyoftheirlight-armedhadfallen，sincetheMarkmenhadturnedsohastilyuponthem，andtheyhadwiththemmanyofthebestbowmenoftheMark。
CHAPTERXXI——THEYBICKERABOUTTHEFORD
InthegreyofthemorningwasOtterafootwiththewatchers，andpresentlyhegotonhishorseandpeeredovertheplain，butthemistyethunglowonit，sothathemightseenoughtforawhile；butatlastheseemedtonotesomethingcomingtowardthehostfromtheupperwaterabovetheford，soherodeforwardtomeetit，andlo，itwasaladoffifteenwinters，nakedsavehisbreeches，andwetfromtheriver；andOtterdrewrein，andtheladsaidtohim:"ArtthoutheWarduke？""Yea，"saidOtter。
Saidthelad，"IamAli，thesonofGrey，andtheHall-Sunhathsentmetotheewiththisword:’Areyecoming？IsThiodolfathand？
ForIhaveseentheRoof-ridgeredinthesunlightasifitwerepaintedwithcinnabar。’"
SaidOtter，"ArtthougoingbacktoWolfstead，son？"
"Yea，atonce，myfather，"saidAli。
"Thentellher，"saidOtter，"thatThiodolfisathand，andwhenhecomethweshallbothtogetherfallupontheRomanseitherincrossingthefordorintheWolfingmeadow；buttellheralsothatIamnotstrongenoughtohindertheRomansfromcrossing。"
"Father，"saidAli，"theHall-Sunsaith:Thouartwiseinwar；nowtellus，shallweholdtheHallagainsttheRomansthatyemayfindusthere？Forwehavediscomfitedtheirvanguardalready，andwehavefolkwhocanfight；butbelikethemainbattleoftheRomansshallgettheupperhandofusereyecometoourhelping:belikeitwerebettertoleavethehall，andletthewoodcoverus。"
"Nowisthiswellasked，"saidOtter；"gettheeback，myson，andbidtheHall-SuntrustnottowardingoftheHall，fortheRomansareamightyhost:andthisday，evenwhenThiodolfcomethhither，shallbehardfortheGothfolk:letherhastenlestthesethievescomeuponherhastily；lethertaketheHall-Sunhernamesake，andtheoldmenandchildrenandthewomen，andletthosefightingfolkshehathbeaguardtoallthisinthewood。Andhearkenmoreover；itwill，maybe，besixhoursereThiodolfcometh；tellherIwillcastthediceforlifeordeath，andstiruptheseRomansnowatonce，thattheymayhaveotherthingstothinkofthanburningoldmenandwomenandchildrenintheirdwellings；thusmayshereachthewoodunhindered。Hastthouallthisinthinehead？Thengothyways。"
Buttheladlingered，andhereddenedandlookedonthegroundandthenhesaid:"Myfather，Iswamthedeeps，andwhenIreachedthisbank，IcreptalongbythemistandthereedstowardwheretheRomansare，andIcameneartothem，andnotedwhattheyweredoing；andI
telltheethattheyarealreadystirringtotakethewaterattheford。Nowthendowhatthouwilt。"
Therewithheturnedabout，andwenthiswayatonce，runninglikeacoltwhichhasneverfelthalterorbit。
ButOtterrodebackhastilyandrousedcertainmeninwhomhetrusted，andbidthemrousethecaptainsandallthehostandbidmengettohorsespeedilyandwithaslittlenoiseasmightbe。Sodidthey，andtherewaslittledelay，formenweresleepingwithoneeyeopen，asfolksay，andmanywerealreadyastir。Soinalittlewhiletheywereallinthesaddle，andthemistyetstretchedlowoverthemeadow；forthemorningwascoolandwithoutwind。ThenOtterbadethewordbecarrieddowntheranksthattheyshouldrideasquietlyasmaybeandfarethroughthemisttodotheRomanssomehurt，butinnowisetogetentangledintheirranks，andallmentoheedwellthesignalofturninganddrawingaback；andtherewiththeyrodeoffdownthemeadowledbymenwhocouldhaveledthemthroughthedarknight。
ButfortheRomans，theywereindeedgettingreadytocrossthefordwhenthemistshouldhaverisen；andonthebankitwasthinningalreadyandmeltingaway；foralittleairofwindwasbeginningtobreathefromthenorth-eastandthesunrise，whichwasjustathand；
andthebank，moreover，wasstonierandhigherthanthemeadow’sface，whichfellawayfromitasashallowdishfromitsrim:
thereonyetlaythemistlikeawhitewall。
SotheRomansandtheirfriendsthedastardsoftheGothshadwellnighgotallready，andhaddrivenstakesintothewaterfrombanktobanktomarkoutthesafeford，andsomeoftheirlight-armedandmostoftheirGothswerebynowinthewaterorupontheWolfingmeadowwiththemorepartoftheirbaggageandwains；andtherestofthehostwasdrawnupingoodorder，bandbyband，waitingthewordtotakethewater，andthecaptainwasstandingnightotheriverbankbesidetheirGodthechiefbanneroftheHost。
OfasuddenoneofthedastardsoftheGothswhowasclosetotheCaptaincriedoutthatheheardhorsecoming；butbecausehespakeintheGothictongue，fewheeded；buteventherewithanoldleaderofahundredcriedoutthesametidingsintheRomantongue，andallmenfelltohandlingtheirweapons；butbeforetheycouldfacedulytowardthemeadow，camerushingfromoutofthemistastormofshaftsthatsmotemanymen，andtherewithalburstforththesoundoftheMarkmen’swar-horn，liketheroaringofahundredbullsmingledwiththethunderofhorsesatthegallop；andthendarkoverthewallofmistshowedthecrestsoftheridersoftheMark，thoughscarceweretheirhorsesseentilltheirwholewar-rankcamedarkandglitteringintothespaceoftherising-groundwherethemistwasbutahazenow，andnowatlastsmittenathwartbythelowsunjustarisen。
Therewithcameanotherstormofshafts，whereinjavelinsandspearscastbythehandweremingledwiththearrows:buttheRomanrankshadfacedthemeadowandthestormwhichityielded，swiftlyandsteadily，andtheystoodfastandthrewtheirspears，albeitnotwithsuchgoodaimasmighthavebeen，becauseoftheirhaste，sothatfewwereslainbythem。AndtheRomanCaptainstilllothtofightwiththeGothsinearnestfornoreward，andstillmoreandmorebelievingthatthiswastheonlybandofthemthathehadtolookto，badethosewhowerenighestthefordnottotarryfortheonsetofafewwildriders，buttogotheirwaysintothewater；elsebyasuddenonrushmighttheRomanshaveentangledOtter’sbandintheirranks，andsodestroyedall。AsitwasthehorsemenfellnotontheRomanranksfullinface，butpassinglikeastormathwarttherankstotheright，fellontherewheretheywereinthinnestarrayfortheyweregatheredtothefordasaforesaid，andslewsomeanddravesomeintothedeepsandtroubledthewholeRomanhost。
SonowtheRomanCaptainwasforcedtotakeneworder，andgatherallhismentogether，andarrayhismenforahardfight；andbynowthemistwasrollingofffromthefaceofthewholemeadowandthesunwasbrightandhot。Hismenserriedtheirranks，andthefrontrankcasttheirspears，andslewbothmenandhorsesoftheGothsasthoserodealongtheirfrontcastingtheirjavelins，andshootinghereandtherefrombehindtheirhorsesifoccasionserved，ormakingashifttosendanarrowevenastheysata-horseback；thenthesecondrankoftheRomanswouldtaketheplaceofthefirst，andcastintheirturn，andtheywhohadtakenthewaterturnedbackandtooktheirplacebehindtheothers，andmanyofthelight-armedcamewiththem，andallthemassofthemflowedforwardtogether，lookingasifitmightneverbebroken。ButOtterwouldnotabidetheshock，sincehehadlostmenandhorses，andhadnomindtobecaughtinthesweepoftheirnet；sohemadethesign，andhisCompanydrewofftorightandleft，yetkeepingwithinbow-shot，sothatthebowmenstillloosedattheRomans。
Buttheyfortheirpartmightnotfollowafootmenonuntiredhorses，andtheirownhorsewasonthewestsidewiththebaggage，andhaditbeentherewouldhavebeenbutoflittleavail，astheRomanCaptainknew。Sotheystoodawhilemakinggrimcountenance，andthenslowlydrewbacktothefordundercoveroftheirlight-armedwhoshotattheGothsastheyrodeforward，butabodenottheirshock。
ButOtterandhisfolkfollowedaftertheRomansagain，andagaindidthemsomehurt，andatlastdrewsonigh，thatoncemoretheRomansstormedforth，andoncemoresmoteastrokeintheair；norevensowouldtheMarkmenceasetomeddlewiththem，thoughneverwouldOttersufferhismentobemingledwiththem。AtthelasttheRomans，seeingthatOtterwouldnotwalkintotheopentrap，andgrowingwearyofthisbickering，begantotakethewaterlittlebylittle，whileastrongCompanykeptfacetotheMarkmen；andnowOttersawthattheywouldnotbehinderedanylonger，andhehadlostmanymen，andevennowfearedlestheshouldbecaughtinthetrap，andsoloseall。Andontheotherhanditwashighnoonbynow，sothathehadgivenrespitetothestay-at-homesoftheWolfings，sothattheymightgetthemintothewood。Sohedrewoutofbowshotandbadehismenbreathetheirhorsesandrestthemselvesandeatsomething；andtheydidsogladly，sincetheysawthattheymightnotfallupontheRomanstoliveanddieforituntilThiodolfwascome，oruntiltheyknewthathewasnotcoming。ButtheRomanscrossedthefordingoodearnestandweresoonallgatheredtogetheronthewesternbankmakingthemreadyforthemarchtoWolfstead。AnditmustbetoldthattheRomanCaptainwasthemoredeliberateaboutthisbecauseaftertheoverthrowofhislight-armedtherethemorningbefore，hethoughtthattheRoofwasheldbywarriorsofthekindreds，andnotbyafewoldmen，andwomen，andlads。Thereforehehadnofearoftheirescapinghim。Moreoveritwasthisimaginationofhis，towitthatastrongbandofwarriorswasholdingWolf-stead，thatmadehimdeemtherewerenomoreworththinkingaboutofthewarriorsoftheMarksaveOtter’sCompanyandthemenintheHalloftheWolfings。
CHAPTERXXII——OTTERFALLSONAGAINSTHISWILL
ItwaswiththesameimaginationworkinginhimbelikethattheRomanCaptainsetnonetoguardthefordonthewestwardsideofMirkwood-
water。TheRomanstarriedtherebutalittlehour，andthenwenttheirways；butOttersentamanonaswifthorsetowatchthem，andwhentheywerecleangoneforhalfanhour，hebadehisfolktohorse，andtheydeparted，allsaveahandfuloftheswainsandelders，whowerelefttotellthetidingstoThiodolfwhenheshouldcomeintoMid-mark。
SoOtterandhisfolkcrossedtheford，anddrewupingoodorderonthewestwardbank，anditwasthensomewhatmorethanthreehoursafternoon。HehadbeentherebutalittlewhilebeforehenotedastirintheBearingmeadow，andlo，itwasthefirstofThiodolf’sfolk，whohadgottenoutofthewoodandhadfalleninwiththemenwhomhehadleftbehind。AndthesefirstweretheridersoftheBearings，andtheWormings，fortheyhadout-gonetheotherswhowereafoot。Itmaywellbethoughthowfearfulwastheirangerwhentheyseteyesonthesmoulderingashesofthedwellings；norevenwhenthosefolkofOtterhadtoldthemalltheyhadtotellcouldsomeofthemrefrainthemfromridingofftotheburnthousestoseekforthebodiesoftheirkindred。Butwhentheycamethere，andamidsttheashescouldfindnobones，theirheartswerelightened，andyetsomadwroththeywere，thatsomecouldscarcesittheirhorses，andgreattearsgushedfromtheeyesofsome，andpattereddownlikehail-stones，soeagerweretheytoseethebloodoftheRomans。SotheyrodebacktowheretheyhadlefttheirfolktalkingwiththemofOtter；andtheBearingsweresittinggrimupontheirhorsesandsomewhatscowlingonOtter’smen。Thentheforemostofthosewhohadcomebackfromthehouseswavedhishandtowardtheford，butcouldsaynoughtforawhile；butthecaptainandchiefoftheBearings，agrizzledmanverybigofbody，whosenamewasArinbiorn，spaketothatmanandsaid；"WhataileththeeSweinbiorntheBlack？Whathastthouseen？"
Hesaid:
"NowredandgreyisthepavementoftheBearings’houseofold:
Redyetisthefloorofthedais，butthehearthallgreyandcold。
Iknewnotthehouseofmyfathers；IcouldnotcalltomindThefashionofthebuildingofthatWarderoftheWind。
Owideweregrownthewindows，andtheroofexceedinghigh！
Fornoughttherewastolookon’twixtthepavementandthesky。
Butthetie-beamlayonthedais，andmethoughtitsstainingfair；
Forringsofsmoothestcharcoalwereroundithereandthere，Andtheredflameflickeredo’erit，andneverastainingwightHathredearthinhiscoffersoclearandglitteringbright，Andstillthelittlesmoke-wreathscurledo’eritpaleandblue。
Yea，fairisourhall’sadorningforafeastthatisstrangeandnew。"
SaidArinbiorn:"Whatsawestthoutherein，OSweinbiorn，wheresatthygrandsireatthefeast？Wherewerethebonesofthymotherlying？"
SaidSweinbiorn:
"Wesoughtthefeast-hallover，andnoughtwefoundthereinOfthebonesoftheancientmothers，ortheyounglingsofthekin。
Themenaregreedy，doubtless，tolosenowhitoftheprey，AndwilltryifthehoaryeldersmayyetoutlivethewayThatleadstothesouthlandcities，tillatlasttheycometostandWiththeyounglingsinthemarkettobesoldinanalienland。"
Arinbiorn’sbrowlightenedsomewhat；buterehecouldspeakagainanancientthralloftheGaltingsspakeandsaid:
"Trueitis，OwarriorsoftheBearings，thatwemightnotseeanywar-thrallsbeingledawaybytheRomanswhentheycameawayfromtheburningdwellings；andwedeemitcertainthattheycrossedthewaterbeforethecomingoftheRomans，andthattheyarenowwiththestay-
at-homesoftheWolfingsinthewild-woodbehindtheWolfingdwellings，forweheartellthattheWar-dukewouldnotthattheHall-SunshouldholdtheHallagainstthewholeRomanhost。"
ThenSweinbiorntosseduphisswordintotheairandcaughtitbythehiltsasitfell，andcriedout:"On，ontothemeadow，wherethesethievesabideus！"Arinbiornspakenoword，butturnedhishorseandrodedowntotheford，andallmenfollowedhim；andoftheBearingstherewereanhundredwarriorssaveone，andoftheWormingseightyandseven。
Sorodetheyoverthemeadowandintothefordandoverit，andOtter’scompanystoodonthebanktomeetthem，andshoutedtoseethem；buttheothersmadebutlittlenoiseastheycrossedthewater。
SowhentheywereonthewesternbankArinbiorncameamongthemofOtter，andcriedout:"WherethenisOtter，whereistheWar-duke，ishealiveordead？"
AndthethrongopenedtohimandOtterstoodfacinghim；andArinbiornspakeandsaid:"Thouartaliveandunhurt，War-duke，whenmanyhavebeenhurtandslain；andmethinksthycompanyislittleminishedthoughthekindredoftheBearingslacketharoof；anditseldersandwomenandchildrenaregoneintocaptivity。Whatisthis？
WasitalightthingthatgangrelthievesshouldburnandwasteinMid-markanddepartunhurt，thatyestandherewithcleanbladesandcoldbodies？"
SaidOtter:"ThougrievestforthehurtofthineHouse，Arinbiorn；
butthisatleastisgood，thatthoughyehavelostthetimberofyourhouseyehavenotlostitsfleshandblood；theshellisgone，butthekernelissaved:forthyfolkarebythistimeinthewoodwiththeWolfingstay-at-homes，andamongthesearemanywhomayfightonoccasion，sotheyaresafeasforthistime:theRomansmaynotcomeatthemtohurtthem。"
SaidArinbiorn:"Hadyetimetolearnallthis，Otter，whenyefledsofastbeforetheRomans，thatthefathertarriednotfortheson，northesonforthefather？"
Hespokeinaloudvoicesothatmanyheardhim，andsomedeemeditevil；forangeranddissensionbetweenfriendsseemedabroad；butsomeweresoeagerforbattle，thatthewordofArinbiornseemedgoodtothem，andtheylaughedforprideandanger。
ThenOtteransweredmeekly，forhewasawisemanandabold:"Weflednot，Arinbiorn，butastheswordfleeth，whenitspringethupfromtheironhelmtofallonthewoollencoat。Arewenotnowofmoreavailtoyou，OmenoftheBearings，thanourdeadcorpseswouldhavebeen？"
Arinbiornanswerednot，buthisfacewaxedred，asifhewerestrugglingwithaweighthardtolift:thensaidOtter:
"ButwhenwillThiodolfandthemainbattlebewithus？"
Arinbiornansweredcalmly:"Maybeinalittlehourfromnow，orsomewhatmore。"
SaidOtter:"Myredeisthatweabidehimhere，andwhenweareallmetandwellorderedtogether，fallontheRomansatonce:forthenshallwebemorethanthey；whereasnowwearefarfewer，andmoreoverweshallhavetosetonthemintheirgroundofvantage。"
Arinbiornanswerednothing；butanoldmanoftheBearings，oneThorbiorn，cameupandspake:
"Warriors，herearewetalkingandtakingcounsel，thoughthisisnoHallowedThingtobiduswhatweshalldo，andwhatweshallforbear；
andtotalkthusislesslikewarriorsthanoldwomenwranglingoverthewhyandwhereforeofabrokencrock。LettheWar-dukerulehere，asisbutmeetandright。YetifImightspeakandnotbreakthepeaceoftheGoths，thenwouldIsaythis，thatitmightbebetterforustofallontheseRomansatoncebeforetheyhavecastupadikeaboutthem，asFoxtellethistheirwont，andthateveninanhourtheymaydomuch。"
Ashespaketherewasamurmurofassentabouthim，butOtterspakesharply，forhewasgrieved。
"Thorbiorn，thouartold，andshouldestnotbevoidofprudence。Nowithadbeenbetterfortheetohavebeeninthewoodto-daytoorderthewomenandtheswainsaccordingtothineancientwisdomthantoeggonmyyoungwarriorstofareunwarily。HerewillIabideThiodolf。"
ThenThorbiornreddenedandwaswroth；butArinbiornspake:
"Whatisthisto-do？LettheWar-dukeruleasisbutright:butI
amnowbecomeamanofThiodolf’scompany；andhebademehasteonbeforetohelpallImight。Dothouasthouwilt，Otter:forThiodolfshallbehereinanhour’sspace，andifmuchdikingshallbedoneinanhour，yetlittleslaying，forsooth，shallbedone，andthatespeciallyifthefoeisallarmedandslayethwomenandchildren。YeaiftheBearingwomenbeallslain，yetshallnotTyrmakeusnewonesoutofthestonesofthewastetowedwiththeGaltingsandthefish-eatingHouses？——thisiseasytobedoneforsooth。Yea，easierthanfightingtheRomansandovercomingthem！"
Andhewasverywrath，andturnedaway；andagaintherewasamurmurandahumabouthim。Butwhilethesehadbeenspeakingaloud，Sweinbiornhadbeentalkingsoftlytosomeoftheyoungermen，andnowheshookhisnakedswordintheairandspakealoudandsang:
"Yetarry，BearsofBattle！yelinger，SonsoftheWorm！
Yecrouchadown，Okindreds，fromthegatheringofthestorm！
Yesay，itshallsoonpassoverandweshallfareafieldAndreapthewheatwiththewar-swordandwinnowintheshield。
Butwhereshallbethecornerwhereinyethenshallabide，AndwhereshallbethewoodlandwherethewhelpsofthebearsshallhideWhen’twixtthesnowymountainsandtheedgesoftheseaThesemenhavesweptthewild-woodandthefieldswheremenmaybeOfeverylivingsword-blade，andeveryquiveringspear，Andinthesouthlandcitiestheyokeofslavesyebear？
Loye！whoeverfollowsIfaretosowtheseedOfthedaystobehereafterandthedeedthatcomesofdeed。"
Therewithhewavedhisswordoverhishead，andmadeasifhewouldspuronward。ButArinbiornthrustthroughthepressandoutwenthimandcriedout:
"NonegoethbeforeArinbiorntheOldwhenthebattleispitchedinthemeadowsofthekindred。Come，yesonsoftheBear，yechildrenoftheWorm！Andcomeye，whosoeverhathawilltoseestoutmendie！"
Thenonherodenorlookedbehindhim，andtheridersoftheBearingsandtheWormingsdrewthemselvesoutofthethrong，andfollowedhim，androdeclatteringoverthemeadowtowardsWolfstead。Afewoftheothersrodewiththem，andyetbutafew。FortheyrememberedtheholyFolk-moteandtheoathoftheWar-duke，andhowtheyhadchosenOttertobetheirleader。Howbeit，manlookedaskanceatman，asifinshametobeleftbehind。
ButOtterbethoughthimintheflashofamoment，"Ifthesemenridealone，theyshalldieanddonothing；andifweridewiththemitmaybethatweshalloverthrowtheRomans，andifwebevanquished，itshallgohardbutweshallslaymanyofthem，sothatitshallbetheeasierforThiodolftodealwiththem。"
Thenhespakehastily，andbadecertainmenabideatthefordforaguard；thenhedrewhisswordandrodetothefrontofhisfolk，andcriedoutaloudtothem:
"Nowatlasthascomethetimetodie，andletthemoftheMarkmenwholivehereafterlayusinhowe。Seton，SonsofTyr，andgivenotyourlivesaway，butletthembedearlyearnedofourfoemen。"
Thenallshoutedloudlyandgladly；norweretheyotherwisethanexceedingglad；fornowhadtheyforgottenallotherjoysoflifesavethejoyoffightingforthekindredandthedaystobe。
SoOtterledthemforth，andwhenheheardthewholecompanyclatteringandthunderingontheearthbehindhimandfelttheirmightenterintohim，hisbrowcleared，andtheanxiouslinesinthefaceoftheoldmansmoothedthemselvesout，andasherodealongthesoulsostirredwithinhimthathesangoutaloud:
"TimewaswhenhotwasthesummerandIwasyoungontheearth，AndIgrudgedmeeverymomentthatlackeditsshareofmirth。
IwokeinthemornandwasmerryandalltheworldmethoughtFormeandmyheart’sdeliverancethathourwasnewlywrought。
Ihavepassedthroughthehallsofmanhood，Ihavereachedthedoorsofeld，AndIhavebeengladandsorry，buteverhaveupheldMyheartagainstalltroublethatnonemightcallmesad，Butne’ercamesuchremembranceofhowmyheartwasgladIntheafternoonofsummer’neaththestillunweariedsunOfthedayswhenIwaslittleandalldeedswerehopestobewon，Asnowatlastitcomethwhene’eninsuch-liketide，Forthefreeingofmytroubleo’erthefathers’fieldIride。"
Manymenperceivedthathesang，andsawthathewasmerry，howbeitfewheardhisverywords，andyetallweregladofhim。
Fasttheyrode，beingwishfultocatchupwiththeBearingsandtheWormings，andsoontheycameanighthem，andthey，hearingthethunderofthehorse-hoofs，lookedandsawthatitwasthecompanyofOtter，andsoslackedtheirspeedtilltheywerealljoinedtogetherwithjoyousshoutingandlaughter。SothentheyorderedtheranksanewandsosetforwardingreatjoywithouthasteorturmoiltowardWolfsteadandtheRomans。Fornowthebitternessoftheirfuryandthesournessoftheirabidingwrathwereturnedintothemerejoyofbattle；evenastheclearredandsweetwinecomesoftheuglyfermentandroughtroubleofthemust。
CHAPTERXXIII——THIODOLFMEETETHTHEROMANSINTHEWOLFINGMEADOW
ItwasscarceanhourafterthisthatthefootmenofThiodolfcameoutofthethicketroadontothemeadowoftheBearings；theresawtheymengatheredonarisingground，andtheycameuptothemandsawhowsomeofthemwerelookingwithtroubledfacestowardsthefordandwhatlaybeyondit，andsometowardthewoodandthecomingofThiodolf。ButtheseweretheywhomOtterhadbiddenabideThiodolfthere，andhehadsenttwomessengerstothemforThiodolf’sbehoofthathemighthaveduetidingssosoonashecameoutofthethicket:thefirsttoldhowOtterhadbeencompelledinamannertofallontheRomansalongwiththeridersoftheBearingsandtheWormings，andthesecondwhohadbutjustthencome，toldhowtheMarkmenhadbeenworstedbytheRomans，andhadgivenbackfromtheWolfingdwellings，andweremakingastandagainstthefoemeninthemeadowbetwixtthefordandWolfstead。
NowwhenThiodolfheardofthesetidingshestayednottoasklongquestions，butledthewholehoststraightwaydowntotheford，lesttheremnantofOtter’smenshouldbedrivendownthere，andtheRomansshouldholdthewesternbankagainsthim。
Atthefordtherewasnonetowithstandthem，norindeedanymanatall；forthemenwhomOtterhadsetthere，whentheyheardthatthebattlehadgoneagainsttheirkindred，hadriddentheirwaystojointhem。SoThiodolfcrossedovertheford，heandhisingoodorderallafoot，heliketotheothers；butforhimhewascladintheDwarf-wroughtHauberk，butwasunhelmetedandbarenoshield。
Throng-ploughwasnakedinhishandashecameupalldrippingontothebankandstoodinthemeadowoftheWolfings；hisfacewassternandsetashegazedstraightonwardtotheplaceofthefray，buthedidnotlookasjoyousashiswontwasingoingdowntothebattle。
Nowtheyhadgonebutashortwayfromthefordbeforethenoiseofthefightandtheblowingofhornscamedownthewindtothem，butitwasalittlewayfurtherbeforetheysawthefraywiththeireyes；
becausethegroundfellawayfromtheriversomewhatatfirst，andthenroseandfellagainbeforeitwentupinoneslopetowardtheWolfingdwellings。
Butwhentheywerecometothetopofthenextswellingoftheground，theybeheldfromthencewhattheyhadtodealwith；forthereroundaboutagroundofvantagewasthefieldblackwiththeRomanhost，andinthemidstofitwasatangleofstrugglingmenandtossingspears，andglitteringswords。
Sowhentheybeheldthebattleoftheirkindredtheygaveagreatshoutandhastenedonwardthefaster；andtheywereorderedintothewedge-arrayandThiodolfledthem，asmeetitwas。Andnowevenastheywhowereontheoutwardedgeofthearrayandcouldseewhatwastowardwerelookingonthebattlewitheagereyes，therecameanansweringshoutdownthewind，whichtheyknewforthevoiceoftheGothsamidthefoemen，andthentheysawhowtheringoftheRomansshookandparted，andtheirarrayfellback，andlothecompanyoftheMarkmenstandingstoutlytogether，thoughsorelyminished；andsureitwasthattheyhadnotfledorbeenscattered，butwerereadytofalloneoveranotherinoneband，fortherewerenomenstragglingtowardstheford，thoughmanymasterlesshorsesranhereandthereaboutthemeadow。Now，therefore，nonedoubtedbutthattheywoulddelivertheirfriendsfromtheRomans，andoverthrowthefoemen。
Butnowbefelawonder，astrangethingtotellof。TheRomanssoonperceivedwhatwasadoing，whereuponthehalfofthemturnedabouttofacethenewcomers，whiletheotherhalfstillwithstoodthecompanyofOtter:thewedge-arrayofThiodolfdrewnearerandnearertillitwashardontheplacewhereitshouldspreaditselfouttostormdownonthefoe，andtheGothsbesetbytheRomansmadethemreadytofallonfromtheirside。TherewasThiodolfleadinghishost，andallmenlookingforthetokenandsigntofallon；butevenasheliftedupThrong-ploughtogivethatsign，acloudcameoverhiseyesandhesawnoughtofallthatwasbeforehim，andhestaggeredbackasonewhohathgottenadeadlystroke，andsofellswooningtotheearth，thoughnonehadsmittenhim。Thenstayedwasthewedge-arrayevenattheverypointofonset，andtheheartsoftheGothssank，fortheydeemedthattheirleaderwasslain，andthosewhowerenearesttohimraisedhimupandborehimhastilyabackoutofthebattle；andtheRomansalsohadbeheldhimfall，andtheyalsodeemedhimdeadorsorehurt，andshoutedforjoyandloiterednot，butstormedforthonthewedge-arraylikevaliantmen；foritmustbetoldthatthey，whoerstout-numberedthecompanyofOtter，werenowmuchout-numbered，buttheydeemeditmightwellbethattheycoulddismaytheGothssincetheyhadbeenstayedbythefalloftheirleader；andOtter’scompanywereweariedwithsorefightingagainstagreathost。
Neverthelesstheselast，whohadnotseenthefallofThiodolffortheRomanswerethickbetweenhimandthemfellonwithsuchexceedingfurythattheydrovetheRomanswhofacedthembackonthosewhohadsetonthewedge-array，whichalsostoodfastundismayed；forhewhostoodnexttoThiodolf，amanbigofbody，andstoutofheart，bightThorolf，hoveupagreataxeandcriedoutaloud:
"HereisthenextmantoThiodolf！hereisonewhowillnotfalltillsomeonethrustshimover，hereisThorolfoftheWolfings！Standfastandshieldyou，andsmite，thoughThiodolfbegoneuntimelytotheGods！"
Sononegavebackafoot，andfiercewasthefightaboutthewedge-
array；andthemenofOtter——buttherewasnoOtterthere，andmanyanothermanwasgone，andArinbiorntheOldledthem——thesestormedonsofiercelythattheyclefttheirwaythroughallandjoinedthemselvestotheirkindred，andthebattlewasrenewedintheWolfingmeadow。ButtheRomanshadthisgain，thatThiodolf’smenhadletgotheiroccasionforfallingontheRomanswiththeirlinespreadoutsothateverymanmightusehisweapons；yetweretheGothsstrongbothinvaliancyandinnumbers，normighttheRomansbreakintotheirarray，andasaforesaidtheRomanswerethefewer，foritwaslessthanhalfoftheirhostthathadpursuedtheGothswhentheyhadbeenthrustbackfromtheirfierceonset:nordidmorethanthehalfseemneeded，somanyofthemhadfallenalongwithOttertheWar-dukeandSweinbiornoftheBearings，thattheyseemedtotheRomansbutafeeblebandeasytoovercome。
SofoughttheyintheWolfingmeadowinthefifthhourafterhigh-
noon，andneitheryieldedtotheother:butwhilethesethingswerea-doing，menlaidThiodolfadownalooffromthebattleunderadodderedoakhalfafurlongfromwherethefightwasa-doing，roundwhoseboleclungflocksofwoolfromthesheepthatdrewarounditinthehotsummer-tideandrubbedthemselvesagainstit，andthegroundwastroddenbareofgrassroundthebole，andclosetothetrunkwaswornintoakindoftrench。TherethentheylaidThiodolf，andtheywonderedthatnobloodcamefromhim，andthattherewasnosignofashot-weaponinhisbody。
Butasforhim，whenhefell，allmemoryofthebattleandwhathadgonebeforeitfadedfromhismind，andhepassedintosweetandpleasantdreamswhereinhewasaladagaininthedaysbeforehehadfoughtwiththethreeHun-Kingsinthehazelledfield。Andinthesedreamshewasdoingafterthemannerofyounglads，sportinginthemeadows，backingunbrokencolts，swimmingintheriver，goinga-
huntingwiththeeldercarles。Andespeciallyhedeemedthathewasinthecompanyofoneoldmanwhohadtaughthimbothwood-craftandthehandlingofweapons:andfairatfirstwashisdreamofhisdoingswiththisman；hewaswithhimintheforgesmithyingasword-
blade，andhammeringintoitssteelthethingoldenwires；andfishingwithananglealongwithhimbytheeddiesofMirkwood-water；
andsittingwithhiminaningleoftheHall，theoldmantellingataleofanancientwarrioroftheWolfingshightThiodolfalso:thensuddenlyandwithoutgoingthere，theywereinalittleclearingofthewoodsrestingafterhunting，aroe-deerwithanarrowinherlyingattheirfeet，andtheoldmanwastalking，andtellingThiodolfinwhatwiseitwasbesttogoabouttogetthewindofahart；butallthewhiletherewasgoingonthethunderofagreatgaleofwindthroughthewoodlandboughs，evenasthedroneofabag-
pipecleavestothetune。PresentlyThiodolfaroseandwouldgoabouthishuntingagain，andstoopedtotakeuphisspear，andeventherewiththeoldman’sspeechstayed，andThiodolflookedup，andlo，hisfacewaswhitelikestone，andhetouchedhim，andhewashardasflint，andliketheimageofanancientgodastohisfaceandhands，thoughthewindstirredhishairandhisraiment，astheydidbefore。TherewithagreatpangsmoteThiodolfinhisdream，andhefeltasifhealsowerestiffeningintostone，andhestroveandstruggled，andlo，thewild-woodwasgone，andawhitelightemptyofallvisionwasbeforehim，andashemovedhisheadthisbecametheWolfingmeadow，ashehadknownitsolong，andthereatasoftpleasureandjoytookholdofhim，tillagainhelooked，andsawtherenolongerthekineandsheep，andtheherd-womentendingthem，buttherushandturmoilofthatfiercebattle，theconfusedthunderingnoiseofwhichwasgoinguptotheheavens；forindeedhewasnowfullyawakeagain。
Sohestoodupandlookedabout；andaroundhimwasaringofthesorrowfulfacesofthewarriors，whohaddeemedthathewashurtdeadly，thoughnohurtcouldtheyfinduponhim。ButtheDwarf-
wroughtHauberklayuponthegroundbesidehim；fortheyhadtakenitoffhimtolookforhishurts。
Sohelookedintotheirfacesandsaid:"Whatailethyou，yemen？I
amaliveandunhurt；whathathbetided？"
Andonesaid:"Artthouverilyalive，oramancomebackfromthedead？Wesawtheefallasthouwentestleadingusagainstthefoeasifthouhadstbeensmittenbyathunder-bolt，andwedeemedtheedeadorgrievouslyhurt。Nowthecarlesarefightingstoutly，andalliswellsincethoulivestyet。"
Sohesaid:"GivemethepointandedgesthatIknow，thatImaysmitemyselftherewithandnotthefoemen；forIhavefearedandblenchedfromthebattle。"
Saidanoldwarrior:"Ifthatbeso，Thiodolf，wiltthoublenchtwice？Isnotonceenough？Nowletusgobacktothehardhandplay，andifthouwilt，smitethyselfafterthebattle，whenwehaveoncemorehadaman’shelpofthee。"
TherewithheheldoutThrong-ploughtohimbythepoint，andThiodolftookholdofthehiltsandhandleditandsaid:"Letushasten，whiletheGodswillhaveitso，andwhiletheyarestillsufferingmetostrikeastrokeforthekindred。"
AndtherewithhebrandishedThrong-plough，andwentforthtowardthebattle，andtheheartgrewhotwithinhim，andthejoyofwakinglifecamebacktohim，thejoywhichbuterewhilehehadgiventoameredream。
ButtheoldmanwhohadrebukedhimstoopeddownandliftedtheHauberkfromtheground，andcriedoutafterhim，"OThiodolf，andwiltthougonakedintosostrongafight？andthouwiththissogoodlysword-rampart？"
Thiodolfstayedamoment，andeventherewiththeylooked，andlo！theRomansgivingbackbeforetheGothsandtheGothsfollowingupthechase，butslowlyandsteadily。ThenThiodolfheedednothingsavethebattle，butranforwardhastily，andthosewarriorsfollowedhim，theoldmanlastofallholdingtheHauberkinhishand，andmuttering:
"Sofareshotbloodtothegloomingandtheworldbeneaththegrass；
AndthefruitoftheWolfings’orchardinaflashfromtheworldmustpass。
Mensaythatthetreeshallblossominthegardenofthefolk，Andthenewtwigthrusthimforwardfromtheplacewheretheoldonebroke，Andallbewellasaforetime:butoldandoldIgrow，AndIdoubtmeifsuchanotherthefolktocomeshallknow。"
Andhestillhurriedforwardasfastashisoldbodymightgo，sothathemightwrapthesafeguardoftheHauberkroundThiodolf’sbody。
CHAPTERXXIV——THEGOTHSAREOVERTHROWNBYTHEROMANS
NowroseupamightyshoutwhenThiodolfcamebacktothebattleofthekindreds，formanythoughthehadbeenslain；andtheygatheredroundabouthim，andcriedouttohimjoyouslyoutoftheirheartsofgood-fellowship，andtheoldmanwhohadrebukedThiodolf，andwhowasJorundoftheWolfings，cameuptohimandreachedouttohimtheHauberk，andhediditonscarceheeding；forallhisheartandsoulwasturnedtowardthebattleoftheRomansandwhattheywerea-
doing；andhesawthattheywerefallingbackingoodorder，asmenout-numbered，butundismayed。Sohegatheredallhismentogetherandorderedthemafresh；fortheyweresomewhatdisarrayedwiththefrayandthechase:andnowhenolongerorderedtheminthewedgearray，butinalineherethreedeep，herefivedeep，ormore，forthefoeswerehardathand，andoutnumbered，andsofarovercome，thatheandallmendeemeditalittlemattertogivethesetheirlastoverthrow，andthenonwardtoWolf-steadtostormonwhatwasleftthereandpurgethehouseofthefoemen。HowbeitThiodolfbethoughthimthatsuccourmightcometotheRomansfromtheirmain-
battle，astheyneedednotmanymenthere，sincetherewasnoughttofearbehindthem:butthethoughtwasdimwithinhim，foroncemoresincehehadgottentheHauberkonhimtheearthwaswaveringanddream-like:helookedabouthim，andnowisewasheasinpastdaysofbattlewhenhesawnoughtbutthefoebeforehim，andhopedfornothingsavethevictory。ButnowindeedtheWood-Sunseemedtohimtobebesidehim，andnotagainsthiswill，asonebesettingandhinderinghim，butasthoughhisownlonginghaddrawnherthitherandwouldnotletherdepart；andwhilesitseemedtohimthatherbeautywasclearertobeseenthanthebodiesofthewarriorsroundabouthim。Fortherestheseemedtobeinadreamindeed，and，asmendoindreams，tobeforeverstrivingtobedoingsomethingofmoremomentthananythingwhichhedid，butwhichhemusteverleaveundone。Andasthedreamgatheredandthickenedabouthimthefoebeforehimchangedtohiseyes，andseemednolongerthesternbrown-
skinnedsmooth-facedmenundertheircrestedironhelmswiththeiriron-coveredshieldsbeforethem，butrather，big-headedmen，smallofstature，long-bearded，swart，crookedofbody，exceedingfoulofaspect。Andhelookedonanddidnothingforawhile，andhisheadwhirledasthoughhehadbeengrievouslysmitten。
Thustarriedthekindredsawhile，andtheywerebewilderedandtheirheartsfellbecauseThiodolfdidnotflyonthefoemenlikeafalcononthequarry，ashiswontwas。ButasfortheRomans，theyhadnowstayed，andwerefacingtheirfoesagain，andthatonavantage-
ground，sincethefieldslopeduptowardtheWolfingdwelling；andtheygatheredheartwhentheysawthattheGothstarriedandforborethem。Butthesunwassinking，andtheeveningwashardathand。
SoatlastThiodolfledforwardwithThrong-ploughheldaloftinhisrighthand；buthislefthandheheldoutbyhisside，asthoughhewereleadingsomeonealong。Andashewent，hemuttered:"Whenwilltheseaccursedsonsofthenetherearthleavethewaycleartous，thatwemaybealoneandtakepleasureeachineachamidstoftheflowersandthesun？"
Nowasthetwohostsdrewneartooneanother，againcamethesoundoftrumpetsafaroff，andmenknewthatthiswouldbesuccourcomingtotheRomansfromtheirmain-battle，andtheRomansthereonshoutedforjoy，andthehostofthekindredsmightnolongerforbear，butrushedonfiercelyagainstthem；andforThiodolfitwasnowcometothis，thatsoentangledwasheinhisdreamthatheratherwentwithhismenthanledthem。YethadheThrong-ploughinhisrighthand，andhemutteredinhisbeardashewent，"Smitebefore！smitebehind！
andsmiteontherighthand！butneverontheleft！"
Thusthentheymet，andasbefore，neithermighttheGothssweeptheRomansaway，northeRomansbreaktheGothsintoflight；yetweremanyofthekindredanxiousandtroubled，sincetheyknewthataidwascomingtotheRomans，andtheyheardthetrumpetssoundingnearerandmorejoyous；andatlast，asthemenofthekindredsweregrowinga-weariedwithfighting，theyheardthosehornsasitwereintheirveryears，andthethunderofthetrampoffootmen，andtheyknewthatafreshhostofmenwasuponthem；thenthosetheyhadbeenfightingwithopenedbeforethem，fallingasidetotherightandtheleft，andthefreshmenpassingbetweenthem，fellontheGothslikethewatersofariverwhenasluice-gateisopened。Theycameoninverygoodorder，neverbreakingtheirranks，butswiftwithal，smitingandpushingbeforethem，andsobrakethroughthearrayoftheGoth-folk，anddravethemthiswayandthatwaydowntheslopes。
Yetstillfoughtthewarriorsofthekindredmostvaliantly，makingstandandfacingthefoeagainandagaininknotsofascoreortwoscore，ormaybetenscore；andthoughmanyamanwasslain，yetscarceanyonebeforehehadslainorhurtaRoman；andsometherewere，andtheytheoldest，whofoughtasiftheyandthefewaboutthemwereallthehostthatwaslefttothefolk，andheedednotthatothersweredrivenback，orthattheRomansgatheredaboutthem，cuttingthemofffromallsuccourandaid，butwentonsmitingtilltheywerefelledwithmanystrokes。
HowbeitthearrayoftheGothswasbrokenandmanywereslain，andperforcetheymustgiveback，anditseemedasiftheywouldbedrivenintotheriverandallbelost。
ButforThiodolf，thisbefellhim:thatatfirst，whenthosefreshmenfellon，heseemed，asitwere，towakeuntohimselfagain，andhecriedaloudthecryoftheWolf，andthrustintothethickestofthefray，andslewmanyandwashurtofnone，andforamomentoftimetherewasanemptyspaceroundabouthim，suchfearhecastevenintothevaliantheartsofthefoemen。Butthosewhohadtimetoseehimastheystoodbyhimnotedthathewasaspaleasadeadman，andhiseyessetandstaring；andsoofasudden，whilehestoodthusthreateningtheringofdoubtfulfoemen，theweaknesstookhimagain，Throng-ploughtumbledfromhishand，andhefelltoearthasonedead。
Thenofthosewhosawhimsomedeemedthathehadbeenstrivingagainstsomesecrethurttillhecoulddonomore；andsomethattherewasacurseabroadthathadfallenuponhimanduponallthekindredsoftheMark；somethoughthimdeadandsomeswooning。But，deadoralive，thewarriorswouldnotleavetheirWar-dukeamongthefoemen，sotheyliftedhim，andgatheredabouthimagoodlybandthathelditsownagainstallcomers，andfoughtthroughtheturmoilstoutlyandsteadily；andothersgatheredtothem，tilltheybegantobesomethinglikeahostagain，andtheRomansmightnotbreakthemintoknotsofdesperatemenanymore。
Thustheyfoughttheirway，ArinbiornoftheBearingsleadingthemnow，withamindtomakeastandforlifeordeathonsomevantage-
ground；andso，oftenturningupontheRomans，theycameinarrayevergrowingmoresolidtotherisinggroundlookingonewayoverthefordandtheothertotheslopeswherethebattlehadjustbeen。
Theretheyfacedthefoeasmenwhomaybeslain，butwillbedrivennofurther；andwhatbowmentheyhadgotspreadoutfromtheirflanksandshotontheRomans，whohadwiththemnolight-armed，orslingersorbowmen，fortheyhadleftthematWolf-stead。SotheRomansstoodawhile，andgavebreathing-spacetotheMarkmen，whichindeedwasthesavingofthem:foriftheyhadfallenonhotlyandheldtoitsteadily，itislikethattheywouldhavepassedoverallthebodiesoftheMarkmen:forthesehadlosttheirleader，eitherslain，assomethought，or，asothersthought，bannedfromleadershipbytheGods；andtheirhostwasheavy-hearted；andthoughitislikethattheywouldhavestoodtheretilleachhadfallenoverother，yetwastheirhopegrowndim，andthewholefolkbroughttoaperilousandfearfulpass，forifthesewereslainorscatteredtherewerenomorebutthey，andnoughtbetweenfireandtheswordandthepeopleoftheMark。
Butonceagainthefaint-heartfollyoftheRomanCaptainsavedhisfoes:forwhereasheoncethoughtthatthewholepoweroftheMarkmenlayinOtterandhiscompany，anddeemedthemtoolittletomeddlewith，sonowheranhisheadintotheotherhedge，anddeemedthatThiodolf’scompanywasbutapartofthesuccourthatwasathandfortheGoths，andthattheywereover-bigforhimtomeddlewith。
Trueitisalsothatnowdarknightwascomingon，andthelandwasunknowntotheRomans，whomoreovertrustednotwhollytothedastardsoftheGothswhoweretheirguidesandscouts:furthermorethewoodwasathand，andtheyknewnotwhatitheld；andwithallthisandaboveitall，itistobesaidthatoverthemalsohadfallenadreadofsomedoomanear；forthosehabitationsamidstofthewild-woodswereterribletothemastheyweredeartotheGoths；
andtheGodsoftheirfoemenseemedtobelyinginwaittofalluponthem，eveniftheyshouldslayeverymanofthekindreds。
SonowhavingdrivenbacktheGothstothatheightovertheford，whichindeedwasnostronghold，nomountain，scarceahilleven，noughtbutagentleswellingoftheearth，theyforeborethem；andraisingupthewhoopofvictorydrewslowlyaback，pickinguptheirowndeadandwounded，andslayingthewoundedMarkmen。Theyhadwiththemalsosomefewcaptives，butnotmany；forthefightinghadbeentothedeathbetweenmanandmanontheWolfingMeadow。
CHAPTERXXV——THEHOSTOFTHEMARKMENCOMETHINTOTHEWILD-WOOD
YetthoughtheRomansweregone，theGoth-folkwereveryhardbested。
Theyhadbeenoverthrown，notsorelymaybeiftheyhadbeeninanalienland，andfreetocomeandgoastheywould；yetsorelyasthingswere，becausethefoemanwassittingintheirownHouse，andtheymustneedsdraghimoutofitorperish:andtomanythedaysseemedevil，andtheGodsfightingagainstthem，andboththeWolfingsandtheotherkindredsbethoughtthemoftheHall-Sunandherwisdomandlongedtohearoftidingsconcerningher。
ButnowthewordranthroughthehostthatThiodolfwascertainlynotslain。Slowlyhehadcometohimself，andyetwasnothimself，forhesatamonghismengloomyandsilent，cleancontrarytohiswont；
forhithertohehadbeenamerryman，andajoyousfellow。
AmidstoftheridgewhereontheMarkmennowabode，therewasaringmadeofthechiefwarriorsandcaptainsandwisemenwhohadnotbeenslainorgrievouslyhurtinthefray，andamidstthemallsatThiodolfontheground，hischinsunkenonhisbreast，lookingmorelikeacaptivethantheleaderofahostamidstofhismen；andthatthemoreashisscabbardwasempty；forwhenThrong-ploughhadfallenfromhishand，ithadbeentroddenunderfoot，andlostintheturmoil。Therehesat，andtheothersinthatringofmenlookedsadlyuponhim；suchasArinbiornoftheBearings，andWolfkettleandThorolfofhisownHouse，andHiarandioftheElkings，andGeirbaldtheShielding，themessengerofthewoods，andFoxwhohadseentheRomanGarth，andmanyothers。Itwasnightnow，andmenhadlightedfiresaboutthehost，fortheysaidthattheRomansknewwheretofindthemiftheylistedtoseek；andaboutthosefiresweremeneatinganddrinkingwhattheymightcomeat，butamidmostofthatringwasthebiggestfire，andmenturnedthemtowardsitforcounselandhelp，forelsewherenonesaid，"Whatdowe？"fortheywereheavy-
heartedandredeless，sincetheGodshadtakenthevictoryoutoftheirhandsjustwhentheyseemedatpointtowinit。
Butamidstallthistherewasalittlestiroutsidethatbiggestring，andmenparted，andthroughthemcameaswainamongstthechiefs，andsaid，"WhowillleadmetotheWar-duke？"
Thiodolf，whowasclosebesidethelad，answeredneveraword；butArinbiornsaid；"ThismanheresittingistheWar-duke:speaktohim，forhemayhearkentothee:butfirstwhoartthou？"
Saidthelad；"MynameisAlithesonofGrey，andIcomewithamessagefromtheHall-Sunandthestay-at-homeswhoareintheWoodland。"
NowwhenhenamedtheHall-SunThiodolfstartedandlookedup，andturningtohisleft-handsaid，"Andwhatsayeththydaughter？"
MendidnotheedthathesaidTHYdaughter，butdeemedthathesaidMYdaughter，sincehewaswontasherwould-befoster-fathertocallherso。ButAlispake:
"War-dukeandyechieftains，thussaiththeHall-Sun:’IknowthatbythistimeOtterhathbeenslainandmanyanother，andyehavebeenoverthrownandchasedbytheRomans，andthatnowthereislittlecounselinyouexcepttoabidethefoewhereyeareandtheretodievaliantly。ButnowdomybiddingandasIambidden，andthenwhosoeverdiethorliveth，thekindredsshallvanquishthattheymayliveandgrowgreater。Doyethus:theRomansthinknootherwisebuttofindyouhereto-morroworelsedepartedacrossthewaterasbrokenmen，andtheywillfalluponyouwiththeirwholehost，andthenmakeawar-garthaftertheirmanneratWolf-steadandcarryfireandtheswordandthechainsofthralldomintoeveryHouseoftheMark。Nowthereforefetchacompassandcomeintothewoodonthenorth-westofthehousesandmakeyourwaytotheThing-steadoftheMid-mark。Forwhoknowethbutthatto-morrowwemayfalluponthesethievesagain？Ofthisshallyehearmorewhenwemayspeaktogetherandtakecounselfacetoface；forwestay-at-homesknowsomewhatcloselyofthewaysoftheseRomans。Hastethen！letnotthegrassgrowoveryourfeet！
"’Buttothee，Thiodolf，haveIawordtosaywhenwemeet；forIwotthatasnowthoucanstnothearkentomyword。’ThussaiththeHall-
Sun。"
"Wiltthouspeak，War-duke？"saidArinbiorn。ButThiodolfshookhishead。ThensaidArinbiorn；"ShallIspeakforthee？"andThiodolfnoddedyea。ThensaidArinbiorn:"AlisonofGrey，artthougoingbacktoherthatsentthee？"
"Yea，"saidthelad，"butinyourcompany，foryewillbecomingstraightwayandIknowallthewaysclosely；andthereisneedforaguidethroughthedarknightasyewillseepresently。"
ThenstoodupArinbiornandsaid:"Chiefsandcaptains，goyespeedilyandarrayyourmenfordeparture:bidthemleaveallthefiresburningandcometheirwaysassilentlyasmaybe；fornowwillwewendthissamehourbeforemoonriseintotheWild-woodandtheThing-steadofMid-mark；thussaiththeWar-duke。"
Butwhentheyweregone，andArinbiornandThiodolfwereleftalone，Thiodolflifteduphisheadandspakeslowlyandpainfully:
"Arinbiorn，Ithankthee:andthoudostwelltoleadthisfolk:
sinceasformethatissomewhatthatweighsmedown，andIknownotwhetheritbelifeordeath；thereforeImaynolongerbeyourcaptain，fortwicenowhaveIblenchedfromthebattle。Yetcommandme，andIwillobey，setaswordinmyhandandIwillsmite，tilltheGodsnatchesitoutofmyhand，ashedidThrong-ploughto-day。"
"Andthatiswell，"saidArinbiorn，"itmaybethatyeshallmeetthatGodto-morrow，andheaveupswordagainsthim，andeitherovercomehimorgotothyfathersaproudandvaliantman。"
Sotheyspake，andThiodolfstoodupandseemedofbettercheer。Butpresentlythewholehostwasafoot，andtheywenttheirwayswarilywithlittlenoise，andwoundlittlebylittleabouttheWolfingmeadowandabouttheacrestowardsthewoodatthebackoftheHouses；andtheymetnothingbythewayexceptanout-guardoftheRomans，whomtheyslewtherenighsilently，andboreawaytheirbodies，twelveinnumber，lesttheRomanswhentheysenttochangetheguard，shouldfindtheslainandhaveaninklingofthewaytheGothsweregone；butnowtheydeemedthattheRomansmightthinktheirguardfled，orperchancethattheyhadbeencarriedawaybytheGodsofthewoodlandfolk。
Socametheyintothewood，andArinbiornandthechiefswereforstrikingtheAll-men’sroadtotheThing-steadandsocomingthither；
buttheladAliwhenhehearditlaughedandsaid:
"Ifyewouldsleepto-nightyeshallwendanotherway。FortheHall-
Sunhathhadusatworkcumberingitagainstthefoewithgreattreesfelledwithlimbs，branches，andall。AndindeedyeshallfindtheThing-steadfencedlikeacastle，andthein-gatehardtofind；yetwillIbringyouthither。"
Sodidhewithoutdelay，andpresentlytheycameanightheThing-
stead；andtheplacewasfencedcunningly，sothatifmenwouldentertheymustgobyanarrowwaythathadafenceoftree-trunksoneachsidewendinginwardlikethemazeinapleasance。Therebynowwendedthehostallafoot，sinceitwasaholyplaceandnobeastmustsetfoottherein，sothatthehorseswereleftwithoutit:soslowlyandrightquietlyoncemoretheycameintothegarthoftheThing-stead；
andlo，amanyfolkthere，oftheWolfingsandtheBearingsandotherkindreds，whohadgatheredthereto；andalbeitthesewerenotwarriorsintheirprime，yetweretherenonesavetheyoungchildrenandtheweakerofthewomenbuthadweaponsofsomekind；andtheywerewellordered，standingorsittinginrankslikefolkawaitingbattle。Therewereboothsofboughsandrushessetupforshelterofthefeeblerwomenandtheoldmenandchildrenalongtheedgesofthefence，fortheHall-SunhadbiddenthemkeepthespaceclearroundabouttheDoom-ringandtheHill-of-Speechasifforamightyfolk-
mote，sothatthewarriorsmighthaveroomtomusterthereandordertheirarray。Thereweresomecooking-fireslightedabouttheaforesaidbooths，butneithermanynorgreat，andtheywerescreenedwithwattlefromthesidethatlaytowardtheRomans；fortheHall-
Sunwouldnotthattheyshouldholduplanternsfortheirfoementofindthemby。Littlenoisetherewasinthatstronghold，moreover，fortheheartsofallwhoknewtheirrighthandsfromtheirleftweresetonbattleandthedestructionofthefoethatwoulddestroythekindreds。