AnightheSpeech-Hill，onitseasternside，hadtheboleofaslenderbeechtreebeensetup，andatthetopofitacross-beamwasnailedon，andtherefromhungthewondrouslamp，theHall-Sun，glimmeringfromonhigh，andthoughitslightwasbutaglimmeramongstthemightywood，yetwasitalsoscreenedonthreesidesfromthesightofthechancewandererbywingsofthinplank。ButbeneathhernamesakeasbeforetimeintheHallsattheHall-Sun，themaiden，onaheapoffaggots，andshewaswrappedinadarkbluecloakfromunderwhichgleamedthefoldsofthefairgolden-broideredgownshewaswonttowearatfolk-motes，andherrighthandrestedonanakedswordthatlayacrossherknees:besidehersattheoldmanSorli，theWiseinWar，andaboutherwereslimladsandsturdymaidensandoldcarlesofthethrallsorfreedmenreadytobearthecommandsthatcamefromhermouth；forsheandSorliwerethecaptainsofthestay-
at-homes。
NowcameThiodolfandArinbiornandotherleadersintotheringofmenbeforeher，andshegreetedthemkindlyandsaid:
"Hail，SonsofTyr！nowthatIbeholdyouagainitseemethtomeasifallwerealreadywon:thetimeofwaitinghathbeenweary，andwehavebornetheburdenoffeareverydayfrommorntilleven，andinthewakinghourwepresentlyrememberedit。Butnowyearecome，evenifthisThing-steadwerelightedbytheflamesoftheWolfingRoofinsteadofbythesemoonbeams；evenifwehadtobeginagainandseeknewdwellings，andanotherwaterandothermeadows，yetgreatshouldgrowthekindredsoftheMenwhohavedweltintheMark，andnoughtshouldovershadowthem:andthoughthebeastsandtheRomansweredwellingintheiroldplaces，yetshouldthesekindredsmakenewclearingsintheWild-wood；andtheywiththeirdeedsshouldcauseotherwaterstobefamous，thatasyethaveknownnodeedsofman；
andtheyshouldcompeltheEarthtobearincreaseroundabouttheirdwelling-placesforthewelfareofthekindreds。OSonsofTyr，friendlyareyourfaces，andundismayed，andtheTerroroftheNationshasnotmadeyouafraidanymorethanwouldtheonrushofthebisonsthatfeedadownthegrasshills。Happyistheeve，OchildrenoftheGoths，yetshallto-morrowmornbehappier。"
Manyheardwhatshespake，andamurmurofjoyranthroughtheranksofmen:fortheydeemedherwordstoforecastvictory。
Andnowamidstherspeaking，themoon，whichhadarisenonMid-mark，whenthehostfirstenteredintothewood，hadovertoppedthetalltreesthatstoodlikeagreenwallroundabouttheThing-stead，andshonedownonthatassembly，andflashedcoldlybackfromthearmsofthewarriors。AndtheHall-Suncastoffherdarkbluecloakandstoodupinhergolden-broideredraiment，whichflashedbackthegreylightlikeasithadbeenaniciclehangingfromtheroofofsomehallinthemidnightofYule，whenthefeastishighwithin，andwithouttheworldissilentwiththenightoftheten-weeks’frost。
Thenshespakeagain:"OWar-duke，thymouthissilent；speaktothiswarrioroftheBearingsthathebidthehostwhattodo；forwiseareyeboth，anddeararetheminutesofthisnightandshouldnotbewasted；sincetheybringaboutthesalvationoftheWolfings，andthevengeanceoftheBearings，andthehoperenewedofallthekindreds。"
ThenThiodolfabodeawhilewithhisheaddowncast；hisbosomheaved，andhesethislefthandtohisswordlessscabbard，andhisrighttohisthroat，asthoughheweresoretroubledwithsomethinghemightnottellof:butatlasthelifteduphisheadandspoketoArinbiorn，butslowlyandpainfully，ashehadspokenbefore:
"ChiefoftheBearings，goupontotheHillofSpeech，andspeaktothefolkoutofthywisdom，andletthemknowthatto-morrowearlybeforethesun-risingthosethatmay，andarenotboundbytheGodsagainstit，shalldodeedsaccordingtotheirmight，andwinrestforthemselves，andnewdaysofdeedsforthekindreds。"
Therewithheceased，andlethisheadfallagain，andtheHall-Sunlookedathimaskance。ButArinbiornclombtheSpeech-Hillandsaid:
"Menofthekindreds，itisnowafewdayssincewefirstmettheRomansandfoughtwiththem；andwhileswehavehadthebetter，andwhilestheworseinourdealings，asoftinwarbefalleth:fortheyaremen，andwenolessthanmen。Butnowlooktoitwhatyewilldo；forwemaynolongerenduretheseoutlandersinourhouses，andwemusteitherdieorgetourownagain:andthatisnotmerelyafewwaresstoredupforuse，norafewheadofneat，norcertaintimberspiledupintoadwelling，butthelifewehavemadeinthelandwehavemade。Ishowyounochoice，fornochoicethereis。
Herearewebareofeverythinginthewild-wood:forthemostpartourchildrenarecryingforusathome，ourwivesarelongingforusinourhouses，andifwecomenottotheminkindness，theRomansshallcometothemingrimness。Downyonderintheplain，moreover，isourwain-burgslowlydrawingneartous，andwithitismuchlivelihoodofours，whichisalittlething，forwemaygetmore；butalsothereareourbannersofbattleandthetokensofthekindred，whichisagreatthing。Andbetweenallthisandusthereliethbutlittle；noughtbutabandofvaliantmen，andafewswordsandspears，andafewwounds，andthehopeofdeathamidstthepraiseofthepeople；andthisyehavetosetouttowendacrosswithintwoorthreehours。Iwillnotaskifyewilldoso，forIwotthatevensoyewill；thereforewhenIhavedone，shoutnot，norclashswordonshield，forwearenogreatwayoffthathouseofourswhereindwellsthefoethatwoulddestroyus。Leteachmanrestashemay，andsleepifhemaywithhiswar-gearonhimandhisweaponsbyhisside，andwhenheisnextawakenedbythecaptainsandtheleadersofhundredsandscores，lethimnotthinkthatitisnight，butlethimbetakehimselftohisplaceamonghiskindredandbereadytogothroughthewoodwithaslittlenoiseasmaybe。NowallissaidthattheWar-dukewouldhavemesay，andto-morrowshallthoseseehimwhoareforemostinfallinguponthefoemen，forhelongethsorelyforhisseatonthedaysoftheWolfingHall。"
Sohespake，andevenashebadethem，theymadenosoundsaveajoyousmurmur；andstraightwaythemorepartofthembetookthemselvestosleepasmenwhomustbusythemselvesaboutaweightymatter；fortheywerewiseinthewaysofwar。Sosankallthehosttothegroundsavethosewhowereappointedaswatchersofthenight，andArinbiornandThiodolfandtheHall-Sun；theythreeyetstoodtogether；andArinbiornsaid:
"Nowitseemstomenotsomuchasifwehadvanquishedthefoeandweresafeandatrest，butratherasifwehadnofoemenandneverhavehad。Deeppeaceisonme，thoughhithertoIhavebeendeemedawrathfulman，anditistomeasifthekindredsthatIlovehadfilledthewholeearth，andleftnoroomforfoemen:evensoitmayreallybeoneday。To-nightitiswell，yetto-morrowitshallbebetter。Whatthineerrandmaybe，Thiodolf，Iscarceknow；forsomethinghathchangedinthee，andthouartbecomestrangetous。
Butasformineerrand，Iwilltellitthee；itisthatIamseekingOtteroftheLaxings，myfriendandfellow，whosewisdommyfoolishnessdraveunderthepointandedgeoftheRomans，sothatheisnolongerhere；Iamseekinghim，andto-morrowIthinkIshallfindhim，forhehathnothadtimetotravelfar，andweshallbeblitheandmerrytogether。AndnowwillIsleep；forIhavebiddenthewatchersawakenmeifanyneedbe。Sleepthoualso，Thiodolf！
andwakeupthineoldselfwhenthemoonislow。"Therewithhelaidhimselfdownundertheleeofthepileoffaggots，andwaspresentlyasleep。
CHAPTERXXVI——THIODOLFTALKETHWITHTHEWOOD-SUN
NowwereThiodolfandtheHall-SunleftalonetogetherstandingbytheSpeech-Hill；andthemoonwasrisenhighintheheavensabovethetree-topsofthewild-wood。Thiodolfscarcestirred，andhestillheldhisheadbentdownasonelostinthought。
ThensaidtheHall-Sun，speakingsoftlyamidstthehushofthecamp:
"Ihavesaidthattheminutesofthisnightaredear，andtheyarepassingswiftly；anditmaybethatthouwilthavemuchtosayandtodobeforethehostisastirwiththedawning。Socomethouwithmealittleway，thatthoumaysthearofnewtidings，andthinkwhatwerebesttodoamidstthem。"
Andwithoutmoreadoshetookhimbythehandandledhimforth，andhewentashewasled，notsayingaword。Theypassedoutofthecampintothewood，nonehindering，andwentalongwaywhereunderthebeech-leavestherewasbutaglimmerofthemoonlight，andpresentlyThiodolf’sfeetwentasitwereofthemselves；fortheyhadhitapaththatheknewwellandover-well。
Socametheytothatlittlewood-lawnwherefirstinthistaleThiodolfmettheWood-Sun；andthestoneseattherewasnotemptynowanymorethanitwasthen；forthereonsattheWood-Sun，cladoncemoreinherglitteringraiment。Herheadwassunkendown，herfacehiddenbyherhands；neitherdidshelookupwhensheheardtheirfeetonthegrass，forsheknewwhotheywere。
Thiodolflingerednot；foramomentitwastohimasifallthatpasttimehadneverbeen，anditsbattlesandhurryandhopesandfearsbutmereshows，andtheunspokenwordsofadream。Hewentstraightuptoherandsatdownbyhersideandputhisarmabouthershoulders，andstrovetotakeherhandtocaressit；butshemovedbutlittle，anditwasasifsheheededhimnot。AndtheHall-Sunstoodbeforethemandlookedatthemforalittlewhile；andthenshefelltospeech；butatthefirstsoundofhervoice，itseemedthattheWood-Suntrembled，butstillshehidherface。SaidtheHall-
Sun:
"TwogriefsIseebeforemeinmightyheartsgrowngreat；
Andtochangeboththeseintogladnessout-goesthepoweroffate。
YetI，alonelymaiden，havemighttovanquishoneTillitmeltasthemistofthemorningbeforethesummersun。
OWood-Sun，thouhastborneme，andIwerefainindeedTogivetheebackthygladness；butthoucom’stoftheGodhead’sseed，Andhereinmymightavailsnot；becauseIcanbutshowUntotheseweddedsorrowsthetruththattheheartshouldknowErethewillhathwieldedthehand；andforthee，IcantelltheenoughtThatthouhastnotknownthislongwhile；thywillandthinehandhavewrought，AndthemanthatthoulovestshallliveindespiteofGodsandofmen，Ifyetthywillendureth。ButwhatshallitprofittheethenThatafterthefashionofGodheadthouhastgottentheeathrallTobethineandneveranother’s，whatsointheworldmaybefall？
Lo！yesterdaythiswasaman，andto-morrowitmighthavebeenTheveryjoyofthepeople，thoughneveragainitwereseen；
Yetapartofalltheyhopedforthroughallthelapseofyears，Tomaketheirlaughterhappyanddullthestingoftears；
Toquickenallremembranceofdeedsthatneverdie，Anddeaththatmaketheagertoliveasthedaysgoby。
Yea，manyadeedhadhedoneashelayinthedarkofthemound；
Astheseed-wheatplottethofspring，laidunderthefaceofthegroundThatthefootofthehusbandmantreadeth，thatthewindofthewinterwears，Thattheturbidcoldfloodhidethfromtheconstanthopeoftheyears。
ThismanthatshouldleaveinhisdeathhislifeuntomanyanoneWiltthoumakehimaGodofthefearfulwholiveloneunderthesun？
AndthenshaltthouhavewhatthouwouldedstwhenamidstofthehazelledfieldThoukissed’stthemouthofthehelper，andthehandofthepeople’sshield，Shaltthouhavethethingthatthouwouldedstwhenthoubroughtestmetobirth，AndI，thesouloftheWolfings，begantolookonearth？
WiltthouplaytheGod，Omother，andmakeamananew，Ajoylessthingandafearful？ThenIbetwixtyoutwo，’Twixtyourlongingandyoursorrowwillcastthesunderingword，Andtelloutallthestoryofthatrampartofthesword！
Ishallbidmymightyfathermakechoiceofdeathinlife，Orlifeindeathvictoriousandthecrownedendofstrife。"
Ereshehadended，theWood-Sunletherhandsfalldown，andshowedherface，whichforallitsunpaledbeautylookedweariedandanxious；andshetookThiodolf’shandinhers，whileshelookedwitheyesofloveupontheHall-Sun，andThiodolflaidhischeektohercheek，andthoughhesmilednot，yetheseemedasonewhoishappy。
AtlasttheWood-Sunspokeandsaid:
"Thousayestsooth，Odaughter:IamnoGodofmight，YetIamoftheirrace，andIthinkwiththeirthoughtsandseewiththeirsight，AndthethreatofthedoomdidIknowof，andyetsparednottolie:
ForIthoughtthatthefateforebodedmighttouchandpassusby，Astheswordthatheweththewar-helmandcleavethacantleaway，Andthecunningsmithshallmenditanditgoethagaintothefray；
Ifmyhandmighthaveheldforamoment，yea，evenagainsthiswill，Thelifeofmybeloved！ButWeirdisthemasterstill:
Andthisman’sloveofmybodyandhisloveoftheancientkinWerematterso’ermightytodealwithandthegamewithaltowin。
Woe’smeforthewaningofallthings，andmyhopethatneedsmustfadeAsthefruitlesssunofsummeronthewastewherenoughtismade！
Andnowfarewell，Odaughter，thoumaystnotseethekissOfthehaplessandthedeath-doomedwhenIhavetoldofthis；
Yetonceagainshaltthouseehim，thoughInomoreagain，Fairwiththejoythathopethanddiethnotinvain。"
ThencametheHall-Sunclosetoher，andkneltdownbyher，andlaidherheaduponherkneesandweptforloveofhermother，whokissedheroftandcaressedher；andThiodolf’shandstrayed，asitwere，ontohisdaughter’shead，andhelookedkindlyonher，thoughscarcenowasifheknewher。Thenshearosewhenshehadkissedhermotheroncemore，andwentherwaysfromthatwood-lawnintothewoodsagain，andsototheFolk-moteofherpeople。
Butwhenthosetwainwereallaloneagain，theWood-Sunspoke:"O
Thiodolfcanstthouhearmeandunderstand？"
"Yea，"hesaid，"whenthouspeakestofcertainmatters，asofourlovetogether，andofourdaughterthatcameofourlove。"
"Thiodolf，"shesaid，"Howlongshallourlovelast？"
"Aslongasourlife，"hesaid。
"Andifthoudiestto-day，wherethenshallourlovebe？"saidtheWood-Sun。
Hesaid，"Imustnowsay，Iwotnot；thoughtimewasIhadsaid，ItshallabidewiththesouloftheWolfingKindred。"
Shesaid:"Andwhenthatsouldieth，andthekindredisnomore？"
"Timeagone，"quothhe，"Ihadsaid，itshallabidewiththeKindredsoftheEarth；butnowagainIsay，Iwotnot。"
"WilltheEarthhideit，"saidshe，"whenthoudiestandartbornetomound？"
"Evensodidstthousaywhenwespaketogetherthatothernight，"
saidhe；"andnowImaysaynoughtagainstthyword。"
"Artthouhappy，OFolk-Wolf？"shesaid。
"Whydostthouaskme？"saidhe；"Iknownot；weweresunderedandI
longedforthee；thouarthere；itisenough。"
"AndthepeopleofthyKindred？"shesaid，"dostthounotlongforthem？"
Hesaid；"DidstthounotsaythatIwasnotofthem？Yetweretheymyfriends，andneededme，andIlovedthem:butbythiseveningtheywillneedmenomore，orbutlittle；fortheywillbevictoriousovertheirfoes:sohaththeHall-Sunforetold。Whatthen！shallI
takeallfromtheetogivelittletothem？"
"Thouartwise，"shesaid；"Wiltthougotobattleto-day？"
"Soitseemeth，"saidhe。
Shesaid:"AndwiltthoubeartheDwarf-wroughtHauberk？forifthoudost，thouwiltlive，andifthoudostnot，thouwiltdie。"
"Iwillbearit，"saidhe，"thatImaylivetolovethee。"
"Thinkestthouthatanyevilgoeswithit？"saidshe。
Therecameintohisfaceaflashofhisancientboldnessasheanswered:"Soitseemedtomeyesterday，whenIfoughtcladinitthefirsttime；andIfellunsmittenonthemeadow，andwasshamed，andwouldhaveslainmyselfbutforthee。Andyetitisnotsothatanyevilgoeswithit；forthouthyselfdidstsaythatpastnightthattherewasnoevilweirdinit。"
Shesaid:"HowthenifIliedthatnight？"
Saidhe；"ItisthewontoftheGodstolie，andbeunashamed，andmen-folkmustbearwithit。"
"Ah！howwisethouart！"shesaid；andwassilentforawhile，anddrewawayfromhimalittle，andclaspedherhandstogetherandwrungthemforgriefandanger。Thenshegrewcalmagain，andsaid:
"Wouldestthoudieatmybidding？"
"Yea，"saidhe，"notbecausethouartoftheGods，butbecausethouhastbecomeawomantome，andIlovethee。"
Thenwasshesilentsomewhile，andatlastshesaid，"Thiodolf，wiltthoudoofftheHauberkifIbidthee？"
"Yea，yea，"saidhe，"andletusdepartfromtheWolfings，andtheirstrife，fortheyneedusnot。"
Shewassilentoncemoreforalongerwhilestill，andatlastshesaidinacoldvoice；"Thiodolf，Ibidtheearise，andputofftheHauberkfromthee。"
Helookedatherwondering，notatherwords，butatthevoicewherewithshespakethem；buthearosefromthestonenevertheless，andstoodstarkinthemoonlight；hesethishandtothecollarofthewar-coat，andundiditsclasps，whichwereofgoldandbluestones，andpresentlyhedidthecoatfromoffhimandletitslidetothegroundwhereitlayinalittlegreyheapthatlookedbutahandful。Thenhesatdownonthestoneagain，andtookherhandandkissedherandcaressedherfondly，andshehimagain，andtheyspakenowordforawhile:butatthelasthespakeinmeasureandrhymeinalowvoice，butsosweetandclearthatitmighthavebeenheardfarinthehushofthelasthourofthenight:
"Dearnowarethisdawn-dusk’smomentsasisthelastofthelightWhenthefoemen’sranksarewavering，andthevictoryfearethnight；
AndofallthetimeIhavelovedtheeoftheseamImostfain，WhenIknownotwhatshallbetideme，norwhatshallbemygain。
Butdearastheyare，theyarewaning，andatlastthetimeiscomeWhennomoreshallIbeholdtheetillIwendtoOdin’sHome。
NowisthetimesolittlethatoncehathbeensolongThatIfainwouldasktheepardonwhereinIhavedonetheewrong，Thatthylongingmightbesofter，andthylovemoresweettohave。
ButinnothinghaveIwrongedthee，thereisnoughtthatImaycrave。
Strangetoo！astheminutesfailme，sodomyspeech-wordsfail，Yetstrongisthejoywithinmeforthishourthatcrownsthetale。"
Therewithheclippedherandcaressedher，andshespakenothingforawhile；andhesaid；"Thyfaceisfairandbright；artthounotjoyousoftheseminutes？"
Shesaid:"Thywordsaresweet；buttheypiercemyheartlikeasharpknife；fortheytellmeofthydeathandtheendingofourlove。"
Saidhe；"Itelltheenothing，beloved，thatthouhastnotknown:isitnotforthisthatwehavemethereoncemore？"
Sheansweredafterawhile；"Yea，yea；yetmightestthouhavelived。"
Helaughed，butnotscornfullyorbitterlyandsaid:
"SothoughtIintimepast:buthearken，beloved；IfIfallto-day，shalltherenotyetbeaminuteafterthestrokehathfallenonme，whereinIshallknowthatthedayiswonandseethefoemenfleeing，andwhereinIshallonceagaindeemIshallneverdie，whatevermaybetideafterwards，andthoughtheswordliethdeepinmybreast？AndshallInotseethenandknowthatourlovehathnoend？"
Bittergriefwasinherfaceassheheardhim。Butshespakeandsaid:"LoheretheHauberkwhichthouhastdoneoffthee，thatthybreastmightbethenearertomine！Wiltthounotwearitinthefightformysake？"
Heknithisbrowssomewhat，andsaid:
"Nay，itmaynotbe:trueitisthatthousaidestthatnoevilweirdwentwithit，buthearken！YesterdayIboreitinthefight，andereImingledwiththefoe，beforeImightgivethetokenofonset，acloudcamebeforemyeyesandthickdarknesswrappedmearound，andI
felltotheearthunsmitten；andsowasIborneoutofthefight，andevildreamsbesetmeofevilthings，andthedwarfsthathatemankind。ThenIcametomyself，andtheHauberkwasoffme，andI
roseupandbeheldthebattle，thatthekindredswerepressingonthefoe，andIthoughtnotthenofanypasttime，butoftheminutesthatwerepassing；andIranintothefightstraightway:butonefollowedmewiththatHauberk，andIdiditon，thinkingofnoughtbutthebattle。Fiercethenwasthefray，yetIfalteredinit；tillthefreshmenoftheRomanscameinuponusandbrokeupourarray。Thenmyheartalmostbrokewithinme，andIfalterednomore，butrushedonasofold，andsmotegreatstrokesallroundabout:nohurtI
got，butoncemorecamethatuglymistovermyeyes，andagainIfellunsmitten，andtheyboremeoutofbattle:thenthemenofourfolkgavebackandwereovercome；andwhenIawokefrommyevildreams，wehadgottenawayfromthefightandtheWolfingdwellings，andwereonthemoundsabovethefordcoweringdownlikebeatenmen。TherethenIsatshamedamongthemenwhohadchosenmefortheirbestmanattheHolyThing，andloIwastheirworst！Thenbefellthatwhichnevertillthenhadbefallenme，thatlifeseemedemptyandworthlessandIlongedtodieandbedonewithit，andbutforthethoughtofthyloveIhadslainmyselfthenandthere。
"ThereafterIwentwiththehosttotheassemblyofthestay-at-homesandfleers，andsatbeforetheHall-Sunourdaughter，andsaidthewordswhichwereputintomymouth。ButnowmustItelltheeahardandevilthing；thatIlovedthemnot，andwasnotofthem，andoutsidemyselftherewasnothing:withinmewastheworldandnoughtwithoutme。Nay，asforthee，Iwasnotsunderedfromthee，butthouwertapartofme；whereasfortheothers，yea，evenforourdaughter，thineandmine，theywerebutimagesandshowsofmen，andIlongedtodepartfromthem，andtoseethybodyandtofeelthineheartbeating。AndbythensoevilwasIgrownthatmyveryshamehadfallenfromme，andmywilltodie:nay，Ilongedtolive，thouandI，anddeathseemedhatefultome，andthedeedsbeforedeathvainandfoolish。
"Wherethenwasmygloryandmyhappylife，andthehopeofthedaysfreshborneveryday，thoughneverdying？Wherethenwaslife，andThiodolfthatoncehadlived？
"Butnowallischangedoncemore；Ilovedtheeneversowellasnow，andgreatismygriefthatwemustsunder，andthepainoffarewellwringsmyheart。YetsinceIamoncemoreThiodolftheMighty，inmyheartthereisroomforjoyalso。Lookatme，OWood-Sun，lookatme，Obeloved！tellme，amInotfairwiththefairnessofthewarriorandthehelperofthefolk？Isnotmyvoicekind，donotmylipssmile，andmineeyesshine？Seehowsteadyisminehand，thefriendofthefolk！Formineeyesareclearedagain，andIcanseethekindredsastheyare，andtheirdesireoflifeandscornofdeath，andthisiswhattheyhavemadememyself。NowthereforeshalltheyandItogetherearnthemerrydaystocome，thewinterhuntingandthespringsowing，thesummerhaysel，theingatheringofharvest，thehappyrestofmidwinter，andYuletidewiththememoryoftheFathers，weddedtothehopeofthedaystobe。Wellmaytheybidmehelpthemwhohaveholpenme！Wellmaytheybidmediewhohavemademelive！
"ForwhereasthousayestthatIamnotoftheirblood，noroftheiradoption，oncemoreIheeditnot。ForIhavelivedwiththem，andeatenanddrunkenwiththem，andtoiledwiththem，andledtheminbattleandtheplaceofwoundsandslaughter；theyaremineandIamtheirs；andthroughthemamIofthewholeearth，andallthekindredsofit；yea，evenofthefoemen，whomthisdaytheedgesinminehandshallsmite。
"ThereforeIwillbeartheHauberknomoreinbattle；andbelikemybodybutoncemore:soshallIhavelivedanddeathshallnothaveundoneme。
"Lothou，isnotthistheThiodolfwhomthouhastloved？nochangelingoftheGods，butthemaninwhommenhavetrusted，thefriendofEarth，thegiveroflife，thevanquisherofdeath？"
Andhecasthimselfuponher，andstrainedhertohisbosomandkissedher，andcaressedher，andawokethebitter-sweetjoywithinher，ashecriedout:
"Orememberthis，andthis，whenatlastIamgonefromthee！"
Butwhentheysunderedherfacewasbright，butthetearswereonit，andshesaid:"OThiodolf，thouwertfainhadstthoudoneawrongtomesothatImightforgivethee；nowwiltthouforgivemethewrongI
havedonethee？"
"Yea，"hesaid，"EvensowouldIdo，werewebothtolive，andhowmuchmoreifthisbethedawnofoursunderingday！Whathastthoudone？"
Shesaid:"IliedtotheeconcerningtheHauberkwhenIsaidthatnoevilweirdwentwithit:andthisIdidforthesavingofthylife。"
Helaidhishandfondlyonherhead，andspakesmiling:"SuchisthewontoftheGod-kin，becausetheyknownottheheartsofmen。Tellmeallthetruthofitnowatlast。"
Shesaid:
"HearthenthetaleoftheHauberkandthetruththereistotell:
TherewasamaidoftheGod-kin，andshelovedamanrightwell，Whountothebattlewaswending；andsheofherwisdomknewThatthencetothefolk-hallthresholdshouldcomebackbutaveryfew；
Andshefearedforherlove，forshedoubtedthatoftheseheshouldnotbe；
Soshewendedthewildslamenting，asIhavelamentedforthee；
Andmanywiseshepondered，howtobringherwilltopassE’enasIfortheehavepondered，asherfeetledoverthegrass，Tillsheliftedhereyesinthewild-wood，andlo！shestoodbeforeTheHalloftheHollow-places；andtheDwarf-lordstoodinthedoorAndheldinhishandtheHauberk，whereonthehammer’sblowThelastofallhadbeensmitten，andtheswordshouldbehammernow。
ThentheDwarfbeheldherfairness，andthewild-woodmany-leavedBeforehiseyeswasreelingatthehopehisheartconceived；
Sosorelyhelongedforherbody；andhelaughedbeforeherandcried，’OLadyoftheDisir，thoufarestwanderingwideLamentingthybelovedandthefolkmoteofthespear，ButifamidstofthebattlethischildofthehammerhebearHeshalllaughatthefoemen’sedgesandcomebacktothylilybreastAndofallthedaysofhislife-timeshallhiscomingyearsbebest。’
ThenshebowedadownhergodheadandsorefortheHauberksheprayed；
Buthisgreedyeyesdevouredherashestoodinthedoorandsaid；
’Comelieinminearms！Comehither，andwetwainthenighttowake！
AndthenasagiftofthemorningtheHauberkshallyetake。’
Soshehumbledherselfbeforehim，andenteredintothecave，Thedusky，thedeep-gleaming，thegem-strewngoldengrave。
Buthesawnothergirdleloosened，orherbosomgleamonhislove，Forshesetthesleep-thorninhim，thathesaw，butmightnotmove，Thoughthebittersalttearsburnedhimfortheanguishofhisgreed；
Andshetookthehammer’soffspring，herunearnedmorningmeed，Andwentherwaysfromtherock-hallandwasgladforherwarrior’ssake。
Butbehindherdullspeechfollowed，andthevoiceofthehollowspake:
’Thouhastleftmeboundinanguish，andhastgainedthineheart’sdesire；
NowIwouldthatthedewynight-grassmightbetothyfeetasthefire，Andshrivelthyraimentaboutthee，andleavetheebaretotheflame，Andnowaybutafieryfurnacefortheroadwherebyyecame！
ButsincethefolkofGod-homewemaynotslaynorsmite，Andthatfoolofthefolkthatthoulovest，thouhastsavedinmydespite，Takewiththee，thiefofGod-home，thisotherwordIsay:
Sincethesafeguardwroughtinthering-mailImaynotdoawayIlaythiscurseuponit，thatwhosoweareththesame，Shallsavehislifeinthebattle，andhavethebattle’sshame；
Heshalllivethroughwrackandruin，andeverhavetheworse，Anddragadownhiskindred，andbearthepeople’scurse。’
"Lo，thisthetaleoftheHauberk，andIknewitforthetruth:
AndlittleIthoughtofthekindreds；oftheirdayIhadnoruth；
ForIsaid，Theyaredoomedtodeparture；inalittlewhilemusttheywane，AndnoughtithelpethorhindrethifIholdmyhandorrefrain。
Yea，thouwertbecomethekindred，boththineandmine；andthybirthTomewastheroofingofheaven，andthebuildingupofearth。
Ihaveloved，andImustsorrow；thouhastlived，andthoumustdie；
Ah，whereforewerethereothersintheworldthanthouandI？"
Heturnedroundtoherandclaspedherstronglyinhisarmsagain，andkissedhermanytimesandsaid:
"Lo，hereartthouforgiven；andhereIsayfarewell！
Herethetokenofmywonderwhichmywordsmaynevertell；
Thewonderpastallthinking，thatmyloveandthineshouldblend；
Thatthusourlivesshouldmingle，andsunderintheend！
Lo，this，forthelastremembranceofthemightymanIwas，Ofthyloveandthyforbearing，andallthatcametopass！
Nightwanes，andheavendightsherforthekissofsunandearth；
Lookup，looklastuponmeonthismornofthekindreds’mirth！"
Therewithhearoseandlingerednominutelonger，butdeparted，goingasstraighttowardstheThing-steadandtheFolk-moteofhiskindredastheswallowgoestohernestinthehall-porch。Helookednotoncebehindhim，thoughabitterwailingrangthroughthewoodsandfilledhisheartwiththebitternessofherwoeandtheanguishofthehourofsundering。
CHAPTERXXVII——THEYWENDTOTHEMORNINGBATTLE
NowwhenThiodolfcamebacktothecampthesignsofdawnwereplaininthesky，themoonwaslowandsinkingbehindthetrees，andhesawatoncethatthemenwerestirringandgettingreadyfordeparture。
Helookedgladlyandblithelyatthemenhefellinwith，andtheyathim，andscarcecouldtheyrefrainashoutwhentheybeheldhisfaceandthebrightnessofit。HewentstraightuptowheretheHall-Sunwasyetsittingunderhernamesake，withArinbiornstandingbeforeheramidstofaringofleadersofhundredsandscores:butoldSorlisatbyhersidecladinallhiswar-gear。
WhenThiodolffirstcameintothatringofmentheylookeddoubtfullyathim，asiftheydreadedsomewhat，butwhentheyhadwellbeheldhimtheirfacescleared，andtheybecamejoyous。
HewentstraightuptoArinbiornandkissedtheoldwarrior，andsaidtohim，"Igivetheegoodmorrow，OleaderoftheBearings！HerenowiscometheWar-duke！andmeseemsthatweshouldgettoworkasspeedilyasmaybe，forlothedawning！"
"Hailtothinehand，War-duke！"saidArinbiornjoyously；"thereisnomoretodobuttotakethywordconcerningtheorderwhereinweshallwend；forallmenarearmedandready。"
SaidThiodolf；"Loye，Ilackwar-gearandweapons！Isthereagoodswordhereby，ahelm，abyrnyandashield？Forhardwillbethebattle，andwemustfenceourselvesallwemay。"
"Hardby，"saidArinbiorn，"isthewar-gearofIvarofourHouse，whoisdeadinthenightofhishurtsgotteninyesterday’sbattle:thouandhearealikeinstature，andwithagoodwilldothhegivethemtothee，andtheyaregoodlythings，forhecomesofsmithyingblood。
YetisitapityofThrong-ploughthatheliethonthefieldoftheslain。"
ButThiodolfsmiledandsaid:"Nay，Ivar’sbladeshallservemyturnto-day；andthereaftershallitbeseento，forthenwillbetimeformanythings。"
Sotheywenttofetchhimtheweapons；buthesaidtoArinbiorn，"Hastthounumberedthehost？WhatarethegleaningsoftheRomansword？"
SaidArinbiorn:"Herehavewemorethanthreethousandthreehundredwarriorsofthehostfitforbattle:andbesidesthisherearegatheredeighteenhundredoftheWolfingsandtheBearings，andoftheotherHouses，mostlyfromoverthewater，andofthesenighuponsevenhundredmaybearswordorshootshaft；neithershallyehinderthemfromsodoingifthebattlebejoined。"
ThensaidThiodolf:"Weshallorderusintothreebattles；theWolfingsandtheBearingstoleadthefirst，forthisisourbusiness；butothersofthesmallerHousesthissidethewatertobewithus；andtheElkingsandGaltingsandtheotherHousesoftheMid-markonthefurthersideofthewatertobeinthesecond，andwiththemthemorepartoftheNether-mark；butthemenofUp-marktobeinthethird，andthestay-at-homestofollowonwiththem:andthisthirdbattletoletthewoodcoverthemtilltheybeneeded，whichmaynotbetillthedayoffightdrawstoanend，whenallshallbeneeded:fornoRomanmanmustbeleftaliveoruntakenbythiseven，orelsemustweallgototheGodstogether。Hearken，Arinbiorn。Iamnotcalledfore-sighted，andyetmeseemsIseesomewhathowthisdayshallgo；anditisnottobehiddenthatI
shallnotseeanotherbattleuntilthelastofallbattlesisathand。Butbeofgoodcheer，forIshallnotdietilltheendofthefight，andoncemoreIshallbeaman’shelpuntoyou。NowthefirstoftheRomanswemeetshallnotbeabletostandbeforeus，fortheyshallbeunready，andwhentheirmenaregottenreadyandarefightingwithusgrimly，yeofthesecondbattleshallhearthewar-
token，andshallfallon，andtheyshallbedismayedwhentheyseesomanyfreshmencomeintothefight；yetshalltheystandstoutly；fortheyarevaliantmen，andshallnotallbetakenunawares。Then，iftheywithstanduslongenough，shallthethirdbattlecomeforthfromthewood，andfalloneitherflankofthem，andthedayshallbewon。
ButIthinknotthattheyshallwithstandussolong，butthatthemenofUp-markandthestay-at-homesshallhavethechasingofthem。
Nowgetmemywar-gear，andletthefirstbattlegetthemtotheoutgateofthegarth。"
Sotheybroughthimhisarms；andmeanwhiletheHall-SunspaketooneoftheCaptains，andheturnedandwentawayalittlespace，andthencameback，havingwithhimthreestrongwarriorsoftheWolfings，andhebroughtthembeforetheHall-Sun，whosaidtothem:
"Yethree，Steinulf，Athalulf，andGranitheGrey，Ihavesentforyoubecauseyearemenbothmightyinbattleanddeftwood-wrightsandhouse-smiths；yeshallfollowThiodolfclosely，whenhewinnethintotheRomangarth，yetshallyefightwisely，sothatyebenotslain，oratleastnotall；yeshallentertheHallwithThiodolf，andwhenyearetherein，ifneedbe，yeshallrundowntheHallatyourswiftest，andmountupintotheloftbetwixttheMiddle-hearthandtheWomen’s-Chamber，andthereshallyefindgoodstoreofwaterinvatsandtubs，andthisyeshalluseforquenchingthefireoftheHallifthefoemenfireit，asisnotunliketobe。"
ThenGranispokefortheothersandsaidhewouldpayallheedtoherwords，andtheydepartedtojointheircompany。
NowwasThiodolfarmed；andArinbiorn，turningaboutbeforehewenttohisplace，beheldhimandknithisbrow，andsaid:"Whatisthis，Thiodolf？DidstthounotsweartotheGodsnottobearhelmorshieldinthebattlesofthisstrife？yethastthouIvar’shelmonthineheadandhisshieldreadybesidethee:wiltthouforswearthyself？sodoingshaltthoubringwoeupontheHouse。"
"Arinbiorn，"saidThiodolf，"wheredidstthouheartellofmethatI
hadmademyselfthethralloftheGods？TheoaththatIswarewasswornwhenmineheartwasnotwholetowardsourpeople；andnowwillIbreakitthatImaykeepwhatofgoodintenttherewasinit，andcastawaytherest。Longisthestory；butifwejourneytogetherto-nightIwilltellitthee。LikewiseIwilltellittotheGodsiftheylooksourlyuponmewhenIseethem，andallshallbewell。"
Hesmiledashespoke，andArinbiornsmiledonhiminturnandwenthiswaystoarraythehost。ButwhenhewasgoneThiodolfwasaloneinthatplacewiththeHall-Sun，andheturnedtoher，andkissedher，andcaressedherfondly，andspakeandsaid:
"Sofarewe，Omydaughter，tothesunderingoftheways；
Shortismyjourneyhenceforthtothedoorthatendsmydays，Andlongtheroadthatliethasyetbeforethyfeet。
HowfainwereIthatthyjourneyfromdaytodayweresweetWithpeacetotheeandpleasure；thatanoblewarrior’shandInitsearlydaysmightleadtheeadownthefloweryland，Andthychildreninitsnoon-tideclingroundaboutthygown，Andthewisethatthywombhascarriedwhenthesunisgoingdown，Bethyhappyfellow-farerstotellthetaleofEarth，ButIwotthatfornosuchsweetnessdidwebringtheeuntobirth，ButtobethesouloftheWolfingstilltheotherdaysshouldcome，Andthefruitofthekindreds’harvestwiththeeisgarneredhome。
Yetiffornoblithefaringthylife-dayisordained，Yetpeacethatlongendurethmaybethysoulhathgained；
Andthysorrowofthiseventhylatestgriefshallbe，Thegriefwherewiththousingestthedeath-songoverme。"
Shelookedupathimandsmiled，thoughthetearswereonherface；
thenshesaid:
"Thoughto-daythegriefbeginnethyetthebitternessisdone。
Thoughmybodywendethbarren’neaththebeamsofthequickeningsun，Yetremembrancestillabideth，andlongafterthedaysofmylifeShallIliveinthetaleofthemorning，whentheytelloftheendingofstrife；
Andthedeedsofthislittlehand，andthethoughtconceivedinmyheart，AndneveragainhenceforwardfromthefolkshallIfareapart。
AndifoftheEarth，myfather，thouhasttidingsinthyplaceThoushalthearhowtheycallmetheRansomandtheMotherofhappydays。"
Thensheweptoutrightforabriefspace，andthereaftershesaid:
"Keepthisinthineheart，Ofather，thatIshallrememberallSincethouliftedsttheshe-wolf’snurslingintheoak-tree’sleafyhall。
Yea，everytimeIrememberwhenhandinhandwewentAmidsttheshaftsofthebeech-trees，anddowntotheyounglingbentTheFolk-wolfinhisglorywhentheeveoffightdrewnigh；
AndeverytimeIrememberwhenwewanderedjoyfullyAdownthesunnymeadowandlivedawhileoflife’Midsttheherbsandthebeastsandthewaterssofreefromfearandstrife，Thatthyyearsandthymightandthywisdom，Ihadnoparttherein；
Butthouwertasthetwin-bornbrotherofthemaidenslimandthin，Themaidenshyinthefeast-hallandblitheinwoodandfield。
Thushavewefared，myfather；ande’ennowwhenthoubearestshield，Onthelastofthydaysofmid-earth，twixtus’tisevensoThattheheartofmylike-agedbrotheristheheartoftheethatI
know。"
Thenthebitternessoftearsstayedherspeech，andhespakenowordmore，buttookherinhisarmsawhileandsoothedherandfondledher，andthentheyparted，andhewentwithgreatstridestowardstheoutgoingoftheThing-stead。
TherehefoundthewarriorsofhisHouseandoftheBearingsandthelesserHousesofMid-mark，alldulyorderedforwendingthroughthewood。Thedawnwascomingonapace，butthewoodwasyetdark。ButwhereastheWolfingsled，andeachmanofthemknewthewoodlikehisownhand，therewasnostrayingordisarray，andinlessthanahalf-
hour’sspaceThiodolfandthefirstbattlewerecometothewoodbehindthehazel-treesatthebackofthehall，andbeforethemwasthedawningroundabouttheRoofoftheKindred；theeasternheavenswerebrightening，andtheycouldseeallthingsclearwithoutthewood。
CHAPTERXXVIII——OFTHESTORMOFDAWNING
ThenThiodolfbadeFoxandtwoothersstealforward，andseewhatoffoemenwasbeforethem；sotheyfelltocreepingontowardstheopen:
butscarcelyhadtheystarted，beforeallmencouldhearthetrampofmendrawingnigh；thenThiodolfhimselftookwithhimascoreofhisHouseandwentquietlytowardthewood-edgetilltheywerebarelywithintheshadowofthebeechwood；andhelookedforthandsawmencomingstraighttowardstheirlurking-place。Andthosehesawwereagoodmany，andtheyweremostlyofthedastardsoftheGoths；butwiththemwasaCaptainofanHundredoftheRomans，andsomeothersofhiskindred；andThiodolfdeemedthattheGothshadbeenbiddentogatherupsomeofthenight-watchersandenterthewoodandfallonthestay-at-homes。Sohebadehismengetthemaback，andhehimselfabodestillattheverywood’sedgelisteningintentlywithhisswordbareinhishand。Andhenotedthatthosemenofthefoestayedinthedaylightoutsidethewood，butafewyardsfromit，and，bycommandasitseemed，fellsilentandspakenoword；andthemornwasverystill，andwhenthesoundoftheirtrampoverthegrasshadceased，Thiodolfcouldhearthetrampofmoremenbehindthem。Andthenhehadanotherthought，towitthattheRomanshadsentscoutstoseeiftheGothsyetabidedonthevantage-groundbytheford，andthatwhentheyhadfoundthemgone，theyweremindedtofallonthemunawaresintherefugeoftheThing-steadandwereabouttodosobythecounselandleadingofthedastardGoths；andthatthiswasonebodyofthehostledbythosedastards，whoknewsomewhatofthewoods。Sohedrewabackspeedily，andcatchingholdofFoxbytheshoulderforhehadtakenhimalonewithhimhebadehimcreepalongthroughthewoodtowardtheThing-stead，andbringbackspeedywordwhethertherewereanymorefoemennearthewoodthereaway；andhehimselfcametohismen，andorderedthemforonset，drawingthemupinashallowhalfmoon，withthebowmenatthehornsthereof，withthewordtolooseattheRomansassoonastheyheardthewar-hornblow:andallthiswasdonespeedilyandwithlittlenoise，fortheywerewellnighsoarrayedalready。
Thusthentheywaited，andtherewasmorethanaglimmeroflightevenunderthebeechenleaves，andtheeasternskywasyellowingtosunrise。Theotherwarriorswerelikehoundsintheleasheagertobeslipped；butThiodolfstoodcalmandhigh-heartedturningoverthememoryofpastdays，andthetimehethoughtofseemedlongtohim，buthappy。
Scarcehadascoreofminutespassed，andtheRomansbeforethem，whowerenowgatheredthickbehindthosedastardsoftheGoths，hadnotmoved，whenbackcomesFoxandtellshowhehascomeuponagreatcompanyoftheRomansledbytheirthrallsoftheGothswhowerejustenteringthewood，awaytheretowardstheThing-stead。
"But，War-duke，"sayshe，"Icamealsoacrossourownfolkofthesecondbattledulyorderedinthewoodreadytomeetthem；andtheyshallbewelldealtwith，andthesunshallriseforusandnotforthem。"
ThenturnsThiodolfroundtothosenighesttohimandsays，butstillsoftly:
"Hearyeaword，Opeople，ofthewisdomofthefoe！
Beforeusthicktheygather，anduntothedeaththeygo。
Theyfareasladswiththeircur-dogswhohavestoppedafox’searth，Andstandingroundthespinny，nowchuckleintheirmirth，TilloneputsbytheleafageandtremblingstandsastareAtthesightoftheWoodwolf’sfatherarisinginhislair-
Theyhavecomeforourwivesandourchildren，andoursword-edgeshalltheymeet；
Andwhichofthemishappysaveheoftheswiftestfeet？"
SpeedilythenwentthatwordalongtheranksoftheKindred，andmenweremerrywiththerestlessjoyofbattle:butscarcehadtwominutespassederesuddenlythestillnessofthedawnwasbrokenbyclamouranduproar；byshoutsandshrieks，andtheclashingofweaponsfromthewoodontheirlefthand；andoverallarosetheroaroftheMarkmen’shorn，forthebattlewasjoinedwiththesecondcompanyoftheKindreds。ButarumourandmurmurwentfromthefoemenbeforeThiodolf’smen；andthensprangforththeloudsharpwordofthecaptainscommandingandrebuking，asifthemenweredoubtfulwhichwaytheyshouldtake。
AmidstallwhichThiodolfbrandishedhissword，andcriedoutinagreatvoice:
"Now，now，yeWar-sons！
NowtheWolfwaketh！
LohowtheWood-beastWendethinonset。
E’enashisfeetfareFallonandfollow！"
Andheledforthjoyously，andterriblerangthelongrefrainedgatheredshoutofhisbattleashisfolkrushedontogetherdevouringthelittlespacebetweentheirambushandthehazel-besetgreen-
sward。
Inthetwinklingofaneyethehalf-moonhadlappedaroundtheRoman-
Gothsandthosethatwerewiththem；andthedastardsmadenostandbutturnedaboutatonce，cryingoutthattheGodsoftheKindredswerecometoaidandnonecouldwithstandthem。ButthesefleersthrustagainstthebandofRomanswhowerenexttothem，andborethemaback，andgreatwastheturmoil；andwhenThiodolf’sstormfellfulluponthem，asitfailednottodo，socloseweretheydriventogetherthatscarcecouldanymanraisehishandforastroke。ForbehindthemstoodagreatcompanyofthosevaliantspearmenoftheRomans，whowouldnotgivewayifanywisetheymightholditout:
andtheirrankswerecloselyserried，shieldnightouchingshield，andtheirfacesturnedtowardthefoe；andsoarrayed，thoughtheymightdie，theyscarceknewhowtoflee。Astheymightthesethrustandhewedatthefleers，andgavefiercewordsbutfewtotheRoman-
Goths，drivingthembackagainsttheirfoemen:butthefleershadlostthecunningoftheirrighthands，andtheyhadcastawaytheirshieldsandcouldnotdefendtheirverybodiesagainstthewrathofthekindreds；andwhentheystrovetofleetotherighthandortotheleft，theyweremetbythehornsofthehalf-moon，andthearrowsbegantoraininuponthem，andfromsocloseweretheyshotatthatnoshaftfailedtosmitehome。
Therethenwerethedastardsslain；andtheirbodiesservedforarampartagainsttheonrushoftheMarkmentothoseRomanswhohadstoodfast。Tothemweregatheringmoreandmoreeveryminute，andtheyfacedtheGothssteadilywiththeirhardbrownvisagesandgleamingeyesabovetheiriron-platedshields；notcastingtheirspears，butstandingcloselytogether，silent，butfierce。Thelightwasspreadnowoveralltheearth；theeasternheavensweregrowngolden-red，fleckedhereandtherewithlittlecrimsonclouds:thisbattlewasfallennearsilent，buttotheNorthwasgreatuproarofshoutsandcries，andtheroaringofthewar-horns，andtheshrillblastsofthebrazentrumpets。
NowThiodolf，ashiswontwaswhenhesawthatallwasgoingwell，hadrefrainedhimselfofhand-strokes，butwashereandthereandeverywheregivinghearttohisfolk，andkeepingthemindueorder，andclosearray，lesttheRomansshouldyetcomeamongthem。Buthewatchedtheranksofthefoe，andsawhowpresentlytheybegantospreadoutbeyondhis，andmight，ifitwerenotlookedto，taketheminflank；andhewasabouttoorderhismenanewtomeetthem，whenhelookedonhislefthandandsawhowRomanmenwerepouringthickfromthewoodoutofallarray，followedbyaclosethrongofthekindreds:foronthissidetheRomanswereoutnumberedandhadstumbledunawaresintotheambushoftheMarkmen，whohadfallenonthemstraightwayanddisarrayedthemfromthefirst。ThisflightoftheirfolktheRomanssawalso，andheldtheirmentogether，refrainingfromtheonset，asmenwhodeemthattheywillhaveenoughtodotostandfast。
ButthesecondbattleoftheMarkmen，whowereoftheNether-mark，mingledwiththeMid-markfoughtwisely，fortheysweptthosefleersfrombeforethem，slayingmanyanddrivingtherestscattering，yetheldthechasefornolongway，butwheelingaboutcamesidelongontowardthebattleoftheRomansandThiodolf。AndwhenThiodolfsawthat，hesetupthewhoopofvictory，heandhis，andfellfiercelyontheRomans，castingeverythingthatwouldfly，astheyrushedontothehandplay；sothattherewasmanyaRomanslainwiththeRomanspearsthatthosewhohadfallenhadleftamongtheirfoemen。
NowtheRomancaptainsperceivedthatitavailednottotarrytillthemenoftheMidandNether-marksfellupontheirflank；sotheygavecommand，andtheirranksgavebacklittlebylittle，facingtheirfoes，andstrivingtodrawthemselveswithinthedikeandgarth，which，aftertheircustom，theyhadalreadycastupabouttheWolfingRoof，theirstronghold。
NowasfierceaswastheonsetoftheMarkmen，themainbodyoftheRomanscouldnotbehinderedfromdoingthismuchbeforethemenofthesecondbattlewereuponthem；butThiodolfandArinbiornwithsomeofthemightiestbraketheirarrayintwoplacesandenteredinamongstthem。AndwrathsoseizeduponthesoulofArinbiornfortheslayingofOtter，andhisownfaulttowardshim，thathecastawayhisshield，andheedingnostrokes，firstbrakehisswordinthepress，andthen，gettingholdofagreataxe，smoteatallbeforehimasthoughnonesmoteathiminturn；yea，asthoughheweresmitingdowntree-bolesforamatchagainstsomeothermightyman；andallthewhileamidstthehurry，strokesofswordsandspearsrainedonhim，somefallingflatwiseandsomeglancingsideways，butsometrueandsquare，sothathishelmwassmittenoffandhishauberkrentadown，andpointandedgereachedhislivingflesh；andhehadthrusthimselfsofaramidstthefoethatnonecouldfollowtoshieldhim，sothatatlasthefellshatteredandrentatthefootofthenewclayeywallcastupbytheRomans，evenasThiodolfandabandwithhimcamecleavingthepress，andtheRomansclosedthebarriersagainstfriendandfoe，andcastgreatbeamsadown，andmassesofironandleadandcoppertakenfromthesmithying-boothsoftheWolfings，tostaythemifitwerebutalittle。
ThenThiodolfbestrodethefallenwarrior，andmenofhisHousewereclosebehindhim，forwiselyhadhefought，cleavingthepresslikeawedge，helpinghisfriendsthattheymighthelphim，sothattheyallwentforwardtogether。ButwhenhesawArinbiornfallhecriedout:
"Woe’sme，Arinbiorn！thatthouwouldestnotwaitforme；forthedayisyoungyet，andover-young！"
Therethentheyclearedthespaceoutsidethegate，andlifteduptheBearingWarrior，andbarehimbackfromtherampart。Forsofiercehadbeenthefightandsoeagerthestormofthosethathadfollowedafterhimthattheymustneedsordertheirbattleafresh，sinceThiodolf’swedgewhichhehaddrivenintotheRomanhostwasbutofafewandthefoehadbeenmanyandtherampartandtheshot-weaponswerecloseanigh。Wisethereforeitseemedtoabidethemofthesecondbattleandjoinwiththemtoswarmoverthenew-builtslipperywallintheteethoftheRomanshot。
Inthis，thefirstonsetoftheMorningBattle，someoftheMarkmenhadfallen，butnotmany，sincebutafewhadenteredoutrightintotheRomanranks；andwhentheyfirstrushedonfromthewoodbutthreeofthemwereslain，andtheslaughterwasallofthedastardsandtheRomans；andafterwardsnotafewoftheRomanswereslain，whatbyArinbiorn，whatbytheothers；fortheywerefightingfleeing，andbeforetheireyeswastheimageofthegarth-gatewhichwasbehindthem；andtheystumbledagainsteachotherastheyweredrivensidewaysagainsttheonrushoftheGoths，norweretheynowstandingfairandsquaretothem，andtheywerehurriedandconfusedwiththedreadoftheonsetofthemofthetwoMarks。