Nay，evennow，asIlookonthee，themeadow—sweetthathangethfromthygirdle—steadhaswaxendull，andwelted;andtheblossomingeyebrightthatisforahemtothelittlewhitecoatoftheeisalreadyforgettinghowtobebrightandblue。Whatsayestthouthen？"
Shelaughedathisword，andstoodstill，andlookedbackoverhershoulder，whilewithherfingersshedealtwiththeflowersabouthersideliketoabirdpreeninghisfeathers。Thenshesaid："Isitverilysoasthousayest？Lookagain！"
Sohelooked，andwondered;forlo！beneathhiseyesthespiresofthemeadow—sweetgrewcrispandclearagain，theeyebrightblossomsshoneoncemoreoverthewhitenessofherlegs;theeglantinerosesopened，andallwasasfreshandbrightasifitwerestillgrowingonitsownroots。
Hewondered，andwasevensomedealaghast;butshesaid："Dearfriend，benottroubled！didInottelltheethatIamwiseinhiddenlore？Butinmywisdomshallbenolongeranyscathetoanyman。Andagain，thismywisdom，asItoldtheeerst，shallendonthedaywhereonIammadeallhappy。Anditisthouthatshallwielditall，myMaster。Yetmustmywisdomneedsendureforalittleseasonyet。Letusonthen，boldlyandhappily。"
CHAPTERXXVI：THEYCOMETOTHEFOLKOFTHEBEARS
Ontheywent，andbeforelongtheywerecomeupontothedown—
country，wherewasscarceatree，savegnarledandknottythorn—
busheshereandthere，butnoughtelsehigherthanthewhin。Andhereontheseupperlandstheysawthatthepasturesweremuchburnedwiththedrought，albeitsummerwasnotwornold。Nowtheywentmakingduesouthtowardthemountains，whoseheadstheysawfromtimetotimerisingdeepblueoverthebleakgreynessofthedown—landridges。Andsotheywent，tillatlast，hardonsunset，aftertheyhadclimbedlongoverahighbent，theycametothebrowthereof，and，lookingdown，beheldnewtidings。
Therewasawidevalleybelowthem，greenerthanthedownswhichtheyhadcomeover，andgreeneryetamidmost，fromthewateringofastreamwhich，allbesetwithwillows，woundaboutthebottom。Sheepandneatwerepasturingaboutthedale，andmoreoveralonglineofsmokewasgoingupstraightintothewindlessheavensfromthemidstofaringoflittleroundhousesbuiltofturfs，andthatchedwithreed。Andbeyondthat，towardaneastward—lyingbightofthedale，theycouldseewhatlookedliketoadoom—ringofbigstones，thoughtherewerenorockyplacesinthatland。Aboutthecooking—fireamidstofthehouses，andhereandthereotherwhere，theysaw，standingorgoingtoandfro，hugefiguresofmenandwomen，withchildrenplayingaboutbetwixtthem。
Theystoodandgazeddownatitforaminuteortwo，andthoughallwereatpeacethere，yettoWalter，atleast，itseemedstrangeandawful。Hespakesoftly，asthoughhewouldnothavehisvoicereachthosemen，thoughtheywere，forsooth，outofearshotofanythingsaveashout："ArethesethenthechildrenoftheBear？Whatshallwedonow？"
Shesaid："Yea，oftheBeartheybe，thoughtherebeotherfolksofthemfarandfarawaytothenorthwardandeastward，neartothebordersofthesea。Andastowhatweshalldo，letusgodownatonce，andpeacefully。Indeed，bynowtherewillbenoescapefromthem;forloyou！theyhaveseenus。"
Forsooth，somethreeorfourofthebigmenhadturnedthemtowardthebentwhereonstoodthetwain，andwerehailingtheminhuge，roughvoices，wherein，howsoever，seemedtobenoangerorthreat。
SotheMaidtookWalterbythehand，andthustheywentdownquietly，andtheBear—folk，seeingthem，stoodalltogether，facingthem，toabidetheircoming。Waltersawofthem，thatthoughtheywereverytallandbiglymade，theywerenotsofarabovethestatureofmenastobemarvels。Thecarleswerelong—haired，andshaggyofbeard，andtheirhairallredortawny;theirskins，wheretheirnakedfleshshowed，wereburnedbrownwithsunandweather，buttoafairandpleasantbrown，noughtliketoblackamoors。Thequeanswerecomelyandwell—eyed;norwasthereanythingoffierceorevil—lookingabouteitherthecarlesorthequeans，butsomewhatgraveandsolemnofaspectwerethey。Cladweretheyall，savingtheyoungmen—children，butsomewhatscantily，andinnoughtsavesheep—skinsordeer—skins。
Forweaponstheysawamongstthemclubs，andspearsheadedwithboneorflint，anduglyaxesofbigflintssetinwoodenhandles;norwasthere，asfarastheycouldsee，eithernoworafterward，anybowamongstthem。Butsomeoftheyoungmenseemedtohaveslingsdoneabouttheirshoulders。
Nowwhentheywerecomebutthreefathomfromthem，theMaidlifteduphervoice，andspakeclearlyandsweetly："Hail，yefolkoftheBears！wehavecomeamongstyou，andthatforyourgoodandnotforyourhurt：whereforewewouldknowifwebewelcome。"
Therewasanoldmanwhostoodforemostinthemidst，cladinamantleofdeer—skinsworkedverygoodly，andwithagoldringonhisarm，andachapletofbluestonesonhishead，andhespake：
"Littleareye，butsogoodly，thatifyewerebutbigger，weshoulddeemthatyewerecomefromtheGods’House。YethaveIheard，thathowmightysoevermaytheGodsbe，andchieflyourGod，theybeatwhilesnoughtsobiglymadeasweoftheBears。Howthismaybe，I
wotnot。ButifyebenotoftheGodsortheirkindred，thenareyemerealiens;andweknownotwhattodowithaliens，savewemeettheminbattle，orgivethemtotheGod，orsavewemakethemchildrenoftheBear。Butyetagain，yemaybemessengersofsomefolkwhowouldbindfriendshipandalliancewithus：inwhichcaseyeshallattheleastdepartinpeace，andwhilesyearewithusshallbeourguestsinallgoodcheer。Now，therefore，webidyoudeclarethematteruntous。"
ThenspaketheMaid："Father，itwereeasyforustodeclarewhatwebeuntoyouherepresent。But，meseemeth，yewhobegatheredroundthefireherethiseveningarelessthanthewholetaleofthechildrenoftheBear。"
"Soitis，Maiden，"saidtheelder，"thatmanymorechildrenhaththeBear。"
"Thisthenwebidyou，"saidtheMaid，"thatyesendthetokensroundandgatheryourpeopletoyou，andwhentheybeassembledintheDoom—ring，thenshallweputourerrandbeforeyou;andaccordingtothat，shallyedealwithus。"
"Thouhastspokenwell，"saidtheelder;"andevensohadwebiddenyouourselves。To—morrow，beforenoon，shallyestandintheDoom—
ringinthisDale，andspeakwiththechildrenoftheBear。"
Therewithheturnedtohisownfolkandcalledoutsomething，whereofthosetwainknewnotthemeaning;andtherecametohim，oneafteranother，sixyoungmen，untoeachofwhomhegaveathingfromouthispouch，butwhatitwasWaltermightnotsee，savethatitwaslittleandofsmallaccount：toeach，also，hespakeawordortwo，andstraighttheysetoffrunning，oneaftertheother，turningtowardthebentwhichwasoveragainstthatwherebythetwainhadcomeintotheDale，andweresoonoutofsightinthegatheringdusk。
ThentheelderturnedhimagaintoWalterandtheMaid，andspake：
"Manandwoman，whatsoeveryemaybe，orwhatsoevermayabideyouto—morrow，to—night，yearewelcomegueststous;sowebidyoucomeeatanddrinkatourfire。"
Sotheysatalltogetheruponthegrassroundabouttheembersofthefire，andatecurdsandcheese，anddrankmilkinabundance;andasthenightgrewonthemtheyquickenedthefire，thattheymighthavelight。Thiswildfolktalkedmerrilyamongstthemselves，withlaughterenoughandfriendlyjests，buttothenew—comerstheywerefew—spoken，though，asthetwaindeemed，fornoenmitythattheyborethem。ButthisfoundWalter，thattheyoungerones，bothmenandwomen，seemedtofinditahardmattertokeeptheireyesoffthem;andseemed，withal，togazeonthemwithsomewhatofdoubt，or，itmightbe，offear。
Sowhenthenightwaswearingalittle，theelderaroseandbadethetwaintocomewithhim，andledthemtoasmallhouseorbooth，whichwasamidmostofall，andsomewhatbiggerthantheothers，andhedidthemtowitthattheyshouldresttherethatnight，andbadethemsleepinpeaceandwithoutfeartillthemorrow。Sotheyentered，andfoundbedsthereonofheatherandling，andtheylaidthemdownsweetly，likebrotherandsister，whentheyhadkissedeachother。Buttheynotedthatfourbriskmenlaywithoutthebooth，andacrossthedoor，withtheirweaponsbesidethem，sothattheymustneedslookuponthemselvesascaptives。
ThenWaltermightnotrefrainhim，butspake："Sweetanddearfriend，IhavecomealongwayfromthequayatLangton，andthevisionoftheDwarf，theMaid，andtheLady;andforthiskisswherewithIhavekissedtheee’ennow，andthekindnessofthineeyes，itwasworththetimeandthetravail。Butto—morrow，meseemeth，Ishallgonofurtherinthisworld，thoughmyjourneybefarlongerthanfromLangtonhither。AndnowmayGodandAllHallowskeeptheeamongstthiswildfolk，whenasIshallbegonefromthee。"
Shelaughedlowandsweetly，andsaid："Dearfriend，dostthouspeaktomethusmournfullytomovemetolovetheebetter？Thenisthylabourlost;fornobettermayIlovetheethannowIdo;andthatiswithminewholeheart。Butkeepagoodcourage，Ibidthee;
forwebenotsunderedyet，norshallwebe。NordoIdeemthatweshalldiehere，orto—morrow;butmanyyearshence，afterwehaveknownallthesweetnessoflife。Meanwhile，Ibidtheegood—night，fairfriend！"
CHAPTERXXVII：MORNINGAMONGSTTHEBEARS
SoWalterlaidhimdownandfellasleep，andknewnomoretillheawokeinbrightdaylightwiththeMaidstandingoverhim。Shewasfreshfromthewater，forshehadbeentotherivertobatheher，andthesunthroughtheopendoorfellstreamingonherfeetclosetoWalter’spillow。Heturnedaboutandcasthisarmaboutthem，andcaressedthem，whileshestoodsmilinguponhim;thenhearoseandlookedonher，andsaid："Howthouartfairandbrightthismorning！Andyet……andyet……wereitnotwellthatthoudoofftheeallthisfadedanddroopingbraveryofleavesandblossoms，thatmakeththeelookliketoajongleur’sdamselonamorrowofMay—day？"
Andhegazedruefullyonher。
Shelaughedonhimmerrily，andsaid："Yea，andbeliketheseothersthinknobetterofmyattire，ornotmuchbetter;foryondertheyaregatheringsmallwoodfortheburnt—offering;which，forsooth，shallbethouandI，unlessIbetteritallbymeansofthewisdomI
learnedoftheoldwoman，andperfectedbetwixtthestripesofmyMistress，whomalittlewhileagothoulovedstsomewhat。"
Andasshespakehereyessparkled，hercheekflushed，andherlimbsandherfeetseemedasiftheycouldscarcerefrainfromdancingforjoy。ThenWalterknithisbrow，andforamomentathoughthalf—
framedwasinhismind：Isitso，thatshewillbewraymeandlivewithoutme？andhecasthiseyesontotheground。Butshesaid：
"Lookup，andintomineeyes，friend，andseeiftherebeinthemanyfalsenesstowardthee！ForIknowthythought;Iknowthythought。Dostthounotseethatmyjoyandgladnessisfortheloveofthee，andthethoughtoftherestfromtroublethatisathand？"
Helookedup，andhiseyesmettheeyesofherlove，andhewouldhavecasthisarmsabouther;butshedrewabackandsaid："Nay，thoumustrefraintheeawhile，dearfriend，lestthesefolkcasteyesonus，anddeemusoverlover—likeforwhatIamtobidthemdeemme。Abideawhile，andthenshallallbeinmeaccordingtothywill。ButnowImusttelltheethatitisnotveryfarfromnoon，andthattheBearsarestreamingintotheDale，andalreadythereisanhostofmenattheDoom—ring，and，asIsaid，thebalefortheburnt—offeringiswellnighdight，whetheritbeforus，orforsomeothercreature。AndnowIhavetobidtheethis，anditwillbeathingeasyfortheetodo，towit，thatthoulookasifthouwertoftheraceoftheGods，andnottoblench，orshowsignofblenching，whateverbetide：toyea—saybothmyyea—sayandmynay—say：andlastlythis，whichistheonlyhardthingforthee（butthouhastalreadydoneitbeforesomewhat），tolookuponmewithnomasterfuleyesoflove，norasifthouwertatonceprayingmeandcommandingme;ratherthoushaltsodemeantheeasifthouwertmymanallsimply，andnowisemymaster。"
"Ofriendbeloved，"saidWalter，"hereatleastartthouthemaster，andIwilldoallthybidding，incertainhopeofthis，thateitherweshalllivetogetherordietogether。"
Butastheyspoke，incametheelder，andwithhimayoungmaiden，bearingwiththemtheirbreakfastofcurdsaridcreamandstrawberries，andhebadethemeat。Sotheyate，andwerenotunmerry;andthewhileoftheireatingtheeldertalkedwiththemsoberly，butnothardly，orwithanyseemingenmity：andeverhistalkgatontothedrought，whichwasnowburningupthedown—
pastures;andhowthegrassinthewatereddales，whichwasnowidespreadofland，wouldnotholdoutmuchlongerunlesstheGodsentthemrain。AndWalternotedthatthosetwo，theelderandtheMaid，eyedeachothercuriouslyamidstofthistalk;theelderintentonwhatshemightsay，andifshegaveheedtohiswords;whileonhersidetheMaidansweredhisspeechgraciouslyandpleasantly，butsaidlittlethatwasofanyimport：norwouldshehavehimfixhereyes，whichwanderedlightlyfromthisthingtothat;norwouldherlipsgrowsternandstable，buteversmiledinanswertothelightofhereyes，asshesattherewithherfaceastheveryfaceofthegladnessofthesummerday。
CHAPTERXXVIII：OFTHENEWGODOFTHEBEARS
Atlasttheoldmansaid："Mychildren，yeshallnowcomewithmeuntotheDoom—ringofourfolk，theBearsoftheSouthernDales，anddelivertothemyourerrand;andIbeseechyoutohavepityuponyourownbodies，asIhavepityonthem;onthineespecially，Maiden，sofairandbrightacreatureasthouart;forsoitis，thatifyedealusoutlightandlyingwordsafterthemannerofdastards，yeshallmisstheworshipandgloryofwendingawayamidstoftheflames，agifttotheGodandahopetothepeople，andshallbepassedbytherodsofthefolk，untilyefaintandfailamongstthem，andthenshallyebethrustdownintotheflowattheDale’sEnd，andastone—ladenhurdlecastuponyou，thatwemaythenceforthforgetyourfolly。"
TheMaidnowlookedfullintohiseyes，andWalterdeemedthattheoldmanshrankbeforeher;butshesaid："Thouartoldandwise，O
greatmanoftheBears，yetnoughtIneedtolearnofthee。NowleadusonourwaytotheSteadoftheErrands。"
SotheelderbroughtthemalongtotheDoom—ringattheeasternendoftheDale;anditwasnowallpeopledwiththosehugemen，weaponedaftertheirfashion，andstandingup，sothatthegreystonesthereofbutshowedalittleovertheirheads。ButamidmostofthesaidRingwasabigstone，fashionedasachair，whereonsataveryoldman，long—hoaryandwhite—bearded，andoneithersideofhimstoodagreat—limbedwomancladinwar—gear，holding，eachofthem，alongspear，andwithaflint—bladedknifeinthegirdle;andtherewerenootherwomeninalltheMote。
ThentheelderledthosetwainintothemidstoftheMote，andtherebadethemgoupontoawide，flat—toppedstone，sixfeetabovetheground，justoveragainsttheancientchieftain;andtheymounteditbyaroughstair，andstoodtherebeforethatfolk;Walterinhisarrayoftheoutwardworld，whichhadbeenfairenough，ofcrimsonclothandsilk，andwhitelinen，butwasnowtravel—stainedandworn;andtheMaidwithnoughtuponher，savethesmockwhereinshehadfledfromtheGoldenHouseoftheWoodbeyondtheWorld，deckedwiththefadedflowerswhichshehadwreathedaboutheryesterday。
Nevertheless，soitwas，thatthosebigmeneyedherintently，andwithsomewhatofworship。
NowdidWalter，accordingtoherbidding，sinkdownonhiskneesbesideher，anddrawinghissword，holditbeforehim，asiftokeepallinterlopersalooffromtheMaid。AndtherewassilenceintheMote，andalleyeswerefixedonthosetwain。
Atlasttheoldchiefaroseandspake："Yemen，herearecomeamanandawoman，weknownotwhence;whereastheyhavegivenwordtoourfolkwhofirstmetthem，thattheywouldtelltheirerrandtononesavetheMoteofthePeople;whichitwastheirduetodo，iftheyweremindedtoriskit。Foreithertheybealienswithoutanerrandhither，save，itmaybe，tobeguileus，inwhichcasetheyshallpresentlydieanevildeath;ortheyhavecomeamongstusthatwemaygivethemtotheGodwithflint—edgeandfire;ortheyhaveamessagetousfromsomefolkorother，ontheissueofwhichliethlifeordeath。Nowshallyehearwhattheyhavetosayconcerningthemselvesandtheirfaringhither。But，meseemeth，itshallbethewomanwhoisthechiefandhaththewordinhermouth;for，loyou！
themankneelethatherfeet，asonewhowouldserveandworshipher。Speakoutthen，woman，andletourwarriorshearthee。"
ThentheMaidlifteduphervoice，andspakeoutclearandshrilling，liketoafluteofthebestoftheminstrels："YemenoftheChildrenoftheBear，Iwouldaskyouaquestion，andletthechieftainwhosittethbeforemeanswerit。"
Theoldmannoddedhishead，andshewenton："Tellme，ChildrenoftheBear，howlongatimeiswornsinceyesawtheGodofyourworshipmademanifestinthebodyofawoman！"
Saidtheelder："Manywintershavewornsincemyfather’sfatherwasachild，andsawtheveryGodinthebodilyformofawoman。"
Thenshesaidagain："Didyerejoiceathercoming，andwouldyerejoiceifoncemoreshecameamongstyou？"
"Yea，"saidtheoldchieftain，"forshegaveusgifts，andlearneduslore，andcametousinnoterribleshape，butasayoungwomanasgoodlyasthou。"
ThensaidtheMaid："Now，then，isthedayofyourgladnesscome;
fortheoldbodyisdead，andIamthenewbodyofyourGod，comeamongstyouforyourwelfare。"
ThenfellagreatsilenceontheMote，tilltheoldmanspakeandsaid："WhatshallIsayandlive？ForifthoubeverilytheGod，andIthreatenthee，wiltthounotdestroyme？Butthouhastspokenagreatwordwithasweetmouth，andhasttakentheburdenofbloodonthylilyhands;andiftheChildrenoftheBearbebefooledoflightliars，howshalltheyputtheshameoffthem？ThereforeI
say，showtousatoken;andifthoubetheGod，thisshallbeeasytothee;andifthoushowitnot，thenisthyfalsehoodmanifest，andthoushaltdreetheweird。Forweshalldelivertheeintothehandsofthesewomenhere，whoshallthrusttheedownintotheflowwhichishereby，aftertheyhaveweariedthemselveswithwhippingthee。ButthymanthatkneelethatthyfeetshallwegivetothetrueGod，andheshallgotoherbytheroadoftheflintandthefire。Hastthouheard？Thengivetousthesignandthetoken。"
Shechangedcountenancenowhitathisword;buthereyeswerethebrighter，andhercheekthefresherandherfeetmovedalittle，asiftheyweregrowinggladbeforethedance;andshelookedoutovertheMote，andspakeinherclearvoice："Oldman，thouneedestnottofearforthywords。Forsoothitisnotmewhomthouthreatenestwithstripesandafouldeath，butsomelightfoolandliar，whoisnothere。Nowhearken！Iwotwellthatyewouldhavesomewhatofme，towit，thatIshouldsendyouraintoendthisdrought，whichotherwiseseemethliketolielonguponyou：butthisrain，Imustgointothemountainsofthesouthtofetchityou;thereforeshallcertainofyourwarriorsbringmeonmyway，withthismyman，uptothegreatpassofthesaidmountains，andweshallsetoutthitherwardthisveryday。"
Shewassilentawhile，andalllookedonher，butnonespakeormoved，sothattheyseemedasimagesofstoneamongstthestones。
Thenshespakeagainandsaid："Somewouldsay，menoftheBear，thatthiswereasignandatokengreatenough;butIknowyou，andhowstubbornandperverseofheartyebe;andhowthatthegiftnotyetwithinyourhandisnogifttoyou;andthewonderyeseenot，yourheartstrownot。ThereforelookyeuponmeashereIstand，I
whohavecomefromthefairercountryandthegreenwoodofthelands，andseeifIbearnotthesummerwithme，andtheheartthatmakethincreaseandthehandthatgiveth。"
Lothen！asshespake，thefadedflowersthathungabouthergatheredlifeandgrewfreshagain;thewoodbineroundherneckandhersleekshouldersknititselftogetherandembracedherfreshly，andcastitsscentaboutherface。Theliliesthatgirdedherloinslifteduptheirheads，andthegoldoftheirtasselsfelluponher;
theeyebrightgrewcleanblueagainuponhersmock;theeglantinefounditsbloomsagain，andthenbegantoshedtheleavesthereofuponherfeet;themeadow—sweetwreathedamongstitmadeclearthesweetnessofherlegs，andthemouse—earstuddedherraimentaswithgems。Thereshestoodamidstoftheblossoms，likeagreatorientpearlagainstthefretworkofthegoldsmiths，andthebreezethatcameupthevalleyfrombehindborethesweetnessofherfragranceallovertheMan—mote。
Then，indeed，theBearsstoodup，andshoutedandcried，andsmoteontheirshields，andtossedtheirspearsaloft。Thentheelderrosefromhisseat，andcameuphumblytowhereshestood，andprayedhertosaywhatshewouldhavedone;whiletheothersdrewaboutinknots，butdurstnotcomeverynightoher。Sheansweredtheancientchief，andsaid，thatshewoulddepartpresentlytowardthemountains，wherebyshemightsendthemtherainwhichtheylacked，andthatthenceshewouldawaytothesouthwardforawhile;
butthattheyshouldhearofher，or，itmightbe，seeher，beforetheywhowerenowofmiddleageshouldbegonetotheirfathers。
Thentheoldmanbesoughtherthattheymightmakeheralitteroffragrantgreenboughs，andsobearherawaytowardthemountainpassamidstatriumphofthewholefolk。Butsheleaptlightlydownfromthestone，andwalkedtoandfroonthegreensward，whileitseemedofherthatherfeetscarcetouchedthegrass;andshespaketotheancientchiefwherehestillkneeledinworshipofher，andsaid"Nay;deemestthouofmethatIneedbearingbymen’shands，orthatIshalltireatallwhenIamdoingmywill，andI，theveryheartoftheyear’sincrease？Soitis，thatthegoingofmyfeetoveryourpasturesshallmakethemtothrive，boththisyearandthecomingyears：surelywillIgoafoot。"
Sotheyworshippedherthemore，andblessedher;andthenfirstofalltheybroughtmeat，thedaintiesttheymight，bothforherandforWalter。ButtheywouldnotlookontheMaidwhilessheate，orsufferWaltertobeholdherthewhile。Afterwards，whentheyhadeaten，sometwentymen，weaponedaftertheirfashion，madethemreadytowendwiththeMaidenupintothemountains，andanontheysetoutthitherwardalltogether。Howbeit，thehugemenheldthemeversomewhatalooffromtheMaid;andwhentheycametotheresting—placeforthatnight，wherewasnohouse，foritwasupamongstthefoot—hillsbeforethemountains，thenitwasawondertoseehowcarefullytheybuiltupasleeping—placeforher，andtilteditoverwiththeirskin—cloaks，andhowtheywatchednightlongabouther。ButWaltertheyletsleeppeacefullyonthegrass，alittlewayalooffromthewatchersroundtheMaid。
CHAPTERXXIX：WALTERSTRAYSINTHEPASSANDISSUNDEREDFROMTHE
MAID
Morningcame，andtheyaroseandwentontheirways，andwentalldaytillthesunwasnighset，andtheywerecomeupintotheverypass;andinthejawsthereofwasanearthenhowe。TheretheMaidbadethemstay，andshewentupontothehowe，andstoodthereandspaketothem，andsaid："OmenoftheBear，Igiveyouthanksforyourfollowing，andIblessyou，andpromiseyoutheincreaseoftheearth。Butnowyeshallturnaback，andleavemetogomyways;andmymanwiththeironswordshallfollowme。Now，maybe，IshallcomeamongsttheBear—folkagainbeforelong，andyetagain，andlearnthemwisdom;butforthistimeitisenough。AndIshalltellyouthatyewerebesttohastenhomestraightwaytoyourhousesinthedownlanddales，fortheweatherwhichIhavebiddenforyouisevennowcomingforthfromtheforgeofstormsintheheartofthemountains。NowthislastwordIgiveyou，thattimesarechangedsinceIworethelastshapeofGodthatyehaveseen，whereforeachangeIcommandyou。Ifsobealienscomeamongstyou，Iwillnotthatyesendthemtomebytheflintandthefire;rather，unlesstheybebalefuluntoyou，andworthyofanevildeath，yeshallsufferthemtoabidewithyou;yeshallmakethembecomechildrenoftheBears，iftheybegoodlyenoughandworthy，andtheyshallbemychildrenasyebe;otherwise，iftheybeill—favouredandweakling，letthemliveandbethrallstoyou，butnotjoinwithyou，mantowoman。Nowdepartyewithmyblessing。"
Therewithshecamedownfromthemound，andwentherwaysupthepasssolightly，thatitwastoWalter，standingamongsttheBears，asifshehadvanishedaway。ButthemenofthatfolkabodestandingandworshippingtheirGodforalittlewhile，andthatwhilehedurstnotsunderhimfromtheircompany。Butwhentheyhadblessedhimandgoneontheirwaybackward，hebetookhiminhastetofollowingtheMaid，thinkingtofindherabidinghiminsomenookofthepass。
Howsoever，itwasnowtwilightormore，and，forallhishaste，darknightovertookhim，sothatperforcehewasstayedamidstthetangleofthemountainways。And，moreover，erethenightwasgrownold，theweathercameuponhimonthebackofagreatsouthwind，sothatthemountainnooksrattledandroared，andtherewastherainandthehail，withthunderandlightning，monstrousandterrible，andallthehugearrayofasummerstorm。Sohewasdrivenatlasttocrouchunderabigrockandabidetheday。
Butnotsowerehistroublesatanend。Forunderthesaidrockhefellasleep，andwhenheawokeitwasdayindeed;butastothepass，thewaytherebywasblindwiththedrivingrainandtheloweringlift;sothat，thoughhestruggledaswellashemightagainstthestormandthetangle，hemadebutlittleway。
Andnowoncemorethethoughtcameonhim，thattheMaidwasofthefays，orofsomeraceevenmightier;anditcameonhimnownotaserst，withhalffearandwholedesire，butwithabitteroppressionofdread，oflossandmisery;sothathebegantofearthatshehadbutwonhislovetoleavehimandforgethimforanew—comer，afterthewontoffay—women，asoldtalestell。
Twodayshebattledthuswithstormandblindness，andwanhopeofhislife;forhewasgrowingweakandfordone。Butthethirdmorningthestormabated，thoughtherainyetfellheavily，andhecouldseehiswaysomewhataswellasfeelit：withalhefoundthatnowhispathwasleadinghimdownwards。Asitgrewdusk，hecamedownintoagrassyvalleywithastreamrunningthroughittothesouthward，andtherainwasnowbutlittle，comingdownbutindashesfromtimetotime。Sohecreptdowntothestream—side，andlayamongstthebushesthere;andsaidtohimself，thatonthemorrowhewouldgethimvictual，sothathemightlivetoseekhisMaidenthroughthewideworld。Hewasofsomewhatbetterheart：
butnowthathewaslaidquiet，andhadnomoreforthatpresenttotroublehimabouttheway，theanguishofhislossfelluponhimthekeener，andhemightnotrefrainhimfromlamentinghisdearMaidenaloud，asonewhodeemedhimselfintheemptywilderness：andthushelamentedforhersweetnessandherloveliness，andthekindnessofhervoiceandherspeech，andhermirth。Thenhefelltocryingoutconcerningthebeautyofhershaping，praisingthepartsofherbody，asherface，andherhands，andhershoulders，andherfeet，andcursingtheevilfatewhichhadsunderedhimfromthefriendlinessofher，andthepeerlessfashionofher。
CHAPTERXXX：NOWTHEYMEETAGAIN
Complainingthus—wise，hefellasleepfromsheerweariness，andwhenheawokeitwasbroadday，calmandbrightandcloudless，withthescentoftheearthrefreshedgoingupintotheheavens，andthebirdssingingsweetlyinthebushesabouthim：forthedalewhereuntohewasnowcomewasafairandlovelyplaceamidsttheshelvingslopesofthemountains，aparadiseofthewilderness，andnoughtbutpleasantandsweetthingsweretobeseenthere，nowthatthemornwassoclearandsunny。
Hearoseandlookedabouthim，andsawwhere，ahundredyardsaloof，wasathicketofsmallwood，asthornandelderandwhitebeam，allwreathedaboutwiththebinesofwayfaringtree;ithidabightofthestream，whichturnedroundaboutit，andbetwixtitandWalterwasthegrassshortandthick，andsweet，andallbesetwithflowers;andhesaidtohimselfthatitwasevensuchaplaceaswhereintheangelswereleadingtheBlessedinthegreatpaintedparadiseinthechoirofthebigchurchatLangtononHolm。Butlo！
ashelookedhecriedaloudforjoy，forforthfromthethicketontotheflowerygrasscameoneliketoanangelfromoutofthesaidpicture，white—cladandbare—foot，sweetofflesh，withbrighteyesandruddycheeks;foritwastheMaidherself。Soherantoher，andsheabodehim，holdingforthkindhandstohim，andsmiling，whilesheweptforjoyofthemeeting。Hethrewhimselfuponher，andsparednottokissher，hercheeksandhermouth，andherarmsandhershoulders，andwheresoevershewouldsufferit。Tillatlastshedrewabackalittle，laughingonhimforlove，andsaid：
"Forbearnow，friend，foritisenoughforthistime，andtellmehowthouhastsped。"
"Ill，ill，"saidhe。
"Whatailsthee？"shesaid。
"Hunger，"hesaid，"andlongingforthee。"
"Well，"shesaid，"methouhast;thereisoneillquenched;takemyhand，andwewillseetotheotherone。"
Sohetookherhand，andtoholditseemedtohimsweetbeyondmeasure。Buthelookedup，andsawalittlebluesmokegoingupintotheairfrombeyondthethicket;andhelaughed，forhewasweakwithhunger，andhesaid："Whoisatthecookingyonder？"
"Thoushaltsee，"shesaid;andledhimtherewithintothesaidthicketandthroughit，andlo！afairlittlegrassyplace，fullofflowers，betwixtthebushesandthebightofthestream;andonthelittlesandyere，justoffthegreensward，wasafireofsticks，andbesideittwotroutslying，fatandred—flecked。
"Hereisthebreakfast，"saidshe;"whenitwastimetowashthenightoffmee’ennow，Iwentdownthestrandhereintotheripplingshallow，andsawthebankbelowit，wherethewaterdrawstogetheryonder，anddeepens，thatitseemedliketoholdfish;andwhereasI
lookedtomeettheepresently，Igropedthebankforthem，goingsoftly;andlothou！Helpmenow，thatwecookthem。"
Sotheyroastedthemontheredembers，andfelltoandatewell，bothofthem，anddrankofthewaterofthestreamoutofeachother’shollowhands;andthatfeastseemedglorioustothem，suchgladnesswentwithit。
Butwhentheyweredonewiththeirmeat，WaltersaidtotheMaid：
"Andhowdidstthouknowthatthoushouldstseemepresently？"
Shesaid，lookingonhimwistfully："Thisneedednowizardry。I
laynotsofarfromtheelastnight，butthatIheardthyvoiceandknewit。"
Saidhe，"Whydidstthounotcometomethen，sincethouheardestmebemoaningthee？"
Shecasthereyesdown，andpluckedattheflowersandgrass，andsaid："Itwasdeartoheartheepraisingme;IknewnotbeforethatIwassosoredesired，orthatthouhadsttakensuchnoteofmybody，andfounditsodear。"
Thenshereddenedsorely，andsaid："Iknewnotthataughtofmehadsuchbeautyasthoudidstbewail。"
Andsheweptforjoy。Thenshelookedonhimandsmiled，andsaid：
"Wiltthouhavetheverytruthofit？Iwentcloseuptothee，andstoodtherehiddenbythebushesandthenight。Andamidstthybewailing，Iknewthatthouwouldstsoonfallasleep，andinsoothI
out—wakedthee。"
Thenwasshesilentagain;andhespakenot，butlookedonhershyly;andshesaid，reddeningyetmore："Furthermore，ImustneedstelltheethatIfearedtogototheeinthedarknight，andmyheartsoyearningtowardsthee。"
Andshehungherheadadown;buthesaid："Isitsoindeed，thatthoufearestme？Thendoththatmakemeafraid——afraidofthynay—
say。ForIwasgoingtoentreatthee，andsaytothee：Beloved，wehavenowgonethroughmanytroubles;letusnowtakeagoodrewardatonce，andwedtogether，hereamidstthissweetandpleasanthouseofthemountains，erewegofurtheronourway;ifindeedwegofurtheratall。Forwhereshallwefindanyplacesweeterorhappierthanthis？"
Butshespranguptoherfeet，andstoodtheretremblingbeforehim，becauseofherlove;andshesaid："Beloved，Ihavedeemedthatitweregoodforustogoseekmankindastheyliveintheworld，andtoliveamongstthem。Andasforme，Iwilltelltheethesooth，towit，thatIlongforthissorely。ForIfeelafraidinthewilderness，andasifIneededhelpandprotectionagainstmyMistress，thoughshebedead;andIneedthecomfortofmanypeople，andthethrongsofthecities。Icannotforgether：itwasbutlastnightthatIdreamed（Isupposeasthedawngrewa—cold）thatI
wasyetunderherhand，andshewasstrippingmeforthetorment;sothatIwokeuppantingandcryingout。Ipraytheebenotangrywithmefortellingtheeofmydesires;forifthouwouldstnothaveitso，thenherewillIabidewiththeeasthymate，andstrivetogathercourage。"
Heroseupandkissedherface，andsaid："Nay，Ihadinsoothnomindtoabidehereforever;Imeantbutthatweshouldfeastawhilehere，andthendepart：soothitis，thatifthoudreadestthewilderness，somewhatIdreadthecity。"
Sheturnedpale，andsaid："Thoushalthavethywill，myfriend，ifitmustbeso。Butbethinktheewebenotyetatourjourney’send，andmayhavemanythingsandmuchstrifetoendure，beforewebeatpeaceandinwelfare。NowshallItellthee——didInotbefore？——
thatwhileIamamaiduntouched，mywisdom，andsomedealofmight，abidethwithme，andonlysolong。ThereforeIentreatthee，letusgonow，sidebyside，outofthisfairvalley，evenasweare，sothatmywisdomandmightmayhelptheeatneed。For，myfriend，I
wouldnotthatourlivesbeshort，somuchofjoyashathnowcomeintothem。"
"Yea，beloved，"hesaid，"letusonstraightwaythen，andshortenthewhilethatsunderethus。"
"Love，"shesaid，"thoushaltpardonmeonetimeforall。Butthisistobesaid，thatIknowsomewhatofthehapsthatliealittlewayaheadofus;partlybymylore，andpartlybywhatIlearnedofthislandofthewildfolkwhilesthouwertlyingasleepthatmorning。"
Sotheyleftthatpleasantplacebythewater，andcameintotheopenvalley，andwenttheirwaysthroughthepass;anditsoonbecamestonyagain，astheymountedthebentwhichwentupfromoutthedale。Andwhentheycametothebrowofthesaidbent，theyhadasightoftheopencountrylyingfairandjoyousinthesunshine，andamidstofit，againstthebluehills，thewallsandtowersofagreatcity。
ThensaidtheMaid："O，dearfriend，loyou！isnotthatourabodethatliethyonder，andissobeauteous？Dwellnotourfriendsthere，andourprotectionagainstuncouthwights，andmereevilthingsinguilefulshapes？Ocity，Ibidtheehail！"
ButWalterlookedonher，andsmiledsomewhat;andsaid："Irejoiceinthyjoy。Buttherebeevilthingsinyondercityalso，thoughtheybenotfaysnordevils，oritisliketonocitythatIwotof。
Andineverycityshallfoesgrowuptouswithoutrhymeorreason，andlifethereinshallbetangleduntous。"
"Yea，"shesaid;"butinthewildernessamongstthedevils，whatwastobedonebymanlymightorvaliancy？TherehadstthoutofallbackupontheguileandwizardrywhichIhadfilchedfrommyveryfoes。Butwhenwecomedownyonder，thenshallthyvaliancyprevailtocleavethetangleforus。Orattheleast，itshallleaveataleoftheebehind，andIshallworshipthee。"
Helaughed，andhisfacegrewbrighter："Masterymowsthemeadow，"
quothhe，"andonemanisoflittlemightagainstmany。ButI
promisetheeIshallnotbeslothfulbeforethee。"
CHAPTERXXXI：THEYCOMEUPONNEWFOLK
Withthattheywentdownfromthebentagain，andcametowherethepassnarrowedsomuch，thattheywentbetwixtasteepwallofrockoneitherside;butafteranhour’sgoing，thesaidwallgavebacksuddenly，and，ortheywerewarealmost，theycameonanotherdaleliketothatwhichtheyhadleft，butnotsofair，thoughitwasgrassyandwellwatered，andnotsobigeither。Buthereindeedbefellachangetothem;forlo！tentsandpavilionspitchedinthesaidvalley，andamidstofitathrongofmen，mostlyweaponed，andwithhorsesreadysaddledathand。Sotheystayedtheirfeet，andWalter’sheartfailedhim，forhesaidtohimself：Whowottethwhatthesemenmaybe，savethattheybealiens？Itismostlikethatweshallbetakenasthralls;andthen，atthebest，weshallbesundered;andthatisallonewiththeworst。
ButtheMaid，whenshesawthehorses，andthegaytents，andthepennonsfluttering，andtheglitterofspears，andgleamingofwhitearmour，smoteherpalmstogetherforjoy，andcriedout："Herenowarecomethefolkofthecityforourwelcoming，andfairandlovelyarethey，andofmanythingsshalltheybethinking，andamanythingsshalltheydo，andweshallbepartakersthereof。Comethen，andletusmeetthem，fairfriend！"
ButWaltersaid："Alas！thouknowestnot：wouldthatwemightflee！Butnowisitoverlate;soputweagoodfaceonit，andgotothemquietly，aserewhilewedidintheBear—country。"
Sodidthey;andtheresunderedsixfromthemen—at—armsandcametothosetwain，andmadehumbleobeisancetoWalter，butspakenoword。
Thentheymadeastheywouldleadthemtotheothers，andthetwainwentwiththemwondering，andcameintotheringofmen—at—arms，andstoodbeforeanoldhoarknight，armedall，savehishead，withmostgoodlyarmour，andhealsobowedbeforeWalter，butspakenoword。
Thentheytookthemtothemasterpavilion，andmadesignstothemtosit，andtheybroughtthemdaintymeatandgoodwine。Andthewhileoftheireatingaroseupastiraboutthem;andwhentheyweredonewiththeirmeat，theancientknightcametothem，stillbowingincourteouswise，anddidthemtowitbysignsthattheyshoulddepart：andwhentheywerewithout，theysawalltheothertentsstruck，andmenbeginningtobusythemwithstrikingthepavilion，andtheothersmountedandrankedingoodorderfortheroad;andthereweretwohorse—littersbeforethem，whereintheywerebiddentomount，Walterinone，andtheMaidintheother，andnootherwisemighttheydo。Thenpresentlywasahornblown，andalltooktotheroadtogether;andWaltersawbetwixtthecurtainsofthelitterthatmen—at—armsrodeoneithersideofhim，albeittheyhadlefthimhisswordbyhisside。
Sotheywentdownthemountain—passes，andbeforesunsetweregottenintotheplain;buttheymadenostayfornightfall，savetoeatamorselanddrinkadraught，goingthroughthenightasmenwhoknewtheirwaywell。Astheywent，Walterwonderedwhatwouldbetide，andifperadventuretheyalsowouldbeforofferingthemuptotheirGods;whereastheywerealiensforcertain，andbelikealsoSaracens。MoreovertherewasacoldfearathisheartthatheshouldbesunderedfromtheMaid，whereastheirmastersnowweremightymenofwar，holdingintheirhandsthatwhichallmendesire，towit，themanifestbeautyofawoman。Yethestrovetothinkthebestofitthathemight。Andsoatlast，whenthenightwasfarspent，anddawnwasathand，theystayedatagreatandmightygateinahugewall。Theretheyblewloudlyonthehornthrice，andthereafterthegateswereopened，andtheyallpassedthroughintoastreet，whichseemedtoWalterintheglimmertobebothgreatandgoodlyamongsttheabodesofmen。Thenitwasbutalittleeretheycameintoasquare，wide—spreading，onesidewhereofWaltertooktobethefrontofamostgoodlyhouse。Therethedoorsofthecourtopenedtothemoreverthehornmightblow，though，forsooth，blowitdidloudlythreetimes;alltheyenteredtherein，andmencametoWalterandsignedtohimtoalight。Sodidhe，andwouldhavetarriedtolookaboutfortheMaid，buttheysuffereditnot，butledhimupahugestairintoachamber，verygreat，andbutdimlylightedbecauseofitsgreatness。Thentheybroughthimtoabeddightasfairasmightbe，andmadesignstohimtostripandlietherein。Perforcehedidso，andthentheyboreawayhisraiment，andlefthimlyingthere。Sohelaytherequietly，deemingitnoavailforhim，amother—nakedman，toseekescapethence;butitwaslongerehemightsleep，becauseofhistroubleofmind。Atlast，purewearinessgotthebetterofhishopesandfears，andhefellintoslumberjustasthedawnwaspassingintoday。
CHAPTERXXXII：OFTHENEWKINGOFTHECITYANDLANDOFSTARK—WALL
Whenheawokeagainthesunwasshiningbrightlyintothatchamber，andhelooked，andbeheldthatitwaspeerlessofbeautyandriches，amongstallthathehadeverseen：theceilingdonewithgoldandover—seablue;thewallshungwitharrasofthefairest，thoughhemightnottellwhatwasthehistorydonetherein。Thechairsandstoolswereofcarvenworkwellbe—painted，andamidmostwasagreativorychairunderaclothofestate，ofbawdekinofgoldandgreen，muchbe—pearled;andallthefloorwasoffineworkalexandrine。
Helookedonallthis，wonderingwhathadbefallenhim，whenlo！
therecamefolkintothechamber，towit，twoserving—menwell—
bedight，andthreeoldmencladinrichgownsofsilk。Thesecametohimand（stillbysigns，withoutspeech）badehimariseandcomewiththem;andwhenhebadethemlooktoitthathewasnaked，andlaugheddoubtfully，theyneitherlaughedinanswer，norofferedhimanyraiment，butstillwouldhavehimarise，andhedidsoperforce。
Theybroughthimwiththemoutofthechamber，andthroughcertainpassagespillaredandgoodly，tilltheycametoabathasfairasanymightbe;andtheretheserving—menwashedhimcarefullyandtenderly，theoldmenlookingonthewhile。Whenitwasdone，stilltheyofferednottoclothehim，butledhimout，andthroughthepassagesagain，backtothechamber。Onlythistimehemustpassbetweenadoublehedgeofmen，someweaponed，someinpeacefularray，butallcladgloriously，andfullchieftain—likeofaspect，eitherforvaliancyorwisdom。
Inthechamberitselfwasnowaconcourseofmen，ofgreatestatebydeemingoftheirarray;butallthesewerestandingorderlyinaringabouttheivorychairaforesaid。NowsaidWaltertohimself：
Surelyallthislookstowardtheknifeandthealtarforme;buthekeptastoutcountenancedespiteofall。
Sotheyledhimuptotheivorychair，andhebeheldoneithersidethereofabench，andoneachwaslaidasetofraimentfromtheshirtupwards;buttherewasmuchdiversitybetwixtthesearrays。
Foronewasallofrobesofpeace，gloriousandbe—gemmed，unmeetforanysaveagreatking;whiletheotherwaswar—weed，seemly，well—fashioned，butlittleadorned;nayrather，wornandbestainedwithweather，andthepeltingofthespear—storm。
NowthoseoldmensignedtoWaltertotakewhichofthoseraimentshewould，anddoiton。Helookedtotherightandtheleft，andwhenhehadlookedonthewar—gear，theheartaroseinhim，andhecalledtomindthearrayoftheGoldingsintheforefrontofbattle，andhemadeonesteptowardtheweapons，andlaidhishandthereon。
Thenranagladmurmurthroughthatconcourse，andtheoldmendrewuptohimsmilingandjoyous，andhelpedhimtodothemon;andashetookupthehelm，henotedthatoveritsbroadbrownironsatagoldencrown。
Sowhenhewascladandweaponed，girtwithasword，andasteelaxeinhishand，theeldersshowedhimtotheivorythrone，andhelaidtheaxeonthearmofthechair，anddrewforththeswordfromthescabbard，andsathimdown，andlaidtheancientbladeacrosshisknees;thenhelookedaboutonthosegreatmen，andspake："Howlongshallwespeaknowordtoeachother，orisitsothatGodhathstrickenyoudumb？"
Thenalltheycriedoutwithonevoice："AllhailtotheKing，theKingofBattle！"
SpakeWalter："IfIbeking，willyedomywillasIbidyou？"
Answeredtheelder："Noughthavewewilltodo，lord，saveasthoubiddest。"
SaidWalter："Thouthen，wiltthouansweraquestioninalltruth？"
"Yea，lord，"saidtheelder，"ifImayliveafterward。"
ThensaidWalter："ThewomanthatcamewithmeintoyourCampoftheMountain，whathathbefallenher？"
Theelderanswered："Noughthathbefallenher，eitherofgoodorevil，savethatshehathsleptandeatenandbathedher。What，then，istheKing’spleasureconcerningher？"
"Thatyebringherhithertomestraightway，"saidWalter。
"Yea，"saidtheelder;"andinwhatguiseshallwebringherhither？
shallshebearrayedasaservant，oragreatlady？"
ThenWalterponderedawhile，andspakeatlast："Askherwhatisherwillherein，andasshewillhaveit，soletitbe。Butsetyeanotherchairbesidemine，andleadherthereto。Thouwiseoldman，sendoneortwotobringherinhither，butabidethou，forIhaveaquestionortwotoaskoftheeyet。Andye，lords，abideherethecomingofmyshe—fellow，ifitwearyyounot。"
Sotheelderspaketothreeofthemosthonourableofthelords，andtheywenttheirwaystobringintheMaid。
CHAPTERXXXIII：CONCERNINGTHEFASHIONOFKING—MAKINGINSTARK—WALL
MeanwhiletheKingspaketotheelder，andsaid："NowtellmewhereofIambecomeking，andwhatisthefashionandcauseoftheking—making;forwondrousitistome，whereasIambutanalienamidstofmightymen。"
"Lord，"saidtheoldman，"thouartbecomekingofamightycity，whichhathunderitmanyothercitiesandwidelands，andhavensbythesea—side，andwhichlackethnowealthwhichmendesire。Manywisemendwelltherein，andoffoolsnotmorethaninotherlands。
Avalianthostshallfollowtheetobattlewhenneedsmustthouwendafield;anhostnottobewithstood，savebytheancientGod—folk，ifanyofthemwereleftupontheearth，asbelikenoneare。Andastothenameofoursaidcity，ithighttheCityoftheStark—wall，ormoreshortly，Stark—wall。Nowastothefashionofourking—
making：Ifourkingdiethandleavethanheirmale，begottenofhisbody，thenishekingafterhim;butifhedieandleavenoheir，thensendweoutagreatlord，withknightsandsergeants，tothatpassofthemountainwheretoyecameyesterday;andthefirstmanthatcomethuntothem，theytakeandleadtothecity，astheydidwiththee，lord。Forwebelieveandtrowthatofoldtimeourforefatherscamedownfromthemountainsbythatsamepass，poorandrude，butfullofvaliancy，beforetheyconqueredtheselands，andbuildedtheStark—wall。Butnowfurthermore，whenwehavegottenthesaidwanderer，andbroughthimhometoourcity，webeholdhimmother—naked，allthegreatmenofus，bothsagesandwarriors;thenifwefindhimill—fashionedandcounterfeitofhisbody，werollhiminagreatcarpettillhedies;orwhiles，ifhebebutasimpleman，andwithoutguile，wedeliverhimforthralltosomeartificeramongstus，asashoemaker，awright，orwhatnot，andsoforgethim。Butineithercasewemakeasifnosuchmanhadcometous，andwesendagainthelordandhisknightstowatchthepass;forwesaythatsuchanonetheFathersofoldtimehavenotsentus。Butagain，whenwehaveseentothenew—comerthatheiswell—fashionedofhisbody，allisnotdone;forwedeemthatneverwouldtheFatherssendusadoltoracraventobeourking。Thereforewebidthenakedonetaketohimwhichhewilloftheseraiments，eithertheancientarmour，whichnowthoubearest，lord，orthisgoldenraimenthere;andifhetakethewar—gear，asthoutakedstit，King，itiswell;butifhetaketheraimentofpeace，thenhathhethechoiceeithertobethrallofsomegoodmanofthecity，ortobeprovenhowwisehemaybe，andsofarethenarrowedgebetwixtdeathandkingship;forifhefallshortofhiswisdom，thenshallhediethedeath。Thusisthyquestionanswered，King，andpraisebetotheFathersthattheyhavesentusonewhomnonemaydoubt，eitherforwisdomorvaliancy。"
CHAPTERXXXIV：NOWCOMETHTHEMAIDTOTHEKING
ThenalltheybowedbeforetheKing，andhespakeagain："WhatisthatnoisethatIhearwithout，asifitweretherisingoftheseaonasandyshore，whenthesouth—westwindisblowing。"
Thentheelderopenedhismouthtoanswer;butbeforehemightgetouttheword，therewasastirwithoutthechamberdoor，andthethrongparted，andlo！amidstofthemcametheMaid，andsheyetcladinnoughtsavethewhitecoatwherewithshehadwonthroughthewilderness，savethatonherheadwasagarlandofredroses，andhermiddlewaswreathedwiththesame。FreshandfairshewasasthedawnofJune;herfacebright，red—lipped，andclear—eyed，andhercheeksflushedwithhopeandlove。ShewentstraighttoWalterwherehesat，andlightlyputawaywithherhandtheelderwhowouldleadhertotheivorythronebesidetheKing;butshekneltdownbeforehim，andlaidherhandonhissteel—cladknee，andsaid："O
mylord，nowIseethatthouhastbeguiledme，andthatthouwertallalongaking—bornmancominghometothyrealm。Butsodearthouhastbeentome;andsofairandclear，andsokindwithaldothineeyesshineonmefromunderthegreywar—helm，thatIwillbeseechtheenottocastmeoututterly，butsuffermetobethyservantandhandmaidforawhile。Wiltthounot？"
ButtheKingstoopeddowntoherandraisedherup，andstoodonhisfeet，andtookherhandsandkissedthem，andsetherdownbesidehim，andsaidtoher："Sweetheart，thisisnowthyplacetillthenightcometh，evenbymyside。"
Soshesatdowntheremeekandvaliant，herhandslaidinherlap，andherfeetoneovertheother;whiletheKingsaid："Lords，thisismybeloved，andmyspouse。Now，therefore，ifyewillhavemeforKing，yemustworshipthisoneforQueenandLady;orelsesufferusbothtogoourwaysinpeace。"
Thenalltheythatwereinthechambercriedoutaloud："TheQueen，theLady！Thebelovedofourlord！"
Andthiscrycamefromtheirhearts，andnottheirlipsonly;forastheylookedonher，andthebrightnessofherbeauty，theysawalsothemeeknessofherdemeanour，andthehighheartofher，andtheyallfelltolovingher。Buttheyoungmenofthem，theircheeksflushedastheybeheldher，andtheirheartswentouttoher，andtheydrewtheirswordsandbrandishedthemaloft，andcriedoutforherasmenmadesuddenlydrunkwithlove："TheQueen，theLady，thelovelyone！"
CHAPTERXXXV：OFTHEKINGOFSTARK—WALLANDHISQUEEN
Butwhilethisbetid，thatmurmurwithout，whichisaforesaid，grewlouder;anditsmoteontheKing’sear，andhesaidagaintotheelder："Tellusnowofthatnoisewithoutward，whatisit？"
Saidtheelder："Ifthou，King，andtheQueen，wiltbutariseandstandinthewindow，andgoforthintothehanginggallerythereof，thenshallyeknowatoncewhatisthisrumour，andtherewithalshallyeseeasightmeettorejoicetheheartofakingnewcomeintokingship。"
SotheKingaroseandtooktheMaidbythehand，andwenttothewindowandlookedforth;andlo！thegreatsquareoftheplaceallthrongedwithfolkasthickastheycouldstand，andthemorepartofthecarleswithaweaponinhand，andmanyarmedrightgallantly。
ThenhewentoutintothegallerywithhisQueen，stillholdingherhand，andhislordsandwisemenstoodbehindhim。Straightwaythenaroseacry，andashoutofjoyandwelcomethatrenttheveryheavens，andthegreatplacewasallglitteringandstrangewiththetossingupofspearsandthebrandishingofswords，andthestretchingforthofhands。
ButtheMaidspakesoftlytoKingWalterandsaid："Herethenisthewildernessleftbehindalongway，andhereiswardingandprotectionagainstthefoesofourlifeandsoul。Oblessedbethouandthyvaliantheart！"
ButWalterspakenothing，butstoodasoneinadream;andyet，ifthatmightbe，hislongingtowardherincreasedmanifold。
Butdownbelow，amidstofthethrong，stoodtwoneighbourssomewhatanightothewindow;andquothonetotheother："Seethou！thenewmanintheancientarmouroftheBattleoftheWaters，bearingtheswordthatslewthefoemankingontheDayoftheDoubtfulOnset！
Surelythisisasignofgood—lucktousall。"
"Yea，"saidthesecond，"hebearethhisarmourwell，andtheeyesarebrightintheheadofhim：buthastthoubeheldwellhisshe—
fellow，andwhatthelikeofheris？"
"Iseeher，"saidtheother，"thatsheisafairwoman;yetsomewhatworsecladthansimply。Sheisinhersmock，man，andwereitnotforthebalustersIdeemyeshouldseeherbarefoot。Whatisamisswithher？"
"Dostthounotseeher，"saidthesecondneighbour，"thatsheisnotonlyafairwoman，butyetmore，oneofthoselovelyonesthatdrawtheheartoutofaman’sbody，onemayscarcesayforwhy？SurelyStark—wallhathcastaluckynetthistime。Andastoherraiment，Iseeofherthatsheiscladinwhiteandwreathedwithroses，butthatthefleshofherissowhollypureandsweetthatitmakethallherattirebutapartofherbody，andhallowethit，sothatithaththesemblanceofgems。Alas，myfriend！letushopethatthisQueenwillfareabroadunseldomamongstthepeople。"
Thus，then，theyspake;butafterawhiletheKingandhismatewentbackintothechamber，andhegavecommandthatthewomenoftheQueenshouldcomeandfetchheraway，toattireherinroyalarray。
Andthithercamethefairestofthehonourabledamsels，andwerefainofbeingherwaiting—women。TherewithaltheKingwasunarmed，anddightmostgloriously，butstillheboretheSwordoftheKing’sSlaying：andsithenceweretheKingandtheQueenbroughtintothegreathallofthepalace，andtheymetonthedais，andkissedbeforethelordsandotherfolkthatthrongedthehall。Theretheyateamorselanddrankacuptogetherwhileallbeheldthem;andthentheywerebroughtforth，andawhitehorseofthegoodliest，wellbedight，broughtforeachofthem，andthereontheymountedandwenttheirwaystogether，bythelanewhichthehugethrongmadeforthem，tothegreatchurch，forthehallowingandthecrowning;andtheywereledbyonesquirealone，andheunarmed;forsuchwasthecustomofStark—wallwhenanewkingshouldbehallowed：socametheytothegreatchurch（forthatfolkwasnotmiscreant，sotosay），andtheyenteredit，theytwoalone，andwentintothechoir：
andwhentheyhadstoodtherealittlewhilewonderingattheirlot，theyheardhowthebellsfella—ringingtunefullyovertheirheads;
andthendrewnearthesoundofmanytrumpetsblowingtogether，andthereafterthevoicesofmanyfolksinging;andthenwerethegreatdoorsthrownopen，andthebishopandhispriestscameintothechurchwithsingingandminstrelsy，andthereaftercamethewholethrongofthefolk，andpresentlythenaveofthechurchwasfilledbyit，aswhenthewaterfollowsthecuttingofthedam，andfillsupthedyke。Thereaftercamethebishopandhismatesintothechoir，andcameuptotheKing，andgavehimandtheQueenthekissofpeace。Thiswasmasssunggloriously;andthereafterwastheKinganointedandcrowned，andgreatjoywasmadethroughoutthechurch。Afterwardstheywentbackafoottothepalace，theytwoalonetogether，withnonebuttheesquiregoingbeforetoshowthemtheway。Andastheywent，theypassedclosebesidethosetwoneighbours，whosetalkhasbeentoldofafore，andthefirstone，hewhohadpraisedtheKing’swar—array，spakeandsaid："Truly，neighbour，thouartintherightofit;andnowtheQueenhasbeendightduly，andhathacrownonherhead，andiscladinwhitesamitedonealloverwithpearls，Iseehertobeofexceedinggoodliness;asgoodly，maybe，astheLordKing。"
Quoththeother："Untomesheseemethasshedide’ennow;sheiscladinwhite，asthenshewas，anditisbyreasonofthepureandsweetfleshofherthatthepearlsshineoutandglow，andbytheholinessofherbodyisherrichattirehallowed;but，forsooth，itseemedtomeasshewentpastasthoughparadisehadcomeanightoourcity，andthatalltheairbreathedofit。SoIsay，praisebetoGodandHisHallowswhohathsufferedhertodwellamongstus！"
Saidthefirstman："Forsooth，itiswell;butknowestthouatallwhenceshecometh，andofwhatlineageshemaybe？"
"Nay，"saidtheother，"Iwotnotwhencesheis;butthisIwotfullsurely，thatwhenshegoethaway，theywhomsheleadethwithhershallbewellbestead。Again，ofherlineagenoughtknowI;butthisIknow，thattheythatcomeofher，tothetwentiethgeneration，shallblessandpraisethememoryofher，andhallowhernamelittlelessthantheyhallowthenameoftheMotherofGod。"
Sospakethosetwo;buttheKingandQueencamebacktothepalace，andsatamongthelordsandatthebanquetwhichwasheldthereafter，andlongwasthetimeoftheirglory，tillthenightwasfarspentandallmenmustseektotheirbeds。
CHAPTERXXXVI：OFWALTERANDTHEMAIDINTHEDAYSOFTHEKINGSHIP
Longitwas，indeed，tillthewomen，bytheKing’scommand，hadbroughttheMaidtotheKing’schamber;andhemether，andtookherbytheshouldersandkissedher，andsaid："Artthounotweary，sweetheart？Dothnotthecity，andthethrongingfolk，andthewatchingeyesofthegreatones……dothitnotalllieheavyonthee，asitdothuponme？"
Shesaid："Andwhereisthecitynow？isnotthisthewildernessagain，andthouandIalonetogethertherein？"
Hegazedathereagerly，andshereddened，sothathereyesshonelightamidstthedarknessoftheflushofhercheeks。
Hespaketremblingandsoftly，andsaid："Isitnotinonematterbetterthanthewilderness？isnotthefeargone，yea，everywhitthereof？"
Thedarkflushhadleftherface，andshelookedonhimexceedingsweetly，andspokesteadilyandclearly："Evensoitis，beloved。"
Therewithshesetherhandtothegirdlethatgirtherloins，anddiditoff，andhelditouttowardhim，andsaid："Hereisthetoken;thisisamaid’sgirdle，andthewomanisungirt。"
Sohetookthegirdleandherhandwithal，andcasthisarmsabouther：andamidstthesweetnessoftheirloveandtheirsafety，andassuredhopeofmanydaysofjoy，theyspaketogetherofthehourswhentheyfaredtherazor—edgebetwixtguileandmiseryanddeath，andthesweeteryetitgrewtothembecauseofit;andmanythingsshetoldhimerethedawn，oftheevildaysbygone，andthedealingsoftheMistresswithher，tillthegreydaystoleintothechambertomakemanifestherloveliness;which，forsooth，wasbettereventhanthedeemingofthatmanamidstthethrongwhosehearthadbeensodrawntowardsher。Sotheyrejoicedtogetherinthenewday。
Butwhenthefulldaywas，andWalterarose，hecalledhisthanesandwisementothecouncil;andfirsthebadeopentheprison—
doors，andfeedtheneedyandclothethem，andmakegoodcheertoallmen，highandlow，richandunrich;andthereafterhetookcounselwiththemonmanymatters，andtheymarvelledathiswisdomandthekeennessofhiswit;andsoitwas，thatsomewerebuthalfpleasedthereat，whereastheysawthattheirwillwasliketogivewaybeforehisinallmatters。Butthewiserofthemrejoicedinhim，andlookedforgooddayswhilehislifelasted。
Nowofthedeedsthathedid，andhisjoysandhisgriefs，thetaleshalltellnomore;norofhowhesawLangtonagain，andhisdealingsthere。
InStark—wallhedwelt，andreignedaKing，wellbelovedofhisfolk，sorelyfearedoftheirfoemen。Strifehehadtodealwith，athomeandabroad;butthereinhewasnotquelled，tillhefellasleepfairandsoftly，whenthisworldhadnomoreofdeedsforhimtodo。
Normayitbesaidthattheneedylamentedhim;fornoneedyhadheleftinhisownland。Andfewfoesheleftbehindtohatehim。
AstotheMaid，shesowaxedinlovelinessandkindness，thatitwasayear’sjoyforanytohavecasteyesuponherinstreetoronfield。Allwizardrylefthersincethedayofherwedding;yetofwitandwisdomshehadenoughleft，andtospare;forsheneedednogoingabout，andnoguile，anymorethanhardcommands，tohaveherwilldone。Solovedshewasbyallfolk，forsooth，thatitwasamerejoyforanytogoabouthererrands。Tobeshort，shewastheland’sincrease，andthecity’ssafeguard，andtheblissofthefolk。
Somewhat，asthedayspassed，itmisgaveherthatshehadbeguiledtheBear—folktodeemhertheirGod;andsheconsideredandthoughthowshemightatoneit。
SothesecondyearaftertheyhadcometoStark—wall，shewentwithcertainfolktotheheadofthepassthatleddowntotheBears;andthereshestayedthemen—at—arms，andwentonfurtherwithatwoscoreofhusbandmenwhomshehadredeemedfromthralldominStark—
wall;andwhentheywerehardonthedalesoftheBears，sheleftthemthereinacertainlittledale，withtheirwainsandhorses，andseed—corn，andirontools，andwentdownallbird—alonetothedwellingofthosehugemen，unguardednowbysorcery，andtrustinginnoughtbutherlovelinessandkindness。Cladshewasnow，aswhenshefledfromtheWoodbeyondtheWorld，inashortwhitecoatalone，withbarefeetandnakedarms;butthesaidcoatwasnowembroideredwiththeimageryofblossomsinsilkandgold，andgems，whereasnowherwizardryhaddepartedfromher。
SoshecametotheBears，andtheyknewheratonce，andworshippedandblessedher，andfearedher。Butshetoldthemthatshehadagiftforthem，andwascometogiveit;andtherewithshetoldthemoftheartoftillage，andbadethemlearnit;andwhentheyaskedherhowtheyshoulddoso，shetoldthemofthemenwhowereabidingtheminthemountaindale，andbadetheBearstakethemfortheirbrothersandsonsoftheancientFathers，andthentheyshouldbetaughtofthem。Thistheybehighthertodo，andsosheledthemtowhereherfreedmenlay，whomtheBearsreceivedwithalljoyandloving—kindness，andtookthemintotheirfolk。
Sotheywentbacktotheirdalestogether;buttheMaidwentherwaysbacktohermen—at—armsandthecityofStark—wall。
ThereaftershesentmoregiftsandmessagestotheBears，butneveragainwentherselftoseethem;forasgoodafaceassheputonitthatlasttime，yetherheartwaxedcoldwithfear，anditalmostseemedtoherthatherMistresswasaliveagain，andthatshewasescapingfromherandplottingagainstheroncemore。
AsfortheBears，theythroveandmultiplied;tillatlaststrifearosegreatandgrimbetwixtthemandotherpeoples;fortheyhadbecomemightyinbattle：yea，onceandagaintheymetthehostofStark—wallinfight，andoverthrewandwereoverthrown。ButthatwasalongwhileaftertheMaidhadpassedaway。
NowofWalterandtheMaidisnomoretobetold，savingthattheybegatbetweenthemgoodlysonsandfairdaughters;whereofcameagreatlineageinStark—wall;whichlineagewassostrong，andenduredsolongawhile，thatbythenithaddiedout，folkhadcleanforgottentheirancientCustomofking—making，sothatafterWalterofLangtontherewasneveranotherkingthatcamedowntothempoorandlonelyfromoutoftheMountainsoftheBears。