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。