AsyetThiodolfhadgottennogreathurt,sothatwhenheheardthatArinbiorn’ssoulhadpassedawayhesmiledandsaid:
\"Yea,yea,Arinbiornmighthaveabidedtheend,forerethenshallthebattlebehard。\"
SonowtheWolfingsandtheBearingsmetjoyouslythekindredsoftheNetherMarkandtheothersofthesecondbattle,andtheysangthesongofvictoryarrayedingoodorderhardbytheRomanrampart,whilebowstringstwangedandarrowswhistled,andsling-stoneshummedfromthissideandfromthat。
Andoftheirsongofvictorythusmuchthetaletelleth:
\"NowhearkenandhearOftheday-dawnoffear,AndhowuprosethesunOnthebattlebegun。
Allnightlaya-hiding,Ourangerabiding,DarkdowninthewoodThesharpseekersofblood;
Butereredgrewtheheavenweborethemallbare,Foragainstusundriventhefoemenmustfare;
Theysoughtandtheyfoundus,andsorrowedtofind,Forthetree-bolesaroundusthestoryshallmind,Howfastfromthegloomingtheyfledtothelight,YeasayingthedoomingofTyrofthefight。
\"HearkenyetandagainHowthenightgantowane,AndthetwilightstoleonTilltheworldwaswellwon!
E’eninsuchwisewaswendingAgreathostforourending;
Onourlife-dayse’ensoStolethehostofthefoe;
Tilltheheavensgrewlighter,andlightgrewtheworld,Andthestormofthefighteruponthemwashurled,Thensomefledthestroke,andsomediedandsomestood,Tilltheworstofthestormbrokerightoutfromthewood,Andthewar-shaftsweresingingthecaroloffear,Thetaleofthebringingthesharpswordsanear。
\"Comegatherwenow,Forthedaydothgrow。
Come,gather,yebold,Lestthedaywaxold;
Lestnottillto-morrowWeslakeoursorrow,AndheapthegroundWithmanyamound。
Come,war-children,gather,andclearwetheland!
InthetideofWar-fatherthedeedistohand。
Cladingearthatwegildedtheyshrinkfromoursword;
IntheHousethatwebuildedtheysitattheboard;
Come,war-children,gather,comeswarmo’erthewallForthefeastofWar-fathertosweepouttheHall!\"
Nowamidstoftheirsingingthesunroseupontheearth,andgleamedinthearmsofmen,andlitthefacesofthesingingwarriorsastheystoodturnedtowardtheeast。
InthisfirstonsetofbattlebuttwentyandthreeMarkmenwereslaininall,besidesArinbiorn;for,asaforesaid,theyhadthefoeatadisadvantage。AndthisonsetiscalledinthetaletheStormofDawning。
CHAPTERXXI——OFTHIODOLF’SSTORM
TheGothstarriednotovertheirvictory;theyshotwithallthebowmenthattheyhadagainsttheRomansonthewall,andtherewitharrayedthemselvestofallononcemore。AndThiodolf,nowthatthefoewerecoveredbyawall,thoughitwasbutalittleone,sentamessagetothemenofthethirdbattle,themofUp-marktowit,tocomeforwardingoodarrayandhelptomakearingaroundtheWolfingStead,whereintheyshouldnowtaketheRomansasabeastistakeninatrap。Meanwhile,untiltheycame,hesentothermentothewoodtobringtree-bolestobatterthegate,andtomakebridgeswherebytoswarmoverthewall,whichwasbutbreast-highontheRomanside,thoughtheyhadworkedatitceaselesslysinceyesterdaymorning。
Inalonghalf-hour,therefore,thehornsofthemenofUp-marksounded,andtheycameforthfromthewoodaverygreatcompany,forwiththemalsowerethemenofthestay-at-homesandthehomeless,suchofthemaswerefittobeararms。AmongstthesewenttheHall-
SunsurroundedbyabandofthewarriorsofUp-mark;andbeforeherwasbornehernamesaketheLampasasignofassuredvictory。Butthesestay-at-homeswiththeHall-SunwerestayedbythecommandofThiodolfonthecrownoftheslopeabovethedwellings,andstoodroundabouttheSpeech-Hill,onthetopmostofwhichstoodtheHall-
Sun,andthewondrousLamp,andthemenwhowardedherandit。
WhentheRomanssawthenewhostcomeforthfromthewood,theymightwellthinkthattheywouldhaveworkenoughtodothatday;butwhentheysawtheHall-SuntakeherstandontheSpeech-Hillwiththemen-
at-armsabouther,andtheLampbeforeher,thendreadoftheGodsfelluponthem,andtheyknewthatthedoomhadgoneforthagainstthem。NeverthelesstheywerenotmentofaintanddiebecausetheGodswerebecometheirfoes,buttheywereresolvedrathertofightitouttotheendagainstwhatsoevermightcomeagainstthem,aswaswellseenafterwards。
Nowtheyhadmadefourgatestotheirgarthaccordingtotheircustom,andateachgatewithinwasthereacompanyoftheirmightiestmen,andeachwasbesetbythebestoftheMarkmen。
Thiodolfandhismenbesetthewesterngatewheretheyhadmadethatfierceonset。AndthenortherngatewasbesetbytheElkingsandsomeofthekindredsoftheNether-mark;andtheeasterngatebytherestofthemenofNether-mark;andthesoutherngatebythekindredsofUp-mark。
AllthistheRomansnoted,andtheysawhowthattheMarkmenwerenowverymany,andtheyknewthattheyweremennolessvaliantthanthemselves,andtheyperceivedthatThiodolfwasawiseCaptain;andinlessthantwohours’spacefromtheStormofDawningtheysawthosemencomingfromthewoodwithplenteousstoreoftree-trunkstobridgetheirditchandrampart;andtheyconsideredhowthedaywasyetveryyoung,sothattheymightlookfornoshelterfromthenight-tide;andasforanyaidfromtheirownfolkatthewar-garthaforesaid,theyhopednotforit,norhadtheysentanymessengertotheCaptainofthegarth;nordidtheyknowasyetofhisoverthrowontheRidge。
Nowthereforethereseemedtobebuttwochoicesbeforethem;eithertoabidewithintheramparttheyhadcastup,ortobreakoutlikevaliantmen,andeitherdieinthestorm,orcleaveawaythrough,wherebytheymightcometotheirkindredandtheirstrongholdsouth-
eastoftheMark。
Thislastwaythentheychose;or,tosaythetruth,itwastheirchiefcaptainwhochoseitforthem,thoughtheywerenothingloththereto:forthismanwasamocker,yethot-headed,unstable,andnoughtwiseinwar,andheretoforehadhisgreedminishedhiscourage;yetnow,beingdrivenintoacorner,hehadcourageenoughandtospare,bututterlylackedpatience;forithadbeenbetterfortheRomanstohaveabidedoneortwoonsetsfromtheGoths,wherebytheywhoshouldmaketheonslaughtwouldattheleasthavelostmorementhantheyonwhomtheyshouldfall,beforetheywithinstormedforthonthem;buttheirpridetookawayfromtheRomanstheirlastchance。Buttheircaptain,nowthatheperceived,ashethought,thatthegamewaslostandhislifecometoitslasthourwhereinhewouldhavetoleavehistreasureandpleasurebehindhim,grewdesperateandtherewithmostfierceandcruel。Soallthecaptiveswhomtheyhadtakentheywerebuttwoscoreandtwo,forthewoundedmentheyhadslainhecausedtobeboundonthechairsofthehigh-
seatcladintheirwar-gearwiththeirswordsorspearsmadefasttotheirrighthands,andtheirshieldstotheirlefthands;andhesaidthattheGothsshouldnowholdaThingwhereintheyshouldatlasttakecounselwisely,andabstainfromfolly。Forhecausedstoreoffaggotsandsmallwoodsmearedwithgreaseandoiltobecastintothehallthatitmightbefired,sothatitandthecaptivesshouldburnupaltogether;\"So,\"saidhe,\"shallwehaveafairtorchforourfuneralfire;\"foritwasthecustomoftheRomanstoburntheirdead。
Thus,then,hedid;andthenhecausedmentodoawaythebarriersandopenallthefourgatesofthenew-madegarth,afterhehadmannedthewallwiththeslingersandbowmen,andslainthehorses,sothatthewoodlandfolkshouldhavenogainofthem。Thenhearrayedhismenatthegatesandaboutthemdulyandwisely,andbadethosevaliantfootmenfallontheGothswhoweregettingreadytofallonthem,andtodotheirbest。ButhehimselfarmedatallpointstookhisstandattheMan’s-dooroftheHall,andsworebyalltheGodsofhiskindredthathewouldnotmoveafoot’slengthfromthenceeitherforfireorforsteel。
SofiercelyonthatfairmorningburnedthehatredofmenaboutthedwellingsofthechildrenoftheWolfoftheGoths,whereinthechildrenoftheWolfofRomewereshutupasinapenfoldofslaughter。
MeanwhiletheHall-SunstandingontheHillofSpeechbehelditall,lookingdownintothegarthofwar;forthenewwallwasnohindrancetohersight,becausetheSpeech-HillwashighandbutalittlewayfromtheGreatRoof;andindeedshewaswithinshotoftheRomanbowmen,thoughtheywerenotverydeftinshooting。
Sonowshelifteduphervoiceandsangsothatmanyheardher;foratthismomentoftimetherewasalullintheclamourofbattlebothwithinthegarthandwithout;evenasithappenswhenthethunder-
stormisjustabouttobreakontheworld,thatthewinddropsdead,andthevoiceoftheleavesishushedbeforethefirstgreatandnearflashoflighteningglaresoverthefields。
Soshesang:
\"Nowthelatesthourcomethandtheendingofthestrife;
Andto-morrowandto-morrowshallwetakethehandoflife,Andwendadownthemeadows,andskirtthedarklingwood,Andreapthewavingacres,andgatherinthegood。
Iseeawallbeforemebuiltupofsteelandfire,Andhurtsandheart-sickstriving,andthewar-wright’sfiercedesire;
Butthere-amidstadooris,andwindowsaretherein;
Andthefairsun-littenmeadowsandtheHousesofthekinSmileonmethroughtheterrormytremblinglifetostay,Thatatmymouthnowflutters,asfaintofleeaway。
Loe’enasthelittlehammerandtheblow-pipeofthewrightAbouttheflickeringfiredealswiththesilverwhite,Andthecupanditsbeautygroweththatshallbeforthepeople’sfeast,Andallmenaregladtoseeitfromthegreatesttotheleast;
E’ensoisthetalenowfashioned,thatmanyatimeandoftShallbetoldontheacre’sedges,whenthesummereveissoft;
Shallbehearkenedroundthehall-blazewhenthemid-winternightThekindreds’mirthbesetteth,andquickenethman’sdelight,AndwethathavelivedinthestoryshallbebornagainandagainAsmenfeastonthebreadofourearning,andpraisethegrief-borngrain。\"
Asshemadeanendofsinging,thoseaboutherunderstoodherwords,thatshewasforetellingvictory,andthepeaceoftheMark,andforjoytheyraisedashrillcry;andthewarriorswhowerenighesttohertookitup,anditspreadthroughthewholehostroundaboutthegarth,andwentupintothebreathofthesummermorningandwentdownthewindalongthemeadowoftheWolfings,sothattheyofthewain-burg,whowerenowdrawingsomewhatneartoWolf-steadhearditandwereglad。
ButtheRomanswhentheyhearditknewthattheheartofthebattlewasreached,andtheycastbackthatshoutwrathfullyandfiercely,andmadetowardthefoe。
Therewithalthosemightymenfelloneachotherinthenarrowpassesofthegarth;forfearwasdeadandburiedinthatBattleoftheMorning。
OntheNorthgateHiarandioftheElkingswasthepointoftheMarkmen’swedge,andfirstclavetheRomanpress。IntheEasterngateitwasValtyr,Otter’sbrother’sson,ayoungmanandmostmighty。IntheSouthgateitwasGeirbaldoftheShieldings,theMessenger。
InthewestgateThiodolftheWar-dukegaveonemightycryliketheroarofanangrylion,andclearedaspacebeforehimforthewieldingofIvar’sblade;foratthatmomenthehadlookeduptotheRoofoftheKindredandhadbeheldalittlestreamofsmokecurlingblueoutofawindowthereof,andheknewwhathadbetided,andhowshortwasthetimebeforethem。Buthiswrathfulcrywastakenupbysomewhohadbeheldthatsamesight,andbyotherswhosawnoughtbuttheRomanpress,andterriblyitrangovertheswayingstrugglingcrowd。
ThenfellthefirstrankoftheRomansbeforethosestarkmenandmightywarriors;andtheyfellevenwheretheystood,foronneithersidecouldanygivebackbutforalittlespace,soclosethepresswas,andthemensoeagertosmite。Neitherdidanycravepeaceifhewerehurtordisarmed;fortotheGothsitwasbutalittlethingtofallinhotbloodinthathourofloveofthekindred,andlongingforthedaystobe。AndfortheRomans,theyhadhadnomercy,andnowlookedfornone:andtheyrememberedtheirdealingswiththeGoths,andsawbeforethem,asitwere,oncemore,yea,asinapicture,theirslayingsandquellings,andlashings,andcoldmockingswhichtheyhaddealtouttotheconqueredfoemenwithoutmercy,andnowtheylongedsoreforthequietofthedark,whentheirhardlivesshouldbeover,andallthesedeedsforgotten,andtheyandtheirbitterfoesshouldbeatrestforever。
Mostvaliantlytheyfought;butthefuryoftheirdespaircouldnotdealwiththefearlesshopeoftheGoths,andasrankafterrankofthemtooktheplaceofthosewhowerehewndownbyThiodolfandtheKindred,theyfellintheirturn,andslowlytheGothsclearedaspacewithinthegates,andthenbegantospreadalongthewallwithin,andgrewthickerandthicker。Nordidtheyfightonlyatthegates;butmadethembridgesofthosetree-trunks,andfelltoswarmingovertherampart,tilltheyhadcleareditofthebowmenandslingers,andthentheyleapeddownandfellupontheflanksoftheRomans;andthehostofthedeadgrew,andthehostofthelivinglessened。
Moreoverthestay-at-homesroundabouttheSpeech-Hill,andthatbandofthewarriorsofUp-markwhowerewiththem,beheldtheGreatRoofandsawthesmokecomegushingoutofthewindows,andatlastsawtheredflamescreepoutamidstitandwaverroundthewindowjambslikelittlebannersofscarletcloth。Thentheycouldnolongerrefrainthemselves,butrandownfromtheSpeech-Hillandtheslopeaboutitwithgreatandfiercecries,andclombthewallwhereitwasunmanned,helpingeachotherwithhandandback,bothstarkwarriors,andoldmenandladsandwomen:andthustheygatthemintothegarthandfelluponthelesseningbandoftheRomans,whonowbegantogivewayhitherandthitheraboutthegarth,astheybestmight。
ThusitbefellattheWest-gate,butattheothergatesitwasnoworser,fortherewasnodiversityofvalourbetweentheHouses;nay,whereasthemorepartandthebestpartoftheRomansfacedtheonsetofThiodolf,whichseemedtothemthemainonset,theyweresomewhateasiertodealwithelsewherethanattheWestgate;andattheEastgatewastheplacefirstwon,sothatValtyrandhisfolkwerethefirsttoclearaspacewithinthegate,andtotellthetaleshortlyforcanthisthatandtheothersword-strokebetoldofinsuchamedley?theydrewthedeath-ringaroundtheRomansthatwerebeforethem,andslewthemalltothelastman,andthenfellfiercelyontherearwardofthemoftheNorthgate,whostillstoodbeforeHiarandi’sonset。Thereagainwasnolongtaletotellof,forHiarandiwasjustwinningthegate,andthewallwasclearedoftheRomanshot-fighters,andtheMarkmenwerestandingonthetopthereof,andcastingdownontheRomansspearsandbaulksofwoodandwhatsoeverwouldfly。ThereagainweretheRomansallslainorputoutofthefight,andthetwobandsofthekindredjoinedtogether,andwithwhatvoicesthebattle-ragehadleftthemcriedoutforjoyandfaredontogethertohelptobindthesheavesofwarwhichThiodolf’ssicklehadreaped。Andnowitwasmereslaying,andtheRomans,thoughtheystillfoughtinknotsoflessthanascore,yetfoughtonandhewedandthrustwithoutmorethoughtorwillthanthestonehaswhenitleapsadownthehill-sideafterithasfirstbeensetagoing。
ButnowthegarthwasfairlywonandThiodolfsawthattherewasnohopefortheRomansdrawingtogetheragain;sowhilethekindredswerebusiedinhewingdownthoseknotsofdesperatemen,hegatheredtohimsomeofthewisestofhiswarriors,amongstwhomwereSteinulfandGranitheGrey,thedeftwood-wrightsbutAthalulfhadbeengrievouslyhurtbyaspearandwasoutofthebattle,anddraveawaythroughtheconfusedturmoilwhichstillboiledinthegarththere,andmadestraightfortheMan’s-dooroftheHall。Soonhewasclosethereto,havinghewnawayallfleersthathinderedhim,andthedoorwaywasbeforehim。Butonthethreshold,thefireandflamesofthekindledhallbehindhim,stoodtheRomanCaptaincladingold-
adornedarmourandsurcoatofsea-bornpurple;themanwascoolandcalmandproud,andamockingsmilewasonhisface:andheborehisbrightbladeunbloodiedinhishand。
Thiodolfstayedamomentoftime,andtheireyesmet;ithadgonehardwiththeWar-duke,andthoseeyesglitteredinhispaleface,andhisteethwereclosesettogether;thoughhehadfoughtwisely,andforlife,ashewhoismostvalianteverwilldo,tillheisdriventobaylikethelonewood-wolfbythehounds,yethadhebeensoremishandled。Hishelmandshieldweregone,hishauberkrent;
foritwasnodwarf-wroughtcoat,buttheworkofIvar’shand:thebloodwasrunningdownfromhisleftarm,andhewashurtinmanyplaces:hehadbrokenIvar’sswordinthemedley,andnowboreinhishandastrongRomanshort-sword,andhisfeetstoodbloodyonthewornearthanightheMan’s-door。
HelookedintothescornfuleyesoftheRomanlordforalittleminuteandthenlaughedaloud,andtherewithal,leapingonhimwithonespring,turnedsideways,anddealthimagreatbuffetonhisearwithhisunarmedlefthand,justastheRomanthrustathimwithhissword,sothattheCaptainstaggeredforwardontothenextmanfollowing,whichwasWolfkettletheeagerwarrior,whothrusthimthroughwithhisswordandshovedhimasideastheyallstrodeintothehalltogether。HowbeitnoswordfellfromtheRomanCaptainashefell,forThiodolf’ssideboreitintotheHalloftheWolfings。
Mostwrathfulwerethosemen,andwenthastily,fortheirRoofwasfullofsmoke,andtheflamesflickeredaboutthepillarsandthewallhereandthere,andcreptuptothewindowsaloft;yetwasitnotwhollyorfiercelyburning;fortheRomanfire-raisershadbeenhurriedandhastyintheirwork。StraightwaythenSteinulfandGraniledtheothersoffataruntowardstheloftandthewater;butThiodolf,whowentslowlyandpainfully,lookedandbeheldonthedaisthosemenboundfortheburning,andhewentquietly,andasamanwhohasbeensick,andisweak,upontothedais,andsaid:
\"Beofgoodcheer,Obrothers,forthekindredshavevanquishedthefoemen,andtheendofstrifeiscome。\"
Hisvoicesoundedstrangeandsweettothemamidsttheturmoilofthefightwithout;helaiddownhisswordonthetable,anddrewalittlesharpknifefromhisgirdleandcuttheirbondsonebyoneandloosedthemwithhisblood-stainedhands;andeachoneasheloosedhimhekissedandsaidtohim,\"Brother,gohelpthosewhoarequenchingthefire;thisisthebiddingoftheWar-duke。\"
Butasheloosedoneafterotherhewaslongerandlongeraboutit,andhiswordswereslower。Atlasthecametothemanwhowasboundinhisownhigh-seatcloseundertheplaceofthewondrousLamp,theHall-Sun,andhewastheonlyoneleftbound;thatmanwasoftheWormingsandwasnamedElfric;heloosedhimandwaslongaboutit;
andwhenhewasdonehesmiledonhimandkissedhim,andsaidtohim:
\"Arise,brother!gohelpthequenchersofthefire,andleavetomethismychair,forIamweary:andifthouwilt,thoumaystbringmeofthatwatertodrink,forthismorningmenhaveforgottenthemeadofthereapers!\"
ThenElfricarose,andThiodolfsatinhischair,andleanedbackhishead;butElfriclookedathimforamomentasonescared,andthenranhiswaysdownthehall,whichnowwasgrowingnoisywiththehurryandbustleofthequenchersofthefire,towhomhaddiversothersjoinedthemselves。
Therethenfromabucketwhichwasstillforamomenthefilledawoodenbowl,whichhecaughtupfromthebaseofoneofthehall-
pillars,andhasteneduptheHallagain;andtherewasnomannighthedais,andThiodolfyetsatinhischair,andthehallwasdimwiththerollingsmoke,andElfricsawnotwellwhattheWar-dukewasdoing。Sohehastenedon,andwhenhewasclosetoThiodolfhetrodinsomethingwet,andhisheartsankforheknewthatitwasblood;
hisfootslippedtherewithandasheputouthishandtosavehimselfthemorepartofthewaterwasspilled,andmingledwiththeblood。
ButhewentuptoThiodolfandsaidtohim,\"Drink,War-duke!herehathcomeamouthfulofwater。\"
ButThiodolfmovednotforhisword,andElfrictouchedhim,andhemovednonethemore。
ThenElfric’sheartfailedhimandhelaidhishandontheWar-duke’shand,andlookedcloselyintohisface;andthehandwascoldandthefaceashen-pale;andElfriclaidhishandonhisside,andhefelttheshort-swordoftheRomanleaderthrustdeeptherein,besideshismanyotherhurts。
SoElfricknewthathewasdead,andhecastthebowltotheearth,andlifteduphishandsandwailedoutaloud,likeawomanwhohathcomesuddenlyonherdeadchild,andcriedoutinagreatvoice:
\"Hither,hither,Omeninthishall,fortheWar-dukeoftheMarkmenisdead!Oyepeople,Hearken!ThiodolftheMighty,theWolfingisdead!\"
Andhewasayoungman,andweakwiththebindingandthewaitingfordeath,andhebowedhimselfadownandcrouchedonthegroundandweptaloud。
Butevenashecriedthatcry,thesunlightoutsidetheMan’s-doorwasdarkened,andtheHall-Suncameoverthethresholdinherancientgold-embroideredraiment,holdinginherhandhernamesakethewondrousLamp;andthespearsandthewar-gearofwarriorsgleamedbehindher;butthementarriedonthethresholdtillsheturnedaboutandbeckonedtothem,andthentheypouredinthroughtheMan’s-door,theirwar-gearrentandtheyallbefouledanddisarrayedwiththebattle,butwithproudandhappyfaces:astheyenteredshewavedherhandtothemtobidthemgojointhequenchersofthefire;
sotheywenttheirways。
Butshewentwithunfalteringstepsuptothedais,andtheplacewherethechainoftheLamphungdownfromamidstthesmoke-cloudwaveringalittleinthegustsofthehall。StraightwayshemadetheLampfasttoitschain,anddealtwithitspulleyswithadefthandoftenpractisedtherein,andthenletitrunuptowardthesmoke-
hiddenRooftillitgleamedinitsdueplaceoncemore,atokenofthesalvationoftheWolfingsandthewelfareofallthekindreds。
ThensheturnedtowardThiodolfwithacalmandsolemnface,thoughitwasverypaleandlookedasifshewouldnotsmileagain。Elfrichadrisenupandwasstandingbytheboardspeechlessandthepassionofsobsstillstrugglinginhisbosom。Sheputhimasidegently,andwentuptoThiodolfandstoodabovehim,andlookeddownonhisfaceawhile:thensheputforthherhandandclosedhiseyes,andstoopeddownandkissedhisface。ThenshestoodupagainandfacedtheHallandlookedandsawthatmanywerestreamingin,andthatthoughthesmokewasstilleddyingoverhead,thefirewaswellnighquenchedwithin;andwithoutthesoundofbattlehadsunkanddiedaway。ForindeedtheMarkmenhadendedtheirday’sworkbeforenoontidethatday,andthemorepartoftheRomanswereslain,andtotheresttheyhadgivenpeacetilltheFolk-moteshouldgiveDoomconcerningthem;forpityofthesevaliantmenwasgrowingintheheartsofthevaliantmenwhohadvanquishedthem,nowthattheyfearedthemnomore。
AndthissecondpartoftheMorningBattleiscalledThiodolf’sStorm。
SonowwhentheHall-Sunlookedandbeheldthatthebattlewasdoneandthefirequenched,andwhenshesawhoweverymanthatcameintotheHalllookedupandbeheldthewondrousLampandhisfacequickenedintojoyatthesightofit;andhowmostlookedupatthehigh-seatandThiodolflyingleanedbacktherein,herheartnighbrokebetweenthethoughtofhergriefandofthegriefoftheFolkthattheirmightyfriendwasdead,andthethoughtofthejoyofthedaystobeandalltheglorythathislatterdayshadwon。Butshegatheredheart,andcastingbackthedarktressesofherhair,shelifteduphervoiceandcriedouttillitsclearshrillnesssoundedthroughoutalltheRoof:
\"OmeninthisHalltheWar-dukeisdead!Opeoplehearken!forThiodolftheMightyhathchangedhislife:Comehither,Omen,Comehither,forthisistrue,thatThiodolfisdead!\"
CHAPTERXXX——THIODOLFISBORNEOUTOFTHEHALLANDOTTERISLAID
BESIDEHIM
Sowhentheyheardhervoicetheycamethitherflockmeal,andagreatthrongmingledofmanykindredswasintheHall,butwithoneconsenttheymadewayfortheChildrenoftheWolftostandnearesttothedais。Sotheretheystood,thewarriorsmingledwiththewomen,theswainswiththeoldmen,thefreemenwiththethralls:fornowthestay-at-homesoftheHousewereallgottenintothegarth,andthemorepartofthemhadflowedintothefeast-hallwhentheyknewthatthefirewasslackening。
AllthesenowhadheardtheclearvoiceoftheHall-Sun,orothershadtoldthemwhathadbefallen;andthewaveofgriefhadsweptcoldlyoverthemamidsttheirjoyoftherecoveranceoftheirdwelling-place;yettheywouldnotwailnorcryaloud,eventoeasetheirsorrow,tilltheyhadheardthewordsoftheHall-Sun,asshestoodfacingthembesidetheirdeadWar-duke。
Thenshespake:\"OSorlitheOld,comeuphither!thouhastbeenmyfellowinarmsthislongwhile。\"
Sotheoldmancameforth,andwentslowlyinhisclashingwar-gearupontothedais。Buthisattiregleamedandglittered,sinceover-
oldwashetothrustdeepintothepressthatday,howbeithewaswiseinwar。Sohestoodbesideheronthedaisholdinghisheadhigh,andproudhelooked,forallhisthinwhitelocksandsunkeneyes。
ButagainsaidtheHall-Sun:\"Canstthouhearme,Wolfkettle,whenI
bidtheestandbesideme,orartthou,too,goneontheroadtoValhall?\"
Forththenstrodethatmightywarriorandwenttowardthedais:
noughtfairwashisarraytolookon;forpointandedgehadrentitandstaineditred,andtheflaringofthehall-flameshadblackenedit;hisfacewasstreakedwithblackwithal,andhishandswereasthehandsofasmithamongthethrallswhohathwroughtunwasheninthehasteandhurrywhenmenlooktoseethewar-arrowabroad。Buthewentupontothedaisandhelduphisheadproudly,andlookedforthontothehall-crowdwitheyesthatgleamedfiercelyfromhisstainedandblackenedface。
AgaintheHall-Sunsaid:\"Artthoualsoalive,OEgilthemessenger?
Swiftarethyfeet,butnottofleefromthefoe:Comeupandstandwithus!\"
TherewithEgilclavethethrong;hewasnotsoroughlydealtwithaswasWolfkettle,forhewasabowman,andhadthiswhilepastshotdownontheRomansfromaloof;andheyetheldhisbendedbowinhishand。HealsocameupontothedaisandstoodbesideWolfkettleglancingdownonthehall-crowd,lookingeagerlyfromsidetoside。
YetagaintheHall-Sunspake:\"NoaliensnowaredwellingintheMark;comehither,yemenofthekindreds!Comethou,ourbrotherHiarandioftheElkings,forthysisters,ourwives,arefainofthee。Comethou,ValtyroftheLaxings,brother’ssonofOtter;dothoufortheWar-dukewhatthyfather’sbrotherhaddone,hadhenotbeenfaringafar。Comethou,GeirbaldoftheShieldingsthemessenger!Nowknowwethedeedsofothersandthydeeds。Come,standbesideusforalittle!\"
Forththentheycameintheirrentandbatteredwar-gear:andthetallHiarandiborebutthebrokentruncheonofhissword;andValtyrawoodman’saxenotchedanddullwithwork;andGeirbaldaRomancast-spear,forhisownweaponshadbeenbrokeninthemedley;andhecamethelastofthethree,goingasabelatedreaperfromtheacres。
Theretheystoodbytheothersandgazedadownthehall-throng。
ButtheHall-Sunspakeagain:\"AgnioftheDaylings,Iseetheenow。
Howcamestthouintothehardhand-play,oldman?Comehitherandstandwithus,forwelovethee。AngantyroftheBearings,fairwasthyridingonthedayoftheBattleontheRidge!Comethou,bewithus。ShalltheBeamingswhosedaughterswemarryfailtheHouseoftheWolfto-day?Geirodd,thouhastnolongeraweapon,butthefightisover,andthishourthouneedestitnot。Cometous,brother!GunbaldoftheVallings,theFalcononthyshieldisdimwiththedintofpointandedge,butithathdoneitsworktowardthyvaliantheart:Comehither,friend!Comeallyeandstandwithus!\"
Asshenamedthemsotheycame,andtheywentupontothedaisandstoodaltogether;andaterriblebandofwarriorstheylookedhadthefightbeentobeginoveragain,andtheytomeetdeathoncemore。
AndagainspaketheHall-Sun:
\"SteinulfandGrani,deftareyourhands!Takeyethestalksofthewarblossoms,thespearsofthekindreds,andknitthemtogethertomakeabierforourWar-duke,forheiswearyandmaynotgoafoot。
ThouAli,sonofGrey;thouhastgoneerrandsformebefore;goforthnowfromthegarth,andwendthywaystowardthewater,andtellmewhenthoucomestbackwhatthouhastseenofthecomingofthewain-
burg。Forbythistimeitshouldbedrawinganigh。\"
SoAliwentforth,andtherewassilenceofwordsforawhileintheHall;buttherearosethesoundofthewood-wrightsbusywiththewimbleandthehammeraboutthebier。NolongspacehadgonebywhenAlicamebackintothehallpantingwithhisswiftrunning;andhecriedout:
\"OHall-Sun,theyarecoming;thelastwainhathcrossedtheford,andthefirstishardathand:brightaretheirbannersinthesun。\"
ThensaidtheHall-Sun:\"Owarriors,itisfittingthatwegotomeetourbannersreturningfromthefield,andthatwedotheGodstowitwhatdeedswehavedone;fittingisitalsothatThiodolfourWar-dukewendwithus。Nowgetyeintoyourorderedbands,andgoweforthfromthefire-scorchedhall,andoutintothesunlight,thattheveryearthandtheheavensmaylookuponthefaceofourWar-
duke,andbearwitnessthathehathplayedhispartasaman。
ThenwithoutmorewordsthefolkbegantostreamoutoftheHall,andwithinthegarthwhichtheRomanshadmadetheyarrayedtheircompanies。ButwhentheywereallgonefromtheHallsavetheywhowereonthedais,theHall-Suntookthewaxentorchwhichshehadlittenandquenchedatthedepartureofthehosttobattle,andnowsheoncemorekindleditattheflameofthewondrousLamp,theHall-
Sun。Butthewood-wrightsbroughtthebierwhichtheyhadmadeofthespear-shaftsofthekindred,andtheylaidthereonapurplecloakgold-embroideredofthetreasureoftheWolfings,andthereonwasThiodolflaid。
Thenthosementookhimup;towit,SorlitheOld,andWolfkettleandEgil,allthesewereoftheWolfingHouse;HiarandioftheElkingsalso,andValtyroftheLaxings,GeirbaldoftheShieldings,AgnioftheDaylings,AngantyroftheBearings,GeiroddoftheBeamings,GunbaldoftheVallings:allthese,withthetwovaliantwood-
wrights,SteinulfandGrani,laidhandtothebier。
Sotheyboreitdownfromthedais,andoutattheMan’s-doorintothesunlight,andtheHall-Sunfollowedcloseafterit,holdinginherhandtheCandleofReturning。Itwasanhourafterhigh-noonofabrightmidsummerdaywhenshecameoutintothegarth;andthesmokefromthefire-scorchedhallyethungaboutthetreesofthewood-edge。Shelookedneitherdowntowardsherfeetnorontherightsideortheleft,butstraightbeforeher。Theorderedcompaniesofthekindredshidthesightofmanyfearfulthingsfromhereyes;
thoughindeedthethrallsandwomenhadmostlygleanedthedeadfromthelivingbothoffriendandfoe,andweretendingthehurtofeitherhost。ThroughanopeningintheranksmoreovercouldtheybythebierbeholdthescantybandofRomancaptives,somestandingup,lookingdullyaroundthem,somesittingorlyingonthegrasstalkingquietlytogether,anditseemedbytheirfacesthatforthemthebitternessofdeathwaspassed。
ForththenfaredthehostbytheWestgate,whereThiodolfhaddonesovaliantlythatday,andoutontothegreenamidsttheboothsandlesserdwellings。SorethenwastheheartoftheHall-Sun,asshelookedforthoverdwelling,andacre,andmeadow,andthebluelineofthewoodsbeyondthewater,andbethoughtherofallthefamiliarthingsthatwerewithinthecompassofhereyesight,andrememberedthemanydaysofherfather’sloving-kindness,andthefairwordswherewithhehadsolacedherlife-days。Butofthesorrowthatwrungherheartnothingshowedinherface,norwasshepalernowthanherwontwas。Forhighwashercourage,andshewouldinnowisemarthatfairdayandvictoryofthekindredswithgriefforwhatwasgone,whereassomuchofwhatoncewas,yetabidedandshouldabideforever。
Thenfaredtheydownthroughtheacres,wherewhatwasyetleftofthewheatwasyellowingtowardharvest,andtheryehunggreyandheavy;forbrightandhothadtheweatherbeenallthroughthesetidings。HowbeitmuchofthecornwasspoiledbythetramplingoftheRomanbands。
Socametheyintothefairopenmeadowandsawbeforethemthewainscomingtomeetthemwiththeirfolk;towitathrongofstoutcarlesofthethrall-folkledbythewar-wiseandripemenoftheSteerings。
Brightwasthegleamingofthebanner-wains,thoughforthelackofwindthebannershungdownabouttheirstaves;thesoundofthelowingofthebullsandtheoxen,theneighingofhorsesandbleatingoftheflockscameuptotheearsofthehostastheywendedoverthemeadow。
Theymadestayatlastontherisingground,alltrampledandinpartsbloody,whereyesterdayThiodolfhadcomeonthefightbetweentheremnantofOtter’smenandtheRomans:theretheyopenedtheirranks,andmadearingroundaboutaspace,amidmostofwhichwasalittlemoundwhereonwassetthebierofThiodolf。Thewainsandtheirwarderscameupwiththemanddrewagarthofthewainsroundabouttheringofmenwiththebannersofthekindredsintheirdueplaces。
TherewastheWolfandtheElk,theFalcon,theSwan,theBoar,theBear,andtheGreen-tree:theWillow-bush,theGedd,theWater-bankandtheWood-Ousel,theSteer,theMallardandtheRoe-deer:allthesewereoftheMid-mark。ButoftheUpper-markweretheHorseandtheSpear,andtheShield,andtheDaybreak,andtheDale,andtheMountain,andtheBrook,andtheWeasel,andtheCloud,andtheHart。
OftheNether-markweretheSalmon,andtheLynx,andtheLingworm,theSeal,theStone,andtheSea-mew;theBuck-goat,theApple-tree,theBull,theAdder,andtheCrane。
Theretheystoodinthehotsunshinethreehoursafternoon;andalittlewindcameoutofthewestandraisedthepicturedclothsuponthebanner-staves,sothatthemencouldnowseetheimagesofthetokensoftheirHousesandtheFathersofoldtime。
Nowwastheresilenceintheringofmen;butitopenedpresentlyandthroughitcameall-armedwarriorsbearinganotherbier,andlo,Otteruponit,deadinhiswar-gearwithmanyagrievouswounduponhisbody。FormenhadfoundhiminaningleofthewalloftheGreatRoof,wherehehadbeenlaidyesterdaybytheRomanswhenhiscompanyandtheBearingswiththeWormingsmadetheironset:fortheRomanshadnotedhisexceedingvalour,andwhentheyhaddrivenofftheGothssomeofthembroughthimdeadinsidetheirgarth,fortheywouldknowthenameanddignityofsovalorousaman。
SonowtheyborehimtothemoundwhereThiodolflayandsetthebierdownbesideThiodolf’s,andthetwoWar-dukesoftheMarkmenlaytheretogether:andwhenthewarriorsbeheldthatsight,theycouldnotforbear,butsomegroanedaloud,andsomeweptgreattears,andtheyclashedtheirswordsontheirshieldsandthesoundoftheirsorrowandtheirpraisewentuptothesummerheavens。
NowtheHall-Sunholdingaloftthewaxentorchlifteduphervoiceandsaid:
\"OwarriorsoftheWolfings,bythetokenoftheflameThathereinmyrighthandflickers,yearebackattheHouseoftheName,AndthereyetburneththeHall-SunbeneaththeWolfingRoof,Andtheflamethatthefoemenquickenedhathdiedoutfaraloof。
Yegleaningsofthebattle,liftupyourheartsonhigh,FortheHouseoftheWar-wiseWolfingsandtheFolkundoomedtodie。
ButyekindredsoftheMarkmen,theWolfingguestsareye,Andto-nightweholdthehigh-tide,andgreatshallthefeastingbe,Forto-daybytheroadthatweknownotamanywendtheirwaysTotheGodsandtheancientFathers,andthehopeofthelatterdays。
Andhowshalltheirfeetbecumberedifwetanglethemwithwoe,Andtheheavyrainofsorrowdrifto’ertheroadtheygo?
Theyhavetoiled,andtheirtoilwastroubloustomakethedaystocome;
Useyetheirgiftsingladness,lesttheygrievefortheAncientHome!
Nowareourmaidsarrayingthatfire-scorchedHallofoursWiththetreasureoftheWolfingsandthewealthofsummerflowers,AndthisevetheworkbeforeyouwillbetheHalltothrongAndpurgeitswallsofsorrowandquenchitsscatheandwrong。\"
ShelookedonthedeadThiodolfamoment,andthenglancedfromhimtoOtterandspakeagain:
\"Okindreds,herebeforeyoutwomightybodieslie;
HenceforthnomanshallseetheminhouseandfieldgobyAswewereusedtobeholdthem,familiartousthenAsthewindbeneaththeheavensandthesunthatshinesonmen;
Nowsoonshalltherebenothingoftheirdwelling-placetotell,Savethebillowofthemeadows,theflower-growngrassyswell!
Nowtherefore,Oyekindreds,ifamidstyoutherebeoneWhohathknowntheheartoftheWar-dukes,andthedeedstheirhandshavedone,Willnotthewordbewithhim,whileyetyourheartsarehot,Ofourpraiseandlongremembrance,andourlovethatdiethnot?
ThenlethimcomeuphitherandspeakthelatestwordO’erthelimbsofthebattle-wearyandtheheartsoutwornwiththesword。\"
Sheheldherpeace,andtherewasastirintheringofmen:fortheywhowereanightheDaylingbannersawanoldwarriorsittingonagreatblackhorseandfullyarmed。Hegotslowlyoffhishorseandwalkedtowardtheringofwarriors,whichopenedbeforehim;forallknewhimforAsmundtheold,thewar-wisewarrioroftheDaylings,evenhewhohadlamentedovertheHauberkofThiodolf。Hehadtakenhorsethedaybefore,andhadriddentowardthebattle,butwasbelated,andhadcomeupwiththemofthewain-burgjustastheyhadcrossedthewater。
CHAPTERXXXI——OLDASMUNDSPEAKETHOVERTHEWAR-DUKES:THEDEADARE
LAIDINMOUND
Nowwhilealllookedon,hewenttotheplacewherelaythebodiesoftheWar-dukes,andlookeddownonthefaceofOtterandsaid:
\"OOtter,therethouliest!andthouthatIknewofold,Whenmybeardbegantowhiten,asthebestofthekeenandthebold,Andthouwertasmyyoungestbrother,andthoudidstleadmysonsWhenwefaredforthoverthemountainstomeetthearrowyHuns,AndIsmiledtoseetheeteachingthelorethatIlearnedtheeerst。
OOtter,dostthourememberhowtheGoth-folkcamebytheworst,AndwiththeeinminearmsIwadedthewideshaft-harrowedfloodThatlappedthefeetofthemountainswithitswaterblentwithblood;
AndhowinthehollowplacesofthemountainshiddenawayWeabodethekindreds’comingasthewetnightbidethday?
Dostthouremember,Otter,howmanyajoywehad,Howmanyagriefrememberedhasmadeourhigh-tideglad?
Ofellowofthehall-glee!Ofellowofthefield!
Whythenhastthoudepartedandleftmeundershield?
Itheancient,Ithechildless,whileyetintheLaxinghallArethybrother’ssonsabidingandtheirchildrenontheecall。
\"Okindredsofthepeople!thesoulthatdweltherein,Thisgoodlyway-wornbody,waskeenforyoutowinGooddaysandlongendurance。WhoknowethofhisdeedWhatthingsforyouithathfashionedfromtheflameofthefireofneed?
Butofthisatleastwellwotwe,thatforthfromyourheartsitcameAndbacktoyourheartsreturnethfortheseedofthrivingandfame。
Inthegroundwhereinyelayit,thebodyofthisman,Nodeedofhisabideth,noglorythathewan,ButevermoretheMarkmenshallbearhisdeedso’erearth,Withthejoyofthedeedsthatarecoming,thegarlandofhisworth。\"
HewassilentalittleashestoodlookingdownonOtter’sfacewithgrievoussorrow,forallthathiswordswerestout。Forindeed,ashehadsaid,Otterhadbeenhisbattle-fellowandhishall-fellow,thoughhewasmuchyoungerthanAsmund;andtheyhadbeenstandingfoottofootinthatbattlewhereinoldAsmund’ssonswereslainbyhisside。
AfterawhileheturnedslowlyfromlookingatOttertogazeuponThiodolf,andhisbodytrembledashelooked,andheopenedhismouthtospeak;butnowordcamefromit;andhesatdownupontheedgeofthebier,andthetearsbegantogushoutofhisoldeyes,andheweptaloud。Thentheythatsawhimwondered;forallknewthestoutnessofhisheart,andhowhehadbornemoreburdensthanthatofeld,andhadnotcowereddownunderthem。Butatlasthearoseagain,andstoodfirmlyonhisfeet,andfacedthefolk-mote,andinavoicemorelikethevoiceofamaninhisprimethanofanoldman,hesang:
\"WildthestormisabroadOftheedgeofthesword!
FaronrunneththepathOfthewar-strideofwrath!
TheGodshearkenandhearThelongrumouroffearFromthemeadowsbeneathRunningfierceo’ertheheath,Tillitbeatsroundtheirdwelling-placebuildedaloofAndatlastallup-swellingbreakswildo’ertheirroof,Andquencheththeirlaughterandcriethonall,AsitrollethroundrafterandbeamoftheHall,Likethespeechofthethunder-cloudtangledonhigh,Whenthemountain-hallssunderasdreadgoethby。
\"SotheythrowthedoorwideOftheHallwheretheybide,AndtomurmuringsongTurnsthatvoiceofthewrong,AndtheGodswaita-gazeForthatWearerofWays:
FortheyknowhehathgoneAlongjourneyalone。
Nowhisfeetaretheyhearkening,andnowishecome,Withhisbattle-woundsdarkeningthedoorofhishome,Unbyrnied,unshielded,andlonelyhestands,Andtheswordthathewieldedisgonefromhishands-
Handsoutstretchedandbearingnospoilofthefight,Asspeechless,unfearing,hestandsintheirsight。
\"War-fathergleamsWherethewhitelightstreamsRoundkingsofoldAllredwithgold,AndtheGodsofthenameWithjoyaflame。
AlltheancientofmenGrowngloriousagain:
TilltheSlains-fathercriethaloudatthelast:
’Hereisonethatbeliethnohopeofthepast!
Noweapon,notreasureofearthdothhebear,NogiftforthepleasureofGodhometoshare;
Butlifehishandbringeth,wellcherished,mostsweet;
Andhark!theHallsingeththeFolk-wolftogreet!’
\"AstherainofMayOnearth’shappiestday,SothefairflowersfallOnthesun-brightHallAstheGodsriseupWiththegreeting-cup,AndthewelcomingcrowdFallstomurmuraloud。
ThentheGodofEarthspeaketh;sweet-wordedhesaith,’Lo,theSuneverseekethLifefashionedofdeath;
Andto-dayasheturneththewideworldaboutOnWolf-steadheyearneth;fortherewithoutdoubtDwellsthedeath-fashionedstory,theflowerofallfame。
ComehithernewGlory,comeCrownoftheName!’\"
Allmen’sheartsrosehighashesang,andwhenhehadendedarosetheclangofswordandshieldandwentringingdownthemeadow,andthemightyshoutoftheMarkmen’sjoyrenttheheavens:forinsoothatthatmomenttheysawThiodolf,theirchampion,sittingamongtheGodsonhisgoldenchair,sweetsavoursaroundhim,andsweetsoundofsinging,andhehimselfbright-facedandmerryasnomanonearthhadseenhim,forasjoyousamanashewas。
Butwhenthesoundoftheirexultationsankdown,theHall-Sunspakeagain:
\"Nowwendeththesunwestward,andwearygrowstheEarthOfallthelongday’sdoingsinsorrowandinmirth;
Andasthegreatsunwaneth,sodothmycandlewane,Anditsflickeringflamedesirethtorestanddieagain。
ThereforeacrossthemeadowswendweabackoncemoreTotheholyRoofoftheWolfings,theshrineofpeaceandwar。
Andthesethatoncehavelovedus,thesewarriorsimages,Shallsitamidstourfeasting,andsee,astheFatherseesTheworksthatmenfolkfashionandtherestoftoilinghands,Whenhiseyeslookdownfromthemountainsandtheheavensabovealllands,Andupfromtheflowerymeadowsandtherollingdeepsofthesea。
TherethenatthefeastwithourchampionsfamiliarshallwebeAsoftwearewiththeGodfolk,wheninstory-rhymesandlaysWelaughaswetelloftheirlaughter,andtheirdeedsofotherdays。
\"Comethen,yesonsofthekindredswhohitherborethesetwain!
Takeuptheirbedsofglory,andfarewehomeagain,Andfeastasmendeliveredfromtoilunmeettobear,Whothroughthenightarelookingtothedawn-tidefreshandfairAndthemornandthenoontofollow,andtheeveanditsmorrowmorn,Allthelifeofourdeliv’ranceandthefairdaysyetunborn。\"
Soshespoke,andamurmuraroseasthosevaliantmencameforthagain。Butlo,nowweretheydightinfreshandfairraimentandgleamingwar-array。Forwhileallthiswasa-doinganda-saying,theyhadgottenthembytheHall-Sun’sbiddinguntothewainsoftheirHouses,andhadarrayedthemfromthestoretherein。
Sonowtheytookupthebiers,andtheHall-Sunledthem,andtheywentoverthemeadowbeforethethrongofthekindreds,whofollowedthemdulyordered,eachHouseaboutitsbanner;andwhentheywerecomethroughthegarthwhichtheRomanshadmadetotheMan’s-dooroftheHall,therewerethewomenoftheHousefreshlyattired,whocastflowersonthelivingmenofthehost,andonthedeadWar-dukes,whiletheyweptforpityofthem。SowentthefreemenoftheHousesintotheHall,followingtheHall-Sun,andthebearersoftheWar-
dukes;butthebannersabodewithoutinthegarthmadebytheRomans;
andthethrallsarrayedafeastforthemselvesaboutthewainsofthekindredsintheopenplacebeforetheircotsandthesmithyingboothsandthebyres。
AndastheHall-SunwentintotheHall,shethrustdownthecandleagainstthethresholdoftheMan’s-door,andsoquenchedit。
Longwerethekindredsentering,andwhentheywereundertheRoofoftheWolfings,theylookedandbeheldThiodolfsetinhischaironcemore,andOttersetbesidehim;andthechiefsandleadersoftheHousetooktheirplacesonthedais,thosetowhomitwasdue,andtheHall-SunsatunderthewondrousLamphernamesake。
Nowwasthegloomingfallingupontheearth;buttheHallwasbrightwithinevenastheHall-Sunhadpromised。ThereinwassetforththeTreasureoftheWolfings;fairclothswerehungonthewalls,goodlybroideredgarmentsonthepillars:goodlybrazencauldronsandfair-
carvenchestsweresetdowninnookswheremencouldseethemwell,andvesselsofgoldandsilverweresetallupanddownthetablesofthefeast。Thepillarsalsowerewreathedwithflowers,andflowershunggarlandedfromthewallsovertheprecioushangings;sweetgumsandspiceswereburninginfair-wroughtcensersofbrass,andsomanycandleswerealightundertheRoof,thatscarcehaditlookedmoreablazewhentheRomanshadlittenthefaggotsthereinforitsburningamidstthehurryoftheMorningBattle。
Therethentheyfelltofeasting,hallowinginthehigh-tideoftheirreturnwithvictoryintheirhands:andthedeadcorpsesofThiodolfandOtter,cladinpreciousglisteringraiment,lookeddownonthemfromtheHigh-seat,andthekindredsworshippedthemandwereglad;
andtheydranktheCuptothembeforeanyothers,weretheyGodsormen。
Butbeforethefeastwashallowedin,cameAlithesonofGreyuptotheHigh-seat,bearingsomethinginhishand:andlo!itwasThrong-
plough,whichhehadsoughtalloverthefieldwheretheMarkmenhadbeenovercomebytheRomans,andhadfounditatlast。AllmensawhimhowhehelditinhishandnowashewentuptotheHall-Sunandspaketoher。Butshekissedtheladontheforehead,andtookThrong-plough,andwoundthepeace-stringsroundhimandlaidhimontheboardbeforeThiodolf;andthenshespakesoftlyasiftoherself,yetsothatsomeheardher:
\"Ofather,nomoreshaltthoudrawThrong-ploughfromthesheathtillthebattleispitchedinthelastfieldoffight,andthesonsofthefruitfulEarthandthesonsofDaymeetSwartandhischildrenatlast,whenthechangeoftheWorldisathand。MaybeIshallbewiththeethen:butnowandinmeanwhile,farewell,Omightyhandofmyfather!\"
ThusthentheHousesoftheMarkheldtheirHigh-tideofReturningundertheWolfingRoofwithnonetoblamethemormakethemafraid:
andthemoonroseandthesummernightworeontowardsdawn,andwithintheRoofandwithoutwastherefeastingandsingingandharpingandthevoiceofabundantjoyance:forwithouttheRooffeastedthethrallsandthestrangers,andtheRomanwar-captives。
ButonthemorrowthekindredslaidtheirdeadmeninmoundbetwixttheGreatRoofandtheWild-wood。InonemoundtheylaidthemwiththeWar-dukesintheirmidst,andArinbiornbyOtter’srightside;
andThiodolfboreThrong-ploughtomoundwithhim。
Butalittlewayfromthemoundoftheirowndead,towardthesouththeylaidtheRomans,agreatcompany,withtheirCaptaininthemidst:andtheyheapedalongmoundoverthemnotrighthigh;sothatasyearswore,andthefeetofmenandbeaststroditdown,itseemedamereswellingoftheearthnotmadebymen’shands;andbelikemenknewnothowmanybonesofvaliantmenlaybeneath;yetithadanamewhichenduredforlong,towit,theBattle-toft。
ButthemoundwhereundertheMarkmenwerelaidwascalledThiodolf’sHoweformanygenerationsofmen,andmanyarethetalestoldofhim;
formenwerelothtolosehimandforgethim:andinthelatterdaysmendeemedofhimthathesitsinthatHowenotdeadbutsleeping,withThrong-ploughlaidbeforehimontheboard;andthatwhenthesonsoftheGothsareattheirsorestneedandthefalconsceasetositontheridgeoftheGreatRoofoftheWolfings,hewillwakeandcomeforthfromtheHowefortheirhelping。ButnonehavedaredtobreakopenthatHoweandbeholdwhatistherein。
ButthatswellingofthemeadowwheretheGothshadtheiroverthrowatthehandsoftheRomans,andThiodolffelltoearthunwounded,gotanamealso,andwascalledtheSwooningKnowe;anditkeptthatnamelongaftermenhadforgottenwhereforeitwassocalled。
Nowwhenallthiswasdone,andthewarriorsofthekindredsweredepartedeachtohisownstead,theWolfingsgatheredinwheat-
harvest,andsetthemselvestomakegoodallthattheRomanshadundone;andtheycleansedandmendedtheirGreatRoofandmadeitfairerthanbefore,andtookfromitallsignsoftheburning,savethattheyleftthecharringandmarksoftheflamesononetie-beam,thesecondfromthedais,foratokenofthepasttidings。AlsowhenHarvestwasovertheWolfings,theBeamings,theGaltings,andtheElkings,settoworkwiththeBearingstorebuildtheirGreatRoofandtheotherdwellingsandboothswhichtheRomanshadburned;andrightfairwasthathouse。
ButtheWolfingsthroveinfieldandfold,andtheybegatchildrenwhogrewuptobemightymenanddeftofhand,andtheHousegrewmoregloriousyearbyyear。
ThetaletellsnotthattheRomanseverfellontheMarkagain;foraboutthistimetheybegantostaythespreadingoftheirdominion,oreventodrawinitsboundariessomewhat。
ANDTHISISALLTHATTHETALEHASTOTELLCONCERNINGTHEHOUSEOFTHE
WOLFINGSANDTHEKINDREDSOFTHEMARK。
Footnotes:
{1}WelshwiththesemenmeansForeign,andisusedforallpeopleofEuropewhoarenotofGothicorTeutonicblood。
{2}i。e。Foreigners:seenote{1}
End