CHAPTERI：OFTHOSETHREEWHOCAMETOTHEHOUSEOFTHERAVEN
IthasbeentoldthattherewasonceayoungmanoffreekindredandwhosenamewasHallblithe：hewasfair，strong，andnotuntriedinbattle;hewasoftheHouseoftheRavenofoldtime。
ThismanlovedanexceedingfairdamselcalledtheHostage，whowasoftheHouseoftheRose，whereinitwasrightandduethatthemenoftheRavenshouldwed。
Shelovedhimnoless，andnomanofthekindredgainsaidtheirlove，andtheyweretobeweddedonMidsummerNight。
Butonedayofearlyspring，whenthedayswereyetshortandthenightslong，Hallblithesatbeforetheporchofthehousesmoothinganashstaveforhisspear，andheheardthesoundofhorse-hoofsdrawingnigh，andhelookedupandsawfolkridingtowardthehouse，andsopresentlytheyrodethroughthegarthgate;andtherewasnomanbutheaboutthehouse，soheroseupandwenttomeetthem，andhesawthattheywerebutthreeincompany：theyhadweaponswiththem，andtheirhorseswereofthebest;buttheywerenofellowshipforamantobeafraidof;fortwoofthemwereoldandfeeble，andthethirdwasdarkandsad，anddroopingofaspect：itseemedasiftheyhadriddenfarandfast，fortheirspurswerebloodyandtheirhorsesalla-sweat。
Hallblithehailedthemkindlyandsaid："Yeareway-worn，andmaybeyehavetoridefurther;solightdownandcomeintothehouse，andtakebiteandsup，andhayandcornalsoforyourhorses;andthenifyeneedsmustrideonyourway，departwhenyearerested;orelseifyemay，thenabideherenight-long，andgoyourwaysto-morrow，andmeantimethatwhichisoursshallbeyours，andallshallbefreetoyou。"
Thenspaketheoldestoftheeldersinahighpipingvoiceandsaid：
"Youngman，wethankthee;butthoughthedaysofthespringtidearewaxing，thehoursofourlivesarewaning;normayweabideunlessthoucansttrulytellusthatthisistheLandoftheGlitteringPlain：andifthatbeso，thendelaynot，leadustothylord，andperhapshewillmakeuscontent。"
Spakehewhowassomewhatlessstrickeninyearsthanthefirst：
"Thankshavethou！butweneedsomethingmorethanmeatanddrink，towittheLandofLivingMen。AndOh！butthetimepresses。"
Spakethesadandsorrycarle："WeseektheLandwherethedaysaremany：somanythathewhohathforgottenhowtolaugh，maylearnthecraftagain，andforgetthedaysofSorrow。"
Thentheyallthreecriedaloudandsaid：
"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？"
ButHallblithewondered，andhelaughedandsaid："Wayfarers，lookunderthesundowntheplainwhichliethbetwixtthemountainsandthesea，andyeshallbeholdthemeadowsallgleamingwiththespringlilies;yetdowenotcallthistheGlitteringPlain，butClevelandbytheSea。Heremendiewhentheirhourcomes，norknowIifthedaysoftheirlifebelongenoughfortheforgettingofsorrow;forI
amyoungandnotyetayokefellowofsorrow;butthisIknow，thattheyarelongenoughforthedoingofdeedsthatshallnotdie。AndasforLord，Iknownotthisword，forheredwellwe，thesonsoftheRaven，ingoodfellowship，withourwivesthatwehavewedded，andourmotherswhohaveborneus，andoursisterswhoserveus。AgainI
bidyoulightdownoffyourhorses，andeatanddrink，andbemerry;
anddepartwhenyewill，toseekwhatlandyewill。"
Theyscarcelookedonhim，butcriedouttogethermournfully：
"ThisisnottheLand！ThisisnottheLand！"
Nomorethanthattheysaid，butturnedabouttheirhorsesandrodeoutthroughthegarthgate，andwentclatteringuptheroadthatledtothepassofthemountains。ButHallblithehearkenedwondering，tillthesoundoftheirhorse-hoofsdiedaway，andthenturnedbacktohiswork：anditwasthentwohoursafterhigh-noon。
CHAPTERII：EVILTIDINGSCOMETOHANDATCLEVELAND
Notlonghadheworkedereheheardthesoundofhorsehoofsoncemore，andhelookednotup，butsaidtohimself，"Itisbuttheladsbringingbacktheteamsfromtheacres，andridingfastanddrivinghardforjoyofheartandinwantonnessofyouth。"
Butthesoundgrewnearerandhelookedupandsawovertheturfwallofthegarththeflutterofwhiteraiment;andhesaid：
"Nay，itisthemaidenscomingbackfromtheseashoreandthegatheringofwrack。"
Sohesethimselfthehardertohiswork，andlaughed，allaloneashewas，andsaid："Sheiswiththem：nowIwillnotlookupagaintilltheyhaveriddenintothegarth，andshehascomefromamongthem，andleaptoffherhorse，andcastherarmsaboutmyneckasherwontis;anditwillrejoiceherthentomockmewithhardwordsandkindvoiceandlongingheart;andIshalllongforherandkissher，andsweetshallthecomingdaysseemtous：andthedaughtersofourfolkshalllookonandbekindandblithewithus。"
Therewithrodethemaidensintothegarth，butheheardnosoundoflaughterormerrimentamongstthem，whichwascontrarytotheirwont;
andhisheartfell，anditwasasifinsteadofthemaidens’laughterthevoicesofthosewayfarerscamebackuponthewindcryingout，"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？"
Thenhelookeduphastily，andsawthemaidensdrawingnear，tenoftheHouseoftheRaven，andthreeoftheHouseoftheRose;andhebeheldthemthattheirfaceswerepaleandwoe-begone，andtheirraimentrent，andtherewasnojoyinthem。Hallblithestoodaghastwhileonewhohadgottenoffherhorse（andshewasthedaughterofhisownmother）ranpasthimintothehall，lookingnotathim，asifshedurstnot：andanotherrodeoffswiftlytothehorse-stalls。
Buttheothers，leavingtheirhorses，drewroundabouthim，andforawhilenonedurstutteraword;andhestoodgazingatthem，withthespoke-shaveinhishand，healsosilent;forhesawthattheHostagewasnotwiththem，andheknewthatnowhewastheyokefellowofsorrow。
Atlasthespokegentlyandinakindvoice，andsaid："Tellme，sisters，whatevilhathbefallenus，evenifitbethedeathofadearfriend，andthethingthatmaynotbeamended。"
ThenspokeafairwomanoftheRose，whosenamewasBrightling，andsaid："Hallblithe，itisnotofdeaththatwehavetotell，butofsundering，whichmayyetbeamended。WewereonthesandoftheseanightheShip-steadandtheRollersoftheRaven，andweweregatheringthewrackandplayingtogether;andwesawaround-shipnightoshorelyingwithhersheetslack，andhersailbeatingthemast;butwedeemedittobenoneotherthansomebarkoftheFish-
biters，andthoughtnoharmthereof，butwentonrunningandplayingamidstthelittlewavesthatfellonthesand，andtheripplesthatcurledaroundourfeet。Atlasttherecameasmallboatfromthesideoftheround-ship，androwedintowardshore，andstillwefearednot，thoughwedrewalittleabackfromthesurfandletfallourgown-hems。Butthecrewofthatboatbeachedherclosetowherewestood，andcamehastilywadingthesurftowardsus;andwesawthattheyweretwelveweaponedmen，great，andgrim，andallcladinblackraiment。Thenindeedwereweafraid，andweturnedaboutandfledupthebeach;butnowitwastoolate，forthetidewasatmorethanhalfebbandlongwasthewayoverthesandtotheplacewherewehadleftourhorsestiedamongthetamarisk-bushes。Neverthelessweran，andhadgottenuptothepebble-beachbeforetheyraninamongstus：andtheycaughtus，andcastusdownontothehardstones。
"Thentheymadeussitinarowonaridgeofthepebbles;andweweresoreafraid，yetmorefordefilementattheirhandsthanfordeath;fortheywereevil-lookingmenexceedingfouloffavour。Thensaidoneofthem：’WhichofallyoumaidensistheHostageoftheHouseoftheRose？’
"Thenallwekeptsilence，forwewouldnotbetrayher。Buttheevilmanspakeagain：’Chooseyethenwhetherweshalltakeone，orallofyouacrossthewatersinourblackship。’Yetstillweothersspakenot，tillarosethybeloved，OHallblithe，andsaid：
"’Letitbeonethen，andnotall;forIamtheHostage。’
"’Howshaltthoumakeussurethereof？’saidtheevilcarle。
"Shelookedonhimproudlyandsaid：’BecauseIsayit。’
"’Wiltthouswearit？’saidhe。
"’Yea，’saidshe，’IswearitbythetokenoftheHousewhereinI
shallwed;bythewingsoftheFowlthatseekeththeFieldofSlaying。’
"’Itisenough，’saidtheman，’comethouwithus。Andyemaidenssityethere，andmovenottillwehavemadewayonourship，unlessyewouldfeelthepointofthearrow。Foryearewithinbowshotoftheship，andwehaveshotweaponsaboard。’
"SotheHostagedepartedwiththem，andsheunweeping，butweweptsorely。Andwesawthesmallboatcomeuptothesideoftheround-
ship，andtheHostagegoingoverthegunwalealongwiththoseevilmen，andweheardthehaleandhowofthemarinersastheydrewuptheanchorandsheetedhome;andthenthesweepscameoutandtheshipbegantomoveoverthesea。Andoneofthoseevil-mindedmenbenthisbowandshotashaftatus，butitfellfarshortofwherewesat，andthelaughofthoserunagatescameoverthesandstous。
Sowecreptupthebeachtrembling，andthenrosetoourfeetandgottoourhorses，androdehitherspeedily，andourheartsarebrokenforthysorrow。"
AtthatwordcameHallblithe’sownsisteroutfromthehall;andsheboreweaponswithher，towitHallblithe’sswordandshieldandhelmandhauberk。Asforhimheturnedbacksilentlytohiswork，andsetthesteelofthespearonthenewashenshaft，andtookthehammerandsmotethenailin，andlaidtheweapononaroundpebblethatwasthereby，andclenchedthenailontheotherside。Thenhelookedabout，andsawthattheotherdamselhadbroughthimhiscoal-blackwar-horsereadysaddledandbridled;thenhedidonhisarmour，andgirthisswordtohissideandleaptintothesaddle，andtookhisnew-shaftedspearinhandandshooktherein。Butnoneofallthosedamselsdurstsayawordtohimoraskhimwhitherhewent，fortheyfearedhisface，andthesorrowofhisheart。Sohegothimoutofthegarthandturnedtowardthesea-shore，andtheysawtheglitterofhisspear-pointaminuteovertheturf-wall，andheardtheclatterofhishorse-hoofsashegallopedoverthehardway;andthushedeparted。
CHAPTERIII：THEWARRIORSOFTHERAVENSEARCHTHESEAS
Thenthewomenbethoughtthem，andtheyspakeawordortwotogether，andthentheysunderedandwentonethiswayandonethat，togathertogetherthewarriorsoftheRavenwhowerea-field，orontheway，nighuntothehouse，thattheymightfollowHallblithedowntothesea-shoreandhelphim;afterawhiletheycamebackagainbyoneandtwoandthree，bringingwiththemthewrathfulyoungmen;andwhentherewasupwardofascoregatheredinthegartharmedandhorsed，theyrodetheirwaystothesea，beingmindedtothrustalong-shipoftheRavensoutovertheRollersintothesea，andfollowthestrong-thievesofthewatersandbringa-backtheHostage，sothattheymightendthesorrowatonce，andestablishjoyoncemoreintheHouseoftheRavenandtheHouseoftheRose。Buttheyhadwiththemthreeladsoffifteenwintersorthereaboutstoleadtheirhorsesbackhomeagain，whentheyshouldhavegoneupontotheHorseoftheBrine。
Thusthentheydeparted，andthemaidensstoodinthegarth-gatetilltheylostsightofthembehindthesandhills，andthenturnedbacksorrowfullyintothehouse，andsattheretalkinglowoftheirsorrow。Andmanyatimetheyhadtotelltheirtaleanew，asfolkcameintothehalloneafteranotherfromfieldandfell。Buttheyoungmencamedowntothesea，andfoundHallblithe’sblackhorsestrayingaboutamongstthetamarisk-bushesabovethebeach;andtheylookedthenceoverthesand，andsawneitherHallblithenoranyman：
andtheygazedoutseaward，andsawneithershipnorsailonthebarrenbrine。Thentheywentdownontothesand，andsunderedtheirfellowship，andwenthalfoneway，halftheother，betwixtthesandhillsandthesurf，wherenowthetidewasflowing，tillthenessesoftheeastandthewest，thehornsofthebay，stayedthem。
ThentheymettogetheragainbytheRollers，whenthesunwaswithinanhourofsetting。ThereandthentheylaidhandtothatshipwhichiscalledtheSeamew，andtheyranherdownovertheRollersintothewaves，andleaptaboardandhoistedsail，andranouttheoarsandputtosea;andalittlewindwasblowingseawardfromthegatesofthemountainsbehindthem。
Sotheyquarteredthesea-plain，asthekestreldoththewater-
meadows，tillthenightfellonthem，andwascloudy，thoughwhilesthewadingmoonshoneout;andtheyhadseennothing，neithersailnorship，noraughtelseonthebarrenbrine，savethewashingofwavesandthehoveringofsea-fowl。Sotheylay-tooutsidethehornsofthebayandawaitedthedawning。Andwhenmorningwascometheymadewayagain，andsearchedthesea，andsailedtotheout-skerries，andsearchedthemwithcare;thentheysailedintothemainandfaredhitherandthitherandupanddown：andthistheydidforeightdays，andinallthattimetheysawnoshipnorsail，savethreebarksoftheFish-bitersnightotheSkerrywhichiscalledMew-
stone。
SotheyfaredhometotheRavenBay，andlaidtheirkeelontheRollers，andsowenttheirwayssadly，hometotheHouseoftheRaven：andtheydeemedthatforthistimetheycoulddonomoreinseekingtheirvaliantkinsmanandhisfairdamsel。Andtheywereverysorry;forthesetwowerewell-belovedofallmen。Butsincetheymightnotamendit，theyabodeinpeace，awaitingwhatthechangeofdaysmightbringthem。
CHAPTERIV：NOWHALLBLITHETAKETHTHESEA
NowmustitbetoldofHallblithethatherodefiercelydowntothesea-shore，andfromthetopofthebeachhegazedabouthim，andtherebelowhimwastheShip-steadandRollersofhiskindred，whereonlaythethreelong-ships，theSeamew，andtheOspreyandtheErne。Heavyandhugetheyseemedtohimastheylaythere，black-
sided，icy-coldwiththewashingoftheMarchwaves，theirgoldendragon-headslookingseawardwistfully。Butfirsthadhelookedoutintotheoffing，anditwasonlywhenhehadlethiseyescomebackfromwheretheseaandskymet，andtheyhadbeheldnothingbutthewasteofwaters，thathebeheldtheShip-steadclosely;andtherewithhesawwherealittletothewestofitlayaskiff，whichthelowwaveofthetideliftedandletfallfromtimetotime。Ithadamast，andablacksailhoistedthereonandflappingwithslackenedsheet。Amansatintheboatcladinblackraiment，andthesunsmoteagleamfromthehelmonhishead。ThenHallblitheleaptoffhishorse，andstrodedownthesandsshoulderinghisspear;andwhenhecameneartothemanintheboathepoisedhisspearandshookitandcriedout："Man，artthoufriendorfoe？"
Saidtheman："Thouartafairyoungman：butthereisgriefinthyvoicealongwithwrath。Castnottillthouhastheardme，andmaystdeemwhetherImaydoaughttohealthygrief。"
"Whatmaystthoudo？"saidHallblithe;"artthounotarobberofthesea，aharrierofthefolksthatdwellinpeace？"
Themanlaughed："Yea，"saidhe，"mycraftisthievingandcarryingoffthedaughtersoffolk，sothatwemayhavearansomforthem。
Wiltthoucomeoverthewaterswithme？"
Hallblithesaidwrathfully：
"Nay，rather，comethouashorehere！Thouseemestabigman，andbelikeshallbegoodofthinehands。Comeandfightwithme;andthenheofuswhoisvanquished，ifhebeunslain，shallservetheotherforayear，andthenshaltthoudomybusinessintheransoming。"
Themanintheboatlaughedagain，andthatsoscornfullythatheangeredHallblithebeyondmeasure：thenhearoseintheboatandstoodonhisfeetswayingfromsidetosideashelaughed。Hewaspassingbig，long-armedandbig-headed，andlonghaircamefromunderhishelmlikethetailofaredhorse;hiseyesweregreyandgleaming，andhismouthwide。
Inawhilehestayedhislaughterandsaid："OWarrioroftheRaven，thiswereasimplegamefortheetoplay;thoughitisnotfarfrommymind，forfightingwhenIneedsmustwinisnodullwork。Lookyou，ifIslayorvanquishthee，thenallissaid;andifbysomechancestrokethouslayestme，thenisthineonlyhelperinthismattergonefromthee。Nowtobeshort，Ibidtheecomeaboardtomeifthouwouldsteverhearanotherwordofthydamselbetrothed。Andmoreoverthisneednothindertheetofightwithmeifthouhastamindtoitthereafter;forweshallsooncometoalandbigenoughfortwotostandon。Orifthoulistesttofightinaboatrockingonthewaves，Iseenotbuttheremaybemanhoodinthatalso。"
NowwasthehotwrathsomewhatrunoffHallblithe，nordurstheloseanychancetohearawordofhisbeloved;sohesaid："Bigman，I
willcomeaboard。Butlookthoutoit，ifthouhastamindtobewrayme;forthesonsoftheRavendiehard。"
"Well，"saidthebigman，"Ihaveheardthattheirminstrelsareofmanywords，andthinkthattheyhavetalestotell。Comeaboardandloiternot。"ThenHallblithewadedthesurfandlightlystrodeoverthegunwaleoftheskiffandsathimdown。Thebigmanthrustoutintothedeepandhaledhomethesheet;buttherewasbutlittlewind。
ThensaidHallblithe："Wiltthouhavemerow，forIwotnotwhitherwardtosteer？"
Saidtheredcarle："Maybethouartnotinahurry;Iamnot：doasthouwilt。"SoHallblithetooktheoarsandrowedmightily，whilethealiensteered，andtheywentswiftlyandlightlyoverthesea，andthewaveswerelittle。
CHAPTERV：THEYCOMEUNTOTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Sothesungrewlow，anditset;thestarsandthemoonshoneawhileandthenitcloudedover。Hallblithestillrowedandrestednot，thoughhewasweary;andthebigmansatandsteered，andheldhispeace。Butwhenthenightwasgrownoldanditwasnotfarfromthedawn，thealiensaid："YounglingoftheRavens，nowshaltthousleepandIwillrow。"
Hallblithewasexceedingweary;sohegavetheoarstothealienandlaydowninthesternandslept。AndinhissleephedreamedthathewaslyingintheHouseoftheRaven，andhissisterscametohimandsaid，"Riseupnow，Hallblithe！wiltthoubeasluggardonthedayofthywedding？ComethouwithustotheHouseoftheRosethatwemaybearawaytheHostage。"Thenhedreamedthattheydeparted，andhearoseandcladhimself：butwhenhewouldhavegoneoutofthehall，thenwasitnolongerdaylight，butmoonlight，andhedreamedthathehaddreamed：neverthelesshewouldhavegoneabroad，butmightnotfindthedoor;sohesaidhewouldgooutbyawindow;butthewallwashighandsmooth（quiteotherthanintheHouseoftheRaven，wherewerelowwindowsallalongoneaisle），norwasthereanywaytocomeatthem。Buthedreamedthathewassoabashedthereat，andhadsuchaweaknessonhim，thatheweptforpityofhimself：andhewenttohisbedtoliedown;andlo！therewasnobedandnohall;
noughtbutaheath，wildandwide，andemptyunderthemoon。Andstillheweptinhisdream，andhismanhoodseemeddepartedfromhim，andheheardavoicecryingout，"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？"
Therewithalheawoke，andashiseyesclearedhebeheldthebigmanrowingandtheblacksailflappingagainstthemast;forthewindhadfallendeadandtheywerefaringonoveralongsmoothswellofthesea。Itwasbroaddaylight，butroundaboutthemwasathickmist，whichseemednonethelessasifthesunwerereadytoshinethroughit。
AsHallblithecaughttheredman’seye，hesmiledandnoddedonhimandsaid："Nowhasthetimecomefortheefirsttoeatandthentorow。Buttellmewhatisthatuponthycheeks？"
Hallblithe，reddeningsomewhat，said："Thenightdewhathfallenonme。"
Quoththesea-rover，"Itisnoshamefortheeayounglingtorememberthybetrothedinthysleep，andtoweepbecausethoulackesther。
Butnowbestirthee，foritislaterthanthoumayestdeem。"
Therewiththebigmandrewintheoarsandcametotheafterpartoftheboat，anddrewmeatanddrinkoutofalockerthereby;andtheyateanddranktogether，andHallblithegrewstrongandsomewhatlessdowncast;andhewentforwardandgattheoarsintohishands。
Thenthebigredmanstoodupandlookedoverhisleftshoulderandsaid："Soonshallwehaveabreezeandbrightweather。"
Thenhelookedintothemidmostofthesailandfella-whistlingsuchatuneasthefiddlesplaytodancingmenandmaidsatYule-tide，andhiseyesgleamedandglitteredtherewithal，andexceedingbighelooked。ThenHallblithefeltalittleaironhischeek，andthemistgrewthinner，andthesailbegantofillwithwindtillthesheettightened：then，lo！themistrisingfromthefaceofthesea，andthesea’sfaceripplinggailyunderabrightsun。Thenthewindincreased，andthewallofmistdepartedandafewlightcloudsspedoverthesky，andthesailswelledandtheboatheeledover，andtheseasfellwhitefromtheprow，andtheyspedfastoverthefaceofthewaters。
Thenlaughedthered-hairedman，andsaid："Ocroakeronthedeadbranch，nowisthewindsuchthatnorowingofthinemaycatchupwithit：soinwiththeoarsnow，andturnabout，andthoushaltseewhitherwardwearegoing。"
ThenHallblitheturnedaboutonthethwartandlookedacrossthesea，andlo！beforethemthehighcliffsandcragsandmountainsofanewlandwhichseemedtobeanisle，andtheyweredeepblueunderthesun，whichnowshonealoftinthemidheaven。Hesaidnoughtatall，butsatlookingandwonderingwhatlanditmightbe;butthebigmansaid："Otombofwarriors，isitnotasifthebluenessofthedeepseahadheaveditselfupaloft，andturnedfromcolouredairintorockandstone，sowondrousblueitis？Butthatisbecausethosecragsandmountainsaresofaraway，andaswedrawnighertothem，thoushaltseethemastheyverilyare，thattheyarecoal-black;andyonderlandisanisle，andiscalledtheIsleofRansom。Thereinshallbethemarketfortheewherethoumaystcheapenthybetrothed。
Theremaystthoutakeherbythehandandleadherawaythence，whenthouhastdealtwiththechapmanofmaidensandhastpledgedtheebythefowlofbattle，andtheedgeofthefallowbladetopaythatwhichhewillhaveofthee。"
Asthebigmanspoketherewasamockinginhisvoiceandhisfaceandinhiswholehugebody，whichmadetheswordofHallblitheuneasyinhisscabbard;butherefrainedhiswrath，andsaid："Bigman，thelongerIlook，thelessIcanthinkhowwearetocomeupontoyonderisland;forIcanseenoughtbutahugecliff，andgreatmountainsrisingbeyondit。"
"Thoushaltthemorewonder，"saidthealien，"thenigherthoudrawestthereto;foritisnotbecausewearefarawaythatthoucanstseenobeachorstrand，orslopingofthelandseaward，butbecausethereisnoughtofallthesethings。Yetfearnot！amInotwiththee？thoushaltcomeashoreontheIsleofRansom。"
ThenHallblitheheldhispeace，andtheotherspakenotforawhile，butgaveashortlaughonceortwice;andsaidatlastinabigvoice，"LittleCarrion-biter，whydostthounotaskmeofmyname？"
NowHallblithewasatallmanandafellfighter;buthesaid：
"BecauseIwasthinkingofotherthingsandnotofthee。"
"Well，"saidthebigman，inavoicestilllouder，"whenIamathomemencallmethePunyFox。"
ThenHallblithesaid："ArtthouaFox？Itmaywellbethatthoushaltbeguilemeassuchbeastswillbutlooktoit，thatifthoudostIshallknowhowtoavengeme。"
Thenroseupthebigmanfromthehelm，andstraddledwideintheboat，andcriedoutinagreatroaringvoice："Crag-nester，Iamoneofsevenbrethren，andthesmallestandweakestofthem。Artthounotafraid？"
"No，"saidHallblithe，"forthesixothersarenothere。Wiltthoufighthereinboat，OFox？"
"Nay，"saidFox，"ratherwewilldrinkacupofwinetogether。"
Soheopenedthelockeragainanddrewoutthenceagreathornofsomehugeneatoftheoutlands，whichwasgirthedandstoppedwithsilver，andalsoagoldencup，andhefilledthecupfromthehornandgaveitintoHallblithe’shandandsaid："Drink，Oblack-fledgednestling！Butcallahealthoverthecupifthouwilt。"SoHallblitheraisedthecupaloftandcried："HealthtotheHouseoftheRavenandtothemthatloveit！anilldaytoitsfoemen！"Thenhesethislipstothecupanddrank;andthatwineseemedtohimbetterandstrongerthananyhehadevertasted。ButwhenhehadgiventhecupbackagaintoFox，thatredonefilleditagain，andcriedoverit，"TheTreasureoftheSea！andtheKingthatdiethnot！"Thenhedrank，andfilledagainforHallblithe，andsteeredwithhiskneesmeanwhile;andthustheydrankthreecupseach，andFoxsmiledandwaspeacefulandsaidbutlittle，butHallblithesatwonderinghowtheworldwaschangedforhimsinceyesterday。
Butnowwastheskyblownallclearofcloudsandthewindpipedshrillbehindthem，andthegreatwavesroseandfellaboutthem，andthesunglitteredontheminmanycolours。Fastflewtheboatbeforethewindasthoughitwouldneverstop，andthedaywaswaning，andthewindstillrising;andnowtheIsleofRansomuphovehugebeforethem，andcoal-black，andnobeachandnohavenwastobeseentherein;andstilltheyranbeforethewindtowardsthatblackcliff-
wall，againstwhichtheseawashedforever，andnokeeleverbuiltbymanmightliveforonemoment’twixtthesurfandthecliffofthatgrimland。Thesungrewlow，andsankredunderthesea，andthatworldofstoneswalloweduphalftheheavensbeforethem，fortheywerenowcomeverynighthereto;norcouldHallblitheseeaughtforit，butthattheymustbedashedagainstthecliffandperishinamomentoftime。
Stilltheboatflewon;butnowwhenthetwilightwascome，andtheyhadjustopenedupalongreachofthecliffthatlaybeyondahighness，Hallblithethoughthesawdownbytheedgeoftheseasomethingdarkerthanthefaceoftherock-wall，andhedeemeditwasacave：
theycamealittlenearerandhesawitwasagreatcavehighenoughtoletaround-shipgoinwithallhersailsset。
"SonoftheRaven，"quothFox，"hearken，forthyheartisnotlittle。
YonderisthegateintotheIsleofRansom，andifthouwilt，thoumaystgothroughit。YetitmaybethatifthougoestashoreontotheIslesomethinggrievousshallbefallthee，atroublemorethanthoucanstbear：ashameitmaybe。Nowtherearetwochoicesforthee：eithertogoupontotheIsleandfaceall;ortodieherebymyhandhavingdonenothingunmanlyorshameful：Whatsayestthou？"
"Thouartofmanywordswhentimesopresses，Fox，"saidHallblithe。
"WhyshouldInotchoosetogoupontotheIslandtodelivermytrothplightmaiden？Fortherest，slaymeifthoucanst，ifwecomealiveoutofthiscauldronofwaters。"
Saidthebigredman："Lookonthen，andnoteFoxhowhesteereth，asitwerethroughaneedle’seye。"
Nowweretheyunderneaththeblackshadowoftheblackcliffandamidstthetwilightthesurfwastossedaboutlikewhitefire。Inthelowerheavensthestarswerebeginningtotwinkleandthemoonwasbrightandyellow，andaloftallwaspeaceful，fornocloudsulliedthesky。OnemomentHallblithesawallthishangingabovetheturmoilofthunderingwateranddrippingrockandthenexthewasinthedarknessofthecave，theroaringwindandthewavesstillmakingthunderabouthim，thoughofadifferentvoicefromtheharshhubbubwithout。ThenheheardFoxsay："Sitdownnowandtaketheoars，forpresentlyshallwebeathomeatthelandingplace。"
SoHallblithetooktheoarsandrowed，andastheywentupthecavetheseafell，andthewinddiedoutintotheaimlessgustinessofhollowplaces;andforalittlewhilewasallasdarkasdarkmightbe。ThenHallblithesawthatthedarknessgrewalittlegreyer，andhelookedoverhisshoulderandsawastaroflightbeforethebowsoftheboat，andFoxcriedout："Yea，itislikeday;brightwillthemoonbeforsuchasneedsmustbewayfaringto-night！Ceaserowing，OSonofthecoal-bluefowl，forthereiswayenoughonher。"
ThenHallblithelayonhisoars，andinaminutethebowssmotetheland;thenheturnedaboutandsawasteepstairofstone，anduptheslopingshaftthereofthemoonlitskyandthebrightstars。ThenFoxaroseandcameforwardandleaptoutoftheboatandmooredhertoabigstone：thenheleaptbackagainandsaid："Bearahandwiththevictuals;wemustbringthemoutoftheboatunlessthouwiltsleepsupperless，asIwillnot。Forto-nightmustwebegueststoourselves，sinceitisfartothedwellingofmypeople，andtheoldmanissaidtobeaskin-changer，aflit-by-night。Andastothiscave，itisdeemedtobenowisesafetosleeptherein，unlessthesleeperhaveadoubleshareofluck。Andthyluck，meseemeth，OSonoftheRaven，isasnowsomewhatlessthanasingleshare。Soto-
nightweshallsleepunderthenakedheaven。"
Hallblitheyea-saidthis，andtheytookthemeatanddrink，suchastheyneeded，fromouttheboat，andclimbedthesteepstairnolittleway，andsocameoutontoaplainplace，whichseemedtoHallblithebareandwastesofarashesawitbythemoonlight;forthetwilightwasgonenow，andnoughtwasleftofthelightofdaysaveaglimmerinthewest。
ThisHallblithedeemedwonderful，thatnolessoutontheopenheathandbrowofthelandthanintheshut-incave，allthattumultofthewindhadfallen，andthecloudlessnightwascalm，andwithalittleairblowingfromthesouthandthelandward。
TherewithalwasFoxdonewithhisloud-voicedbraggartmood，andspokegentlyandpeaceablyliketoawayfarer，whohathbusinessofhistolooktoasothermen。Nowhepointedtocertainrocksorlowcragsthatalittlewayoffroselikeareefoutofthetreelessplain;thensaidhe："Shipmate，underneathyonderrocksisourresting-placeforto-night;andIpraytheenottodeemmechurlishthatIgivetheenobetterharbour。ButIhaveachargeovertheetobringtheesafethusfaronthyquest;andthouwouldstfindithardtoliveamongsuchhousematesasthouwouldstfindupyonderamongstourfolksto-night。Buttomorrowshaltthoucometospeechwithhimwhowilldealwiththeeconcerningtheransom。"
"Itisenough，"saidHallblithe，"andIthanktheeforthyleading：
andasforthyroughanduncomelywordswhichthouhastgivenme，I
pardontheeforthem：forIamnonetheworseofthem：forsooth，ifIhadbeen，myswordwouldhavehadavoiceinthematter。"
"Iamwellcontentasitis，SonoftheRaven，"quothFox;"Ihavedonemybiddingandalliswell。"
"Tellmethenwhoitishathbiddentheebringmehither？"
"Imaynottellthee，"saidFox;"thouarthere，becontent，asI
am。"
Andhespakenomoretilltheyhadcometothereefaforesaid，whichwassometwofurlongsfromtheplacewheretheyhadcomefromoutofthecave。Therethentheysetforththeirsupperonthestones，andatewhattheywould，anddrankofthatgoodstrongwinewhilethehornbareout。AndnowwasFoxoffewwords，andwhenHallblitheaskedhimconcerningthatland，hehadlittletosay。AndatlastwhenHallblitheaskedhimofthatsoperiloushouseandthosewhomannedit，hesaidtohim：
"SonoftheRaven，itavailsnotaskingofthesematters;forifI
telltheeaughtconcerningthemIshalltelltheelies。Onceagainletitbeenoughfortheethatthouhastpassedovertheseasafelyonthyquest;andamoreperilousseaitisforsooththanthoudeemest。Butnowletushaveanendofvainwords，andmakeourbedamidstthesestonesasbestwemay;forweshouldbestirringbetimesinthemorning。"Hallblithesaidlittleinanswer，andtheyarrayedtheirsleepingplacescunningly，astheharedothherform，andlikemenwellusedtolyingabroad。
Hallblithewasverywearyandhesoonfellasleep;andashelaythere，hedreamedadream，ormaybesawavision;whetherhewereasleepwhenhesawit，orbetweensleepingandwaking，Iknownot。
Butthiswashisdreamorhisvision;thattheHostagewasstandingoverhim，andsheashehadseenherbutyesterday，bright-hairedandruddy-cheekedandwhite-skinned，kindofhandandsoftofvoice，andshesaidtohim："Hallblithe，lookonmeandhearken，forIhaveamessageforthee。"Andhelookedandlongedforher，andhissoulwasravishedbythesweetnessofhislonging，andhewouldhaveleaptupandcasthisarmsabouther，butsleepandthedreamboundhim，andhemightnot。Thentheimagesmiledonhimandsaid："Nay，mylove，liestill，forthoumaystnottouchme：hereisbuttheimageofthebodywhichthoudesirest。Hearkenthen。Iaminevilplight，inthehandsofstrong-thievesofthesea，norknowIwhattheywilldowithme，andIhavenowilltobeshamed;tobesoldforapricefromonehandtoanother，yettobebeddedwithoutaprice，andtoliebesidesomefoe-manofourfolk，andhetocasthisarmsaboutme，willI，willInot：thisisahardcase。Thereforeto-morrowmorningatdaybreakwhilemensleep，Ithinktostealforthtothegunwaleoftheblackshipandgivemyselftothegods，thattheyandnottheserunagatesmaybemastersofmylifeandmysoul，andmaydowithmeastheywill：forindeedtheyknowthatImaynotbearthestrangekinlesshouse，andtheloveandcaressingofthealienhouse-
master，andthemockingandstripesofthealienhouse-mistress。
ThereforelettheHoaryOneoftheseatakemeandlooktomymatters，andcarrymetolifeordeath，which-sohewill。Thinnowgrowsthenight，butliestillalittleyet，whileIspeakanotherword。
"Maybeweshallmeetaliveagain，andmaybenot：andifnot，thoughwehaveneveryetlaininonebedtogether，yetIwouldhavetheerememberme：yetnotsothatmyimageshallcomebetweentheeandthyspeech-friendandbed-fellowofthekindred，thatshallliewhereIwastohavelain。Yetagain，ifIliveandthoulivest，IhavebeentoldandhaveheardthatbyonewayorotherIamliketocometotheGlitteringPlain，andtheLandofLivingMen。Omybeloved，ifbyanywaythoumightestcomethitheralso，andwemightmeetthere，andwetwoalive，howgooditwere！Seekthatlandthen，beloved！seekit，whetherornoweoncemorebeholdtheHouseoftheRose，ortreadtheflooroftheRavendwelling。Andnowmusteventhisimageofmesunderfromthee。Farewell！"
Therewithwasthedreamdoneandthevisiondeparted;andHallblithesatupfullofanguishandlonging;andhelookedabouthimoverthedrearyland，anditwassomewhatlightandtheskywasgrowngreyandcloudy，andhedeemedthatthedawnwascome。SoheleapttohisfeetandstoopeddownoverFox，andtookhimbytheshoulder，andshookhimandsaid："Faring-fellow，awake！thedawniscome，andwehavemuchtodo。"
Foxsatupandgrowledlikeadog，andrubbedhiseyesandlookedabouthimandsaid："Thouhastwakedmefornought：itisthefalsedawnofthemoonthatshinethnowbehindthecloudsandcastethnoshadow;itisbutanhouraftermidnight。Gotosleepagain，andletmebe，elsewillInotbeaguidetotheewhenthedaycomes。"Andhelaydownandwasasleepatonce。ThenHallblithewentandlaydownagainfullofsorrow：Yetsowearywashethathepresentlyfellasleep，anddreamednomore。
CHAPTERVI：OFADWELLINGOFMANONTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Whenheawokeagainthesunshoneonhim，andthemorningwascalmandwindless。Hesatupandlookedabouthim，butcouldseenosignsofFoxsavethelairwhereinhehadlain。Sohearosetohisfeetandsoughtforhimaboutthecranniesoftherocks，andfoundhimnot;andheshoutedforhim，andhadnoanswer。Thenhesaid，"Belikehehasgonedowntotheboattoputathingin，ortakeathingout。"Sohewenthiswaystothestairdownintothewater-
cave，andhecalledonFoxfromthetopofthestair，andhadnoanswer。
Sohewentdownthatlongstairwithamisgivinginhisheart，andwhenhecametothelaststeptherewasneithermannorboat，noraughtelsesavethewaterandthelivingrock。Thenwasheexceedingwroth，forheknewthathehadbeenbeguiled，andhewasinanevilcase，leftaloneonanIslethatheknewnot，awasteanddesolateland，whereitseemedmostlikeheshoulddieoffamine。
HewastednobreathormightnowincryingoutforFox，orseekinghim;forhesaidtohimself："Imightwellhaveknownthathewasfalseandaliar，whereashecouldscarcerefrainhisjoyatmyfollyandhisguile。Nowisitformetostriveforlifeagainstdeath。"
Thenheturnedandwentslowlyupthestair，andcameoutontotheopenfaceofthatIsle，andhesawthatitwaswasteindeed，anddreadful：awildernessofblacksandandstonesandice-bornerocks，withhereandtherealittlegrassgrowinginthehollows，andhereandthereadrearymirewherethewhite-tuftedrushesshookinthewind，andhereandtherestretchesofmossblendedwithred-blossomedsengreen;andotherwherenoughtbutthewind-bittencreepingwillowclingingtotheblacksand，withawhitebleachedstickandaleafortwo，andagainastickandaleaf。Intheoffinglookinglandwardweregreatmountains，someverygreatandsnow-capped，somebaretothetops;andallthatwasfaraway，savethesnow，wasdeep-blueinthesunnymorning。Butabouthimontheheathwerescatteredrockslikethereefbeneathwhichhehadsleptthelastnight，andpeaks，andhammers，andknollsofuncouthshapes。
Thenhewenttotheedgeofthecliffsandlookeddownontheseawhichlaywrinkledandripplingontowardtheshorefarbelowhim，andlonghegazedthereonandallabout，butcouldseeneithershipnorsail，noraughtelsesavethewashingofwavesandthehoveringofseafowl。
Thenhesaid："WereitnotwellifIweretoseekthathouse-masterofwhomFoxspake？MighthenotflitmeatleasttotheLandoftheGlitteringPlain？Woeisme！nowamIofthatwofulcompany，andI
alsomustneedscryout，Whereistheland？Whereistheland？"
Therewithheturnedtowardthereefabovetheirlair，butashewenthethoughtandsaid："Nay，butwasnotthisSteadalieliketherestofFox’stale？andamInotaloneinthissea-girtwilderness？
Yea，andeventhatimageofmyBelovedwhichIsawinthedream，perchancethatalsowasamerebeguiling;fornowIseethatthePunyFoxwasinallwayswiserthanismeetandcomely。"Yetagainhesaid："AtleastIwillseekon，andfindoutwhethertherebeanothermandwellingonthishaplessIsle，andthentheworstofitwillbebattlewithhim，anddeathbypointandedgeratherthanbyhunger;oratthebestwemaybecomefriendsandfellowsanddelivereachother。"Therewithhecametothereef，andwithmuchadoclimbedtothetopmostofitsrocksandlookeddownthencelandward：
andbetwixthimandthemountains，andbyseemingnotveryfaroff，hesawsmokearising：butnohousehesaw，noranyothertokenofadwelling。Sohecamedownfromthestoneandturnedhisbackupontheseaandwenttowardthatsmokewithhisswordinitssheath，andhisspearoverhisshoulder。Roughandtoilsomewastheway：threelittledaleshecrossedamidstthemountainnecks，eachonenarrowandbare，withastreamofwateramidst，runningseaward，andwhetherindaleoronridge，hewenteveramidstsandandstones，andtheweedsofthewilderness，andsawnoman，orman-tendedbeast。
Atlast，afterhehadbeenfourhoursontheway，buthadnotgoneveryfar，hetoppedastonybent，andfromthebrowthereofbeheldawidevalleygrass-grownforthemorepart，withariverrunningthroughit，andsheepandkineandhorsesfeedingupanddownit。
Andamidstthisdalebythestream-side，wasadwellingofmen，alonghallandotherhousesaboutitbuildedofstone。
ThenwasHallblitheglad，andhestrodedownthebentspeedily，hiswar-gearclashinguponhim：andashecametothefootthereofandontothegrassofthedale，hegotamongstthepasturinghorses，andpassedclosebythehorse-herdandawomanthatwaswithhim。Theyscowledathimashewentby，butmeddlednotwithhiminanyway。
Althoughtheyweregiant-likeofstatureandfierceofface，theywerenotill-favoured：theywerered-haired，andthewomanaswhiteascreamwherethesunhadnotburnedherskin;theyhadnoweaponsthatHallblithemightseesavethegoadinthehandofthecarle。
SoHallblithepassedonandcametothebiggesthouse，thehallaforesaid：itwasverylong，andlowasforitslength，notovershapelyoffashion，ameregabledheapofstones。Lowandstraitwasthedoorthereinto，andasHallblitheenteredstoopinglowly，andthefireofthesteelofhisspearthatheheldbeforehimwasquenchedinthemirkofthehall，hesmiledandsaidtohimself："Nowiftherewereoneanighwhowouldnothavemeenteralive，andhewithaweaponinhishand，soonwereallthetaletold。"Buthegotintothehallunsmitten，andstoodonthefloorthereof，andspake："Theseleofthedaytowhomsoeverisherein！Willanymanspeaktothenewcomer？"
Butnoneansweredorgavehimgreeting;andashiseyesgotusedtotheduskofthehall，helookedabouthim，andneitheronthefloororthehighseatnorinanyinglecouldheseeaman;andtherewassilencethere，saveforthecracklingoftheflickeringflameonthehearthamidmost，andtherunningoftheratsbehindthepanellingofthewalls。
Ononesideofthehallwasarowofshut-beds，andHallblithedeemedthattheremightbementherein;butsincenonehadgreetedhimherefrainedhimfromsearchingthemforfearofatrap，andhethought，"Iwillabideamidstthefloor，andiftherebeanythatwoulddealwithme，friendorfoe，lethimcomehithertome。"
Sohefelltowalkingupanddownthehallfrombutterytodais，andhiswar-gearrattleduponhim。Atlastashewalkedhethoughtheheardasmallthinpeevishvoice，whichyetwastoohuskyforthesqueakofarat。Sohestayedhiswalkandstoodstill，andsaid：
"WillanymanspeaktoHallblithe，anewcomer，andastrangerinthisStead？"
Thenthatsmallvoicemadeawordandsaid："Whypaceththefoolupanddownourhall，doingnothing，evenastheRavensflapcroakingaboutthecrags，abidingthewar-moteandtheclashofthefallowblades？"
SaidHallblithe，andhisvoicesoundedbiginthehall："WhocallethHallblitheafoolandmockethatthesonsoftheRaven？"
Spakethevoice："Whycomethnotthefooltothemanthatmaynotgotohim？"
ThenHallblithebentforwardtohearken，andhedeemedthatthevoicecamefromoneoftheshut-beds，soheleanedhisspearagainstapillar，andwentintotheshut-bedhehadnoted，andsawwheretherelayalonginitamanexceedingoldbyseeming，sorewasted，withlonghairaswhiteassnowlyingoverthebed-clothes。
WhentheeldersawHallblithe，helaughedathincrackedlaughasifinmockeryandsaid："Hailnewcomer！wiltthoueat？"
"Yea，"saidHallblithe。
"Gothouintothebutterythen，"saidtheoldcarle，"andthereshaltthoufindonthecupboardcakesandcurdsandcheese：eatthyfill，andwhenthouhastdone，lookintheingle，andthoushaltseeacaskofmeadexceedinggood，andastoupthereby，andtwosilvercups;
fillthestoupandbringithitherwiththecups;andthenmaywetalkamidstofdrinking，whichisgoodforanoldcarle。Hastenthou！orIshalldeemtheeadoublefoolwhowillnotfaretofetchhismeat，thoughhebehungry。"
ThenHallblithelaughed，andwentdownthehallintothebutteryandfoundthemeat，andatehisfill，andcameawaywiththedrinkbacktotheLong-hoaryman，whochuckledashecameandsaid："Fillupnowfortheeandforme，andcallahealthtomeandwishmesomewhat。"
"Iwishtheeluck，"saidHallblithe，anddrank。Saidtheelder：
"AndIwishtheemorewits;isluckallthatthoumaystwishme？
Whatluckmayanoutwornelderhave？"
"Wellthen，"quothHallblithe，"whatshallIwishthee？Wouldstthouhavemewishtheeyouth？"
"Yea，certes，"saidtheLong-hoary，"thatandnoughtelse。"
"YouththenIwishthee，ifitmayavailtheeaught，"saidHallblithe，andhedrankagaintherewith。
"Nay，nay，"saidtheoldcarlepeevishly，"takeathirdcup，andwishmeyouthwithnoidlewordstackedthereto。"
SaidHallblitheraisingthecup："HerewithIwishtheeyouth！"andhedrank。
"Goodisthewish，"saidtheelder;"nowaskthoutheoldcarlewhatsothouwilt。"
SaidHallblithe："Whatisthislandcalled？"
"Son，"saidtheother，"hastthouhearditcalledtheIsleofRansom？"
"Yea，"saidHallblithe，"butwhatwiltthoucallit？"
"Bynoothername，"saidthehoarycarle。
"Itisfarfromotherlands？"saidHallblithe。
"Yea，"saidthecarle，"whenthelightwindsblow，andtheshipssailslow。"
"Whatdoyewholivehere？"saidHallblithe。"Howdoyelive，whatworkwinye？"
"Wewindiversework，"saidtheelder，"butthegainfullestisrobbingmenbythehighhand。"
"IsityewhohavestolenfrommetheHostageoftheRose？"saidHallblithe。
SaidtheLong-hoary，"Maybe;Iwotnot;indiversewaysmykinsmentraffic，andtheyvisitmanylands。WhyshouldtheynothavecometoClevelandalso？"
"IssheinthisIsle，thouoldrunagate？"saidHallblithe。
"Sheisnot，thouyoungfool，"saidtheelder。ThenHallblitheflushedredandspake："KnowestthouthePunyFox？"
"HowshouldInot？"saidthecarle，"sinceheisthesonofoneofmysons。"
"Dostthoucallhimaliarandarogue？"saidHallblithe。
Theelderlaughed;"ElsewereIafool，"saidhe;"therearefewbiggerliarsorbiggerroguesthanthePunyFox！"
"IshehereinthisIsle？"saidHallblithe;"mayIseehim？"
Theoldmanlaughedagain，andsaid："Nay，heisnothere，unlesshehathturnedfoolsinceyesterday：whyshouldheabidethysword，sincehehathdonewhathewouldandbroughttheehither？"
Thenhelaughed，asahencacklesalongwhile，andthensaid："Whatmorewiltthouaskme？"
ButHallblithewasverywroth："Itavailethnoughttoask，"hesaid;
"andnowIamintwomindswhetherIshallslaytheeornot。"
"ThatwereameetdeedforaRaven，butnotforaman，"saidthecarle，"andthouthathastwishedmeluck！Ask，ask！"
ButHallblithewassilentalongwhile。Thenthecarlesaid，"Anothercupforthelongerafteryouth！"
Hallblithefilled，andgavetohim，andtheoldmandrankandsaid：
"ThoudeemestusallliarsintheIsleofRansombecauseofthybeguilingbythePunyFox：butthereinthouerrest。ThePunyFoxisourchiefestliar，anddothforusthemorepartofsuchworkasweneed：therefore，whyshouldweotherslie。Ask，ask！"
"Wellthen，"saidHallblithe，"whydidthePunyFoxbewrayme，andatwhosebidding？"
Saidtheelder："Iknow，butIwillnottellthee。Isthisalie？"
"Nay，Ideemitnot，"saidHallblithe："But，tellme，isitverilytruethatmytrothplightisnothere，thatImayransomher？"
SaidtheLong-hoary："IswearitbytheTreasureoftheSea，thatsheisnothere：thetalewasbutalieofthePunyFox。"
CHAPTERVII：AFEASTINTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Hallblitheponderedhisanswerawhilewithdowncasteyesandsaidatlast："Haveyeamindtoransomme，nowthatIhavewalkedintothetrap？"
"Thereisnoneedtotalkofransom，"saidtheelder;"thoumaystgooutofthishousewhenthouwilt，norwillanymeddlewiththeeifthoustrayestabouttheIsle，whenIhavesetamarkontheeandgiventheeatoken：norwiltthoubehinderedifthouhastamindtoleavetheIsle，ifthoucanstfindmeansthereto;moreoveraslongasthouartintheIsle，inthishousemaystthouabide，eatinganddrinkingandrestingwithus。"
"HowthenmayIleavethisIsle？"saidHallblithe。
Theelderlaughed："Inaship，"saidhe。
"Andwhen，"saidHallblithe，"shallIfindashipthatshallcarryme？"
Saidtheoldcarle，"Whitherwouldestthoumyson？"Hallblithewassilentawhile，thinkingwhatanswerheshouldmake;thenhesaid：
"IwouldgotothelandoftheGlitteringPlain。"
"Son，ashipshallnotbelackingtheeforthatvoyage，"saidtheelder。"Thoumaystgoto-morrowmorn。AndIbidtheeabidehereto-
night，andthycheershallnotbeill。Yetifthouwiltbelievemyword，itwillbewellfortheetosayaslittleasthoumaysttoanymanhere，andthatlittleaslittleproudasmaybe：forourfolkareshortoftemperandthouknowestthereisnomightagainstmany。
Indeeditisnotunlikethattheywillnotspeakonewordtothee，andifthatbeso，thouhastnoneedtoopenthymouthtothem。AndnowIwilltelltheethatitisgoodthatthouhastchosentogototheGlitteringPlain。Forifthouwertotherwiseminded，Iwotnothowthouwouldestgettheeakeeltocarrythee，andthewingshavenotyetbeguntosproutonthyshoulders，raventhoughthoube。NowIamgladthatthouartgoingthywaystotheGlitteringPlainto-
morrow;forthouwiltbegoodcompanytomeontheway：andIdeemthatthouwiltbenochurlwhenthouartglad。"
"What，"saidHallblithe，"artthouwendingthither，thouoldman？"
"Yea，"saidhe，"norshallanyotherbeontheshipsavethouandI，andthemarinersthatwaftus;andtheyforsoothshallnotgoalandthere。WhyshouldnotIgo，sincetherearementobearmeaboard？"
SaidHallblithe，"Andwhenthouartcomealandthere，whatwiltthoudo？"
"Thoushaltsee，myson，"saidtheLong-hoary。"Itmaybethatthygoodwishesshallbeofavailtome。ButnowsinceallthismayonlybeifIlivethroughthisnight，andsincemyhearthathbeenwarmedbythegoodmead，andthyfellowship，andwhereasIamsomewhatsleepy，anditislongpastnoon，goforthintothehall，andleavemetosleep，thatImaybeassoundaseldwillletmeto-morrow。
Andasforthee，folk，bothmenandwomen，shallpresentlycomeintothehall，andIdeemnotthatanyshallmeddlewiththee;butifsobethatanychallengethee，whatsoevermaybehiswords，answerthoutohim，’THEHOUSEOFTHEUNDYING，’andtherewillbeanendofit。
Onlylookthoutoitthatnonakedsteelcomethoutofthyscabbard。
Gonow，andifthouwilt，gooutofdoors;yetartthousaferwithindoorsandnigheruntome。"
SoHallblithewentbackintothemainhall，andthesunhadgottenroundnow，andwasshiningintothehall，throughtheclerestorywindows，sothathesawclearlyallthatwastherein。Andhedeemedthehallfairerwithinthanwithout;andespeciallyovertheshut-
bedsweremanystoriescarveninthepanelling，andHallblithebeheldthemgladly。Butofonethinghemarvelled，thatwhereashewasinanislandofthestrong-thievesofthewaters，andintheirveryhomeandchiefesthabitation，therewerenoshipsorseaspicturedinthatimagery，butfairgrovesandgardens，withflowerygrassandfruitedtreesallabout。Andtherewerefairwomenabidingtherein，andlovelyyoungmen，andwarriors，andstrangebeastsandmanymarvels，andtheendingofwrathandbeginningofpleasureandthecrowningoflove。Andamidstthesewaspicturedoftandagainamightykingwithaswordbyhissideandacrownonhishead;andeverwashesmilingandjoyous，sothatHallblithe，whenhelookedonhim，feltofbetterheartandsmiledbackonthecarvenimage。
SowhileHallblithelookedonthesethings，andponderedhiscasecarefully，allaloneashewasinthatalienhall，heheardanoisewithoutoftalkingandlaughter，andpresentlythepatteringoffeettherewith，andthenwomencameintothehall，ascoreormore，someyoung，someold，somefairenough，andsomehard-featuredanduncomely，butallabovethestatureofthewomenwhomhehadseeninhisownland。
Sohestoodamidstthehall-floorandabidedthem;andtheysawhimandhisshiningwar-gear，andceasedtheirtalkingandlaughter，anddrewroundabouthim，andgazedathim;butnonesaidaughttillanoldcronecameforthfromthering，andsaid"Whoartthou，standingunderweaponsinourhall？"
Heknewnotwhattoanswer，andheldhispeace;andshespakeagain：
"Whitherwouldestthou，whatseekestthou？"
ThenansweredHallblithe："THEHOUSEOFTHEUNDYING。"
Noneanswered，andtheotherwomenallfellawayfromhimatonce，andwentabouttheirbusinesshitherandthitherthroughthehall。
Buttheoldcronetookhimbythehand，andledhimuptothedais，andsethimnexttothemidmosthigh-seat。Thenshemadeasifshewoulddooffhiswar-gear，andhewouldnotgainsayher，thoughhedeemedthatfoesmightbeanear;forinsoothhetrustedintheoldcarlethathewouldnotbewrayhim，andmoreoverhedeemeditwouldbeunmanlynottotaketherisksoftheguesting，accordingtothecustomofthatcountry。
Soshetookhisarmourandhisweaponsandborethemofftoashut-
bednexttothatwhereinlaytheancientman，andshelaidthegearwithinit，allsavethespear，whichshelaidonthewall-pinsabove;
andshemadesignstohimthatthereinhewastolie;butshespakenowordtohim。Thenshebroughthimthehand-washingwaterinabasinoflatten，andagoodlytoweltherewith，andwhenhehadwashedshewentawayfromhim，butnotfar。
Thiswhiletheotherwomenwerebusyaboutthehall;somesweptthefloordown，andwhenitwassweptstrawedthereonrushesandhandfulsofwildthyme：somewentintothebutteryandboreforththeboardsandthetrestles：somewenttothechestsandbroughtouttherichhangings，thegoodlybankersanddorsars，anddidthemonthewalls：
someboreinthestoupsandhornsandbeakers，andsomewenttheirwaysandcamenotbackawhile，fortheywerebusiedaboutthecooking。Butwhatevertheydid，nonehailedhim，orheededhimmorethanifhehadbeenanimage，ashesattherelookingon。Nonesavetheoldwomanwhobroughthimthefore-supper，towitagreathornofmead，andcakesanddriedfish。
Sowasthehallarrayedforthefeastveryfairly，andHallblithesattherewhilethesunwesteredandthehousegrewdim，anddarkatlast，andtheylightedthecandlesupanddownthehall。Butalittleafterthesewerelit，agreathornwaswindedclosewithout，andthereaftercametheclatterofarmsaboutthedoor，andexceedingtallweaponedmencamein，onescoreandfive，andstrodetwobytwouptothefootofthedais，andstoodthereinarow。AndHallblithedeemedtheirwar-gearexceedinggood;theywereallcladinring-
lockedbyrnies，andhadsteelhelmsontheirheadswithgarlandsofgoldwroughtaboutthemandtheyborespearsintheirhands，andwhiteshieldshungattheirbacks。Nowcamethewomentothemandunarmedthem;andundertheirarmourtheirraimentwasblack;buttheyhadgoldringsontheirarms，andgoldencollarsabouttheirnecks。Sotheystrodeuptothedaisandtooktheirplacesonthehigh-seat，notheedingHallblitheanymorethanifhewereanimageofwood。Neverthelessthatmansatnexttohimwhowasthechieftainofallandsatinthemidmosthigh-seat;andheborehissheathedswordinhishandandlaiditontheboardbeforehim，andhewastheonlymanofthosechieftainswhohadaweapon。
Butwhentheseweresetdowntherewasagainanoisewithout，andtherecameinathrongofmenarmedandunarmedwhotooktheirplacesontheend-longbenchesupanddownthehall;withthesecamewomenalso，whomostofthemsatamongstthemen，butsomebusiedthemwiththeserving：allthesemenweregreatofstature，butnonesobigasthechieftainsonthehigh-seat。
Nowcamethewomeninfromthekitchenbearingthemeat，whereofnolittlewasflesh-meat，andallwasofthebest。Hallblithewasdulyservedliketheothers，butstillnonespaketohimorevenlookedonhim;thoughamongstthemselvestheyspokeinbig，roughvoicessothattheraftersofthehallrangagain。
Whentheyhadeatentheirfillthewomenfilledroundthecupsandthehornstothem，andthosevesselswerebothgreatandgoodly。Buteretheyfelltodrinkinguprosethechieftainwhosatfurthestfromthemidmosthigh-seatontherightandcriedahealth："THETREASURE
OFTHESEA！"Thentheyallstoodupandshouted，womenaswellasmen，andemptiedtheirhornsandcupstothathealth。Thenstoodupthemanfurthestontheleftandcriedout，"DrinkahealthtotheUndyingKing！"Andagainallmenroseupandshoutederetheydrank。
Otherhealthstheydrank，asthe"ColdKeel，"the"WindwornSail，"
the"QuiveringAsh"andthe"FurrowedBeach。"AndthewineandmeadflowedlikeriversinthathalloftheWildMen。AsforHallblithe，hedrankwhathewouldbutstoodnotup，norraisedhiscuptohislipswhenahealthwasdrunk;forheknewnotwhetherthesemenwerehisfriendsorhisfoes，andhedeemeditwouldbelittle-mindedtodrinktotheirhealths，lesthemightbedrinkingdeathandconfusiontohisownkindred。
Butwhenmenhaddrunkawhile，againahornblewatthenetherendofthehall，andstraightwayfolkarosefromtheendlongtables，andtookawaytheboardsandtrestles，andclearedthefloorandstoodagainstthewall;thenthebigchieftainbesideHallblithearoseandcriedout："Nowletmandancewithmaid，andbewemerry！Music，strikeup！"Thenflewthefiddle-bowsandtwangedtheharps，andthecarlesandqueensstoodforthonthefloor;andallthewomenwerecladinblackraiment，albeitembroideredwithknotsandwreathsofflowers。Awhiletheydancedandthensuddenlythemusicfell，andtheyallwentbacktotheirplaces。Thenthechieftaininthehigh-
seataroseandtookahornfromhisside，andblewagreatblastonitthatfilledthehall;thenhecriedinaloudvoice："Bewemerry！Letthechampionscomeforth！"
Menshoutedgleefullythereat，andstraightwayranintothehallfromoutthescreensthreetallmencladallinblackarmourwithnakedswordsintheirhands，andstoodamidstthehall-floor，somewhatononeside，andclashedtheirswordsontheirshieldsandcriedout：
"ComeforthyeChampionsoftheRaven！"
ThenleaptHallblithefromhisseatandsethishandtohisleftside，butnoswordwasthere;sohesatdownagain，rememberingthewarningoftheElder，andnoneheededhim。
Thentherecameintothehallslowlyandmournfullythreemen-at-
arms，cladandweaponedlikethewarriorsofhisfolk，withtheimageoftheRavenontheirhelmsandshields。SoHallblitherefrainedhim，forbesidesthatthisseemedliketobeafairbattleofthreeagainstthree，hedoubtedsomesnare，andhedeterminedtolookonandabide。
Sothechampionsfelltolayingonstrokesthatwerenochild’splay，thoughHallblithedoubtediftheedgesbit，anditwasbutalittlewhilebeforetheChampionsoftheRavenfelloneafteranotherbeforetheWildMen，andfolkdrewthembytheheelsoutintothebuttery。
Thenarosegreatlaughterandjeering，andexceedingwrothwasHallblithe;howbeitherefrainedhimbecauseherememberedallhehadtodo。ButthethreeChampionsoftheSeastroderoundthehall，tossinguptheirswordsandcatchingthemastheyfell，whilethehornsblewupbehindthem。
Afterawhilethehallgrewhushed，andthechieftainaroseandcried："Bringinnowsomesheavesoftheharvestwewin，weladsoftheoarandthearrow！"Thenwasthereastiratthescreendoors，andfolkpressedforwardtosee，and，lo，therecameforwardastringofwomen，ledinbytwoweaponedcarles;andthewomenwereascoreinnumber，andtheywerebarefootandtheirhairhunglooseandtheirgownswereungirt，andtheywerechainedtogetherwristtowrist;yethadtheygoldatarmandneck：therewassilenceinthehallwhentheystoodamidstofthefloor。
ThenindeedHallblithecouldnotrefrainhimself，andheleaptfromhisseatandontotheboard，andoverit，andrandownthehall，andcametothosewomenandlookedtheminthefaceonebyone，whilenomanspakeinthehall。ButtheHostagewasnotamongstthem;nayforsooth，theynoneofthemfavouredofthedaughtersofhispeople，thoughtheywerecomelyandfair;sothatagainHallblithedoubtedifthiswereaughtbutafeast-hallplaydonetoangerhim;whereastherewasbutlittlegriefinthefacesofthosedamsels，andmorethanoneofthemsmiledwantonlyinhisfaceashelookedonthem。
Soheturnedaboutandwentbacktohisseat，havingsaidnoword，andbehindhimarosemuchmockingandjeering;butitangeredhimlittlenow;forherememberedtheredeoftheelderandhowthathehaddoneaccordingtohisbidding，sothathedeemedthegainwashis。Sospranguptalkinthehallbetwixtmanandman，andfolkdrankaboutandweremerry，tillthechieftainaroseagainandsmotetheboardwiththeflatofhissword，andcriedoutinaloudandangryvoice，sothatallcouldhear："Nowlettherebemusicandminstrelsyerewewendbedward！"
Therewithfellthehubbubofvoices，andtherecameforththreemenwithgreatharps，andafourthmanwiththem，whowastheminstrel;
andtheharperssmotetheirharpssothattheroofrangtherewith，andthenoise，thoughitwasgreat，wastuneable，andwhentheyhadplayedthusalittlewhile，theyabatedtheirloudnesssomewhat，andtheminstrelliftedhisvoiceandsang：
ThelandliesblackWithwinter’slack，ThewindblowscoldRoundfieldandfold;
Allfolkarewithin，Andbutweavingtheywin。
Wherefromfingertofingertheshuttlefliesfast，Andtheeyesofthesingerlookfainonthecast，AshesingeththestoryofsummerundoneAndthebarleysheaveshoaryripeunderthesun。
ThenthemaidensstayThelight-hungsley，AndtheshuttlesbideBytheblueweb’sside，WhilehandinhandWiththecarlestheystand。
Buteretothemeasurethefiddlesstrikeup，Andtheeldersyettreasurethelastofthecup，Therestandtheya-hearkeningtheblastfromthelift，Ande’ennightisa-darkeningmoreunderthedrift。
TheresafeinthehallTheyblessthewall，Andtheroofo’erhead，Ofthevaliantstead;
AndthehandstheypraiseOftheoldendays。
Thenthroughthestorm’sroaringthefiddlesbreakout，Andtheythinknotofwarring，butcastawaydoubt，And，manbeforemaiden，theirfeettreadthefloor，Andtheirheartsareunladenofallthattheybore。
Butwhatwindsareo’er-coldFortheheartofthebold？
Whatseasareo’er-highFortheundoomedtodie？
Darknightanddreadwind，Butthehavenwefind。
Thenashoremidtheflurryofstone-washingsurf！
Cloud-houndsthemoonworry，butlightliestheturf;
Lothelongdalebeforeus！thelightsattheend，Thoughthenightdarkenso’erus，bidwhithertowend。
WhobeateththedoorBythefoot-smittenfloor？
WhatguestsaretheseFromovertheseas？
TakeshieldandswordFortheirgreeting-word。
返回顶部