Lo，lo，thedanceended！Lo，midstofthehallThefallowbladesblended！Lo，bloodonthewall！
Wholiveth，whodieth？Omenofthesea，Forpeacethefolkcrieth;ourmastersareye。
NowthedaleliesgreyAtthedawnofday;
AndfairfeetpassO’erthewind-worngrass;
AndtheyturnbacktogazeOntheroofofolddays。
Cometreadyetheoaken-flooredhallofthesea！
Beyourheartsyetunbroken;sofairasyebe，ThatkingsareabidingunweddedtogainThenewsofourridingthesteedsofthemain。
Muchshoutingandlaughteraroseatthesong’send;andmensprangupandwavedtheirswordsabovethecups，whileHallblithesatscowlingdownontheirmerriment。Lastlyarosethechieftainandcalledoutloudlyforthegood-nightcup，anditwentroundandallmendrank。
Thenthehornblewforbed，andthechieftainswenttotheirchambers，andtheotherswenttotheout-bowersorlaidthemdownonthehall-floor，andinalittlewhilenonestooduprightthereon。SoHallblithearose，andwenttotheshut-bedappointedforhim，andlaidhimdownandsleptdreamlesslytillthemorning。
CHAPTERVIII：HALLBLITHETAKETHSHIPAGAINAWAYFROMTHEISLEOF
RANSOM
Whenheawoke，thesunshoneintothehallbythewindowsabovethebuttery，andtherewerebutfewfolklefttherein。ButsosoonasHallblithewasclad，theoldwomancametohim，andtookhimbythehand，andledhimtotheboard，andsignedtohimtoeatofwhatwasthereon;andhedidso;andbythenhewasdone，camefolkwhowentintotheshut-bedwherelaytheLong-hoary，andtheybroughthimforthbedandallandbarehimouta-doors。ThenthecronebroughtHallblithehisarmsandhedidonbyrnyandhelm，girthisswordtohisside，tookhisspearinhishandandwentouta-doors;andthereclosebytheporchlaytheLong-hoaryuponahorse-litter。SoHallblithecameuptohimandgavehimtheseleoftheday：andtheeldersaid："Goodmorrow，son，Iamgladtoseethee。Didtheytrytheehardlastnight？"
AndHallblithesawtwoofthecarlesthathadborneouttheelder，thattheyweretalkingtogether，andtheylookedonhimandlaughedmockingly;sohesaidtotheelder："Evenfoolsmaytryawiseman，andsoitbefelllastnight。Yet，asthouseest，mumminghathnotslainme。"
Saidtheoldman："Whatthousawestwasnotallmumming;itwasdoneaccordingtoourcustoms;andwellnighallofithadbeendone，evenhadstthounotbeenthere。Nay，Iwilltellthee;atsomeofourfeastsitisnotlawfultoeateitherforthechieftainsorthecarles，tillachampionhathgivenforthachallenge，andbeenansweredandmet，andthebattlefoughttoanend。Butyemen，whathinderethyoutogotothehorses’headsandspeedontheroadthechieftainwhoisnolongerway-worthy？"
Sotheyrantothehorsesandsetdownthedalebytheriverside，andjustasHallblithewasgoingtofollowafoot，therecameaswainfrombehindthehouseleadingaredhorsewhichhebroughttoHallblitheasonewhobidsmount。SoHallblitheleaptintothesaddleandatoncecaughtupwiththelitteroftheLong-hoarydownalongtheriver。Theypassedbynootherhouse，savehereandthereacotbesidesomefoldorbyre;theywenteasily，forthewaywassmoothbytheriver-side;soinlessthantwohourstheycamewherethesaidriverranintothesea。Therewasnobeachthere，forthewaterwastenfathomdeepcloseuptothelipoftheland;buttherewasagreathavenland-lockedallbutanarrowoutgatebetwixtthesheerblackcliffs。Manyagreatshipmighthavelaininthathaven;butasnowtherewasbutonelyingthere，around-shipnotverygreat，butexceedingtrimandmeetforthesea。
Therewithoutmoreadothecarlestooktheelderfromthelitterandborehimaboard，andHallblithefollowedhimasifhehadbeensoappointed。Theylaidtheoldmanadownonthepoopunderatiltofpreciousweb，andsowentabackbythewaythattheyhadcome;andHallblithewentandsatdownbesidetheLong-hoary，whospaketohimandsaid："Seestthou，son，howeasyitisforustwaintobeshippedforthelandwhitherwewouldgo？Butaseasyasitisfortheetogothitherwhereaswearegoing，justsohardhaditbeenfortheetogoelsewhere。MoreoverImusttelltheethatthoughmanyanoneoftheIsleofRansomdesirethtogothisvoyage，thereshallnoneelsego，tilltheworldisayearolder，andhewhoshallgothenshallbelikesttomeinallways，bothineldandinfeebleness，andingibingspeech，andallelse;andnowthatIamgone，hisnameshallbethesameasthatwherebyyemaycallmeto-
day，andthatisGrandfather。Artthougladorsorry，Hallblithe？"
"Grandfather，"saidHallblithe，"Icanscarcetellthee：Imoveasonewhohathnowilltowendonewayorother。MeseemsIamdrawntogothitherwhereaswearegoing;thereforeIdeemthatIshallfindmybelovedontheGlitteringPlain：andwhateverbefallethafterward，letitbeasitwill！"
"Tellme，myson，"saidtheGrandfather，"howmanywomenarethereintheworld？"
"HowmayItellthee？"saidHallblithe。
"Well，then，"saidtheelder，"howmanyexceedingfairwomenarethere？"
SaidHallblithe，"IndeedIwotnot。"
"Howmanyofsuchhastthouseen？"saidtheGrandfather。
"Many，"saidHallblithe;"thedaughtersofmyfolkarefair，andtherewillbemanyothersuchamongstthealiens。"
Thenlaughedtheelder，andsaid："Yet，myson，hewhohadbeenthyfellowsincethysunderingfromthybeloved，wouldhavesaidthatinthydeemingthereisbutonewomanintheworld;oratleastonefairwoman：isitnotso？"
ThenHallblithereddenedatfirst，asthoughhewereangry;thenhesaid："Yea，itisso。"
SaidtheGrandfatherinamusingway："IwonderifbeforelongI
shallthinkofitasthoudost。"
ThenHallblithegazedathimmarvelling，andstudiedtoseewhereinlaythegibeagainsthimself;andtheGrandfatherbeheldhim，andlaughedaswellashemight，andsaid："Son，son;didstthounotwishmeyouth？"
"Yea，"saidHallblithe，"butwhatailstheetolaughso？WhatisitIhavesaidordone？"
"Nought，nought，"saidtheelder，laughingstillmore，"onlythoulookestsomazed。Andwhoknowethwhatthywishmaybringforth？"
ThereatwasHallblithesorepuzzled;butwhilehesethimselftoconsiderwhattheoldcarlemightmean，uprosethehaleandhowofthemariners;theycastoffthehawsersfromtheshore，ranoutthesweeps，anddravetheshipthroughthehaven-gates。Itwasabrightsunnyday;within，thegreenwaterwasoily-smooth，withouttheripplingwavesdancedmerrilyunderalightbreeze，andHallblithedeemedthewindtobefair;forthemarinersshoutedjoyouslyandmadeallsailontheship;andshelayoverandspedthroughthewaves，castingofftheseasfromherblackbows。Soonweretheyclearofthoseswartcliffs，anditwasbutalittleafterwardsthattheIsleofRansomwasgrowndeepbluebehindthemandfaraway。
CHAPTERIX：THEYCOMETOTHELANDOFTHEGLITTERINGPLAIN
Asinthehall，sointheship，Hallblithenotedthatthefolkweremerryandofmanywordsonewithanother，whiletohimnomancastawordsavetheGrandfather。AstoHallblithe，thoughhewonderedmuchwhatallthisbetokened，andwhatthelandwaswheretohewaswending，hewasnomantofearanunbodedperil;andhesaidtohimselfthatwhateverelsebetid，heshouldmeettheHostageontheGlitteringPlain;sohisheartroseandhewasofgoodcheer，andastheGrandfatherhadforetold，hewasamerryfaring-fellowtohim。
Manyagibetheoldmancastathim，andwhilesHallblithegavehimbackasgoodashetook，andwhileshelaughedasthestrokewenthomeandsilencedhim;andwhilesheunderstoodnoughtofwhattheeldersaid。Soworethedayandstillthewindheldfair，thoughitwaslight;andthesunsetinaskynighcloudless，andtherewasnowhereanyforecastofperil。Butwhennightwascome，Hallblithelaydownonafairbed，whichwasdightforhiminthepoop，andhesoonfellasleepanddreamednotsavesuchdreamsasarebutmadeupofbygonememories，andbetokennought，andarenotremembered。
Whenheawoke，daylaybroadonthesea，andthewaveswerelittle，theskyhadbutfewclouds，thesunshonebright，andtheairwaswarmandsweet-breathed。
Helookedasideandsawtheoldmansittingupinhisbed，asghastlyasadeadmandugupagain：hisbushyeyebrowswerewrinkledoverhisblearedoldeyes，thelongwhitehairdangledforlornfromhisgaunthead：yetwashisfacesmilingandhelookedashappyasthesoulwithinhimcouldmakethehalf-deadbody。HeturnednowtoHallblitheandsaid：
"Thouartlateawake：hadstthoubeenwakingearlier，thesoonerhadthineheartbeengladdened。Goforwardnow，andgazethyfillandcomeandtellmethereof。"
"Thouarthappy，Grandfather，"saidHallblithe，"whatgoodtidingshathmornbroughtus？"
"TheLand！theLand！"saidtheLong-hoary;"therearenolongertearsinthisoldbody，elseshouldIbeweepingforjoy。"
SaidHallblithe："Artthougoingtomeetsomeonewhoshallmaketheegladbeforethoudiest，oldman？"
"Someone？"saidtheelder;"whatone？Aretheynotallgone？
burned，anddrowned，andslainanddiedabed？Someone，youngman？
Yea，forsoothsomeoneindeed！Yea，thegreatwarrioroftheWastersoftheShore;theSea-eaglewhoboretheswordandthetorchandtheterroroftheRavagersoverthecoal-bluesea。Itismyself，MYSELF
thatIshallfindontheLandoftheGlitteringPlain，Oyounglover！"
Hallblithelookedonhimwonderingasheraisedhiswastedarmstowardsthebowsoftheshippitchingdowntheslopeofthesunlitsea，orclimbingupit。Thenagaintheoldmanfellbackonhisbedandmuttered："Whatfool’sworkisthis！thatthouwiltdrawmeontotalkloud，andwastemybodywithlackofpatience。Iwilltalkwiththeenomore，lestmyheartswellandbreak，andquenchthelittlesparkoflifewithinme。"
ThenHallblithearosetohisfeet，andstoodlookingathim，wonderingsomuchathiswords，thatforawhileheforgatthelandwhichtheywerenearing，thoughhehadcaughtglimpsesofit，asthebowsoftheround-shipfelldownwardintothehollowofthesea。Thewindwasbutlight，ashathbeensaid，andthewaveslittleunderit，buttherewasstillasmoothswelloftheseawhichcameofbreezesnowdead，andtheshipwallowedthereonandsailedbutslowly。
Inawhiletheoldmanopenedhiseyesagain，andsaidinalowpeevishvoice："Whystandestthoustaringatme？whyhastthounotgoneforwardtolookupontheland？TrueitisthatyeRavensareshortofwits。"
SaidHallblithe："Benotwrath，chieftain;Iwaswonderingatthywords，whichareexceedingmarvellous;tellmemoreofthislandoftheGlitteringPlain。"
SaidtheGrandfather："WhyshouldItellitthee？askofthemariners。Theyallknowmorethanthoudost。"
"Thouknowest，"saidHallblithe，"thatthesemenspeaknottome，andtakenomoreheedofmethanifIwereanimagewhichtheywerecarryingtoselltothenextmightymantheymayhapon。Ortellme，thouoldman，"saidhefiercely，"isitperchanceathrall-marketwheretotheyarebringingme？Havetheysoldherthere，andwilltheysellmealsointhesameplace，butintootherhands。"
"Tush！"saidtheGrandfathersomewhatfeebly，"thislastwordofthineisfolly;thereisnobuyingorsellinginthelandwheretowearebound。Astothineotherword，thatthesemenhavenofellowshipwiththee，itistrue：thouartmyfellowandthefellowofnoneelseaboard。ThereforeifIfeelmightinme，maybeIwilltelltheesomewhat。"
Thenheraisedhisheadalittleandsaid："Thesungrowshot，thewindfailethus，andslowandslowarewesailing。"
Evenashespoketherewasastiramidships，andHallblithelookedandbeheldthemarinershandlingthesweeps，andsettlingthemselvesontherowing-benches。Saidtheelder："Thereisnoiseamidships，whataretheydoing？"
Theoldmanraisedhimselfalittleagain，andcriedoutinhisshrillvoice："Goodlads！bravelads！Thuswouldwedointheoldtimewhenwedrewanearsomeshore，andthebeaconsweresendingupsmokebyday，andflamebenights;andtheshore-abidersdidontheirhelmsandtrembled。Thrustherthrough，lads！Thrustheralong！"
Thenhefellbackagain，andsaidinaweakvoice："Makenomoredelay，guest，butgoforwardandlookupontheland，andcomebackandtellmethereof，andthenthetalemayflowfromme。Haste，haste！"SoHallblithewentdownfromthepoop，andintothewaist，wherenowtherowerswerebendingtotheiroars，andcryingoutfiercelyastheytuggedatthequiveringash;andheclombontotheforecastleandwentforwardrighttothedragon-head，andgazedlongupontheland，whilethedashingoftheoar-bladesmadethesemblanceofagaleabouttheship’sblacksides。ThenhecamebackagaintotheSea-eagle，whosaidtohim："Son，whathastthouseen？"
"Rightaheadlieththeland，anditisstillagoodwayoff。Highrisethemountainsthere，butbyseemingthereisnosnowonthem;
andthoughtheybebluetheyarenotbluelikethemountainsoftheIsleofRansom。Alsoitseemedtomeasiffairslopesofwoodlandandmeadowcomedowntotheedgeofthesea。Butitisyetfaraway。"
"Yea，"saidtheelder，"isitso？ThenwillInotwearmyselfwithmakingwordsforthee。Iwillrestrather，andgathermight。Comeagainwhenanhourhathworn，andtellmewhatthouseest;andmayhappenthenthoushalthavemytale！"Andhelaidhimdowntherewithandseemedtobeasleepatonce。AndHallblithemightnotamendit;
sohewaitedpatientlytillthehourhadworn，andthenwentforwardagain，andlookedlongandcarefully，andcamebackandsaidtotheSea-eagle，"Thehourisworn。"
Theoldchieftainturnedhimselfaboutandsaid"Whathastthouseen？
SaidHallblithe："Themountainsarepaleandhigh，andbelowthemarehillsdarkwithwood，andbetwixtthemandtheseaisafairspaceofmeadowland，andmethoughtitwaswide。"
Saidtheoldman："Sawestthouarockyskerryrisinghighoutoftheseaanightheshore？"
"Nay，"saidHallblithe，"iftherebe，itisallblendedwiththemeadowsandthehills。"
SaidtheSea-eagle："Abidethewearingofanotherhour，andcomeandtellmeagain，andthenImayhaveagainfulwordforthee。"Andhefellasleepagain。ButHallblitheabided，andwhenthehourwasworn，hewentforwardandstoodontheforecastle。Andthiswasthethirdshiftoftherowers，andthestoutestmenintheshipnowheldtheoarsintheirhands，andtheshipshookthroughallherlengthandbreadthastheydraveheroverthewaters。
SoHallblithecameafttotheoldmanandfoundhimasleep;sohetookhimbytheshoulder，andshookhimandsaid："Awake，faring-
fellow，forthelandisa-nigh。"
Sotheoldmansatupandsaid："Whathastthouseen？"
SaidHallblithe："Ihaveseenthepeaksandcliffsofthefar-offmountains;andbelowthemarehillsgreenwithgrassanddarkwithwoods，andthencestretchsoftgreenmeadowsdowntothesea-strand，whichisfairandsmooth，andyellow。"
"Sawestthoutheskerry？"saidtheSea-eagle。
"Yea，Isawit，"saidHallblithe，"anditrisessheerfromouttheseaaboutamilefromtheyellowstrand;butitsrocksareblack，liketherocksoftheIsleofRansom。"
"Son，"saidtheelder，"givemethinehandsandraisemeupalittle。"SoHallblithetookhimandraisedhimup，sothathesatleaningagainstthepillows;andhelookednotonHallblithe，butonthebowsoftheship，whichnowpitchedbutalittleupanddown，fortheseawaslaidquietnow。Thenhecriedinhisshrill，pipingvoice："ItistheLand！ItistheLand！"
ButafteralittlewhileheturnedtoHallblitheandspake："Shortisthetaletotell：thouhastwishedmeyouth，andthywishhaththriven;forto-day，erethesungoesdown，thoushaltseemeasI
wasinthedayswhenIreapedtheharvestoftheseawithsharpswordandhardyheart。ForthisisthelandoftheUndyingKing，whoisourlordandourgift-giver;andtosomehegiveththegiftofyouthrenewed，andlifethatshallabideheretheGloomoftheGods。ButnoneofusallmaycometotheGlitteringPlainandtheKingUndyingwithoutturningthebackforthelasttimeontheIsleofRansom：
normayanymenoftheIslecomehithersavethosewhoareoftheHouseoftheSea-eagle，andfewofthose，savethechieftainsoftheHouse，suchasaretheywhosatbytheeonthehigh-seatthateven。
Oftheseonceinawhileischosenoneofus，whoisoldandspentandpastbattle，andisbornetothislandandthegiftoftheUndying。Forsoothsomeofushavenowilltotakethegift，fortheysaytheyareliefertogotowheretheyshallmeetmoreofourkindredthandwellontheGlitteringPlainandtheAcreoftheUndying;butasformeIwaseveranoverbearingandmasterfulman，andmeseemethitiswellthatImeetasfewofourkindredasmaybe：
fortheyareastrifefulrace。"
HereatHallblithemarvelledexceedingly，andhesaid："AndwhatamI
inallthisstory？WhyamIcomehitherwiththyfurtherance？"
SaidtheSea-eagle："WehadachargefromtheUndyingKingconcerningthee，thatweshouldbringtheehitheraliveandwell，ifsobethoucamesttotheIsleofRansom。Forwhatcausewehadthecharge，Iknownot，nordoIgreatlyheed。"
SaidHallblithe："AndshallIalsohavethatgiftofundyingyouth，andlifewhiletheworldofmenandgodsendureth？"
"Imustneedsdeemso，"saidtheSea-eagle，"solongasthouabidestontheGlitteringPlain;andIseenothowthoumaysteverescapethence。"
NowHallblitheheardhim，howhesaid"escape，"andthereathewassomewhatillatease，andstoodandponderedalittle。Atlasthesaid："IsthisthenallthatthouhasttotellmeconcerningtheGlitteringPlain？"
"BytheTreasureoftheSea！"saidtheelder，"Iknownomoreofit。
Thelivingshalllearn。ButIsupposethatthoumaystseekthytroth-plightmaidenthereallthouwilt。OrthoumaystpraytheUndyingKingtohaveherthithertothee。WhatknowI？Atleast，itislikethatthereshallbenolackoffairwomenthere：orelsethepromiseofyouthrenewedisnoughtandvain。Shallthisnotbeenoughforthee？"
"Nay，"saidHallblithe。
"What，"saidtheelder，"mustitbeonewomanonly？"
"Oneonly，"saidHallblithe。
Theoldmanlaughedhisthinmockinglaugh，andsaid："IwillnotassuretheebutthatthelandoftheGlitteringPlainshallchangeallthatfortheesosoonasittouchesthesolesofthyfeet。"
Hallblithelookedathimsteadilyandsmiled，andsaid："WellisitthenthatIshallfindtheHostagethere;forthenshallwebeofonemind，eithertosunderortocleavetogether。Itiswellwithmethisday。"
"Andwithmeitshallbewellerelong，"saidtheSea-eagle。
Butnowtherowersceasedrowingandlayontheiroars，andtheshipmencastanchor;fortheywerebutabowshotfromtheshore，andtheshipswungwiththetideandlayside-longtotheshore。ThensaidtheSea-eagle："Lookforth，shipmate，andtellmeoftheland。"
AndHallblithelookedandsaid："Theyellowbeachissandyandshell-strewn，asIdeem，andthereisnogreatspaceofitbetwixttheseaandtheflowerygrass;andabowshotfromthestrandIseealittlewoodamidstwhicharefairtreesblossoming。"
"Seestthouanyfolkontheshore？"saidtheoldman。"Yea，"saidHallblithe，"closetotheedgeoftheseagofour;andbyseemingthreearewomen，fortheirlonggownsflutterinthewind。Andoneoftheseiscladinsaffroncolour，andanotherinwhite，andanotherinwatchet;butthecarleiscladindarkred;andtheirraimentisallglisteningaswithgoldandgems;andbyseemingtheyarelookingatourshipasthoughtheyexpectedsomewhat。"
SaidtheSea-eagle："Whynowdotheshipmentarryandhavenotmadereadytheskiff？Swillersandbelly-godstheybe;slothfulswinethatforgettheirchieftain。"
Butevenashespakecamefouroftheshipmen，andwithoutmoreadotookhimup，bedandall，andborehimdownintothewaistoftheship，whereunderlaytheskiffwithfourstrongrowerslyingontheiroars。ThesemenmadenosigntoHallblithe，nortookanyheedofhim;buthecaughtuphisspear，andfollowedthemandstoodbyastheyloweredtheoldmanintotheboat。Thenhesethisfootonthegunwaleoftheshipandleaptdownlightlyintotheboat，andnonehinderedorhelpedhim;andhestooduprightintheboat，agoodlyimageofbattlewiththesunflashingbackfromhisbrighthelm，hisspearinhishand，hiswhiteshieldathisback，andthereontheimageoftheRaven;butifhehadbeenbutasalt-boilingcarleofthesea-sidenonewouldhaveheededhimless。
CHAPTERX：THEYHOLDCONVERSEWITHFOLKOFTHEGLITTERINGPLAIN
Nowtherowersliftedtheash-blades，andfelltorowingtowardsshore：andalmostwiththefirstoftheirstrokes，theSea-eaglemoanedout：
"Wouldwewerethere，oh，wouldwewerethere！Coldgrowetheldaboutmyheart。Raven’sSon，thouartstandingup;tellmeifthoucanstseewhatthesefolkofthelandaredoing，andifanyothershavecomethither？"
SaidHallblithe："Therearenoneotherscome，butkineandhorsesarefeedingdownthemeadows。Astowhatthosefouraredoing，thewomenareputtingofftheirshoon，andgirdinguptheirraiment，asiftheywouldwadethewatertowardus;andthecarle，whowasbarefootbefore，wendethstraighttowardsthesea，andtherehestandeth，forverylittlearethewavesbecome。"
Theoldmananswerednothing，anddidbutgroanforlackofpatience;
butpresentlywhenthewaterwasyetwaistdeeptherowersstayedtheskiff，andtwoofthemslippedoverthegunwaleintothesea，andbetweenthemalltheytookupthechieftainonhisbedandgothimforthfromtheboatandwenttowardthestrandwithhim;andthelandsfolkmetthemwherethewaterwasshallower，andtookhimfromtheirhandsandborehimforthontotheyellowsand，andlaidhimdownoutofreachofthecreepingrippleofthetide。Hallblithewithalslippedlightlyoutoftheboatandwadedthewaterafterthem。Buttheshipmenrowedbackagaintotheirship，andpresentlyHallblitheheardthehaleandhow，astheygotuptheiranchor。
ButwhenHallblithewascomeashore，andwasdrawnnearthefolkoftheland，thewomenlookedathimaskance，andtheylaughedandsaid：
"Welcometotheealso，Oyoungman！"Andhebeheldthem，andsawthattheywereofthestatureofthemaidensofhisownland;theywereexceedingfairofskinandshapelyoffashion，sothatthenakednessoftheirlimbsundertheirgirdedgowns，andallglisteningwiththesea，wasmostlovelyanddaintytobehold。ButHallblithekneltbytheSea-eagletonotehowhefared，andsaid："Howisitwiththee，Ochieftain？"
Theoldmananswerednotaword，andheseemedtobeasleep，andHallblithedeemedthathischeekswereruddierandhisskinlesswastedandwrinkledthanaforetime。Thenspakeoneofthosewomen：
"Fearnot，youngman;heiswellandwillsoonbebetter。"Hervoicewasassweetasaspringbirdinthemorning;shewaswhite-skinnedanddark-haired，andfullsweetlyfashioned;andshelaughedonHallblithe，butnotmockingly;andherfellowsalsolaughed，asthoughitwasstrangeforhimtobethere。Thentheydidontheirshoonagain，andwiththecarlelaidtheirhandstothebedwhereontheoldmanlay，andliftedhimup，andborehimforthontothegrass，turningtheirfacestowardtheflowerywoodaforesaid;andtheywentalittlewayandthenlaidhimdownagainandrested;andsoonlittlebylittle，tilltheyhadbroughthimtotheedgeofthewood，andstillheseemedtobeasleep。Thenthedamselwhohadspokenbefore，shewiththedarkhair，saidtoHallblithe，"Althoughwehavegazedontheeasifwithwonder，thisisnotbecausewedidnotlooktomeetthee，butbecausethouartsofairandgoodlyaman：
soabidethouheretillwecomebacktotheefromoutofthewood。"
Therewithshestrokedhishand，andwithherfellowsliftedtheoldmanoncemore，andtheyborehimoutofsightintothethicket。
ButHallblithewenttoandfroadozenpacesfromthewood，andlookedacrosstheflowerymeadsanddeemedhehadneverseenanysofair。Andafarofftowardthehillshesawagreatroofarising，andthoughthecouldseemenalso;andnighertohimwerekinepasturing，andhorsesalso，whereofsomedrewanearhimandstretchedouttheirnecksandgazedathim;andtheyweregoodlyaftertheirkind;andafairstreamofwatercameroundthecorneroutofthewoodanddownthemeadowstothesea;andHallblithewenttheretoandcouldseethattherewasbutlittleebbandflowofthetideonthatshore;forthewaterofthestreamwasclearasglass，andthegrassandflowersgrewrightdowntoitswater;soheputoffhishelmanddrankofthestreamandwashedhisfaceandhishandstherein，andthendidonhishelmagainandturnedbackagaintowardthewood，feelingverystrongandmerry;andhelookedoutseawardandsawtheShipoftheIsleofRansomlesseningfast;foralittlelandwindhadarisenandtheyhadspreadtheirsailstoit;andhelaiddownonthegrasstillthefourfolkofthecountrycameoutofthewoodagain，aftertheyhadbeengonesomewhatlessthananhour，buttheSea-eaglewasnotwiththem：
andHallblitheroseupandturnedtothem，andthecarlesalutedhimanddeparted，goingstraighttowardthatfar-awayroofhehadseen;
andthewomenwereleftwithHallblithe，andtheylookedathimandheatthemashestoodleaningonhisspear。
Thensaidtheblack-haireddamsel："Trueitis，OSpearman，thatifwedidnotknowofthee，ourwonderwouldbegreatthatamansoyoungandlucky-lookingshouldhavesoughthither。"
"Iwotnotwhythoushouldestwonder，"saidHallblithe;"IwilltelltheepresentlywhereforeIcomehither。Buttellme，isthistheLandoftheGlitteringPlain？"
"Evenso，"saidthedamsel，"dostthounotseehowthesunshinethonit？Justsoitshinethintheseasonthatotherfolkscallwinter。"
"SomesuchmarvelIthoughttohearof，"saidhe;"forIhavebeentoldthatthelandismarvellous;andfairthoughthesemeadowsbe，theyarenotmarvelloustolookonnow：theyarelikeotherlands，thoughitmaybe，fairer。"
"Thatmaybe，"shesaid;"wehavenoughtbuthearsayofotherlands。
Ifweeverknewthemwehaveforgottenthem。"
SaidHallblithe，"IsthislandcalledalsotheAcreoftheUndying？"
Ashespakethewordsthesmilefadedfromthedamsel’sface;sheandherfellowsgrewpale，andshesaid："Holdthypeaceofsuchwords！
Theyarenotlawfulforanymantoutterhere。YetmaystthoucallittheLandoftheLiving。"
Hesaid："Icravepardonfortherashword。"
Thentheysmiledagain，anddrewneartohim，andcaressedhimwiththeirhands，andlookedonhimlovingly;buthedrewalittleabackfromthemandsaid："IhavecomehitherseekingsomethingwhichI
havelost，thelackwhereofgrievethme。"
Quoththedamsel，drawingnearertohimagain，"Maystthoufindit，thoulovelyman，andwhatsoeverelsethoudesirest。"
Thenhesaid："HathawomannamedtheHostagebeenbroughthitheroflatedays？Afairwoman，bright-hairedandgrey-eyed，kindofcountenance，softofspeech，yetoutspokenandnoughttimorous;tallaccordingtoourstature，butverygoodlyoffashion;awomanoftheHouseoftheRose，andmytroth-plightmaiden。"
Theylookedoneachotherandshooktheirheads，andtheblack-haireddamselspake："Weknowofnosuchawoman，norofthekindredwhichthounamest。"
Thenhiscountenancefell，andbecamepiteouswithdesireandgrief，andhebenthisbrowsuponthem，fortheyseemedtohimlight-mindedandcareless，thoughtheywerelovely。
Buttheyshrankfromhimtrembling，anddrewaback;fortheyhadallbeenstandingclosetohim，beholdinghimwithlove，andshewhohadspokenmosthadbeenholdinghislefthandfondly。Butnowshesaid：
"Nay，looknotonussobitterly！Ifthewomanbenotintheland，thiscomethnotofourmalice。Yetmaybesheishere。Forsuchascomehitherkeepnottheiroldnames，andsoonforgetthemwhattheywere。ThoushaltgowithustotheKing，andheshalldofortheewhatthouwilt;forheisexceedingmighty。"
ThenwasHallblitheappeasedsomewhat;andhesaid："Aretheremanywomenintheland？"
"Yea，many，"saidthatdamsel。
"Andmanythatareasfairasyebe？"saidhe。Thentheylaughedandwereglad，anddrewneartohimagainandtookhishandsandkissedthem;andtheblack-haireddamselsaid："Yea，yea，therebemanyasfairaswebe，andsomefairer，"andshelaughed。
"AndthatKingofyours，"saidhe，"howdoyenamehim？"
"HeistheKing，"saidthedamsel。
"Hathhenoothername？"saidHallblithe。
"Wemaynotutterit，"shesaid;"butthoushaltseehimsoon，thatthereisnoughtbutgoodinhimandmightiness。"
CHAPTERXI：THESEA-EAGLERENEWETHHISLIFE
Butwhiletheyspaketogetherthus，cameamanfromoutofthewoodverytallofstature，red-beardedandblack-haired，ruddy-cheeked，full-limbed，mostjoyousofaspect;amanbyseemingoffiveandthirtywinters。HestrodestraightuptoHallblithe，andcasthisarmsabouthim，andkissedhischeek，asifhehadbeenanoldanddearfriendnewlycomefromoverseas。
Hallblithewonderedandlaughed，andsaid："Whoartthouthatdeemestmesodear？"
Saidtheman："Shortisthymemory，SonoftheRaven，thatthouinsolittlespacehastforgottenthyshipmateandthyfaring-fellow;
whogavetheemeatanddrinkandgoodredeintheHalloftheRavagers。"Therewithhelaughedjoyouslyandturnedabouttothethreemaidensandtookthembythehandsandkissedtheirlips，whiletheyfawneduponhimlovingly。
ThensaidHallblithe："Hastthouverilygottenthyyouthagain，whichthoubadestmewishthee？"
"Yea，ingoodsooth，"saidthered-beardedman;"IamtheSea-eagleofolddays;andIhavegottenmyyouth，andlovetherewithal，andsomewhattolovemoreover。"
Therewithheturnedtothefairestofthedamsels，andshewaswhite-
skinnedandfragrantasthelily，rose-cheekedandslender，andthewindplayedwiththelonglocksofhergoldenhair，whichhungdownbelowherknees;sohecasthisarmsaboutherandstrainedhertohisbosom，andkissedherfacemanytimes，andshenothingloth，butcaressinghimwithlipsandhand。Buttheothertwodamselsstoodbysmilingandjoyous：andtheyclappedtheirhandstogetherandkissedeachotherforjoyofthenewlover;andatlastfelltodancingandskippingaboutthemlikeyounglambsinthemeadowsofSpring-tide。
Butamongstthemall，stoodupHallblitheleaningonhisspearwithsmilinglipsandknittedbrow;forhewasponderinginhismindinwhatwisehemightfurtherhisquest。
ButaftertheyhaddancedawhiletheSea-eaglelefthislovethathehadchosenandtookahandofeitherofthetwodamsels，andledthemtrippinguptoHallblithe，andcriedout："Choosethou，Raven’sbaby，whichofthesetwainthouwilthavetothymate;forscarcelyshaltthouseebetterorfairer。"
ButHallblithelookedonthemproudlyandsternly，andtheblack-
haireddamselhungdownherheadbeforehimandsaidsoftly："Nay，nay，sea-warrior;thisoneistoolovelytobeourmate。Sweeterloveabideshim，andlipsmorelongedfor。"
ThenstirredHallblithe’sheartwithinhimandhesaid："OEagleoftheSea，thouhastthyyouthagain：whatthenwiltthoudowithit？
Wiltthounotwearyforthemoonlitmain，andthewashingofwavesandthedashingofspray，andthyfellowsallglisteningwiththebrine？Wherenowshallbethealienshoresbeforethee，andthelandingforfame，anddepartureforthegainofgoods？Wiltthouforgettheship’sblackside，andthedrippingofthewindwardoars，asthesquallfallethonwhenthesunhatharisen，andthesailtuggethhardonthesheet，andtheshipliethoverandtheladsshoutagainstthewhistleofthewind？Hasthespearfallenfromthinehand，andhastthouburiedtheswordofthyfathersinthegravefromwhichthybodyhathescaped？Whatartthou，OWarrior，inthelandofthealienandtheKing？Whoshallheedtheeortellthetaleofthyglory，whichthouhastcoveredoverwiththehandofalightwoman，whomthykindredknowethnot，andwhowasnotborninahousewherefromithathbeenappointedtheefromofoldtotakethepleasureofwoman？Whosethrallartthounow，thoulifterofthespoil，thouscarerofthefreeborn？ThebiddingofwhatlordorKingwiltthoudo，OChieftain，thatthoumaysteatthymeatinthemorningandliesoftinthybedintheevening？"
"OWarrioroftheRavagers，herestandI，HallblitheoftheRaven，andIamcomeintoanalienlandbesetwithmarvelstoseekmineown，andfindthatwhichisdearesttomineheart;towit，mytroth-plightmaidentheHostageoftheRose，thefairwomanwhoshalllieinmybed，andbearmechildren，andstandbymeinfieldandfold，bythwartandgunwale，beforethebowandthespear，bytheflickeringofthecooking-fire，andamidsttheblazeoftheburninghall，andbesidethebale-fireofthewarrioroftheRaven。OSea-eagle，myguesteramongstthefoemen，myfellow-farerandshipmate，saynowonceforallwhetherthouwilthelpmeinmyquest，orfallofffrommeasadastard？"
Againthemaidensshrankbeforehisclearandhigh-raisedvoice，andtheytrembledandgrewpale。
ButtheSea-eaglelaughedfromacountenancekindwithjoy，andsaid：
"ChildoftheRaven，thywordsaregoodandmanly：butitavailethnoughtinthisland，andIwotnothowthouwiltfare，orwhythouhastbeensentamongstus。Whatwiltthoudo？HadstthouspokenthesewordstotheLong-hoary，theGrandfather，yesterday，hisearswouldhavebeendeaftothem;andnowthatthouspeakestthemtotheSea-eagle，thisjoyousmanontheGlitteringPlain，hecannotdoaccordingtothem，forthereisnootherlandthanthiswhichcanholdhim。Hereheisstrongandstark，andfullofjoyandlove;butotherwherehewouldbebutagibberingghostdriftingdownthewindofnight。ThereforeinwhatsoeverthoumaystdowithinthislandI
willstandbytheeandhelpthee;butnotoneinchbeyonditmaymyfootgo，whetheritbedownintothebrineofthesea，orupintothecleftsofthemountainswhicharethewallofthisgoodlyland。
"ThouhastbeenmyshipmateandIlovethee，Iamthyfriend;buthereinthislandmustneedsbetheloveandthefriendship。Fornoghostcanlovethee，noghostmayhelpthee。Andastowhatthousayestconcerningthedaysgonepastandourjoysuponthetumblingsea，trueitisthatthosedaysweregoodandlovely;buttheyaredeadandgoneliketheladswhosatonthethwartbesideus，andthemaidenswhotookourhandsinthehalltoleadustothechamber。
Otherdayshavecomeintheirstead，andotherfriendsshallcherishus。Whatthen？Shallwewoundthelivingtopleasurethedead，whocannotheedit？ShallwecursetheYuletide，andcastfoulwaterontheHolyHearthofthewinterfeast，becausethesummeroncewasfairandthedaysflitandthetimeschange？Nowletusbeglad！Forlifeliveth。"
Therewithheturnedabouttohisdamselandkissedheronthemouth。
ButHallblithe’sfacewasgrownsadandstern，andhespakeslowlyandheavily："Soisit，shipmate，thatwhereasthousayestthatthedaysflit，fortheetheyshallflitnomore;andthedaymaycomefortheewhenthoushaltbeweary，andknowit，andlongforthelostwhichthouhastforgotten。Buthereofitavailethnoughtformetospeakanylonger，forthineearsaredeaftothesewords，andthouwiltnothearthem。ThereforeIsaynomoresavethatIthanktheeforthyhelpwhatsoeveritmaybe;andIwilltakeit，fortheday’sworkliethbeforeme，andIbegintothinkthatitmaybeheavyenough。"
Thewomenyetlookeddowncast，andasiftheywouldbegoneoutofearshot;buttheSea-eaglelaughedasonewhoiswellcontent，andsaid："Thouthyselfwiltmakeithardforthyselfafterthewontofthyproudandhaughtyrace;butformenothingishardanylonger;
neitherthyscornnorthyforebodingsofevil。Bethoumyfriendasmuchasthoucanst，andIwillbethinewholly。Nowyewomen，whitherwillyeleadus？ForIamreadytoseeanynewthingyewillshowus。"
Saidhisdamsel："WewilltakeyoutotheKing，thatyourheartsmaybethemoregladdened。AndasforthyfriendtheSpearman，OSea-
warrior，letnothisheartbedowncast。Whowottethbutthatthesetwodesires，thedesireofhisheart，andthedesireofaheartforhim，maynotbeoneandthesamedesire，sothatheshallbefullysatisfied？"AsshespokeshelookedsidelongatHallblithe，withshyandwheedlingeyes;andhewonderedatherword，andanewhopesprangupinhisheartthathewaspresentlytobebroughtfacetofacewiththeHostage，andthatthiswasthatlove，sweeterthantheirlove，whichabodeinhim，andhisheartbecamelighter，andhisvisagecleared。
CHAPTERXII：THEYLOOKONTHEKINGOFTHEGLITTERINGPLAIN
Sonowthewomenledthemalongupthestream，andHallblithewentsidebysidebytheSea-eagle;butthewomenhadbecomealtogethermerryagain，andplayedandranaboutthemasgamesomeasyounggoats;andtheywadedtheshallowsoftheclearbrightstreambarefoottowashtheirlimbsofthesea-brine，andstrayedaboutthemeadows，pluckingtheflowersandmakingthemwreathsandchaplets，whichtheydiduponthemselvesandtheSea-eagle;butHallblithetheytouchednot，forstilltheyfearedhim。Theywentonasthestreamledthemuptowardthehills，andeverwerethemeadsaboutthemasfairandfloweryasmightbe。Folktheysawafaroff，butfellinwithnoneforagoodwhile，savingamanandamaidcladlightlyasformid-summerdays，whowerewanderingtogetherlovinglyandhappilybythestream-side，andwhogazedwonderinglyonthestarkSea-eagle，andonHallblithewithhisglitteringspear。Theblack-haireddamselgreetedthesetwainandspakesomethingtothem，andtheylaughedmerrily，andthemanstoopeddownamongstthegrassesandblossomsofthebank，anddrewforthabasket，andspreaddaintyvictualsonthegrassunderawillow-tree，andbadethembehisgueststhatfairafternoon。Sotheysatdownthereabovetheglisteringstreamandateanddrankandweremerry。Thereafterthenew-comersandtheirway-leadersdepartedwithkindwords，andstillsettheirfacestowardsthehills。
Atlasttheysawbeforethemalittlewoodedhill，andunderneathitsomethingredandshining，andothercolouredthingsgleaminginthesunaboutit。ThensaidtheSea-eagle："Whathaveweyonder？"
Saidhisdamsel："ThatisthepavilionoftheKing;andaboutitarethetentsandtiltsofourfolkwhoareofhisfellowship：foroftheabidethinthefieldswiththem，thoughhehathhousesandhallsasfairastheheartofmancanconceive。"
"Hathhenofoementofear？"saidtheSea-eagle。
"Howshouldthatbe？"saidthedamsel。"Ifperchanceanycameintothislandtobringwaruponhim，theirbattle-angershoulddepartwhenoncetheblissoftheGlitteringPlainhadenteredintotheirsouls，andtheywouldaskfornoughtbutleavetoabidehereandbehappy。YetItrowthatifhehadfoemenhecouldcrushthemaseasilyasIsetmyfootonthisdaisy。"
Soastheywentontheyfellinwithmanyfolk，menandwomen，sportingandplayinginthefields;andtherewasnosemblanceofeldonanyofthem，andnoscarorblemishorfeeblenessofbodyorsadnessofcountenance;nordidanybearaweaponoranypieceofarmour。Nowsomeofthemgatheredaboutthenew-corners，andwonderedatHallblitheandhislongspearandshininghelmanddarkgreybyrny;butnoneaskedconcerningthem，forallknewthattheywerefolknewcometotheblissoftheGlitteringPlain。Sotheypassedamidstthesefairfolklittlehinderedbythem，andintoHallblithe’sthoughtsitcamehowjoyousthefellowshipofsuchshouldbeandhowhisheartshouldberaisedbythesightofthem，ifonlyhistroth-plightmaidenwerebyhisside。
ThusthentheycametotheKing’spavilion，whereitstoodinabightofthemeadow-landatthefootofthehill，withthewoodaboutitonthreesides。SofairahouseHallblithedeemedhehadneverseen;
foritwaswroughtalloverwithhistoriesandflowers，andwithhemssewnwithgold，andwithorphreysofgoldandpearlandgems。
ThereinthedoorofitsattheKingoftheLandinanivorychair;
hewascladingoldengown，girtwithagirdleofgems，andhadhiscrownonhisheadandhisswordbyhisside。Forthiswasthehourwhereinheheardwhatanyofhisfolkwouldsaytohim，andforthatveryendhesatthereinthedoorofhistent，andfolkwerestandingbeforehim，andsittingandlyingonthegrassroundabout;andnowone，nowanother，cameuptohimandspokebeforehim。
Hisfaceshonelikeastar;itwasexceedingbeauteous，andaskindastheevenofMayinthegardensofthehappy，whenthescentoftheeglantinefillsalltheair。Whenhespokehisvoicewassosweetthatallheartswereravished，andnonemightgainsayhim。
ButwhenHallblitheseteyesonhim，heknewatoncethatthiswashewhosecarvenimagehehadseenintheHalloftheRavagers，andhisheartbeatfast，andhesaidtohimself："Holdupthineheadnow，O
SonoftheRaven，strengthenthineheart，andletnomanorgodcowthee。Forhowcanthineheartchange，whichbadetheegotothehousewherefromitwasduetotheetotakethepleasureofwoman，andtheretopledgethyfaithandtrothtoherthatloveththeemost，andhankerethfortheedaybydayandhourbyhour，sothatgreatisthelovethatwetwainhavebuildedup。"
Nowtheydrewnigh，forfolkfellbackbeforethemtotherightandleft，asbeforemenwhoarenewcomeandhavemuchtodo;sothattherewasnoughtbetweenthemandthefaceoftheKing。Buthesmileduponthemsothathecheeredtheirheartswiththehopeoffulfilmentoftheirdesires，andhesaid："Welcome，children！Whobethesewhomyehavebroughthitherfortheincreaseofourjoy？
Whoisthistall，ruddy-faced，joyousmansomeetfortheblissoftheGlitteringPlain？Andwhoisthisgoodlyandlovelyyoungman，whobearethweaponsamidstourpeace，andwhosefaceissadandsternbeneaththegleamingofhishelm？
Saidthedark-haireddamsel："OKing！OGift-giverandassurerofjoy！thistalloneishewhowasonceoppressedbyeld，andwhohathcomehithertotheefromtheIsleofRansom，accordingtothecustomoftheland。"
SaidtheKing："Tallman，itiswellthatthouartcome。Nowarethydayschangedandthouyetalive。Fortheebattleisended，andtherewiththerewardofbattle，whichthewarriorrememberethnotamidstthehardhand-play：peacehathbegun，andthouneedestnotbecarefulfortheendurancethereof：forinthislandnomanhathalackwhichhemaynotsatisfywithouttakingaughtfromanyother。I
deemnotthatthineheartmayconceiveadesirewhichIshallnotfulfilforthee，orcraveagiftwhichIshallnotgivethee。"
ThentheSea-eaglelaughedforjoy，andturnedhisheadthiswayandthat，sothathemightthebettertaketohimthesmilesofallthosethatstoodaround。
ThentheKingsaidtoHallblithe："Thoualsoartwelcome;Iknowtheewhothouart：meseemethgreatjoyawaiteththee，andIwillfulfilthydesiretotheuttermost。"
SaidHallblithe："OgreatKingofahappyland，Iaskoftheenoughtsavethatwhichnoneshallwithholdfrommeuncursed。"
"Iwillgiveittothee，"saidtheKing，"andthoushaltblessme。
Butwhatisitwhichthouwouldst？WhatmorecanstthouhavethantheGiftsoftheland？"
SaidHallblithe："Icamehitherseekingnogifts，buttohavemineownagain;andthatisthebodilyloveofmytroth-plightmaiden。
Theystoleherfromme，andmefromher;forshelovedme。Iwentdowntothesea-sideandfoundhernot，northeshipwhichhadborneheraway。IsailedfromthencetotheIsleofRansom，fortheytoldmethatthereIshouldbuyherforaprice;neitherwasherbodythere。Butherimagecametomeinadreamofthenight，andbademeseektoherhither。Therefore，OKing，ifshebehereintheland，showmehowIshallfindher，andifshebenothere，showmehowI
maydeparttoseekherotherwhere。Thisisallmyasking。"
SaidtheKing："Thydesireshallbesatisfied;thoushalthavethewomanwhowouldhavethee，andwhomthoushouldsthave。"
Hallblithewasgladdenedbeyondmeasurebythatword;andnowdidtheKingseemtohimacomfortandasolacetoeveryheart，evenashehaddeemedofhiscarvenimageintheHalloftheRavagers;andhethankedhim，andblessedhim。
ButtheKingbadehimabidebyhimthatnight，andfeastwithhim。
"Andonthemorrow，"saidhe，"thoushaltgothywaystolookonherwhomthououghtesttolove。"
Therewithwascometheeventideandbeginningofnight，warmandfragrantandbrightwiththetwinklingofstars，andtheywentintotheKing’spavilion，andtherewasthefeastasfairanddaintyasmightbe;andHallblithehadmeatfromtheKing’sowndish，anddrinkfromhiscup;butthemeathadnosavourtohimandthedrinknodelight，becauseofthelongingthatpossessedhim。
Andwhenthefeastwasdone，thedamselsledHallblithetohisbedinafairtentstrewnwithgoldabouthisheadlikethestarrynight，andhelaydownandsleptforsheerwearinessofbody。
CHAPTERXIII：HALLBLITHEBEHOLDETHTHEWOMANWHOLOVETHHIM
Butonthemorrowthemenarose，andtheSea-eagleandhisdamselcametoHallblithe;fortheothertwodamselsweredeparted，andtheSea-eaglesaidtohim：
"HereamIwellhonouredandmeasurelesslyhappy;andIhaveamessagefortheefromtheKing。"
"Whatisit？"saidHallblithe;buthedeemedthatheknewwhatitwouldbe，andhereddenedforthejoyofhisassuredhope。
SaidtheSea-eagle："Joytothee，Oshipmate！Iamtotaketheetotheplacewherethybelovedabideth，andthereshaltthouseeher，butnotsoasshecanseethee;andthereaftershaltthougototheKing，thatthoumaysttellhimifsheshallaccomplishthydesire。"
ThenwasHallblithegladbeyondmeasure，andhisheartdancedwithinhim，andhedeemeditbutmeetthattheothersshouldbesojoyousandblithewithhim，fortheyledhimalongwithoutanydelay，andweregladathisrejoicing;andwordsfailedhimtotellofhisgladness。
Butashewent，thethoughtsofhiscomingconversewithhisbelovedcurledsweetlyroundhisheart，sothatscarceanythinghadseemedsosweettohimbefore;andhefella-ponderingwhattheytwain，heandtheHostage，shoulddowhentheycametogetheragain;whethertheyshouldabideontheGlitteringPlain，orgobackagaintoClevelandbytheSeaanddwellintheHouseoftheKindred;andforhispartheyearnedtobeholdtheroofofhisfathersandtotreadthemeadowwhichhisscythehadswept，andtheacreswherehishookhadsmittenthewheat。Buthesaidtohimself，"IwillwaittillIhearherdesirehereon。"
NowtheywentintothewoodatthebackoftheKing’spavilionandthroughit，andsooverthehill，andbeyonditcameintoalandofhillsanddalesexceedingfairandlovely;andariverwoundaboutthedales，lappinginturnthefeetofonehill-sideortheother;
andineachdale（fortheypassedthroughtwo）wasagoodlyhouseofmen，andtillageaboutit，andvineyardsandorchards。Theywentalldaytillthesunwasnearsetting，andwerenotweary，fortheyturnedintothehousesbythewaywhentheywould，andhadgoodwelcomeandmeatanddrinkandwhattheywouldofthefolkthatdweltthere。Thusanighsunsettheycameintoadalefairerthaneitheroftheothers，andnightotheendwheretheyhadentereditwasanexceedinggoodlyhouse。Thensaidthedamsel：
"Wearenigh-handtoourjourney’send;letussitdownonthegrassbythisriver-sidewhilstItelltheethetalewhichtheKingwouldhavetheeknow。"
Sotheysatdownonthegrassbesidethebrimmingriver，scanttwobowshotsfromthatfairhouse，andthedamselsaid，readingfromascrollwhichshedrewfromherbosom：
"OSpearman，inyonderhousedwelleththewomanforedoomedtolovethee：ifthouwouldstseeher，gothitherward，followingthepathwhichturnethfromtheriver-sidebyyonderoak-tree，andthoushaltpresentlycometoathicketofbay-treesattheedgeofanapple-
orchard，whosetreesareblossoming;abidethouhiddenbythebay-
leaves，andthoushaltseemaidenscomeintotheorchard，andatlastonefairerthanalltheothers。Thisshallbethylovefore-doomed，andnoneother;andthoushaltknowherbythistoken，thatwhenshehathsetherdownonthegrassbesidethebay-tree，sheshallsaytohermaidens’Bringmenowthebookwhereinistheimageofmybeloved，thatImaysolacemyselfwithbeholdingitbeforethesungoesdownandthenightcometh。’"
NowHallblithewastroubledwhenshereadoutthesewords，andhesaid："Whatisthistaleaboutabook？Iknownotofanybookthatliethbetwixtmeandmybeloved。"
"OSpearman，"saidthedamsel，"Imaytelltheenomore，becauseI
knownomore。Butkeepupthineheart！FordostthouknowanymorethanIdowhathathbefallenthybelovedsincethouwertsunderedfromher？andwhyshouldnotthismatterofthebookbeoneofthethingsthathathbefallenher？Gonowwithjoy，andcomeagainblessingus。"
"Yea，go，faring-fellow，"saidtheSea-eagle，"andcomebackjoyful，thatwemayallbemerrytogether。Andwewillabidetheehere。"
Hallblitheforebodedevil，butheheldhispeaceandwenthiswaysdownthepathbytheoak-tree;andtheyabodetherebythewater-
side，andwereverymerrytalkingofthisandthat（butnowhitofHallblithe），andkissingandcaressingeachother;sothatitseemedbutalittlewhiletothemeretheysawHallblithecomingbackbytheoak-tree。Hewentslowly，hanginghisheadlikeamansore-burdenedwithgrief：thushecameuptothem，andstoodthereabovethemastheylayonthefragrantgrass，andhesayingnowordandlookingsosadandsorry，andwithalsofell，thattheyfearedhisgriefandhisanger，andwouldfainhavebeenawayfromhim;sothattheydurstnotaskhimaquestionforalongwhile，andthesunsankbelowthehillwhiletheyabidedthus。
ThenalltremblingthedamselspaketotheSea-eagle："Speaktohim，dearfriend，elsemustIfleeaway，forIfearhissilence。"
QuoththeSea-eagle："Shipmateandfriend，whathathbetided？Howartthou？Maywehearken，andmayhappenamendit？"
ThenHallblithecasthimselfadownonthegrassandsaid："Iamaccursedandbeguiled;andIwanderroundandroundinatanglethatImaynotescapefrom。Iamnotfarfromdeemingthatthisisalandofdreamsmadeformybeguiling。Orhastheearthbecomesofulloflies，thatthereisnoroomamidstthemforatruemantostanduponhisfeetandgohisways？"
SaidtheSea-eagle："Thoushalttellusofwhathathbetid，andsoeasethesorrowofthysoulifthouwilt。Orifthouwilt，thoushaltnursethysorrowinthineheartandtellnoman。Dowhatthouwilt;amInotbecomethyfriend？"
SaidHallblithe："Iwilltellyoutwainthetidings，andthereafteraskmenomoreconcerningthem。Hearken。Iwentwhereasyebademe，andhidmyselfinthebay-treethicket;andtherecamemaidensintotheblossomingorchardandmadearesting-placewithsilkencushionsclosetowhereIwaslurking，andstoodaboutasthoughtheywerelookingforsomeonetocome。Inalittletimecametwomoremaidens，andbetwixtthemonesomuchfairerthananythere，thatmyheartsankwithinme：whereasIdeemedbecauseofherfairnessthatthiswouldbethefore-doomedlovewhereofyespake，andlo，shewasinnoughtliketomytroth-plightmaiden，savethatshewasexceedingbeauteous：nevertheless，heart-sickasIwas，Ideterminedtoabidethetokenthatyetoldmeof。Soshelaydownamidstthosecushions，andIbeheldherthatshewassadofcountenance;andshewassoneartomethatIcouldseethetearswellingintohereyes，andrunningdownhercheeks;sothatIshouldhavegrievedsorelyforherhadI
notbeengrievingsosorelyformyself。Forpresentlyshesatupandsaid’Omaiden，bringmehitherthebookwhereinistheimageofmybeloved，thatImaybeholditinthisseasonofsunsetwhereinI
firstbeheldit;thatImayfillmyheartwiththesightthereofbeforethesunisgoneandthedarknightcome。’
"ThenindeedmyheartdiedwithinmewhenIwottedthatthiswasthelovewhereoftheKingspake，thathewouldgivetome，andshenotmineownbeloved，yetIcouldnotchoosebutabideandlookonawhile，andshebeingonethatanymanmightlovebeyondmeasure。Nowamaidenwentawayintothehouseandcamebackagainwithabookcoveredwithgoldsetwithgems;andthefairwomantookitandopenedit，andIwassoneartoherthatIsaweveryleafclearlyassheturnedtheleaves。Andinthatbookwerepicturesofmanythings，asflamingmountains，andcastlesofwar，andshipsuponthesea，butchieflyoffairwomen，andqueens，andwarriorsandkings;
anditwasdoneingoldandazureandcinnabarandminium。Sosheturnedtheleaves，tillshecametoonewhereonwaspicturednoneotherthanmyself，andoveragainstmewastheimageofmineownbeloved，theHostageoftheRose，asifshewerealive，sothattheheartwithinmeswelledwiththesobbingwhichImustneedsrefrain，whichgrievedmelikeasword-stroke。Shamealsotookholdofmeasthefairwomanspoketomypaintedimage，andIlyingwell-nighwithintouchofherhand;butshesaid：’Omybeloved，whydostthoudelaytocometome？ForIdeemedthatthiseveatleastthouwouldstcome，somanyandstrongasarethemeshesoflovewhichwehavecastaboutthyfeet。Ohcometo-morrowattheleastandlatest，orwhatshallIdo，andwherewithshallIquenchthegriefofmyheart？OrelsewhyamIthedaughteroftheUndyingKing，theLordoftheTreasureoftheSea？Whyhavetheywroughtnewmarvelsforme，andcompelledtheRavagersoftheCoaststoserveme，andsentfalsedreamsflittingonthewingsofthenight？Yea，whyistheearthfairandfruitful，andtheheavenskindaboveit，ifthoucomestnotto-night，norto-morrow，northedayafter？AndIthedaughteroftheUndying，onwhomthedaysshallgrowandgrowasthegrainsofsandwhichthewindheapsupabovethesea-beach。Andlifeshallgrowhugerandmorehideousroundaboutthelonelyone，liketheling-wormlaiduponthegold，thatwaxeththereby，tillitliesallaroundaboutthehouseofthequeenentrapped，themovelessunendingringoftheyearsthatchangenot。’
"Soshespaketilltheweepingendedherwords，andIwasallabashedwithshameandpalewithanguish。Istolequietlyfrommylairunheededofany，savethatonedamselsaidthatarabbitraninthehedge，andanotherthatablackbirdstirredinthethicket。Beholdme，then，thatmyquestbeginnethagainamidstthetangleoflieswhereintoIhavebeenentrapped。"
CHAPTERXIV：HALLBLITHEHASSPEECHWITHTHEKINGAGAIN
Hestoodupwhenhehadmadeanend，asamanreadyfortheroad;buttheylaytheredowncastandabashed，andhadnowordstoanswerhim。
FortheSea-eaglewassorrythathisfaring-fellowwashapless，andwassorrythathewassorry;andasforthedamsel，shehadnotknownbutthatshewasleadingthegoodlySpearmantothefulfilmentofhisheart’sdesire。Albeitafterawhileshespakeagainandsaid：
"Dearfriends，dayisgoneandnightisathand;nowto-nightitwereilllodgingatyonderhouse;andthenexthouseonourbackwardroadisoverfarforwaywornfolk。Buthardbythroughthethicketisafairlittlewood-lawn，bythelipofapoolinthestreamwhereinwemaybatheusto-morrowmorning;anditisgrassyandfloweryandshelteredfromallwindsthatblow，andIhavevictualenoughinmywallet。Letussupandrestthereunderthebareheaven，asoftisthewontofusinthisland;andonthemorrowearlywewillariseandgetusbackagaintoWood-end，whereyettheKingabideth，andthereshaltthoutalktohimagain，OSpearman。"
SaidHallblithe："Takemewhitheryewill;butnownoughtavaileth。
Iamacaptiveinalandoflies，andheremostlikeshallIlivebetrayedanddiehapless。"
"Holdthypeace，dearfriend，ofsuchwordsasthoselast，"saidshe，"orImustneedsfleefromthee，fortheyhurtmesorely。Comenowtothispleasantplace。"
Shetookhimbythehandandlookedkindlyonhim，andtheSea-eaglefollowedhim，murmuringanoldsongoftheharvest-field，andtheywenttogetherbyapaththroughathicketofwhite-thorntilltheycameuntoagrassyplace。Therethentheysatthemdown，andateanddrankwhattheywould，sittingbythelipofthepooltillawaningmoonwasbrightovertheirheads。AndHallblithemadenosemblanceofcontent;buttheSea-eagleandhisdamselweregrownmerryagain，andtalkedandsangtogetherlikeautumnstares，withthekissingandcaressingoflovers。
Soatlastthosetwainlaydownamongsttheflowers，andsleptineachother’sarms;butHallblithebetookhimtothebrakealittlealoof，andlaydown，butsleptnottillmorningwasathand，whenslumberandconfuseddreamsovertookhim。
Hewasawakedfromhissleepbythedamsel，whocamepushingthroughthethicketallfreshandrosyfromtheriver，androusedhim，andsaid：
"Awakenow，Spearman，thatwemaytakeourpleasureinthesun;forheishighintheheavensnow，andallthelandlaughsbeneathhim。"
Hereyesglitteredasshespoke，andherlimbsmovedunderherraimentasthoughshewouldpresentlyfalltodancingforveryjoy。
ButHallblithearosewearily，andgaveherbacknosmileinanswer，butthrustthroughthethickettothewater，andwashedthenightfromoffhim，andsocamebacktothetwainastheysatdallyingtogetherovertheirbreakfast。Hewouldnotsitdownbythem，butateamorselofbreadashestood，andsaid："TellmehowIcansoonestfindtheKing：Ibidyounotleadmethither，butletmegomywaysalone。Forwithmetimepresses，andwithyoumeseemethtimeisnought。NeitheramIameetfellowforthehappy。"
ButtheSea-eaglesprangup，andsworewithagreatoaththathewouldnowiseleavehisshipmateinthelurch。Andthedamselsaid：
"Fairman，Ihadbestgowiththee;Ishallnothinderthee，butfurthertheerather，sothatthoushaltmakeoneday’sjourneyoftwo。"
Andsheputforthherhandtohim，andcaressedhimsmiling，andfawneduponhim，andheheededitlittle，buthungnotabackfromthemsincetheywerereadyfortheroad：sotheysetforthallthreetogether。
TheymadesuchdiligenceonthebackwardroadthatthesunwasnotsetbythentheycametoWood-end;andtherewastheKingsittinginthedoorofhispavilion。ThitherwentHallblithestraight，andthrustthroughthethrong，andstoodbeforetheKing;whogreetedhimkindly，andwasnolesssweetoffacethanonthatotherday。
Hallblithehailedhimnot，butsaid："King，lookonmyanguish，andifthouartotherthanakingofdreamsandlies，playnolongerwithme，buttellmestraightoutifthouknowestofmytroth-plightmaiden，whethersheisinthislandornot。"
ThentheKingsmiledonhimandsaid："TrueitisthatIknowofher;yetknowInotwhethersheisinthislandornot。"
"King，"saidHallblithe，"wiltthoubringustogetherandstaymyheart’sbleeding？"
SaidtheKing："Icannot，sinceIknownotwheresheis。"
"Whydidstthoulietometheotherday？"saidHallblithe。
"Iliednot，"saidtheKing;"Ibadebringtheetothewomanthatlovedthee，andwhomthoushouldstlove;andthatismydaughter。
Andlookthou！EvenasImaynotbringtheetothineearthlylove，socouldstthounotmakethyselfmanifestbeforemydaughter，andbecomeherdeathlesslove。Isitnotenough？"
Hespakesternlyforallthathesmiled，andHallblithesaid："O
King，havepityonme！"
"Yea，"saidtheKing;"pitytheeIdo：butIwilllivedespitethysorrow;mypityoftheeshallnotslayme，ormaketheehappy。Eveninsuchwisedidstthoupitymydaughter。"
SaidHallblithe："Thouartmighty，OKing，andmaybethemightiest。
Wiltthounothelpme？"
"HowcanIhelpthee？"saidtheKing，"thouwhowiltnothelpthyself。Thouhastseenwhatthoushouldstdo：doitthenandbeholpen。"
ThensaidHallblithe："Wiltthounotslayme，OKing，sincethouwiltnotdoaughtelse？"
"Nay，"saidtheKing，"thyslayingwiltnotservemenormine：I
willneitherhelpnorhinder。Thouartfreetoseekthylovewheresoeverthouwiltinthismyrealm。Departinpeace！"
HallblithesawthattheKingwasangry，thoughhesmileduponhim;
yetsocoldly，thatthefaceofhimfrozetheverymarrowofHallblithe’sbones：andhesaidwithinhimself："ThisKingofliesshallnotslayme，thoughmineanguishbehardtobear：forIamalive，anditmaybethatmyloveisinthisland，andImayfindherhere，andhowtoreachanotherlandIknownot。"
SoheturnedfrombeforethefaceoftheKingasthesunwassetting，andhewentdownthelandsouthwardbetwixtthemountainsandthesea，notheedingwhetheritwerenightorday;andhewentontillitwaslongpastmidnight，andthenformerewearinesslaidhimdownunderatree，notknowingwherehewas，andfellasleep。
Andinthemorninghewokeuptothebrightsun，andfoundfolkstandingroundabouthim，bothmenandwomen，andtheirsheepwereanighthem，fortheywereshepherdfolk。Sowhentheysawthathewasawake，theygreetedhim，andwereblithewithhimandmademuchofhim：andtheytookhimhometotheirhouse，andgavehimtoeatandtodrink，andaskedhimwhathewouldthattheymightservehim。
Andtheyseemedtohimtobekindandsimplefolk，andthoughheloathedtospeakthewords，sosickathearthewas，yethetoldthemhowhewasseekinghistroth-plightmaiden，hisearthlylove，andaskedthemtosayiftheyhadseenanywomanlikeher。
Theyheardhimkindlyandpitiedhim，andtoldhimhowtheyhadheardofawomanintheland，whosoughtherbelovedevenashesoughthis。
Andwhenheheardthat，hisheartleaptup，andheaskedthemtotellhimmoreconcerningthiswoman。Thentheysaidthatshedweltinthehill-countryinagoodlyhouse，andhadsetherheartonalovelyman，whoseimageshehadseeninabook，andthatnomanbutthisonewouldcontenther;andthis，theysaid，wasasadandsorrymatter，suchaswasunheardofhithertointheland。
SowhenHallblitheheardthis，asheavilyashisheartfellagain，hechangednotcountenance，butthankedthekindfolkanddeparted，andwentondownthelandbetwixtthemountainsandthesea，andbeforenightfallhehadbeenintothreemorehousesoffolk，andaskedthereofallcomersconcerningawomanwhowassunderedfromherbeloved;
andatnoneofthemgatheanyanswertomakehimlesssorrythanyesterday。Atthelastofthethreeheslept，andonthemorrowearlytherewastheworktobeginagain;andthenextdaywasthesameasthelast，andthedayafterdifferednotfromit。Thushewentonseekinghisbelovedbetwixtthemountainsandtheplain，tillthegreatrock-wallcamedowntothesideoftheseaandmadeanendoftheGlitteringPlainonthatside。Thenheturnedaboutandwentbackbythewayhehadcome，andupthecountrybetwixtthemountainsandtheplainnorthward，untilhehadbeenintoeveryhouseoffolkinthosepartsandaskedhisquestion。
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