Thenhewentupintothatfaircountryofthedales，andevenanightowheredwelttheKing’sDaughter，andotherwhereinthelandandeverywhere，quarteringtherealmoftheGlitteringPlainastheheronquartersthefloodedmeadowwhenthewatersdrawabackintotheriver。Sothatnowallpeopleknewhimwhenhecame，andtheywonderedathim;butwhenhecametoanyhouseforthethirdorfourthtime，theyweariedofhim，andweregladwhenhedeparted。
Everitwasoneoftwoanswersthathehad：eitherfolksaidtohim，"Thereisnosuchwoman;thislandishappy，andnoughtbuthappypeopledwellherein;"orelsetheytoldhimofthewomanwholivedinsorrow，andwaseverlookingonabook，thatshemightbringtoherthemanwhomshedesired。
Whilesheweariedandlongedfordeath，butwouldnotdieuntiltherewasnocornerofthelandunsearched。Whilesheshookoffweariness，andwentabouthisquestasacraftsmansetsabouthisworkinthemorning。Whilesitirkedhimtoseethesoftandmerryfolkoftheland，whohadnoskilltohelphim，andhelongedforthehouseofhisfathersandthemenofthespearandtheplough;andthought，"Oh，ifImightbutgetmeback，ifitwerebutforanhourandtodiethere，tothemeadowsoftheRaven，andtheacresbeneaththemountainsofClevelandbytheSea。ThenatleastshouldIlearnsometaleofwhatisorwhathathbeen，howsoeverevilthetidingswere，andnotbebandiedaboutbyliesforever。"
CHAPTERXV：YETHALLBLITHESPEAKETHWITHTHEKING
Soworethedaysandthemoons;andnowweresomesixmoonswornsincefirsthecametotheGlitteringPlain;andhewascometoWood-
endagain，andheardandknewthattheKingwassittingoncemoreinthedoorofhispaviliontohearkentothewordsofhispeople，andhesaidtohimself："Iwillspeakyetagaintothisman，ifindeedhebeaman;yea，thoughheturnmeintostone。"
Andhewentuptowardthepavilion;andonthewayitcameintohismindwhatthemenofthekindredweredoingthatmorning;andhehadavisionofthemasitwere，andsawthemyokingtheoxentotheplough，andslowlygoingdowntheacres，astheshiningirondrewthelongfurrowdownthestubble-land，andthelighthazehungabouttheelm-treesinthecalmmorning，andthesmokerosestraightintotheairfromtheroofofthekindred。Andhesaid："Whatisthis？amI
death-doomedthismorningthatthissightcomethsoclearlyuponmeamidstthefalsenessofthisunchangingland？"
Thushecametothepavilion，andfolkfellbackbeforehimtotherightandtheleft，andhestoodbeforetheKing，andsaidtohim：
"Icannotfindher;sheisnotinthyland。"
ThenspaketheKing，smilinguponhim，aserst："Whatwiltthouthen？Isitnottimetorest？"
Hesaid："Yea，OKing;butnotinthisland。"
SaidtheKing："Whereelsethaninthislandwiltthoufindrest？
Withoutisbattleandfamine，longingunsatisfied，andheart-burningandfear;withinitisplentyandpeaceandgoodwillandpleasurewithoutcease。Thywordhathnomeaningtome。"
SaidHallblithe："Givemeleavetodepart，andIwillblessthee。"
"Istherenoughtelsetodo？"saidtheKing。
"Noughtelse，"saidHallblithe。
TherewithhefeltthattheKing’sfacechangedthoughhestillsmiledonhim，andagainhefelthisheartgrowcoldbeforetheKing。
ButtheKingspakeandsaid："Ihindernotthydeparture，norwillanyofmyfolk。Nohandwillberaisedagainstthee;thereisnoweaponinalltheland，savethedeedlessswordbymysideandtheweaponswhichthoubearest。"
SaidHallblithe："Dostthounotowemeajoyinreturnformybeguiling？"
"Yea，"saidtheKing，"reachoutthinehandtotakeit。"
"OnethingonlymayItakeofthee，"saidHallblithe;"mytroth-
plightmaidenorelsethespeedingofmydeparture。"
ThensaidtheKing，andhisvoicewasterriblethoughyethesmiled：
"Iwillnothinder;Iwillnothelp。Departinpeace！"
ThenHallblitheturnedawaydizzyandhalffainting，andstrayeddownthefield，scarceknowingwherehewas;andashewenthefelthissleevepluckedat，andturnedabout，andlo！hewasfacetofacewiththeSea-eagle，nolessjoyousthanaforetime。HetookHallblitheinhisarmsandembracedhimandkissedhim，andsaid："Wellmet，faring-fellow！Whitheraway？"
"Awayoutofthislandoflies，"saidHallblithe。
TheSea-eagleshookhishead，andquothhe："Artthoustillseekingadream？Andthousofairthatthouputtestallothermentoshame。"
"Iseeknodream，"saidHallblithe，"butrathertheendofdreams。"
"Well，"saidtheSea-eagle，"wewillnotwrangleaboutit。Buthearken。HardbyinapleasantnookofthemeadowshaveIsetupmytent;andalthoughitbenotasbigastheKing’spavilion，yetisitfairenough。Wiltthounotcomethitherwithmeandresttheeto-
night;andto-morrowwewilltalkofthismatter？"
NowHallblithewaswearyandconfused，anddownheartedbeyondhiswont，andthefriendlywordsoftheSea-eaglesoftenedhisheart，andhesmiledonhimandsaid："Igivetheethanks;Iwillcomewiththee：thouartkind，andhastdonenoughttomesavegoodfromthetimewhenIfirstsawtheelyinginthybedintheHalloftheRavagers。Dostthouremembertheday？"
TheSea-eagleknittedhisbrowasonestrivingwithatroublousmemory，andsaid："Butdimly，friend，asifithadpassedinanuglydream：meseemethmyfriendshipwiththeebeganwhenIcametotheefromoutofthewood，andsawtheestandingwiththosethreedamsels;
thatIrememberfullwellyewerefairtolookon。"
Hallblithewonderedathiswords，butsaidnomoreaboutit，andtheywenttogethertoaflowerynooknighastreamofclearwaterwherestoodasilkentent，greenlikethegrasswhichitstoodon，andfleckedwithgoldandgoodlycolours。NighitonthegrasslaytheSea-eagle’sdamsel，ruddy-cheekedandsweet-lipped，asfairasaforetime。Sheturnedaboutwhensheheardmencoming，andwhenshesawHallblitheasmilecameintoherfacelikethesunbreakingoutonafairbutcloudedmorning，andshewentuptohimandtookhimbythehandsandkissedhischeek，andsaid："Welcome，Spearman！
welcomeback！Wehaveheardoftheeinmanyplaces，andhavebeensorrythatthouwertnotglad，andnowarewefainofthyreturning。
Shallnotsweetlifebeginfortheefromhenceforward？"
AgainwasHallblithemovedbyherkindwelcome;butheshookhisheadandspake："Thouartkind，sister;yetifthouwouldstbekinderthouwiltshowmeawaywherebyImayescapefromthisland。Forabidingherehasbecomeirksometome，andmeseemeththathopeisyetalivewithouttheGlitteringPlain。"
Herfacefellassheanswered："Yea，andfearalso，andworse，ifaughtbeworse。Butcome，letuseatanddrinkinthisfairplace，andgatherfortheealittlejoyancebeforethoudepartest，ifthouneedsmustdepart。"
Hesmiledonherasonenotill-content，andlaidhimselfdownonthegrass，whilethetwainbusiedthemselves，andbroughtforthfaircushionsandagildedtable，andlaiddaintyvictualthereonandgoodwine。
Sotheyateanddranktogether，andtheSea-eagleandhismatebecameveryjoyousagain，andHallblithebestirredhimselfnottobeamar-
feast;forhesaidwithinhimself："Iamdeparting，andafterthistimeIshallseethemnomore;andtheyarekindandblithewithme，andhavebeenaforetime;Iwillnotmaketheirmerryheartssore。
ForwhenIamgoneIshallberememberedofthembutalittlewhile。"
CHAPTERXVI：THOSETHREEGOTHEIRWAYSTOTHEEDGEOFTHEGLITTERING
PLAIN
Sotheeveningworemerrily;andtheymadeHallblithelieinaningleofthetentonafairbed，andhewasweary，andsleptthereonlikeachild。Butinthemorningearlytheywakedhim;andwhiletheywerebreakingtheirfasttheybegantospeaktohimofhisdeparture，andaskedhimifhehadaninklingofthewaywherebyheshouldgethimgone，andhesaid："IfIescapeitmustneedsbebywayofthemountainsthatwallthelandabouttilltheycomedowntothesea。
Forontheseaisnoshipandnohaven;andwellIwotthatnomanofthelanddurstorcanferrymeovertothelandofmykindred，orotherwherewithouttheGlitteringPlain。Tellmetherefore（andI
asknomoreofyou），isthereanyrumourormemoryofawaythatcleavethyondermightywallofrocktootherlands？"
Saidthedamsel："Thereismorethanamemoryorarumour：thereisaroadthroughthemountainsknowntoallmen。ForatwhilestheearthlypilgrimscomeintotheGlitteringPlainthereby;andyetbutseldom，somanyarethegriefsandperilswhichbesetthewayfarersonthatroad。Whereofthouhadstfarbetterbethinktheeintime，andabidehereandbehappywithusandotherswholongsoretomaketheehappy。"
"Nay，"saidHallblithe，"thereisnoughttodobuttellmeoftheway，andIwilldepartatonce，blessingyou。"
SaidtheSea-eagle："Morethanthatatleastwillwedo。MayIlosetheblisswheretoIhaveattained，ifIgonotwiththeetotheveryedgeofthelandoftheGlitteringPlain。Shallitnotbeso，sweetheart？"
"Yea，atleastwemaydothat，"saidthedamsel;andshehungherheadasifshewereashamed，andsaid："Andthatisallthatthouwiltgetfromusatmost。"
SaidHallblithe："Itisenough，andIaskednotsomuch。"
Thenthedamselbusiedherself，andsetmeatanddrinkintwowallets，andtookoneherselfandgavetheothertotheSea-eagle，andsaid："Wewillbethyporters，OSpearman，andwillgivetheeafullwalletfromthelasthousebytheDesertofDread，forwhenthouhastenteredtherein，thoumaystwellfindvictualhardtocomeby：
andnowletuslingernomoresincetheroadisdeartothee。"
Sotheysetforthonfoot，forinthatlandmenwereslowtofeelweariness;andturningaboutthehillofWood-end，theypassedbysomebrokencountry，andcameateventoahouseattheentranceofalongvalley，withhighandsteeply-slopingsides，whichseemed，asitwere，tocleavethedalecountrywhereintheyhadfaredaforetime。
Atthathousetheysleptwell-guestedbyitsfolk，andthenextmorningtooktheirwaydownthevalley，andthefolkofthehousestoodatthedoortowatchtheirdeparture;fortheyhadtoldthewayfarersthattheyhadfaredbutalittlewaythitherwardandknewofnofolkwhohadusedthatroad。
Sothosethreefareddownthevalleysouthwardallday，evermountinghigherastheywent。Thewaywaspleasantandeasy，fortheywentoverfair，smooth，grassylawnsbetwixtthehill-sides，besideaclearrattlingstreamthatrannorthward;atwhileswereclumpsoftalltrees，oakforthemostpart，andatwhilesthicketsofthornandeglantineandothersuchtrees：sothattheycouldrestwellshadedwhentheywould。
Theypassedbynohouseofmen，norcametoanysuchintheeven，butlaydowntosleepinathicketofthornandeglantine，andrestedwell，andonthemorrowtheyroseupbetimesandwentontheirways。
Thisseconddayastheywent，thehill-sidesoneitherhandgrewlower，tillatlasttheydiedoutintoawideplain，beyondwhichinthesouthernoffingthemountainsrosehugeandbare。Thisplainalsowasgrassyandbesetwithtreesandthicketshereandthere。
Hereontheysawwilddeerenough，ashartandbuck，androebuckandswine：withalalioncameoutofabrakehardbythemastheywent，andstoodgazingonthem，sothatHallblithelookedtohisweapons，andtheSea-eagletookupabigstonetofightwith，beingweaponless;butthedamsellaughed，andtrippedonherwaylightlywithgirt-upgown，andthebeastgavenomoreheedtothem。
Easyandsmoothwastheirwayoverthispleasantwilderness，andcleartosee，thoughbutlittleused，andbeforenightfall，aftertheyhadgonealongway，theycametoahouse。Itwasnotlargenorhigh，butwasbuiltverystronglyandfairlyofgoodashlar：itsdoorwasshut，andonthejambthereofhungaslug-horn。Thedamsel，whoseemedtoknowwhattodo，sethermouthtothehorn，andblewablast;andinalittlewhilethedoorwasopened，andabigmancladinredscarletstoodtherein：hehadnoweapons，butwassomewhatsurlyofaspect：hespakenot，butstoodabidingtheword：sothedamseltookitupandsaid："ArtthounottheWardenoftheUttermostHouse？"
Hesaid："Iam。"
Saidthedamsel："Mayweguesthereto-night？"
Hesaid："Thehouseliethopentoyouwithallthatithathofvictualandplenishing：takewhatyewill，andusewhatyewill。"
Theythankedhim;butheheedednottheirthanks，andwithdrewhimfromthem。Sotheyenteredandfoundthetablelaidinafairhallofstonecarvenandpaintedverygoodly;sotheyateanddranktherein，andHallblithewasofgoodheart，andtheSea-eagleandhismateweremerry，thoughtheylookedsoftlyandshylyonHallblithebecauseofthesunderinganigh;andtheysawnomaninthehousesavethemaninscarlet，whowentandcameabouthisbusiness，payingnoheedtothem。Sowhenthenightwasdeeptheylaydownintheshut-
bedoffthehall，andslept，andthehoursweretidinglesstothemuntiltheywokeinthemorning。
Onthemorrowtheyaroseandbroketheirfast，andthereafterthedamselspaketothemaninscarletandsaid："Maywefillourwalletswithvictualfortheway？"
SaidtheWarden："Therelieththemeat。"
Sotheyfilledtheirwallets，whilethemanlookedon;andtheycametothedoorwhentheywereready，andheunlockedittothem，sayingnoword。Butwhentheyturnedtheirfacestowardsthemountainshespakeatlast，andstayedthematthefirststep。Quothhe：
"Whitheraway？Yetakethewrongroad！"
SaidHallblithe："Nay，forwegotowardthemountainsandtheedgeoftheGlitteringPlain。"
"Yeshalldoilltogothither，"saidtheWarden，"andIbidyouforbear。"
"OWardenoftheUttermostHouse，whereforeshouldweforbear？"saidtheSea-eagle。
Saidthescarletman："BecausemychargeistofurtherthosewhowouldgoinwardtotheKing，andtostaythosewhowouldgooutwardfromtheKing。"
"Howthenifwegooutwarddespitethybidding？"saidtheSea-eagle，"wiltthouthenhinderusperforce？"
"HowmayI，"saidtheman，"sincethyfellowhathweapons？"
"Goweforth，then，"saidtheSea-eagle。
"Yea，"saidthedamsel，"wewillgoforth。Andknow，OWarden，thatthisweaponedmanonlyisofmindtofareovertheedgeoftheGlitteringPlain;butwetwainshallcomebackhitheragain，andfareinwards。"
SaidtheWarden："Noughtisittomewhatyewilldowhenyouarepastthishouse。Norshallanymanwhogoethoutofthisgarthtowardthemountainsevercomebackinwardssavehecomethinthecompanyofnew-cornerstotheGlitteringPlain。"
"Whoshallhinderhim？"saidtheSea-eagle。
"TheKING，"saidtheWarden。
Thentherewassilenceawhile，andthemansaid：
"Nowdoasyewill。"Andtherewithheturnedbackintothehouseandshutthedoor。
ButtheSea-eagleandthedamselstoodgazingononeanother，andatHallblithe;andthedamselwasdowncastandpale;buttheSea-eaglecriedout：
"Forwardnow，OHallblithe，sincethouwillestit，andwewillgowiththeeandsharewhatevermaybefallthee;yea，rightuptotheveryedgeoftheGlitteringPlain。Andthou，Obeloved，whydostthoudelay？Whydostthoustandasifthyfairfeetweregrowntothegrass？"
Butthedamselgavealamentablecry，andcastherselfdownontheground，andkneltbeforetheSea-eagle，andtookhimbytheknees，andsaidbetwixtsobbingandweeping："Omylordandlove，Ipraytheetoforbear，andtheSpearman，ourfriend，shallpardonus。Forifthougoest，Ishallneverseetheemore，sincemyheartwillnotservemetogowiththee。Oforbear！Ipraythee！"
Andshegrovelledontheearthbeforehim;andtheSea-eaglewaxedred，andwouldhavespokenbutHallblithecuthisspeechacross，andsaid"Friends，beatpeace！Forthisistheminutethatsundersus。
GetyebackatoncetotheheartoftheGlitteringPlain，andlivethereandbehappy;andtakemyblessingandthanksfortheloveandhelpthatyehavegivenme。Foryourgoingforwardwithmeshoulddestroyyouandprofitmenothing。Itwouldbebutasthehostbringinghisguestsonefieldbeyondhisgarth，whentheirgoalistheendsoftheearth;andiftherewerealioninthepath，whyshouldheperishforcourtesy’ssake？"
Therewithhestoopeddowntothedamsel，andliftedherupandkissedherface;andhecasthisarmsabouttheSea-eagleandsaidtohim：
"Farewell，shipmate！"
Thenthedamselgavehimthewalletofvictual，andbadehimfarewell，weepingsorely;andhelookedkindlyonthemforamomentoftime，andthenturnedawayfromthemandfaredontowardthemountains，stridingwithgreatstrides，holdinghisheadaloft。Buttheylookednomoreonhim，havingnowilltoeketheirsorrow，butwenttheirwaysbackagainwithoutdelay。
CHAPTERXVII：HALLBLITHEAMONGSTTHEMOUNTAINS
SostrodeonHallblithe;butwhenhehadgonebutalittlewayhisheadturned，andtheearthandheavenswaveredbeforehim，sothathemustneedssitdownonastonebythewayside，wonderingwhatailedhim。Thenhelookedupatthemountains，whichnowseemedquiteneartohimattheplain’sending，andhisweaknessincreasedonhim;andlo！ashelooked，itwastohimasifthecragsroseupintheskytomeethimandoverhanghim，andasiftheearthheavedupbeneathhim，andtherewithhefellabackandlostallsense，sothatheknewnotwhatwasbecomeoftheearthandtheheavensandthepassingoftheminutesofhislife。
Whenhecametohimselfheknewnotwhetherhehadlainsoagreatwhileoralittle;hefeltfeeble，andforawhilehelayscarcemoving，andbeholdingnought，noteventheskyabovehim。Presentlyheturnedaboutandsawhardstoneoneitherside，soherosewearilyandstooduponhisfeet，andknewthathewasfaintwithhungerandthirst。Thenhelookedaroundhim，andsawthathewasinanarrowvalleyorcleftofthemountainsamidstwanrocks，bareandwaterless，wheregrewnobladeofgreen;buthecouldseenofurtherthanthesidesofthatcleft，andhelongedtobeoutofitthathemightseewhitherwardtoturn。Thenhebethoughthimofhiswallet，andsethishandtoitandopenedit，thinkingtogetvictualthence;
butlo！itwasallspoiltandwasted。Nonetheless，forallhisfeebleness，heturnedandwenttoilingslowlyalongwhatseemedtobeapathlittletroddenleadingupwardoutofthecleft;andatlasthereachedthecrestthereof，andsathimdownonarockontheotherside;yetdurstnotraisehiseyesawhileandlookontheland，lestheshouldseedeathmanifesttherein。Atlasthelooked，andsawthathewashighupamongstthemountain-peaks：beforehimandoneitherhandwasbutaworldoffallowstonerisingridgeuponridgelikethewavesofthewildestofthewintersea。Thesunnotfarfromitsmidmostshonedownbrightandhotonthatwilderness;yetwastherenosignthatanymanhadeverbeentheresincethebeginningoftheworld，savethatthepathaforesaidseemedtoleadonwarddownthestonyslope。
Thiswayandthatwayandallabouthegazed，straininghiseyesifperchancehemightseeanydiversityinthestonywaste;andatlastbetwixttwopeaksoftherock-wallonhislefthandhedescriedastreakofgreenminglingwiththecoldblueofthedistance;andhethoughtinhisheartthatthiswasthelastheshouldseeoftheGlitteringPlain。Thenhespakealoudinthatdesert，andsaid，thoughtherewasnonetohear："Nowismylasthourcome;andhereisHallblitheoftheRavenperishing，withhisdeedsundoneandhislongingunfulfilled，andhisbridal-bedacoldforever。LongmaytheHouseoftheRavenabideandflourish，withmanyamanandmaiden，valiantandfairandfruitful！Okindred，castthyblessingonthismanabouttodiehere，doingnoneotherwisethanyewouldhavehim！"
Hesattherealittlewhilelonger，andthenhesaidtohimself：
"Deathtarries;wereitnotwellthatIgotomeethim，evenasthecot-carlepreventeththemightychieftain？"
Thenhearose，andwentpainfullydowntheslope，steadyinghimselfwiththeshaftofhisgleamingspear;butallatoncehestopped;foritseemedtohimthatheheardvoicesborneonthewindthatblewupthemountain-side。Butheshookhisheadandsaid："Nowforsoothbeginneththedreamwhichshalllastforever;nowiseamIbeguiledbyit。"Nonethelesshestrovethemoreeagerlywiththewindandthewayandhisfeebleness;yetdidtheweaknesswaxonhim，sothatitwasbutalittlewhileerehefalteredandreeledandfelldownoncemoreinaswoon。
Whenhecametohimselfagainhewasnolongeralone：amanwaskneelingdownbyhimandholdinguphishead，whileanotherbeforehim，asheopenedhiseyes，putacupofwinetohislips。SoHallblithedrankandwasrefreshed;andpresentlytheygavehimbread，andheate，andhisheartwasstrengthened，andthehappinessoflifereturnedtoit，andhelayback，andsleptsweetlyforaseason。
Whenheawokefromthatslumberhefoundthathehadgottenbackmuchofhisstrengthagain，andhesatupandlookedaroundhim，andsawthreemensittinganigh，armedandgirtwithswords，yetinevilarray，andsoretravel-worn。Oneofthesewasveryold，withlongwhitehairhangingdown;andanother，thoughhewasnotsomuchstrickeninyears，stilllookedanoldmanofoversixtywinters。
Thethirdwasamansomefortyyearsold，butsadandsorryanddroopingofaspect。
Sowhentheysawhimstirring，theyallfixedtheireyesuponhim，andtheoldestmansaid："Welcometohimwhoersthadnotidingsforus！"Andthesecondsaid："Tellusnowthytidings。"Butthethird，thesorryman，criedoutaloud，saying："WhereistheLand？
WhereistheLand？"
SaidHallblithe："MeseemeththelandwhichyeseekisthelandwhichIseektofleefrom。AndnowIwillnothidethatmeseemethIhaveseenyoubefore，andthatwasatClevelandbytheSeawhenthedayswerehappier。"
Thentheyallthreebowedtheirheadsinyea-say，andspake："’WhereistheLand？WhereistheLand？"
ThenHallblithearosetohisfeet，andsaid："Yehavehealedmeofthesicknessofdeath，andIwilldowhatImaytohealyouofyoursicknessofsorrow。Comeupthepasswithme，andIwillshowyouthelandafaroff。"
Thentheyaroselikeyoungandbriskmen，andheledthemoverthebrowoftheridgeintothelittlevalleywhereinhehadfirstcometohimself：thereheshowedthemthatglimpseofagreenlandbetwixtthetwopeaks，whichhehadbehelde’ennow;andtheystoodawhilelookingatitandweepingforjoy。
Thenspaketheoldestoftheseekers："Showusthewaytotheland。"
"Nay，"saidHallblithe，"Imaynot;forwhenIwoulddepartthence，I
mightnotgobymineownwill，butwasborneouthither，Iwotnothow。ForwhenIcametotheedgeofthelandagainstthewilloftheKing，hesmoteme，andthencastmeout。ThereforesinceImaynothelpyou，findyethelandforyourselves，andletmegoblessingyou，andcomeoutofthisdesertbythewaywherebyyeenteredit。
ForIhaveanerrandintheworld。"
Spaketheyoungestoftheseekers："Nowartthoubecometheyoke-
fellowofSorrow，andthoumustwend，notwhitherthouwouldst，butwhithershewill：andshewouldhavetheegoforwardtowardlife，notbackwardtowarddeath。"
Saidthemidmostseeker："Ifwelettheegofurtherintothewildernessthoushaltsurelydie：forhencetothepeopledparts，andtheCityofMerchants，whencewecome，isamonth’sjourney：andthereisneithermeatnordrink，norbeastnorbird，noranygreenthingallthatway;andsincewehavefoundtheefamishing，wemaywelldeemthatthouhastnovictual。Astouswehavebutlittle;sothatifitbemuchmorethanthreedays’journeytotheGlitteringPlain，wemaywellstarveanddiewithinsightoftheAcreoftheUndying。Neverthelessthatlittlewillwesharewiththeeifthouwilthelpustofindthatgoodland;sothatthoumaystyetputawaySorrow，andtakeJoyagaintothyboardandbed。"
Hallblithehunghisheadandanswerednought;forhewasconfusedbythemeshesofill-hap，andhissoulgrewsickwiththebitternessofdeath。Butthesadmanspakeagainandsaid："Thouhastanerrandsayestthou？isitsuchasadeadmanmaydo？"
Hallblithepondered，andamidsttheanguishofhisdespairwasborneinonhimavisionofthesea-waveslappingthesideofablackship，andamantherein：whobuthimself，setfreetodohiserrand，andhisheartwasquickenedwithinhim，andhesaid："Ithankyou，andI
willwendbackwithyou，sincethereisnoroadformesavebackagainintothetrap。"
Thethreeseekersseemedgladthereat，andthesecondonesaid：
"Thoughdeathispursuing，andlifeliethahead，yetwillwenothastentheeunduly。TimewaswhenIwasCaptainoftheHost，andlearnedhowbattleswerelostbylackofrest。Thereforehavethysleepnow，thatthoumaystwaxinstrengthforourhelping。"
SaidHallblithe："Ineednotrest;Imaynotrest;Iwillnotrest。"
Saidthesadman："Itislawfulfortheetorest。SosayI，whowasonceamasteroflaw。"
Saidthelong-hoaryelder："AndIcommandtheetorest;Iwhowasoncethekingofamightyfolk。"
InsoothHallblithewasnowexceedingweary;sohelaidhimdownandsleptsweetlyinthestonywildernessamidstthosethreeseekers，theold，thesad，andtheveryold。
Whenheawokehefeltwellandstrongagain，andheleapttohisfeetandlookedabouthim，andsawthethreeseekersstirring，andhedeemedbythesunthatitwasearlymorning。Thesadmanbroughtforthbreadandwaterandwine，andtheybroketheirfast;andwhentheyhaddonehespakeandsaid："Abidethnowinwalletandbottlebutonemorefullmealforus，andthennomoresaveafewcrumbsandadroportwoofwineifwehusbanditwell。"
Saidthesecondelder："Getwetotheroad，then，andmakehaste。I
havebeenseeking，andmeseemeth，thoughthewaybelong，itisnotutterlyblindforus。Orlookthou，Raven-son，istherenotapathyonderthatleadethonwarduptothebrowoftheghyllagain？andasIhaveseen，itleadethonagaindownfromthesaidbrow。"
Forsooththerewasatrackthatledthroughthestonytangleofthewilderness;sotheytooktotheroadwithagoodheart，andwentallday，andsawnolivingthing，andnotabladeofgrassoratrickleofwater：noughtsavethewanrocksunderthesun;andthoughtheytrustedintheirroadthatitledthemaright，theysawnootherglimpseoftheGlitteringPlain，becausethereroseagreatridgelikeawallonthenorthside，andtheywentasitweredownalongatrenchoftherocks，albeititwaswhilesbrokenacrossbyghylls，andknolls，andreefs。
Soatsunsettheyrestedandatetheirvictual，fortheywereveryweary;andthereaftertheylaydown，andsleptassoundlyasiftheywereinthebestofthehallsofmen。Onthemorrowbetimestheyarosesoberlyandwenttheirwayswithfewwords，and，astheydeemed，thepathstillledthemonward。Andnowthegreatridgeonthenorthrosesteeperandsteeper，andtheircrossingitseemednottobethoughtof;buttheirhalf-blindtrackfailedthemnot。Theyrestedateven，andateanddrankwhatlittletheyhadleft，saveamouthfulortwoofwine，andthenwentonagainbythelightofthemoon，whichwassobrightthattheystillsawtheirway。AndithappenedtoHallblithe，asmostlyitdoeswithmenverytravel-worn，thathewentonandonscarcerememberingwherehewas，orwhohisfellowswere，orthathehadanyfellows。
Soatmidnighttheylaydowninthewildernessagain，hungryandweary。Theyroseatdawnandwentforwardwithwaninghope：fornowthemountainridgeonthenorthwasclosetotheirpath，risingupalongasheerwallofpalestoneoverwhichnothingmightgosavethefowlflying;sothatatfirstonthatmorningtheylookedfornothingsavetolaytheirbonesinthatgrievousdesertwherenomanshouldfindthem。
But，asbesetwithfamine，theyfaredonheavilydownthenarrowtrack，therecameahoarsecryfromHallblithe’sdrythroatanditwasasifhiscryhadbeenansweredbyanotherliketohis;andtheseekersturnedandbeheldhimpointingtothecliff-side，andlo！
half-wayupthepalesun-littencragstoodtworavensinacrannyofthestone，flappingtheirwingsandcroaking，withthrustingforthandtwistingoftheirheads;andpresentlytheycamefloatingonthethinpureairhighupovertheheadsofthewayfarers，croakingforthepleasureofthemeeting，asthoughtheylaughedthereat。
ThenrosetheheartofHallblithe，andhesmotehispalmstogether，andfelltosinginganoldsongofhispeople，amidsttherockswhereasfewmenhadsungaforetime。
Whenceareyeandwhither，Ofowlofourfathers？
Whatfieldhaveyelookedon，whatacresunshorn？
Whatlandhaveyeleftwherethebattle-folkgathers，Andthewar-helmsarewhiteo’erthepathsofthecorn？
Whattaledoyebearofthepeopleuncraven，Whereamidstthelonghall-shadowsparklethespears;
Wherealoftonthehall-ridgenowflappeththeraven，Andsingeththesongofthenourishingyears？
Theregathertheladsinthefirstofthemorning，Whilewhiteliesthebattle-day’sdewonthegrass，Andthekindsteedstrotuptothehorn’svoiceofwarning，Andthewindswakeandwhineintheduskofthepass。
Ofowlofourfathers，whynowareyeresting？
Comeoverthemountainsandlookonthefoe。
Fullfairafterfightwonshallyetbeyournesting;
Andyourfledglingsthesonsofthekindredshallknow。
Therewithhestrodewithhisheadupraised，andabovehimflewtheravens，croakingasiftheyansweredhissonginfriendlyfashion。
Itwasbutalittleafterthisthatthepathturnedasidesharptowardthecliffs，andtheseekerswereabashedthereof，tillHallblitherunningforwardbeheldagreatcaverninthefaceofthecliffatthepath’sending：soheturnedandcriedonhisfellows，andtheyhastenedup，andpresentlystoodbeforethatcavern’smouthwithdoubtandjoymingledintheirminds;fornow，mayhappen，theyhadreachedthegateoftheGlitteringPlain，ormayhappenthegateofdeath。
Thesadmanhunghisheadandspake："Dothnotsomenewtrapabideus？Whatdowehere？isthisaughtsavedeath？"
SpaketheElderofElders："Wasnotdeathoneitherhande’ennow，evenastreasonbesetteththekinguponhisthrone？"
Andthesecondsaid："Yea，wewereasthehostwhichhathnoroadsavethroughthemultitudeoffoe-men。"
ButHallblithelaughedandsaid："Whydoyehangback，then？Asforme，ifdeathbehere，soonismineerrandsped。"Therewithheledthewayintothedarkofthecave，andtheravenshungaboutthecragoverheadcroaking，asthemenleftthelight。
Sowastheirwayswallowedupinthecavern，anddayanditstimebecamenoughttothem;theywentonandon，andbecameexceedingfaintandweary，butrestednot，fordeathwasbehindthem。Whilestheydeemedtheyheardwatersrunning，andwhilesthesingingoffowl;andtoHallblitheitseemedthatheheardhisnamecalled，sothatheshoutedbackinanswer;butallwasstillwhenthesoundofhisvoicehaddiedout。
Atlast，whentheywerepressingonagainafterashortwhileofresting，Hallblithecriedoutthatthecavewaslightening：sotheyhastenedonward，andthelightgrewtilltheycoulddimlyseeeachother，anddimlytheybeheldthecavethatitwasbothwideandhigh。
Yetalittlefurther，andtheirfacesshowedwhitetooneanother，andtheycouldseethecranniesoftherocks，andthebatshanginggarlandedfromtheroof。Sothentheycametowherethedaystreameddownbrightonthemfromabreakoverhead，andlo！theskyandgreenleaveswavingagainstit。
Tothoseway-wornmenitseemedhardtoclamberoutthatway，andespeciallytotheelders：sotheywentonalittlefurthertoseeiftherewereaughtbetterabidingthem，butwhentheyfoundthedaylightfailingthemagain，theyturnedbacktotheplaceofthebreakintheroof，lesttheyshouldwastetheirstrengthandperishinthebowelsofthemountain。SowithmuchadotheyhoveupHallblithetillhegothimfirstontoaledgeoftherockywall，andso，whatbystrength，whatbycunning，intothedaylightthroughtherentintheroof。Sowhenhewaswithouthemadearopeofhisgirdleandstripsfromhisraiment，forhewaseveradeftcraftsman，andmadeashifttoheaveuptherewiththesadman，whowaslightandlitheofbody;andthenthetwotogetherdealtwiththeeldersoneafteranother，tilltheywereallfouronthefaceoftheearthagain。
Theplacewheretotheyhadgottenwasthesideofahugemountain，stonyandsteep，butsetaboutwithbushes，whichseemedfullfairtothosewanderersamongsttherocks。Thismountain-slopewentdowntowardsafairgreenplain，whichHallblithemadenodoubtwastheoutlyingwasteoftheGlitteringPlain：nay，hedeemedthathecouldseeafaroffthereonthewhitewallsoftheUttermostHouse。Somuchhetoldtheseekersinfewwords;andthenwhiletheygrovelledontheearthandweptforpurejoy，whereasthesunwasdownanditwasbeginningtogrowdusk，hewentandlookedaroundsoberlytoseeifhemightfindwaterandanykindofvictual;andpresentlyalittledownthehillsidehecameuponaplacewhereaspringcamegushingupoutoftheearthandrandowntowardtheplain;andaboutitwasgreengrassgrowingplentifully，andalittlethicketofbrambleandwildingfruit-trees。Sohedrankofthewater，andpluckedhimafewwildingapplessomewhatbetterthancrabs，andthenwentupthehillagainandfetchedtheseekerstothatmountainhostelry;andwhiletheydrankofthestreamhepluckedthemapplesandbramble-berries。
Forindeedtheywereasmenoutoftheirwits，andweredazedbytheextremityoftheirjog，andasmenlongshutupinprison，towhomtheworldofmen-folkhathbecomestrange。Simpleasthevictualwas，theyweresomewhatstrengthenedbyitandbytheplentifulwater，andasnightwasnowuponthem，itwasofnoavailforthemtogofurther：sotheysleptbeneaththeboughsofthethorn-bushes。
CHAPTERXVIII：HALLBLITHEDWELLETHINTHEWOODALONE
Butonthemorrowtheyarosebetimes，andbroketheirfastonthatwoodlandvictual，andthenwentspeedilydownthemountain-side;andHallblithesawbytheclearmorninglightthatitwasindeedtheUttermostHousewhichhehadseenacrossthegreenwaste。Sohetoldtheseekers;buttheyweresilentandheedednought，becauseofafearthathadcomeuponthem，lesttheyshoulddiebeforetheycameintothatgoodland。Atthefootofthemountaintheycameuponariver，deepbutnotwide，withlowgrassybanks，andHallblithe，whowasanexceedingstrongswimmer，helpedtheseekersoverwithoutmuchado;andtheretheystooduponthegrassofthatgoodlywaste。
Hallblithelookedonthemtonoteifanychangeshouldcomeoverthem，andhedeemedthatalreadytheywerebecomestrongerandofmoreavail。Buthespakenoughtthereof，andstrodeontowardtheUttermostHouse，evenasthatotherdayhehadstriddenawayfromit。
Suchdiligencetheymade，thatitwasbutlittleafternoonwhentheycametothedoorthereof。ThenHallblithetookthehornandblewuponit，whilehisfellowsstoodbymurmuring，"ItistheLand！ItistheLand！"
SocametheWardentothedoor，cladinredscarlet，andtheelderwentuptohimandsaid："IsthistheLand？"
"Whatland？"saidtheWarden。
"IsittheGlitteringPlain？"saidthesecondoftheseekers。
"Yea，forsooth，"saidtheWarden。Saidthesadman："WillyeleadustotheKing？
"YeshallcometotheKing，"saidtheWarden。
"When，ohwhen？"criedtheyoutallthree。
"Themorrowofto-morrow，maybe，"saidtheWarden。
"Oh！ifto-morrowwerebutcome！"theycried。
"Itwillcome，"saidtheredman;"enteryethehouse，andeatanddrinkandrestyou。"
Sotheyentered，andtheWardenheededHallblithenothing。Theyateanddrankandthenwenttotheirrest，andHallblithelayinashut-
bedofffromthehall，buttheWardenbroughttheseekersotherwhere，sothatHallblithesawthemnotafterhehadgonetobed;butasforhimhesleptandforgotthataughtwas。
Inthemorningwhenheawokehefeltverystrongandwell-liking;andhebeheldhislimbsthattheywereclearofskinandsleekandfair;
andheheardonehardbyinthehallcarollingandsingingjoyously。
Sohesprangfromhisbedwiththewonderofsleepyetinhim，anddrewthecurtainsoftheshut-bedandlookedforthintothehall;andloonthehigh-seatamanofthirtywintersbyseeming，tall，fairoffashion，withgoldenhairandeyesasgreyasglass，proudandnobleofaspect;andanighhimsatanothermanoflikeagetolookon，amanstrongandburly，withshortcurlingbrownhairandaredbeard，andruddycountenance，andthemienofawarrior。Also，upanddownthehall，pacedamanyoungerofaspectthanthesetwo，tallandslender，black-hairedanddark-eyed，amorousofcountenance;heitwaswhowassingingasnatchofsongashewentlightlyonthehallpavement：asnatchliketothisFairistheworld，nowautumn’swearing，Andthesluggardsunlieslongabed;
Sweetarethedays，nowwinter’snearing，Andallwindsfeignthatthewindisdead。
Dumbisthehedgewherethecrabshangyellow，Brightastheblossomsofthespring;
Dumbistheclosewherethepearsgrowmellow，Andnonebutthedauntlessredbreastssing。
Fairwasthespring，butamidsthisgreeningGreywerethedaysofthehiddensun;
Fairwasthesummer，butoverweening，Sosoonhiso’er-sweetdaysweredone。
Comethen，love，forpeaceisuponus，Faroffisfailing，andfarisfear，Herewheretherestintheendhathwonus，Inthegarneringtideofthehappyyear。
Comefromthegreyoldhousebythewater，Where，farfromthelipsofthehungrysea，Greengroweththegrasso’erthefieldoftheslaughter，Andallisatalefortheeandme。
SoHallblithedidonhisraimentandwentintothehall;andwhenthosethreesawhimtheysmileduponhimkindlyandgreetedhim;andthenoblemanattheboardsaid："Thankshavethou，OWarrioroftheRaven，forthyhelpinourneed：thyrewardfromusshallnotbelacking。"
Thenthebrown-hairedmancameuptohim，andclappedhimonthebackandsaidtohim："BriskmanoftheRaven，goodisthyhelpatneed;
evensoshallbeminetotheehenceforward。"
Buttheyoungmansteppeduptohimlightly，andcasthisarmsabouthim，andkissedhim，andsaid："Ofriendandfellow，whoknowethbutImayonedayhelptheeasthouhastholpenme？thoughthouartonewhobyseemingmaystwellhelpthyself。AndnowmaystthoubeasmerryasIamto-day！"
Thentheyallthreecriedoutjoyously："ItistheLand！ItistheLand！"
SoHallblitheknewthatthesemenwerethetwoeldersandthesadmanofyesterday，andthattheyhadrenewedtheiryouth。
Joyouslynowdidthosemenbreaktheirfast：nordidHallblithemakeanygrimcountenance，forhethought："Thatwhichthesedotardsanddrivellershavebeenmightyenoughtofind，shallInotbemightyenoughtofleefrom？"Breakfastdone，theseekersmadelittledelay，soeagerastheyweretobeholdtheKing，andtohavehandseloftheirnewsweetlife。Sotheygotthemreadytodepart，andtheonce-captainsaid："ArtthouabletoleadustotheKing，ORaven-
son，ormustweseekanothermantodosomuchforus？"
SaidHallblithe："IamabletoleadyousonighuntoWood-end（where，asIdeem，theKingabideth）thatyeshallnotmisshim。"
Therewiththeywenttothedoor，andtheWardenunlockedtothem，andspakenowordtothemwhentheydeparted，thoughtheythankedhimkindlyfortheguesting。
Whentheywerewithoutthegarth，theyoungmanfelltorunningaboutthemeadowpluckinggreathandfulsoftherichflowersthatgrewabout，singingandcarollingthewhile。Buthewhohadbeenkinglookedupanddownandroundabout，andsaidatlast："Wherebethehorsesandthemen？"
Buthisfellowwiththeredbeardsaid："Raven-son，inthislandwhentheyjourney，whatdotheyastoridingorgoingafoot？"
SaidHallblithe："Fairfellows，yeshallwotthatinthislandfolkgoafootforthemostpart，bothmenandwomen;whereastheywearybutlittle，andareinnohaste。"
Thentheonce-captainclappedtheonce-kingontheshoulder，andsaid："Hearken，lord，anddelaynolonger，butgirdupthygown，sincehereisnomare’ssontohelpthee：forfairisto-daythatliesbeforeus，withmanyanewfairdaybeyondit。"
SoHallblitheledthewayinward，thinkingofmanythings，yetbutlittleofhisfellows。Albeitthey，andtheyoungermanespecially，wereofmanywords;forthisblack-hairedmanhadmanyquestionstoask，chieflyconcerningthewomen，whattheywereliketolookon，andofwhatmoodtheywere。Hallblitheansweredtheretoaslongashemight，butatlasthelaughedandsaid："Friend，forbearthyquestionsnow;formeseemethinafewhoursthoushaltbeaswisehereonasistheGodofLovehimself。"
Sotheymadediligencealongtheroad，andallwastidinglesstillontheseconddayateventheycametothefirsthouseoffthewaste。
Therehadtheygoodwelcome，andslept。Butonthemorrowwhentheyarose，HallblithespaketotheSeekers，andsaid："Nowarethingsmuchchangedbetwixtussincethetimewhenwefirstmet：forthenI
hadallmydesire，asIthought，andyehadbutonedesire，andwellnighlackedhopeofitsfulfilment。Whereasnowthelackhathleftyouandcometome。WhereforeevenastimeagoneyemightnotabideevenonenightattheHouseoftheRaven，sohardasyourdesirelayonyou;evensoitfarethwithmeto-day，thatIamconsumedwithmydesire，andImaynotabidewithyou;lestthatbefallwhichbefallethbetwixtthefullmanandthefasting。WhereforenowI
blessyouanddepart。"
Theyaboundedinwordsofgood-willtohim，andtheonce-kingsaid：
"Abidewithus，andweshallseetoitthatthouhaveallthedignitiesthatamanmaythinkof。"
Andtheonce-captainsaid："Lo，hereisminehandthathathbeenmighty;nevershaltthoulackitfortheaccomplishmentofthineuttermostdesire。Abidewithus。"
Lastlysaidtheyoungman："Abidewithus，SonoftheRaven！Setthineheartonafairwoman，yeaevenwereitthefairest;andIwillgetherforthee，evenweremydesiresetonher。"
Buthesmiledonthem，andshookhishead，andsaid："Allhailtoyou！butmineerrandisyetundone。"Andtherewithhedeparted。
HeskirtedWood-endandcamenottoit，butgothimdowntothesideofthesea，notfarfromwherehefirstcamealand，butsomewhatsouthofit。Afairoak-woodcamedownclosetothebeachofthesea;itwassomefourmilesend-longandover-thwart。ThitherHallblithebetookhim，andinadayortwogothimwood-wright’stoolsfromahouseofmenalittleoutsidethewood，threemilesfromthesea-shore。Thenhesettoworkandbuilthimalittleframe-
houseonalawnofthewoodbesideaclearstream;forhewasaverydeftwood-wright。Withalhemadehimabowandarrows，andshotwhathewouldofthefowlandthedeerforhislivelihood;andfolkfromthathouseandotherwhencecametoseehim，andbroughthimbreadandwineandspiceryandothermatterswhichheneeded。Andthedayswore，andmengotusedtohim，andlovedhimasifhehadbeenarareimagewhichhadbeenbroughttothatlandforitsadornment;andnowtheynolongercalledhimtheSpearman，buttheWood-lover。Andasforhim，hetookallinpatience，abidingwhatthelapseofdaysshouldbringforth。
CHAPTERXIX：HALLBLITHEBUILDSHIMASKIFF
AfterHallblithehadbeenhousedalittlewhile，andthetimewasagaindrawingnightothetwelfthmoonsincehehadcometotheGlitteringPlain，hewentinthewoodoneday;and，ponderingmanythingswithoutfixingonanyone，hestoodbeforeaverygreatoak-
treeandlookedatthetallstraightbolethereof，andtherecameintohisheadthewordsofanoldsongwhichwaswrittenroundascrollofthecarvingovertheshut-bed，whereinhewaswonttoliewhenhewasathomeintheHouseoftheRaven：andthusitsaid：
Iamtheoak-tree，andforsoothMendealbymewithlittleruth;
Myboughstheyshred，mylifetheyslay，Andspeedmeo’erthewateryway。
Helookedupintothatleafyworldforalittleandthenturnedbacktowardhishouse;butalldaylong，whetherhewereatworkoratrest，thatposyraninhishead，andhekeptonsayingitover，aloudornotaloud，tillthedaywasdoneandhewenttosleep。
Theninhissleephedreamedthatanexceedingfairwomanstoodbyhisbedside，andatfirstsheseemedtohimtobeanimageoftheHostage。Butpresentlyherfacechanged，andherbodyandherraiment;and，lo！itwasthelovelywoman，theKing’sdaughterwhomhehadseenwastingherheartfortheloveofhim。Theneveninhisdreamshamethereofovertookhim，andbecauseofthatshameheawoke，andlayawakealittle，hearkeningthewindgoingthroughthewoodlandboughs，andthesingingoftheowlwhohadherdwellinginthehollowoaknightohishouse。Slumberovercamehiminalittlewhile，andagaintheimageoftheKing’sdaughtercametohiminhisdream，andagainwhenhelookeduponher，shameandpityrosesohotlyinhisheartthatheawokeweeping，andlayawhilehearkeningtothenoisesofthenight。Thethirdtimehesleptanddreamed;andoncemorethatimagecametohim。Andnowhelooked，andsawthatshehadinherhandabookcoveredoutsidewithgoldandgems，evenashesawitintheorchard-closeaforetime：andhebeheldherfacethatitwasnolongerthefaceofonesickwithsorrow;butgladandclear，andmostbeauteous。
NowsheopenedthebookandhelditbeforeHallblitheandturnedtheleavessothathemightseethemclearly;andthereinwerewoodsandcastlespainted，andburningmountains，andthewalloftheworld，andkingsupontheirthrones，andfairwomenandwarriors，allmostlovelytobehold，evenashehadseenitaforetimeintheorchardwhenhelaylurkingamidsttheleavesofthebay-tree。
SoatlastshecametotheplaceinthebookwhereinwaspaintedHallblithe’sownimageoveragainsttheimageoftheHostage;andhelookedthereonandlonged。Butsheturnedtheleaf，and，lo！ononesidetheHostageagain，standinginafairgardenofthespringwiththeliliesallaboutherfeet，andbehindherthewallsofahouse，grey，ancient，andlovely：andontheotherleafoveragainstherwaspaintedasearippledbyalittlewindandaboatthereonsailingswiftly，andonemanaloneintheboatsittingandsteeringwithacheerfulcountenance;andhe，whobutHallblithehimself。HallblithelookedthereonforawhileandthentheKing’sdaughtershutthebook，andthedreamflowedintootherimaginingsofnoimport。
InthegreydawnHallblitheawoke，andcalledtomindhisdream，andheleaptfromhisbedandwashedthenightfromoffhiminthestream，andcladhimselfandwenttheshortestwaythroughthewoodtothatHouseoffolkaforesaid：andashewenthisfacewasbrightandhesangthesecondpartofthecarvenposy;towit：
AlongthegrassIlieforlornThatwhenawhileoftimeisworn，ImaybefilledwithwarandpeaceAndbridgethesunderingoftheseas。
HecameoutofthewoodandhastenedovertheflowerymeadsoftheGlitteringPlain，andcametothatsamehousewhenitwasyetveryearly。Atthedoorhecameacrossadamselbearingwaterfromthewell，andshespaketohimandsaid："Welcome，Wood-lover！Seldomartthouseeninourgarth;andthatisapityofthee。AndnowI
lookonthyfaceIseethatgladnesshathcomeintothineheart，andthatthouartmostfairandlovely。Herethenisatokenfortheeoftheincreaseofgladness。"Therewithshesetherbucketsontheearth，andstoodbeforehim，andtookhimbytheears，anddrewdownhisfacetohersandkissedhimsweetly。Hesmiledonherandsaid：
"Ithankthee，sister，forthekissandthegreeting;butIcomeherehavingalack。"
"Tellus，"shesaid，"thatwemaydotheeapleasure。"
Hesaid："Iwouldaskthefolktogivemetimber，bothbeamsandbattensandboards;forifIhewinthewooditwilltakelongtoseason。"
"Allthisisfreefortheetotakefromourwood-storewhenthouhastbrokenthyfastwithus，"saidthedamsel。"Comethouinandrestthee。"
Shetookhimbythehandandtheywentintogether，andshegavehimtoeatanddrink，andwentupanddownthehouse，sayingtoeveryone："HereiscometheWood-lover，andheisgladagain;comeandseehim。"
Sothefolkgatheredabouthim，andmademuchofhim。Andwhentheyhadmadeanendofbreakfast，theheadmanoftheHousesaidtohim：
"Thebeastsareinthewain，andthetimberabideththychoosing;
comeandsee。"
SohebroughtHallblithetothetimber-bower，wherehechoseforhimselfallthatheneededofoak-timberofthebest;andtheyloadedthewaintherewith，andgavehimwhathewouldmoreoverofnailsandtreenailsandothermatters;andhethankedthem;andtheysaidtohim："Whithernowshallweleadthytimber？"
"Downtothesea-side，"quothhe，"nighesttomydwelling。"
Sodidthey，andmorethanascore，menandwomen，wentwithhim，someinthewain，andsomeafoot。Thustheycamedowntothesea-
shore，andlaidthetimberonthestrandjustabovehigh-watermark;
andstraightwayHallblithefelltoworkshapinghimaboat，forwellheknewthewholecraftthereof;andthefolklookedonwondering，tillthetidehadebbedthelittleitwaswonttoebb，andleftthemoistsandfirmandsmooth;thenthewomenleftwatchingHallblithe’swork，andfelltopaddlingbarefootintheclearwater，fortherewasscarcearippleonthesea;andthecarlescameandplayedwiththemsothatHallblithewasleftaloneawhile;forthiskindofplaywasnewtothatfolk，sincetheyseldomcamedowntothesea-side。
Thereaftertheyneedsmustdancetogether，andwouldhavehadHallblithedancewiththem;andwhenhenaysaidthembecausehewasfainofhiswork，inallplayfulnesstheyfelltotakingtheadzeoutofhishand，whereathebecamesomewhatwroth，andtheywereafraidandwentandhadtheirdanceoutwithouthim。
Bythistimethesunwasgrownveryhot，andtheycametohimagain，andlaydownabouthimandwatchedhiswork，fortheywereweary。
Andoneofthewomen，stillpantingwiththedance，spakeasshelookedonthelovelinessofherlimbs，whichoneoftheswainswascaressing："Brother，"saidshe，"greatstrokesthousmitest;whenwiltthouhavesmittenthelastofthem，andcometoourhouseagain？"
"Notformanydays，fairsister，"saidhe，withoutlookingup。
"Alasthatthoushouldsttalkso，"saidacarle，risingupfromthewarmsand;"whatshallallthytoilwinthee？"
SpakeHallblithe："Maybeamerryheart，ormaybedeath。"
Atthatwordtheyallroseuptogether，andstoodhuddledtogetherlikesheepthathavebeendriventothecroft-gate，andtheshepherdhathleftthemforalittleandtheyknownotwhithertogo。Littlebylittletheygotthemtothewainandharnessedtheirbeaststhereto，anddepartedsilentlybythewaythattheyhadcome;butinalittletimeHallblitheheardtheirlaughterandmerryspeechacrosstheflowerymeadows。Heheededtheirdeparturelittle，butwentonworking，andworkedthesundown，andontillthestarsbegantotwinkle。Thenhewenthometohishouseinthewood，andsleptanddreamednot，andbeganagainonthemorrowwithagoodheart。
Tobeshort，nodaypassedthathewroughtnothisfulltaleofwork，andthedayswore，andhisship-wright’sworkthrove。Oftenthefolkofthathouse，andfromotherwhereroundabout，camedowntothestrandtowatchhimworking。Nowisedidtheywilfullyhinderhim，butwhileswhentheycouldgetnotalkfromhim，theywouldspeakofhimtoeachother，wonderingthatheshouldsotoiltosailuponthesea;fortheylovedtheseabutlittle，anditsoonbecamecleartothemthathewaslookingtonoughtelse：thoughitmaynotbesaidthattheydeemedhewouldleavethelandforever。Ontheotherhand，iftheyhinderedhimnot，neitherdidtheyhelp，savingwhenheprayedthemforsomewhatwhichheneeded，whichtheywouldthengivehimblithely。
OftheSea-eagleandhisdamsel，Hallblithesawnought;whereathewaswellcontent，forhedeemeditofnoavailtomakeasecondsunderingofit。
Soheworkedandkepthisheartup，andatlastallwasready;hehadmadehimamastandasail，andoars，andwhatso-othergeartherewasneedof。Sothenhethrusthisskiffintotheseaonaneveningwhenastherewerebuttwocarlesstandingby;fortherewouldoftenbeascoreortwooffolk。Thesetwosmiledonhimandbespakehimkindly，butwouldnothelphimwhenhebadethemsetshouldertoherbowsandshove。Albeithegottheskiffintothewaterwithoutmuchado，andgotintoher，andbroughthertowhereastreamrunningfromoutofhiswoodmadealittlehavenforherupfromthesea。Therehetiedhertoatree-hole，andbusiedhimselfthatevenwithgettingthegearintoher，andvictualandwaterwithal，asmuchashedeemedheshouldneed：andso，beingweary，hewenttohishousetosleep，thinkingthatheshouldawakeinthegreyofthemorningandthrustoutintothedeepsea。Andhewasthemorecontenttoabide，becauseonthateve，asoftenestbetid，thewindblewlandwardfromthesea，whereasinthemorningitoftenestblewseawardfromtheland。Inanycasehethoughttobeastirsotimelythatheshouldcomealonetohiskeel，anddepartwithnoleave-takings。But，asitfellout，heoverslepthimself，sothatwhenhecameoutintothewoodcladinallhisarmour，withhisswordgirttohisside，andhisspearoverhisshoulder，heheardthevoicesoffolk，andpresentlyfoundsomanygatheredabouthisboatthathehadsomeadotogetaboard。
Thefolkhadbroughtmanygiftsforhimofsuchthingsastheydeemedhemightneedforashortvoyage，asfruitandwine，andwoollenclothstokeepthecoldnightfromhim;hethankedthemkindlyashesteppedoverthegunwale，andsomeofthewomenkissedhim：andonesaid（sheitwas，whohadmethimatthesteadthatmorningwhenhewenttofetchtimber）："Thouwiltbebackthiseven，wiltthounot，brother？Itisyetbutearly，andthoushalthavetimeenoughtotakeallthypleasureonthesea，andthencomebacktoustoeatthymeatinourhouseatnightfall。"
Shespake，knittingherbrowsinlongingforhisreturn;butheknewthatallthosedeemedhewouldcomebackagainsoon;elsehadtheydeemedhimarebeloftheKing，andmight，ashethought，havestayedhim。Sohechangednotcountenanceinanywise，butsaidonly：
"farewell，sister，forthisday，andfarewelltoallyoutillIcomeback。"
Therewithheunmooredhisboat，andsatdownandtooktheoars，androwedtillhewasoutofthelittlehaven，andonthegreensea，andthekeelroseandfellonthewaves。Thenhesteppedthemastandhoistedsail，andsheetedhome，forthemorningwindwasblowinggentlyfromthemountainsoverthemeadowsoftheGlitteringPlain，sothesailfilled，andthekeelleaptforwardandspedoverthefaceofthecoldsea。Anditistobesaidthatwhetherhewottedornot，itwastheverydaytwelvemonthssincehehadcometothatshorealongwiththeSea-eagle。Sothatfolkstoodandwatchedtheskiffgrowinglessandlessuponthedeeptilltheycouldscarceseeher。
Thentheyturnedaboutandwentintothewoodtodisportthem，forthesunwasgrowinghot。Nevertheless，thereweresomeofthem（andthatdamselwasone），whocamebacktothesea-shorefromtimetotimealldaylong;andevenwhenthesunwasdowntheylookedseawardundertherisingmoon，expectingtoseeHallblithe’sbarkcomeintotheshiningpathwhichshedrewacrossthewatersroundabouttheGlitteringLand。
CHAPTERXX：SONOWSAILETHHALLBLITHEAWAYFROMTHEGLITTERINGPLAIN
ButastoHallblithe，hesoonlostsightoftheGlitteringPlainandthemountainsthereof，andtherewasnoughtbutseaallroundabouthim，andhisheartswelledwithjoyashesniffedthebrineandwatchedthegleaminghillsandvalleysoftherestlessdeep;andhesaidtohimselfthathewasgoinghometohisKindredandtheRoofofhisFathersofoldtime。
Hestoodasnearduenorthashemight;butasthedaywore，thewindheadedhim，andhedeemeditnotwelltobeat，lestheshouldmakehisvoyageoverlong;soheranonwiththewindabeam，andhislittlecraftleaptmerrilyoverthesea-hillsunderthefresheningbreeze。
Thesunsetandthemoonandstarsshoneout，andhestillsailedon，anddurstnotsleep，saveasadogdoes，withoneeye。Atlastcamedawn，andasthelightgrewitwasafairdaywithafallingwind，andabrightsky，butitcloudedoverbeforesunset，andthewindfreshenedfromthenorthbyeast，and，wouldhe，wouldhenot，Hallblithemustrunbeforeitnight-long，tillatsunriseitfellagain，andalldaywastoolightforhimtomakemuchwaybeatingtonorthward;nordiditfreshentillafterthemoonwasrisensomewhileaftersunset。Andnowhewassowearythathemustneedssleep;sohelashedthehelm，andtookareefinthesail，andranbeforethewind，hesleepinginthestern。
Butpastthemiddleofthenight，towardsthedawning，heawokewiththesoundofagreatshoutinhisears。Sohelookedoverthedarkwaters，andsawnought，forthenightwascloudyagain。Thenhetrimmedhiscraft，andwenttosleepagain，forhewasover-burdenedwithslumber。
Whenheawokeitwasbroaddaylight;sohelookedtothetillerandgottheboat’sheadalittleuptothewind，andthengazedabouthimwiththesleepstillinhiseyes。Andashiseyestookinthepicturebeforehimhecouldnotrefrainacry;forlo！therearoseupgreatandgrimrightaheadtheblackcliffsoftheIsleofRansom。
Straightwayhegottothesheet，andstrovetoweartheboat;butforallthathecoulddoshedriftedtowardtheland，forshewasgottenintoastrongcurrentoftheseathatsetshoreward。Sohestrucksail，andtooktheoarsandrowedmightilysothathemightbearheroffshore;butitavailednothing，andstillhedriftedlandward。Sohestoodupfromtheoars，andturnedaboutandlooked，andsawthathewasbutsomethreefurlongsfromtheshore，andthathewascometotheveryhaven-mouthwhencehehadsetsailwiththeSea-eagleatwelvemonthago：andheknewthatintothathavenheneedsmustgethim，orbedashedtopiecesagainstthehighcliffsoftheland：andhesawhowthewavesranontothecliffs，andwhilesonehigherthantheotherssmotetherock-wallandranupit，asifitcouldclimboverontothegrassylipbeyond，andthenfellbackagain，leavingariverofbrinerunningdownthesteep。
Thenhesaidthathewouldtakewhatmightbefallhiminsidethehaven。Sohehoistedsailagain，andtookthetiller，andsteeredrightforthemidmostofthegatebetweentherocks，wonderingwhatshouldawaithimthere。Thenitwasbutafewminuteserehisbarkshotintothesmoothnessofthehaven，andpresentlybegantoloseway;forallthewindwasdeadwithinthatland-lockedwater。
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