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。
