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