,! ,/ORY ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 ,OR ,! ,L& ( ,LIV+ ,M5 

,PEOPLE 3 

,AU?OR 3 ,WILLIAM ,MORRIS 

,SECTIONS 7,T,O,C7 3 
     

O ,9TRODUCTION 

      #gfb ,WORDS2 #d1#g#c ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #a 3 ,( ,?OSE ,?REE ,:O ,CAME ,TO ,! ,H\SE ,( ,! ,RAV5 

      #gda ,WORDS2 #c1#i#e#e ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #b 3 ,EVIL ,TID+S ,COME ,TO ,H& ,AT ,CLEVEL& 

      #a1#b#i#e ,WORDS2 #f1#g#c#g ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #c 3 ,! ,W>RIORS ,( ,! ,RAV5 ,SE>* ,! ,SEAS 

      #fce ,WORDS2 #c1#d#a#g ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #d 3 ,N[ ,HALLBLI! ,TAKE? ,! ,SEA 

      #ggi ,WORDS2 #d1#a#a#b ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #e 3 ,!Y ,COME ,UNTO ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

      #c1#e#c#g ,WORDS2 #a#h1#e#a#h ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #f 3 ,( ,A ,DWELL+ ,( ,MAN ,ON ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

      #b1#b#g#h ,WORDS2 #a#b1#c#i ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #g 3 ,A ,FEA/ ,9 ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

      #c1#a#i#b ,WORDS2 #a#g1#f#h#a ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #h 3 ,HALLBLI! ,TAKE? ,%IP ,AGA9 ,AWAY ,FROM ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

      #a1#a#b#e ,WORDS2 #f1#e#a ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #i 3 ,!Y ,COME ,TO ,! ,L& ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

      #b1#f#f#d ,WORDS2 #a#d1#d#g ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #a 3 ,!Y ,HOLD ,CONV]SE ,) ,FOLK ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

      #a1#e#e#d ,WORDS2 #h1#e#d#f ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #aa 3 ,! ,SEA-,EAGLE ,R5EWE? ,HIS ,LIFE 

      #a1#e#e#c ,WORDS2 #h1#c#d#i ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ab 3 ,!Y ,LOOK ,ON ,! ,K+ ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

      #a1#f#c#b ,WORDS2 #h1#g#f#d ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ac 3 ,HALLBLI! ,BEHOLDE? ,! ,WOMAN ,:O ,LOVE? ,HIM 

      #a1#h#e#g ,WORDS2 #i1#i#c#b ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ad 3 ,HALLBLI! ,HAS ,SPEE* ,) ,! ,K+ ,AGA9 

      #a1#i#d#e ,WORDS2 #a1#c#e#a ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ae 3 ,YET ,HALLBLI! ,SPEAKE? ,) ,! ,K+ 

      #a1#a#d ,WORDS2 #f1#c#c#c ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #af 3 ,?OSE ,?REE ,GO ,!IR ,WAYS ,TO ,! ,$GE ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

      #a1#g#i#d ,WORDS2 #i1#h#a#g ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ag 3 ,HALLBLI! ,AMONG/ ,! ,M\NTA9S 

      #c1#c#f#d ,WORDS2 #a#h1#a#b#a ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ah 3 ,HALLBLI! ,DWELLE? ,9 ,! ,WOOD ,ALONE 

      #a1#h#a#g ,WORDS2 #a1#i#e ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ai 3 ,HALLBLI! ,BUILDS ,HIM ,A ,SKIFF 

      #b1#d#f ,WORDS2 #a#b1#h#e#f ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #b 3 ,SO ,N[ ,SAILE? ,HALLBLI! ,AWAY ,FROM ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

      #c1#g#a#d ,WORDS2 #a#i1#e#f#i ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #ba 3 ,( ,! ,FI<T ,( ,! ,*AMPIONS ,9 ,! ,HALL ,( ,! ,RAVAG]S 

      #d1#i#i#h ,WORDS2 #b#f1#h#b ,*>ACT]S     

O ,*APT] #bb 3 ,!Y ,GO ,FROM ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM ,& ,COME ,TO ,CLEVEL& ,BY ,! ,SEA 

      #b1#e#i#f ,WORDS2 #a#d1#c#d ,*>ACT]S 

,SECTIONS 7,CONT5T7 3 

O ,9TRODUCTION 

,! ,/ORY ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 WAS WRITT5 IMM$IATELY AFT]1 OR P]HAPS 
EV5 9 P>ALLEL )1 ,NEWS FROM ,NO:]E4 ,IT 
WAS ,MORRIS'S FIR/ NOVEL TO BE WRITT5 AFT] LEAV+ ! ,SOCIALI/ ,LEAGUE1 
& ! FIR/ TO BE PR9T$ BY ,MORRIS'S NEW V5TURE1 ! ,KELMSCOTT ,PRESS1 
AFT] S]IALIZATION 9 ! ,5GLI% ,ILLU/RAT$ ,MAGAZ9E 7,VOL4 #g7 ( #a#h#i4 

,SET 9 ! LATE ,D>K ,AGES1 ! ,/ORY ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 FOLL[S 9 
*RONOLOGICAL SEQU5CE FROM ,! ,H\SE ( ! ,WOLF+S1 ,! ,ROOTS ( ! ,M\NTA9 & ! UNCOMPLET$ ,/ORY ( ,DESID]IUS1 BUT IS 9 ALMO/ EV]Y WAY 
UNLIKE !M1 COMB9+ ! !MES ( ! NOVELLAS ( ,MORRIS'S Y\? 7EG4 ,! ,HOLL[ ,L&7 ) QUE/IONS FIR/ RAIS$ 9 ,NEWS FROM ,NO:]E4   

,! /ORY BEG9S & 5DS 9 ,CLEVEL&1 9 ! NOR? ( ,5GL&1 BUT  
! BULK ( IT IS 
SET 9 ! ISL&S ( ! NOR?4 ,IT IS ! MO/ ,ICEL&IC ( ALL ,MORRIS'S  
NOVELS - ,ICEL&IC 9 /YLE1 LACONIC & FULL ( WORD-PLAY1 & ,ICEL&IC 
9 CONT5TS1 C5T]$ ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 ( ,ICEL&IC MY?1 :]E ! 
OLD >E MADE Y\NG & ! RUL]'S TRUE NAME MAY NOT BE SPOK54 

,MO/ ,ICEL&IC SAGAS BEG9 ) ! BRIEFE/ ( DESCRIPTIONS ( ! MA9 
*>ACT]S1 LEAV+ ! READ] TO MAKE UP HIS_/H] [N M9D AB\T !IR 
P]SONALITIES FROM !IR ACTIONS2 ! ,/ORY ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 IS NO 
EXCEPTION3 

,!RE WAS ONCE A Y\NG MAN ( FREE K9DR$ & :OSE NAME WAS ,HALLBLI!3 HE 
WAS FAIR1 /RONG1 & NOT UNTRI$ 9 BATTLE4 

,BUT APPE>ANCES >E DECEPTIVE3 :ILE BO? /YLE & DETAIL >E ,ICEL&IC1 
! PLOT IS NOT4 ,! /ORY ( A DESC5T TO ,HADES 9 SE>* ( A LO/ LOV] 
IS C]TA9LY NOT NEW1 ?\< ! TWI/ ?AT %E TURNS \T NOT TO BE !RE IS 
 - & C\LD BE SE5 AS A BELAT$ RESPONSE TO ,ROSSETTI'S 9SI/5T PA9T+  
( ,MORRIS'S WIFE ,JANE AS ,PROS]P9E1 IMPLICITLY CA/+ ,MORRIS AS ,PLUTO4 
,ABOVE ALL1 ! ,/ORY ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 PRES5TS ,HALLBLI! ) A  
*OICE BETWE5 TWO WAYS ( LIFE2 A *OICE HE MAKES )\T HESITATION4 
,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 (F]S HIM ?\<TLESS 9DIVIDUAL LOVE1 & !  
POSSIBILITY ( LIV+ =EV] )\T WORK2 AS ! K+ TELLS HIM 

0,9 ?IS L& NO MAN HA? A LACK :I* HE MAY NOT SATISFY )\T TAK+ 
AU<T FROM ANY O!R04 

,BUT ! RESULTS ( SU* A LIFE >E VISIBLE ALL >\ND HIM2 ! LOSS ( 
ANY NE$ TO /RIVE TO LIVE RESULTS 9 AN EXI/5CE )\T MEAN+1 :]E 
PEOPLE LOSE !IR NE$ = CURIOSITY1 = MEMORY1 & SO !IR HUMANITY4  
,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 IS ! DY/OPIAN SIDE ( ,NEWS FROM ,NO:]E TAK5 TO ITS  
CONCLUSION2 NOT SO 
F> FROM ,BRAVE ,NEW ,WORLD1 ?\< T]RIBLE EV5 )\T ! IMPLICIT 
CONDEMNATION ( ! ,GAMMAS4 ,?IS DY/OPIA H[EV] HAS A SIMPLE1 ?\< NOT 
IMM$IATELY OBVI\S1 ESCAPE R\TE3 ONCE ,HALLBLI!'S /RUGGLE TO ESCAPE 
FROM ! ,GLITTL]+ ,PLA9S HAS BECOME HIS WORK - MU* TO ! A/ONI%M5T 
( ! O!R 9HABITANTS - MEAN+ IS RE/OR$ TO HIM1 & HE IS FREE4  

 ,! ONE POSITIVE ASPECT ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9S W\LD SEEM TO BE ESCAPE 
FROM DEA?3 DEA? & IMAGES ( DEA? =M AN UND]CURR5T ?R\< ! 5TIRE 
BOOK1 ) ,HALLBLI! HIMSELF '( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV5'1 ! BIRD ( DEA? 
9 BATTLE4 ,IT IS ! K+'S DAU<T] :O TELLS ! REALITY ( ?IS ESCAPE3 

,& ,I ! DAU<T] ( ! ,UNDY+1 ON :OM ! DAYS %ALL GR[ & GR[ AS 
! GRA9S ( S& :I* ! W9D HEAPS UP ABOVE ! SEA BEA*4 ,& LIFE %ALL 
GR[ HUG] & MORE HIDE\S R\ND AB\T ! LONELY ONE1 LIKE ! L+-WORM 
LAID UPON ! GOLD1 ?AT WAXE? !REBY1 TILL IT LIES ALL >\ND AB\T ! 
H\SE ( ! QUE5 5TRAPP$1 ! MOVELESS UN5D+ R+ ( ! YE>S ?AT 
*ANGE NOT4 

,A GRE$ = ET]NAL LIFE IS JU/ ?AT - GRE$4 ,HALLBLI!'S *OICE ( LIFE ) 
/RUGGLE & H>D%IP1 ( LOVE ?AT COMES ) SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS1 &1 9 
! 5D1 ( DEA?1 IS ! ONLY ONE POSSIBLE = HIM OR ANY HUMAN4 ,?IS IS  
NOT ! CONCLUSION ,MORRIS HAD REA*$ 9 HIS Y\?1 :]E HIS H]O'S ONLY 
GOAL IS TO F9D & RE-F9D !  
,HOLL[ ,L& 7! EQUIVAL5T ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9S 9 ,5GLI% FOLK-TALE71 
& IT IS AN UNCOM=TABLE CONCLUSION = ANYONE :O TAKES ,NEWS FROM ,NO:]E 
S]I\SLY AS ,MORRIS'S DESCRIPTION ( A POSSIBLE FUTURE2 BUT IT IS A CONCLUSION 
,MORRIS RETURNS TO REPEAT$LY 9 HIS LAT] ROMANCES4 

      ,9TRODUCTION BY ,GRAHAM ,SEAMAN1 #a#i? ,M>* #b#c4 ,X,H,T,M,L V]SION CREAT$ BY ,GRAHAM ,SEAMAN1 D]IV$ FROM ! TEXT FILE PREP>$ = ,PROJECT ,GUT5B]G FROM ! #aiac ,LONGMANS1 ,GRE51 & ,CO4 $ITION BY ,DAVID ,PRICE4 

O ,*APT] #a 3 ,( ,?OSE ,?REE ,:O ,CAME ,TO ,! ,H\SE ,( ,! ,RAV5 

,IT HAS BE5 TOLD ?AT !RE WAS ONCE A Y\NG MAN ( FREE K9DR$ & :OSE NAME WAS ,HALLBLI!3  HE WAS FAIR1 /RONG1 & NOT UNTRI$ 9 BATTLE2 HE WAS ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV5 ( OLD TIME4  

,?IS MAN LOV$ AN EXCE$+ FAIR DAMSEL CALL$ ! ,HO/AGE1 :O WAS ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE1 :]E9 IT WAS RI<T & DUE ?AT ! M5 ( ! ,RAV5 %\LD W$4  

,%E LOV$ HIM NO LESS1 & NO MAN ( ! K9DR$ GA9SAID !IR LOVE1 & !Y W]E TO BE W$D$ ON ,MIDSUMM] ,NI<T4  

,BUT ONE DAY ( E>LY SPR+1 :5 ! DAYS W]E YET %ORT & ! NI<TS LONG1 ,HALLBLI! SAT BE=E ! POR* ( ! H\SE SMOO?+ AN A% /AVE = HIS SPE>1 & HE HE>D ! S\ND ( HORSE-HO(S DRAW+ NI<1 & HE LOOK$ UP & SAW FOLK RID+ T[>D ! H\SE1 & SO PRES5TLY !Y RODE ?R\< ! G>? GATE2 & !RE WAS NO MAN BUT HE AB\T ! H\SE1 SO HE ROSE UP & W5T TO MEET !M1 & HE SAW ?AT !Y W]E BUT ?REE 9 COMPANY3  !Y HAD WEAPONS ) !M1 & !IR HORSES W]E ( ! BE/2 BUT !Y W]E NO FELL[%IP = A MAN TO BE AFRAID (2 = TWO ( !M W]E OLD & FEEBLE1 & ! ?IRD WAS D>K & SAD1 & DROOP+ ( ASPECT3  IT SEEM$ AS IF !Y HAD RIDD5 F> & FA/1 = !IR SPURS W]E BLOODY & !IR HORSES ALL A-SWEAT4  

,HALLBLI! HAIL$ !M K9DLY & SAID3  0,YE >E WAY-WORN1 & MAYBE YE HAVE TO RIDE FUR!R2 SO LI<T D[N & COME 9TO ! H\SE1 & TAKE BITE & SUP1 & HAY & CORN ALSO = Y\R HORSES2 & !N IF YE NE$S MU/ RIDE ON Y\R WAY1 DEP>T :5 YE >E RE/$2 OR ELSE IF YE MAY1 !N ABIDE H]E NI<T-LONG1 & GO Y\R WAYS TO-MORR[1 & MEANTIME ?AT :I* IS \RS %ALL BE Y\RS1 & ALL %ALL BE FREE TO Y\40  

,!N SPAKE ! OLDE/ ( ! ELD]S 9 A HI< PIP+ VOICE & SAID3 0,Y\NG MAN1 WE ?ANK !E2 BUT ?\< ! DAYS ( ! SPR+TIDE >E WAX+1 ! H\RS ( \R LIVES >E WAN+2 NOR MAY WE ABIDE UNLESS ?\ CAN/ TRULY TELL US ?AT ?IS IS ! ,L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA93  & IF ?AT BE SO1 !N DELAY NOT1 LEAD US TO ?Y LORD1 & P]HAPS HE WILL MAKE US CONT5T40  

,SPAKE HE :O WAS SOME:AT LESS /RICK5 9 YE>S ?AN ! FIR/3 0,?ANKS HAVE ?\6 BUT WE NE$ SOME?+ MORE ?AN MEAT & DR9K1 TO WIT ! ,L& ( ,LIV+ ,M54  ,& ,OH6 BUT ! TIME PRESSES40  

,SPAKE ! SAD & SORRY C>LE3  0,WE SEEK ! ,L& :]E ! DAYS >E MANY3  SO MANY ?AT HE :O HA? =GOTT5 H[ TO LAU<1 MAY LE>N ! CRAFT AGA91 & =GET ! DAYS ( ,SORR[40  

,!N !Y ALL ?REE CRI$ AL\D & SAID3  

0,IS ?IS ! ,L&8  ,IS ?IS ! ,L&80  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! WOND]$1 & HE LAU<$ & SAID3  0,WAYF>]S1 LOOK UND] ! SUN D[N ! PLA9 :I* LIE? BETWIXT ! M\NTA9S & ! SEA1 & YE %ALL BEHOLD ! MEAD[S ALL GLEAM+ ) ! SPR+ LILIES2 YET DO WE NOT CALL ?IS ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 BUT ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA4  ,H]E M5 DIE :5 !IR H\R COMES1 NOR KN[ ,I IF ! DAYS ( !IR LIFE BE LONG 5\< = ! =GETT+ ( SORR[2 = ,I AM Y\NG & NOT YET A YOKEFELL[ ( SORR[2 BUT ?IS ,I KN[1 ?AT !Y >E LONG 5\< = ! DO+ ( DE$S ?AT %ALL NOT DIE4  ,& AS = ,LORD1 ,I KN[ NOT ?IS WORD1 = H]E DWELL WE1 ! SONS ( ! ,RAV51 9 GOOD FELL[%IP1 ) \R WIVES ?AT WE HAVE W$D$1 & \R MO!RS :O HAVE BORNE US1 & \R SI/]S :O S]VE US4  ,AGA9 ,I BID Y\ LI<T D[N (F Y\R HORSES1 & EAT & DR9K1 & BE M]RY2 & DEP>T :5 YE WILL1 TO SEEK :AT L& YE WILL40  

,!Y SC>CE LOOK$ ON HIM1 BUT CRI$ \T TOGE!R M\RNFULLY3  

0,?IS IS NOT ! ,L&6  ,?IS IS NOT ! ,L&60  

,NO MORE ?AN ?AT !Y SAID1 BUT TURN$ AB\T !IR HORSES & RODE \T ?R\< ! G>? GATE1 & W5T CLATT]+ UP ! ROAD ?AT L$ TO ! PASS ( ! M\NTA9S4  ,BUT ,HALLBLI! HE>K5$ WOND]+1 TILL ! S\ND ( !IR HORSE-HO(S DI$ AWAY1 & !N TURN$ BACK TO HIS WORK3  & IT WAS !N TWO H\RS AFT] HI<-NOON4  

O ,*APT] #b 3 ,EVIL ,TID+S ,COME ,TO ,H& ,AT ,CLEVEL& 

,NOT LONG HAD HE WORK$ ]E HE HE>D ! S\ND ( HORSEHO(S ONCE MORE1 & HE LOOK$ NOT UP1 BUT SAID TO HIMSELF1 0,IT IS BUT ! LADS BR++ BACK ! TEAMS FROM ! ACRES1 & RID+ FA/ & DRIV+ H>D = JOY ( HE>T & 9 WANTONNESS ( Y\?40  

,BUT ! S\ND GREW NE>] & HE LOOK$ UP & SAW OV] ! TURF WALL ( ! G>? ! FLUTT] ( :ITE RAIM5T2 & HE SAID3  

0,NAY1 IT IS ! MAID5S COM+ BACK FROM ! SEA%ORE & ! GA!R+ ( WRACK40  

,SO HE SET HIMSELF ! H>D] TO HIS WORK1 & LAU<$1 ALL ALONE AS HE WAS1 & SAID3  0,%E IS ) !M3  N[ ,I WILL NOT LOOK UP AGA9 TILL !Y HAVE RIDD5 9TO ! G>?1 & %E HAS COME FROM AMONG !M1 & LEAP$ (F H] HORSE1 & CA/ H] >MS AB\T MY NECK AS H] WONT IS2 & IT WILL REJOICE H] !N TO MOCK ME ) H>D WORDS & K9D VOICE & LONG+ HE>T2 & ,I %ALL LONG = H] & KISS H]1 & SWEET %ALL ! COM+ DAYS SEEM TO US3  & ! DAU<T]S ( \R FOLK %ALL LOOK ON & BE K9D & BLI! ) US40  

,!RE) RODE ! MAID5S 9TO ! G>?1 BUT HE HE>D NO S\ND ( LAU<T] OR M]RIM5T AMONG !M1 :I* WAS CONTR>Y TO !IR WONT2 & HIS HE>T FELL1 & IT WAS AS IF 9/EAD ( ! MAID5S' LAU<T] ! VOICES ( ?OSE WAYF>]S CAME BACK UPON ! W9D CRY+ \T1 0,IS ?IS ! ,L&8  ,IS ?IS ! ,L&80  

,!N HE LOOK$ UP HA/ILY1 & SAW ! MAID5S DRAW+ NE>1 T5 ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV51 & ?REE ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE2 & HE BEHELD !M ?AT !IR FACES W]E PALE & WOE-BEGONE1 & !IR RAIM5T R5T1 & !RE WAS NO JOY 9 !M4  ,HALLBLI! /OOD A<A/ :ILE ONE :O HAD GOTT5 (F H] HORSE 7& %E WAS ! DAU<T] ( HIS [N MO!R7 RAN PA/ HIM 9TO ! HALL1 LOOK+ NOT AT HIM1 AS IF %E DUR/ NOT3  & ANO!R RODE (F SWIFTLY TO ! HORSE-/ALLS4 ,BUT ! O!RS1 LEAV+ !IR HORSES1 DREW R\ND AB\T HIM1 & = A :ILE NONE DUR/ UTT] A WORD2 & HE /OOD GAZ+ AT !M1 ) ! SPOKE-%AVE 9 HIS H&1 HE ALSO SIL5T2 = HE SAW ?AT ! ,HO/AGE WAS NOT ) !M1 & HE KNEW ?AT N[ HE WAS ! YOKEFELL[ ( SORR[4  

,AT LA/ HE SPOKE G5TLY & 9 A K9D VOICE1 & SAID3  0,TELL ME1 SI/]S1 :AT EVIL HA? BEFALL5 US1 EV5 IF IT BE ! DEA? ( A DE> FRI5D1 & ! ?+ ?AT MAY NOT BE AM5D$40  

,!N SPOKE A FAIR WOMAN ( ! ,ROSE1 :OSE NAME WAS ,BRI<TL+1 & SAID3  0,HALLBLI!1 IT IS NOT ( DEA? ?AT WE HAVE TO TELL1 BUT ( SUND]+1 :I* MAY YET BE AM5D$4  ,WE W]E ON ! S& ( ! SEA NI< ! ,%IP-/EAD & ! ,ROLL]S ( ! ,RAV51 & WE W]E GA!R+ ! WRACK & PLAY+ TOGE!R2 & WE SAW A R\ND-%IP NI< TO %ORE LY+ ) H] %EET SLACK1 & H] SAIL BEAT+ ! MA/2 BUT WE DEEM$ IT TO BE NONE O!R ?AN SOME B>K ( ! ,FI%- BIT]S1 & ?\<T NO H>M !RE(1 BUT W5T ON RUNN+ & PLAY+ AMID ! LITTLE WAVES ?AT FELL ON ! S&1 & ! RIPPLES ?AT CURL$ >\ND \R FEET4  ,AT LA/ !RE CAME A SMALL BOAT FROM ! SIDE ( ! R\ND-%IP1 & R[$ 9 T[>D %ORE1 & /ILL WE FE>$ NOT1 ?\< WE DREW A LITTLE ABACK FROM ! SURF & LET FALL \R G[N-HEMS4  ,BUT ! CREW ( ?AT BOAT BEA*$ H] CLOSE TO :]E WE /OOD1 & CAME HA/ILY WAD+ ! SURF T[>DS US2 & WE SAW ?AT !Y W]E TWELVE WEAPON$ M51 GREAT1 & GRIM1 & ALL CLAD 9 BLACK RAIM5T4  ,!N 9DE$ W]E WE AFRAID1 & WE TURN$ AB\T & FL$ UP ! BEA*2 BUT N[ IT WAS TOO LATE1 = ! TIDE WAS AT MORE ?AN HALF EBB & LONG WAS ! WAY OV] ! S& TO ! PLACE :]E WE HAD LEFT \R HORSES TI$ AMONG ! TAM>ISK-BU%ES4  ,NEV]!LESS WE RAN1 & HAD GOTT5 UP TO ! PEBBLE-BEA* BE=E !Y RAN 9 AMONG US3  & !Y CAU<T US1 & CA/ US D[N ON TO ! H>D /ONES4  

0,!N !Y MADE US SIT 9 A R[ ON A RIDGE ( ! PEBBLES2 & WE W]E SORE AFRAID1 YET MORE = DEFILEM5T AT !IR H&S ?AN = DEA?2 = !Y W]E EVIL-LOOK+ M5 EXCE$+ F\L ( FAVOR4  ,!N SAID ONE ( !M3  ',:I* ( ALL Y\ MAID5S IS ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE8'  

0,!N ALL WE KEPT SIL5CE1 = WE W\LD NOT BETRAY H]4  ,BUT ! EVIL MAN SPAKE AGA93  ',*OOSE YE !N :E!R WE %ALL TAKE ONE1 OR ALL ( Y\ ACROSS ! WAT]S 9 \R BLACK %IP4'  ,YET /ILL WE O!RS SPAKE NOT1 TILL >OSE ?Y BELOV$1 ,O ,HALLBLI!1 & SAID3  

0',LET IT BE ONE !N1 & NOT ALL2 = ,I AM ! ,HO/AGE4'  

0',H[ %ALT ?\ MAKE US SURE !RE(8' SAID ! EVIL C>LE4  

0,%E LOOK$ ON HIM PR\DLY & SAID3  ',BECAUSE ,I SAY IT4'  

0',WILT ?\ SWE> IT8' SAID HE4  

0',YEA1' SAID %E1 ',I SWE> IT BY ! TOK5 ( ! ,H\SE :]E9 ,I %ALL W$2 BY ! W+S ( ! ,F[L ?AT SEEKE? ! ,FIELD ( ,SLAY+4'  

0',IT IS 5\<1' SAID ! MAN1 'COME ?\ ) US4  ,& YE MAID5S SIT YE !RE1 & MOVE NOT TILL WE HAVE MADE WAY ON \R %IP1 UNLESS YE W\LD FEEL ! PO9T ( ! >R[4  ,= YE >E )9 B[%OT ( ! %IP1 & WE HAVE %OT WEAPONS ABO>D4'  

0,SO ! ,HO/AGE DEP>T$ ) !M1 & %E UNWEEP+1 BUT WE WEPT SORELY4  ,& WE SAW ! SMALL BOAT COME UP TO ! SIDE ( ! R\ND- %IP1 & ! ,HO/AGE GO+ OV] ! GUNWALE ALONG ) ?OSE EVIL M51 & WE HE>D ! HALE & H[ ( ! M>9]S AS !Y DREW UP ! AN*OR & %EET$ HOME2 & !N ! SWEEPS CAME \T & ! %IP BEGAN TO MOVE OV] ! SEA4  ,& ONE ( ?OSE EVIL-M9D$ M5 B5T HIS B[ & %OT A %AFT AT US1 BUT IT FELL F> %ORT ( :]E WE SAT1 & ! LAU< ( ?OSE RUNAGATES CAME OV] ! S&S TO US4 ,SO WE CREPT UP ! BEA* TREMBL+1 & !N ROSE TO \R FEET & GOT TO \R HORSES1 & RODE HI!R SPE$ILY1 & \R HE>TS >E BROK5 = ?Y SORR[40  

,AT ?AT WORD CAME ,HALLBLI!'S [N SI/] \T FROM ! HALL2 & %E BORE WEAPONS ) H]1 TO WIT ,HALLBLI!'S SWORD & %IELD & HELM & HAUB]K4  ,AS = HIM HE TURN$ BACK SIL5TLY TO HIS WORK1 & SET ! /EEL ( ! SPE> ON ! NEW A%5 %AFT1 & TOOK ! HAMM] & SMOTE ! NAIL 91 & LAID ! WEAPON ON A R\ND PEBBLE ?AT WAS !REBY1 & CL5*$ ! NAIL ON ! O!R SIDE4  ,!N HE LOOK$ AB\T1 & SAW ?AT ! O!R DAMSEL HAD BR\<T HIM HIS COAL-BLACK W>-HORSE READY SADDL$ & BRIDL$2 !N HE DID ON HIS >MOR1 & GIRT HIS SWORD TO HIS SIDE & LEAP$ 9TO ! SADDLE1 & TOOK HIS NEW-%AFT$ SPE> 9 H& & %OOK ! RE94  ,BUT NONE ( ALL ?OSE DAMSELS DUR/ SAY A WORD TO HIM OR ASK HIM :I!R HE W5T1 = !Y FE>$ HIS FACE1 & ! SORR[ ( HIS HE>T4  ,SO HE GOT HIM \T ( ! G>? & TURN$ T[>D ! SEA-%ORE1 & !Y SAW ! GLITT] ( HIS SPE>-PO9T A M9UTE OV] ! TURF-WALL1 & HE>D ! CLATT] ( HIS HORSE-HO(S AS HE GALLOP$ OV] ! H>D WAY2 & ?US HE DEP>T$4  

O ,*APT] #c 3 ,! ,W>RIORS ,( ,! ,RAV5 ,SE>* ,! ,SEAS 

,!N ! WOM5 BE?\<T !M1 & !Y SPAKE A WORD OR TWO TOGE!R1 & !N !Y SUND]$ & W5T ONE ?IS WAY & ONE ?AT1 TO GA!R TOGE!R ! W>RIORS ( ! ,RAV5 :O W]E A-FIELD1 OR ON ! WAY1 NI< UNTO ! H\SE1 ?AT !Y MI<T FOLL[ ,HALLBLI! D[N TO ! SEA-%ORE & HELP HIM2 AFT] A :ILE !Y CAME BACK AGA9 BY ONE & TWO & ?REE1 BR++ ) !M ! WRA?FUL Y\NG M52 & :5 !RE WAS UPW>D ( A SCORE GA!R$ 9 ! G>? >M$ & HORS$1 !Y RODE !IR WAYS TO ! SEA1 BE+ M9D$ TO ?RU/ A LONG-%IP ( ! ,RAV5S \T OV] ! ,ROLL]S 9TO ! SEA1 & FOLL[ ! /RONG-?IEVES ( ! WAT]S & BR+ A-BACK ! ,HO/AGE1 SO ?AT !Y MI<T 5D ! SORR[ AT ONCE1 & E/ABLI% JOY ONCE MORE 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV5 & ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE4  ,BUT !Y HAD ) !M ?REE LADS ( FIFTE5 W9T]S OR !REAB\TS TO LEAD !IR HORSES BACK HOME AGA91 :5 !Y %\LD HAVE GONE UP ON TO ! ,HORSE ( ! ,BR9E4  

,?US !N !Y DEP>T$1 & ! MAID5S /OOD 9 ! G>?-GATE TILL !Y LO/ SI<T ( !M BEH9D ! S&HILLS1 & !N TURN$ BACK SORR[FULLY 9TO ! H\SE1 & SAT !RE TALK+ L[ ( !IR SORR[4  ,& MANY A TIME !Y HAD TO TELL !IR TALE ANEW1 AS FOLK CAME 9TO ! HALL ONE AFT] ANO!R FROM FIELD & FELL4  ,BUT ! Y\NG M5 CAME D[N TO ! SEA1 & F\ND ,HALLBLI!'S BLACK HORSE /RAY+ AB\T AMONG ! TAM>ISK-BU%ES ABOVE ! BEA*2 & !Y LOOK$ !NCE OV] ! S&1 & SAW NEI!R ,HALLBLI! NOR ANY MAN3 & !Y GAZ$ \T SEAW>D1 & SAW NEI!R %IP NOR SAIL ON ! B>R5 BR9E4  ,!N !Y W5T D[N ON TO ! S&1 & SUND]$ !IR FELL[%IP1 & W5T HALF ONE WAY1 HALF ! O!R1 BETWIXT ! S&HILLS & ! SURF1 :]E N[ ! TIDE WAS FL[+1 TILL ! NESSES ( ! EA/ & ! WE/1 ! HORNS ( ! BAY1 /AY$ !M4 ,!N !Y MET TOGE!R AGA9 BY ! ,ROLL]S1 :5 ! SUN WAS )9 AN H\R ( SETT+4  ,!RE & !N !Y LAID H& TO ?AT %IP :I* IS CALL$ ! ,SEAMEW1 & !Y RAN H] D[N OV] ! ,ROLL]S 9TO ! WAVES1 & LEAP$ ABO>D & HOI/$ SAIL1 & RAN \T ! O>S & PUT TO SEA2 & A LITTLE W9D WAS BL[+ SEAW>D FROM ! GATES ( ! M\NTA9S BEH9D !M4  

,SO !Y QU>T]$ ! SEA-PLA91 AS ! KE/REL DO? ! WAT]- MEAD[S1 TILL ! NI<T FELL ON !M1 & WAS CL\DY1 ?\< :ILES ! WAD+ MOON %ONE \T2 & !Y HAD SE5 NO?+1 NEI!R SAIL NOR %IP1 NOR AU<T ELSE ON ! B>R5 BR9E1 SAVE ! WA%+ ( WAVES & ! HOV]+ ( SEA-F[L4  ,SO !Y LAY-TO \TSIDE ! HORNS ( ! BAY & AWAIT$ ! DAWN+4  ,& :5 MORN+ WAS COME !Y MADE WAY AGA91 & SE>*$ ! SEA1 & SAIL$ TO ! \T-SK]RIES1 & SE>*$ !M ) C>E2 !N !Y SAIL$ 9TO ! MA9 & F>$ HI!R & ?I!R & UP & D[N3  & ?IS !Y DID = EI<T DAYS1 & 9 ALL ?AT TIME !Y SAW NO %IP NOR SAIL1 SAVE ?REE B>KS ( ! ,FI%-BIT]S NI< TO ! ,SK]RY :I* IS CALL$ ,MEW- /ONE4  

,SO !Y F>$ HOME TO ! ,RAV5 ,BAY1 & LAID !IR KEEL ON ! ,ROLL]S1 & SO W5T !IR WAYS SADLY1 HOME TO ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV53  & !Y DEEM$ ?AT = ?IS TIME !Y C\LD DO NO MORE 9 SEEK+ !IR VALIANT K9SMAN & HIS FAIR DAMSEL4  ,& !Y W]E V]Y SORRY2 = !SE TWO W]E WELL-BELOV$ ( ALL M54  ,BUT S9CE !Y MI<T NOT AM5D IT1 !Y ABODE 9 PEACE1 AWAIT+ :AT ! *ANGE ( DAYS MI<T BR+ !M4  

O ,*APT] #d 3 ,N[ ,HALLBLI! ,TAKE? ,! ,SEA 

,N[ MU/ IT BE TOLD ( ,HALLBLI! ?AT HE RODE FI]CELY D[N TO ! SEA-%ORE1 & FROM ! TOP ( ! BEA* HE GAZ$ AB\T HIM1 & !RE BEL[ HIM WAS ! ,%IP-/EAD & ,ROLL]S ( HIS K9DR$1 :]EON LAY ! ?REE LONG-%IPS1 ! ,SEAMEW1 & ! ,OSPREY & ! ,]NE4  ,HEAVY & HUGE !Y SEEM$ TO HIM AS !Y LAY !RE1 BLACK- SID$1 ICY-COLD ) ! WA%+ ( ! ,M>* WAVES1 !IR GOLD5 DRAGON-HEADS LOOK+ SEAW>D WI/FULLY4  ,BUT FIR/ HAD HE LOOK$ \T 9TO ! (F+1 & IT WAS ONLY :5 HE HAD LET HIS EYES COME BACK FROM :]E ! SEA & SKY MET1 & !Y HAD BEHELD NO?+ BUT ! WA/E ( WAT]S1 ?AT HE BEHELD ! ,%IP-/EAD CLOSELY2 & !RE) HE SAW :]E A LITTLE TO ! WE/ ( IT LAY A SKIFF1 :I* ! L[ WAVE ( ! TIDE LIFT$ & LET FALL FROM TIME TO TIME4  ,IT HAD A MA/1 & A BLACK SAIL HOI/$ !REON & FLAPP+ ) SLACK5$ %EET4  ,A MAN SAT 9 ! BOAT CLAD 9 BLACK RAIM5T1 & ! SUN SMOTE A GLEAM FROM ! HELM ON HIS HEAD4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! LEAP$ (F HIS HORSE1 & /RODE D[N ! S&S %\LD]+ HIS SPE>2 & :5 HE CAME NE> TO ! MAN 9 ! BOAT HE POIS$ HIS SPE> & %OOK IT & CRI$ \T3  0,MAN1 >T ?\ FRI5D OR FOE80  

,SAID ! MAN3  0,?\ >T A FAIR Y\NG MAN3  BUT !RE IS GRIEF 9 ?Y VOICE ALONG ) WRA?4  ,CA/ NOT TILL ?\ HA/ HE>D ME1 & MAY/ DEEM :E!R ,I MAY DO AU<T TO HEAL ?Y GRIEF40  

0,:AT MAY/ ?\ DO80 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0>T ?\ NOT A ROBB] ( ! SEA1 A H>RI] ( ! FOLKS ?AT DWELL 9 PEACE80  

,! MAN LAU<$3  0,YEA10 SAID HE1 0MY CRAFT IS ?IEV+ & C>RY+ (F ! DAU<T]S ( FOLK1 SO ?AT WE MAY HAVE A RANSOM = !M4 ,WILT ?\ COME OV] ! WAT]S ) ME80  

,HALLBLI! SAID WRA?FULLY3  

0,NAY1 RA!R1 COME ?\ A%ORE H]E6  ,?\ SEEME/ A BIG MAN1 & BELIKE %ALL BE GOOD ( ?9E H&S4  ,COME & FI<T ) ME2 & !N HE ( US :O IS VANQUI%$1 IF HE BE UNSLA91 %ALL S]VE ! O!R = A YE>1 & !N %ALT ?\ DO MY BUS9ESS 9 ! RANSOM+40  

,! MAN 9 ! BOAT LAU<$ AGA91 & ?AT SO SCORNFULLY ?AT HE ANG]$ ,HALLBLI! BEYOND MEASURE3  !N HE >OSE 9 ! BOAT & /OOD ON HIS FEET SWAY+ FROM SIDE TO SIDE AS HE LAU<$4  ,HE WAS PASS+ BIG1 LONG->M$ & BIG-HEAD$1 & LONG HAIR CAME FROM UND] HIS HELM LIKE ! TAIL ( A R$ HORSE2 HIS EYES W]E GRAY & GLEAM+1 & HIS M\? WIDE4  

,9 A :ILE HE /AY$ HIS LAU<T] & SAID3  0,O ,W>RIOR ( ! ,RAV51 ?IS W]E A SIMPLE GAME = !E TO PLAY2 ?\< IT IS NOT F> FROM MY M9D1 = FI<T+ :5 ,I NE$S MU/ W9 IS NO DULL WORK4  ,LOOK Y\1 IF ,I SLAY OR VANQUI% !E1 !N ALL IS SAID2 & IF BY SOME *ANCE /ROKE ?\ SLAYE/ ME1 !N IS ?9E ONLY HELP] 9 ?IS MATT] GONE FROM !E4  ,N[ TO BE %ORT1 ,I BID !E COME ABO>D TO ME IF ?\ W\LD/ EV] HE> ANO!R WORD ( ?Y DAMSEL BETRO!D4  ,& MOREOV] ?IS NE$ NOT H9D] !E TO FI<T ) ME IF ?\ HA/ A M9D TO IT !REAFT]2 = WE %ALL SOON COME TO A L& BIG 5\< = TWO TO /& ON4  ,OR IF ?\ LI/E/ TO FI<T 9 A BOAT ROCK+ ON ! WAVES1 ,I SEE NOT BUT !RE MAY BE MANHOOD 9 ?AT ALSO40  

,N[ WAS ! HOT WRA? SOME:AT RUN (F ,HALLBLI!1 NOR DUR/ HE LOSE ANY *ANCE TO HE> A WORD ( HIS BELOV$2 SO HE SAID3  0,BIG MAN1 ,I WILL COME ABO>D4  ,BUT LOOK ?\ TO IT1 IF ?\ HA/ A M9D TO BEWRAY ME2 = ! SONS ( ! ,RAV5 DIE H>D40  

0,WELL10 SAID ! BIG MAN1 0,I HAVE HE>D ?AT !IR M9/RELS >E ( MANY WORDS1 & ?9K ?AT !Y HAVE TALES TO TELL4  ,COME ABO>D & LOIT] NOT40  ,!N ,HALLBLI! WAD$ ! SURF & LI<TLY /RODE OV] ! GUNWALE ( ! SKIFF & SAT HIM D[N4  ,! BIG MAN ?RU/ \T 9TO ! DEEP & HAL$ HOME ! %EET2 BUT !RE WAS BUT LITTLE W9D4  

,!N SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,WILT ?\ HAVE ME R[1 = ,I WOT NOT :I!RW>D TO /E]80  

,SAID ! R$ C>LE3  0,MAYBE ?\ >T NOT 9 A HURRY2 ,I AM NOT3  DO AS ?\ WILT40  ,SO ,HALLBLI! TOOK ! O>S & R[$ MI<TILY1 :ILE ! ALI5 /E]$1 & !Y W5T SWIFTLY & LI<TLY OV] ! SEA1 & ! WAVES W]E LITTLE4  

O ,*APT] #e 3 ,!Y ,COME ,UNTO ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

,SO ! SUN GREW L[1 & IT SET2 ! />S & ! MOON %ONE A :ILE & !N IT CL\D$ OV]4  ,HALLBLI! /ILL R[$ & RE/$ NOT1 ?\< HE WAS WE>Y2 & ! BIG MAN SAT & /E]$1 & HELD HIS PEACE4  ,BUT :5 ! NI<T WAS GR[N OLD & IT WAS NOT F> FROM ! DAWN1 ! ALI5 SAID3  0,Y\NGL+ ( ! ,RAV5S1 N[ %ALT ?\ SLEEP & ,I WILL R[40  

,HALLBLI! WAS EXCE$+ WE>Y2 SO HE GAVE ! O>S TO ! ALI5 & LAY D[N 9 ! /]N & SLEPT4  ,& 9 HIS SLEEP HE DREAM$ ?AT HE WAS LY+ 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV51 & HIS SI/]S CAME TO HIM & SAID1 0,RISE UP N[1 ,HALLBLI!6 WILT ?\ BE A SLUGG>D ON ! DAY ( ?Y W$D+8  ,COME ?\ ) US TO ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE ?AT WE MAY BE> AWAY ! ,HO/AGE40  ,!N HE DREAM$ ?AT !Y DEP>T$1 & HE >OSE & CLAD HIMSELF3  BUT :5 HE W\LD HAVE GONE \T ( ! HALL1 !N WAS IT NO LONG] DAYLI<T1 BUT MOONLI<T1 & HE DREAM$ ?AT HE HAD DREAM$3  NEV]!LESS HE W\LD HAVE GONE ABROAD1 BUT MI<T NOT F9D ! DOOR2 SO HE SAID HE W\LD GO \T BY A W9D[2 BUT ! WALL WAS HI< & SMOO? 7QUITE O!R ?AN 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV51 :]E W]E L[ W9D[S ALL ALONG ONE AISLE71 NOR WAS !RE ANY WAY TO COME AT !M4  ,BUT HE DREAM$ ?AT HE WAS SO ABA%$ !REAT1 & HAD SU* A WEAKNESS ON HIM1 ?AT HE WEPT = PITY ( HIMSELF3  & HE W5T TO HIS B$ TO LIE D[N2 & LO6 !RE WAS NO B$ & NO HALL2 NAU<T BUT A HEA?1 WILD & WIDE1 & EMPTY UND] ! MOON4  ,& /ILL HE WEPT 9 HIS DREAM1 & HIS MANHOOD SEEM$ DEP>T$ FROM HIM1 & HE HE>D A VOICE CRY+ \T1 0,IS ?IS ! ,L&8  ,IS ?IS ! ,L&80  

,!RE)AL HE AWOKE1 & AS HIS EYES CLE>$ HE BEHELD ! BIG MAN R[+ & ! BLACK SAIL FLAPP+ AGA9/ ! MA/2 = ! W9D HAD FALL5 DEAD & !Y W]E F>+ ON OV] A LONG SMOO? SWELL ( ! SEA4  ,IT WAS BROAD DAYLI<T1 BUT R\ND AB\T !M WAS A ?ICK MI/1 :I* SEEM$ NONE ! LESS AS IF ! SUN W]E READY TO %9E ?R\< IT4  

,AS ,HALLBLI! CAU<T ! R$ MAN'S EYE1 HE SMIL$ & NODD$ ON HIM & SAID3  0,N[ HAS ! TIME COME = !E FIR/ TO EAT & !N TO R[4  ,BUT TELL ME :AT IS ?AT UPON ?Y *EEKS80  

,HALLBLI!1 R$D5+ SOME:AT1 SAID3  0,! NI<T DEW HA? FALL5 ON ME40  

,QUO? ! SEA-ROV]1 0,IT IS NO %AME = !E A Y\NGL+ TO REMEMB] ?Y BETRO!D 9 ?Y SLEEP1 & TO WEEP BECAUSE ?\ LACKE/ H]4 ,BUT N[ BE/IR !E1 = IT IS LAT] ?AN ?\ MAYE/ DEEM40  

,!RE) ! BIG MAN DREW 9 ! O>S & CAME TO ! AFT]P>T ( ! BOAT1 & DREW MEAT & DR9K \T ( A LOCK] !REBY2 & !Y ATE & DRANK TOGE!R1 & ,HALLBLI! GREW /RONG & SOME:AT LESS D[NCA/2 & HE W5T =W>D & GAT ! O>S 9TO HIS H&S4  

,!N ! BIG R$ MAN /OOD UP & LOOK$ OV] HIS LEFT %\LD] & SAID3  0,SOON %ALL WE HAVE A BREEZE & BRI<T WEA!R40  

,!N HE LOOK$ 9TO ! MIDMO/ ( ! SAIL & FELL A-:I/L+ SU* A TUNE AS ! FIDDLES PLAY TO DANC+ M5 & MAIDS AT ,YULE-TIDE1 & HIS EYES GLEAM$ & GLITT]$ !RE)AL1 & EXCE$+ BIG HE LOOK$4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! FELT A LITTLE AIR ON HIS *EEK1 & ! MI/ GREW ?9N]1 & ! SAIL BEGAN TO FILL ) W9D TILL ! %EET TI<T5$3  !N1 LO6 ! MI/ RIS+ FROM ! FACE ( ! SEA1 & ! SEA'S FACE RIPPL+ GAILY UND] A BRI<T SUN4  ,!N ! W9D 9CREAS$1 & ! WALL ( MI/ DEP>T$ & A FEW LI<T CL\DS SP$ OV] ! SKY1 & ! SAIL SWELL$ & ! BOAT HEEL$ OV]1 & ! SEAS FELL :ITE FROM ! PR[1 & !Y SP$ FA/ OV] ! FACE ( ! WAT]S4  

,!N LAU<$ ! R$-HAIR$ MAN1 & SAID3  0,O CROAK] ON ! DEAD BRAN*1 N[ IS ! W9D SU* ?AT NO R[+ ( ?9E MAY CAT* UP ) IT3  SO 9 ) ! O>S N[1 & TURN AB\T1 & ?\ %ALT SEE :I!RW>D WE >E GO+40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! TURN$ AB\T ON ! ?W>T & LOOK$ ACROSS ! SEA1 & LO6 BE=E !M ! HI< CLIFFS & CRAGS & M\NTA9S ( A NEW L& :I* SEEM$ TO BE AN ISLE1 & !Y W]E DEEP BLUE UND] ! SUN1 :I* N[ %ONE AL(T 9 ! MID HEAV54  ,HE SAID NAU<T AT ALL1 BUT SAT LOOK+ & WOND]+ :AT L& IT MI<T BE2 BUT ! BIG MAN SAID3  0,O TOMB ( W>RIORS1 IS IT NOT AS IF ! BLU5ESS ( ! DEEP SEA HAD HEAV$ ITSELF UP AL(T1 & TURN$ FROM COLOR$ AIR 9TO ROCK & /ONE1 SO WONDR\S BLUE IT IS8  ,BUT ?AT IS BECAUSE ?OSE CRAGS & M\NTA9S >E SO F> AWAY1 & AS WE DRAW NI<] TO !M1 ?\ %ALT SEE !M AS !Y V]ILY >E1 ?AT !Y >E COAL-BLACK2 & YOND] L& IS AN ISLE1 & IS CALL$ ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM4  ,!RE9 %ALL BE ! M>KET = !E :]E ?\ MAY/ *EAP5 ?Y BETRO!D4 ,!RE MAY/ ?\ TAKE H] BY ! H& & LEAD H] AWAY !NCE1 :5 ?\ HA/ DEALT ) ! *APMAN ( MAID5S & HA/ PL$G$ !E BY ! F[L ( BATTLE1 & ! $GE ( ! FALL[ BLADE TO PAY ?AT :I* HE WILL HAVE ( !E40  

,AS ! BIG MAN SPOKE !RE WAS A MOCK+ 9 HIS VOICE & HIS FACE & 9 HIS :OLE HUGE BODY1 :I* MADE ! SWORD ( ,HALLBLI! UNEASY 9 HIS SCABB>D2 BUT HE REFRA9$ HIS WRA?1 & SAID3  0,BIG MAN1 ! LONG] ,I LOOK1 ! LESS ,I CAN ?9K H[ WE >E TO COME UP ON TO YOND] ISL&2 = ,I CAN SEE NAU<T BUT A HUGE CLIFF1 & GREAT M\NTA9S RIS+ BEYOND IT40  

0,?\ %ALT ! MORE WOND]10 SAID ! ALI51 0! NI<] ?\ DRAWE/ !RETO2 = IT IS NOT BECAUSE WE >E F> AWAY ?AT ?\ CAN/ SEE NO BEA* OR /R&1 OR SLOP+ ( ! L& SEAW>D1 BUT BECAUSE !RE IS NAU<T ( ALL !SE ?+S4  ,YET FE> NOT6 AM ,I NOT ) !E8 ?\ %ALT COME A%ORE ON ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! HELD HIS PEACE1 & ! O!R SPAKE NOT = A :ILE1 BUT GAVE A %ORT LAU< ONCE OR TWICE2 & SAID AT LA/ 9 A BIG VOICE1 0,LITTLE ,C>RION-BIT]1 :Y DO/ ?\ NOT ASK ME ( MY NAME80  

,N[ ,HALLBLI! WAS A TALL MAN & A FELL FI<T]2 BUT HE SAID3 0,BECAUSE ,I WAS ?9K+ ( O!R ?+S & NOT ( !E40  

0,WELL10 SAID ! BIG MAN1 9 A VOICE /ILL L\D]1 0:5 ,I AM AT HOME M5 CALL ME ! ,PUNY ,FOX40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! SAID3  0,>T ?\ A ,FOX8  ,IT MAY WELL BE ?AT ?\ %ALT BEGUILE ME AS SU* BEA/S WILL BUT LOOK TO IT1 ?AT IF ?\ DO/ ,I %ALL KN[ H[ TO AV5GE ME40  

,!N ROSE UP ! BIG MAN FROM ! HELM1 & /RADDL$ WIDE 9 ! BOAT1 & CRI$ \T 9 A GREAT RO>+ VOICE3  0,CRAG-NE/]1 ,I AM ONE ( SEV5 BRE?R51 & ! SMALLE/ & WEAKE/ ( !M4  ,>T ?\ NOT AFRAID80  

0,NO10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0= ! SIX O!RS >E NOT H]E4  ,WILT ?\ FI<T H]E 9 BOAT1 ,O ,FOX80  

0,NAY10 SAID ,FOX1 0RA!R WE WILL DR9K A CUP ( W9E TOGE!R40  

,SO HE OP5$ ! LOCK] AGA9 & DREW \T !NCE A GREAT HORN ( SOME HUGE NEAT ( ! \TL&S1 :I* WAS GIR!D & /OPP$ ) SILV]1 & ALSO A GOLD5 CUP1 & HE FILL$ ! CUP FROM ! HORN & GAVE IT 9TO ,HALLBLI!'S H& & SAID3  0,DR9K1 ,O BLACK-FL$G$ NE/L+6  ,BUT CALL A HEAL? OV] ! CUP IF ?\ WILT40  ,SO ,HALLBLI! RAIS$ ! CUP AL(T & CRI$3  0,HEAL? TO ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV5 & TO !M ?AT LOVE IT6 AN ILL DAY TO ITS FOEM560  ,!N HE SET HIS LIPS TO ! CUP & DRANK2 & ?AT W9E SEEM$ TO HIM BETT] & /RONG] ?AN ANY HE HAD EV] TA/$4  ,BUT :5 HE HAD GIV5 ! CUP BACK AGA9 TO ,FOX1 ?AT R$ ONE FILL$ IT AGA91 & CRI$ OV] IT1 0,! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA6 & ! ,K+ ?AT DIE? NOT60  ,!N HE DRANK1 & FILL$ AGA9 = ,HALLBLI!1 & /E]$ ) HIS KNEES MEAN:ILE2 & ?US !Y DRANK ?REE CUPS EA*1 & ,FOX SMIL$ & WAS PEACEFUL & SAID BUT LITTLE1 BUT ,HALLBLI! SAT WOND]+ H[ ! WORLD WAS *ANG$ = HIM S9CE YE/]DAY4  

,BUT N[ WAS ! SKY BL[N ALL CLE> ( CL\DS & ! W9D PIP$ %RILL BEH9D !M1 & ! GREAT WAVES ROSE & FELL AB\T !M1 & ! SUN GLITT]$ ON !M 9 MANY COLORS4  ,FA/ FLEW ! BOAT BE=E ! W9D AS ?\< IT W\LD NEV] /OP1 & ! DAY WAS WAN+1 & ! W9D /ILL RIS+2 & N[ ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM UPHOVE HUGE BE=E !M1 & COAL-BLACK1 & NO BEA* & NO HAV5 WAS TO BE SE5 !RE92 & /ILL !Y RAN BE=E ! W9D T[>DS ?AT BLACK CLIFF- WALL1 AGA9/ :I* ! SEA WA%$ = EV]1 & NO KEEL EV] BUILT BY MAN MI<T LIVE = ONE MOM5T 'TWIXT ! SURF & ! CLIFF ( ?AT GRIM L&4  ,! SUN GREW L[1 & SANK R$ UND] ! SEA1 & ?AT WORLD ( /ONE SWALL[$ UP HALF ! HEAV5S BE=E !M1 = !Y W]E N[ COME V]Y NI< !RETO2 NOR C\LD ,HALLBLI! SEE AU<T = IT1 BUT ?AT !Y MU/ BE DA%$ AGA9/ ! CLIFF & P]I% 9 A MOM5T ( TIME4  

,/ILL ! BOAT FLEW ON2 BUT N[ :5 ! TWILI<T WAS COME1 & !Y HAD JU/ OP5$ UP ALONG REA* ( ! CLIFF ?AT LAY BEYOND A HI< NESS1 ,HALLBLI! ?\<T HE SAW D[N BY ! $GE ( ! SEA SOME?+ D>K] ?AN ! FACE ( ! ROCK-WALL1 & HE DEEM$ IT WAS A CAVE3 !Y CAME A LITTLE NE>] & HE SAW IT WAS A GREAT CAVE HI< 5\< TO LET A R\ND-%IP GO 9 ) ALL H] SAILS SET4  

0,SON ( ! ,RAV510 QUO? ,FOX1 0HE>K51 = ?Y HE>T IS NOT LITTLE4 ,YOND] IS ! GATE 9TO ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 & IF ?\ WILT1 ?\ MAY/ GO ?R\< IT4  ,YET IT MAY BE ?AT IF ?\ GOE/ A%ORE ON TO ! ,ISLE SOME?+ GRIEV\S %ALL BEFALL !E1 A TR\BLE MORE ?AN ?\ CAN/ BE>3  A %AME IT MAY BE4  ,N[ !RE >E TWO *OICES = !E3  EI!R TO GO UP ON TO ! ,ISLE & FACE ALL2 OR TO DIE H]E BY MY H& HAV+ DONE NO?+ UNMANLY OR %AMEFUL3  ,:AT SAYE/ ?\80  

0,?\ >T ( MANY WORDS :5 TIME SO PRESSES1 ,FOX10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4 0,:Y %\LD ,I NOT *OOSE TO GO UP ON TO ! ,ISL& TO DELIV] MY TRO?PLI<T MAID58  ,= ! RE/1 SLAY ME IF ?\ CAN/1 IF WE COME ALIVE \T ( ?IS CAULDRON ( WAT]S40  

,SAID ! BIG R$ MAN3  0,LOOK ON !N1 & NOTE ,FOX H[ HE /E]E?1 AS IT W]E ?R\< A NE$LE'S EYE40  

,N[ W]E !Y UND]NEA? ! BLACK %AD[ ( ! BLACK CLIFF & AMID ! TWILI<T ! SURF WAS TOSS$ AB\T LIKE :ITE FIRE4  ,9 ! L[] HEAV5S ! />S W]E BEG9N+ TO TW9KLE & ! MOON WAS BRI<T & YELL[1 & AL(T ALL WAS PEACEFUL1 = NO CL\D SULLI$ ! SKY4  ,ONE MOM5T ,HALLBLI! SAW ALL ?IS HANG+ ABOVE ! TURMOIL ( ?UND]+ WAT] & DRIPP+ ROCK & ! NEXT HE WAS 9 ! D>KNESS ( ! CAVE1 ! RO>+ W9D & ! WAVES /ILL MAK+ ?UND] AB\T HIM1 ?\< ( A DIFF]5T VOICE FROM ! H>% HUBBUB )\T4  ,!N HE HE>D ,FOX SAY3  0,SIT D[N N[ & TAKE ! O>S1 = PRES5TLY %ALL WE BE AT HOME AT ! L&+ PLACE40  

,SO ,HALLBLI! TOOK ! O>S & R[$1 & AS !Y W5T UP ! CAVE ! SEA FELL1 & ! W9D DI$ \T 9TO ! AIMLESS GU/9ESS ( HOLL[ PLACES2 & = A LITTLE :ILE WAS ALL AS D>K AS D>K MI<T BE4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! SAW ?AT ! D>KNESS GREW A LITTLE GRAY]1 & HE LOOK$ OV] HIS %\LD] & SAW A /> ( LI<T BE=E ! B[S ( ! BOAT1 & ,FOX CRI$ \T3  0,YEA1 IT IS LIKE DAY2 BRI<T WILL ! MOON BE = SU* AS NE$S MU/ BE WAYF>+ TO-NI<T6  ,CEASE R[+1 ,O ,SON ( ! COAL-BLUE F[L1 = !RE IS WAY 5\< ON H]40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! LAY ON HIS O>S1 & 9 A M9UTE ! B[S SMOTE ! L&2 !N HE TURN$ AB\T & SAW A /EEP /AIR ( /ONE1 & UP ! SLOP+ %AFT !RE( ! MOONLIT SKY & ! BRI<T />S4  ,!N ,FOX >OSE & CAME =W>D & LEAP$ \T ( ! BOAT & MOOR$ H] TO A BIG /ONE3  !N HE LEAP$ BACK AGA9 & SAID3  0,BE> A H& ) ! VICTUALS2 WE MU/ BR+ !M \T ( ! BOAT UNLESS ?\ WILT SLEEP SUPP]LESS1 AS ,I WILL NOT4  ,= TO-NI<T MU/ WE BE GUE/S TO \RSELVES1 S9CE IT IS F> TO ! DWELL+ ( MY PEOPLE1 & ! OLD MAN IS SAID TO BE A SK9-*ANG]1 A FLIT-BY-NI<T4  ,& AS TO ?IS CAVE1 IT IS DEEM$ TO BE N[ISE SAFE TO SLEEP !RE91 UNLESS ! SLEEP] HAVE A D\BLE %>E ( LUCK4  ,& ?Y LUCK1 MESEEME?1 ,O ,SON ( ! ,RAV51 IS AS N[ SOME:AT LESS ?AN A S+LE %>E4  ,SO TO- NI<T WE %ALL SLEEP UND] ! NAK$ HEAV540  

,HALLBLI! YEA-SAID ?IS1 & !Y TOOK ! MEAT & DR9K1 SU* AS !Y NE$$1 FROM \T ! BOAT1 & CLIMB$ ! /EEP /AIR NO LITTLE WAY1 & SO CAME \T ON TO A PLA9 PLACE1 :I* SEEM$ TO ,HALLBLI! B>E & WA/E SO F> AS HE SAW IT BY ! MOONLI<T2 = ! TWILI<T WAS GONE N[1 & NAU<T WAS LEFT ( ! LI<T ( DAY SAVE A GLIMM] 9 ! WE/4  

,?IS ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ WOND]FUL1 ?AT NO LESS \T ON ! OP5 HEA? & BR[ ( ! L& ?AN 9 ! %UT-9 CAVE1 ALL ?AT TUMULT ( ! W9D HAD FALL51 & ! CL\DLESS NI<T WAS CALM1 & ) A LITTLE AIR BL[+ FROM ! S\? & ! L&W>D4  

,!RE)AL WAS ,FOX DONE ) HIS L\D-VOIC$ BRAGG>T MOOD1 & SPOKE G5TLY & PEACEABLY LIKE TO A WAYF>]1 :O HA? BUS9ESS ( HIS TO LOOK TO AS O!R M54  ,N[ HE PO9T$ TO C]TA9 ROCKS OR L[ CRAGS ?AT A LITTLE WAY (F ROSE LIKE A REEF \T ( ! TREELESS PLA92 !N SAID HE3  0,%IPMATE1 UND]NEA? YOND] ROCKS IS \R RE/+-PLACE = TO-NI<T2 & ,I PRAY !E NOT TO DEEM ME *URLI% ?AT ,I GIVE !E NO BETT] H>BOR4  ,BUT ,I HAVE A *>GE OV] !E TO BR+ !E SAFE ?US F> ON ?Y QUE/2 & ?\ W\LD/ F9D IT H>D TO LIVE AMONG SU* H\SEMATES AS ?\ W\LD/ F9D UP YOND] AMONG \R FOLKS TO-NI<T4  ,BUT TOMORR[ %ALT ?\ COME TO SPEE* ) HIM :O WILL DEAL ) !E CONC]N+ ! RANSOM40  

0,IT IS 5\<10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0& ,I ?ANK !E = ?Y LEAD+3 & AS = ?Y R\< & UNCOMELY WORDS :I* ?\ HA/ GIV5 ME1 ,I P>DON !E = !M3  = ,I AM NONE ! WORSE ( !M3  =SOO?1 IF ,I HAD BE51 MY SWORD W\LD HAVE HAD A VOICE 9 ! MATT]40  

0,I AM WELL CONT5T AS IT IS1 ,SON ( ! ,RAV510 QUO? ,FOX2 0,I HAVE DONE MY BIDD+ & ALL IS WELL40  

0,TELL ME !N :O IT IS HA? BIDD5 !E BR+ ME HI!R80  

0,I MAY NOT TELL !E10 SAID ,FOX2 0?\ >T H]E1 BE CONT5T1 AS ,I AM40  

,& HE SPAKE NO MORE TILL !Y HAD COME TO ! REEF A=ESAID1 :I* WAS SOME TWO FURLONGS FROM ! PLACE :]E !Y HAD COME FROM \T ( ! CAVE4  ,!RE !N !Y SET =? !IR SUPP] ON ! /ONES1 & ATE :AT !Y W\LD1 & DRANK ( ?AT GOOD /RONG W9E :ILE ! HORN B>E \T4  ,& N[ WAS ,FOX ( FEW WORDS1 & :5 ,HALLBLI! ASK$ HIM CONC]N+ ?AT L&1 HE HAD LITTLE TO SAY4  ,& AT LA/ :5 ,HALLBLI! ASK$ HIM ( ?AT SO P]IL\S H\SE & ?OSE :O MANN$ IT1 HE SAID TO HIM3  

0,SON ( ! ,RAV51 IT AVAILS NOT ASK+ ( !SE MATT]S2 = IF ,I TELL !E AU<T CONC]N+ !M ,I %ALL TELL !E LIES4  ,ONCE AGA9 LET IT BE 5\< = !E ?AT ?\ HA/ PASS$ OV] ! SEA SAFELY ON ?Y QUE/2 & A MORE P]IL\S SEA IT IS =SOO? ?AN ?\ DEEME/4  ,BUT N[ LET US HAVE AN 5D ( VA9 WORDS1 & MAKE \R B$ AMID !SE /ONES AS BE/ WE MAY2 = WE %\LD BE /IRR+ BETIMES 9 ! MORN+40  ,HALLBLI! SAID LITTLE 9 ANSW]1 & !Y >RAY$ !IR SLEEP+ PLACES CUNN+LY1 AS ! H>E DO? H] =M1 & LIKE M5 WELL US$ TO LY+ ABROAD4  

,HALLBLI! WAS V]Y WE>Y & HE SOON FELL ASLEEP2 & AS HE LAY !RE1 HE DREAM$ A DREAM1 OR MAYBE SAW A VISION2 :E!R HE W]E ASLEEP :5 HE SAW IT1 OR BETWE5 SLEEP+ & WAK+1 ,I KN[ NOT4 ,BUT ?IS WAS HIS DREAM OR HIS VISION2 ?AT ! ,HO/AGE WAS /&+ OV] HIM1 & %E AS HE HAD SE5 H] BUT YE/]DAY1 BRI<T-HAIR$ & RUDDY-*EEK$ & :ITE-SK9N$1 K9D ( H& & S(T ( VOICE1 & %E SAID TO HIM3  0,HALLBLI!1 LOOK ON ME & HE>K51 = ,I HAVE A MESSAGE = !E40  ,& HE LOOK$ & LONG$ = H]1 & HIS S\L WAS RAVI%$ BY ! SWEETNESS ( HIS LONG+1 & HE W\LD HAVE LEAP$ UP & CA/ HIS >MS AB\T H]1 BUT SLEEP & ! DREAM B\ND HIM1 & HE MI<T NOT4  ,!N ! IMAGE SMIL$ ON HIM & SAID3  0,NAY1 MY LOVE1 LIE /ILL1 = ?\ MAY/ NOT T\* ME3  H]E IS BUT ! IMAGE ( ! BODY :I* ?\ DESIRE/4  ,HE>K5 !N4  ,I AM 9 EVIL PLI<T1 9 ! H&S ( /RONG-?IEVES ( ! SEA1 NOR KN[ ,I :AT !Y WILL DO ) ME1 & ,I HAVE NO WILL TO BE %AM$2 TO BE SOLD = A PRICE FROM ONE H& TO ANO!R1 YET TO BE B$D$ )\T A PRICE1 & TO LIE BESIDE SOME FOE-MAN ( \R FOLK1 & HE TO CA/ HIS >MS AB\T ME1 WILL ,I1 WILL ,I NOT3  ?IS IS A H>D CASE4  ,!RE=E TO-MORR[ MORN+ AT DAYBREAK :ILE M5 SLEEP1 ,I ?9K TO /EAL =? TO ! GUNWALE ( ! BLACK %IP & GIVE MYSELF TO ! GODS1 ?AT !Y & NOT !SE RUNAGATES MAY BE MA/]S ( MY LIFE & MY S\L1 & MAY DO ) ME AS !Y WILL3  = 9DE$ !Y KN[ ?AT ,I MAY NOT BE> ! /RANGE K9LESS H\SE1 & ! LOVE & C>ESS+ ( ! ALI5 H\SE- MA/]1 & ! MOCK+ & /RIPES ( ! ALI5 H\SE-MI/RESS4 ,!RE=E LET ! ,HO>Y ,ONE ( ! SEA TAKE ME & LOOK TO MY MATT]S1 & C>RY ME TO LIFE OR DEA?1 :I*-SO HE WILL4  ,?9 N[ GR[S ! NI<T1 BUT LIE /ILL A LITTLE YET1 :ILE ,I SPEAK ANO!R WORD4  

0,MAYBE WE %ALL MEET ALIVE AGA91 & MAYBE NOT3  & IF NOT1 ?\< WE HAVE NEV] YET LA9 9 ONE B$ TOGE!R1 YET ,I W\LD HAVE !E REMEMB] ME3  YET NOT SO ?AT MY IMAGE %ALL COME BETWE5 !E & ?Y SPEE*-FRI5D & B$-FELL[ ( ! K9DR$1 ?AT %ALL LIE :]E ,I WAS TO HAVE LA94  ,YET AGA91 IF ,I LIVE & ?\ LIVE/1 ,I HAVE BE5 TOLD & HAVE HE>D ?AT BY ONE WAY OR O!R ,I AM LIKE TO COME TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 & ! ,L& ( ,LIV+ ,M54  ,O MY BELOV$1 IF BY ANY WAY ?\ MI<TE/ COME ?I!R ALSO1 & WE MI<T MEET !RE1 & WE TWO ALIVE1 H[ GOOD IT W]E6  ,SEEK ?AT L& !N1 BELOV$6 SEEK IT1 :E!R OR NO WE ONCE MORE BEHOLD ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE1 OR TREAD ! FLOOR ( ! ,RAV5 DWELL+4  ,& N[ MU/ EV5 ?IS IMAGE ( ME SUND] FROM !E4  ,F>EWELL60  

,!RE) WAS ! DREAM DONE & ! VISION DEP>T$2 & ,HALLBLI! SAT UP FULL ( ANGUI% & LONG+2 & HE LOOK$ AB\T HIM OV] ! DRE>Y L&1 & IT WAS SOME:AT LI<T & ! SKY WAS GR[N GRAY & CL\DY1 & HE DEEM$ ?AT ! DAWN WAS COME4  ,SO HE LEAP$ TO HIS FEET & /OOP$ D[N OV] ,FOX1 & TOOK HIM BY ! %\LD]1 & %OOK HIM & SAID3  0,F>+-FELL[1 AWAKE6 ! DAWN IS COME1 & WE HAVE MU* TO DO40  

,FOX SAT UP & GR[L$ LIKE A DOG1 & RUBB$ HIS EYES & LOOK$ AB\T HIM & SAID3  0,?\ HA/ WAK$ ME = NAU<T3  IT IS ! FALSE DAWN ( ! MOON ?AT %9E? N[ BEH9D ! CL\DS & CA/E? NO %AD[2 IT IS BUT AN H\R AFT] MIDNI<T4  ,GO TO SLEEP AGA91 & LET ME BE1 ELSE WILL ,I NOT BE A GUIDE TO !E :5 ! DAY COMES40  ,& HE LAY D[N & WAS ASLEEP AT ONCE4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! W5T & LAY D[N AGA9 FULL ( SORR[3  ,YET SO WE>Y WAS HE ?AT HE PRES5TLY FELL ASLEEP1 & DREAM$ NO MORE4  

O ,*APT] #f 3 ,( ,A ,DWELL+ ,( ,MAN ,ON ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

,:5 HE AWOKE AGA9 ! SUN %ONE ON HIM1 & ! MORN+ WAS CALM & W9DLESS4  ,HE SAT UP & LOOK$ AB\T HIM1 BUT C\LD SEE NO SIGNS ( ,FOX SAVE ! LAIR :]E9 HE HAD LA94  ,SO HE >OSE TO HIS FEET & S\<T = HIM AB\T ! CRANNIES ( ! ROCKS1 & F\ND HIM NOT2 & HE %\T$ = HIM1 & HAD NO ANSW]4  ,!N HE SAID1 0,BELIKE HE HAS GONE D[N TO ! BOAT TO PUT A ?+ 91 OR TAKE A ?+ \T40  ,SO HE W5T HIS WAYS TO ! /AIR D[N 9TO ! WAT]- CAVE1 & HE CALL$ ON ,FOX FROM ! TOP ( ! /AIR1 & HAD NO ANSW]4  

,SO HE W5T D[N ?AT LONG /AIR ) A MISGIV+ 9 HIS HE>T1 & :5 HE CAME TO ! LA/ /EP !RE WAS NEI!R MAN NOR BOAT1 NOR AU<T ELSE SAVE ! WAT] & ! LIV+ ROCK4  ,!N WAS HE EXCE$+ WRO?1 = HE KNEW ?AT HE HAD BE5 BEGUIL$1 & HE WAS 9 AN EVIL CASE1 LEFT ALONE ON AN ,ISLE ?AT HE KNEW NOT1 A WA/E & DESOLATE L&1 :]E IT SEEM$ MO/ LIKE HE %\LD DIE ( FAM9E4  

,HE WA/$ NO BREA? OR MI<T N[ 9 CRY+ \T = ,FOX1 OR SEEK+ HIM2 = HE SAID TO HIMSELF3  0,I MI<T WELL HAVE KN[N ?AT HE WAS FALSE & A LI>1 :]EAS HE C\LD SC>CE REFRA9 HIS JOY AT MY FOLLY & HIS GUILE4  ,N[ IS IT = ME TO /RIVE = LIFE AGA9/ DEA?40  

,!N HE TURN$ & W5T SL[LY UP ! /AIR1 & CAME \T ON TO ! OP5 FACE ( ?AT ,ISLE1 & HE SAW ?AT IT WAS WA/E 9DE$1 & DREADFUL3  A WILD]NESS ( BLACK S& & /ONES & ICE-BORNE ROCKS1 ) H]E & !RE A LITTLE GRASS GR[+ 9 ! HOLL[S1 & H]E & !RE A DRE>Y MIRE :]E ! :ITE-TUFT$ RU%ES %OOK 9 ! W9D1 & H]E & !RE /RET*ES ( MOSS BL5D$ ) R$-BLOSSOM$ S5GRE52 & O!R:]E NAU<T BUT ! W9D-BITT5 CREEP+ WILL[ CL++ TO ! BLACK S&1 ) A :ITE BLEA*$ /ICK & A LEAF OR TWO1 & AGA9 A /ICK & A LEAF4  ,9 ! (F+ LOOK+ L&W>D W]E GREAT M\NTA9S1 SOME V]Y GREAT & SN[-CAPP$1 SOME B>E TO ! TOPS2 & ALL ?AT WAS F> AWAY1 SAVE ! SN[1 WAS DEEP-BLUE 9 ! SUNNY MORN+4  ,BUT AB\T HIM ON ! HEA? W]E SCATT]$ ROCKS LIKE ! REEF B5EA? :I* HE HAD SLEPT ! LA/ NI<T1 & PEAKS1 & HAMM]S1 & KNOLLS ( UNC\? %APES4  

,!N HE W5T TO ! $GE ( ! CLIFFS & LOOK$ D[N ON ! SEA :I* LAY WR9KL$ & RIPPL+ ON T[>D ! %ORE F> BEL[ HIM1 & LONG HE GAZ$ !REON & ALL AB\T1 BUT C\LD SEE NEI!R %IP NOR SAIL1 NOR AU<T ELSE SAVE ! WA%+ ( WAVES & ! HOV]+ ( SEA F[L4  

,!N HE SAID3  0,W]E IT NOT WELL IF ,I W]E TO SEEK ?AT H\SE-MA/] ( :OM ,FOX SPAKE8  ,MI<T HE NOT FLIT ME AT LEA/ TO ! ,L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA98  ,WOE IS ME6 N[ AM ,I ( ?AT W(UL COMPANY1 & ,I ALSO MU/ NE$S CRY \T1 ,:]E IS ! L&8  ,:]E IS ! L&80  

,!RE) HE TURN$ T[>D ! REEF ABOVE !IR LAIR1 BUT AS HE W5T HE ?\<T & SAID3  0,NAY1 BUT WAS NOT ?IS ,/EAD A LIE LIKE ! RE/ ( ,FOX'S TALE8 & AM ,I NOT ALONE 9 ?IS SEA-GIRT WILD]NESS8 ,YEA1 & EV5 ?AT IMAGE ( MY ,BELOV$ :I* ,I SAW 9 ! DREAM1 P]*ANCE ?AT ALSO WAS A M]E BEGUIL+2 = N[ ,I SEE ?AT ! ,PUNY ,FOX WAS 9 ALL WAYS WIS] ?AN IS MEET & COMELY40  ,YET AGA9 HE SAID3  0,AT LEA/ ,I WILL SEEK ON1 & F9D \T :E!R !RE BE ANO!R MAN DWELL+ ON ?IS HAPLESS ,ISLE1 & !N ! WOR/ ( IT WILL BE BATTLE ) HIM1 & DEA? BY PO9T & $GE RA!R ?AN BY HUNG]2 OR AT ! BE/ WE MAY BECOME FRI5DS & FELL[S & DELIV] EA* O!R40  ,!RE) HE CAME TO ! REEF1 & ) MU* ADO CLIMB$ TO ! TOPMO/ ( ITS ROCKS & LOOK$ D[N !NCE L&W>D3 & BETWIXT HIM & ! M\NTA9S1 & BY SEEM+ NOT V]Y F> (F1 HE SAW SMOKE >IS+3  BUT NO H\SE HE SAW1 NOR ANY O!R TOK5 ( A DWELL+4  ,SO HE CAME D[N FROM ! /ONE & TURN$ HIS BACK UPON ! SEA & W5T T[>D ?AT SMOKE ) HIS SWORD 9 ITS %EA?1 & HIS SPE> OV] HIS %\LD]4  ,R\< & TOILSOME WAS ! WAY3  ?REE LITTLE DALES HE CROSS$ AMID ! M\NTA9 NECKS1 EA* ONE N>R[ & B>E1 ) A /REAM ( WAT] AMID1 RUNN+ SEAW>D1 & :E!R 9 DALE OR ON RIDGE1 HE W5T EV] AMID S& & /ONES1 & ! WE$S ( ! WILD]NESS1 & SAW NO MAN1 OR MAN-T5D$ BEA/4  

,AT LA/1 AFT] HE HAD BE5 F\R H\RS ON ! WAY1 BUT HAD NOT GONE V]Y F>1 HE TOPP$ A /ONY B5T1 & FROM ! BR[ !RE( BEHELD A WIDE VALLEY GRASS-GR[N = ! MORE P>T1 ) A RIV] RUNN+ ?R\< IT1 & %EEP & K9E & HORSES FE$+ UP & D[N IT4 ,& AMID ?IS DALE BY ! /REAM-SIDE1 WAS A DWELL+ ( M51 A LONG HALL & O!R H\SES AB\T IT BUILD$ ( /ONE4  

,!N WAS ,HALLBLI! GLAD1 & HE /RODE D[N ! B5T SPE$ILY1 HIS W>-GE> CLA%+ UPON HIM3  & AS HE CAME TO ! FOOT !RE( & ON TO ! GRASS ( ! DALE1 HE GOT AMONG ! PA/UR+ HORSES1 & PASS$ CLOSE BY ! HORSE-H]D & A WOMAN ?AT WAS ) HIM4  ,!Y SC[L$ AT HIM AS HE W5T BY1 BUT M$DL$ NOT ) HIM 9 ANY WAY4 ,AL?\< !Y W]E GIANT-LIKE ( /ATURE & FI]CE ( FACE1 !Y W]E NOT ILL-FAVOR$3  !Y W]E R$-HAIR$1 & ! WOMAN AS :ITE AS CREAM :]E ! SUN HAD NOT BURN$ H] SK92 !Y HAD NO WEAPONS ?AT ,HALLBLI! MI<T SEE SAVE ! GOAD 9 ! H& ( ! C>LE4  

,SO ,HALLBLI! PASS$ ON & CAME TO ! BIGGE/ H\SE1 ! HALL A=ESAID3  IT WAS V]Y LONG1 & L[ AS = ITS L5G?1 NOT OV] %APELY ( FA%ION1 A M]E GABL$ HEAP ( /ONES4  ,L[ & /RAIT WAS ! DOOR !RE9TO1 & AS ,HALLBLI! 5T]$ /OOP+ L[LY1 & ! FIRE ( ! /EEL ( HIS SPE> ?AT HE HELD BE=E HIM WAS QU5*$ 9 ! MIRK ( ! HALL1 HE SMIL$ & SAID TO HIMSELF3  0,N[ IF !RE W]E ONE ANI< :O W\LD NOT HAVE ME 5T] ALIVE1 & HE ) A WEAPON 9 HIS H&1 SOON W]E ALL ! TALE TOLD40  ,BUT HE GOT 9TO ! HALL UNSMITT51 & /OOD ON ! FLOOR !RE(1 & SPAKE3  0,! SELE ( ! DAY TO :OMSOEV] IS H]E96  ,WILL ANY MAN SPEAK TO ! NEW COM]80  

,BUT NONE ANSW]$ OR GAVE HIM GREET+2 & AS HIS EYES GOT US$ TO ! DUSK ( ! HALL1 HE LOOK$ AB\T HIM1 & NEI!R ON ! FLOOR OR ! HI< SEAT NOR 9 ANY +LE C\LD HE SEE A MAN2 & !RE WAS SIL5CE !RE1 SAVE = ! CRACKL+ ( ! FLICK]+ FLAME ON ! HE>? AMIDMO/1 & ! RUNN+ ( ! RATS BEH9D ! PANEL+ ( ! WALLS4  

,ON ONE SIDE ( ! HALL WAS A R[ ( %UT-B$S1 & ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ ?AT !RE MI<T BE M5 !RE92 BUT S9CE NONE HAD GREET$ HIM HE REFRA9$ HIM FROM SE>*+ !M = FE> ( A TRAP1 & HE ?\<T1 0,I WILL ABIDE AMID ! FLOOR1 & IF !RE BE ANY ?AT W\LD DEAL ) ME1 FRI5D OR FOE1 LET HIM COME HI!R TO ME40  

,SO HE FELL TO WALK+ UP & D[N ! HALL FROM BUTT]Y TO DAIS1 & HIS W>-GE> RATTL$ UPON HIM4  ,AT LA/ AS HE WALK$ HE ?\<T HE HE>D A SMALL ?9 PEEVI% VOICE1 :I* YET WAS TOO HUSKY = ! SQUEAK ( A RAT4  ,SO HE /AY$ HIS WALK & /OOD /ILL1 & SAID3 0,WILL ANY MAN SPEAK TO ,HALLBLI!1 A NEWCOM]1 & A /RANG] 9 ?IS ,/EAD80  

,!N ?AT SMALL VOICE MADE A WORD & SAID3  0,:Y PACE? ! FOOL UP & D[N \R HALL1 DO+ NO?+1 EV5 AS ! ,RAV5S FLAP CROAK+ AB\T ! CRAGS1 ABID+ ! W>-MOTE & ! CLA% ( ! FALL[ BLADES80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!1 & HIS VOICE S\ND$ BIG 9 ! HALL3  0,:O CALLE? ,HALLBLI! A FOOL & MOCKE? AT ! SONS ( ! ,RAV580  

,SPAKE ! VOICE3  0,:Y COME? NOT ! FOOL TO ! MAN ?AT MAY NOT GO TO HIM80  

,!N ,HALLBLI! B5T =W>D TO HE>K51 & HE DEEM$ ?AT ! VOICE CAME FROM ONE ( ! %UT-B$S1 SO HE LEAN$ HIS SPE> AGA9/ A PILL>1 & W5T 9TO ! %UT-B$ HE HAD NOT$1 & SAW :]E !RE LAY ALONG 9 IT A MAN EXCE$+ OLD BY SEEM+1 SORE WA/$1 ) LONG HAIR AS :ITE AS SN[ LY+ OV] ! B$-CLO!S4  

,:5 ! ELD] SAW ,HALLBLI!1 HE LAU<$ A ?9 CRACK$ LAU< AS IF 9 MOCK]Y & SAID3  0,HAIL NEWCOM]6 WILT ?\ EAT80  

0,YEA10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,GO ?\ 9TO ! BUTT]Y !N10 SAID ! OLD C>LE1 0& !RE %ALT ?\ F9D ON ! CUPBO>D CAKES & CURDS & *EESE3  EAT ?Y FILL1 & :5 ?\ HA/ DONE1 LOOK 9 ! +LE1 & ?\ %ALT SEE A CASK ( MEAD EXCE$+ GOOD1 & A /\P !REBY1 & TWO SILV] CUPS2 FILL ! /\P & BR+ IT HI!R ) ! CUPS2 & !N MAY WE TALK AMID ( DR9K+1 :I* IS GOOD = AN OLD C>LE4  ,HA/5 ?\6 OR ,I %ALL DEEM !E A D\BLE FOOL :O WILL NOT F>E TO FET* HIS MEAT1 ?\< HE BE HUNGRY40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! LAU<$1 & W5T D[N ! HALL 9TO ! BUTT]Y & F\ND ! MEAT1 & ATE HIS FILL1 & CAME AWAY ) ! DR9K BACK TO ! ,LONG-HO>Y MAN1 :O *UCKL$ AS HE CAME & SAID3  0,FILL UP N[ = !E & = ME1 & CALL A HEAL? TO ME & WI% ME SOME:AT40  

0,I WI% !E LUCK10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 & DRANK4  ,SAID ! ELD]3 0,& ,I WI% !E MORE WITS2 IS LUCK ALL ?AT ?\ MAY/ WI% ME8 ,:AT LUCK MAY AN \TWORN ELD] HAVE80  

0,WELL !N10 QUO? ,HALLBLI!1 0:AT %ALL ,I WI% !E8  ,W\LD/ ?\ HAVE ME WI% !E Y\?80  

0,YEA1 C]TES10 SAID ! ,LONG-HO>Y1 0?AT & NAU<T ELSE40  

0,Y\? !N ,I WI% !E1 IF IT MAY AVAIL !E AU<T10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 & HE DRANK AGA9 !RE)4  

0,NAY1 NAY10 SAID ! OLD C>LE PEEVI%LY1 0TAKE A ?IRD CUP1 & WI% ME Y\? ) NO IDLE WORDS TACK$ !RETO40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI! RAIS+ ! CUP3  0,H]E) ,I WI% !E Y\?60 & HE DRANK4  

0,GOOD IS ! WI%10 SAID ! ELD]2 0N[ ASK ?\ ! OLD C>LE :ATSO ?\ WILT40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,:AT IS ?IS L& CALL$80  

0,SON10 SAID ! O!R1 0HA/ ?\ HE>D IT CALL$ ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM80  

0,YEA10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0BUT :AT WILT ?\ CALL IT80  

0,BY NO O!R NAME10 SAID ! HO>Y C>LE4  

0,IT IS F> FROM O!R L&S80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,YEA10 SAID ! C>LE1 0:5 ! LI<T W9DS BL[1 & ! %IPS SAIL SL[40  

0,:AT DO YE :O LIVE H]E80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  0,H[ DO YE LIVE1 :AT WORK W9 YE80  

0,WE W9 DIV]SE WORK10 SAID ! ELD]1 0BUT ! GA9FULLE/ IS ROBB+ M5 BY ! HI< H&40  

0,IS IT YE :O HAVE /OL5 FROM ME ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,ROSE80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,SAID ! ,LONG-HO>Y1 0,MAYBE2 ,I WOT NOT2 9 DIV]SE WAYS MY K9SM5 TRAFFIC1 & !Y VISIT MANY L&S4  ,:Y %\LD !Y NOT HAVE COME TO ,CLEVEL& ALSO80  

0,IS %E 9 ?IS ,ISLE1 ?\ OLD RUNAGATE80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,%E IS NOT1 ?\ Y\NG FOOL10 SAID ! ELD]4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! FLU%$ R$ & SPAKE3  0,KN[E/ ?\ ! ,PUNY ,FOX80  

0,H[ %\LD ,I NOT80 SAID ! C>LE1 0S9CE HE IS ! SON ( ONE ( MY SONS40  

0,DO/ ?\ CALL HIM A LI> & A ROGUE80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,! ELD] LAU<$2 0,ELSE W]E ,I A FOOL10 SAID HE2 0!RE >E FEW BIGG] LI>S OR BIGG] ROGUES ?AN ! ,PUNY ,FOX60  

0,IS HE H]E 9 ?IS ,ISLE80 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0MAY ,I SEE HIM80  

,! OLD MAN LAU<$ AGA91 & SAID3  0,NAY1 HE IS NOT H]E1 UNLESS HE HA? TURN$ FOOL S9CE YE/]DAY3  :Y %\LD HE ABIDE ?Y SWORD1 S9CE HE HA? DONE :AT HE W\LD & BR\<T !E HI!R80  

,!N HE LAU<$1 AS A H5 CACKLES A LONG :ILE1 & !N SAID3  0,:AT MORE WILT ?\ ASK ME80  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! WAS V]Y WRO?3  0,IT AVAILE? NAU<T TO ASK10 HE SAID2 0& N[ ,I AM 9 TWO M9DS :E!R ,I %ALL SLAY !E OR NOT40  

0,?AT W]E A MEET DE$ = A ,RAV51 BUT NOT = A MAN10 SAID ! C>LE1 0& ?\ ?AT HA/ WI%$ ME LUCK6  ,ASK1 ASK60  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! WAS SIL5T A LONG :ILE4  ,!N ! C>LE SAID1 0,ANO!R CUP = ! LONG] AFT] Y\?60  

,HALLBLI! FILL$1 & GAVE TO HIM1 & ! OLD MAN DRANK & SAID3 0,?\ DEEME/ US ALL LI>S 9 ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM BECAUSE ( ?Y BEGUIL+ BY ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  BUT !RE9 ?\ ]RE/4  ,! ,PUNY ,FOX IS \R *IEFE/ LI>1 & DO? = US ! MORE P>T ( SU* WORK AS WE NE$3  !RE=E1 :Y %\LD WE O!RS LIE4  ,ASK1 ASK60  

0,WELL !N10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0:Y DID ! ,PUNY ,FOX BEWRAY ME1 & AT :OSE BIDD+80  

,SAID ! ELD]3  0,I KN[1 BUT ,I WILL NOT TELL !E4  ,IS ?IS A LIE80  

0,NAY1 ,I DEEM IT NOT10 SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,BUT1 TELL ME1 IS IT V]ILY TRUE ?AT MY TRO?PLI<T IS NOT H]E1 ?AT ,I MAY RANSOM H]80  

,SAID ! ,LONG-HO>Y3  0,I SWE> IT BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA1 ?AT %E IS NOT H]E3  ! TALE WAS BUT A LIE ( ! ,PUNY ,FOX40  

O ,*APT] #g 3 ,A ,FEA/ ,9 ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

,HALLBLI! POND]$ HIS ANSW] A:ILE ) D[NCA/ EYES & SAID AT LA/3  0,HAVE YE A M9D TO RANSOM ME1 N[ ?AT ,I HAVE WALK$ 9TO ! TRAP80  

0,!RE IS NO NE$ TO TALK ( RANSOM10 SAID ! ELD]2 0?\ MAY/ GO \T ( ?IS H\SE :5 ?\ WILT1 NOR WILL ANY M$DLE ) !E IF ?\ /RAYE/ AB\T ! ,ISLE1 :5 ,I HAVE SET A M>K ON !E & GIV5 !E A TOK53  NOR WILT ?\ BE H9D]$ IF ?\ HA/ A M9D TO LEAVE ! ,ISLE1 IF ?\ CAN/ F9D MEANS !RETO2 MOREOV] AS LONG AS ?\ >T 9 ! ,ISLE1 9 ?IS H\SE MAY/ ?\ ABIDE1 EAT+ & DR9K+ & RE/+ ) US40  

0,H[ !N MAY ,I LEAVE ?IS ,ISLE80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,! ELD] LAU<$3  0,9 A %IP10 SAID HE4  

0,& :510 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0%ALL ,I F9D A %IP ?AT %ALL C>RY ME80  

,SAID ! OLD C>LE1 0,:I!R W\LDE/ ?\ MY SON80  ,HALLBLI! WAS SIL5T A :ILE1 ?9K+ :AT ANSW] HE %\LD MAKE2 !N HE SAID3 0,I W\LD GO TO ! L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA940  

0,SON1 A %IP %ALL NOT BE LACK+ !E = ?AT VOYAGE10 SAID ! ELD]4  0,?\ MAY/ GO TO-MORR[ MORN4  ,& ,I BID !E ABIDE H]E TO- NI<T1 & ?Y *E] %ALL NOT BE ILL4  ,YET IF ?\ WILT BELIEVE MY WORD1 IT WILL BE WELL = !E TO SAY AS LITTLE AS ?\ MAY/ TO ANY MAN H]E1 & ?AT LITTLE AS LITTLE PR\D AS MAYBE3  = \R FOLK >E %ORT ( TEMP] & ?\ KN[E/ !RE IS NO MI<T AGA9/ MANY4 ,9DE$ IT IS NOT UNLIKE ?AT !Y WILL NOT SPEAK ONE WORD TO !E1 & IF ?AT BE SO1 ?\ HA/ NO NE$ TO OP5 ?Y M\? TO !M4  ,& N[ ,I WILL TELL !E ?AT IT IS GOOD ?AT ?\ HA/ *OS5 TO GO TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,= IF ?\ W]T O!RWISE M9D$1 ,I WOT NOT H[ ?\ W\LDE/ GET !E A KEEL TO C>RY !E1 & ! W+S HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO SPR\T ON ?Y %\LD]S1 RAV5 ?\< ?\ BE4  ,N[ ,I AM GLAD ?AT ?\ >T GO+ ?Y WAYS TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 TO- MORR[2 = ?\ WILT BE GOOD COMPANY TO ME ON ! WAY3  & ,I DEEM ?AT ?\ WILT BE NO *URL :5 ?\ >T GLAD40  

0,:AT10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0>T ?\ W5D+ ?I!R1 ?\ OLD MAN80  

0,YEA10 SAID HE1 0NOR %ALL ANY O!R BE ON ! %IP SAVE ?\ & ,I1 & ! M>9]S ?AT WAFT US2 & !Y =SOO? %ALL NOT GO AL& !RE4  ,:Y %\LD NOT ,I GO1 S9CE !RE >E M5 TO BE> ME ABO>D80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,& :5 ?\ >T COME AL& !RE1 :AT WILT ?\ DO80  

0,?\ %ALT SEE1 MY SON10 SAID ! ,LONG-HO>Y4  0,IT MAY BE ?AT ?Y GOOD WI%ES %ALL BE ( AVAIL TO ME4  ,BUT N[ S9CE ALL ?IS MAY ONLY BE IF ,I LIVE ?R\< ?IS NI<T1 & S9CE MY HE>T HA? BE5 W>M$ BY ! GOOD MEAD1 & ?Y FELL[%IP1 & :]EAS ,I AM SOME:AT SLEEPY1 & IT IS LONG PA/ NOON1 GO =? 9TO ! HALL1 & LEAVE ME TO SLEEP1 ?AT ,I MAY BE AS S\ND AS ELD WILL LET ME TO-MORR[4 ,& AS = !E1 FOLK1 BO? M5 & WOM51 %ALL PRES5TLY COME 9TO ! HALL1 & ,I DEEM NOT ?AT ANY %ALL M$DLE ) !E2 BUT IF SO BE ?AT ANY *ALL5GE !E1 :ATSOEV] MAY BE HIS WORDS1 ANSW] ?\ TO HIM1 ',! ,H,\,S,E ,( ,! ,U,N,D,Y,+1' & !RE WILL BE AN 5D ( IT4 ,ONLY LOOK ?\ TO IT ?AT NO NAK$ /EEL COME? \T ( ?Y SCABB>D4 ,GO N[1 & IF ?\ WILT1 GO \T ( DOORS2 YET >T ?\ SAF] )9 DOORS & NI<] UNTO ME40  

,SO ,HALLBLI! W5T BACK 9TO ! MA9 HALL1 & ! SUN HAD GOTT5 R\ND N[1 & WAS %9+ 9TO ! HALL1 ?R\< ! CL]E/ORY W9D[S1 SO ?AT HE SAW CLE>LY ALL ?AT WAS !RE94  ,& HE DEEM$ ! HALL FAIR] )9 ?AN )\T2 & ESPECIALLY OV] ! %UT- B$S W]E MANY /ORIES C>V5 9 ! PANEL+1 & ,HALLBLI! BEHELD !M GLADLY4  ,BUT ( ONE ?+ HE M>VEL$1 ?AT :]EAS HE WAS 9 AN ISL& ( ! /RONG-?IEVES ( ! WAT]S1 & 9 !IR V]Y HOME & *IEFE/ HABITATION1 !RE W]E NO %IPS OR SEAS PICTUR$ 9 ?AT IMAG]Y1 BUT FAIR GROVES & G>D5S1 ) FL[]Y GRASS & FRUIT$ TREES ALL AB\T4  ,& !RE W]E FAIR WOM5 ABID+ !RE91 & LOVELY Y\NG M51 & W>RIORS1 & /RANGE BEA/S & MANY M>VELS1 & ! 5D+ ( WRA? & BEG9N+ ( PLEASURE & ! CR[N+ ( LOVE4  ,& AMID !SE WAS PICTUR$ (T & AGA9 A MI<TY K+ ) A SWORD BY HIS SIDE & A CR[N ON HIS HEAD2 & EV] WAS HE SMIL+ & JOY\S1 SO ?AT ,HALLBLI!1 :5 HE LOOK$ ON HIM1 FELT ( BETT] HE>T & SMIL$ BACK ON ! C>V5 IMAGE4  

,SO :ILE ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ ON !SE ?+S1 & POND]$ HIS CASE C>EFULLY1 ALL ALONE AS HE WAS 9 ?AT ALI5 HALL1 HE HE>D A NOISE )\T ( TALK+ & LAU<T]1 & PRES5TLY ! PATT]+ ( FEET !RE)1 & !N WOM5 CAME 9TO ! HALL1 A SCORE OR MORE1 SOME Y\NG1 SOME OLD1 SOME FAIR 5\<1 & SOME H>D-FEATUR$ & UNCOMELY1 BUT ALL ABOVE ! /ATURE ( ! WOM5 :OM HE HAD SE5 9 HIS [N L&4  

,SO HE /OOD AMID ! HALL-FLOOR & ABID$ !M2 & !Y SAW HIM & HIS %9+ W>-GE>1 & CEAS$ !IR TALK+ & LAU<T]1 & DREW R\ND AB\T HIM1 & GAZ$ AT HIM2 BUT NONE SAID AU<T TILL AN OLD CRONE CAME =? FROM ! R+1 & SAID 0,:O >T ?\1 /&+ UND] WEAPONS 9 \R HALL80  

,HE KNEW NOT :AT TO ANSW]1 & HELD HIS PEACE2 & %E SPAKE AGA93 0,:I!R W\LDE/ ?\1 :AT SEEKE/ ?\80  

,!N ANSW]$ ,HALLBLI!3  0,! ,H,\,S,E ,( ,! ,U,N,D,Y,+40  

,NONE ANSW]$1 & ! O!R WOM5 ALL FELL AWAY FROM HIM AT ONCE1 & W5T AB\T !IR BUS9ESS HI!R & ?I!R ?R\< ! HALL4 ,BUT ! OLD CRONE TOOK HIM BY ! H&1 & L$ HIM UP TO ! DAIS1 & SET HIM NEXT TO ! MIDMO/ HI<-SEAT4  ,!N %E MADE AS IF %E W\LD DO (F HIS W>-GE>1 & HE W\LD NOT GA9SAY H]1 ?\< HE DEEM$ ?AT FOES MI<T BE ANE>2 = 9 SOO? HE TRU/$ 9 ! OLD C>LE ?AT HE W\LD NOT BEWRAY HIM1 & MOREOV] HE DEEM$ IT W\LD BE UNMANLY NOT TO TAKE ! RISKS ( ! GUE/+1 ACCORD+ TO ! CU/OM ( ?AT C\NTRY4  

,SO %E TOOK HIS >MOR & HIS WEAPONS & BORE !M (F TO A %UT- B$ NEXT TO ?AT :]E9 LAY ! ANCI5T MAN1 & %E LAID ! GE> )9 IT1 ALL SAVE ! SPE>1 :I* %E LAID ON ! WALL-P9S ABOVE2 & %E MADE SIGNS TO HIM ?AT !RE9 HE WAS TO LIE2 BUT %E SPAKE NO WORD TO HIM4  ,!N %E BR\<T HIM ! H&-WA%+ WAT] 9 A BAS9 ( LATT51 & A GOODLY T[EL !RE)1 & :5 HE HAD WA%$ %E W5T AWAY FROM HIM1 BUT NOT F>4  

,?IS :ILE ! O!R WOM5 W]E BUSY AB\T ! HALL2 SOME SWEPT ! FLOOR D[N1 & :5 IT WAS SWEPT /RAW$ !REON RU%ES & H&FULS ( WILD ?YME3  SOME W5T 9TO ! BUTT]Y & BORE =? ! BO>DS & ! TRE/LES3  SOME W5T TO ! *E/S & BR\<T \T ! RI* HANG+S1 ! GOODLY BANK]S & DORS>S1 & DID !M ON ! WALLS3 SOME BORE 9 ! /\PS & HORNS & BEAK]S1 & SOME W5T !IR WAYS & CAME NOT BACK A :ILE1 = !Y W]E BUSI$ AB\T ! COOK+4  ,BUT :ATEV] !Y DID1 NONE HAIL$ HIM1 OR HE$$ HIM MORE ?AN IF HE HAD BE5 AN IMAGE1 AS HE SAT !RE LOOK+ ON4  ,NONE SAVE ! OLD WOMAN :O BR\<T HIM ! =E-SUPP]1 TO WIT A GREAT HORN ( MEAD1 & CAKES & DRI$ FI%4  

,SO WAS ! HALL >RAY$ = ! FEA/ V]Y FAIRLY1 & ,HALLBLI! SAT !RE :ILE ! SUN WE/]$ & ! H\SE GREW DIM1 & D>K AT LA/1 & !Y LI<T$ ! C&LES UP & D[N ! HALL4  ,BUT A LITTLE AFT] !SE W]E LIT1 A GREAT HORN WAS W9D$ CLOSE )\T1 & !REAFT] CAME ! CLATT] ( >MS AB\T ! DOOR1 & EXCE$+ TALL WEAPON$ M5 CAME 91 ONE SCORE & FIVE1 & /RODE TWO BY TWO UP TO ! FOOT ( ! DAIS1 & /OOD !RE 9 A R[4  ,& ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ !IR W>-GE> EXCE$+ GOOD2 !Y W]E ALL CLAD 9 R+- LOCK$ BYRNIES1 & HAD /EEL HELMS ON !IR HEADS ) G>L&S ( GOLD WR\<T AB\T !M & !Y BORE SPE>S 9 !IR H&S1 & :ITE %IELDS HUNG AT !IR BACKS4  ,N[ CAME ! WOM5 TO !M & UN>M$ !M2 & UND] !IR >MOR !IR RAIM5T WAS BLACK2 BUT !Y HAD GOLD R+S ON !IR >MS1 & GOLD5 COLL>S AB\T !IR NECKS4  ,SO !Y /RODE UP TO ! DAIS & TOOK !IR PLACES ON ! HI<-SEAT1 NOT HE$+ ,HALLBLI! ANY MORE ?AN IF HE W]E AN IMAGE ( WOOD4  ,NEV]!LESS ?AT MAN SAT NEXT TO HIM :O WAS ! *IEFTA9 ( ALL & SAT 9 ! MIDMO/ HI<-SEAT2 & HE BORE HIS %EA!D SWORD 9 HIS H& & LAID IT ON ! BO>D BE=E HIM1 & HE WAS ! ONLY MAN ( ?OSE *IEFTA9S :O HAD A WEAPON4  

,BUT :5 !SE W]E SET D[N !RE WAS AGA9 A NOISE )\T1 & !RE CAME 9 A ?RONG ( M5 >M$ & UN>M$ :O TOOK !IR PLACES ON ! 5D-LONG B5*ES UP & D[N ! HALL2 ) !SE CAME WOM5 ALSO1 :O MO/ ( !M SAT AMONG ! M51 BUT SOME BUSI$ !M ) ! S]V+3  ALL !SE M5 W]E GREAT ( /ATURE1 BUT NONE SO BIG AS ! *IEFTA9S ON ! HI<-SEAT4  

,N[ CAME ! WOM5 9 FROM ! KIT*5 BE>+ ! MEAT1 :]E( NO LITTLE WAS FLE%-MEAT1 & ALL WAS ( ! BE/4  ,HALLBLI! WAS DULY S]V$ LIKE ! O!RS1 BUT /ILL NONE SPAKE TO HIM OR EV5 LOOK$ ON HIM2 ?\< AMONG !MSELVES !Y SPOKE 9 BIG1 R\< VOICES SO ?AT ! RAFT]S ( ! HALL RANG AGA94  

,:5 !Y HAD EAT5 !IR FILL ! WOM5 FILL$ R\ND ! CUPS & ! HORNS TO !M1 & ?OSE VESSELS W]E BO? GREAT & GOODLY4  ,BUT ]E !Y FELL TO DR9K+ UPROSE ! *IEFTA9 :O SAT FUR!/ FROM ! MIDMO/ HI<-SEAT ON ! RI<T & CRI$ A HEAL?3  0,! ,T,R,E,A,S,U,R,E ,( ,! ,S,E,A60  ,!N !Y ALL /OOD UP & %\T$1 WOM5 AS WELL AS M51 & EMPTI$ !IR HORNS & CUPS TO ?AT HEAL?4  ,!N /OOD UP ! MAN FUR!/ ON ! LEFT & CRI$ \T1 0,DR9K A HEAL? TO ! ,UNDY+ ,K+60  ,& AGA9 ALL M5 ROSE UP & %\T$ ]E !Y DRANK4 ,O!R HEAL?S !Y DRANK1 AS ! 0,COLD ,KEEL10 ! 0,W9DWORN ,SAIL10 ! 0,QUIV]+ ,A%0 & ! 0,FURR[$ ,BEA*40  ,& ! W9E & MEAD FL[$ LIKE RIV]S 9 ?AT HALL ( ! ,WILD ,M54  ,AS = ,HALLBLI!1 HE DRANK :AT HE W\LD BUT /OOD NOT UP1 NOR RAIS$ HIS CUP TO HIS LIPS :5 A HEAL? WAS DRUNK2 = HE KNEW NOT :E!R !SE M5 W]E HIS FRI5DS OR HIS FOES1 & HE DEEM$ IT W\LD BE LITTLE-M9D$ TO DR9K TO !IR HEAL?S1 LE/ HE MI<T BE DR9K+ DEA? & CONFUSION TO HIS [N K9DR$4  

,BUT :5 M5 HAD DRUNK A :ILE1 AGA9 A HORN BLEW AT ! NE!R 5D ( ! HALL1 & /RAI<TWAY FOLK >OSE FROM ! 5DLONG TABLES1 & TOOK AWAY ! BO>DS & TRE/LES1 & CLE>$ ! FLOOR & /OOD AGA9/ ! WALL2 !N ! BIG *IEFTA9 BESIDE ,HALLBLI! >OSE & CRI$ \T3  0,N[ LET MAN DANCE ) MAID1 & BE WE M]RY6  ,MUSIC1 /RIKE UP60  ,!N FLEW ! FIDDLE-B[S & TWANG$ ! H>PS1 & ! C>LES & QUE5S /OOD =? ON ! FLOOR2 & ALL ! WOM5 W]E CLAD 9 BLACK RAIM5T1 ALBEIT EMBROID]$ ) KNOTS & WREA?S ( FL[]S4  ,A :ILE !Y DANC$ & !N SUDD5LY ! MUSIC FELL1 & !Y ALL W5T BACK TO !IR PLACES4  ,!N ! *IEFTA9 9 ! HI<- SEAT >OSE & TOOK A HORN FROM HIS SIDE1 & BLEW A GREAT BLA/ ON IT ?AT FILL$ ! HALL2 !N HE CRI$ 9 A L\D VOICE3  0,BE WE M]RY6  ,LET ! *AMPIONS COME =?60  

,M5 %\T$ GLEEFULLY !REAT1 & /RAI<TWAY RAN 9TO ! HALL FROM \T ! SCRE5S ?REE TALL M5 CLAD ALL 9 BLACK >MOR ) NAK$ SWORDS 9 !IR H&S1 & /OOD AMID ! HALL-FLOOR1 SOME:AT ON ONE SIDE1 & CLA%$ !IR SWORDS ON !IR %IELDS & CRI$ \T3 0,COME =? YE ,*AMPIONS ( ! ,RAV560  

,!N LEAP$ ,HALLBLI! FROM HIS SEAT & SET HIS H& TO HIS LEFT SIDE1 BUT NO SWORD WAS !RE2 SO HE SAT D[N AGA91 REMEMB]+ ! W>N+ ( ! ,ELD]1 & NONE HE$$ HIM4  

,!N !RE CAME 9TO ! HALL SL[LY & M\RNFULLY ?REE M5-AT- >MS1 CLAD & WEAPON$ LIKE ! W>RIORS ( HIS FOLK1 ) ! IMAGE ( ! ,RAV5 ON !IR HELMS & %IELDS4  ,SO ,HALLBLI! REFRA9$ HIM1 = BESIDES ?AT ?IS SEEM$ LIKE TO BE A FAIR BATTLE ( ?REE AGA9/ ?REE1 HE D\BT$ SOME SN>E1 & HE DET]M9$ TO LOOK ON & ABIDE4  

,SO ! *AMPIONS FELL TO LAY+ ON /ROKES ?AT W]E NO *ILD'S PLAY1 ?\< ,HALLBLI! D\BT$ IF ! $GES BIT1 & IT WAS BUT A LITTLE :ILE BE=E ! ,*AMPIONS ( ! ,RAV5 FELL ONE AFT] ANO!R BE=E ! ,WILD ,M51 & FOLK DREW !M BY ! HEELS \T 9TO ! BUTT]Y4 ,!N >OSE GREAT LAU<T] & JE]+1 & EXCE$+ WRO? WAS ,HALLBLI!2 H[BEIT HE REFRA9$ HIM BECAUSE HE REMEMB]$ ALL HE HAD TO DO4  ,BUT ! ?REE ,*AMPIONS ( ! ,SEA /RODE R\ND ! HALL1 TOSS+ UP !IR SWORDS & CAT*+ !M AS !Y FELL1 :ILE ! HORNS BLEW UP BEH9D !M4  

,AFT] A :ILE ! HALL GREW HU%$1 & ! *IEFTA9 >OSE & CRI$3  0,BR+ 9 N[ SOME %EAVES ( ! H>VE/ WE W91 WE LADS ( ! O> & ! >R[60  ,!N WAS !RE A /IR AT ! SCRE5 DOORS1 & FOLK PRESS$ =W>D TO SEE1 &1 LO1 !RE CAME =W>D A /R+ ( WOM51 L$ 9 BY TWO WEAPON$ C>LES2 & ! WOM5 W]E A SCORE 9 NUMB]1 & !Y W]E B>EFOOT & !IR HAIR HUNG LOOSE & !IR G[NS W]E UNGIRT1 & !Y W]E *A9$ TOGE!R WRI/ TO WRI/2 YET HAD !Y GOLD AT >M & NECK3  !RE WAS SIL5CE 9 ! HALL :5 !Y /OOD AMID ( ! FLOOR4  

,!N 9DE$ ,HALLBLI! C\LD NOT REFRA9 HIMSELF1 & HE LEAP$ FROM HIS SEAT & ON TO ! BO>D1 & OV] IT1 & RAN D[N ! HALL1 & CAME TO ?OSE WOM5 & LOOK$ !M 9 ! FACE ONE BY ONE1 :ILE NO MAN SPAKE 9 ! HALL4  ,BUT ! ,HO/AGE WAS NOT AMONG !M2 NAY =SOO?1 !Y NONE ( !M FAVOR$ ( ! DAU<T]S ( HIS PEOPLE1 ?\< !Y W]E COMELY & FAIR2 SO ?AT AGA9 ,HALLBLI! D\BT$ IF ?IS W]E AU<T BUT A FEA/-HALL PLAY DONE TO ANG] HIM2 :]EAS !RE WAS BUT LITTLE GRIEF 9 ! FACES ( ?OSE DAMSELS1 & MORE ?AN ONE ( !M SMIL$ WANTONLY 9 HIS FACE AS HE LOOK$ ON !M4  

,SO HE TURN$ AB\T & W5T BACK TO HIS SEAT1 HAV+ SAID NO WORD1 & BEH9D HIM >OSE MU* MOCK+ & JE]+2 BUT IT ANG]$ HIM LITTLE N[2 = HE REMEMB]$ ! R$E ( ! ELD] & H[ ?AT HE HAD DONE ACCORD+ TO HIS BIDD+1 SO ?AT HE DEEM$ ! GA9 WAS HIS4  ,SO SPRANG UP TALK 9 ! HALL BETWIXT MAN & MAN1 & FOLK DRANK AB\T & W]E M]RY1 TILL ! *IEFTA9 >OSE AGA9 & SMOTE ! BO>D ) ! FLAT ( HIS SWORD1 & CRI$ \T 9 A L\D & ANGRY VOICE1 SO ?AT ALL C\LD HE>3  0,N[ LET !RE BE MUSIC & M9/RELSY ]E WE W5D B$W>D60  

,!RE) FELL ! HUBBUB ( VOICES1 & !RE CAME =? ?REE M5 ) GREAT H>PS1 & A F\R? MAN ) !M1 :O WAS ! M9/REL2 & ! H>P]S SMOTE !IR H>PS SO ?AT ! RO( RANG !RE)1 & ! NOISE1 ?\< IT WAS GREAT1 WAS TUNABLE1 & :5 !Y HAD PLAY$ ?US A LITTLE :ILE1 !Y ABAT$ !IR L\DNESS SOME:AT1 & ! M9/REL LIFT$ HIS VOICE & SANG3  

,! L& LIES BLACK   

,) W9T]'S LACK1   

,! W9D BL[S COLD   

,R\ND FIELD & FOLD2   

,ALL FOLK >E )91   

,& BUT WEAV+ !Y W94   

,:]E FROM F+] TO F+] ! %UTTLE FLIES FA/1   

,& ! EYES ( ! S+] LOOK FA9 ON ! CA/1   

,AS HE S+E? ! /ORY ( SUMM] UNDONE   

,& ! B>LEY %EAVES HO>Y RIPE UND] ! SUN4   

,!N ! MAID5S /AY   

,! LI<T-HUNG SLEY1   

,& ! %UTTLES BIDE   

,BY ! BLUE WEB'S SIDE1   

,:ILE H& 9 H&   

,) ! C>LES !Y /&4   

,BUT ]E TO ! MEASURE ! FIDDLES /RIKE UP1   

,& ! ELD]S YET TREASURE ! LA/ ( ! CUP1   

,!RE /& !Y A-HE>K5+ ! BLA/ FROM ! LIFT1   

,& E'5 NI<T IS A-D>K5+ MORE UND] ! DRIFT4   

,!RE SAFE 9 ! HALL   

,!Y BLESS ! WALL1   

,& ! RO( O'] HEAD1   

,( ! VALIANT /EAD2   

,& ! H&S !Y PRAISE   

,( ! OLD5 DAYS4   

,!N ?R\< ! /ORM'S RO>+ ! FIDDLES BREAK \T1   

,& !Y ?9K NOT ( W>R+1 BUT CA/ AWAY D\BT1   

,&1 MAN BE=E MAID51 !IR FEET TREAD ! FLOOR1   

,& !IR HE>TS >E UNLAD5 ( ALL ?AT !Y BORE4   

,BUT :AT W9DS >E O']-COLD   

,= ! HE>T ( ! BOLD8   

,:AT SEAS >E O']-HI<   

,= ! UNDOOM$ TO DIE8   

,D>K NI<T & DREAD W9D1   

,BUT ! HAV5 WE F9D4   

,!N A%ORE MID ! FLURRY ( /ONE-WA%+ SURF6   

,CL\D-H\NDS ! MOON WORRY1 BUT LI<T LIES ! TURF2   

,LO ! LONG DALE BE=E US6 ! LI<TS AT ! 5D1   

,?\< ! NI<T D>K5S O'] US1 BID :I!R TO W5D4   

,:O BEATE? ! DOOR   

,BY ! FOOT-SMITT5 FLOOR8   

,:AT GUE/S >E !SE   

,FROM OV] ! SEAS8   

,TAKE %IELD & SWORD   

,= !IR GREET+-WORD4   

,LO1 LO1 ! DANCE 5D$6  ,LO1 MID/ ( ! HALL   

,! FALL[ BLADES BL5D$6  ,LO1 BLOOD ON ! WALL6   

,:O LIVE?1 :O DIE?8  ,O M5 ( ! SEA1   

,= PEACE ! FOLK CRIE?2 \R MA/]S >E YE4   

,N[ ! DALE LIES GRAY   

,AT ! DAWN ( DAY2   

,& FAIR FEET PASS   

,O'] ! W9D-WORN GRASS2   

,& !Y TURN BACK TO GAZE   

,ON ! RO( ( OLD DAYS4   

,COME TREAD YE ! OAK5-FLOOR$ HALL ( ! SEA6   

,BE Y\R HE>TS YET UNBROK52 SO FAIR AS YE BE1   

,?AT K+S >E ABID+ UNW$D$ TO GA9   

,! NEWS ( \R RID+ ! /E$S ( ! MA94   

,MU* %\T+ & LAU<T] >OSE AT ! SONG'S 5D2 & M5 SPRANG UP & WAV$ !IR SWORDS ABOVE ! CUPS1 :ILE ,HALLBLI! SAT SC[L+ D[N ON !IR M]RIM5T4  ,LA/LY >OSE ! *IEFTA9 & CALL$ \T L\DLY = ! GOOD-NI<T CUP1 & IT W5T R\ND & ALL M5 DRANK4 ,!N ! HORN BLEW = B$1 & ! *IEFTA9S W5T TO !IR *AMB]S1 & ! O!RS W5T TO ! \T-B[]S OR LAID !M D[N ON ! HALL-FLOOR1 & 9 A LITTLE :ILE NONE /OOD UPRI<T !REON4  ,SO ,HALLBLI! >OSE1 & W5T TO ! %UT-B$ APPO9T$ = HIM1 & LAID HIM D[N & SLEPT DREAMLESSLY TILL ! MORN+4  

O ,*APT] #h 3 ,HALLBLI! ,TAKE? ,%IP ,AGA9 ,AWAY ,FROM ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM 

,:5 HE AWOKE1 ! SUN %ONE 9TO ! HALL BY ! W9D[S ABOVE ! BUTT]Y1 & !RE W]E BUT FEW FOLK LEFT !RE94  ,BUT SO SOON AS ,HALLBLI! WAS CLAD1 ! OLD WOMAN CAME TO HIM1 & TOOK HIM BY ! H&1 & L$ HIM TO ! BO>D1 & SIGN$ TO HIM TO EAT ( :AT WAS !REON2 & HE DID SO2 & BY !N HE WAS DONE1 CAME FOLK :O W5T 9TO ! %UT-B$ :]E LAY ! ,LONG-HO>Y1 & !Y BR\<T HIM =? B$ & ALL & B>E HIM \T A-DOORS4  ,!N ! CRONE BR\<T ,HALLBLI! HIS >MS & HE DID ON BYRNY & HELM1 GIRT HIS SWORD TO HIS SIDE1 TOOK HIS SPE> 9 HIS H& & W5T \T A-DOORS2 & !RE CLOSE BY ! POR* LAY ! ,LONG-HO>Y UPON A HORSE-LITT]4  ,SO ,HALLBLI! CAME UP TO HIM & GAVE HIM ! SELE ( ! DAY3  & ! ELD] SAID3  0,GOOD MORR[1 SON1 ,I AM GLAD TO SEE !E4  ,DID !Y TRY !E H>D LA/ NI<T80  

,& ,HALLBLI! SAW TWO ( ! C>LES ?AT HAD BORNE \T ! ELD]1 ?AT !Y W]E TALK+ TOGE!R1 & !Y LOOK$ ON HIM & LAU<$ MOCK+LY2 SO HE SAID TO ! ELD]3  0,EV5 FOOLS MAY TRY A WISE MAN1 & SO IT BEFELL LA/ NI<T4  ,YET1 AS ?\ SEE/1 MUMM+ HA? NOT SLA9 ME40  

,SAID ! OLD MAN3  0,:AT ?\ SAWE/ WAS NOT ALL MUMM+2 IT WAS DONE ACCORD+ TO \R CU/OMS2 & WELL NI< ALL ( IT HAD BE5 DONE1 EV5 HAD/ ?\ NOT BE5 !RE4  ,NAY1 ,I WILL TELL !E2 AT SOME ( \R FEA/S IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO EAT EI!R = ! *IEFTA9S OR ! C>LES1 TILL A *AMPION HA? GIV5 =? A *ALL5GE1 & BE5 ANSW]$ & MET1 & ! BATTLE F\<T TO AN 5D4  ,BUT YE M51 :AT H9D]E? Y\ TO GO TO ! HORSES' HEADS & SPE$ ON ! ROAD ! *IEFTA9 :O IS NO LONG] WAY-WOR?Y80  

,SO !Y RAN TO ! HORSES & SET D[N ! DALE BY ! RIV]SIDE1 & JU/ AS ,HALLBLI! WAS GO+ TO FOLL[ AFOOT1 !RE CAME A SWA9 FROM BEH9D ! H\SE LEAD+ A R$ HORSE :I* HE BR\<T TO ,HALLBLI! AS ONE :O BIDS M\NT4  ,SO ,HALLBLI! LEAP$ 9TO ! SADDLE & AT ONCE CAU<T UP ) ! LITT] ( ! ,LONG-HO>Y D[N ALONG ! RIV]4  ,!Y PASS$ BY NO O!R H\SE1 SAVE H]E & !RE A COT BESIDE SOME FOLD OR BYRE2 !Y W5T EASILY1 = ! WAY WAS SMOO? BY ! RIV]-SIDE2 SO 9 LESS ?AN TWO H\RS !Y CAME :]E ! SAID RIV] RAN 9TO ! SEA4  ,!RE WAS NO BEA* !RE1 = ! WAT] WAS T5 FA?OM DEEP CLOSE UP TO ! LIP ( ! L&2 BUT !RE WAS A GREAT HAV5 L&-LOCK$ ALL BUT A N>R[ \TGATE BETWIXT ! %E] BLACK CLIFFS4  ,MANY A GREAT %IP MI<T HAVE LA9 9 ?AT HAV52 BUT AS N[ !RE WAS BUT ONE LY+ !RE1 A R\ND-%IP NOT V]Y GREAT1 BUT EXCE$+ TRIM & MEET = ! SEA4  

,!RE )\T MORE ADO ! C>LES TOOK ! ELD] FROM ! LITT] & BORE HIM ABO>D1 & ,HALLBLI! FOLL[$ HIM AS IF HE HAD BE5 SO APPO9T$4  ,!Y LAID ! OLD MAN AD[N ON ! POOP UND] A TILT ( PRECI\S WEB1 & SO W5T ABACK BY ! WAY ?AT !Y HAD COME2 & ,HALLBLI! W5T & SAT D[N BESIDE ! ,LONG-HO>Y1 :O SPAKE TO HIM & SAID3  0,SEE/ ?\1 SON1 H[ EASY IT IS = US TWA9 TO BE %IPP$ = ! L& :I!R WE W\LD GO8  ,BUT AS EASY AS IT IS = !E TO GO ?I!R :]EAS WE >E GO+1 JU/ SO H>D HAD IT BE5 = !E TO GO ELSE:]E4  ,MOREOV] ,I MU/ TELL !E ?AT ?\< MANY AN ONE ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM DESIRE? TO GO ?IS VOYAGE1 !RE %ALL NONE ELSE GO1 TILL ! WORLD IS A YE> OLD]1 & HE :O %ALL GO !N %ALL BE LIKE/ TO ME 9 ALL WAYS1 BO? 9 ELD & 9 FEEBL5ESS1 & 9 GIB+ SPEE*1 & ALL ELSE2 & N[ ?AT ,I AM GONE1 HIS NAME %ALL BE ! SAME AS ?AT :]EBY YE MAY CALL ME TO- DAY1 & ?AT IS ,GR&FA!R4  ,>T ?\ GLAD OR SORRY1 ,HALLBLI!80  

0,GR&FA!R10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,I CAN SC>CE TELL !E3  ,I MOVE AS ONE :O HA? NO WILL TO W5D ONE WAY OR O!R4  ,MESEEMS ,I AM DRAWN TO GO ?I!R :]EAS WE >E GO+2 !RE=E ,I DEEM ?AT ,I %ALL F9D MY BELOV$ ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA93  & :ATEV] BEFALLE? AFT]W>DS1 LET IT BE AS IT WILL60  

0,TELL ME1 MY SON10 SAID ! ,GR&FA!R1 0H[ MANY WOM5 >E !RE 9 ! WORLD80  

0,H[ MAY ,I TELL !E80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,WELL1 !N10 SAID ! ELD]1 0H[ MANY EXCE$+ FAIR WOM5 >E !RE80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,9DE$ ,I WOT NOT40  

0,H[ MANY ( SU* HA/ ?\ SE580 SAID ! ,GR&FA!R4  

0,MANY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0! DAU<T]S ( MY FOLK >E FAIR1 & !RE WILL BE MANY O!R SU* AMONG ! ALI5S40  

,!N LAU<$ ! ELD]1 & SAID3  0,YET1 MY SON1 HE :O HAD BE5 ?Y FELL[ S9CE ?Y SUND]+ FROM ?Y BELOV$1 W\LD HAVE SAID ?AT 9 ?Y DEEM+ !RE IS BUT ONE WOMAN 9 ! WORLD2 OR AT LEA/ ONE FAIR WOMAN3  IS IT NOT SO80  

,!N ,HALLBLI! R$D5$ AT FIR/1 AS ?\< HE W]E ANGRY2 !N HE SAID3  0,YEA1 IT IS SO40  

,SAID ! ,GR&FA!R 9 A MUS+ WAY3  0,I WOND] IF BE=E LONG ,I %ALL ?9K ( IT AS ?\ DO/40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! GAZ$ AT HIM M>VEL+1 & /UDI$ TO SEE :]E9 LAY ! GIBE AGA9/ HIMSELF2 & ! ,GR&FA!R BEHELD HIM1 & LAU<$ AS WELL AS HE MI<T1 & SAID3  0,SON1 SON2 DID/ ?\ NOT WI% ME Y\?80  

0,YEA10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0BUT :AT AILS !E TO LAU< SO8  ,:AT IS IT ,I HAVE SAID OR DONE80  

0,NAU<T1 NAU<T10 SAID ! ELD]1 LAU<+ /ILL MORE1 0ONLY ?\ LOOKE/ SO MAZ$4  ,& :O KN[E? :AT ?Y WI% MAY BR+ =?80  

,!REAT WAS ,HALLBLI! SORE PUZZL$2 BUT :ILE HE SET HIMSELF TO CONSID] :AT ! OLD C>LE MI<T MEAN1 UPROSE ! HALE & H[ ( ! M>9]S2 !Y CA/ (F ! HAWS]S FROM ! %ORE1 RAN \T ! SWEEPS1 & DRAVE ! %IP ?R\< ! HAV5-GATES4  ,IT WAS A BRI<T SUNNY DAY2 )91 ! GRE5 WAT] WAS OILY-SMOO?1 )\T ! RIPPL+ WAVES DANC$ M]RILY UND] A LI<T BREEZE1 & ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ ! W9D TO BE FAIR2 = ! M>9]S %\T$ JOY\SLY & MADE ALL SAIL ON ! %IP2 & %E LAY OV] & SP$ ?R\< ! WAVES1 CA/+ (F ! SEAS FROM H] BLACK B[S4  ,SOON W]E !Y CLE> ( ?OSE SW>T CLIFFS1 & IT WAS BUT A LITTLE AFT]W>DS ?AT ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM WAS GR[N DEEP BLUE BEH9D !M & F> AWAY4  

O ,*APT] #i 3 ,!Y ,COME ,TO ,! ,L& ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

,AS 9 ! HALL1 SO 9 ! %IP1 ,HALLBLI! NOT$ ?AT ! FOLK W]E M]RY & ( MANY WORDS ONE ) ANO!R1 :ILE TO HIM NO MAN CA/ A WORD SAVE ! ,GR&FA!R4  ,AS TO ,HALLBLI!1 ?\< HE WOND]$ MU* :AT ALL ?IS BETOK5$1 & :AT ! L& WAS :]ETO HE WAS W5D+1 HE WAS NO MAN TO FE> AN UNBOD$ P]IL2 & HE SAID TO HIMSELF ?AT :ATEV] ELSE BETID1 HE %\LD MEET ! ,HO/AGE ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA92 SO HIS HE>T ROSE & HE WAS ( GOOD *E]1 & AS ! ,GR&FA!R HAD =ETOLD1 HE WAS A M]RY F>+-FELL[ TO HIM4 ,MANY A GIBE ! OLD MAN CA/ AT HIM1 & :ILES ,HALLBLI! GAVE HIM BACK AS GOOD AS HE TOOK1 & :ILES HE LAU<$ AS ! /ROKE W5T HOME & SIL5C$ HIM2 & :ILES HE UND]/OOD NAU<T ( :AT ! ELD] SAID4  ,SO WORE ! DAY & /ILL ! W9D HELD FAIR1 ?\< IT WAS LI<T2 & ! SUN SET 9 A SKY NI< CL\DLESS1 & !RE WAS NO:]E ANY =ECA/ ( P]IL4  ,BUT :5 NI<T WAS COME1 ,HALLBLI! LAY D[N ON A FAIR B$1 :I* WAS DI<T = HIM 9 ! POOP1 & HE SOON FELL ASLEEP & DREAM$ NOT SAVE SU* DREAMS AS >E BUT MADE UP ( BYGONE MEMORIES1 & BETOK5 NAU<T1 & >E NOT REMEMB]$4  

,:5 HE AWOKE1 DAY LAY BROAD ON ! SEA1 & ! WAVES W]E LITTLE1 ! SKY HAD BUT FEW CL\DS1 ! SUN %ONE BRI<T1 & ! AIR WAS W>M & SWEET-BREA!D4  

,HE LOOK$ ASIDE & SAW ! OLD MAN SITT+ UP 9 HIS B$1 AS <A/LY AS A DEAD MAN DUG UP AGA93  HIS BU%Y EYEBR[S W]E WR9KL$ OV] HIS BLE>$ OLD EYES1 ! LONG :ITE HAIR DANGL$ =LORN FROM HIS GAUNT HEAD3  YET WAS HIS FACE SMIL+ & HE LOOK$ AS HAPPY AS ! S\L )9 HIM C\LD MAKE ! HALF-DEAD BODY4  ,HE TURN$ N[ TO ,HALLBLI! & SAID3  

0,?\ >T LATE AWAKE3  HAD/ ?\ BE5 WAK+ E>LI]1 ! SOON] HAD ?9E HE>T BE5 GLADD5$4  ,GO =W>D N[1 & GAZE ?Y FILL & COME & TELL ME !RE(40  

0,?\ >T HAPPY1 ,GR&FA!R10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0:AT GOOD TID+S HA? MORN BR\<T US80  

0,! ,L&6 ! ,L&60 SAID ! ,LONG-HO>Y2 0!RE >E NO LONG] TE>S 9 ?IS OLD BODY1 ELSE %\LD ,I BE WEEP+ = JOY40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,>T ?\ GO+ TO MEET SOME ONE :O %ALL MAKE !E GLAD BE=E ?\ DIE/1 OLD MAN80  

0,SOME ONE80 SAID ! ELD]2 0:AT ONE8  ,>E !Y NOT ALL GONE8 BURN$1 & DR[N$1 & SLA9 & DI$ AB$8  ,SOME ONE1 Y\NG MAN8 ,YEA1 =SOO? SOME ONE 9DE$6  ,YEA1 ! GREAT W>RIOR ( ! ,WA/]S ( ! ,%ORE2 ! ,SEA-EAGLE :O BORE ! SWORD & ! TOR* & ! T]ROR ( ! ,RAVAG]S OV] ! COAL-BLUE SEA4  ,IT IS MYSELF1 ,M,Y,S,E,L,F ?AT ,I %ALL F9D ON ! ,L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 ,O Y\NG LOV]60  

,HALLBLI! LOOK$ ON HIM WOND]+ AS HE RAIS$ HIS WA/$ >MS T[>DS ! B[S ( ! %IP PIT*+ D[N ! SLOPE ( ! SUNLIT SEA1 OR CLIMB+ UP IT4  ,!N AGA9 ! OLD MAN FELL BACK ON HIS B$ & MUTT]$3  0,:AT FOOL'S WORK IS ?IS6 ?AT ?\ WILT DRAW ME ON TO TALK L\D1 & WA/E MY BODY ) LACK ( PATI5CE4  ,I WILL TALK ) !E NO MORE1 LE/ MY HE>T SWELL & BREAK1 & QU5* ! LITTLE SP>K ( LIFE )9 ME40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! >OSE TO HIS FEET1 & /OOD LOOK+ AT HIM1 WOND]+ SO MU* AT HIS WORDS1 ?AT = A :ILE HE =GAT ! L& :I* !Y W]E NE>+1 ?\< HE HAD CAU<T GLIMPSES ( IT1 AS ! B[S ( ! R\ND-%IP FELL D[NW>D 9TO ! HOLL[ ( ! SEA4  ,! W9D WAS BUT LI<T1 AS HA? BE5 SAID1 & ! WAVES LITTLE UND] IT1 BUT !RE WAS /ILL A SMOO? SWELL ( ! SEA :I* CAME ( BREEZES N[ DEAD1 & ! %IP WALL[$ !REON & SAIL$ BUT SL[LY4  

,9 A :ILE ! OLD MAN OP5$ HIS EYES AGA91 & SAID 9 A L[ PEEVI% VOICE3  0,:Y /&E/ ?\ />+ AT ME8 :Y HA/ ?\ NOT GONE =W>D TO LOOK UPON ! L&8  ,TRUE IT IS ?AT YE ,RAV5S >E %ORT ( WITS40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,BE NOT WRA?1 *IEFTA92 ,I WAS WOND]+ AT ?Y WORDS1 :I* >E EXCE$+ M>VEL\S2 TELL ME MORE ( ?IS L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA940  

,SAID ! ,GR&FA!R3  0,:Y %\LD ,I TELL IT !E8 ASK ( ! M>9]S4  ,!Y ALL KN[ MORE ?AN ?\ DO/40  

0,?\ KN[E/10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0?AT !SE M5 SPEAK NOT TO ME1 & TAKE NO MORE HE$ ( ME ?AN IF ,I W]E AN IMAGE :I* !Y W]E C>RY+ TO SELL TO ! NEXT MI<TY MAN !Y MAY HAP ON4  ,OR TELL ME1 ?\ OLD MAN10 SAID HE FI]CELY1 0IS IT P]*ANCE A ?RALL-M>KET :]ETO !Y >E BR++ ME8  ,HAVE !Y SOLD H] !RE1 & WILL !Y SELL ME ALSO 9 ! SAME PLACE1 BUT 9TO O!R H&S40  

0,TU%60 SAID ! ,GR&FA!R SOME:AT FEEBLY1 0?IS LA/ WORD ( ?9E IS FOLLY2 !RE IS NO BUY+ OR SELL+ 9 ! L& :]ETO WE >E B\ND4  ,AS TO ?9E O!R WORD1 ?AT !SE M5 HAVE NO FELL[%IP ) !E1 IT IS TRUE3  ?\ >T MY FELL[ & ! FELL[ ( NONE ELSE ABO>D4  ,!RE=E IF ,I FEEL MI<T 9 ME1 MAYBE ,I WILL TELL !E SOME:AT40  

,!N HE RAIS$ HIS HEAD A LITTLE & SAID3  0,! SUN GR[S HOT1 ! W9D FAILE? US1 & SL[ & SL[ >E WE SAIL+40  

,EV5 AS HE SPOKE !RE WAS A /IR AMID%IPS1 & ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ & BEHELD ! M>9]S H&L+ ! SWEEPS1 & SETTL+ !MSELVES ON ! R[+-B5*ES4  ,SAID ! ELD]3  0,!RE IS NOISE AMID%IPS1 :AT >E !Y DO+80  

,! OLD MAN RAIS$ HIMSELF A LITTLE AGA91 & CRI$ \T 9 HIS %RILL VOICE3  0,GOOD LADS6 BRAVE LADS6  ,?US W\LD WE DO 9 ! OLD TIME :5 WE DREW ANE> SOME %ORE1 & ! BEACONS W]E S5D+ UP SMOKE BY DAY1 & FLAME B5I<TS2 & ! %ORE-ABID]S DID ON !IR HELMS & TREMBL$4  ,?RU/ H] ?R\<1 LADS6  ,?RU/ H] ALONG60 ,!N HE FELL BACK AGA91 & SAID 9 A WEAK VOICE3  0,MAKE NO MORE DELAY1 GUE/1 BUT GO =W>D & LOOK UPON ! L&1 & COME BACK & TELL ME !RE(1 & !N ! TALE MAY FL[ FROM ME4  ,HA/E1 HA/E60  ,SO ,HALLBLI! W5T D[N FROM ! POOP1 & 9 TO ! WAI/1 :]E N[ ! R[]S W]E B5D+ TO !IR O>S1 & CRY+ \T FI]CELY AS !Y TUGG$ AT ! QUIV]+ A%2 & HE CLOMB ON TO ! =ECA/LE & W5T =W>D RI<T TO ! DRAGON-HEAD1 & GAZ$ LONG UPON ! L&1 :ILE ! DA%+ ( ! O>-BLADES MADE ! SEMBLANCE ( A GALE AB\T ! %IP'S BLACK SIDES4  ,!N HE CAME BACK AGA9 TO ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 :O SAID TO HIM3  0,SON1 :AT HA/ ?\ SE580  

0,RI<T AHEAD LIE? ! L&1 & IT IS /ILL A GOOD WAY (F4  ,HI< RISE ! M\NTA9S !RE1 BUT BY SEEM+ !RE IS NO SN[ ON !M2 & ?\< !Y BE BLUE !Y >E NOT BLUE LIKE ! M\NTA9S ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM4  ,ALSO IT SEEM$ TO ME AS IF FAIR SLOPES ( WOODL& & MEAD[ COME D[N TO ! $GE ( ! SEA4  ,BUT IT IS YET F> AWAY40  

0,YEA10 SAID ! ELD]1 0IS IT SO8  ,!N WILL ,I NOT WE> MYSELF ) MAK+ WORDS = !E4  ,I WILL RE/ RA!R1 & GA!R MI<T4  ,COME AGA9 :5 AN H\R HA? WORN1 & TELL ME :AT ?\ SEE/2 & MAY HAPP5 !N ?\ %ALT HAVE MY TALE60  ,& HE LAID HIM D[N !RE) & SEEM$ TO BE ASLEEP AT ONCE4  ,& ,HALLBLI! MI<T NOT AM5D IT2 SO HE WAIT$ PATI5TLY TILL ! H\R HAD WORN1 & !N W5T =W>D AGA91 & LOOK$ LONG & C>EFULLY1 & CAME BACK & SAID TO ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 0,! H\R IS WORN40  

,! OLD *IEFTA9 TURN$ HIMSELF AB\T & SAID 0,:AT HA/ ?\ SE58  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,! M\NTA9S >E PALE & HI<1 & BEL[ !M >E HILLS D>K ) WOOD1 & BETWIXT !M & ! SEA IS A FAIR SPACE ( MEAD[L&1 & ME?\<T IT WAS WIDE40  

,SAID ! OLD MAN3  0,SAWE/ ?\ A ROCKY SK]RY RIS+ HI< \T ( ! SEA ANI< ! %ORE80  

0,NAY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0IF !RE BE1 IT IS ALL BL5D$ ) ! MEAD[S & ! HILLS40  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,ABIDE ! WE>+ ( ANO!R H\R1 & COME & TELL ME AGA91 & !N ,I MAY HAVE A GA9FUL WORD = !E40  ,& HE FELL ASLEEP AGA94  ,BUT ,HALLBLI! ABID$1 & :5 ! H\R WAS WORN1 HE W5T =W>D & /OOD ON ! =ECA/LE4  ,& ?IS WAS ! ?IRD %IFT ( ! R[]S1 & ! /\TE/ M5 9 ! %IP N[ HELD ! O>S 9 !IR H&S1 & ! %IP %OOK ?R\< ALL H] L5G? & BREAD? AS !Y DRAVE H] OV] ! WAT]S4  

,SO ,HALLBLI! CAME AFT TO ! OLD MAN & F\ND HIM ASLEEP2 SO HE TOOK HIM BY ! %\LD]1 & %OOK HIM & SAID3  0,AWAKE1 F>+- FELL[1 = ! L& IS A-NI<40  

,SO ! OLD MAN SAT UP & SAID3  0,:AT HA/ ?\ SE580  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I HAVE SE5 ! PEAKS & CLIFFS ( ! F>-(F M\NTA9S2 & BEL[ !M >E HILLS GRE5 ) GRASS & D>K ) WOODS1 & !NCE /RET* S(T GRE5 MEAD[S D[N TO ! SEA-/R&1 :I* IS FAIR & SMOO?1 & YELL[40  

0,SAWE/ ?\ ! SK]RY80 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

0,YEA1 ,I SAW IT10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0& IT RISES %E] FROM \T ! SEA AB\T A MILE FROM ! YELL[ /R&2 BUT ITS ROCKS >E BLACK1 LIKE ! ROCKS ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM40  

0,SON10 SAID ! ELD]1 0GIVE ME ?9E H&S & RAISE ME UP A LITTLE40  ,SO ,HALLBLI! TOOK HIM & RAIS$ HIM UP1 SO ?AT HE SAT LEAN+ AGA9/ ! PILL[S2 & HE LOOK$ NOT ON ,HALLBLI!1 BUT ON ! B[S ( ! %IP1 :I* N[ PIT*$ BUT A LITTLE UP & D[N1 = ! SEA WAS LAID QUIET N[4  ,!N HE CRI$ 9 HIS %RILL1 PIP+ VOICE3  0,IT IS ! ,L&6  ,IT IS ! ,L&60  

,BUT AFT] A LITTLE :ILE HE TURN$ TO ,HALLBLI! & SPAKE3  0,%ORT IS ! TALE TO TELL3  ?\ HA/ WI%$ ME Y\?1 & ?Y WI% HA? ?RIV52 = TO-DAY1 ]E ! SUN GOES D[N1 ?\ %ALT SEE ME AS ,I WAS 9 ! DAYS :5 ,I REAP$ ! H>VE/ ( ! SEA ) %>P SWORD & H>DY HE>T4  ,= ?IS IS ! L& ( ! ,UNDY+ ,K+1 :O IS \R LORD & \R GIFT-GIV]2 & TO SOME HE GIVE? ! GIFT ( Y\? R5EW$1 & LIFE ?AT %ALL ABIDE H]E ! ,GLOOM ( ! ,GODS4  ,BUT NONE ( US ALL MAY COME TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 & ! ,K+ ,UNDY+ )\T TURN+ ! BACK = ! LA/ TIME ON ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM3 NOR MAY ANY M5 ( ! ,ISLE COME HI!R SAVE ?OSE :O >E ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 & FEW ( ?OSE1 SAVE ! *IEFTA9S ( ! ,H\SE1 SU* AS >E !Y :O SAT BY !E ON ! HI<-SEAT ?AT EV54 ,( !SE ONCE 9 A :ILE IS *OS5 ONE ( US1 :O IS OLD & SP5T & PA/ BATTLE1 & IS BORNE TO ?IS L& & ! GIFT ( ! ,UNDY+4  ,=SOO? SOME ( US HAVE NO WILL TO TAKE ! GIFT1 = !Y SAY !Y >E LIEF] TO GO TO :]E !Y %ALL MEET MORE ( \R K9DR$ ?AN DWELL ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 & ! ,AC] ( ! ,UNDY+2 BUT AS = ME ,I WAS EV] AN OV]BE>+ & MA/]FUL MAN1 & MESEEME? IT IS WELL ?AT ,I MEET AS FEW ( \R K9DR$ AS MAY BE3 = !Y >E A /RIFEFUL RACE40  

,H]EAT ,HALLBLI! M>VEL$ EXCE$+LY1 & HE SAID3  0,& :AT AM ,I 9 ALL ?IS /ORY8  ,:Y AM ,I COME HI!R ) ?Y FUR!RANCE80  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,WE HAD A *>GE FROM ! ,UNDY+ ,K+ CONC]N+ !E1 ?AT WE %\LD BR+ !E HI!R ALIVE & WELL1 IF SO BE ?\ CAME/ TO ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM4  ,= :AT CAUSE WE HAD ! *>GE1 ,I KN[ NOT1 NOR DO ,I GREATLY HE$40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,& %ALL ,I ALSO HAVE ?AT GIFT ( UNDY+ Y\?1 & LIFE :ILE ! WORLD ( M5 & GODS 5DURE?80  

0,I MU/ NE$S DEEM SO10 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 0SO LONG AS ?\ ABIDE/ ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA92 & ,I SEE NOT H[ ?\ MAY/ EV] ESCAPE !NCE40  

,N[ ,HALLBLI! HE>D HIM1 H[ HE SAID 0ESCAPE10 & !REAT HE WAS SOME:AT ILL AT EASE1 & /OOD & POND]$ A LITTLE4  ,AT LA/ HE SAID3  0,IS ?IS !N ALL ?AT ?\ HA/ TO TELL ME CONC]N+ ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA980  

0,BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA60 SAID ! ELD]1 0,I KN[ NO MORE ( IT4 ,! LIV+ %ALL LE>N4  ,BUT ,I SUPPOSE ?AT ?\ MAY/ SEEK ?Y TRO?-PLI<T MAID5 !RE ALL ?\ WILT4  ,OR ?\ MAY/ PRAY ! ,UNDY+ ,K+ TO HAVE H] ?I!R TO !E4  ,:AT KN[ ,I8  ,AT LEA/1 IT IS LIKE ?AT !RE %ALL BE NO LACK ( FAIR WOM5 !RE3  OR ELSE ! PROMISE ( Y\? R5EW$ IS NAU<T & VA94  ,%ALL ?IS NOT BE 5\< = !E80  

0,NAY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,:AT10 SAID ! ELD]1 0MU/ IT BE ONE WOMAN ONLY80  

0,ONE ONLY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,! OLD MAN LAU<$ HIS ?9 MOCK+ LAU<1 & SAID3  0,I WILL NOT ASSURE !E BUT ?AT ! L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 %ALL *ANGE ALL ?AT = !E SO SOON AS IT T\*ES ! SOLES ( ?Y FEET40  

,HALLBLI! LOOK$ AT HIM /EADILY & SMIL$1 & SAID3  0,WELL IS IT !N ?AT ,I %ALL F9D ! ,HO/AGE !RE2 = !N %ALL WE BE ( ONE M9D1 EI!R TO SUND] OR TO CLEAVE TOGE!R4  ,IT IS WELL ) ME ?IS DAY40  

0,& ) ME IT %ALL BE WELL ]E LONG10 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

,BUT N[ ! R[]S CEAS$ R[+ & LAY ON !IR O>S1 & ! %IPM5 CA/ AN*OR2 = !Y W]E BUT A B[%OT FROM ! %ORE1 & ! %IP SWUNG ) ! TIDE & LAY SIDE-LONG TO ! %ORE4  ,!N SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,LOOK =?1 %IPMATE1 & TELL ME ( ! L&40  

,& ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ & SAID3  0,! YELL[ BEA* IS S&Y & %ELL-/REWN1 AS ,I DEEM1 & !RE IS NO GREAT SPACE ( IT BETWIXT ! SEA & ! FL[]Y GRASS2 & A B[%OT FROM ! /R& ,I SEE A LITTLE WOOD AMID :I* >E FAIR TREES BLOSSOM+40  

0,SEE/ ?\ ANY FOLK ON ! %ORE80 SAID ! OLD MAN4  0,YEA10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0CLOSE TO ! $GE ( ! SEA GO F\R2 & BY SEEM+ ?REE >E WOM51 = !IR LONG G[NS FLUTT] 9 ! W9D4  ,& ONE ( !SE IS CLAD 9 SAFFRON COLOR1 & ANO!R 9 :ITE1 & ANO!R 9 WAT*ET2 BUT ! C>LE IS CLAD 9 D>K R$2 & !IR RAIM5T IS ALL GLI/5+ AS ) GOLD & GEMS2 & BY SEEM+ !Y >E LOOK+ AT \R %IP AS ?\< !Y EXPECT$ SOME:AT40  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,:Y N[ DO ! %IPM5 T>RY & HAVE NOT MADE READY ! SKIFF8  ,SWILL]S & BELLY-GODS !Y BE2 SLO?FUL SW9E ?AT =GET !IR *IEFTA940  

,BUT EV5 AS HE SPAKE CAME F\R ( ! %IPM51 & )\T MORE ADO TOOK HIM UP1 B$ & ALL1 & BORE HIM D[N 9TO ! WAI/ ( ! %IP1 :]EUND] LAY ! SKIFF ) F\R /RONG R[]S LY+ ON !IR O>S4  ,!SE M5 MADE NO SIGN TO ,HALLBLI!1 NOR TOOK ANY HE$ ( HIM2 BUT HE CAU<T UP HIS SPE>1 & FOLL[$ !M & /OOD BY AS !Y L[]$ ! OLD MAN 9TO ! BOAT4  ,!N HE SET HIS FOOT ON ! GUNWALE ( ! %IP & LEAP$ D[N LI<TLY 9TO ! BOAT1 & NONE H9D]$ OR HELP$ HIM2 & HE /OOD UPRI<T 9 ! BOAT1 A GOODLY IMAGE ( BATTLE ) ! SUN FLA%+ BACK FROM HIS BRI<T HELM1 HIS SPE> 9 HIS H&1 HIS :ITE %IELD AT HIS BACK1 & !REON ! IMAGE ( ! ,RAV52 BUT IF HE HAD BE5 BUT A SALT-BOIL+ C>LE ( ! SEA-SIDE NONE W\LD HAVE HE$$ HIM LESS4  

O ,*APT] #a 3 ,!Y ,HOLD ,CONV]SE ,) ,FOLK ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

,N[ ! R[]S LIFT$ ! A%-BLADES1 & FELL TO R[+ T[>DS %ORE3  & ALMO/ ) ! FIR/ ( !IR /ROKES1 ! ,SEA-EAGLE MOAN$ \T3  

0,W\LD WE W]E !RE1 OH1 W\LD WE W]E !RE6  ,COLD GR[E? ELD AB\T MY HE>T4  ,RAV5'S ,SON1 ?\ >T /&+ UP2 TELL ME IF ?\ CAN/ SEE :AT !SE FOLK ( ! L& >E DO+1 & IF ANY O!RS HAVE COME ?I!R80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,!RE >E NONE O!RS COME1 BUT K9E & HORSES >E FE$+ D[N ! MEAD[S4  ,AS TO :AT ?OSE F\R >E DO+1 ! WOM5 >E PUTT+ (F !IR %OON1 & GIRD+ UP !IR RAIM5T1 AS IF !Y W\LD WADE ! WAT] T[>D US2 & ! C>LE1 :O WAS B>EFOOT BE=E1 W5DE? /RAI<T T[>DS ! SEA1 & !RE HE /&E?1 = V]Y LITTLE >E ! WAVES BECOME40  

,! OLD MAN ANSW]$ NO?+1 & DID BUT GROAN = LACK ( PATI5CE2 BUT PRES5TLY :5 ! WAT] WAS YET WAI/ DEEP ! R[]S /AY$ ! SKIFF1 & TWO ( !M SLIPP$ OV] ! GUNWALE 9TO ! SEA1 & BETWE5 !M ALL !Y TOOK UP ! *IEFTA9 ON HIS B$ & GOT HIM =? FROM ! BOAT & W5T T[>D ! /R& ) HIM2 & ! L&SFOLK MET !M :]E ! WAT] WAS %ALL[]1 & TOOK HIM FROM !IR H&S & BORE HIM =? ON TO ! YELL[ S&1 & LAID HIM D[N \T ( REA* ( ! CREEP+ RIPPLE ( ! TIDE4  ,HALLBLI! )AL SLIPP$ LI<TLY \T ( ! BOAT & WAD$ ! WAT] AFT] !M4  ,BUT ! %IPM5 R[$ BACK AGA9 TO !IR %IP1 & PRES5TLY ,HALLBLI! HE>D ! HALE & H[1 AS !Y GOT UP !IR AN*OR4  

,BUT :5 ,HALLBLI! WAS COME A%ORE1 & WAS DRAWN NE> ! FOLK ( ! L&1 ! WOM5 LOOK$ AT HIM ASKANCE1 & !Y LAU<$ & SAID3 0,WELCOME TO !E ALSO1 ,O Y\NG MAN60  ,& HE BEHELD !M1 & SAW ?AT !Y W]E ( ! /ATURE ( ! MAID5S ( HIS [N L&2 !Y W]E EXCE$+ FAIR ( SK9 & %APELY ( FA%ION1 SO ?AT ! NAK$NESS ( !IR LIMBS UND] !IR GIRD$ G[NS1 & ALL GLI/5+ ) ! SEA1 WAS MO/ LOVELY & DA9TY TO BEHOLD4  ,BUT ,HALLBLI! KNELT BY ! ,SEA-EAGLE TO NOTE H[ HE F>$1 & SAID3  0,H[ IS IT ) !E1 ,O *IEFTA980  

,! OLD MAN ANSW]$ NOT A WORD1 & HE SEEM$ TO BE ASLEEP1 & ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ ?AT HIS *EEKS W]E RUDDI] & HIS SK9 LESS WA/$ & WR9KL$ ?AN A=ETIME4  ,!N SPAKE ONE ( ?OSE WOM53 0,FE> NOT1 Y\NG MAN2 HE IS WELL & WILL SOON BE BETT]40  ,H] VOICE WAS AS SWEET AS A SPR+ BIRD 9 ! MORN+2 %E WAS :ITE-SK9N$ & D>K-HAIR$1 & FULL SWEETLY FA%ION$2 & %E LAU<$ ON ,HALLBLI!1 BUT NOT MOCK+LY2 & H] FELL[S ALSO LAU<$1 AS ?\< IT WAS /RANGE = HIM TO BE !RE4  ,!N !Y DID ON !IR %OON AGA91 & ) ! C>LE LAID !IR H&S TO ! B$ :]EON ! OLD MAN LAY1 & LIFT$ HIM UP1 & BORE HIM =? ON TO ! GRASS1 TURN+ !IR FACES T[>D ! FL[]Y WOOD A=ESAID2 & !Y W5T A LITTLE WAY & !N LAID HIM D[N AGA9 & RE/$2 & SO ON LITTLE BY LITTLE1 TILL !Y HAD BR\<T HIM TO ! $GE ( ! WOOD1 & /ILL HE SEEM$ TO BE ASLEEP4  ,!N ! DAMSEL :O HAD SPOK5 BE=E1 %E ) ! D>K HAIR1 SAID TO ,HALLBLI!1 0,AL?\< WE HAVE GAZ$ ON !E AS IF ) WOND]1 ?IS IS NOT BECAUSE WE DID NOT LOOK TO MEET !E1 BUT BECAUSE ?\ >T SO FAIR & GOODLY A MAN3 SO ABIDE ?\ H]E TILL WE COME BACK TO !E FROM \T ( ! WOOD40  

,!RE) %E /ROK$ HIS H&1 & ) H] FELL[S LIFT$ ! OLD MAN ONCE MORE1 & !Y BORE HIM \T ( SI<T 9TO ! ?ICKET4  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! W5T TO & FRO A DOZ5 PACES FROM ! WOOD1 & LOOK$ ACROSS ! FL[]Y MEADS & DEEM$ HE HAD NEV] SE5 ANY SO FAIR4  ,& AF> (F T[>D ! HILLS HE SAW A GREAT RO( >IS+1 & ?\<T HE C\LD SEE M5 ALSO2 & NI<] TO HIM W]E K9E PA/UR+1 & HORSES ALSO1 :]E( SOME DREW ANE> HIM & /RET*$ \T !IR NECKS & GAZ$ AT HIM2 & !Y W]E GOODLY AFT] !IR K9D2 & A FAIR /REAM ( WAT] CAME R\ND ! CORN] \T ( ! WOOD & D[N ! MEAD[S TO ! SEA2 & ,HALLBLI! W5T !RETO & C\LD SEE ?AT !RE WAS BUT LITTLE EBB & FL[ ( ! TIDE ON ?AT %ORE2 = ! WAT] ( ! /REAM WAS CLE> AS GLASS1 & ! GRASS & FL[]S GREW RI<T D[N TO ITS WAT]2 SO HE PUT (F HIS HELM & DRANK ( ! /REAM & WA%$ HIS FACE & HIS H&S !RE91 & !N DID ON HIS HELM AGA9 & TURN$ BACK AGA9 T[>D ! WOOD1 FEEL+ V]Y /RONG & M]RY2 & HE LOOK$ \T SEAW>D & SAW ! ,%IP ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM LESS5+ FA/2 = A LITTLE L& W9D HAD >IS5 & !Y HAD SPREAD !IR SAILS TO IT2 & HE LAID D[N ON ! GRASS TILL ! F\R FOLK ( ! C\NTRY CAME \T ( ! WOOD AGA91 AFT] !Y HAD BE5 GONE SOME:AT LESS ?AN AN H\R1 BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE WAS NOT ) !M3 & ,HALLBLI! ROSE UP & TURN$ TO !M1 & ! C>LE SALUT$ HIM & DEP>T$1 GO+ /RAI<T T[>D ?AT F>-AWAY RO( HE HAD SE52 & ! WOM5 W]E LEFT ) ,HALLBLI!1 & !Y LOOK$ AT HIM & HE AT !M AS HE /OOD LEAN+ ON HIS SPE>4  

,!N SAID ! BLACK-HAIR$ DAMSEL3  0,TRUE IT IS1 ,O ,SPE>MAN1 ?AT IF WE DID NOT KN[ ( !E1 \R WOND] W\LD BE GREAT ?AT A MAN SO Y\NG & LUCKY-LOOK+ %\LD HAVE S\<T HI!R40  

0,I WOT NOT :Y ?\ %\LDE/ WOND]10 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0,I WILL TELL !E PRES5TLY :]E=E ,I COME HI!R4  ,BUT TELL ME1 IS ?IS ! ,L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA980  

0,EV5 SO10 SAID ! DAMSEL1 0DO/ ?\ NOT SEE H[ ! SUN %9E? ON IT8  ,JU/ SO IT %9E? 9 ! SEASON ?AT O!R FOLKS CALL W9T]40  

0,SOME SU* M>VEL ,I ?\<T TO HE> (10 SAID HE2 0= ,I HAVE BE5 TOLD ?AT ! L& IS M>VEL\S2 & FAIR ?\< !SE MEAD[S BE1 !Y >E NOT M>VEL\S TO LOOK ON N[3  !Y >E LIKE O!R L&S1 ?\< IT MAYBE1 FAIR]40  

0,?AT MAY BE10 %E SAID2 0WE HAVE NAU<T BUT HE>SAY ( O!R L&S4 ,IF WE EV] KNEW !M WE HAVE =GOTT5 !M40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,IS ?IS L& CALL$ ALSO ! ,AC] ( ! ,UNDY+80  

,AS HE SPAKE ! WORDS ! SMILE FAD$ FROM ! DAMSEL'S FACE2 %E & H] FELL[S GREW PALE1 & %E SAID3  0,HOLD ?Y PEACE ( SU* WORDS6 ,!Y >E NOT LAWFUL = ANY MAN TO UTT] H]E4  ,YET MAY/ ?\ CALL IT ! ,L& ( ! ,LIV+40  

,HE SAID3  0,I CRAVE P>DON = ! RA% WORD40  

,!N !Y SMIL$ AGA91 & DREW NE> TO HIM1 & C>ESS$ HIM ) !IR H&S1 & LOOK$ ON HIM LOV+LY2 BUT HE DREW A LITTLE ABACK FROM !M & SAID3  0,I HAVE COME HI!R SEEK+ SOME?+ :I* ,I HAVE LO/1 ! LACK :]E( GRIEVE? ME40  

,QUO? ! DAMSEL1 DRAW+ NE>] TO HIM AGA91 0,MAY/ ?\ F9D IT1 ?\ LOVELY MAN1 & :ATSOEV] ELSE ?\ DESIRE/40  

,!N HE SAID3  0,HA? A WOMAN NAM$ ! ,HO/AGE BE5 BR\<T HI!R ( LATE DAYS8  ,A FAIR WOMAN1 BRI<T-HAIR$ & GRAY-EY$1 K9D ( C\NT5ANCE1 S(T ( SPEE*1 YET \TSPOK5 & NAU<T TIMOR\S2 TALL ACCORD+ TO \R /ATURE1 BUT V]Y GOODLY ( FA%ION2 A WOMAN ( ! ,H\SE ( ! ,ROSE1 & MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID540  

,!Y LOOK$ ON EA* O!R & %OOK !IR HEADS1 & ! BLACK-HAIR$ DAMSEL SPAKE3  0,WE KN[ ( NO SU* A WOMAN1 NOR ( ! K9DR$ :I* ?\ NAME/40  

,!N HIS C\NT5ANCE FELL1 & BECAME PITE\S ) DESIRE & GRIEF1 & HE B5T HIS BR[S UPON !M1 = !Y SEEM$ TO HIM LI<T-M9D$ & C>ELESS1 ?\< !Y W]E LOVELY4  

,BUT !Y %RANK FROM HIM TREMBL+1 & DREW ABACK2 = !Y HAD ALL BE5 /&+ CLOSE TO HIM1 BEHOLD+ HIM ) LOVE1 & %E :O HAD SPOK5 MO/ HAD BE5 HOLD+ HIS LEFT H& FONDLY4  ,BUT N[ %E SAID3 0,NAY1 LOOK NOT ON US SO BITT]LY6  ,IF ! WOMAN BE NOT 9 ! L&1 ?IS COME? NOT ( \R MALICE4  ,YET MAYBE %E IS H]E4  ,= SU* AS COME HI!R KEEP NOT !IR OLD NAMES1 & SOON =GET !M :AT !Y W]E4  ,?\ %ALT GO ) US TO ! ,K+1 & HE %ALL DO = !E :AT ?\ WILT2 = HE IS EXCE$+ MI<TY40  

,!N WAS ,HALLBLI! APPEAS$ SOME:AT2 & HE SAID3  0,>E !RE MANY WOM5 9 ! L&80  

0,YEA1 MANY10 SAID ?AT DAMSEL4  

0,& MANY ?AT >E AS FAIR AS YE BE80 SAID HE4  ,!N !Y LAU<$ & W]E GLAD1 & DREW NE> TO HIM AGA9 & TOOK HIS H&S & KISS$ !M2 & ! BLACK-HAIR$ DAMSEL SAID3  0,YEA1 YEA1 !RE BE MANY AS FAIR AS WE BE1 & SOME FAIR]10 & %E LAU<$4  

0,& ?AT ,K+ ( Y\RS10 SAID HE1 0H[ DO YE NAME HIM80  

0,HE IS ! ,K+10 SAID ! DAMSEL4  

0,HA? HE NO O!R NAME80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,WE MAY NOT UTT] IT10 %E SAID2 0BUT ?\ %ALT SEE HIM SOON1 ?AT !RE IS NAU<T BUT GOOD 9 HIM & MI<T9ESS40  

O ,*APT] #aa 3 ,! ,SEA-,EAGLE ,R5EWE? ,HIS ,LIFE 

,BUT :ILE !Y SPAKE TOGE!R ?US1 CAME A MAN FROM \T ( ! WOOD V]Y TALL ( /ATURE1 R$-BE>D$ & BLACK-HAIR$1 RUDDY-*EEK$1 FULL-LIMB$1 MO/ JOY\S ( ASPECT2 A MAN BY SEEM+ ( FIVE & ?IRTY W9T]S4  ,HE /RODE /RAI<T UP TO ,HALLBLI!1 & CA/ HIS >MS AB\T HIM1 & KISS$ HIS *EEK1 AS IF HE HAD BE5 AN OLD & DE> FRI5D NEWLY COME FROM OV] SEAS4  

,HALLBLI! WOND]$ & LAU<$1 & SAID3  0,:O >T ?\ ?AT DEEME/ ME SO DE>80  

,SAID ! MAN3  0,%ORT IS ?Y MEMORY1 ,SON ( ! ,RAV51 ?AT ?\ 9 SO LITTLE SPACE HA/ =GOTT5 ?Y %IPMATE & ?Y F>+-FELL[2 :O GAVE !E MEAT & DR9K & GOOD R$E 9 ! ,HALL ( ! ,RAVAG]S40  ,!RE) HE LAU<$ JOY\SLY & TURN$ AB\T TO ! ?REE MAID5S & TOOK !M BY ! H&S & KISS$ !IR LIPS1 :ILE !Y FAWN$ UPON HIM LOV+LY4  

,!N SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,HA/ ?\ V]ILY GOTT5 ?Y Y\? AGA91 :I* ?\ BADE/ ME WI% !E80  

0,YEA1 9 GOOD SOO?10 SAID ! R$-BE>D$ MAN2 0,I AM ! ,SEA-EAGLE ( OLD DAYS2 & ,I HAVE GOTT5 MY Y\?1 & LOVE !RE)AL1 & SOME:AT TO LOVE MOREOV]40  

,!RE) HE TURN$ TO ! FAIRE/ ( ! DAMSELS1 & %E WAS :ITE- SK9N$ & FRAGRANT AS ! LILY1 ROSE-*EEK$ & SL5D]1 & ! W9D PLAY$ ) ! LONG LOCKS ( H] GOLD5 HAIR1 :I* HUNG D[N BEL[ H] KNEES2 SO HE CA/ HIS >MS AB\T H] & /RA9$ H] TO HIS BOSOM1 & KISS$ H] FACE MANY TIMES1 & %E NO?+ LOA!1 BUT C>ESS+ HIM ) LIPS & H&4  ,BUT ! O!R TWO DAMSELS /OOD BY SMIL+ & JOY\S3  & !Y CLAPP$ !IR H&S TOGE!R & KISS$ EA* O!R = JOY ( ! NEW LOV]2 & AT LA/ FELL TO DANC+ & SKIPP+ AB\T !M LIKE Y\NG LAMBS 9 ! MEAD[S ( ,SPR+-TIDE4 ,BUT AMONG !M ALL1 /OOD UP ,HALLBLI! LEAN+ ON HIS SPE> ) SMIL+ LIPS & KNITT$ BR[2 = HE WAS POND]+ 9 HIS M9D 9 :AT WISE HE MI<T FUR!R HIS QUE/4  

,BUT AFT] !Y HAD DANC$ A :ILE ! ,SEA-EAGLE LEFT HIS LOVE ?AT HE HAD *OS5 & TOOK A H& ( EI!R ( ! TWO DAMSELS1 & L$ !M TRIPP+ UP TO ,HALLBLI!1 & CRI$ \T3  0,*OOSE ?\1 ,RAV5'S BABY1 :I* ( !SE TWA9 ?\ WILT HAVE TO ?Y MATE2 = SC>CELY %ALT ?\ SEE BETT] OR FAIR]40  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ ON !M PR\DLY & /]NLY1 & ! BLACK- HAIR$ DAMSEL HUNG D[N H] HEAD BE=E HIM & SAID S(TLY3  0,NAY1 NAY1 SEA-W>RIOR2 ?IS ONE IS TOO LOVELY TO BE \R MATE4  ,SWEET] LOVE ABIDES HIM1 & LIPS MORE LONG$ =40  

,!N /IRR$ ,HALLBLI!'S HE>T )9 HIM & HE SAID3  0,O ,EAGLE ( ! ,SEA1 ?\ HA/ ?Y Y\? AGA93  :AT !N WILT ?\ DO ) IT8 ,WILT ?\ NOT WE>Y = ! MOONLIT MA91 & ! WA%+ ( WAVES & ! DA%+ ( SPRAY1 & ?Y FELL[S ALL GLI/5+ ) ! BR9E8  ,:]E N[ %ALL BE ! ALI5 %ORES BE=E !E1 & ! L&+ = FAME1 & DEP>TURE = ! GA9 ( GOODS8  ,WILT ?\ =GET ! %IP'S BLACK SIDE1 & ! DRIPP+ ( ! W9DW>D O>S1 AS ! SQUALL FALLE? ON :5 ! SUN HA? >IS51 & ! SAIL TUGGE? H>D ON ! %EET1 & ! %IP LIE? OV] & ! LADS %\T AGA9/ ! :I/LE ( ! W9D8  ,HAS ! SPE> FALL5 FROM ?9E H&1 & HA/ ?\ BURI$ ! SWORD ( ?Y FA!RS 9 ! GRAVE FROM :I* ?Y BODY HA? ESCAP$8  ,:AT >T ?\1 ,O ,W>RIOR1 9 ! L& ( ! ALI5 & ! ,K+8  ,:O %ALL HE$ !E OR TELL ! TALE ( ?Y GLORY1 :I* ?\ HA/ COV]$ OV] ) ! H& ( A LI<T WOMAN1 :OM ?Y K9DR$ KN[E? NOT1 & :O WAS NOT BORN 9 A H\SE :]EFROM IT HA? BE5 APPO9T$ !E FROM ( OLD TO TAKE ! PLEASURE ( WOMAN8  ,:OSE ?RALL >T ?\ N[1 ?\ LIFT] ( ! SPOIL1 ?\ SC>] ( ! FREEBORN8  ,! BIDD+ ( :AT LORD OR ,K+ WILT ?\ DO1 ,O ,*IEFTA91 ?AT ?\ MAY/ EAT ?Y MEAT 9 ! MORN+ & LIE S(T 9 ?Y B$ 9 ! EV5+80  

0,O ,W>RIOR ( ! ,RAVAG]S1 H]E /& ,I1 ,HALLBLI! ( ! ,RAV51 & ,I AM COME 9TO AN ALI5 L& BESET ) M>VELS TO SEEK M9E [N1 & F9D ?AT :I* IS DE>E/ TO M9E HE>T2 TO WIT1 MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID5 ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,ROSE1 ! FAIR WOMAN :O %ALL LIE 9 MY B$1 & BE> ME *ILDR51 & /& BY ME 9 FIELD & FOLD1 BY ?W>T & GUNWALE1 BE=E ! B[ & ! SPE>1 BY ! FLICK]+ ( ! COOK+-FIRE1 & AMID ! BLAZE ( ! BURN+ HALL1 & BESIDE ! BALE-FIRE ( ! W>RIOR ( ! ,RAV54  ,O ,SEA-EAGLE1 MY GUE/] AMONG ! FOEM51 MY FELL[-F>] & %IPMATE1 SAY N[ ONCE = ALL :E!R ?\ WILT HELP ME 9 MY QUE/1 OR FALL (F FROM ME AS A DA/>D80  

,AGA9 ! MAID5S %RANK BE=E HIS CLE> & HI<-RAIS$ VOICE1 & !Y TREMBL$ & GREW PALE4  

,BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE LAU<$ FROM A C\NT5ANCE K9D ) JOY1 & SAID3 0,*ILD ( ! ,RAV51 ?Y WORDS >E GOOD & MANLY3  BUT IT AVAILE? NAU<T 9 ?IS L&1 & ,I WOT NOT H[ ?\ WILT F>E1 OR :Y ?\ HA/ BE5 S5T AMONG US4  ,:AT WILT ?\ DO8  ,HAD/ ?\ SPOK5 !SE WORDS TO ! ,LONG-HO>Y1 ! ,GR&FA!R1 YE/]DAY1 HIS E>S W\LD HAVE BE5 DEAF TO !M2 & N[ ?AT ?\ SPEAKE/ !M TO ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 ?IS JOY\S MAN ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 HE CANNOT DO ACCORD+ TO !M1 = !RE IS NO O!R L& ?AN ?IS :I* CAN HOLD HIM4  ,H]E HE IS /RONG & />K1 & FULL ( JOY & LOVE2 BUT O!R:]E HE W\LD BE BUT A GIBB]+ <O/ DRIFT+ D[N ! W9D ( NI<T4  ,!RE=E 9 :ATSOEV] ?\ MAY/ DO )9 ?IS L& ,I WILL /& BY !E & HELP !E2 BUT NOT ONE 9* BEYOND IT MAY MY FOOT GO1 :E!R IT BE D[N 9TO ! BR9E ( ! SEA1 OR UP 9TO ! CLEFTS ( ! M\NTA9S :I* >E ! WALL ( ?IS GOODLY L&4  

0,?\ HA/ BE5 MY %IPMATE & ,I LOVE !E1 ,I AM ?Y FRI5D2 BUT H]E 9 ?IS L& MU/ NE$S BE ! LOVE & ! FRI5D%IP4  ,= NO <O/ CAN LOVE !E1 NO <O/ MAY HELP !E4  ,& AS TO :AT ?\ SAYE/ CONC]N+ ! DAYS GONE PA/ & \R JOYS UPON ! TUMBL+ SEA1 TRUE IT IS ?AT ?OSE DAYS W]E GOOD & LOVELY2 BUT !Y >E DEAD & GONE LIKE ! LADS :O SAT ON ! ?W>T BESIDE US1 & ! MAID5S :O TOOK \R H&S 9 ! HALL TO LEAD US TO ! *AMB]4 ,O!R DAYS HAVE COME 9 !IR /EAD1 & O!R FRI5DS %ALL *]I% US4  ,:AT !N8  ,%ALL WE W\ND ! LIV+ TO PLEASURE ! DEAD1 :O CANNOT HE$ IT8  ,%ALL WE CURSE ! ,YULETIDE1 & CA/ F\L WAT] ON ! ,HOLY ,HE>? ( ! W9T] FEA/1 BECAUSE ! SUMM] ONCE WAS FAIR & ! DAYS FLIT & ! TIMES *ANGE8  ,N[ LET US BE GLAD6  ,= LIFE LIVE?40  

,!RE) HE TURN$ AB\T TO HIS DAMSEL & KISS$ H] ON ! M\?4 ,BUT ,HALLBLI!'S FACE WAS GR[N SAD & /]N1 & HE SPAKE SL[LY & HEAVILY3  0,SO IS IT1 %IPMATE1 ?AT :]EAS ?\ SAYE/ ?AT ! DAYS FLIT1 = !E !Y %ALL FLIT NO MORE2 & ! DAY MAY COME = !E :5 ?\ %ALT BE WE>Y1 & KN[ IT1 & LONG = ! LO/ :I* ?\ HA/ =GOTT54  ,BUT H]E( IT AVAILE? NAU<T = ME TO SPEAK ANY LONG]1 = ?9E E>S >E DEAF TO !SE WORDS1 & ?\ WILT NOT HE> !M4  ,!RE=E ,I SAY NO MORE SAVE ?AT ,I ?ANK !E = ?Y HELP :ATSOEV] IT MAY BE2 & ,I WILL TAKE IT1 = ! DAY'S WORK LIE? BE=E ME1 & ,I BEG9 TO ?9K ?AT IT MAY BE HEAVY 5\<40  

,! WOM5 YET LOOK$ D[NCA/1 & AS IF !Y W\LD BE GONE \T ( E>%OT2 BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE LAU<$ AS ONE :O IS WELL CONT5T1 & SAID3  0,?\ ?YSELF WILT MAKE IT H>D = ?YSELF AFT] ! WONT ( ?Y PR\D & HAU<TY RACE2 BUT = ME NO?+ IS H>D ANY LONG]2 NEI!R ?Y SCORN NOR ?Y =EBOD+S ( EVIL4  ,BE ?\ MY FRI5D AS MU* AS ?\ CAN/1 & ,I WILL BE ?9E :OLLY4  ,N[ YE WOM51 :I!R WILL YE LEAD US8  ,= ,I AM READY TO SEE ANY NEW ?+ YE WILL %[ US40  

,SAID HIS DAMSEL3  0,WE WILL TAKE Y\ TO ! ,K+1 ?AT Y\R HE>TS MAY BE ! MORE GLADD5$4  ,& AS = ?Y FRI5D ! ,SPE>MAN1 ,O ,SEA- W>RIOR1 LET NOT HIS HE>T BE D[NCA/4  ,:O WOTTE? BUT ?AT !SE TWO DESIRES1 ! DESIRE ( HIS HE>T1 & ! DESIRE ( A HE>T = HIM1 MAY NOT BE ONE & ! SAME DESIRE1 SO ?AT HE %ALL BE FULLY SATISFI$80  ,AS %E SPOKE %E LOOK$ SIDELONG AT ,HALLBLI!1 ) %Y & :E$L+ EYES2 & HE WOND]$ AT H] WORD1 & A NEW HOPE SPRANG UP 9 HIS HE>T ?AT HE WAS PRES5TLY TO BE BR\<T FACE TO FACE ) ! ,HO/AGE1 & ?AT ?IS WAS ?AT LOVE1 SWEET] ?AN !IR LOVE1 :I* ABODE 9 HIM1 & HIS HE>T BECAME LI<T]1 & HIS VISAGE CLE>$4  

O ,*APT] #ab 3 ,!Y ,LOOK ,ON ,! ,K+ ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

,SO N[ ! WOM5 L$ !M ALONG UP ! /REAM1 & ,HALLBLI! W5T SIDE BY SIDE BY ! ,SEA-EAGLE2 BUT ! WOM5 HAD BECOME ALTOGE!R M]RY AGA91 & PLAY$ & RAN AB\T !M AS GAMESOME AS Y\NG GOATS2 & !Y WAD$ ! %ALL[S ( ! CLE> BRI<T /REAM B>EFOOT TO WA% !IR LIMBS ( ! SEA-BR9E1 & /RAY$ AB\T ! MEAD[S1 PLUCK+ ! FL[]S & MAK+ !M WREA?S & *APLETS1 :I* !Y DID UPON !MSELVES & ! ,SEA-EAGLE2 BUT ,HALLBLI! !Y T\*$ NOT1 = /ILL !Y FE>$ HIM4  ,!Y W5T ON AS ! /REAM L$ !M UP T[>D ! HILLS1 & EV] W]E ! MEADS AB\T !M AS FAIR & FL[]Y AS MI<T BE4  ,FOLK !Y SAW AF> (F1 BUT FELL 9 ) NONE = A GOOD :ILE1 SAV+ A MAN & A MAID CLAD LI<TLY AS = MID-SUMM] DAYS1 :O W]E W&]+ TOGE!R LOV+LY & HAPPILY BY ! /REAM-SIDE1 & :O GAZ$ WOND]+LY ON ! />K ,SEA-EAGLE1 & ON ,HALLBLI! ) HIS GLITT]+ SPE>4  ,! BLACK-HAIR$ DAMSEL GREET$ !SE TWA9 & SPAKE SOME?+ TO !M1 & !Y LAU<$ M]RILY1 & ! MAN /OOP$ D[N AMONG ! GRASSES & BLOSSOMS ( ! BANK1 & DREW =? A BASKET1 & SPREAD DA9TY VICTUALS ON ! GRASS UND] A WILL[-TREE1 & BADE !M BE HIS GUE/S ?AT FAIR AFT]NOON4  ,SO !Y SAT D[N !RE ABOVE ! GLI/]+ /REAM & ATE & DRANK & W]E M]RY4  ,!REAFT] ! NEW-COM]S & !IR WAY-LEAD]S DEP>T$ ) K9D WORDS1 & /ILL SET !IR FACES T[>DS ! HILLS4  

,AT LA/ !Y SAW BE=E !M A LITTLE WOOD$ HILL1 & UND]NEA? IT SOME?+ R$ & %9+1 & O!R COLOR$ ?+S GLEAM+ 9 ! SUN AB\T IT4  ,!N SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,:AT HAVE WE YOND]80  

,SAID HIS DAMSEL3  0,?AT IS ! PAVILION ( ! ,K+2 & AB\T IT >E ! T5TS & TILTS ( \R FOLK :O >E ( HIS FELL[%IP3  = (T HE ABIDE? 9 ! FIELDS ) !M1 ?\< HE HA? H\SES & HALLS AS FAIR AS ! HE>T ( MAN CAN CONCEIVE40  

0,HA? HE NO FOEM5 TO FE>80 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

0,H[ %\LD ?AT BE80 SAID ! DAMSEL4  0,IF P]*ANCE ANY CAME 9TO ?IS L& TO BR+ W> UPON HIM1 !IR BATTLE-ANG] %\LD DEP>T :5 ONCE ! BLISS ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 HAD 5T]$ 9TO !IR S\LS1 & !Y W\LD ASK = NAU<T BUT LEAVE TO ABIDE H]E & BE HAPPY4  ,YET ,I TR[ ?AT IF HE HAD FOEM5 HE C\LD CRU% !M AS EASILY AS ,I SET MY FOOT ON ?IS DAISY40  

,SO AS !Y W5T ON !Y FELL 9 ) MANY FOLK1 M5 & WOM51 SPORT+ & PLAY+ 9 ! FIELDS2 & !RE WAS NO SEMBLANCE ( ELD ON ANY ( !M1 & NO SC> OR BLEMI% OR FEEBL5ESS ( BODY OR SADNESS ( C\NT5ANCE2 NOR DID ANY BE> A WEAPON OR ANY PIECE ( >MOR4  ,N[ SOME ( !M GA!R$ AB\T ! NEW-CORN]S1 & WOND]$ AT ,HALLBLI! & HIS LONG SPE> & %9+ HELM & D>K GRAY BYRNY2 BUT NONE ASK$ CONC]N+ !M1 = ALL KNEW ?AT !Y W]E FOLK NEW COME TO ! BLISS ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,SO !Y PASS$ AMID !SE FAIR FOLK LITTLE H9D]$ BY !M1 & 9TO ,HALLBLI!'S ?\<TS IT CAME H[ JOY\S ! FELL[%IP ( SU* %\LD BE & H[ HIS HE>T %\LD BE RAIS$ BY ! SI<T ( !M1 IF ONLY HIS TRO?-PLI<T MAID5 W]E BY HIS SIDE4  

,?US !N !Y CAME TO ! ,K+'S PAVILION1 :]E IT /OOD 9 A BI<T ( ! MEAD[-L& AT ! FOOT ( ! HILL1 ) ! WOOD AB\T IT ON ?REE SIDES4  ,SO FAIR A H\SE ,HALLBLI! DEEM$ HE HAD NEV] SE52 = IT WAS WR\<T ALL OV] ) HI/ORIES & FL[]S1 & ) HEMS SEWN ) GOLD1 & ) ORPHREYS ( GOLD & PE>L & GEMS4  

,!RE 9 ! DOOR ( IT SAT ! ,K+ ( ! ,L& 9 AN IVORY *AIR2 HE WAS CLAD 9 GOLD5 G[N1 GIRT ) A GIRDLE ( GEMS1 & HAD HIS CR[N ON HIS HEAD & HIS SWORD BY HIS SIDE4  ,= ?IS WAS ! H\R :]E9 HE HE>D :AT ANY ( HIS FOLK W\LD SAY TO HIM1 & = ?AT V]Y 5D HE SAT !RE 9 ! DOOR ( HIS T5T1 & FOLK W]E /&+ BE=E HIM1 & SITT+ & LY+ ON ! GRASS R\ND AB\T2 & N[ ONE1 N[ ANO!R1 CAME UP TO HIM & SPOKE BE=E HIM4  

,HIS FACE %ONE LIKE A />2 IT WAS EXCE$+ BEAUTE\S1 & AS K9D AS ! EV5 ( ,MAY 9 ! G>D5S ( ! HAPPY1 :5 ! SC5T ( ! EGLANT9E FILLS ALL ! AIR4  ,:5 HE SPOKE HIS VOICE WAS SO SWEET ?AT ALL HE>TS W]E RAVI%$1 & NONE MI<T GA9SAY HIM4  

,BUT :5 ,HALLBLI! SET EYES ON HIM1 HE KNEW AT ONCE ?AT ?IS WAS HE :OSE C>V5 IMAGE HE HAD SE5 9 ! ,HALL ( ! ,RAVAG]S1 & HIS HE>T BEAT FA/1 & HE SAID TO HIMSELF3  0,HOLD UP ?9E HEAD N[1 ,O ,SON ( ! ,RAV51 /R5G!N ?9E HE>T1 & LET NO MAN OR GOD C[ !E4  ,= H[ CAN ?9E HE>T *ANGE1 :I* BADE !E GO TO ! H\SE :]EFROM IT WAS DUE TO !E TO TAKE ! PLEASURE ( WOMAN1 & !RE TO PL$GE ?Y FAI? & TRO? TO H] ?AT LOVE? !E MO/1 & HANK]E? = !E DAY BY DAY & H\R BY H\R1 SO ?AT GREAT IS ! LOVE ?AT WE TWA9 HAVE BUILD$ UP40  

,N[ !Y DREW NI<1 = FOLK FELL BACK BE=E !M TO ! RI<T & LEFT1 AS BE=E M5 :O >E NEW COME & HAVE MU* TO DO2 SO ?AT !RE WAS NAU<T BETWE5 !M & ! FACE ( ! ,K+4  ,BUT HE SMIL$ UPON !M SO ?AT HE *E]$ !IR HE>TS ) ! HOPE ( FULFILLM5T ( !IR DESIRES1 & HE SAID3  0,WELCOME1 *ILDR56  ,:O BE !SE :OM YE HAVE BR\<T HI!R = ! 9CREASE ( \R JOY8 ,:O IS ?IS TALL1 RUDDY-FAC$1 JOY\S MAN SO MEET = ! BLISS ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA98  ,& :O IS ?IS GOODLY & LOVELY Y\NG MAN1 :O BE>E? WEAPONS AMID \R PEACE1 & :OSE FACE IS SAD & /]N B5EA? ! GLEAM+ ( HIS HELM8  

,SAID ! D>K-HAIR$ DAMSEL3  0,O ,K+6  ,O ,GIFT-GIV] & ASSUR] ( JOY6 ?IS TALL ONE IS HE :O WAS ONCE OPPRESS$ BY ELD1 & :O HA? COME HI!R TO !E FROM ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 ACCORD+ TO ! CU/OM ( ! L&40  

,SAID ! ,K+3  0,TALL MAN1 IT IS WELL ?AT ?\ >T COME4  ,N[ >E ?Y DAYS *ANG$ & ?\ YET ALIVE4  ,= !E BATTLE IS 5D$1 & !RE) ! REW>D ( BATTLE1 :I* ! W>RIOR REMEMB]E? NOT AMID ! H>D H&-PLAY3  PEACE HA? BEGUN1 & ?\ NE$E/ NOT BE C>EFUL = ! 5DURANCE !RE(3  = 9 ?IS L& NO MAN HA? A LACK :I* HE MAY NOT SATISFY )\T TAK+ AU<T FROM ANY O!R4  ,I DEEM NOT ?AT ?9E HE>T MAY CONCEIVE A DESIRE :I* ,I %ALL NOT FULFILL = !E1 OR CRAVE A GIFT :I* ,I %ALL NOT GIVE !E40  

,!N ! ,SEA-EAGLE LAU<$ = JOY1 & TURN$ HIS HEAD ?IS WAY & ?AT1 SO ?AT HE MI<T ! BETT] TAKE TO HIM ! SMILES ( ALL ?OSE ?AT /OOD >\ND4  

,!N ! ,K+ SAID TO ,HALLBLI!3  0,?\ ALSO >T WELCOME2 ,I KN[ !E :O ?\ >T3  MESEEME? GREAT JOY AWAITE? !E1 & ,I WILL FULFILL ?Y DESIRE TO ! UTT]MO/40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,O GREAT ,K+ ( A HAPPY L&1 ,I ASK ( !E NAU<T SAVE ?AT :I* NONE %ALL )HOLD FROM ME UNCURS$40  

0,I WILL GIVE IT TO !E10 SAID ! ,K+1 0& ?\ %ALT BLESS ME4 ,BUT :AT IS IT :I* ?\ W\LD/8  ,:AT MORE CAN/ ?\ HAVE ?AN ! ,GIFTS ( ! L&80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I CAME HI!R SEEK+ NO GIFTS1 BUT TO HAVE M9E [N AGA92 & ?AT IS ! BODILY LOVE ( MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID54 ,!Y /OLE H] FROM ME1 & ME FROM H]2 = %E LOV$ ME4  ,I W5T D[N TO ! SEA-SIDE & F\ND H] NOT1 NOR ! %IP :I* HAD BORNE H] AWAY4  ,I SAIL$ FROM !NCE TO ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 = !Y TOLD ME ?AT !RE ,I %\LD BUY H] = A PRICE2 NEI!R WAS H] BODY !RE4  ,BUT H] IMAGE CAME TO ME 9 A DREAM ( ! NI<T1 & BADE ME SEEK TO H] HI!R4  ,!RE=E1 ,O ,K+1 IF %E BE H]E 9 ! L&1 %[ ME H[ ,I %ALL F9D H]1 & IF %E BE NOT H]E1 %[ ME H[ ,I MAY DEP>T TO SEEK H] O!R:]E4  ,?IS IS ALL MY ASK+40  

,SAID ! ,K+3  0,?Y DESIRE %ALL BE SATISFI$2 ?\ %ALT HAVE ! WOMAN :O W\LD HAVE !E1 & :OM ?\ %\LD/ HAVE40  

,HALLBLI! WAS GLADD5$ BEYOND MEASURE BY ?AT WORD2 & N[ DID ! ,K+ SEEM TO HIM A COM=T & A SOLACE TO EV]Y HE>T1 EV5 AS HE HAD DEEM$ ( HIS C>V5 IMAGE 9 ! ,HALL ( ! ,RAVAG]S2 & HE ?ANK$ HIM1 & BLESS$ HIM4  

,BUT ! ,K+ BADE HIM ABIDE BY HIM ?AT NI<T1 & FEA/ ) HIM4 0,& ON ! MORR[10 SAID HE1 0?\ %ALT GO ?Y WAYS TO LOOK ON H] :OM ?\ \<TE/ TO LOVE40  

,!RE) WAS COME ! EV5TIDE & BEG9N+ ( NI<T1 W>M & FRAGRANT & BRI<T ) ! TW9KL+ ( />S1 & !Y W5T 9TO ! ,K+'S PAVILION1 & !RE WAS ! FEA/ AS FAIR & DA9TY AS MI<T BE2 & ,HALLBLI! HAD MEAT FROM ! ,K+'S [N DI%1 & DR9K FROM HIS CUP2 BUT ! MEAT HAD NO SAVOR TO HIM & ! DR9K NO DELI<T1 BECAUSE ( ! LONG+ ?AT POSSESS$ HIM4  

,& :5 ! FEA/ WAS DONE1 ! DAMSELS L$ ,HALLBLI! TO HIS B$ 9 A FAIR T5T /REWN ) GOLD AB\T HIS HEAD LIKE ! />RY NI<T1 & HE LAY D[N & SLEPT = %E] WE>9ESS ( BODY4  

O ,*APT] #ac 3 ,HALLBLI! ,BEHOLDE? ,! ,WOMAN ,:O ,LOVE? ,HIM 

,BUT ON ! MORR[ ! M5 >OSE1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE & HIS DAMSEL CAME TO ,HALLBLI!2 = ! O!R TWO DAMSELS W]E DEP>T$1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE SAID TO HIM3  

0,H]E AM ,I WELL HONOR$ & MEASURELESSLY HAPPY2 & ,I HAVE A MESSAGE = !E FROM ! ,K+40  

0,:AT IS IT80 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 BUT HE DEEM$ ?AT HE KNEW :AT IT W\LD BE1 & HE R$D5$ = ! JOY ( HIS ASSUR$ HOPE4  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,JOY TO !E1 ,O %IPMATE6  ,I AM TO TAKE !E TO ! PLACE :]E ?Y BELOV$ ABIDE?1 & !RE %ALT ?\ SEE H]1 BUT NOT SO AS %E CAN SEE !E2 & !REAFT] %ALT ?\ GO TO ! ,K+1 ?AT ?\ MAY/ TELL HIM IF %E %ALL ACCOMPLI% ?Y DESIRE40  

,!N WAS ,HALLBLI! GLAD BEYOND MEASURE1 & HIS HE>T DANC$ )9 HIM1 & HE DEEM$ IT BUT MEET ?AT ! O!RS %\LD BE SO JOY\S & BLI! ) HIM1 = !Y L$ HIM ALONG )\T ANY DELAY1 & W]E GLAD AT HIS REJOIC+2 & WORDS FAIL$ HIM TO TELL ( HIS GLADNESS4  

,BUT AS HE W5T1 ! ?\<TS ( HIS COM+ CONV]SE ) HIS BELOV$ CURL$ SWEETLY R\ND HIS HE>T1 SO ?AT SC>CE ANY?+ HAD SEEM$ SO SWEET TO HIM BE=E2 & HE FELL A-POND]+ :AT !Y TWA91 HE & ! ,HO/AGE1 %\LD DO :5 !Y CAME TOGE!R AGA92 :E!R !Y %\LD ABIDE ON ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 OR GO BACK AGA9 TO ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA & DWELL 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,K9DR$2 & = HIS P>T HE YE>N$ TO BEHOLD ! RO( ( HIS FA!RS & TO TREAD ! MEAD[ :I* HIS SCY! HAD SWEPT1 & ! ACRES :]E HIS HOOK HAD SMITT5 ! :EAT4  ,BUT HE SAID TO HIMSELF1 0,I WILL WAIT TILL ,I HE> H] DESIRE H]EON40  

,N[ !Y W5T 9TO ! WOOD AT ! BACK ( ! ,K+'S PAVILION & ?R\< IT1 & SO OV] ! HILL1 & BEYOND IT CAME 9TO A L& ( HILLS & DALES EXCE$+ FAIR & LOVELY2 & A RIV] W\ND AB\T ! DALES1 LAPP+ 9 TURN ! FEET ( ONE HILL-SIDE OR ! O!R2 & 9 EA* DALE 7= !Y PASS$ ?R\< TWO7 WAS A GOODLY H\SE ( M51 & TILLAGE AB\T IT1 & V9EY>DS & OR*>DS4  ,!Y W5T ALL DAY TILL ! SUN WAS NE> SETT+1 & W]E NOT WE>Y1 = !Y TURN$ 9TO ! H\SES BY ! WAY :5 !Y W\LD1 & HAD GOOD WELCOME & MEAT & DR9K & :AT !Y W\LD ( ! FOLK ?AT DWELT !RE4  ,?US ANI< SUNSET !Y CAME 9TO A DALE FAIR] ?AN EI!R ( ! O!RS1 & NI< TO ! 5D :]E !Y HAD 5T]$ IT WAS AN EXCE$+ GOODLY H\SE4  ,!N SAID ! DAMSEL3  

0,WE >E NI<-H& TO \R J\RNEY'S 5D2 LET US SIT D[N ON ! GRASS BY ?IS RIV]-SIDE :IL/ ,I TELL !E ! TALE :I* ! ,K+ W\LD HAVE !E KN[40  

,SO !Y SAT D[N ON ! GRASS BESIDE ! BRIMM+ RIV]1 SCANT TWO B[%OTS FROM ?AT FAIR H\SE1 & ! DAMSEL SAID1 READ+ FROM A SCROLL :I* %E DREW FROM H] BOSOM3  

0,O ,SPE>MAN1 9 YOND] H\SE DWELLE? ! WOMAN =$OOM$ TO LOVE !E3  IF ?\ W\LD/ SEE H]1 GO ?I!RW>D1 FOLL[+ ! PA? :I* TURNE? FROM ! RIV]-SIDE BY YOND] OAK-TREE1 & ?\ %ALT PRES5TLY COME TO A ?ICKET ( BAY-TREES AT ! $GE ( AN APPLE- OR*>D1 :OSE TREES >E BLOSSOM+2 ABIDE ?\ HIDD5 BY ! BAY- LEAVES1 & ?\ %ALT SEE MAID5S COME 9TO ! OR*>D1 & AT LA/ ONE FAIR] ?AN ALL ! O!RS4  ,?IS %ALL BE ?Y LOVE =E-DOOM$1 & NONE O!R2 & ?\ %ALT KN[ H] BY ?IS TOK51 ?AT :5 %E HA? SET H] D[N ON ! GRASS BESIDE ! BAY-TREE1 %E %ALL SAY TO H] MAID5S ',BR+ ME N[ ! BOOK :]E9 IS ! IMAGE ( MY BELOV$1 ?AT ,I MAY SOLACE MYSELF ) BEHOLD+ IT BE=E ! SUN GOES D[N & ! NI<T COME?4'0  

,N[ ,HALLBLI! WAS TR\BL$ :5 %E READ \T !SE WORDS1 & HE SAID3  0,:AT IS ?IS TALE AB\T A BOOK8  ,I KN[ NOT ( ANY BOOK ?AT LIE? BETWIXT ME & MY BELOV$40  

0,O ,SPE>MAN10 SAID ! DAMSEL1 0,I MAY TELL !E NO MORE1 BECAUSE ,I KN[ NO MORE4  ,BUT KEEP UP ?9E HE>T6  ,= DO/ ?\ KN[ ANY MORE ?AN ,I DO :AT HA? BEFALL5 ?Y BELOV$ S9CE ?\ W]T SUND]$ FROM H]8 & :Y %\LD NOT ?IS MATT] ( ! BOOK BE ONE ( ! ?+S ?AT HA? BEFALL5 H]8  ,GO N[ ) JOY1 & COME AGA9 BLESS+ US40  

0,YEA1 GO1 F>+-FELL[10 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 0& COME BACK JOYFUL1 ?AT WE MAY ALL BE M]RY TOGE!R4  ,& WE WILL ABIDE !E H]E40  

,HALLBLI! =EBOD$ EVIL1 BUT HE HELD HIS PEACE & W5T HIS WAYS D[N ! PA? BY ! OAK-TREE2 & !Y ABODE !RE BY ! WAT]- SIDE1 & W]E V]Y M]RY TALK+ ( ?IS & ?AT 7BUT NO :IT ( ,HALLBLI!71 & KISS+ & C>ESS+ EA* O!R2 SO ?AT IT SEEM$ BUT A LITTLE :ILE TO !M ]E !Y SAW ,HALLBLI! COM+ BACK BY ! OAK-TREE4  ,HE W5T SL[LY1 HANG+ HIS HEAD LIKE A MAN SORE-BURD5$ ) GRIEF3  ?US HE CAME UP TO !M1 & /OOD !RE ABOVE !M AS !Y LAY ON ! FRAGRANT GRASS1 & HE SAY+ NO WORD & LOOK+ SO SAD & SORRY1 & )AL SO FELL1 ?AT !Y FE>$ HIS GRIEF & HIS ANG]1 & W\LD FA9 HAVE BE5 AWAY FROM HIM2 SO ?AT !Y DUR/ NOT ASK HIM A QUE/ION = A LONG :ILE1 & ! SUN SANK BEL[ ! HILL :ILE !Y ABID$ ?US4  

,!N ALL TREMBL+ ! DAMSEL SPAKE TO ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,SPEAK TO HIM1 DE> FRI5D1 ELSE MU/ ,I FLEE AWAY1 = ,I FE> HIS SIL5CE40  

,QUO? ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,%IPMATE & FRI5D1 :AT HA? BETID$8  ,H[ >T ?\8  ,MAY WE HE>K51 & MAYHAPP5 AM5D IT80  

,!N ,HALLBLI! CA/ HIMSELF AD[N ON ! GRASS & SAID3  0,I AM ACCURS$ & BEGUIL$2 & ,I W&] R\ND & R\ND 9 A TANGLE ?AT ,I MAY NOT ESCAPE FROM4  ,I AM NOT F> FROM DEEM+ ?AT ?IS IS A L& ( DREAMS MADE = MY BEGUIL+4  ,OR HAS ! E>? BECOME SO FULL ( LIES1 ?AT !RE IS NO ROOM AMID !M = A TRUE MAN TO /& UPON HIS FEET & GO HIS WAYS80  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,?\ %ALT TELL US ( :AT HA? BETID1 & SO EASE ! SORR[ ( ?Y S\L IF ?\ WILT4  ,OR IF ?\ WILT1 ?\ %ALT NURSE ?Y SORR[ 9 ?9E HE>T & TELL NO MAN4  ,DO :AT ?\ WILT2 AM ,I NOT BECOME ?Y FRI5D80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I WILL TELL Y\ TWA9 ! TID+S1 & !REAFT] ASK ME NO MORE CONC]N+ !M4  ,HE>K54  ,I W5T :]EAS YE BADE ME1 & HID MYSELF 9 ! BAY-TREE ?ICKET2 & !RE CAME MAID5S 9TO ! BLOSSOM+ OR*>D & MADE A RE/+-PLACE ) SILK5 CU%IONS CLOSE TO :]E ,I WAS LURK+1 & /OOD AB\T AS ?\< !Y W]E LOOK+ = SOME ONE TO COME4  ,9 A LITTLE TIME CAME TWO MORE MAID5S1 & BETWIXT !M ONE SO MU* FAIR] ?AN ANY !RE1 ?AT MY HE>T SANK )9 ME3  :]EAS ,I DEEM$ BECAUSE ( H] FAIRNESS ?AT ?IS W\LD BE ! =E-DOOM$ LOVE :]E( YE SPAKE1 & LO1 %E WAS 9 NAU<T LIKE TO MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID51 SAVE ?AT %E WAS EXCE$+ BEAUTE\S3  NEV]!LESS1 HE>T-SICK AS ,I WAS1 ,I DET]M9$ TO ABIDE ! TOK5 ?AT YE TOLD ME (4  ,SO %E LAY D[N AMID ?OSE CU%IONS1 & ,I BEHELD H] ?AT %E WAS SAD ( C\NT5ANCE2 & %E WAS SO NE> TO ME ?AT ,I C\LD SEE ! TE>S WELL+ 9TO H] EYES1 & RUNN+ D[N H] *EEKS2 SO ?AT ,I %\LD HAVE GRIEV$ SORELY = H] HAD ,I NOT BE5 GRIEV+ SO SORELY = MYSELF4  ,= PRES5TLY %E SAT UP & SAID ',O MAID51 BR+ ME HI!R ! BOOK :]E9 IS ! IMAGE ( MY BELOV$1 ?AT ,I MAY BEHOLD IT 9 ?IS SEASON ( SUNSET :]E9 ,I FIR/ BEHELD IT2 ?AT ,I MAY FILL MY HE>T ) ! SI<T !RE( BE=E ! SUN IS GONE & ! D>K NI<T COME4'  

0,!N 9DE$ MY HE>T DI$ )9 ME :5 ,I WOTT$ ?AT ?IS WAS ! LOVE :]E( ! ,K+ SPAKE1 ?AT HE W\LD GIVE TO ME1 & %E NOT M9E [N BELOV$1 YET ,I C\LD NOT *OOSE BUT ABIDE & LOOK ON A :ILE1 & %E BE+ ONE ?AT ANY MAN MI<T LOVE BEYOND MEASURE4  ,N[ A MAID5 W5T AWAY 9TO ! H\SE & CAME BACK AGA9 ) A BOOK COV]$ ) GOLD SET ) GEMS2 & ! FAIR WOMAN TOOK IT & OP5$ IT1 & ,I WAS SO NE> TO H] ?AT ,I SAW EV]Y LEAF CLE>LY AS %E TURN$ ! LEAVES4  ,& 9 ?AT BOOK W]E PICTURES ( MANY ?+S1 AS FLAM+ M\NTA9S1 & CA/LES ( W>1 & %IPS UPON ! SEA1 BUT *IEFLY ( FAIR WOM51 & QUE5S1 & W>RIORS & K+S2 & IT WAS DONE 9 GOLD & AZURE & C9NAB> & M9IUM4  ,SO %E TURN$ ! LEAVES1 TILL %E CAME TO ONE :]EON WAS PICTUR$ NONE O!R ?AN MYSELF1 & OV] AGA9/ ME WAS ! IMAGE ( M9E [N BELOV$1 ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,ROSE1 AS IF %E W]E ALIVE1 SO ?AT ! HE>T )9 ME SWELL$ ) ! SOBB+ :I* ,I MU/ NE$S REFRA91 :I* GRIEV$ ME LIKE A SWORD-/ROKE4  ,%AME ALSO TOOK HOLD ( ME AS ! FAIR WOMAN SPOKE TO MY PA9T$ IMAGE1 & ,I LY+ WELL-NI< )9 T\* ( H] H&2 BUT %E SAID3  ',O MY BELOV$1 :Y DO/ ?\ DELAY TO COME TO ME8  ,= ,I DEEM$ ?AT ?IS EVE AT LEA/ ?\ W\LD/ COME1 SO MANY & /RONG AS >E ! ME%ES ( LOVE :I* WE HAVE CA/ AB\T ?Y FEET4  ,OH COME TO-MORR[ AT ! LEA/ & LATE/1 OR :AT %ALL ,I DO1 & :]E) %ALL ,I QU5* ! GRIEF ( MY HE>T8  ,OR ELSE :Y AM ,I ! DAU<T] ( ! ,UNDY+ ,K+1 ! ,LORD ( ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA8  ,:Y HAVE !Y WR\<T NEW M>VELS = ME1 & COMPELL$ ! ,RAVAG]S ( ! ,COA/S TO S]VE ME1 & S5T FALSE DREAMS FLITT+ ON ! W+S ( ! NI<T8  ,YEA1 :Y IS ! E>? FAIR & FRUITFUL1 & ! HEAV5S K9D ABOVE IT1 IF ?\ COME/ NOT TO-NI<T1 NOR TO-MORR[1 NOR ! DAY AFT]8  ,& ,I ! DAU<T] ( ! ,UNDY+1 ON :OM ! DAYS %ALL GR[ & GR[ AS ! GRA9S ( S& :I* ! W9D HEAPS UP ABOVE ! SEA-BEA*4  ,& LIFE %ALL GR[ HUG] & MORE HIDE\S R\ND AB\T ! LONELY ONE1 LIKE ! L+-WORM LAID UPON ! GOLD1 ?AT WAXE? !REBY1 TILL IT LIES ALL >\ND AB\T ! H\SE ( ! QUE5 5TRAPP$1 ! MOVELESS UN5D+ R+ ( ! YE>S ?AT *ANGE NOT4'  

0,SO %E SPAKE TILL ! WEEP+ 5D$ H] WORDS1 & ,I WAS ALL ABA%$ ) %AME & PALE ) ANGUI%4  ,I /OLE QUIETLY FROM MY LAIR UNHE$$ ( ANY1 SAVE ?AT ONE DAMSEL SAID ?AT A RABBIT RAN 9 ! H$GE1 & ANO!R ?AT A BLACKBIRD /IRR$ 9 ! ?ICKET4  ,BEHOLD ME1 !N1 ?AT MY QUE/ BEG9NE? AGA9 AMID ! TANGLE ( LIES :]E9TO ,I HAVE BE5 5TRAPP$40  

O ,*APT] #ad 3 ,HALLBLI! ,HAS ,SPEE* ,) ,! ,K+ ,AGA9 

,HE /OOD UP :5 HE HAD MADE AN 5D1 AS A MAN READY = ! ROAD2 BUT !Y LAY !RE D[NCA/ & ABA%$1 & HAD NO WORDS TO ANSW] HIM4 ,= ! ,SEA-EAGLE WAS SORRY ?AT HIS F>+-FELL[ WAS HAPLESS1 & WAS SORRY ?AT HE WAS SORRY2 & AS = ! DAMSEL1 %E HAD NOT KN[N BUT ?AT %E WAS LEAD+ ! GOODLY ,SPE>MAN TO ! FULFILLM5T ( HIS HE>T'S DESIRE4  ,ALBEIT AFT] A :ILE %E SPAKE AGA9 & SAID3  

0,DE> FRI5DS1 DAY IS GONE & NI<T IS AT H&2 N[ TO-NI<T IT W]E ILL LODG+ AT YOND] H\SE2 & ! NEXT H\SE ON \R BACKW>D ROAD IS OV] F> = WAYWORN FOLK4  ,BUT H>D BY ?R\< ! ?ICKET IS A FAIR LITTLE WOOD-LAWN1 BY ! LIP ( A POOL 9 ! /REAM :]E9 WE MAY BA! US TO-MORR[ MORN+2 & IT IS GRASSY & FL[]Y & %ELT]$ FROM ALL W9DS ?AT BL[1 & ,I HAVE VICTUAL 5\< 9 MY WALLET4  ,LET US SUP & RE/ !RE UND] ! B>E HEAV51 AS (T IS ! WONT ( US 9 ?IS L&2 & ON ! MORR[ E>LY WE WILL >ISE & GET US BACK AGA9 TO ,WOOD-5D1 :]E YET ! ,K+ ABIDE?1 & !RE %ALT ?\ TALK TO HIM AGA91 ,O ,SPE>MAN40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,TAKE ME :I!R YE WILL2 BUT N[ NAU<T AVAILE?4 ,I AM A CAPTIVE 9 A L& ( LIES1 & H]E MO/ LIKE %ALL ,I LIVE BETRAY$ & DIE HAPLESS40  

0,HOLD ?Y PEACE1 DE> FRI5D1 ( SU* WORDS AS ?OSE LA/10 SAID %E1 0OR ,I MU/ NE$S FLEE FROM !E1 = !Y HURT ME SORELY4  ,COME N[ TO ?IS PLEASANT PLACE40  

,%E TOOK HIM BY ! H& & LOOK$ K9DLY ON HIM1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE FOLL[$ HIM1 MURMUR+ AN OLD SONG ( ! H>VE/-FIELD1 & !Y W5T TOGE!R BY A PA? ?R\< A ?ICKET ( :ITE-?ORN TILL !Y CAME UNTO A GRASSY PLACE4  ,!RE !N !Y SAT !M D[N1 & ATE & DRANK :AT !Y W\LD1 SITT+ BY ! LIP ( ! POOL TILL A WAN+ MOON WAS BRI<T OV] !IR HEADS4  ,& ,HALLBLI! MADE NO SEMBLANCE ( CONT5T2 BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE & HIS DAMSEL W]E GR[N M]RY AGA91 & TALK$ & SANG TOGE!R LIKE AUTUMN />ES1 ) ! KISS+ & C>ESS+ ( LOV]S4  

,SO AT LA/ ?OSE TWA9 LAY D[N AMONG ! FL[]S1 & SLEPT 9 EA* O!R'S >MS2 BUT ,HALLBLI! BETOOK HIM TO ! BRAKE A LITTLE ALO(1 & LAY D[N1 BUT SLEPT NOT TILL MORN+ WAS AT H&1 :5 SLUMB] & CONFUS$ DREAMS OV]TOOK HIM4  

,HE WAS AWAK$ FROM HIS SLEEP BY ! DAMSEL1 :O CAME PU%+ ?R\< ! ?ICKET ALL FRE% & ROSY FROM ! RIV]1 & R\S$ HIM1 & SAID3  

0,AWAKE N[1 ,SPE>MAN1 ?AT WE MAY TAKE \R PLEASURE 9 ! SUN2 = HE IS HI< 9 ! HEAV5S N[1 & ALL ! L& LAU<S B5EA? HIM40  

,H] EYES GLITT]$ AS %E SPOKE1 & H] LIMBS MOV$ UND] H] RAIM5T AS ?\< %E W\LD PRES5TLY FALL TO DANC+ = V]Y JOY4 ,BUT ,HALLBLI! >OSE WE>ILY1 & GAVE H] BACK NO SMILE 9 ANSW]1 BUT ?RU/ ?R\< ! ?ICKET TO ! WAT]1 & WA%$ ! NI<T FROM (F HIM1 & SO CAME BACK TO ! TWA9 AS !Y SAT DALLY+ TOGE!R OV] !IR BREAKFA/4  ,HE W\LD NOT SIT D[N BY !M1 BUT ATE A MORSEL ( BREAD AS HE /OOD1 & SAID3  0,TELL ME H[ ,I CAN SOONE/ F9D ! ,K+3  ,I BID Y\ NOT LEAD ME ?I!R1 BUT LET ME GO MY WAYS ALONE4  ,= ) ME TIME PRESSES1 & ) Y\ MESEEME? TIME IS NAU<T4  ,NEI!R AM ,I A MEET FELL[ = ! HAPPY40  

,BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE SPRANG UP1 & SWORE ) A GREAT OA? ?AT HE W\LD N[ISE LEAVE HIS %IPMATE 9 ! LUR*4  ,& ! DAMSEL SAID3 0,FAIR MAN1 ,I HAD BE/ GO ) !E2 ,I %ALL NOT H9D] !E1 BUT FUR!R !E RA!R1 SO ?AT ?\ %ALT MAKE ONE DAY'S J\RNEY ( TWO40  

,& %E PUT =? H] H& TO HIM1 & C>ESS$ HIM SMIL+1 & FAWN$ UPON HIM1 & HE HE$$ IT LITTLE1 BUT HUNG NOT ABACK FROM !M S9CE !Y W]E READY = ! ROAD3  SO !Y SET =? ALL ?REE TOGE!R4  

,!Y MADE SU* DILIG5CE ON ! BACKW>D ROAD ?AT ! SUN WAS NOT SET BY !N !Y CAME TO ,WOOD-5D2 & !RE WAS ! ,K+ SITT+ 9 ! DOOR ( HIS PAVILION4  ,?I!R W5T ,HALLBLI! /RAI<T1 & ?RU/ ?R\< ! ?RONG1 & /OOD BE=E ! ,K+2 :O GREET$ HIM K9DLY1 & WAS NO LESS SWEET ( FACE ?AN ON ?AT O!R DAY4  

,HALLBLI! HAIL$ HIM NOT1 BUT SAID3  0,K+1 LOOK ON MY ANGUI%1 & IF ?\ >T O!R ?AN A K+ ( DREAMS & LIES1 PLAY NO LONG] ) ME1 BUT TELL ME /RAI<T \T IF ?\ KN[E/ ( MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID51 :E!R %E IS 9 ?IS L& OR NOT40  

,!N ! ,K+ SMIL$ ON HIM & SAID3  0,TRUE IT IS ?AT ,I KN[ ( H]2 YET KN[ ,I NOT :E!R %E IS 9 ?IS L& OR NOT40  

0,K+10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0WILT ?\ BR+ US TOGE!R & /AY MY HE>T'S BLE$+80  

,SAID ! ,K+3  0,I CANNOT1 S9CE ,I KN[ NOT :]E %E IS40  

0,:Y DID/ ?\ LIE TO ME ! O!R DAY80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,I LI$ NOT10 SAID ! ,K+2 0,I BADE BR+ !E TO ! WOMAN ?AT LOV$ !E1 & :OM ?\ %\LD/ LOVE2 & ?AT IS MY DAU<T]4 ,& LOOK ?\6  ,EV5 AS ,I MAY NOT BR+ !E TO ?9E E>?LY LOVE1 SO C\LD/ ?\ NOT MAKE ?YSELF MANIFE/ BE=E MY DAU<T]1 & BECOME H] DEA?LESS LOVE4  ,IS IT NOT 5\<80  

,HE SPAKE /]NLY = ALL ?AT HE SMIL$1 & ,HALLBLI! SAID3  0,O ,K+1 HAVE PITY ON ME60  

0,YEA10 SAID ! ,K+2 0PITY !E ,I DO3  BUT ,I WILL LIVE DESPITE ?Y SORR[2 MY PITY ( !E %ALL NOT SLAY ME1 OR MAKE !E HAPPY4  ,EV5 9 SU* WISE DID/ ?\ PITY MY DAU<T]40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,?\ >T MI<TY1 ,O ,K+1 & MAYBE ! MI<TIE/4 ,WILT ?\ NOT HELP ME80  

0,H[ CAN ,I HELP !E80 SAID ! ,K+1 0?\ :O WILT NOT HELP ?YSELF4  ,?\ HA/ SE5 :AT ?\ %\LD/ DO3  DO IT !N & BE HOLP540  

,!N SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,WILT ?\ NOT SLAY ME1 ,O ,K+1 S9CE ?\ WILT NOT DO AU<T ELSE80  

0,NAY10 SAID ! ,K+1 0?Y SLAY+ WILT NOT S]VE ME NOR M9E3  ,I WILL NEI!R HELP NOR H9D]4  ,?\ >T FREE TO SEEK ?Y LOVE :]ESOEV] ?\ WILT 9 ?IS MY REALM4  ,DEP>T 9 PEACE60  

,HALLBLI! SAW ?AT ! ,K+ WAS ANGRY1 ?\< HE SMIL$ UPON HIM2 YET SO COLDLY1 ?AT ! FACE ( HIM FROZE ! V]Y M>R[ ( ,HALLBLI!'S BONES3  & HE SAID )9 HIMSELF3  0,?IS ,K+ ( LIES %ALL NOT SLAY ME1 ?\< M9E ANGUI% BE H>D TO BE>3  = ,I AM ALIVE1 & IT MAY BE ?AT MY LOVE IS 9 ?IS L&1 & ,I MAY F9D H] H]E1 & H[ TO REA* ANO!R L& ,I KN[ NOT40  

,SO HE TURN$ FROM BE=E ! FACE ( ! ,K+ AS ! SUN WAS SETT+1 & HE W5T D[N ! L& S\?W>D BETWIXT ! M\NTA9S & ! SEA1 NOT HE$+ :E!R IT W]E NI<T OR DAY2 & HE W5T ON TILL IT WAS LONG PA/ MIDNI<T1 & !N = M]E WE>9ESS LAID HIM D[N UND] A TREE1 NOT KN[+ :]E HE WAS1 & FELL ASLEEP4  

,& 9 ! MORN+ HE WOKE UP TO ! BRI<T SUN1 & F\ND FOLK /&+ R\ND AB\T HIM1 BO? M5 & WOM51 & !IR %EEP W]E ANI< !M1 = !Y W]E %EPH]D FOLK4  ,SO :5 !Y SAW ?AT HE WAS AWAKE1 !Y GREET$ HIM1 & W]E BLI! ) HIM & MADE MU* ( HIM3  & !Y TOOK HIM HOME TO !IR H\SE1 & GAVE HIM TO EAT & TO DR9K1 & ASK$ HIM :AT HE W\LD ?AT !Y MI<T S]VE HIM4 ,& !Y SEEM$ TO HIM TO BE K9D & SIMPLE FOLK1 & ?\< HE LOA!D TO SPEAK ! WORDS1 SO SICK AT HE>T HE WAS1 YET HE TOLD !M H[ HE WAS SEEK+ HIS TRO?-PLI<T MAID51 HIS E>?LY LOVE1 & ASK$ !M TO SAY IF !Y HAD SE5 ANY WOMAN LIKE H]4  

,!Y HE>D HIM K9DLY & PITI$ HIM1 & TOLD HIM H[ !Y HAD HE>D ( A WOMAN 9 ! L&1 :O S\<T H] BELOV$ EV5 AS HE S\<T HIS4 ,& :5 HE HE>D ?AT1 HIS HE>T LEAP$ UP1 & HE ASK$ !M TO TELL HIM MORE CONC]N+ ?IS WOMAN4  ,!N !Y SAID ?AT %E DWELT 9 ! HILL-C\NTRY 9 A GOODLY H\SE1 & HAD SET H] HE>T ON A LOVELY MAN1 :OSE IMAGE %E HAD SE5 9 A BOOK1 & ?AT NO MAN BUT ?IS ONE W\LD CONT5T H]2 & ?IS1 !Y SAID1 WAS A SAD & SORRY MATT]1 SU* AS WAS UNHE>D ( HI!RTO 9 ! L&4  

,SO :5 ,HALLBLI! HE>D ?IS1 AS HEAVILY AS HIS HE>T FELL AGA91 HE *ANG$ NOT C\NT5ANCE1 BUT ?ANK$ ! K9D FOLK & DEP>T$1 & W5T ON D[N ! L& BETWIXT ! M\NTA9S & ! SEA1 & BE=E NI<TFALL HE HAD BE5 9TO ?REE MORE H\SES ( FOLK1 & ASK$ !RE ( ALL COM]S CONC]N+ A WOMAN :O WAS SUND]$ FROM H] BELOV$2 & AT NONE ( !M GAT HE ANY ANSW] TO MAKE HIM LESS SORRY ?AN YE/]DAY4  ,AT ! LA/ ( ! ?REE HE SLEPT1 & ON ! MORR[ E>LY !RE WAS ! WORK TO BEG9 AGA92 & ! NEXT DAY WAS ! SAME AS ! LA/1 & ! DAY AFT] DIFF]$ NOT FROM IT4  ,?US HE W5T ON SEEK+ HIS BELOV$ BETWIXT ! M\NTA9S & ! PLA91 TILL ! GREAT ROCK-WALL CAME D[N TO ! SIDE ( ! SEA & MADE AN 5D ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 ON ?AT SIDE4  ,!N HE TURN$ AB\T & W5T BACK BY ! WAY HE HAD COME1 & UP ! C\NTRY BETWIXT ! M\NTA9S & ! PLA9 NOR?W>D1 UNTIL HE HAD BE5 9TO EV]Y H\SE ( FOLK 9 ?OSE P>TS & ASK$ HIS QUE/ION4  

,!N HE W5T UP 9TO ?AT FAIR C\NTRY ( ! DALES1 & EV5 ANI< TO :]E DWELT ! ,K+'S ,DAU<T]1 & O!R:]E 9 ! L& & EV]Y:]E1 QU>T]+ ! REALM ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 AS ! H]ON QU>T]S ! FLOOD$ MEAD[ :5 ! WAT]S DRAW ABACK 9TO ! RIV]4  ,SO ?AT N[ ALL PEOPLE KNEW HIM :5 HE CAME1 & !Y WOND]$ AT HIM2 BUT :5 HE CAME TO ANY H\SE = ! ?IRD OR F\R? TIME1 !Y WE>I$ ( HIM1 & W]E GLAD :5 HE DEP>T$4  

,EV] IT WAS ONE ( TWO ANSW]S ?AT HE HAD3  EI!R FOLK SAID TO HIM1 0,!RE IS NO SU* WOMAN2 ?IS L& IS HAPPY1 & NAU<T BUT HAPPY PEOPLE DWELL H]E920 OR ELSE !Y TOLD HIM ( ! WOMAN :O LIV$ 9 SORR[1 & WAS EV] LOOK+ ON A BOOK1 ?AT %E MI<T BR+ TO H] ! MAN :OM %E DESIR$4  

,:ILES HE WE>I$ & LONG$ = DEA?1 BUT W\LD NOT DIE UNTIL !RE WAS NO CORN] ( ! L& UNSE>*$4  ,:ILES HE %OOK (F WE>9ESS1 & W5T AB\T HIS QUE/ AS A CRAFTSMAN SETS AB\T HIS WORK 9 ! MORN+4  ,:ILES IT IRK$ HIM TO SEE ! S(T & M]RY FOLK ( ! L&1 :O HAD NO SKILL TO HELP HIM1 & HE LONG$ = ! H\SE ( HIS FA!RS & ! M5 ( ! SPE> & ! PL[2 & ?\<T1 0,OH1 IF ,I MI<T BUT GET ME BACK1 IF IT W]E BUT = AN H\R & TO DIE !RE1 TO ! MEAD[S ( ! ,RAV51 & ! ACRES B5EA? ! M\NTA9S ( ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA4  ,!N AT LEA/ %\LD ,I LE>N SOME TALE ( :AT IS OR :AT HA? BE51 H[SOEV] EVIL ! TID+S W]E1 & NOT BE B&I$ AB\T BY LIES = EV]40  

O ,*APT] #ae 3 ,YET ,HALLBLI! ,SPEAKE? ,) ,! ,K+ 

,SO WORE ! DAYS & ! MOONS2 & N[ W]E SOME SIX MOONS WORN S9CE FIR/ HE CAME TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA92 & HE WAS COME TO ,WOOD- 5D AGA91 & HE>D & KNEW ?AT ! ,K+ WAS SITT+ ONCE MORE 9 ! DOOR ( HIS PAVILION TO HE>K5 TO ! WORDS ( HIS PEOPLE1 & HE SAID TO HIMSELF3  0,I WILL SPEAK YET AGA9 TO ?IS MAN1 IF 9DE$ HE BE A MAN2 YEA1 ?\< HE TURN ME 9TO /ONE40  

,& HE W5T UP T[>D ! PAVILION2 & ON ! WAY IT CAME 9TO HIS M9D :AT ! M5 ( ! K9DR$ W]E DO+ ?AT MORN+2 & HE HAD A VISION ( !M AS IT W]E1 & SAW !M YOK+ ! OX5 TO ! PL[1 & SL[LY GO+ D[N ! ACRES1 AS ! %9+ IRON DREW ! LONG FURR[ D[N ! /UBBLE-L&1 & ! LI<T HAZE HUNG AB\T ! ELM-TREES 9 ! CALM MORN+1 & ! SMOKE ROSE /RAI<T 9TO ! AIR FROM ! RO( ( ! K9DR$4  ,& HE SAID3  0,:AT IS ?IS8 AM ,I DEA?-DOOM$ ?IS MORN+ ?AT ?IS SI<T COME? SO CLE>LY UPON ME AMID ! FALS5ESS ( ?IS UN*ANG+ L&80  

,?US HE CAME TO ! PAVILION1 & FOLK FELL BACK BE=E HIM TO ! RI<T & ! LEFT1 & HE /OOD BE=E ! ,K+1 & SAID TO HIM3 0,I CANNOT F9D H]2 %E IS NOT 9 ?Y L&40  

,!N SPAKE ! ,K+1 SMIL+ UPON HIM1 AS ]/3  0,:AT WILT ?\ !N8  ,IS IT NOT TIME TO RE/80  

,HE SAID3  0,YEA1 ,O ,K+2 BUT NOT 9 ?IS L&40  

,SAID ! ,K+3  0,:]E ELSE ?AN 9 ?IS L& WILT ?\ F9D RE/8 ,)\T IS BATTLE & FAM9E1 LONG+ UNSATISFI$1 & HE>T-BURN+ & FE>2 )9 IT IS PL5TY & PEACE & GOOD WILL & PLEASURE )\T CEASE4  ,?Y WORD HA? NO MEAN+ TO ME40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,GIVE ME LEAVE TO DEP>T1 & ,I WILL BLESS !E40  

0,IS !RE NAU<T ELSE TO DO80 SAID ! ,K+4  

0,NAU<T ELSE10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,!RE) HE FELT ?AT ! ,K+'S FACE *ANG$ ?\< HE /ILL SMIL$ ON HIM1 & AGA9 HE FELT HIS HE>T GR[ COLD BE=E ! ,K+4  

,BUT ! ,K+ SPAKE & SAID3  0,I H9D] NOT ?Y DEP>TURE1 NOR WILL ANY ( MY FOLK4  ,NO H& WILL BE RAIS$ AGA9/ !E2 !RE IS NO WEAPON 9 ALL ! L&1 SAVE ! DE$LESS SWORD BY MY SIDE & ! WEAPONS :I* ?\ BE>E/40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,DO/ ?\ NOT [E ME A JOY 9 RETURN = MY BEGUIL+80  

0,YEA10 SAID ! ,K+1 0REA* \T ?9E H& TO TAKE IT40  

0,ONE ?+ ONLY MAY ,I TAKE ( !E10 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0MY TRO?- PLI<T MAID5 OR ELSE ! SPE$+ ( MY DEP>TURE40  

,!N SAID ! ,K+1 & HIS VOICE WAS T]RIBLE ?\< YET HE SMIL$3 0,I WILL NOT H9D]2 ,I WILL NOT HELP4  ,DEP>T 9 PEACE60  

,!N ,HALLBLI! TURN$ AWAY DIZZY & HALF FA9T+1 & /RAY$ D[N ! FIELD1 SC>CE KN[+ :]E HE WAS2 & AS HE W5T HE FELT HIS SLEEVE PLUCK$ AT1 & TURN$ AB\T1 & LO6 HE WAS FACE TO FACE ) ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 NO LESS JOY\S ?AN A=ETIME4  ,HE TOOK ,HALLBLI! 9 HIS >MS & EMBRAC$ HIM & KISS$ HIM1 & SAID3  0,WELL MET1 F>+-FELL[6  ,:I!R AWAY80  

0,AWAY \T ( ?IS L& ( LIES10 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

,! ,SEA-EAGLE %OOK HIS HEAD1 & QUO? HE3  0,>T ?\ /ILL SEEK+ A DREAM8  ,& ?\ SO FAIR ?AT ?\ PUTTE/ ALL O!R M5 TO %AME40  

0,I SEEK NO DREAM10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0BUT RA!R ! 5D ( DREAMS40  

0,WELL10 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 0WE WILL NOT WRANGLE AB\T IT4  ,BUT HE>K54  ,H>D BY 9 A PLEASANT NOOK ( ! MEAD[S HAVE ,I SET UP MY T5T2 & AL?\< IT BE NOT AS BIG AS ! ,K+'S PAVILION1 YET IS IT FAIR 5\<4  ,WILT ?\ NOT COME ?I!R ) ME & RE/ !E TO- NI<T2 & TO-MORR[ WE WILL TALK ( ?IS MATT]80  

,N[ ,HALLBLI! WAS WE>Y & CONFUS$1 & D[NHE>T$ BEYOND HIS WONT1 & ! FRI5DLY WORDS ( ! ,SEA-EAGLE S(T5$ HIS HE>T1 & HE SMIL$ ON HIM & SAID3  0,I GIVE !E ?ANKS2 ,I WILL COME ) !E3  ?\ >T K9D1 & HA/ DONE NAU<T TO ME SAVE GOOD FROM ! TIME :5 ,I FIR/ SAW !E LY+ 9 ?Y B$ 9 ! ,HALL ( ! ,RAVAG]S4  ,DO/ ?\ REMEMB] ! DAY80  

,! ,SEA-EAGLE KNITT$ HIS BR[ AS ONE /RIV+ ) A TR\BL\S MEMORY1 & SAID3  0,BUT DIMLY1 FRI5D1 AS IF IT HAD PASS$ 9 AN UGLY DREAM3  MESEEME? MY FRI5D%IP ) !E BEGAN :5 ,I CAME TO !E FROM \T ( ! WOOD1 & SAW !E /&+ ) ?OSE ?REE DAMSELS2 ?AT ,I REMEMB] FULL WELL YE W]E FAIR TO LOOK ON40  

,HALLBLI! WOND]$ AT HIS WORDS1 BUT SAID NO MORE AB\T IT1 & !Y W5T TOGE!R TO A FL[]Y NOOK NI< A /REAM ( CLE> WAT] :]E /OOD A SILK5 T5T1 GRE5 LIKE ! GRASS :I* IT /OOD ON1 & FLECK$ ) GOLD & GOODLY COLORS4  ,NI< IT ON ! GRASS LAY ! ,SEA-EAGLE'S DAMSEL1 RUDDY-*EEK$ & SWEET-LIPP$1 AS FAIR AS A=ETIME4  ,%E TURN$ AB\T :5 %E HE>D M5 COM+1 & :5 %E SAW ,HALLBLI! A SMILE CAME 9TO H] FACE LIKE ! SUN BREAK+ \T ON A FAIR BUT CL\D$ MORN+1 & %E W5T UP TO HIM & TOOK HIM BY ! H&S & KISS$ HIS *EEK1 & SAID3  0,WELCOME1 ,SPE>MAN6 WELCOME BACK6  ,WE HAVE HE>D ( !E 9 MANY PLACES1 & HAVE BE5 SORRY ?AT ?\ W]T NOT GLAD1 & N[ >E WE FA9 ( ?Y RETURN+4 ,%ALL NOT SWEET LIFE BEG9 = !E FROM H5CE=W>D80  

,AGA9 WAS ,HALLBLI! MOV$ BY H] K9D WELCOME2 BUT HE %OOK HIS HEAD & SPAKE3  0,?\ >T K9D1 SI/]2 YET IF ?\ W\LD/ BE K9D] ?\ WILT %[ ME A WAY :]EBY ,I MAY ESCAPE FROM ?IS L&4  ,= ABID+ H]E HAS BECOME IRKSOME TO ME1 & MESEEME? ?AT HOPE IS YET ALIVE )\T ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA940  

,H] FACE FELL AS %E ANSW]$3  0,YEA1 & FE> ALSO1 & WORSE1 IF AU<T BE WORSE4  ,BUT COME1 LET US EAT & DR9K 9 ?IS FAIR PLACE1 & GA!R = !E A LITTLE JOYANCE BE=E ?\ DEP>TE/1 IF ?\ NE$S MU/ DEP>T40  

,HE SMIL$ ON H] AS ONE NOT ILL-CONT5T1 & LAID HIMSELF D[N ON ! GRASS1 :ILE ! TWA9 BUSI$ !MSELVES1 & BR\<T =? FAIR CU%IONS & A GILD$ TABLE1 & LAID DA9TY VICTUAL !REON & GOOD W9E4  

,SO !Y ATE & DRANK TOGE!R1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE & HIS MATE BECAME V]Y JOY\S AGA91 & ,HALLBLI! BE/IRR$ HIMSELF NOT TO BE A M>- FEA/2 = HE SAID )9 HIMSELF3  0,I AM DEP>T+1 & AFT] ?IS TIME ,I %ALL SEE !M NO MORE2 & !Y >E K9D & BLI! ) ME1 & HAVE BE5 A=ETIME2 ,I WILL NOT MAKE !IR M]RY HE>TS SORE4 ,= :5 ,I AM GONE ,I %ALL BE REMEMB]$ ( !M BUT A LITTLE :ILE40  

O ,*APT] #af 3 ,?OSE ,?REE ,GO ,!IR ,WAYS ,TO ,! ,$GE ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

,SO ! EV5+ WORE M]RILY2 & !Y MADE ,HALLBLI! LIE 9 AN +LE ( ! T5T ON A FAIR B$1 & HE WAS WE>Y1 & SLEPT !REON LIKE A *ILD4  ,BUT 9 ! MORN+ E>LY !Y WAK$ HIM2 & :ILE !Y W]E BREAK+ !IR FA/ !Y BEGAN TO SPEAK TO HIM ( HIS DEP>TURE1 & ASK$ HIM IF HE HAD AN 9KL+ ( ! WAY :]EBY HE %\LD GET HIM GONE1 & HE SAID3  0,IF ,I ESCAPE IT MU/ NE$S BE BY WAY ( ! M\NTA9S ?AT WALL ! L& AB\T TILL !Y COME D[N TO ! SEA4 ,= ON ! SEA IS NO %IP & NO HAV52 & WELL ,I WOT ?AT NO MAN ( ! L& DUR/ OR CAN F]RY ME OV] TO ! L& ( MY K9DR$1 OR O!R:]E )\T ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,TELL ME !RE=E 7& ,I ASK NO MORE ( Y\71 IS !RE ANY RUMOR OR MEMORY ( A WAY ?AT CLEAVE? YOND] MI<TY WALL ( ROCK TO O!R L&S80  

,SAID ! DAMSEL3  0,!RE IS MORE ?AN A MEMORY OR A RUMOR3  !RE IS A ROAD ?R\< ! M\NTA9S KN[N TO ALL M54  ,= AT :ILES ! E>?LY PILGRIMS COME 9TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 !REBY2 & YET BUT SELDOM1 SO MANY >E ! GRIEFS & P]ILS :I* BESET ! WAYF>]S ON ?AT ROAD4  ,:]E( ?\ HAD/ F> BETT] BE?9K !E 9 TIME1 & ABIDE H]E & BE HAPPY ) US & O!RS :O LONG SORE TO MAKE !E HAPPY40  

0,NAY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0!RE IS NAU<T TO DO BUT TELL ME ( ! WAY1 & ,I WILL DEP>T AT ONCE1 BLESS+ Y\40  

,SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE3  0,MORE ?AN ?AT AT LEA/ WILL WE DO4  ,MAY ,I LOSE ! BLISS :]ETO ,I HAVE ATTA9$1 IF ,I GO NOT ) !E TO ! V]Y $GE ( ! L& ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,%ALL IT NOT BE SO1 SWEE!>T80  

0,YEA1 AT LEA/ WE MAY DO ?AT10 SAID ! DAMSEL2 & %E HUNG H] HEAD AS IF %E W]E A%AM$1 & SAID3  0,& ?AT IS ALL ?AT ?\ WILT GET FROM US AT MO/40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,IT IS 5\<1 & ,I ASK$ NOT SO MU*40  

,!N ! DAMSEL BUSI$ H]SELF1 & SET MEAT & DR9K 9 TWO WALLETS1 & TOOK ONE H]SELF & GAVE ! O!R TO ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 & SAID3  0,WE WILL BE ?Y PORT]S1 ,O ,SPE>MAN1 & WILL GIVE !E A FULL WALLET FROM ! LA/ H\SE BY ! ,DES]T ( ,DREAD1 = :5 ?\ HA/ 5T]$ !RE91 ?\ MAY/ WELL F9D VICTUAL H>D TO COME BY3 & N[ LET US L+] NO MORE S9CE ! ROAD IS DE> TO !E40  

,SO !Y SET =? ON FOOT1 = 9 ?AT L& M5 W]E SL[ TO FEEL WE>9ESS2 & TURN+ AB\T ! HILL ( ,WOOD-5D1 !Y PASS$ BY SOME BROK5 C\NTRY1 & CAME AT EV5 TO A H\SE AT ! 5TRANCE ( A LONG VALLEY1 ) HI< & /EEPLY-SLOP+ SIDES1 :I* SEEM$1 AS IT W]E1 TO CLEAVE ! DALE C\NTRY :]E9 !Y HAD F>$ A=ETIME4 ,AT ?AT H\SE !Y SLEPT WELL-GUE/$ BY ITS FOLK1 & ! NEXT MORN+ TOOK !IR WAY D[N ! VALLEY1 & ! FOLK ( ! H\SE /OOD AT ! DOOR TO WAT* !IR DEP>TURE2 = !Y HAD TOLD ! WAYF>]S ?AT !Y HAD F>$ BUT A LITTLE WAY ?I!RW>D & KNEW ( NO FOLK :O HAD US$ ?AT ROAD4  

,SO ?OSE ?REE F>$ D[N ! VALLEY S\?W>D ALL DAY1 EV] M\NT+ HI<] AS !Y W5T4  ,! WAY WAS PLEASANT & EASY1 = !Y W5T OV] FAIR1 SMOO?1 GRASSY LAWNS BETWIXT ! HILL-SIDES1 BESIDE A CLE> RATTL+ /REAM ?AT RAN NOR?W>D2 AT :ILES W]E CLUMPS ( TALL TREES1 OAK = ! MO/ P>T1 & AT :ILES ?ICKETS ( ?ORN & EGLANT9E & O!R SU* TREES3  SO ?AT !Y C\LD RE/ WELL %AD$ :5 !Y W\LD4  

,!Y PASS$ BY NO H\SE ( M51 NOR CAME TO ANY SU* 9 ! EV51 BUT LAY D[N TO SLEEP 9 A ?ICKET ( ?ORN & EGLANT9E1 & RE/$ WELL1 & ON ! MORR[ !Y ROSE UP BETIMES & W5T ON !IR WAYS4  

,?IS SECOND DAY AS !Y W5T1 ! HILL-SIDES ON EI!R H& GREW L[]1 TILL AT LA/ !Y DI$ \T 9TO A WIDE PLA91 BEYOND :I* 9 ! S\!RN (F+ ! M\NTA9S ROSE HUGE & B>E4  ,?IS PLA9 ALSO WAS GRASSY & BESET ) TREES & ?ICKETS H]E & !RE4 ,H]EON !Y SAW WILD DE] 5\<1 AS H>T & BUCK1 & ROEBUCK & SW9E3  )AL A LION CAME \T ( A BRAKE H>D BY !M AS !Y W5T1 & /OOD GAZ+ ON !M1 SO ?AT ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ TO HIS WEAPONS1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE TOOK UP A BIG /ONE TO FI<T )1 BE+ WEAPONLESS2 BUT ! DAMSEL LAU<$1 & TRIPP$ ON H] WAY LI<TLY ) GIRT-UP G[N1 & ! BEA/ GAVE NO MORE HE$ TO !M4  

,EASY & SMOO? WAS !IR WAY OV] ?IS PLEASANT WILD]NESS1 & CLE> TO SEE1 ?\< BUT LITTLE US$1 & BE=E NI<TFALL1 AFT] !Y HAD GONE A LONG WAY1 !Y CAME TO A H\SE4  ,IT WAS NOT L>GE NOR HI<1 BUT WAS BUILT V]Y /RONGLY & FAIRLY ( GOOD A%L>3  ITS DOOR WAS %UT1 & ON ! JAMB !RE( HUNG A SLUG-HORN4  ,! DAMSEL1 :O SEEM$ TO KN[ :AT TO DO1 SET H] M\? TO ! HORN1 & BLEW A BLA/2 & 9 A LITTLE :ILE ! DOOR WAS OP5$1 & A BIG MAN CLAD 9 R$ SC>LET /OOD !RE93  HE HAD NO WEAPONS1 BUT WAS SOME:AT SURLY ( ASPECT3  HE SPAKE NOT1 BUT /OOD ABID+ ! WORD3  SO ! DAMSEL TOOK IT UP & SAID3  0,>T ?\ NOT ! ,W>D5 ( ! ,UTT]MO/ ,H\SE80  

,HE SAID3  0,I AM40  

,SAID ! DAMSEL3  0,MAY WE GUE/ H]E TO-NI<T80  

,HE SAID3  0,! H\SE LIE? OP5 TO Y\ ) ALL ?AT IT HA? ( VICTUAL & PL5I%+3  TAKE :AT YE WILL1 & USE :AT YE WILL40  

,!Y ?ANK$ HIM2 BUT HE HE$$ NOT !IR ?ANKS1 & )DREW HIM FROM !M4  ,SO !Y 5T]$ & F\ND ! TABLE LAID 9 A FAIR HALL ( /ONE C>V5 & PA9T$ V]Y GOODLY2 SO !Y ATE & DRANK !RE91 & ,HALLBLI! WAS ( GOOD HE>T1 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE & HIS MATE W]E M]RY1 ?\< !Y LOOK$ S(TLY & %YLY ON ,HALLBLI! BECAUSE ( ! SUND]+ ANI<2 & !Y SAW NO MAN 9 ! H\SE SAVE ! MAN 9 SC>LET1 :O W5T & CAME AB\T HIS BUS9ESS1 PAY+ NO HE$ TO !M4  ,SO :5 ! NI<T WAS DEEP !Y LAY D[N 9 ! %UT- B$ (F ! HALL1 & SLEPT1 & ! H\RS W]E TID+LESS TO !M UNTIL !Y WOKE 9 ! MORN+4  

,ON ! MORR[ !Y >OSE & BROKE !IR FA/1 & !REAFT] ! DAMSEL SPAKE TO ! MAN 9 SC>LET & SAID3  0,MAY WE FILL \R WALLETS ) VICTUAL = ! WAY80  

,SAID ! ,W>D53  0,!RE LIE? ! MEAT40  

,SO !Y FILL$ !IR WALLETS1 :ILE ! MAN LOOK$ ON2 & !Y CAME TO ! DOOR :5 !Y W]E READY1 & HE UNLOCK$ IT TO !M1 SAY+ NO WORD4  ,BUT :5 !Y TURN$ !IR FACES T[>DS ! M\NTA9S HE SPAKE AT LA/1 & /AY$ !M AT ! FIR/ /EP4  ,QUO? HE3 0,:I!R AWAY8  ,YE TAKE ! WRONG ROAD60  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,NAY1 = WE GO T[>D ! M\NTA9S & ! $GE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA940  

0,YE %ALL DO ILL TO GO ?I!R10 SAID ! ,W>D51 0& ,I BID Y\ =BE>40  

0,O ,W>D5 ( ! ,UTT]MO/ ,H\SE1 :]E=E %\LD WE =BE>80 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

,SAID ! SC>LET MAN3  0,BECAUSE MY *>GE IS TO FUR!R ?OSE :O W\LD GO 9W>D TO ! ,K+1 & TO /AY ?OSE :O W\LD GO \TW>D FROM ! ,K+40  

0,H[ !N IF WE GO \TW>D DESPITE ?Y BIDD+80 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 0WILT ?\ !N H9D] US P]=CE80  

0,H[ MAY ,I10 SAID ! MAN1 0S9CE ?Y FELL[ HA? WEAPONS80  

0,GO WE =?1 !N10 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

0,YEA10 SAID ! DAMSEL1 0WE WILL GO =?4  ,& KN[1 ,O ,W>D51 ?AT ?IS WEAPON$ MAN ONLY IS ( M9D TO F>E OV] ! $GE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA92 BUT WE TWA9 %ALL COME BACK HI!R AGA91 & F>E 9W>DS40  

,SAID ! ,W>D53  0,NAU<T IS IT TO ME :AT YE WILL DO :5 Y\ >E PA/ ?IS H\SE4  ,NOR %ALL ANY MAN :O GOE? \T ( ?IS G>? T[>D ! M\NTA9S EV] COME BACK 9W>DS SAVE HE COME? 9 ! COMPANY ( NEW-CORN]S TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA940  

0,:O %ALL H9D] HIM80 SAID ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  

0,! ,K,+10 SAID ! ,W>D54  

,!N !RE WAS SIL5CE A:ILE1 & ! MAN SAID3  

0,N[ DO AS YE WILL40  ,& !RE) HE TURN$ BACK 9TO ! H\SE & %UT ! DOOR4  

,BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE & ! DAMSEL /OOD GAZ+ ON ONE ANO!R1 & AT ,HALLBLI!2 & ! DAMSEL WAS D[NCA/ & PALE2 BUT ! ,SEA-EAGLE CRI$ \T3  

0,=W>D N[1 ,O ,HALLBLI!1 S9CE ?\ WILLE/ IT1 & WE WILL GO ) !E & %>E :ATEV] MAY BEFALL !E2 YEA1 RI<T UP TO ! V]Y $GE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,& ?\1 ,O BELOV$1 :Y DO/ ?\ DELAY8  ,:Y DO/ ?\ /& AS IF ?Y FAIR FEET W]E GR[N TO ! GRASS80  

,BUT ! DAMSEL GAVE A LAM5TABLE CRY1 & CA/ H]SELF D[N ON ! GR\ND1 & KNELT BE=E ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 & TOOK HIM BY ! KNEES1 & SAID BETWIXT SOBB+ & WEEP+3  0,O MY LORD & LOVE1 ,I PRAY !E TO =BE>1 & ! ,SPE>MAN1 \R FRI5D1 %ALL P>DON US4  ,= IF ?\ GOE/1 ,I %ALL NEV] SEE !E MORE1 S9CE MY HE>T WILL NOT S]VE ME TO GO ) !E4  ,O =BE>6  ,I PRAY !E60  

,& %E GROVEL$ ON ! E>? BE=E HIM2 & ! ,SEA-EAGLE WAX$ R$1 & W\LD HAVE SPOK5 BUT ,HALLBLI! CUT HIS SPEE* ACROSS1 & SAID 0,FRI5DS1 BE AT PEACE6  ,= ?IS IS ! M9UTE ?AT SUND]S US4 ,GET YE BACK AT ONCE TO ! HE>T ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 & LIVE !RE & BE HAPPY2 & TAKE MY BLESS+ & ?ANKS = ! LOVE & HELP ?AT YE HAVE GIV5 ME4  ,= Y\R GO+ =W>D ) ME %\LD DE/ROY Y\ & PR(IT ME NO?+4  ,IT W\LD BE BUT AS ! HO/ BR++ HIS GUE/S ONE FIELD BEYOND HIS G>?1 :5 !IR GOAL IS ! 5DS ( ! E>?2 & IF !RE W]E A LION 9 ! PA?1 :Y %\LD HE P]I% = C\RTESY'S SAKE80  

,!RE) HE /OOP$ D[N TO ! DAMSEL1 & LIFT$ H] UP & KISS$ H] FACE2 & HE CA/ HIS >MS AB\T ! ,SEA-EAGLE & SAID TO HIM3 0,F>EWELL1 %IPMATE60  

,!N ! DAMSEL GAVE HIM ! WALLET ( VICTUAL1 & BADE HIM F>EWELL1 WEEP+ SORELY2 & HE LOOK$ K9DLY ON !M = A MOM5T ( TIME1 & !N TURN$ AWAY FROM !M & F>$ ON T[>D ! M\NTA9S1 /RID+ ) GREAT /RIDES1 HOLD+ HIS HEAD AL(T4  ,BUT !Y LOOK$ NO MORE ON HIM1 HAV+ NO WILL TO EKE !IR SORR[1 BUT W5T !IR WAYS BACK AGA9 )\T DELAY4  

O ,*APT] #ag 3 ,HALLBLI! ,AMONG/ ,! ,M\NTA9S 

,SO /RODE ON ,HALLBLI!2 BUT :5 HE HAD GONE BUT A LITTLE WAY HIS HEAD TURN$1 & ! E>? & HEAV5S WAV]$ BE=E HIM1 SO ?AT HE MU/ NE$S SIT D[N ON A /ONE BY ! WAYSIDE1 WOND]+ :AT AIL$ HIM4  ,!N HE LOOK$ UP AT ! M\NTA9S1 :I* N[ SEEM$ QUITE NE> TO HIM AT ! PLA9'S 5D+1 & HIS WEAKNESS 9CREAS$ ON HIM2 & LO6 AS HE LOOK$1 IT WAS TO HIM AS IF ! CRAGS ROSE UP 9 ! SKY TO MEET HIM & OV]HANG HIM1 & AS IF ! E>? HEAV$ UP B5EA? HIM1 & !RE) HE FELL ABACK & LO/ ALL S5SE1 SO ?AT HE KNEW NOT :AT WAS BECOME ( ! E>? & ! HEAV5S & ! PASS+ ( ! M9UTES ( HIS LIFE4  

,:5 HE CAME TO HIMSELF HE KNEW NOT :E!R HE HAD LA9 SO A GREAT :ILE OR A LITTLE2 HE FELT FEEBLE1 & = A :ILE HE LAY SC>CE MOV+1 & BEHOLD+ NAU<T1 NOT EV5 ! SKY ABOVE HIM4  ,PRES5TLY HE TURN$ AB\T & SAW H>D /ONE ON EI!R SIDE1 SO HE ROSE WE>ILY & /OOD UPON HIS FEET1 & KNEW ?AT HE WAS FA9T ) HUNG] & ?IR/4  ,!N HE LOOK$ >\ND HIM1 & SAW ?AT HE WAS 9 A N>R[ VALLEY OR CLEFT ( ! M\NTA9S AMID WAN ROCKS1 B>E & WAT]LESS1 :]E GREW NO BLADE ( GRE52 BUT HE C\LD SEE NO FUR!R ?AN ! SIDES ( ?AT CLEFT1 & HE LONG$ TO BE \T ( IT ?AT HE MI<T SEE :I!RW>D TO TURN4  ,!N HE BE?\<T HIM ( HIS WALLET1 & SET HIS H& TO IT & OP5$ IT1 ?9K+ TO GET VICTUAL !NCE2 BUT LO6 IT WAS ALL SPOIL$ & WA/$4  ,NONE ! LESS1 = ALL HIS FEEBL5ESS1 HE TURN$ & W5T TOIL+ SL[LY ALONG :AT SEEM$ TO BE A PA? LITTLE TRODD5 LEAD+ UPW>D \T ( ! CLEFT2 & AT LA/ HE REA*$ ! CRE/ !RE(1 & SAT HIM D[N ON A ROCK ON ! O!R SIDE2 YET DUR/ NOT RAISE HIS EYES A:ILE & LOOK ON ! L&1 LE/ HE %\LD SEE DEA? MANIFE/ !RE94  ,AT LA/ HE LOOK$1 & SAW ?AT HE WAS HI< UP AMONG ! M\NTA9-PEAKS3  BE=E HIM & ON EI!R H& WAS BUT A WORLD ( FALL[ /ONE RIS+ RIDGE UPON RIDGE LIKE ! WAVES ( ! WILDE/ ( ! W9T] SEA4  ,! SUN NOT F> FROM ITS MIDMO/ %ONE D[N BRI<T & HOT ON ?AT WILD]NESS2 YET WAS !RE NO SIGN ?AT ANY MAN HAD EV] BE5 !RE S9CE ! BEG9N+ ( ! WORLD1 SAVE ?AT ! PA? A=ESAID SEEM$ TO LEAD ONW>D D[N ! /ONY SLOPE4  

,?IS WAY & ?AT WAY & ALL AB\T HE GAZ$1 /RA9+ HIS EYES IF P]*ANCE HE MI<T SEE ANY DIV]SITY 9 ! /ONY WA/E2 & AT LA/ BETWIXT TWO PEAKS ( ! ROCK-WALL ON HIS LEFT H& HE DESCRI$ A /REAK ( GRE5 M+L+ ) ! COLD BLUE ( ! DI/ANCE2 & HE ?\<T 9 HIS HE>T ?AT ?IS WAS ! LA/ HE %\LD SEE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA94  ,!N HE SPAKE AL\D 9 ?AT DES]T1 & SAID1 ?\< !RE WAS NONE TO HE>3  0,N[ IS MY LA/ H\R COME2 & H]E IS ,HALLBLI! ( ! ,RAV5 P]I%+1 ) HIS DE$S UNDONE & HIS LONG+ UNFULFILL$1 & HIS BRIDAL-B$ ACOLD = EV]4  ,LONG MAY ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV5 ABIDE & FL\RI%1 ) MANY A MAN & MAID51 VALIANT & FAIR & FRUITFUL6  ,O K9DR$1 CA/ ?Y BLESS+ ON ?IS MAN AB\T TO DIE H]E1 DO+ NONE O!RWISE ?AN YE W\LD HAVE HIM60  

,HE SAT !RE A LITTLE :ILE LONG]1 & !N HE SAID TO HIMSELF3 0,DEA? T>RIES2 W]E IT NOT WELL ?AT ,I GO TO MEET HIM1 EV5 AS ! COT-C>LE PREV5TE? ! MI<TY *IEFTA980  

,!N HE >OSE1 & W5T PA9FULLY D[N ! SLOPE1 /EADY+ HIMSELF ) ! %AFT ( HIS GLEAM+ SPE>2 BUT ALL AT ONCE HE /OPP$2 = IT SEEM$ TO HIM ?AT HE HE>D VOICES BORNE ON ! W9D ?AT BLEW UP ! M\NTA9-SIDE4  ,BUT HE %OOK HIS HEAD & SAID3  0,N[ =SOO? BEG9NE? ! DREAM :I* %ALL LA/ = EV]2 N[ISE AM ,I BEGUIL$ BY IT40  ,NONE ! LESS HE /ROVE ! MORE EAG]LY ) ! W9D & ! WAY & HIS FEEBL5ESS2 YET DID ! WEAKNESS WAX ON HIM1 SO ?AT IT WAS BUT A LITTLE :ILE ]E HE FALT]$ & REEL$ & FELL D[N ONCE MORE 9 A SWOON4  

,:5 HE CAME TO HIMSELF AGA9 HE WAS NO LONG] ALONE3  A MAN WAS KNEEL+ D[N BY HIM & HOLD+ UP HIS HEAD1 :ILE ANO!R BE=E HIM1 AS HE OP5$ HIS EYES1 PUT A CUP ( W9E TO HIS LIPS4  ,SO ,HALLBLI! DRANK & WAS REFRE%$2 & PRES5TLY !Y GAVE HIM BREAD1 & HE ATE1 & HIS HE>T WAS /R5G!N$1 & ! HAPP9ESS ( LIFE RETURN$ TO IT1 & HE LAY BACK1 & SLEPT SWEETLY = A SEASON4  

,:5 HE AWOKE FROM ?AT SLUMB] HE F\ND ?AT HE HAD GOTT5 BACK MU* ( HIS /R5G? AGA91 & HE SAT UP & LOOK$ >\ND HIM1 & SAW ?REE M5 SITT+ ANI<1 >M$ & GIRT ) SWORDS1 YET 9 EVIL >RAY1 & SORE TRAVEL-WORN4  ,ONE ( !SE WAS V]Y OLD1 ) LONG :ITE HAIR HANG+ D[N2 & ANO!R1 ?\< HE WAS NOT SO MU* /RICK5 9 YE>S1 /ILL LOOK$ AN OLD MAN ( OV] SIXTY W9T]S4 ,! ?IRD WAS A MAN SOME =TY YE>S OLD1 BUT SAD & SORRY & DROOP+ ( ASPECT4  

,SO :5 !Y SAW HIM /IRR+1 !Y ALL FIX$ !IR EYES UPON HIM1 & ! OLDE/ MAN SAID3  0,WELCOME TO HIM :O ]/ HAD NO TID+S = US60  ,& ! SECOND SAID3  0,TELL US N[ ?Y TID+S40  ,BUT ! ?IRD1 ! SORRY MAN1 CRI$ \T AL\D1 SAY+3  0,:]E IS ! ,L&8 ,:]E IS ! ,L&80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,MESEEME? ! L& :I* YE SEEK IS ! L& :I* ,I SEEK TO FLEE FROM4  ,& N[ ,I WILL NOT HIDE ?AT MESEEME? ,I HAVE SE5 Y\ BE=E1 & ?AT WAS AT ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA :5 ! DAYS W]E HAPPI]40  

,!N !Y ALL ?REE B[$ !IR HEADS 9 YEA-SAY1 & SPAKE3  0',:]E IS ! ,L&8  ,:]E IS ! ,L&80  

,!N ,HALLBLI! >OSE TO HIS FEET1 & SAID3  0,YE HAVE HEAL$ ME ( ! SICKNESS ( DEA?1 & ,I WILL DO :AT ,I MAY TO HEAL Y\ ( Y\R SICKNESS ( SORR[4  ,COME UP ! PASS ) ME1 & ,I WILL %[ Y\ ! L& AF> (F40  

,!N !Y >OSE LIKE Y\NG & BRISK M51 & HE L$ !M OV] ! BR[ ( ! RIDGE 9TO ! LITTLE VALLEY :]E9 HE HAD FIR/ COME TO HIMSELF3  !RE HE %[$ !M ?AT GLIMPSE ( A GRE5 L& BETWIXT ! TWO PEAKS1 :I* HE HAD BEHELD E'5 N[2 & !Y /OOD A :ILE LOOK+ AT IT & WEEP+ = JOY4  

,!N SPAKE ! OLDE/ ( ! SEEK]S3  0,%[ US ! WAY TO ! L&40  

0,NAY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,I MAY NOT2 = :5 ,I W\LD DEP>T !NCE1 ,I MI<T NOT GO BY M9E [N WILL1 BUT WAS BORNE \T HI!R1 ,I WOT NOT H[4  ,= :5 ,I CAME TO ! $GE ( ! L& AGA9/ ! WILL ( ! ,K+1 HE SMOTE ME1 & !N CA/ ME \T4  ,!RE=E S9CE ,I MAY NOT HELP Y\1 F9D YE ! L& = Y\RSELVES1 & LET ME GO BLESS+ Y\1 & COME \T ( ?IS DES]T BY ! WAY :]EBY YE 5T]$ IT4 ,= ,I HAVE AN ]R& 9 ! WORLD40  

,SPAKE ! Y\NGE/ ( ! SEEK]S3  0,N[ >T ?\ BECOME ! YOKE- FELL[ ( ,SORR[1 & ?\ MU/ W5D1 NOT :I!R ?\ W\LD/1 BUT :I!R %E WILL3  & %E W\LD HAVE !E GO =W>D T[>D LIFE1 NOT BACKW>D T[>D DEA?40  

,SAID ! MIDMO/ SEEK]3  0,IF WE LET !E GO FUR!R 9TO ! WILD]NESS ?\ %ALT SURELY DIE3  = H5CE TO ! PEOPL$ P>TS1 & ! ,CITY ( ,M]*ANTS1 :5CE WE COME1 IS A MON?'S J\RNEY3  & !RE IS NEI!R MEAT NOR DR9K1 NOR BEA/ NOR BIRD1 NOR ANY GRE5 ?+ ALL ?AT WAY2 & S9CE WE HAVE F\ND !E FAMI%+1 WE MAY WELL DEEM ?AT ?\ HA/ NO VICTUAL4  ,AS TO US WE HAVE BUT LITTLE2 SO ?AT IF IT BE MU* MORE ?AN ?REE DAYS' J\RNEY TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 WE MAY WELL />VE & DIE )9 SI<T ( ! ,AC] ( ! ,UNDY+4  ,NEV]!LESS ?AT LITTLE WILL WE %>E ) !E IF ?\ WILT HELP US TO F9D ?AT GOOD L&2 SO ?AT ?\ MAY/ YET PUT AWAY ,SORR[1 & TAKE ,JOY AGA9 TO ?Y BO>D & B$40  

,HALLBLI! HUNG HIS HEAD & ANSW]$ NAU<T2 = HE WAS CONFUS$ BY ! ME%ES ( ILL-HAP1 & HIS S\L GREW SICK ) ! BITT]NESS ( DEA?4  ,BUT ! SAD MAN SPAKE AGA9 & SAID3  0,?\ HA/ AN ]R& SAYE/ ?\8 IS IT SU* AS A DEAD MAN MAY DO80  

,HALLBLI! POND]$1 & AMID ! ANGUI% ( HIS DESPAIR WAS BORNE 9 ON HIM A VISION ( ! SEA-WAVES LAPP+ ! SIDE ( A BLACK %IP1 & A MAN !RE93  :O BUT HIMSELF1 SET FREE TO DO HIS ]R&1 & HIS HE>T WAS QUICK5$ )9 HIM1 & HE SAID3  0,I ?ANK Y\1 & ,I WILL W5D BACK ) Y\1 S9CE !RE IS NO ROAD = ME SAVE BACK AGA9 9TO ! TRAP40  

,! ?REE SEEK]S SEEM$ GLAD !REAT1 & ! SECOND ONE SAID3 0,?\< DEA? IS PURSU+1 & LIFE LIE? AHEAD1 YET WILL WE NOT HA/5 !E UNDULY4  ,TIME WAS :5 ,I WAS ,CAPTA9 ( ! ,HO/1 & LE>N$ H[ BATTLES W]E LO/ BY LACK ( RE/4  ,!RE=E HAVE ?Y SLEEP N[1 ?AT ?\ MAY/ WAX 9 /R5G? = \R HELP+40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I NE$ NOT RE/2 ,I MAY NOT RE/2 ,I WILL NOT RE/40  

,SAID ! SAD MAN3  0,IT IS LAWFUL = !E TO RE/4  ,SO SAY ,I1 :O WAS ONCE A MA/] ( LAW40  

,SAID ! LONG-HO>Y ELD]3  0,& ,I COMM& !E TO RE/2 ,I :O WAS ONCE ! K+ ( A MI<TY FOLK40  

,9 SOO? ,HALLBLI! WAS N[ EXCE$+ WE>Y2 SO HE LAID HIM D[N & SLEPT SWEETLY 9 ! /ONY WILD]NESS AMID ?OSE ?REE SEEK]S1 ! OLD1 ! SAD1 & ! V]Y OLD4  

,:5 HE AWOKE HE FELT WELL & /RONG AGA91 & HE LEAP$ TO HIS FEET & LOOK$ AB\T HIM1 & SAW ! ?REE SEEK]S /IRR+1 & HE DEEM$ BY ! SUN ?AT IT WAS E>LY MORN+4  ,! SAD MAN BR\<T =? BREAD & WAT] & W9E1 & !Y BROKE !IR FA/2 & :5 !Y HAD DONE HE SPAKE & SAID3  0,ABIDE? N[ 9 WALLET & BOTTLE BUT ONE MORE FULL MEAL = US1 & !N NO MORE SAVE A FEW CRUMBS & A DROP OR TWO ( W9E IF WE HUSB& IT WELL40  

,SAID ! SECOND ELD]3  0,GET WE TO ! ROAD1 !N1 & MAKE HA/E4  ,I HAVE BE5 SEEK+1 & MESEEME?1 ?\< ! WAY BE LONG1 IT IS NOT UTT]LY BL9D = US4  ,OR LOOK ?\1 ,RAV5-SON1 IS !RE NOT A PA? YOND] ?AT LEADE? ONW>D UP TO ! BR[ ( ! <YLL AGA98 & AS ,I HAVE SE51 IT LEADE? ON AGA9 D[N FROM ! SAID BR[40  

,=SOO? !RE WAS A TRACK ?AT L$ ?R\< ! /ONY TANGLE ( ! WILD]NESS2 SO !Y TOOK TO ! ROAD ) A GOOD HE>T1 & W5T ALL DAY1 & SAW NO LIV+ ?+1 & NOT A BLADE ( GRASS OR A TRICKLE ( WAT]3  NAU<T SAVE ! WAN ROCKS UND] ! SUN2 & ?\< !Y TRU/$ 9 !IR ROAD ?AT IT L$ !M >I<T1 !Y SAW NO O!R GLIMPSE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 BECAUSE !RE ROSE A GREAT RIDGE LIKE A WALL ON ! NOR? SIDE1 & !Y W5T AS IT W]E D[N ALONG A TR5* ( ! ROCKS1 ALBEIT IT WAS :ILES BROK5 ACROSS BY <YLLS1 & KNOLLS1 & REEFS4  

,SO AT SUNSET !Y RE/$ & ATE !IR VICTUAL1 = !Y W]E V]Y WE>Y2 & !REAFT] !Y LAY D[N1 & SLEPT AS S\NDLY AS IF !Y W]E 9 ! BE/ ( ! HALLS ( M54  ,ON ! MORR[ BETIMES !Y >OSE SOB]LY & W5T !IR WAYS ) FEW WORDS1 &1 AS !Y DEEM$1 ! PA? /ILL L$ !M ONW>D4  ,& N[ ! GREAT RIDGE ON ! NOR? ROSE /EEP] & /EEP]1 & !IR CROSS+ IT SEEM$ NOT TO BE ?\<T (2 BUT !IR HALF-BL9D TRACK FAIL$ !M NOT4  ,!Y RE/$ AT EV51 & ATE & DRANK :AT LITTLE !Y HAD LEFT1 SAVE A M\?FUL OR TWO ( W9E1 & !N W5T ON AGA9 BY ! LI<T ( ! MOON1 :I* WAS SO BRI<T ?AT !Y /ILL SAW !IR WAY4  ,& IT HAPP5$ TO ,HALLBLI!1 AS MO/LY IT DOES ) M5 V]Y TRAVEL-WORN1 ?AT HE W5T ON & ON SC>CE REMEMB]+ :]E HE WAS1 OR :O HIS FELL[S W]E1 OR ?AT HE HAD ANY FELL[S4  

,SO AT MIDNI<T !Y LAY D[N 9 ! WILD]NESS AGA91 HUNGRY & WE>Y4  ,!Y ROSE AT DAWN & W5T =W>D ) WAN+ HOPE3  = N[ ! M\NTA9 RIDGE ON ! NOR? WAS CLOSE TO !IR PA?1 RIS+ UP ALONG A %E] WALL ( PALE /ONE OV] :I* NO?+ MI<T GO SAVE ! F[L FLY+2 SO ?AT AT FIR/ ON ?AT MORN+ !Y LOOK$ = NO?+ SAVE TO LAY !IR BONES 9 ?AT GRIEV\S DES]T :]E NO MAN %\LD F9D !M4  

,BUT1 AS BESET ) FAM9E1 !Y F>$ ON HEAVILY D[N ! N>R[ TRACK1 !RE CAME A HO>SE CRY FROM ,HALLBLI!'S DRY ?ROAT & IT WAS AS IF HIS CRY HAD BE5 ANSW]$ BY ANO!R LIKE TO HIS2 & ! SEEK]S TURN$ & BEHELD HIM PO9T+ TO ! CLIFF-SIDE1 & LO6 HALF-WAY UP ! PALE SUN-LITT5 CRAG /OOD TWO RAV5S 9 A CRANNY ( ! /ONE1 FLAPP+ !IR W+S & CROAK+1 ) ?RU/+ =? & TWI/+ ( !IR HEADS2 & PRES5TLY !Y CAME FLOAT+ ON ! ?9 PURE AIR HI< UP OV] ! HEADS ( ! WAYF>]S1 CROAK+ = ! PLEASURE ( ! MEET+1 AS ?\< !Y LAU<$ !REAT4  

,!N ROSE ! HE>T ( ,HALLBLI!1 & HE SMOTE HIS PALMS TOGE!R1 & FELL TO S++ AN OLD SONG ( HIS PEOPLE1 AMID ! ROCKS :]EAS FEW M5 HAD SUNG A=ETIME4  

,:5CE >E YE & :I!R1 ,O F[L ( \R FA!RS8   

,:AT FIELD HAVE YE LOOK$ ON1 :AT ACRES UN%ORN8   

,:AT L& HAVE YE LEFT :]E ! BATTLE-FOLK GA!RS1   

,& ! W>-HELMS >E :ITE O'] ! PA?S ( ! CORN8   

,:AT TALE DO YE BE> ( ! PEOPLE UNCRAV51   

,:]E AMID ! LONG HALL-%AD[ SP>KLE ! SPE>S2   

,:]E AL(T ON ! HALL-RIDGE N[ FLAPPE? ! RAV51   

,& S+E? ! SONG ( ! N\RI%+ YE>S8   

,!RE GA!R ! LADS 9 ! FIR/ ( ! MORN+1   

,:ILE :ITE LIES ! BATTLE-DAY'S DEW ON ! GRASS1   

,& ! K9D /E$S TROT UP TO ! HORN'S VOICE ( W>N+1   

,& ! W9DS WAKE & :9E 9 ! DUSK ( ! PASS4   

,O F[L ( \R FA!RS1 :Y N[ >E YE RE/+8   

,COME OV] ! M\NTA9S & LOOK ON ! FOE4   

,FULL FAIR AFT] FI<T WON %ALL YET BE Y\R NE/+2   

,& Y\R FL$GL+S ! SONS ( ! K9DR$ %ALL KN[4   

,!RE) HE /RODE ) HIS HEAD UPRAIS$1 & ABOVE HIM FLEW ! RAV5S1 CROAK+ AS IF !Y ANSW]$ HIS SONG 9 FRI5DLY FA%ION4  

,IT WAS BUT A LITTLE AFT] ?IS ?AT ! PA? TURN$ ASIDE %>P T[>D ! CLIFFS1 & ! SEEK]S W]E ABA%$ !RE(1 TILL ,HALLBLI! RUNN+ =W>D BEHELD A GREAT CAV]N 9 ! FACE ( ! CLIFF AT ! PA?'S 5D+3  SO HE TURN$ & CRI$ ON HIS FELL[S1 & !Y HA/5$ UP1 & PRES5TLY /OOD BE=E ?AT CAV]N'S M\? ) D\BT & JOY M+L$ 9 !IR M9DS2 = N[1 MAYHAPP51 !Y HAD REA*$ ! GATE ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 OR MAYHAPP5 ! GATE ( DEA?4  

,! SAD MAN HUNG HIS HEAD & SPAKE3  0,DO? NOT SOME NEW TRAP ABIDE US8  ,:AT DO WE H]E8 IS ?IS AU<T SAVE DEA?80  

,SPAKE ! ,ELD] ( ,ELD]S3  0,WAS NOT DEA? ON EI!R H& E'5 N[1 EV5 AS TREASON BESETTE? ! K+ UPON HIS ?RONE80  

,& ! SECOND SAID3  0,YEA1 WE W]E AS ! HO/ :I* HA? NO ROAD SAVE ?R\< ! MULTITUDE ( FOE-M540  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! LAU<$ & SAID3  0,:Y DO YE HANG BACK1 !N8  ,AS = ME1 IF DEA? BE H]E1 SOON IS M9E ]R& SP$40  ,!RE) HE L$ ! WAY 9TO ! D>K ( ! CAVE1 & ! RAV5S HUNG AB\T ! CRAG OV]HEAD CROAK+1 AS ! M5 LEFT ! LI<T4  

,SO WAS !IR WAY SWALL[$ UP 9 ! CAV]N1 & DAY & ITS TIME BECAME NAU<T TO !M2 !Y W5T ON & ON1 & BECAME EXCE$+ FA9T & WE>Y1 BUT RE/$ NOT1 = DEA? WAS BEH9D !M4  ,:ILES !Y DEEM$ !Y HE>D WAT]S RUNN+1 & :ILES ! S++ ( F[L2 & TO ,HALLBLI! IT SEEM$ ?AT HE HE>D HIS NAME CALL$1 SO ?AT HE %\T$ BACK 9 ANSW]2 BUT ALL WAS /ILL :5 ! S\ND ( HIS VOICE HAD DI$ \T4  

,AT LA/1 :5 !Y W]E PRESS+ ON AGA9 AFT] A %ORT :ILE ( RE/+1 ,HALLBLI! CRI$ \T ?AT ! CAVE WAS LI<T5+3  SO !Y HA/5$ ONW>D1 & ! LI<T GREW TILL !Y C\LD DIMLY SEE EA* O!R1 & DIMLY !Y BEHELD ! CAVE ?AT IT WAS BO? WIDE & HI<4 ,YET A LITTLE FUR!R1 & !IR FACES %[$ :ITE TO ONE ANO!R1 & !Y C\LD SEE ! CRANNIES ( ! ROCKS1 & ! BATS HANG+ G>L&$ FROM ! RO(4  ,SO !N !Y CAME TO :]E ! DAY /REAM$ D[N BRI<T ON !M FROM A BREAK OV]HEAD1 & LO6 ! SKY & GRE5 LEAVES WAV+ AGA9/ IT4  

,TO ?OSE WAY-WORN M5 IT SEEM$ H>D TO CLAMB] \T ?AT WAY1 & ESPECIALLY TO ! ELD]S3  SO !Y W5T ON A LITTLE FUR!R TO SEE IF !RE W]E AU<T BETT] ABID+ !M1 BUT :5 !Y F\ND ! DAYLI<T FAIL+ !M AGA91 !Y TURN$ BACK TO ! PLACE ( ! BREAK 9 ! RO(1 LE/ !Y %\LD WA/E !IR /R5G? & P]I% 9 ! B[ELS ( ! M\NTA94  ,SO ) MU* ADO !Y HOVE UP ,HALLBLI! TILL HE GOT HIM FIR/ ON TO A L$GE ( ! ROCKY WALL1 & SO1 :AT BY /R5G?1 :AT BY CUNN+1 9TO ! DAYLI<T ?R\< ! R5T 9 ! RO(4  ,SO :5 HE WAS )\T HE MADE A ROPE ( HIS GIRDLE & /RIPS FROM HIS RAIM5T1 = HE WAS EV] A DEFT CRAFTSMAN1 & MADE A %IFT TO HEAVE UP !RE) ! SAD MAN1 :O WAS LI<T & LI! ( BODY2 & !N ! TWO TOGE!R DEALT ) ! ELD]S ONE AFT] ANO!R1 TILL !Y W]E ALL F\R ON ! FACE ( ! E>? AGA94  

,! PLACE :]ETO !Y HAD GOTT5 WAS ! SIDE ( A HUGE M\NTA91 /ONY & /EEP1 BUT SET AB\T ) BU%ES1 :I* SEEM$ FULL FAIR TO ?OSE W&]]S AMONG ! ROCKS4  ,?IS M\NTA9-SLOPE W5T D[N T[>DS A FAIR GRE5 PLA91 :I* ,HALLBLI! MADE NO D\BT WAS ! \TLY+ WA/E ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA93  NAY1 HE DEEM$ ?AT HE C\LD SEE AF> (F !REON ! :ITE WALLS ( ! ,UTT]MO/ ,H\SE4  ,SO MU* HE TOLD ! SEEK]S 9 FEW WORDS2 & !N :ILE !Y GROVEL$ ON ! E>? & WEPT = PURE JOY1 :]EAS ! SUN WAS D[N & IT WAS BEG9N+ TO GR[ DUSK1 HE W5T & LOOK$ >\ND SOB]LY TO SEE IF HE MI<T F9D WAT] & ANY K9D ( VICTUAL2 & PRES5TLY A LITTLE D[N ! HILLSIDE HE CAME UPON A PLACE :]E A SPR+ CAME GU%+ UP \T ( ! E>? & RAN D[N T[>D ! PLA92 & AB\T IT WAS GRE5 GRASS GR[+ PL5TIFULLY1 & A LITTLE ?ICKET ( BRAMBLE & WILD+ FRUIT-TREES4  ,SO HE DRANK ( ! WAT]1 & PLUCK$ HIM A FEW WILD+ APPLES SOME:AT BETT] ?AN CRABS1 & !N W5T UP ! HILL AGA9 & FET*$ ! SEEK]S TO ?AT M\NTA9 HO/ELRY2 & :ILE !Y DRANK ( ! /REAM HE PLUCK$ !M APPLES & BRAMBLE-B]RIES4 ,= 9DE$ !Y W]E AS M5 \T ( !IR WITS1 & W]E DAZ$ BY ! EXTREMITY ( !IR JOG1 & AS M5 LONG %UT UP 9 PRISON1 TO :OM ! WORLD ( M5-FOLK HA? BECOME /RANGE4  ,SIMPLE AS ! VICTUAL WAS1 !Y W]E SOME:AT /R5G!N$ BY IT & BY ! PL5TIFUL WAT]1 & AS NI<T WAS N[ UPON !M1 IT WAS ( NO AVAIL = !M TO GO FUR!R3  SO !Y SLEPT B5EA? ! B\<S ( ! ?ORN-BU%ES4  

O ,*APT] #ah 3 ,HALLBLI! ,DWELLE? ,9 ,! ,WOOD ,ALONE 

,BUT ON ! MORR[ !Y >OSE BETIMES1 & BROKE !IR FA/ ON ?AT WOODL& VICTUAL1 & !N W5T SPE$ILY D[N ! M\NTA9-SIDE2 & ,HALLBLI! SAW BY ! CLE> MORN+ LI<T ?AT IT WAS 9DE$ ! ,UTT]MO/ ,H\SE :I* HE HAD SE5 ACROSS ! GRE5 WA/E4  ,SO HE TOLD ! SEEK]S2 BUT !Y W]E SIL5T & HE$$ NAU<T1 BECAUSE ( A FE> ?AT HAD COME UPON !M1 LE/ !Y %\LD DIE BE=E !Y CAME 9TO ?AT GOOD L&4  ,AT ! FOOT ( ! M\NTA9 !Y CAME UPON A RIV]1 DEEP BUT NOT WIDE1 ) L[ GRASSY BANKS1 & ,HALLBLI!1 :O WAS AN EXCE$+ /RONG SWIMM]1 HELP$ ! SEEK]S OV] )\T MU* ADO2 & !RE !Y /OOD UPON ! GRASS ( ?AT GOODLY WA/E4  

,HALLBLI! LOOK$ ON !M TO NOTE IF ANY *ANGE %\LD COME OV] !M1 & HE DEEM$ ?AT ALREADY !Y W]E BECOME /RONG] & ( MORE AVAIL4  ,BUT HE SPAKE NAU<T !RE(1 & /RODE ON T[>D ! ,UTT]MO/ ,H\SE1 EV5 AS ?AT O!R DAY HE HAD /RIDD5 AWAY FROM IT4  

,SU* DILIG5CE !Y MADE1 ?AT IT WAS BUT LITTLE AFT] NOON :5 !Y CAME TO ! DOOR !RE(4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! TOOK ! HORN & BLEW UPON IT1 :ILE HIS FELL[S /OOD BY MURMUR+1 0,IT IS ! ,L&6  ,IT IS ! ,L&60  

,SO CAME ! ,W>D5 TO ! DOOR1 CLAD 9 R$ SC>LET1 & ! ELD] W5T UP TO HIM & SAID3  0,IS ?IS ! ,L&80  

0,:AT L&80 SAID ! ,W>D54  

0,IS IT ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA980 SAID ! SECOND ( ! SEEK]S4  

0,YEA1 =SOO?10 SAID ! ,W>D54  ,SAID ! SAD MAN3  0,WILL YE LEAD US TO ! ,K+8  

0,YE %ALL COME TO ! ,K+10 SAID ! ,W>D54  

0,:51 OH :580 CRI$ !Y \T ALL ?REE4  

0,! MORR[ ( TO-MORR[1 MAYBE10 SAID ! ,W>D54  

0,OH6 IF TO-MORR[ W]E BUT COME60 !Y CRI$4  

0,IT WILL COME10 SAID ! R$ MAN2 05T] YE ! H\SE1 & EAT & DR9K & RE/ Y\40  

,SO !Y 5T]$1 & ! ,W>D5 HE$$ ,HALLBLI! NO?+4  ,!Y ATE & DRANK & !N W5T TO !IR RE/1 & ,HALLBLI! LAY 9 A %UT- B$ (F FROM ! HALL1 BUT ! ,W>D5 BR\<T ! SEEK]S O!R:]E1 SO ?AT ,HALLBLI! SAW !M NOT AFT] HE HAD GONE TO B$2 BUT AS = HIM HE SLEPT & =GOT ?AT AU<T WAS4  

,9 ! MORN+ :5 HE AWOKE HE FELT V]Y /RONG & WELL-LIK+2 & HE BEHELD HIS LIMBS ?AT !Y W]E CLE> ( SK9 & SLEEK & FAIR2 & HE HE>D ONE H>D BY 9 ! HALL C>OL+ & S++ JOY\SLY4 ,SO HE SPRANG FROM HIS B$ ) ! WOND] ( SLEEP YET 9 HIM1 & DREW ! CURTA9S ( ! %UT-B$ & LOOK$ =? 9TO ! HALL2 & LO ON ! HI<-SEAT A MAN ( ?IRTY W9T]S BY SEEM+1 TALL1 FAIR ( FA%ION1 ) GOLD5 HAIR & EYES AS GRAY AS GLASS1 PR\D & NOBLE ( ASPECT2 & ANI< HIM SAT ANO!R MAN ( LIKE AGE TO LOOK ON1 A MAN /RONG & BURLY1 ) %ORT CURL+ BR[N HAIR & A R$ BE>D1 & RUDDY C\NT5ANCE1 & ! MI5 ( A W>RIOR4  ,ALSO1 UP & D[N ! HALL1 PAC$ A MAN Y\NG] ( ASPECT ?AN !SE TWO1 TALL & SL5D]1 BLACK-HAIR$ & D>K-EY$1 AMOR\S ( C\NT5ANCE2 HE IT WAS :O WAS S++ A SNAT* ( SONG AS HE W5T LI<TLY ON ! HALL PAVEM5T3  A SNAT* LIKE TO ?IS  

,FAIR IS ! WORLD1 N[ AUTUMN'S WE>+1   

,& ! SLUGG>D SUN LIES LONG AB$2   

,SWEET >E ! DAYS1 N[ W9T]'S NE>+1   

,& ALL W9DS FEIGN ?AT ! W9D IS DEAD4   

,DUMB IS ! H$GE :]E ! CRABS HANG YELL[1   

,BRI<T AS ! BLOSSOMS ( ! SPR+2   

,DUMB IS ! CLOSE :]E ! PE>S GR[ MELL[1   

,& NONE BUT ! DAUNTLESS R$BREA/S S+4   

,FAIR WAS ! SPR+1 BUT AMID HIS GRE5+   

,GRAY W]E ! DAYS ( ! HIDD5 SUN2   

,FAIR WAS ! SUMM]1 BUT OV]WE5+1   

,SO SOON HIS O']-SWEET DAYS W]E DONE4   

,COME !N1 LOVE1 = PEACE IS UPON US1   

,F> (F IS FAIL+1 & F> IS FE>1   

,H]E :]E ! RE/ 9 ! 5D HA? WON US1   

,9 ! G>N]+ TIDE ( ! HAPPY YE>4   

,COME FROM ! GRAY OLD H\SE BY ! WAT]1   

,:]E1 F> FROM ! LIPS ( ! HUNGRY SEA1   

,GRE5 GR[E? ! GRASS O'] ! FIELD ( ! SLAU<T]1   

,& ALL IS A TALE = !E & ME4   

,SO ,HALLBLI! DID ON HIS RAIM5T & W5T 9TO ! HALL2 & :5 ?OSE ?REE SAW HIM !Y SMIL$ UPON HIM K9DLY & GREET$ HIM2 & ! NOBLE MAN AT ! BO>D SAID3  0,?ANKS HAVE ?\1 ,O ,W>RIOR ( ! ,RAV51 = ?Y HELP 9 \R NE$3  ?Y REW>D FROM US %ALL NOT BE LACK+40  

,!N ! BR[N-HAIR$ MAN CAME UP TO HIM1 & CLAPP$ HIM ON ! BACK & SAID TO HIM3  0,BRISK MAN ( ! ,RAV51 GOOD IS ?Y HELP AT NE$2 EV5 SO %ALL BE M9E TO !E H5CE=W>D40  

,BUT ! Y\NG MAN /EPP$ UP TO HIM LI<TLY1 & CA/ HIS >MS AB\T HIM1 & KISS$ HIM1 & SAID3  0,O FRI5D & FELL[1 :O KN[E? BUT ,I MAY ONE DAY HELP !E AS ?\ HA/ HOLP5 ME8 ?\< ?\ >T ONE :O BY SEEM+ MAY/ WELL HELP ?YSELF4  ,& N[ MAY/ ?\ BE AS M]RY AS ,I AM TO-DAY60  

,!N !Y ALL ?REE CRI$ \T JOY\SLY3  0,IT IS ! ,L&6  ,IT IS ! ,L&60  

,SO ,HALLBLI! KNEW ?AT !SE M5 W]E ! TWO ELD]S & ! SAD MAN ( YE/]DAY1 & ?AT !Y HAD R5EW$ !IR Y\?4  

,JOY\SLY N[ DID ?OSE M5 BREAK !IR FA/3  NOR DID ,HALLBLI! MAKE ANY GRIM C\NT5ANCE1 = HE ?\<T3  0,?AT :I* !SE DOT>DS & DRIVEL]S HAVE BE5 MI<TY 5\< TO F9D1 %ALL ,I NOT BE MI<TY 5\< TO FLEE FROM80  ,BREAKFA/ DONE1 ! SEEK]S MADE LITTLE DELAY1 SO EAG] AS !Y W]E TO BEHOLD ! ,K+1 & TO HAVE H&SEL ( !IR NEW SWEET LIFE4  ,SO !Y GOT !M READY TO DEP>T1 & ! ONCE-CAPTA9 SAID3  0,>T ?\ ABLE TO LEAD US TO ! ,K+1 ,O ,RAV5- SON1 OR MU/ WE SEEK ANO!R MAN TO DO SO MU* = US80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I AM ABLE TO LEAD Y\ SO NI< UNTO ,WOOD-5D 7:]E1 AS ,I DEEM1 ! ,K+ ABIDE?7 ?AT YE %ALL NOT MISS HIM40  

,!RE) !Y W5T TO ! DOOR1 & ! ,W>D5 UNLOCK$ TO !M1 & SPAKE NO WORD TO !M :5 !Y DEP>T$1 ?\< !Y ?ANK$ HIM K9DLY = ! GUE/+4  

,:5 !Y W]E )\T ! G>?1 ! Y\NG MAN FELL TO RUNN+ AB\T ! MEAD[ PLUCK+ GREAT H&FULS ( ! RI* FL[]S ?AT GREW AB\T1 S++ & C>OL+ ! :ILE4  ,BUT HE :O HAD BE5 K+ LOOK$ UP & D[N & R\ND AB\T1 & SAID AT LA/3  0,:]E BE ! HORSES & ! M580  

,BUT HIS FELL[ ) ! R$ BE>D SAID3  0,RAV5-SON1 9 ?IS L& :5 !Y J\RNEY1 :AT DO !Y AS TO RID+ OR GO+ AFOOT80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,FAIR FELL[S1 YE %ALL WOT ?AT 9 ?IS L& FOLK GO AFOOT = ! MO/ P>T1 BO? M5 & WOM52 :]EAS !Y WE>Y BUT LITTLE1 & >E 9 NO HA/E40  

,!N ! ONCE-CAPTA9 CLAPP$ ! ONCE-K+ ON ! %\LD]1 & SAID3  0,HE>K51 LORD1 & DELAY NO LONG]1 BUT GIRD UP ?Y G[N1 S9CE H]E IS NO M>E'S SON TO HELP !E3  = FAIR IS TO-DAY ?AT LIES BE=E US1 ) MANY A NEW FAIR DAY BEYOND IT40  

,SO ,HALLBLI! L$ ! WAY 9W>D1 ?9K+ ( MANY ?+S1 YET BUT LITTLE ( HIS FELL[S4  ,ALBEIT !Y1 & ! Y\NG] MAN ESPECIALLY1 W]E ( MANY WORDS2 = ?IS BLACK-HAIR$ MAN HAD MANY QUE/IONS TO ASK1 *IEFLY CONC]N+ ! WOM51 :AT !Y W]E LIKE TO LOOK ON1 & ( :AT MOOD !Y W]E4  ,HALLBLI! ANSW]$ !RETO AS LONG AS HE MI<T1 BUT AT LA/ HE LAU<$ & SAID3  0,FRI5D1 =BE> ?Y QUE/IONS N[2 = MESEEME? 9 A FEW H\RS ?\ %ALT BE AS WISE H]EON AS IS ! ,GOD ( ,LOVE HIMSELF40  

,SO !Y MADE DILIG5CE ALONG ! ROAD1 & ALL WAS TID+LESS TILL ON ! SECOND DAY AT EV5 !Y CAME TO ! FIR/ H\SE (F ! WA/E4 ,!RE HAD !Y GOOD WELCOME1 & SLEPT4  ,BUT ON ! MORR[ :5 !Y >OSE1 ,HALLBLI! SPAKE TO ! ,SEEK]S1 & SAID3  0,N[ >E ?+S MU* *ANG$ BETWIXT US S9CE ! TIME :5 WE FIR/ MET3  = !N ,I HAD ALL MY DESIRE1 AS ,I ?\<T1 & YE HAD BUT ONE DESIRE1 & WELL NI< LACK$ HOPE ( ITS FULFILLM5T4  ,:]EAS N[ ! LACK HA? LEFT Y\ & COME TO ME4  ,:]E=E EV5 AS TIME AGONE YE MI<T NOT ABIDE EV5 ONE NI<T AT ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV51 SO H>D AS Y\R DESIRE LAY ON Y\2 EV5 SO IT F>E? ) ME TO-DAY1 ?AT ,I AM CONSUM$ ) MY DESIRE1 & ,I MAY NOT ABIDE ) Y\2 LE/ ?AT BEFALL :I* BEFALLE? BETWIXT ! FULL MAN & ! FA/+4  ,:]E=E N[ ,I BLESS Y\ & DEP>T40  

,!Y AB\ND$ 9 WORDS ( GOOD-WILL TO HIM1 & ! ONCE-K+ SAID3 0,ABIDE ) US1 & WE %ALL SEE TO IT ?AT ?\ HAVE ALL ! DIGNITIES ?AT A MAN MAY ?9K (40  

,& ! ONCE-CAPTA9 SAID3  0,LO1 H]E IS M9E H& ?AT HA? BE5 MI<TY2 NEV] %ALT ?\ LACK IT = ! ACCOMPLI%M5T ( ?9E UTT]MO/ DESIRE4  ,ABIDE ) US40  

,LA/LY SAID ! Y\NG MAN3  0,ABIDE ) US1 ,SON ( ! ,RAV56  ,SET ?9E HE>T ON A FAIR WOMAN1 YEA EV5 W]E IT ! FAIRE/2 & ,I WILL GET H] = !E1 EV5 W]E MY DESIRE SET ON H]40  

,BUT HE SMIL$ ON !M1 & %OOK HIS HEAD1 & SAID3  0,ALL HAIL TO Y\6 BUT M9E ]R& IS YET UNDONE40  ,& !RE) HE DEP>T$4  

,HE SKIRT$ ,WOOD-5D & CAME NOT TO IT1 BUT GOT HIM D[N TO ! SIDE ( ! SEA1 NOT F> FROM :]E HE FIR/ CAME AL&1 BUT SOME:AT S\? ( IT4  ,A FAIR OAK-WOOD CAME D[N CLOSE TO ! BEA* ( ! SEA2 IT WAS SOME F\R MILES 5D-LONG & OV]-?W>T4  ,?I!R ,HALLBLI! BETOOK HIM1 & 9 A DAY OR TWO GOT HIM WOOD-WRI<T'S TOOLS FROM A H\SE ( M5 A LITTLE \TSIDE ! WOOD1 ?REE MILES FROM ! SEA-%ORE4  ,!N HE SET TO WORK & BUILT HIM A LITTLE FRAME- H\SE ON A LAWN ( ! WOOD BESIDE A CLE> /REAM2 = HE WAS A V]Y DEFT WOOD-WRI<T4  ,)AL HE MADE HIM A B[ & >R[S1 & %OT :AT HE W\LD ( ! F[L & ! DE] = HIS LIVELIHOOD2 & FOLK FROM ?AT H\SE & O!R:5CE CAME TO SEE HIM1 & BR\<T HIM BREAD & W9E & SPIC]Y & O!R MATT]S :I* HE NE$$4  ,& ! DAYS WORE1 & M5 GOT US$ TO HIM1 & LOV$ HIM AS IF HE HAD BE5 A R>E IMAGE :I* HAD BE5 BR\<T TO ?AT L& = ITS ADORNM5T2 & N[ !Y NO LONG] CALL$ HIM ! ,SPE>MAN1 BUT ! ,WOOD-LOV]4  ,& AS = HIM1 HE TOOK ALL 9 PATI5CE1 ABID+ :AT ! LAPSE ( DAYS %\LD BR+ =?4  

O ,*APT] #ai 3 ,HALLBLI! ,BUILDS ,HIM ,A ,SKIFF 

,AFT] ,HALLBLI! HAD BE5 H\S$ A LITTLE :ILE1 & ! TIME WAS AGA9 DRAW+ NI< TO ! TWELF? MOON S9CE HE HAD COME TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 HE W5T 9 ! WOOD ONE DAY2 &1 POND]+ MANY ?+S )\T FIX+ ON ANY ONE1 HE /OOD BE=E A V]Y GREAT OAK- TREE & LOOK$ AT ! TALL /RAI<T BOLE !RE(1 & !RE CAME 9TO HIS HEAD ! WORDS ( AN OLD SONG :I* WAS WRITT5 R\ND A SCROLL ( ! C>V+ OV] ! %UT-B$1 :]E9 HE WAS WONT TO LIE :5 HE WAS AT HOME 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV53  & ?US IT SAID3  

,I AM ! OAK-TREE1 & =SOO?   

,M5 DEAL BY ME ) LITTLE RU?2   

,MY B\<S !Y %R$1 MY LIFE !Y SLAY1   

,& SPE$ ME O'] ! WAT]Y WAY4   

,HE LOOK$ UP 9TO ?AT LEAFY WORLD = A LITTLE & !N TURN$ BACK T[>D HIS H\SE2 BUT ALL DAY LONG1 :E!R HE W]E AT WORK OR AT RE/1 ?AT POSY RAN 9 HIS HEAD1 & HE KEPT ON SAY+ IT OV]1 AL\D OR NOT AL\D1 TILL ! DAY WAS DONE & HE W5T TO SLEEP4  

,!N 9 HIS SLEEP HE DREAM$ ?AT AN EXCE$+ FAIR WOMAN /OOD BY HIS B$SIDE1 & AT FIR/ %E SEEM$ TO HIM TO BE AN IMAGE ( ! ,HO/AGE4  ,BUT PRES5TLY H] FACE *ANG$1 & H] BODY & H] RAIM5T2 &1 LO6 IT WAS ! LOVELY WOMAN1 ! ,K+'S DAU<T] :OM HE HAD SE5 WA/+ H] HE>T = ! LOVE ( HIM4  ,!N EV5 9 HIS DREAM %AME !RE( OV]TOOK HIM1 & BECAUSE ( ?AT %AME HE AWOKE1 & LAY AWAKE A LITTLE1 HE>K5+ ! W9D GO+ ?R\< ! WOODL& B\<S1 & ! S++ ( ! [L :O HAD H] DWELL+ 9 ! HOLL[ OAK NI< TO HIS H\SE4  ,SLUMB] OV]CAME HIM 9 A LITTLE :ILE1 & AGA9 ! IMAGE ( ! ,K+'S DAU<T] CAME TO HIM 9 HIS DREAM1 & AGA9 :5 HE LOOK$ UPON H]1 %AME & PITY ROSE SO HOTLY 9 HIS HE>T ?AT HE AWOKE WEEP+1 & LAY A :ILE HE>K5+ TO ! NOISES ( ! NI<T4  ,! ?IRD TIME HE SLEPT & DREAM$2 & ONCE MORE ?AT IMAGE CAME TO HIM4  ,& N[ HE LOOK$1 & SAW ?AT %E HAD 9 H] H& A BOOK COV]$ \TSIDE ) GOLD & GEMS1 EV5 AS HE SAW IT 9 ! OR*>D-CLOSE A=ETIME3  & HE BEHELD H] FACE ?AT IT WAS NO LONG] ! FACE ( ONE SICK ) SORR[2 BUT GLAD & CLE>1 & MO/ BEAUTE\S4  

,N[ %E OP5$ ! BOOK & HELD IT BE=E ,HALLBLI! & TURN$ ! LEAVES SO ?AT HE MI<T SEE !M CLE>LY2 & !RE9 W]E WOODS & CA/LES PA9T$1 & BURN+ M\NTA9S1 & ! WALL ( ! WORLD1 & K+S UPON !IR ?RONES1 & FAIR WOM5 & W>RIORS1 ALL MO/ LOVELY TO BEHOLD1 EV5 AS HE HAD SE5 IT A=ETIME 9 ! OR*>D :5 HE LAY LURK+ AMID ! LEAVES ( ! BAY-TREE4  

,SO AT LA/ %E CAME TO ! PLACE 9 ! BOOK :]E9 WAS PA9T$ ,HALLBLI!'S [N IMAGE OV] AGA9/ ! IMAGE ( ! ,HO/AGE2 & HE LOOK$ !REON & LONG$4  ,BUT %E TURN$ ! LEAF1 &1 LO6 ON ONE SIDE ! ,HO/AGE AGA91 /&+ 9 A FAIR G>D5 ( ! SPR+ ) ! LILIES ALL AB\T H] FEET1 & BEH9D H] ! WALLS ( A H\SE1 GRAY1 ANCI5T1 & LOVELY3  & ON ! O!R LEAF OV] AGA9/ H] WAS PA9T$ A SEA RIPPL$ BY A LITTLE W9D & A BOAT !REON SAIL+ SWIFTLY1 & ONE MAN ALONE 9 ! BOAT SITT+ & /E]+ ) A *E]FUL C\NT5ANCE2 & HE1 :O BUT ,HALLBLI! HIMSELF4  ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ !REON = A :ILE & !N ! ,K+'S DAU<T] %UT ! BOOK1 & ! DREAM FL[$ 9TO O!R IMAG9+S ( NO IMPORT4  

,9 ! GRAY DAWN ,HALLBLI! AWOKE1 & CALL$ TO M9D HIS DREAM1 & HE LEAP$ FROM HIS B$ & WA%$ ! NI<T FROM (F HIM 9 ! /REAM1 & CLAD HIMSELF & W5T ! %ORTE/ WAY ?R\< ! WOOD TO ?AT ,H\SE ( FOLK A=ESAID3  & AS HE W5T HIS FACE WAS BRI<T & HE SANG ! SECOND P>T ( ! C>V5 POSY2 TO WIT3  

,ALONG ! GRASS ,I LIE =LORN   

,?AT :5 A :ILE ( TIME IS WORN1   

,I MAY BE FILL$ ) W> & PEACE   

,& BRIDGE ! SUND]+ ( ! SEAS4   

,HE CAME \T ( ! WOOD & HA/5$ OV] ! FL[]Y MEADS ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 & CAME TO ?AT SAME H\SE :5 IT WAS YET V]Y E>LY4  ,AT ! DOOR HE CAME ACROSS A DAMSEL BE>+ WAT] FROM ! WELL1 & %E SPAKE TO HIM & SAID3  0,WELCOME1 ,WOOD-LOV]6  ,SELDOM >T ?\ SE5 9 \R G>?2 & ?AT IS A PITY ( !E4  ,& N[ ,I LOOK ON ?Y FACE ,I SEE ?AT GLADNESS HA? COME 9TO ?9E HE>T1 & ?AT ?\ >T MO/ FAIR & LOVELY4  ,H]E !N IS A TOK5 = !E ( ! 9CREASE ( GLADNESS40  ,!RE) %E SET H] BUCKETS ON ! E>?1 & /OOD BE=E HIM1 & TOOK HIM BY ! E>S1 & DREW D[N HIS FACE TO H]S & KISS$ HIM SWEETLY4  ,HE SMIL$ ON H] & SAID3 0,I ?ANK !E1 SI/]1 = ! KISS & ! GREET+2 BUT ,I COME H]E HAV+ A LACK40  

0,TELL US10 %E SAID1 0?AT WE MAY DO !E A PLEASURE40  

,HE SAID3  0,I W\LD ASK ! FOLK TO GIVE ME TIMB]1 BO? BEAMS & BATT5S & BO>DS2 = IF ,I HEW 9 ! WOOD IT WILL TAKE LONG TO SEASON40  

0,ALL ?IS IS FREE = !E TO TAKE FROM \R WOOD-/ORE :5 ?\ HA/ BROK5 ?Y FA/ ) US10 SAID ! DAMSEL4  0,COME ?\ 9 & RE/ !E40  

,%E TOOK HIM BY ! H& & !Y W5T 9 TOGE!R1 & %E GAVE HIM TO EAT & DR9K1 & W5T UP & D[N ! H\SE1 SAY+ TO EV]Y ONE3  0,H]E IS COME ! ,WOOD-LOV]1 & HE IS GLAD AGA92 COME & SEE HIM40  

,SO ! FOLK GA!R$ AB\T HIM1 & MADE MU* ( HIM4  ,& :5 !Y HAD MADE AN 5D ( BREAKFA/1 ! HEAD MAN ( ! ,H\SE SAID TO HIM3 0,! BEA/S >E 9 ! WA91 & ! TIMB] ABIDE? ?Y *OOS+2 COME & SEE40  

,SO HE BR\<T ,HALLBLI! TO ! TIMB]-B[]1 :]E HE *OSE = HIMSELF ALL ?AT HE NE$$ ( OAK-TIMB] ( ! BE/2 & !Y LOAD$ ! WA9 !RE)1 & GAVE HIM :AT HE W\LD MOREOV] ( NAILS & TRE5AILS & O!R MATT]S2 & HE ?ANK$ !M2 & !Y SAID TO HIM3  0,:I!R N[ %ALL WE LEAD ?Y TIMB]80  

0,D[N TO ! SEA-SIDE10 QUO? HE1 0NI<E/ TO MY DWELL+40  

,SO DID !Y1 & MORE ?AN A SCORE1 M5 & WOM51 W5T ) HIM1 SOME 9 ! WA91 & SOME AFOOT4  ,?US !Y CAME D[N TO ! SEA- %ORE1 & LAID ! TIMB] ON ! /R& JU/ ABOVE HI<-WAT] M>K2 & /RAI<TWAY ,HALLBLI! FELL TO WORK %AP+ HIM A BOAT1 = WELL HE KNEW ! :OLE CRAFT !RE(2 & ! FOLK LOOK$ ON WOND]+1 TILL ! TIDE HAD EBB$ ! LITTLE IT WAS WONT TO EBB1 & LEFT ! MOI/ S& FIRM & SMOO?2 !N ! WOM5 LEFT WAT*+ ,HALLBLI!'S WORK1 & FELL TO PADDL+ B>EFOOT 9 ! CLE> WAT]1 = !RE WAS SC>CE A RIPPLE ON ! SEA2 & ! C>LES CAME & PLAY$ ) !M SO ?AT ,HALLBLI! WAS LEFT ALONE A :ILE2 = ?IS K9D ( PLAY WAS NEW TO ?AT FOLK1 S9CE !Y SELDOM CAME D[N TO ! SEA-SIDE4 ,!REAFT] !Y NE$S MU/ DANCE TOGE!R1 & W\LD HAVE HAD ,HALLBLI! DANCE ) !M2 & :5 HE NAYSAID !M BECAUSE HE WAS FA9 ( HIS WORK1 9 ALL PLAYFULNESS !Y FELL TO TAK+ ! ADZE \T ( HIS H&1 :]EAT HE BECAME SOME:AT WRO?1 & !Y W]E AFRAID & W5T & HAD !IR DANCE \T )\T HIM4  

,BY ?IS TIME ! SUN WAS GR[N V]Y HOT1 & !Y CAME TO HIM AGA91 & LAY D[N AB\T HIM & WAT*$ HIS WORK1 = !Y W]E WE>Y4 ,& ONE ( ! WOM51 /ILL PANT+ ) ! DANCE1 SPAKE AS %E LOOK$ ON ! LOVEL9ESS ( H] LIMBS1 :I* ONE ( ! SWA9S WAS C>ESS+3  0,BRO!R10 SAID %E1 0GREAT /ROKES ?\ SMITE/2 :5 WILT ?\ HAVE SMITT5 ! LA/ ( !M1 & COME TO \R H\SE AGA980  

0,NOT = MANY DAYS1 FAIR SI/]10 SAID HE1 )\T LOOK+ UP4  

0,ALAS ?AT ?\ %\LD/ TALK SO10 SAID A C>LE1 RIS+ UP FROM ! W>M S&2 0:AT %ALL ALL ?Y TOIL W9 !E80  

,SPAKE ,HALLBLI!3  0,MAYBE A M]RY HE>T1 OR MAYBE DEA?40  

,AT ?AT WORD !Y ALL ROSE UP TOGE!R1 & /OOD HUDDL$ TOGE!R LIKE %EEP ?AT HAVE BE5 DRIV5 TO ! CR(T-GATE1 & ! %EPH]D HA? LEFT !M = A LITTLE & !Y KN[ NOT :I!R TO GO4  ,LITTLE BY LITTLE !Y GOT !M TO ! WA9 & H>NESS$ !IR BEA/S !RETO1 & DEP>T$ SIL5TLY BY ! WAY ?AT !Y HAD COME2 BUT 9 A LITTLE TIME ,HALLBLI! HE>D !IR LAU<T] & M]RY SPEE* ACROSS ! FL[]Y MEAD[S4  ,HE HE$$ !IR DEP>TURE LITTLE1 BUT W5T ON WORK+1 & WORK$ ! SUN D[N1 & ON TILL ! />S BEGAN TO TW9KLE4  ,!N HE W5T HOME TO HIS H\SE 9 ! WOOD1 & SLEPT & DREAM$ NOT1 & BEGAN AGA9 ON ! MORR[ ) A GOOD HE>T4  

,TO BE %ORT1 NO DAY PASS$ ?AT HE WR\<T NOT HIS FULL TALE ( WORK1 & ! DAYS WORE1 & HIS %IP-WRI<T'S WORK ?ROVE4  ,(T5 ! FOLK ( ?AT H\SE1 & FROM O!R:]E R\ND AB\T1 CAME D[N TO ! /R& TO WAT* HIM WORK+4  ,N[ISE DID !Y WILLFULLY H9D] HIM1 BUT :ILES :5 !Y C\LD GET NO TALK FROM HIM1 !Y W\LD SPEAK ( HIM TO EA* O!R1 WOND]+ ?AT HE %\LD SO TOIL TO SAIL UPON ! SEA2 = !Y LOV$ ! SEA BUT LITTLE1 & IT SOON BECAME CLE> TO !M ?AT HE WAS LOOK+ TO NAU<T ELSE3  ?\< IT MAY NOT BE SAID ?AT !Y DEEM$ HE W\LD LEAVE ! L& = EV]4  ,ON ! O!R H&1 IF !Y H9D]$ HIM NOT1 NEI!R DID !Y HELP1 SAV+ :5 HE PRAY$ !M = SOME:AT :I* HE NE$$1 :I* !Y W\LD !N GIVE HIM BLI!LY4  

,( ! ,SEA-EAGLE & HIS DAMSEL1 ,HALLBLI! SAW NAU<T2 :]EAT HE WAS WELL CONT5T1 = HE DEEM$ IT ( NO AVAIL TO MAKE A SECOND SUND]+ ( IT4  

,SO HE WORK$ & KEPT HIS HE>T UP1 & AT LA/ ALL WAS READY2 HE HAD MADE HIM A MA/ & A SAIL1 & O>S1 & :ATSO-O!R GE> !RE WAS NE$ (4  ,SO !N HE ?RU/ HIS SKIFF 9TO ! SEA ON AN EV5+ :5AS !RE W]E BUT TWO C>LES /&+ BY2 = !RE W\LD (T5 BE A SCORE OR TWO ( FOLK4  ,!SE TWO SMIL$ ON HIM & BESPAKE HIM K9DLY1 BUT W\LD NOT HELP HIM :5 HE BADE !M SET %\LD] TO H] B[S & %OVE4  ,ALBEIT HE GOT ! SKIFF 9TO ! WAT] )\T MU* ADO1 & GOT 9TO H]1 & BR\<T H] TO :]E A /REAM RUNN+ FROM \T ( HIS WOOD MADE A LITTLE HAV5 = H] UP FROM ! SEA4  ,!RE HE TI$ H] TO A TREE-HOLE1 & BUSI$ HIMSELF ?AT EV5 ) GETT+ ! GE> 9TO H]1 & VICTUAL & WAT] )AL1 AS MU* AS HE DEEM$ HE %\LD NE$3  & SO1 BE+ WE>Y1 HE W5T TO HIS H\SE TO SLEEP1 ?9K+ ?AT HE %\LD AWAKE 9 ! GRAY ( ! MORN+ & ?RU/ \T 9TO ! DEEP SEA4  ,& HE WAS ! MORE CONT5T TO ABIDE1 BECAUSE ON ?AT EVE1 AS (T5E/ BETID1 ! W9D BLEW L&W>D FROM ! SEA1 :]EAS 9 ! MORN+ IT (T5E/ BLEW SEAW>D FROM ! L&4  ,9 ANY CASE HE ?\<T TO BE A/IR SO TIMELY ?AT HE %\LD COME ALONE TO HIS KEEL1 & DEP>T ) NO LEAVE-TAK+S4  ,BUT1 AS IT FELL \T1 HE OV]SLEPT HIMSELF1 SO ?AT :5 HE CAME \T 9TO ! WOOD CLAD 9 ALL HIS >MOR1 ) HIS SWORD GIRT TO HIS SIDE1 & HIS SPE> OV] HIS %\LD]1 HE HE>D ! VOICES ( FOLK1 & PRES5TLY F\ND SO MANY GA!R$ AB\T HIS BOAT ?AT HE HAD SOME ADO TO GET ABO>D4  

,! FOLK HAD BR\<T MANY GIFTS = HIM ( SU* ?+S AS !Y DEEM$ HE MI<T NE$ = A %ORT VOYAGE1 AS FRUIT & W9E1 & WOOL5 CLO?S TO KEEP ! COLD NI<T FROM HIM2 HE ?ANK$ !M K9DLY AS HE /EPP$ OV] ! GUNWALE1 & SOME ( ! WOM5 KISS$ HIM3  & ONE SAID 7%E IT WAS1 :O HAD MET HIM AT ! /EAD ?AT MORN+ :5 HE W5T TO FET* TIMB]73  0,?\ WILT BE BACK ?IS EV51 WILT ?\ NOT1 BRO!R8  ,IT IS YET BUT E>LY1 & ?\ %ALT HAVE TIME 5\< TO TAKE ALL ?Y PLEASURE ON ! SEA1 & !N COME BACK TO US TO EAT ?Y MEAT 9 \R H\SE AT NI<TFALL40  

,%E SPAKE1 KNITT+ H] BR[S 9 LONG+ = HIS RETURN2 BUT HE KNEW ?AT ALL ?OSE DEEM$ HE W\LD COME BACK AGA9 SOON2 ELSE HAD !Y DEEM$ HIM A REBEL ( ! ,K+1 & MI<T1 AS HE ?\<T1 HAVE /AY$ HIM4  ,SO HE *ANG$ NOT C\NT5ANCE 9 ANY WISE1 BUT SAID ONLY3 0F>EWELL1 SI/]1 = ?IS DAY1 & F>EWELL TO ALL Y\ TILL ,I COME BACK40  

,!RE) HE UNMOOR$ HIS BOAT1 & SAT D[N & TOOK ! O>S1 & R[$ TILL HE WAS \T ( ! LITTLE HAV51 & ON ! GRE5 SEA1 & ! KEEL ROSE & FELL ON ! WAVES4  ,!N HE /EPP$ ! MA/ & HOI/$ SAIL1 & %EET$ HOME1 = ! MORN+ W9D WAS BL[+ G5TLY FROM ! M\NTA9S OV] ! MEAD[S ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 SO ! SAIL FILL$1 & ! KEEL LEAP$ =W>D & SP$ OV] ! FACE ( ! COLD SEA4  ,& IT IS TO BE SAID ?AT :E!R HE WOTT$ OR NOT1 IT WAS ! V]Y DAY TWELVE MON?S S9CE HE HAD COME TO ?AT %ORE ALONG ) ! ,SEA-EAGLE4  ,SO ?AT FOLK /OOD & WAT*$ ! SKIFF GR[+ LESS & LESS UPON ! DEEP TILL !Y C\LD SC>CE SEE H]4 ,!N !Y TURN$ AB\T & W5T 9TO ! WOOD TO DISPORT !M1 = ! SUN WAS GR[+ HOT4  ,NEV]!LESS1 !RE W]E SOME ( !M 7& ?AT DAMSEL WAS ONE71 :O CAME BACK TO ! SEA-%ORE FROM TIME TO TIME ALL DAY LONG2 & EV5 :5 ! SUN WAS D[N !Y LOOK$ SEAW>D UND] ! RIS+ MOON1 EXPECT+ TO SEE ,HALLBLI!'S B>K COME 9TO ! %9+ PA? :I* %E DREW ACROSS ! WAT]S R\ND AB\T ! ,GLITT]+ ,L&4  

O ,*APT] #b 3 ,SO ,N[ ,SAILE? ,HALLBLI! ,AWAY ,FROM ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 

,BUT AS TO ,HALLBLI!1 HE SOON LO/ SI<T ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 & ! M\NTA9S !RE(1 & !RE WAS N\<T BUT SEA ALL R\ND AB\T HIM1 & HIS HE>T SWELL$ ) JOY AS HE SNIFF$ ! BR9E & WAT*$ ! GLEAM+ HILLS & VALLEYS ( ! RE/LESS DEEP2 & HE SAID TO HIMSELF ?AT HE WAS GO+ HOME TO HIS ,K9DR$ & ! ,RO( ( HIS ,FA!RS ( OLD TIME4  

,HE /OOD AS NE> DUE NOR? AS HE MI<T2 BUT AS ! DAY WORE1 ! W9D HEAD$ HIM1 & HE DEEM$ IT NOT WELL TO BEAT1 LE/ HE %\LD MAKE HIS VOYAGE OV]LONG2 SO HE RAN ON ) ! W9D ABEAM1 & HIS LITTLE CRAFT LEAPT M]RILY OV] ! SEA-HILLS UND] ! FRE%5+ BREEZE4 ,! SUN SET & ! MOON & />S %ONE \T1 & HE /ILL SAIL$ ON1 & DUR/ NOT SLEEP1 SAVE AS A DOG DOES1 ) ONE EYE4  ,AT LA/ CAME DAWN1 & AS ! LI<T GREW IT WAS A FAIR DAY ) A FALL+ W9D1 & A BRI<T SKY1 BUT IT CL\D$ OV] BE=E SUNSET1 & ! W9D FRE%5$ FROM ! NOR? BY EA/1 &1 W\LD HE1 W\LD HE NOT1 ,HALLBLI! MU/ RUN BE=E IT NI<T-LONG1 TILL AT SUNRISE IT FELL AGA91 & ALL DAY WAS TOO LI<T = HIM TO MAKE MU* WAY BEAT+ TO NOR?W>D2 NOR DID IT FRE%5 TILL AFT] ! MOON WAS RIS5 SOME :ILE AFT] SUNSET4  ,& N[ HE WAS SO WE>Y ?AT HE MU/ NE$S SLEEP2 SO HE LA%$ ! HELM1 & TOOK A REEF 9 ! SAIL1 & RAN BE=E ! W9D1 HE SLEEP+ 9 ! /]N4  

,BUT PA/ ! MIDDLE ( ! NI<T1 T[>DS ! DAWN+1 HE AWOKE ) ! S\ND ( A GREAT %\T 9 HIS E>S4  ,SO HE LOOK$ OV] ! D>K WAT]S1 & SAW N\<T1 = ! NI<T WAS CL\DY AGA94  ,!N HE TRIMM$ HIS CRAFT1 & W5T TO SLEEP AGA91 = HE WAS OV]-BURD5$ ) SLUMB]4  

,:5 HE AWOKE IT WAS BROAD DAYLI<T2 SO HE LOOK$ TO ! TILL] & GOT ! BOAT'S HEAD A LITTLE UP TO ! W9D1 & !N GAZ$ AB\T HIM ) ! SLEEP /ILL 9 HIS EYES4  ,& AS HIS EYES TOOK 9 ! PICTURE BE=E HIM HE C\LD NOT REFRA9 A CRY2 = LO6 !RE >OSE UP GREAT & GRIM RI<T AHEAD ! BLACK CLIFFS ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM4 ,/RAI<TWAY HE GOT TO ! %EET1 & /ROVE TO WE> ! BOAT2 BUT = ALL ?AT HE C\LD DO %E DRIFT$ T[>D ! L&1 = %E WAS GOTT5 9TO A /RONG CURR5T ( ! SEA ?AT SET %OREW>D4  ,SO HE /RUCK SAIL1 & TOOK ! O>S & R[$ MI<TILY SO ?AT HE MI<T BE> H] (F %ORE2 BUT IT AVAIL$ NO?+1 & /ILL HE DRIFT$ L&W>D4  ,SO HE /OOD UP FROM ! O>S1 & TURN$ AB\T & LOOK$1 & SAW ?AT HE WAS BUT SOME ?REE FURLONGS FROM ! %ORE1 & ?AT HE WAS COME TO ! V]Y HAV5-M\? :5CE HE HAD SET SAIL ) ! ,SEA-EAGLE A TWELVEMON? AGO3  & HE KNEW ?AT 9TO ?AT HAV5 HE NE$S MU/ GET HIM1 OR BE DA%$ TO PIECES AGA9/ ! HI< CLIFFS ( ! L&3  & HE SAW H[ ! WAVES RAN ON TO ! CLIFFS1 & :ILES ONE HI<] ?AN ! O!RS SMOTE ! ROCK-WALL & RAN UP IT1 AS IF IT C\LD CLIMB OV] ON TO ! GRASSY LIP BEYOND1 & !N FELL BACK AGA91 LEAV+ A RIV] ( BR9E RUNN+ D[N ! /EEP4  

,!N HE SAID ?AT HE W\LD TAKE :AT MI<T BEFALL HIM 9SIDE ! HAV54  ,SO HE HOI/$ SAIL AGA91 & TOOK ! TILL]1 & /E]$ RI<T = ! MIDMO/ ( ! GATE BETWE5 ! ROCKS1 WOND]+ :AT %\LD AWAIT HIM !RE4  ,!N IT WAS BUT A FEW M9UTES ]E HIS B>K %OT 9TO ! SMOO?NESS ( ! HAV51 & PRES5TLY BEGAN TO LOSE WAY2 = ALL ! W9D WAS DEAD )9 ?AT L&-LOCK$ WAT]4 ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ /EADILY R\ND AB\T SEEK+ HIS FOE2 BUT ! HAV5 WAS EMPTY ( %IP OR BOAT2 SO HE RAN HIS EYE ALONG ! %ORE TO SEE :]E HE %\LD BE/ LAY HIS KEEL & AS A=ESAID !RE WAS NO BEA* !RE1 & ! WAT] WAS DEEP RI<T UP TO ! GRASSY LIP ( ! L&2 ?\< ! TIDES RAN SOME:AT HI<1 & AT L[ WAT] W\LD A LITTLE /EEP UND]CLIFF GO UP FROM ! FACE ( ! SEA4  ,BUT N[ IT WAS NE> ! TOP ( ! TIDE1 & !RE WAS SC>CE TWO FEET BETWIXT ! GRASS & ! D>K-GRE5 SEA4  

,N[ ,HALLBLI! /E]$ T[>D AN +LE ( ! HAV52 & BEYOND IT1 A LITTLE WAY (F1 ROSE A REEF ( ROCKS \T ( ! GRE5 GRASS1 & !REBY WAS A FLOCK ( %EEP FE$+1 & A BIG MAN LY+ D[N AMONG/ !M1 :O SEEM$ TO BE UN>M$1 AS ,HALLBLI! C\LD NOT SEE ANY GL9T ( /EEL AB\T HIM4  ,HALLBLI! DREW NI< ! %ORE1 & ! BIG MAN /IRR$ NOT2 NOR DID HE ANY ! MORE :5 ! KEEL RAN ALONG ! %ORE1 & ,HALLBLI! LEAPT \T & MOOR$ HIS CRAFT TO HIS SPE> /UCK DEEP 9 ! E>?4  ,& N[ ,HALLBLI! DEEMS ?AT ! MAN MU/ BE EI!R DEAD OR ASLEEP3  SO HE DREW HIS SWORD & HAD IT 9 HIS RI<T H&1 & 9 HIS LEFT A %>P KNIFE1 & W5T /RAI<T UP TO ! MAN BETWIXT ! %EEP1 & F\ND HIM SO LY+ ON HIS SIDE ?AT HE C\LD NOT SEE HIS FACE2 SO HE /IRR$ HIM ) HIS FOOT1 & CRI$ \T3  0,AWAKE1 ,O ,%EPH]D6 = DAWN IS LONG PA/ & DAY IS COME1 & !RE)AL A GUE/ = !E60  

,! MAN TURN$ OV] & SL[LY SAT UP1 &1 LO6 :O %\LD IT BE BUT ! ,PUNY ,FOX8  ,HALLBLI! />T$ BACK AT ! SI<T ( HIM1 & CRI$ \T AT HIM1 & SAID3  0,HAVE ,I F\ND !E1 ,O M9E 5EMY80  

,! ,PUNY ,FOX SAT UP A LITTLE /RAI<T]1 & RUBB$ HIS EYES & SAID3  0,YEA1 ?\ HA/ F\ND ME SURE 5\<4  ,BUT AS TO MY BE+ ?9E 5EMY1 A WORD OR TWO MAY BE SAID AB\T ?AT PRES5TLY40  

0,:AT60 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0DO/ ?\ DEEM ?AT AU<T SAVE MY SWORD WILL SPEAK TO !E80  

0,I WOT NOT10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 SL[LY RIS+ TO HIS FEET1 0BUT ,I SUPPOSE ?\ WILT NOT SLAY ME UN>M$1 & ?\ SEE/ ?AT ,I HAVE NO WEAPONS40  

0,GET !E WEAPONS1 !N10 QUO? ,HALLBLI!1 0& DELAY NOT2 = ! SI<T ( !E ALIVE SICK5S ME40  

0,ILL IS ?AT10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 0BUT COME ?\ ) ME AT ONCE1 :]E ,I %ALL F9D BO? ! WEAPONS & A GOOD FI<T+-/EAD4 ,HA/56 TIME PRESSE?1 N[ ?\ >T COME AT LA/40  

0,& MY BOAT80 SAID ,HALLBLI!4  

0,WILT ?\ C>RY H] 9 ?Y P\*80 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX2 0?\ WILT NOT NE$ H] AGA91 :E!R ?\ SLAY ME1 OR ,I !E40  

,HALLBLI! KNIT HIS BR[S ON HIM 9 HIS WRA?2 = HE DEEM$ ?AT ,FOX'S MEAN+ WAS TO ?REAT5 HIM ) ! V5GEANCE ( ! K9DR$4 ,H[BEIT1 HE SAID N\<T2 = HE DEEM$ IT ILL TO WRANGLE 9 WORDS ) ONE :OM HE WAS PRES5TLY TO MEET 9 BATTLE2 SO HE FOLL[$ AS ! ,PUNY ,FOX L$4  ,FOX BR\<T HIM PA/ ! REEF ( ROCK A=ESAID1 & UP A N>R[ CLEFT ( ! CLIFFS OV]LOOK+ ! SEA1 :]EBY !Y CAME 9TO A LITTLE GRASS-GR[N MEAD[ WELL NI< R\ND 9 %APE1 AS SMOO? & LEVEL AS A HALL-FLOOR1 & F5C$ AB\T BY A WALL ( ROCK3 A PLACE :I* HAD ONCE BE5 ! M\? ( AN E>?-FIRE1 & A CAULDRON ( MOLT5 /ONE4  

,:5 !Y /OOD ON ! SMOO? GRASS ,FOX SAID3  0,HOLD !E !RE A LITTLE1 :ILE ,I GO TO MY WEAPON-*E/1 & !N %ALL WE SEE :AT IS TO BE DONE40  

,!RE) HE TURN$ ASIDE TO A CRANNY ( ! ROCK1 & GO+ D[N ON HIS H&S & KNEES1 FELL TO CREEP+ LIKE A WORM UP A HOLE !RE91 :I* BELIKE L$ TO A CAV]N2 = AFT] HIS VOICE HAD COME =? FROM ! E>?1 GRUNT+ & GROAN+1 & CURS+ ?IS ?+1 & ?AT1 \T HE COMES AGA9 FEET FIR/1 & CA/S D[N AN OLD RU/Y SWORD )\T A %EA?2 A HELM NO LESS RU/Y1 & BATT]$ )AL1 & A R\ND T>GET1 CURL$ UP & \TWORN AS IF IT W\LD FALL TO PIECES ( ITSELF4  ,!N HE /&S UP & /RET*ES HIMSELF1 & SMILES PLEASANTLY ON ,HALLBLI! & SAYS3  0,N[1 M9E 5EMY1 :5 ,I HAVE DONN$ HELM & %IELD & GOT MY SWORD 9 H&1 WE MAY BEG9 ! PLAY3  AS TO A HAUB]K ,I MU/ NE$S GO LACK2 = ,I C\LD NOT COME BY IT2 ,I ?9K ! OLD MAN MU/ HAVE *AFF]$ IT AWAY3  HE WAS EV] TOO MONEY-FA940  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ ON HIM ANGRILY & SAID3  0,HA/ ?\ BR\<T ME HI!R TO MOCK ME8  ,HA/ ?\ NO BETT] WEAPONS :]E) TO MEET A W>RIOR ( ! ,RAV5 ?AN !SE RU/Y %>DS1 :I* LOOK AS IF ?\ HAD/ ROBB$ A GRAVE ( ! DEAD8  ,I WILL NOT FI<T !E SO >M$40  

0,WELL10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 0& FROM \T ( A GRAVE COME !Y V]ILY3 = 9 ?AT LITTLE HOLE LIE? MY FA!R'S GR&SIRE1 ! GREAT ,SEA- MEW ( ! ,RAVAG]S1 ! FA!R ( ?AT ,SEA-EAGLE :OM ?\ KN[E/4 ,BUT S9CE ?\ ?9KE/ SCORN ( !SE WEAPONS ( A DEAD W>RIOR1 9 GO ! OLD C>LE'S TREASURES AGA96  ,IT IS AS WELL MAYBE2 S9CE HE MI<T BE WRA? BEYOND HIS WONT IF HE W]E TO WAKE & MISS !M2 & ALREADY ?IS COLD CUP ( ! ONCE-BOIL+ ROCK IS NOT :OLLY SAFE BECAUSE ( HIM40  

,SO HE CREPT 9TO ! HOLE ONCE MORE1 & \T ( IT PRES5TLY1 & /OOD SMIT+ HIS PALMS ONE AGA9/ ! O!R TO DU/ !M1 LIKE A MAN :O HAS BE5 H&L+ P>*M5TS LONG LAID BY2 & ,HALLBLI! /OOD LOOK+ AT HIM1 /ILL WRA?FUL1 BUT SIL5T4  

,!N SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,?IS AT LEA/ WAS A WISE WORD ( ?9E1 ?AT ?\ W\LD/ NOT FI<T ME4  ,= ! 5D ( FI<T+ IS SLAY+2 & IT IS />K FOLLY TO FI<T )\T SLAY+2 & N[ ,I SEE ?AT ?\ DESIRE/ NOT TO SLAY ME3  = IF ?\ DID/1 :Y DID/ ?\ REFUSE TO FALL ON ME >M$ ) ! <O/S ( WEAPONS ?AT ,I BORR[$ FROM A <O/8  ,NAY1 :Y DID/ ?\ NOT SLAY ME AS ,I CREPT \T ( YOND] HOLE8  ,?\ W\LD/ HAVE HAD A *EAP B>GA9 ( ME EI!R WAY4 ,IT W\LD BE RANK FOLLY TO FI<T ME40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI! HO>SELY3  0,:Y DID/ ?\ BEWRAY ME1 & LIE TO ME1 & LURE ME AWAY FROM ! QUE/ ( MY BELOV$1 & WA/E A :OLE YE> ( MY LIFE80  

0,IT IS A LONG /ORY10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 0:I* ,I MAY TELL !E SOME DAY4  ,MEANTIME ,I MAY TELL !E ?IS1 ?AT ,I WAS COMPELL$ !RETO BY ONE F> MI<TI] ?AN ,I1 TO WIT ! ,UNDY+ ,K+40  

,AT ?AT WORD ! SM\LD]+ WRA? BLAZ$ UP 9 ,HALLBLI!1 & HE DREW HIS SWORD HA/ILY & HEW$ AT ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  BUT HE LEAPT ASIDE NIMBLY & RAN 9 ON ,HALLBLI!1 & CAU<T HIS SWORD->M BY ! WRI/1 & TORE ! WEAPON \T ( HIS H&1 & OV]BORE HIM BY %E] WEI<T & /ATURE1 & DRAVE HIM TO ! E>?4  ,!N HE ROSE UP1 & LET ,HALLBLI! RISE ALSO1 & TOOK HIS SWORD & GAVE IT 9TO HIS H& AGA9 & SAID3  0,CRAG-NE/]1 ?\ >T WRA?FUL1 BUT LITTLE4 ,N[ ?\ HA/ ?Y SWORD AGA9 & MAY/ SLAY ME IF ?\ WILT4  ,YET NOT UNTIL ,I HAVE SPOK5 A WORD TO !E3  SO HE>K56 OR ELSE BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA ,I WILL SLAY !E ) MY B>E H&S4  ,= ,I AM /RONG 9DE$ 9 ?IS PLACE ) MY OLD K9SMAN BESIDE ME4  ,WILT ?\ HE>K580  

0,SPEAK10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0,I HE>K540  

,SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,TRUE IT IS ?AT ,I LUR$ !E AWAY FROM ?Y QUE/1 & WORE AWAY A YE> ( ?Y LIFE4  ,YET TRUE IT IS ALSO ?AT ,I REP5T ME !RE(1 & ASK ?Y P>DON4  ,:AT SAYE/ ?\80  

,HALLBLI! SPAKE NOT1 BUT ! HEAT DI$ \T ( HIS FACE & HE WAS BECOME SOME:AT PALE4  ,SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,DO/ ?\ NOT REMEMB]1 ,O ,RAV51 H[ ?\ BADE/ ME BATTLE LA/ YE> ON ! SEA-%ORE BY ! SIDE ( ! ,ROLL]S ( ! ,RAV58 & H[ ?IS WAS TO BE ! PRIZE ( BATTLE1 ?AT ! VANQUI%$ %\LD S]VE ! VANQUI%] YE>-LONG1 & DO ALL HIS WILL8  ,& N[ ?IS PRIZE & MORE ?\ HA/ WON )\T BATTLE2 = ,I SWE> BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA1 & BY ! BONES ( ! GREAT ,SEA-MEW YOND]1 ?AT ,I WILL S]VE !E NOT YE>- LONG BUT LIFE-LONG1 & ?AT ,I WILL HELP !E 9 ?Y QUE/ = ?Y BELOV$4  ,:AT SAYE/ ?\80  

,HALLBLI! /OOD SPEE*LESS A MOM5T1 LOOK+ PA/ ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 RA!R ?AN AT HIM4  ,!N ! SWORD TUMBL$ \T ( HIS H& ON TO ! GRASS1 & GREAT TE>S ROLL$ D[N HIS *EEKS & FELL ON TO HIS RAIM5T1 & HE REA*$ \T HIS H& TO ! ,PUNY ,FOX & SAID3  0,O FRI5D1 WILT ?\ NOT BR+ ME TO H]8 = ! DAYS WE>1 & ! TREES >E GR[+ OLD R\ND AB\T ! ,ACRES ( ! ,RAV540  

,!N ! ,PUNY ,FOX TOOK HIS H&2 & LAU<$ M]RILY 9 HIS FACE1 & SAID3  0,GREAT IS ?9E HE>T1 ,O ,C>RION-BIT]6  ,BUT N[ ?AT ?\ >T MY FRI5D ,I WILL TELL !E ?AT ,I HAVE A DEEM+ ( ! :]EAB\TS ( ?Y BELOV$4  ,OR :]E DEEME/ ?\ WAS ! G>D5 :]E9 ?\ SAWE/ H] /&+ ON ! PAGE ( ! BOOK 9 ?AT DREAM ( ! NI<T8  ,SO IT IS1 ,O ,RAV5-SON1 ?AT IT IS NOT = NO?+ ?AT MY GR&SIRE'S FA!R LIE? 9 YOND] HOLE ( ! ROCKS2 = ( LATE HE HA? MADE ME WISE 9 MI<TY LORE4  ,?ANKS HAVE ?\1 ,O K9SMAN60  ,& HE TURN$ HIM T[>D ! ROCK :]E9 WAS ! GRAVE4  

,BUT ,HALLBLI! SAID3  0,:AT IS TO DO N[8  ,AM ,I NOT 9 A L& ( FOEM580  

0,YEA1 =SOO?10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 0& EV5 IF ?\ KNEWE/ :]E ?Y LOVE IS1 ?\ %\LD/ H>DLY ESCAPE FROM ?IS ISLE UNSLA91 SAVE = ME40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,IS !RE NOT MY B>K1 ?AT ,I MI<T DEP>T AT ONCE8 = ,I DEEM NOT ?AT ! ,HO/AGE IS ON ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM40  

,! ,PUNY ,FOX LAU<$ BOI/]\SLY & SAID3  0,NAY1 %E IS NOT4  ,BUT AS TO ?Y BOAT1 !RE IS SO /RONG A SET ( ! FLOOD-TIDE T[>D ?IS 5D ( ! ISLE1 ?AT ) ! W9D BL[+ AS N[1 FROM ! NOR?-NOR?-EA/1 ?\ MAY/ NOT GET (F ! %ORE = F\R H\RS AT LEA/1 & ,I MISD\BT ME ?AT )9 ?AT TIME WE %ALL HAVE TID+S ( A %IP ( \RS COM+ 9TO ! HAV54  ,?Y B>K !Y %ALL TAKE1 & !E ALSO IF ?\ >T !RE92 & !N SOON W]E ! /ORY TOLD1 = !Y KN[ !E = A REBEL ( ! ,UNDY+ ,K+4  ,HE>K56  ,DO/ ?\ NOT HE> ! HORN'S VOICE8  ,COME UP HI!R & WE %ALL SEE :AT IS T[>DS40  

,SO SAY+1 HE L$ HA/ILY UP A K9D ( /AIR 9 ! ROCK-WALL1 UNTIL !Y REA*$ A CRANNY1 :5CE ?R\< A HOLE 9 ! CLIFF1 !Y C\LD SEE ALL OV] ! HAV54  ,& LO6 AS !Y LOOK$1 9 ! V]Y GATE & 5TRY ( IT CAME A GREAT %IP HEAV+ UP H] B[S ON ! LA/ SWELL ( ! \T] SEA 7:]E ! W9D HAD RIS5 SOME:AT71 & ROLL+ 9TO ! SMOO?1 L&-LOCK$ WAT]4  ,BLACK WAS H] SAIL1 & ! IMAGE ( ! ,SEA-EAGLE 5WR\<T !REON SPREAD WIDE OV] IT2 & ! BANN] ( ! ,FLAM+ ,SWORD /REAM$ \T FROM ! /]N4  ,MANY M5 ALL-WEAPON$ W]E ON ! DECKS1 & ! M9/RELS HI< UP ON ! POOP W]E BL[+ A M]RY SONG ( RETURN ON !IR BATTLE-HORNS4  

0,LO1 Y\10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 0?Y LUCK OR M9E HA? S]V$ !E ?IS TIME1 9 ?AT ! ,FLAM+ ,SWORD DID NOT OV]HAUL !E ]E ?\ MADE/ ! HAV54  ,WE >E WELL H]E AT LEA/40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,BUT MAY NOT SOME ( !M COME UP HI!R P]*ANCE80  

0,NAY1 NAY10 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX2 0!Y FE> ! OLD MAN 9 ! CLEFT YOND]2 = HE IS NOT OV] GUE/-FA94  ,?IS MEAD IS M9E [N1 AS = O!R LIV+ M52 IT IS MY UNRO($ H\SE1 & ,I HAVE H]E A H\SE ) A RO( ALSO1 :I* ,I WILL %[ !E PRES5TLY4  ,= N[ S9CE ! ,FLAM+ ,SWORD HA? COME1 !RE IS NO NE$ = HA/E2 NAY1 WE CANNOT DEP>T TILL !Y HAVE GONE UP-C\NTRY4  ,SO ,I WILL %[ !E PRES5TLY :AT WE %ALL DO TO-NI<T40  

,SO !RE !Y SAT & WAT*$ ?OSE M5 BR+ !IR %IP TO ! %ORE & MOOR H] H>D BY ,HALLBLI!'S BOAT4  ,!Y CRI$ \T :5 !Y SAW H]1 & :5 !Y W]E AL& !Y GA!R$ AB\T H] TO NOTE H] BUILD1 & ! FA%ION ( ! SPE> :]ETO %E WAS TI$4  ,!N 9 A :ILE ! MORE P>T ( !M1 SOME F\RSCORE 9 NUMB]1 DEP>T$ UP ! VALLEY T[>D ! GREAT H\SE & LEFT NONE BUT A HALF DOZ5 %IP-W>D]S BEH9D4  

0,SEE/ ?\1 FRI5D ( ! ,RAV5S10 SAID ! ,FOX1 0HAD/ ?\ BE5 !RE1 !Y MI<T HAVE DONE ) !E :AT !Y W\LD4  ,DID ,I NOT WELL TO BR+ !E 9TO MY UNRO($ H\SE80  

0,YEA1 V]ILY10 SAID ,HALLBLI!2 0BUT WILL NOT SOME ( ! %IP-W>DS1 OR SOME ( ! O!RS RETURN+1 COME UP HI!R & F9D US8  ,I %ALL YET LAY MY BONES 9 ?IS EVIL ISL&40  

,! ,PUNY ,FOX LAU<$1 & SAID3  0,IT IS NOT SO BAD AS ?Y S\R LOOKS W\LD HAVE IT2 ANYH[ IT IS GOOD 5\< = A GRAVE1 & AT ?IS PRES5T ,I MAY CALL IT A CASKET ( PRECI\S ?+S40  

0,:AT MEANE/ ?\80 SAID ,HALLBLI! EAG]LY4  

0,NAY1 NAY10 SAID ! O!R1 0N\<T BUT :AT ?\ KN[E/4  ,>T ?\ NOT !RE91 & ,I MYSELF8 )\T RECKON+ ! OLD C>LE 9 ! HOLE YOND]4  ,BUT ,I PROMISE !E ?\ %ALT NOT DIE H]E ?IS TIME1 UNLESS ?\ WILT4  ,& AS TO FOLK COM+ UP HI!R1 ,I TELL !E AGA9 !Y DUR/ NOT2 BECAUSE !Y FE> MY GREAT-GR&SIRE OV] MU*4  ,NOT ?AT !Y >E F> WRONG !RE92 = N[ HE IS DEAD1 ! WOR/ ( HIM SEEME? TO COME \T ( HIM1 & HE IS NOT EASILY DEALT )1 SAVE BY ONE :O HA? SOME %>E ( HIS WISDOM4  ,?\ ?YSELF C\LD/ SEE BY MY K9SMAN1 ! ,SEA-EAGLE1 H[ MU* ( ILL BLOOD & *URLI% MALICE !RE MAY BE 9 \R K9DR$ :5 !Y WAX OLD1 & LONEL9ESS & DRE>9ESS TAKE? HOLD ( !M4  ,= ,I MU/ TELL !E ?AT ,I HAVE (T HE>D MY FA!R SAY ?AT HIS FA!R ! ,SEA-EAGLE WAS 9 HIS Y\? & HIS PRIME BLI! & BUXOM1 A GREAT LOV] ( WOM51 & A V]Y FRI5DLY FELL[4  ,BUT EV]1 AS ,I SAY1 AS ! M5 ( \R K9D WAX 9 YE>S1 !Y WORS52 & !REBY MAY/ ?\ DEEM H[ BAD ! OLD MAN 9 YOND] MU/ BE1 S9CE HE HA? LA9 SO LONG 9 ! GRAVE4  ,BUT N[ WE WILL GO TO ?AT H\SE ( M9E ON ! O!R SIDE ( ! MEAD1 OV] AGA9/ MY K9SMAN'S40  

,!RE) HE L$ ,HALLBLI! D[N FROM ! ROCK :ILE ,HALLBLI! SAID TO HIM3  0,:AT6 >T ?\ ALSO DEAD ?AT ?\ HA/ A GRAVE H]E80  

0,NAY1 NAY10 SAID ,FOX1 SMIL+1 0AM ,I SO EVIL-CONDITION$ !N8  ,I AM NO OLD] ?AN ?\ >T40  

0,BUT TELL ME10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0WILT ?\ ALSO WAX EVIL AS ?\ GR[E/ OLD80  

0,MAYBE NOT10 SAID ,FOX1 LOOK+ H>D AT HIM1 0= 9 MY M9D IT IS ?AT ,I MAY BE TAK5 9TO ANO!R H\SE1 & ANO!R K9DR$1 & AMONG/ !M ,I %ALL BE HEAL$ ( MU* ?AT MI<T TURN TO ILL40  

,!RE) W]E !Y COME ACROSS ! LITTLE MEAD[ TO A PLACE :]E WAS A CAVE 9 ! ROCK CLOS$ ) A DOOR1 & A WICKET W9D[ !RE94  ,FOX L$ ,HALLBLI! 9TO IT1 & )9 IT WAS NO ILL DWELL+2 = IT WAS DRY & CLEAN1 & !RE W]E /OOLS !RE9 & A TABLE1 & %ELVES & LOCK]S 9 ! WALL4  ,:5 !Y HAD SAT !M D[N ,FOX SAID3  0,H]E MI<TE/ ?\ DWELL SAFELY AS LONG AS ?\ W\LD/1 IF ?\ W\LD/ RISK DEAL+S ) ! OLD C>LE4  ,BUT1 AS ,I WOT WELL ?AT ?\ >T 9 HA/E TO BE GONE & GET HOME TO ?Y K9DR$1 ,I MU/ BR+ !E AT DUSK TO-DAY CLOSE UP TO \R FEA/-HALL1 SO ?AT ?\ MAY/ BE AT H& TO DO :AT HA? TO BE DONE TO-NI<T1 SO ?AT WE MAY GET US GONE TO-MORR[4  ,ALSO ?\ MU/ DO (F ?Y ,RAV5 GE> LE/ WE MEET ANY 9 ! TWILI<T AS WE GO UP TO ! H\SE2 & H]E HAVE ,I TO H& HOME-SPUN RAIM5T SU* AS \R W>-TAK5 ?RALLS WE>1 :I* %ALL S]VE ?Y TURN WELL 5\<2 BUT ?IS ?\ NE$/ NOT DO ON TILL ! TIME IS AT H& = \R DEP>TURE2 & !N ,I WILL BR+ !E AWAY1 & BE/[ !E 9 A B[] H>D BY ! HALL2 & :5 ?\ >T )91 ,I MAY SO LOOK TO IT ?AT NONE %ALL GO 9 !RE1 OR IF !Y DO1 !Y %ALL SEE N\<T 9 !E SAVE A C>LE KN[N TO !M BY NAME4  ,MY K9SMAN HA? LE>N$ ME TO DO H>D] ?+S ?AN ?IS4  ,BUT N[ IT IS TIME TO EAT & DR9K40  

,!RE) HE DREW VICTUAL FROM \T A LOCK] & !Y FELL TO4  ,BUT :5 !Y HAD EAT51 ,FOX TAU<T ,HALLBLI! :AT HE %\LD DO 9 ! HALL ?AT NI<T1 AS %ALL BE TOLD H]EAFT]4  ,& !N1 ) MU* TALK AB\T MANY ?+S1 !Y WORE AWAY ! DAY 9 ?AT ANCI5T CUP ( ! SEE?+ ROCK1 & A LITTLE BE=E DUSK SET \T = ! HALL1 BE>+ ) !M ,HALLBLI!'S GE> BUNDL$ UP TOGE!R1 AS ?\< IT HAD BE5 W>ES FROM OV] SEA4  ,SO !Y CAME TO ! H\SE BE=E ! TABLES W]E SET1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX BE/[$ ,HALLBLI! 9 A B[] :I* GAVE 9TO ! BUTT]Y1 SO ?AT IT WAS EASY TO GO /RAI<T 9TO ! MID-MO/ ( ! HALL4  ,!RE WAS ,HALLBLI! CLAD & >M$ 9 HIS ,RAV5 GE>2 BUT ,FOX GAVE HIM A VIZ>D TO GO OV] HIS FACE1 SO ?AT NONE MI<T KN[ HIM :5 HE 5T]$ !RE94  

O ,*APT] #ba 3 ,( ,! ,FI<T ,( ,! ,*AMPIONS ,9 ,! ,HALL ,( ,! ,RAVAG]S 

,N[ IT IS TO BE TOLD ?AT ! *IEFTA9S CAME 9TO ! HALL ?AT NI<T & SAT D[N AT ! BO>D ON ! DAIS1 EV5 AS ,HALLBLI! HAD SE5 !M DO A=ETIME4  ,& ! *IEFTA9 ( ALL1 :O WAS CALL$ ! ,]NE ( ! ,SEA-EAGLES1 ROSE UP ACCORD+ TO CU/OM & SAID3 0,HE>K51 FOLK6 ?IS IS A NI<T ( ! *AMPIONS1 :]EON WE MAY NOT EAT TILL ! PALE BLADES HAVE CLA%$ TOGE!R1 & ONE HA? VANQUI%$ & ANO!R BE5 OV]COME4  ,N[ LET !M /& =? & GIVE \T ! PRIZE ( VICTORY :I* ! VANQUI%$ %ALL PAY TO ! VANQUI%]4  ,& LET IT BE KN[N1 ?AT1 :OSOEV] MAY BE ! *AMPION ?AT W9NE? ! BATTLE1 :E!R HE BE A K9SMAN1 OR AN ALI51 OR A FOEMAN DECL>$2 YEA1 ?\< HE HAVE LEFT ! HEAD ( MY BRO!R AT ! HALL-DOOR1 HE %ALL PASS ?IS NI<T ) US SAFE FROM SWORD1 SAFE FROM AX1 SAFE FROM H&3  HE %ALL EAT AS WE EAT1 DR9K AS WE DR9K1 SLEEP AS WE SLEEP1 & DEP>T SAFE FROM ANY H& OR WEAPON1 & %ALL SAIL ! SEA AT HIS PLEASURE 9 HIS [N KEEL OR 9 \RS1 AS TO HIM & US MAY BE MEET4  ,BL[ UP HORNS = ! *AMPIONS60  

,SO ! HORNS BLEW A *E]FUL /RA91 & :5 !Y W]E DONE1 !RE CAME 9TO ! HALL A TALL MAN CLAD 9 BLACK1 & ) BLACK >MOR & WEAPONS SAV+ ! :ITE BLADE ( HIS SWORD4  ,HE HAD A VIZ>D OV] HIS FACE1 BUT HIS HAIR CAME D[N FROM UND] HIS HELM LIKE ! TAIL ( A R$ HORSE4  

,SO HE /OOD AMID ! FLOOR & CRI$ \T3  0,I AM ! *AMPION ( ! ,RAVAG]S4  ,BUT ,I SWE> BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA ?AT ,I WILL CROSS NO BLADE TO-NI<T SAVE ) AN ALI51 A FOEMAN ( ! K9DR$4 ,HE>E/ ?\1 ,O *IEFTA91 ,O ,]NE ( ! ,SEA-EAGLES80  

0,HE> IT ,I DO10 SAID ! *IEFTA91 0& ,I DEEM ?AT ?Y MEAN+ IS ?AT WE %\LD GO SUPP]LESS TO B$2 & ?IS COME? ( ?Y P]V]SITY3  = WE KN[ !E DESPITE ?Y VIZ>D4  ,BELIKE ?\ DEEME/ ?AT ?\ %ALT NOT BE MET ?IS EV51 & ?AT !RE IS NO FREE ALI5 9 ! ISL& TO DRAW SWORD AGA9/ !E4  ,BUT BEW>E6 ,= :5 WE CAME AL& ?IS MORN+ WE F\ND A SKIFF ( ! ALI5S TI$ TO A GREAT SPE> /UCK 9 ! BANK ( ! HAV52 SO ?AT !RE WILL BE ONE FOEMAN AT LEA/ ABROAD 9 ! ISL&4  ,BUT WE SAID IF WE %\LD COME ON ! MAN1 WE W\LD SET HIS HEAD ON ! GABLE ( ! HALL ) ! M\? OP5 T[>D ! ,NOR? = A TOK5 ( REPROA* TO ! DWELL]S 9 ! L& OV] SEA4  ,BUT N[ GIVE \T ! PRIZE ( VICTORY1 & ,I SWE> BY ! ,TREASURE ( ! ,SEA ?AT WE WILL ABIDE BY ?Y WORD40  

,SAID ! *AMPION3  0,!SE >E ! T]MS & CONDITIONS ( ! BATTLE2 ?AT :I*SO ( US IS VANQUI%$1 HE %ALL EI!R DIE1 OR S]VE ! VANQUI%] = TWELVE MOONS1 TO F>E ) HIM AT HIS WILL1 TO GO HIS ]R&S1 & DO ACCORD+ TO HIS COMM&M5T 9 ALL WISE4 ,HE>E/ ?\1 *IEFTA980  

0,YEA10 SAID HE1 0& BY ! ,UNDY+ ,K+1 BO? ?\ & WE %ALL ABIDE BY ?IS B>GA94  ,SO LOOK TO IT ?AT ?\ SMITE GREAT /ROKES1 LE/ \R HALL LACK A GABLE-KNOP4  ,HORNS1 BL[ UP = ! ALI5 *AMPION60  

,SO AGA9 ! HORNS W]E W9D$2 & ]E !IR VOICE HAD DI$1 9 FROM ! BUTT]Y SCRE5S CAME A GLITT]+ IMAGE ( W>1 & !RE /OOD ! ALI5 *AMPION OV] AGA9/ ! W>RIOR ( ! SEA2 & HE TOO HAD A VIZ>D OV] HIS FACE4  

,N[ :5 ! FOLK SAW HIM1 & H[ SLIM & LI<T & SMALL HE LOOK$ BESIDE !IR *AMPION1 & !Y BEHELD ! ,RAV5 PA9T$ ON HIS :ITE %IELD1 !Y HOOT$ & LAU<$ = SCORN ( HIM & HIS LITTL5ESS4 ,BUT HE TOSS$ HIS SWORD UP LI<TLY & CAU<T IT BY ! HILTS AS IT FELL1 & DREW NI<] TO ! *AMPION ( ! SEA & /OOD FAC+ HIM )9 REA* ( HIS SWORD4  ,!N ! *IEFTA9 ON ! HI<-SEAT PUT HIS TWO H&S TO HIS M\? & RO>$ \T3  0,FALL ON1 YE *AMPIONS1 FALL ON60  

,BUT ! FOLK 9 ! HALL W]E SO EAG] ?AT !Y /OOD ON ! B5*ES & ! BO>DS1 & CRAN$ OV] EA* O!R'S %\LD]S1 SO ?AT !Y MI<T LOSE NO :IT ( ! H&-PLAY4  ,N[ FLA%$ ! BLADES 9 ! C&LE-LIT HALL1 & ! R$-HAIR$ *AMPION HOVE UP HIS SWORD & SMOTE TWO GREAT /ROKES TO RI<T & TO LEFT2 BUT ! ALI5 GAVE WAY BE=E HIM1 & ! FOLK CRI$ \T AT HIM 9 SCORN & 9 JOY ( !IR *AMPION1 :O FELL TO RA9+ D[N GREAT /ROKES LIKE ! HAIL AMID ! LI<TN+4  ,BUT SO DEFT WAS ! ALI51 ?AT HE /OOD AMID IT UNHURT1 & LAID MANY /ROKES ON HIS FOEMAN1 & DID ALL SO LI<TLY & EASILY1 ?AT IT SEEM$ AS IF HE W]E DANC+ RA!R ?AN FI<T+2 & ! FOLK HELD !IR PEACE & BEGAN TO D\BT IF !IR HUGE *AMPION W\LD PREVAIL4  ,N[ ! R$-HAIR$ FET*$ A MI<TY /ROKE AT ! ALI51 :O LEAP$ ASIDE LI<TLY & GAT HIS SWORD 9 HIS LEFT H& & DEALT A GREAT /ROKE ON ! O!R'S HEAD1 & ! R$- HAIR$ /AGG]$1 = HE HAD OV]-REA*$ HIMSELF2 & AGA9 ! ALI5 SMOTE HIM A LEFT-H&$ /ROKE SO ?AT HE FELL FULL L5G? ON ! FLOOR ) A MI<TY CLATT]1 & ! SWORD FLEW \T ( HIS H&3 & ! FOLK W]E DUMB-F\ND$4  

,!N ! ALI5 ?REW HIMSELF ON ! SEA-*AMPION1 & KNELT UPON HIM1 & %ORT5$ HIS SWORD AS IF TO SLAY HIM ) A ?RU/4  ,BUT !REON ! MAN OV]?R[N CRI$ \T3  0,HOLD ?9E H&1 = ,I AM VANQUI%$6 ,N[ GIVE ME PEACE ACCORD+ TO ! B>GA9 /RUCK BETWE5 US1 ?AT ,I %ALL S]VE !E YE>-LONG1 & FOLL[ !E :]ESOEV] ?\ GOE/40  

,!RE) ! ALI5 *AMPION >OSE & /OOD (F FROM HIM1 & ! MAN ( ! SEA GAT TO HIS FEET1 & DID (F HIS HELM1 SO ?AT ALL M5 C\LD SEE ?AT HE WAS ! ,PUNY ,FOX4  

,!N ! VICTORI\S *AMPION UNHELM$ HIMSELF1 & LO1 IT WAS ,HALLBLI!6  ,& A %\T >OSE 9 ! HALL1 P>T ( WOND]1 P>T ( WRA?4  

,!N CRI$ \T ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,I CALL ON ALL M5 H]E TO BE> WITNESS ?AT BY REASON ( ?IS BATTLE1 ,HALLBLI! ( ! ,RAV5S IS FREE TO COME & GO AS HE WILL 9 ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 & TO TAKE HELP ( ANY MAN ?AT WILL HELP HIM1 & TO DEP>T FROM ! ISLE :5 HE WILL & H[ HE WILL1 TAK+ ME ) HIM IF SO HE WILL40  

,SAID ! *IEFTA93  0,YEA1 ?IS IS RI<T & DUE1 & SO %ALL IT BE4 ,BUT N[1 S9CE NO FREEMAN1 :O IS NOT A FOE ( ! PASS+ H\R1 MAY ABIDE 9 \R HALL )\T EAT+ ( \R MEAT1 COME UP H]E1 ,HALLBLI!1 & SIT BY ME1 & EAT & DR9K ( ! BE/ WE HAVE1 S9CE ! ,NORNS W\LD NOT GIVE US ?9E HEAD = A GABLE-KNOP4  ,BUT :AT WILT ?\ DO ) ?Y ?RALL ! ,PUNY ,FOX2 & :]ETO 9 ! HALL WILT ?\ HAVE HIM %[N8  ,OR WILT ?\ ?AT HE SIT FA/+ 9 ! D>KNESS TO-NI<T1 LAID 9 GYVES & FETT]S8  ,OR %ALL HE HAVE ! *E] ( :IPP+ & /RIPES1 AS BEFITTE? A ?RALL TO :OM ! MA/] [E? A GRUDGE8  ,:AT IS ?Y WILL ) HIM80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,MY WILL IS ?AT ?\ GIVE HIM A SEAT NEXT TO ME1 :E!R ?AT BE HI< OR L[1 OR ! B5* ( ?Y PRISON-H\SE4  ,?AT HE EAT ( MY DI%1 & DR9K ( MY CUP1 :ATSOEV] ! MEAT & DR9K MAY BE4  ,= TO-MORR[ ,I MEAN ?AT WE TWA9 %ALL GO UND] ! E>?- COLL> TOGE!R1 & ?AT \R BLOOD %ALL RUN TOGE!R & ?AT WE %ALL BE BRO!RS 9 >MS H5CE=W>D40  ,!N ,HALLBLI! DID ON HIS HELM AGA9 & DREW HIS SWORD1 & LOOK$ ASIDE TO ! ,PUNY ,FOX TO BID HIM DO ! LIKE1 & HE DID SO1 & ,HALLBLI! SAID3  0,*IEFTA91 ?\ HA/ BIDD5 ME TO TABLE1 & ,I ?ANK !E2 BUT ,I WILL NOT SET MY TEE? 9 MEAT1 \T ( \R [N H\SE & L&1 :I* HA? NOT BE5 TRULY GIV5 TO ME BY ONE :O WOTTE? ( ME1 UNLESS ,I HAVE CONQU]$ IT AS A PREY ( BATTLE2 NEI!R WILL ,I CA/ A LIE 9TO ! LOV+-CUP :I* %ALL PASS FROM ?Y LIPS TO M9E3  !RE=E ,I WILL TELL !E1 ?AT ?\< ,I LAID A /ROKE OR TWO ON ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 & ?OSE NO LI<T ONES1 YET WAS ?IS BATTLE NAU<T TRUE & REAL1 BUT A M]E BEGUIL+1 EV5 AS ?AT :I* ,I SAW F\<T5 9 ?IS HALL A=ETIME1 :5 MESEEME? ! SLA9 M5 ROSE UP 9 TIME TO DR9K ! GOOD-NI<T CUP4  ,!RE=E1 ,O M5 ( ! ,RAVAG]S1 & ?\1 ,O ,PUNY ,FOX1 !RE IS NAU<T TO B9D Y\R H&S & REFRA9 Y\R HE>TS1 & YE MAY SLAY ME IF YE WILL )\T MURD] OR DI%ONOR1 & MAY MAKE ! HEAD ( ,HALLBLI! A KNOP = Y\R FEA/-HALL4  ,YET %ALL ONE OR TWO FALL TO E>? BE=E ,I FALL40  

,!RE) HE %OOK HIS SWORD AL(T1 & A GREAT RO> >OSE1 & WEAPONS CAME D[N FROM ! WALL1 & ! C&LES %ONE ON NAK$ /EEL4  ,BUT ! ,PUNY ,FOX CAME & /OOD BY ,HALLBLI!1 & SPAKE 9 HIS E> AMID ! UPRO>3  0,WELL N[1 BRO!R-9->MS1 ,I HAVE BE5 TRY+ TO LE>N !E ! LORE ( LIES1 & SURELY ?\ >T ! WOR/ S*OL> :O WAS EV] SMITT5 BY MA/]4  ,& ! \TCOME ( IT IS ?AT ,I1 :O HAVE LI$ SO LONG & WELL1 MU/ N[ PAY = ALL1 & DIE = A B>R5 TRU?40  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,LET ALL BE AS IT WILL6  ,I LOVE !E1 LIES & ALL2 BUT AS = ME ,I CANNOT H&LE !M4  ,LO Y\6 GREAT & GRIM %ALL BE ! SLAY+1 & WE %ALL NOT FALL UNAV5G$40  

,SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,HE>K56 = /ILL !Y HANG BACK4  ,BELIKE IT IS ,I ?AT HAVE DRAWN ?IS DEA? ON !E & ME4  ,MY LA/ LIE WAS A FOOL'S LIE & WE DIE = IT3  = :AT W\LD/ ?\ HAVE DONE HAD/ ?\ WOTT$ ?AT ?Y BELOV$1 ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,ROSE--0  ,HE BROKE (F P]=CE2 = ,HALLBLI! WAS LOOK+ TO RI<T & LEFT & H&L+ HIS SWORD1 & HE>D NOT ?AT LA/ WORD ( HIS2 & FROM BO? SIDES ( ! HALL ! ?RONG WAS DRAW+ R\ND AB\T ?OSE TWA91 WEAPON 9 H&4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! SET HIS EYES ON A BIG MAN 9 FRONT :O WAS HEAV+ UP A HEAVY %ORT-SWORD & ?\<T ?AT HE W\LD AT LEA/ SLAY ?IS ONE4  ,BUT OR EV] HE MI<T SMITE1 ! GREAT HORN BL>$ \T OV] ! TUMULT1 & M5 =BORE A :ILE & FELL SOME:AT SIL5T4  

,!N CAME D[N TO !M ! VOICE ( ! *IEFTA91 A L\D VOICE1 BUT CLE> & ) MIR? M+L$ ) ANG] 9 IT1 & HE SAID3  0,:AT DO !SE FOOLS ( ! ,RAVAG]S CUMB]+ ! FLOOR ( ! FEA/-HALL1 & %AK+ WEAPONS :5 !RE IS NO FOEMAN ANI<8  ,>E !Y DREAM+-DRUNK BE=E ! W9E IS P\R$8  ,:Y DO !Y NOT SIT D[N 9 !IR PLACES1 & ABIDE ! BR++ 9 ( ! MEAT8  ,& YE WOM51 :]E >E YE1 :Y DO YE DELAY \R MEAT1 :5 YE MAY WELL WOT ?AT \R HE>TS >E DROOP+ = HUNG]2 & ALL HA? BE5 DULY DONE1 ! BATTLE ( ! *AMPIONS F\<T & WON1 & ! PRIZE ( W> GIV5 =? & TAK58  ,H[ LONG1 ,O FOLK1 %ALL Y\R *IEFTA9S SIT FA/+80  

,!N !RE >OSE GREAT LAU<T] 9 ! HALL1 & M5 )DREW !M FROM ?OSE TWA9 & W5T & SAT !M D[N 9 !IR PLACES4  

,!N ! *IEFTA9 SAID3  0,COME UP HI!R1 ,I SAY1 ,O ,HALLBLI!1 & BR+ ?Y W>-?RALL ) !E IF ?\ WILT4  ,BUT DELAY NOT1 UNLESS IT BE SO ?AT ?\ >T NEI!R HUNGRY NOR ?IR/Y2 & GOOD SOO? ?\ %\LD/ BE BO?2 = M5 SAY ?AT ! RAV5S >E H>D TO SATISFY4  ,COME !N & MAKE GOOD *E] ) US60  

,SO ,HALLBLI! ?RU/ HIS SWORD 9TO ! %EA?1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX DID ! LIKE1 & !Y W5T BO? TOGE!R UP ! HALL TO ! HI<-SEAT4 ,& ,HALLBLI! SAT D[N ON ! *IEFTA9'S RI<T H&1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX NEXT TO HIM2 & ! *IEFTA91 ! ,]NE1 SAID3  0,O ,HALLBLI!1 DO/ ?\ NE$ ?9E >MOR AT TABLE2 OR DO/ ?\ F9D IT H&Y TO TAKE ?Y MEAT CLAD 9 ?Y BYRNY & GIRT ) A SWORD80  

,!N LAU<$ ,HALLBLI! & SAID3  0,NAY1 MESEEME? TO-NI<T ,I %ALL NE$ W>-GE> NO MORE40  ,& HE /OOD UP & DID (F ALL HIS >MOR & GAVE IT1 SWORD & ALL1 9TO ! H&S ( A WOMAN1 :O BORE IT (F1 HE KNEW NOT :I!R4  ,& ! ,]NE LOOK$ ON HIM & SAID3 0,WELL IS ?AT6 & N[ ,I SEE ?AT ?\ >T A FAIR Y\NG MAN1 & IT IS NO M>VEL ?\< MAID5S DESIRE !E40  

,AS HE SPAKE CAME 9 ! DAMSELS ) ! VICTUAL & ! *E] WAS EXCE$+ GOOD1 & ,HALLBLI! GREW LI<!>T$4  

,BUT :5 ! HEAL?S HAD BE5 DRUNK AS A=ETIME1 & M5 HAD DRUNK A CUP OR TWO !REAFT]1 !RE ROSE A W>RIOR FROM ONE ( ! 5DLONG B5*ES1 A BIG Y\NG MAN1 BLACK-HAIR$ & BLACK-BE>D$1 RUDDY ( VISAGE1 & HE SAID 9 A VOICE ?AT WAS R\< & FAT3  0,O ,]NE1 & YE O!R *IEFTA9S1 WE HAVE BE5 TALK+ H]E AT \R TABLE CONC]N+ ?IS GUE/ ( ?9E :O HA? BEGUIL$ US1 & WE >E NOT :OLLY AT ONE ) !E AS TO ?Y DEAL+S ) HIM4  ,TRUE IT IS1 N[ ?AT ! MAN HA? \R MEAT 9 HIS BELLY1 ?AT HE MU/ DEP>T FROM AMONG US ) A :OLE SK91 UNLESS ( HIS [N WILL HE /& UP TO FI<T SOME MAN ( US H]E4  ,YET SOME ( US ?9K ?AT HE IS NOT SO MU* \R FRI5D ?AT WE %\LD HELP HIM TO A KEEL :]EON TO F>E HOME TO ?OSE ?AT HATE US3  & WE SAY ?AT IT W\LD NOT BE UNLAWFUL TO LET ! MAN ABIDE 9 ! ISLE1 & PROCLAIM HIM A WOLF'S-HEAD )9 A HALF-MOON ( TODAY4  ,OR :AT SAYE/ ?\80  

,SAID ! ,]NE3  0,WAIT = MY WORD A :ILE1 & HE>K5 TO ANO!R6 ,IS ! ,GRAY-GOOSE ( ! ,RAVAG]S 9 ! HALL8  ,LET HIM GIVE \T HIS WORD ON ?IS MATT]40  

,!N >OSE A :ITE-HEAD$ C>LE FROM A TABLE NI< TO ! DAIS1 :OSE BLACK RAIM5T WAS WELL ADORN$ ) GOLD4  ,DESPITE HIS YE>S HIS FACE WAS FAIR & LITTLE WR9KL$2 A MAN ) A /RAI<T NOSE & A WELL- FA%ION$ M\?1 & ) EYES /ILL BRI<T & GRAY4  ,HE SPAKE3  0,O FOLK1 ,I F9D ?AT ! ,]NE HA? DONE WELL 9 *]I%+ ?IS GUE/4 ,= FIR/1 IF HE HA? BEGUIL$ US1 HE DID IT NOT SAVE BY ! FUR!RANCE & SLEI<T ( \R [N K9SMAN2 !RE=E IF ANY ONE IS TO DIE = BEGUIL+ US1 LET IT BE ! ,PUNY ,FOX4  ,SECONDLY1 WE MAY WELL WOT ?AT HEAVY NE$ HA? DRIV5 ! MAN TO ?IS BEGUILEM5T2 & ,I SAY ?AT IT WAS NO UNMANLY DE$ = HIM TO 5T] \R HALL & BEGUILE US ) HIS SLEI<T2 & ?AT HE HA? PLAY$ \T ! PLAY RI<T WELL & CUNN+LY ) ! WISDOM ( A W>RIOR4  ,?IRDLY1 ! MANL9ESS ( HIM IS WELL PROV51 9 ?AT HAV+ OV]COME US 9 SLEI<T1 HE HA? SPOK5 \T ! SOO? CONC]N+ \R BEGUILEM5T & HA? MADE HIMSELF \R FOEMAN & CAPTIVE1 :5 HE MI<T HAVE SAT D[N BY US AS \R GUE/1 FREELY & 9 ALL HONOR4  ,& ?IS HE DID1 NOT AS CONTEMN+ ! ,PUNY ,FOX & HIS LIES & CRAFTY WILES 7= HE HA? TOLD US ?AT HE LOVE? HIM72 BUT SO ?AT HE MI<T %[ HIMSELF A MAN 9 ?AT :I* TRIE? MANHOOD4  ,MOREOV]1 YE %ALL NOT =GET ?AT HE IS ! REBEL ( ! ,UNDY+ ,K+1 :O IS \R LORD & MA/]2 !RE=E 9 *]I%+ HIM WE %[ \RSELVES GREAT-HE>T$1 9 ?AT WE FE> NOT ! WRA? ( \R MA/]4  ,!RE=E ,I NAYSAY ! WORD ( ! ,W>-BR& ?AT WE %\LD MAKE ?IS MAN A WOLF'S-HEAD2 = 9 SO DO+ WE %ALL %[ \RSELVES LESS]-HE>T$ ?AN HE IS1 & ( NO ACC\NT BESIDE ( HIM2 & HIS HEAD ON \R HALL-GABLE %\LD BE TO US A NI?+-/AKE1 & A TREE ( REPROA*4  ,SO ,I BID !E1 ,O ,]NE1 TO MAKE MU* ( ?IS MAN2 & ?\ %ALT DO WELL TO GIVE HIM WOR?Y GIFTS1 SU* AS W>RIORS MAY TAKE1 SO ?AT HE MAY %[ !M AT HOME 9 ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV51 ?AT IT MAY BE ! BEG9N+ ( PEACE BETWIXT US & HIS NOBLE K9DR$4  ,?IS IS MY SAY1 & LAT] ON ,I %ALL WAX NO WIS]40  

,!RE) HE SAT D[N1 & !RE >OSE A MURMUR & /IR 9 ! HALL2 BUT ! MORE P>T SAID ?AT ! ,GRAY-GOOSE HAD SPOK5 WELL1 & ?AT IT WAS GOOD TO BE AT PEACE ) SU* MANLY FELL[S AS ! NEW GUE/ WAS4  

,BUT ! ,]NE SAID3  0,ONE WORD WILL ,I LAY H]ETO1 TO WIT1 ?AT HE :O DESIRE? M9E 5MITY LET HIM DO SCA! TO ,HALLBLI! ( ! ,RAV5S & H9D] HIM40  

,!N HE BADE FILL R\ND ! CUPS1 & CALL$ A HEAL? TO ,HALLBLI!1 & ALL M5 DRANK TO HIM1 & !RE WAS MU* JOYANCE & M]RIM5T4  

,BUT :5 ! NI<T WAS WELL WORN1 ! ,]NE TURN$ TO ,HALLBLI! & SAID3  0,?AT WAS A GOOD WORD ( ! ,GRAY-GOOSE :I* HE SPAKE CONC]N+ ! GIV+ ( GIFTS3  ,RAV5-SON1 WILT ?\ TAKE A GIFT ( ME & BE MY FRI5D80  

0,?Y FRI5D WILL ,I BE10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0BUT NO GIFT WILL ,I TAKE ( !E OR ANY O!R TILL ,I HAVE ! GIFT ( GIFTS1 & ?AT IS MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID54  ,I WILL NOT BE GLAD TILL ,I CAN BE GLAD ) H]40  

,!N LAU<$ ! ,]NE1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX GR9N$ ALL ACROSS HIS WIDE FACE1 & ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ FROM ONE TO ! O!R ( !M & WOND]$ AT !IR MIR?1 & :5 !Y SAW HIS WOND]+ EYES1 !Y DID BUT LAU< ! MORE2 & ! ,]NE SAID3  0,NEV]!LESS1 ?\ %ALT SEE ! GIFT :I* ,I W\LD GIVE !E2 & !N MAY/ ?\ TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT AS ?\ WILT4  ,HO YE6 BR+ 9 ! ?RONE ( ! ,EA/L& ) !M ?AT M9I/] TO IT60  

,C]TA9 M5 LEFT ! HALL AS HE SPAKE1 & CAME BACK BE>+ ) !M A ?RONE FA%ION$ MO/ GOODLY ( IVORY1 P>CEL-GILT & BEGEMM$1 & ADORN$ ) M>VEL\S CRAFTSMAN%IP3  & !Y SET IT D[N AMID ( ! HALL-FLOOR & W5T ABACK TO !IR PLACES1 :ILE ! ,]NE SAT & SMIL$ K9DLY ON ! FOLK & ON ,HALLBLI!4  ,!N >OSE ! S\ND ( FIDDLES & ! LESS] H>P1 & ! DOORS ( ! SCRE5 W]E OP5$1 & !RE FL[$ 9TO ! HALL A COMPANY ( FAIR DAMSELS NOT LESS ?AN A SCORE1 EA* ONE ) A ROSE ON H] BOSOM1 & !Y CAME & /OOD 9 ORD] BEH9D ! ?RONE ( ! ,EA/L&S1 & !Y /REW$ ROSES ON ! GR\ND BE=E !M3  & :5 !Y W]E DULY RANG$ !Y FELL TO S++3  

,N[ WANE? SPR+1   

,:ILE ALL BIRDS S+1   

,& ! S\? W9D BL[S   

,! E>LIE/ ROSE   

,TO & FRO   

,BY ! DOORS WE KN[1   

,& ! SC5T$ GALE   

,FILLS EV]Y DALE4   

,SL[ N[ >E BROOKS RUNN+ BECAUSE ( ! WE$1   

,& ! ?RU% HA? NO CUNN+ TO HIDE H] AT NE$1   

,SO SWIFT AS %E FLIE? FROM H$GE-R[ TO TREE   

,AS ONE ?AT TOIL TRIE?1 & DE$FUL MU/ BE4   

,& ,O6 ?AT AT LA/1   

,ALL SORR[S PA/1   

,?IS NI<T ,I LAY   

',NEA? ! OAK-BEAMS GRAY6   

,O1 TO WAKE FROM SLEEP1   

,TO SEE DAWN CREEP   

,?R\< ! FRUITFUL GROVE   

,( ! H\SE ?AT ,I LOVE6   

,O6 MY FEET TO BE TREAD+ ! ?RE%OLD ONCE MORE1   

,O'] :I* ONCE W5T ! LEAD+ ( SWORDS TO ! W>6   

,O6 MY FEET 9 ! G>D5'S $GE UND] ! SUN1   

,:]E ! SE$+ GRASS H>D5S = HAYSEL BEGUN6   

,LO1 LO6 ! W9D BL[S   

,TO ! HE>T ( ! ,ROSE1   

,& ! %IP LIES TI$   

,TO ! HAV5 SIDE6   

,BUT ,O = ! KEEL   

,! SAILS TO FEEL6   

,& ! ALI5 NESS   

,GR[+ LESS & LESS2   

,AS D[N ! W9D DRIVE? & ?RU/S ?R\< ! SEA   

,! SAIL-BURG ?AT /RIVE? TO TURN & GO FREE1   

,BUT ! LADS AT ! TILL] !Y HOLD H] 9 H&1   

,& ! W9D \R WELL-WILL] DRIVES FI]CE TO ! L&4   

,WE %ALL W5D IT YET1   

,! HI<WAY WET2   

,= :AT IS ?IS   

,?AT \R BOSOMS KISS8   

,:AT LIE? SWEET   

,BE=E \R FEET8   

,:AT TOK5 HA? COME   

,TO LEAD US HOME8   

',TIS ! ,ROSE ( ! G>D5 WALL$ R\ND FROM ! CR(T   

,:]E ! GRAY RO( ITS W>D5 /EEP RISE? AL(T1   

',TIS ! ,ROSE 'NEA? ! OAK5-BEAM$ HALL1 :]E !Y BIDE1   

,! PL$GES UNBROK51 ! H& ( ! BRIDE4   

,HALLBLI! HE>D ! SONG1 & HALF ?\<T IT PROMIS$ HIM SOME:AT2 BUT !N HE HAD BE5 SO MISL$ & MOCK$ AT1 ?AT HE SC>CE KNEW H[ TO REJOICE AT IT4  

,N[ ! ,]NE SPAKE3  0,WILT ?\ NOT TAKE ! *AIR & !SE DA9TY SONG-BIRDS ?AT /& AB\T IT8  ,MU* WEAL? MI<T COME 9TO ?9E HALL IF ?\ W]T TO C>RY !M OV] SEA TO RI* M5 :O HAVE NO K9DR$1 NOR AFF9ITY :]E9 TO W$1 BUT :O LOVE WOM5 AS WELL AS O!R M540  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,I HAVE WEAL? 5[ W]E ,I ONCE HOME AGA94  ,AS TO !SE MAID5S1 ,I KN[ BY ! FA%ION ( !M ?AT !Y >E NO WOM5 ( ! ,ROSE1 AS BY !IR SONG !Y %\LD BE4  ,YET WILL ,I TAKE ANY ( !SE MAID5S ?AT HAVE WILL TO GO ) ME & BE MADE SI/]S ( MY SI/]S1 & W$ ) ! W>RIORS ( ! ,ROSE2 OR IF !Y >E ( A K9DR$1 & LONG TO SIT EA* 9 ! H\SE ( H] FOLK1 !N WILL WE S5D !M HOME OV] ! SEA ) W>RIORS TO GU>D !M FROM ALL TR\BLE4  ,= ?IS GIFT ,I ?ANK !E4  ,AS TO ?Y ?RONE1 ,I BID !E KEEP IT TILL A KEEL COME? ?Y WAY FROM \R L&1 BR++ FAIR GIFTS = !E & ?9E4  ,= WE >E NOT SO UNWEAL?Y40  

,?OSE ?AT SAT NE>BY HE>D HIS WORDS & PRAIS$ !M2 BUT ! ,]NE SAID3  0,ALL ?IS IS FREE TO !E1 & ?\ MAY/ DO :AT ?\ WILT ) ! GIFTS GIV5 TO !E4  ,YET %ALT ?\ HAVE ! ?RONE2 & ,I HAVE ?\<T ( A WAY TO MAKE !E TAKE IT4  ,OR :AT SAY/ ?\1 ,PUNY ,FOX80  

,SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,YEA IF ?\ WILT1 ?\ MAY/1 BUT ,I ?\<T IT NOT ( !E ?AT ?\ W\LD/4  ,N[ IS ALL WELL40  

,AGA9 ,HALLBLI! LOOK$ FROM ONE TO ! O!R & WOND]$ :AT !Y MEANT4  ,BUT ! ,]NE CRI$ \T3  0,BR+ 9 N[ ! SITT]1 :O %ALL FILL ! EMPTY ?RONE60  

,!N AGA9 ! SCRE5-DOORS OP5$1 & !RE CAME 9 TWO WEAPON$ M51 LEAD+ BETWE5 !M A WOMAN CLAD 9 GOLD & G>L&$ ) ROSES4  ,SO FAIR WAS ! FA%ION ( H] FACE & ALL H] BODY1 ?AT H] COM+ SEEM$ TO MAKE A *ANGE 9 ! HALL1 AS ?\< ! SUN HAD %ONE 9TO IT SUDD5LY4  ,%E TROD ! HALL-FLOOR ) FIRM FEET1 & SAT D[N ON ! IVORY *AIR4  ,BUT EV5 BE=E %E WAS SEAT$ !RE9 ,HALLBLI! KNEW ?AT ! ,HO/AGE WAS UND] ?AT RO( & COM+ T[>D HIM4  ,& ! HE>T ROSE 9 HIS BREA/ & FLUTT]$ !RE91 SO SORE HE YE>N$ T[>D ! ,DAU<T] ( ! ,ROSE1 & HIS V]Y SPEE*-FRI5D4  ,!N HE HE>D ! ,]NE SAY+1 0,H[ N[1 ,RAV5-SON1 WILT ?\ HAVE ! ?RONE & ! SITT] !RE91 OR WILT ?\ GA9SAY ME ONCE MORE80  

,!REAFT] HE HIMSELF SPAKE1 & ! S\ND ( HIS VOICE WAS /RANGE TO HIM & AS IF HE KNEW IT NOT3  0,*IEFTA91 ,I WILL NOT GA9SAY !E1 BUT WILL TAKE ?Y GIFT1 & ?Y FRI5D%IP !RE)1 :ATSOEV] HA? BETID$4  ,YET W\LD ,I SAY A WORD OR TWO UNTO ! WOMAN ?AT SITTE? YOND]4  ,= ,I HAVE BE5 /RAY+ AMONG WILES & IMAGES1 & MAYHAPP5 ,I %ALL YET F9D ?IS TO BE BUT A DREAM ( ! NI<T1 OR A BEGUILEM5T ( ! DAY40  ,!RE) HE >OSE FROM ! TABLE1 & WALK$ SL[LY D[N ! HALL2 BUT IT WAS A NE> ?+ ?AT HE DID NOT FALL A-WEEP+ BE=E ALL ?OSE ALI5S1 SO FULL HIS HE>T WAS4  

,HE CAME & /OOD BE=E ! ,HO/AGE1 & !IR EYES W]E UPON EA* O!R1 & = A LITTLE :ILE !Y HAD NO WORDS4  ,!N ,HALLBLI! BEGAN1 WOND]+ AT HIS VOICE AS HE SPAKE3  0,>T ?\ A WOMAN & MY SPEE*-FRI5D8  ,= MANY IMAGES HAVE MOCK$ ME1 & ,I HAVE BE5 5COMPASS$ ) LIES1 & L$ A/RAY BY BEHE/S ?AT HAVE NOT BE5 FULFILL$4  ,& ! WORLD HA? BECOME /RANGE TO ME1 & EMPTY ( FRI5DS40  

,!N %E SAID3  0,>T ?\ V]ILY ,HALLBLI!8  ,= ,I ALSO HAVE BE5 5COMPASS$ BY LIES1 & BESET BY IMAGES ( ?+S UNHELPFUL40  

0,YEA10 SAID HE1 0,I AM ,HALLBLI! ( ! ,RAV5S1 WE>I$ ) DESIRE = MY TRO?-PLI<T MAID540  

,!N CAME ! ROSY COLOR 9TO ! FAIRNESS ( H] FACE1 AS ! RIS+ SUN LI<TE? ! G>D5 ( FL[]S 9 ! ,JUNE MORN+2 & %E SAID3  0,IF ?\ >T ,HALLBLI!1 TELL ME :AT BEFELL TO ! F+]-GOLD-R+ ?AT MY MO!R GAVE ME :5 WE W]E BO? BUT LITTLE40  

,!N HIS FACE GREW HAPPY1 & HE SMIL$1 & HE SAID3  0,I PUT IT = !E ONE AUTUMNTIDE 9 ! SNAKE'S HOLE 9 ! BANK ABOVE ! RIV]1 AMID ! ROOTS ( ! OLD ?ORN-TREE1 ?AT ! SNAKE MI<T BROOD IT1 & MAKE ! GOLD GR[ GREAT]2 BUT :5 W9T] WAS OV] & WE CAME TO LOOK = IT1 LO6 !RE WAS NEI!R R+ NOR SNAKE1 NOR ?ORN- TREE3  = ! FLOOD HAD WA%$ IT ALL AWAY40  

,!REAT %E SMIL$ MO/ SWEETLY1 & :]EAS %E HAD BE5 LOOK+ ON HIM HI!RTO ) /RA9$ & ANXI\S EYES1 %E N[ BEHELD HIM SIMPLY & FRI5DLY2 & %E SAID3  0,O ,HALLBLI!1 ,I AM A WOMAN 9DE$1 & ?Y SPEE*-FRI5D4  ,?IS IS ! FLE% ?AT DESIRE? !E1 & ! LIFE ?AT IS ?9E1 & ! HE>T :I* ?\ REJOICE/4  ,BUT N[ TELL ME1 :O >E !SE HUGE IMAGES >\ND US1 AMONG :OM ,I HAVE SAT ?US1 ONCE 9 EV]Y MOON ?IS YE> PA/1 & AFT]W>DS ,I WAS TAK5 BACK TO ! WOM5'S B[]8  ,>E !Y M5 OR M\NTA9-GIANTS8 ,WILL !Y SLAY US1 OR %UT US UP FROM ! LI<T & AIR8  ,OR HA/ ?\ MADE PEACE ) !M8  ,WILT ?\ !N DWELL ) ME H]E1 OR %ALL WE GO BACK AGA9 TO ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA8  ,& :51 OH :51 %ALL WE DEP>T80  

,HE SMIL$ & SAID3  0,QUICK COME ?Y QUE/IONS1 BELOV$4  ,!SE >E ! FOLKS ( ! ,RAVAG]S & ! ,SEA-EAGLES3  !Y BE M51 ?\< FI]CE & WILD !Y BE4  ,\R FOES !Y HAVE BE51 & HAVE SUND]$ US2 BUT N[ >E !Y \R FRI5DS1 & HAVE BR\<T US TOGE!R4  ,& TO-MORR[1 ,O FRI5D1 %ALL WE DEP>T ACROSS ! WAT]S TO ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA40  

,%E LEAN$ =W>D1 & WAS AB\T TO SPEAK S(TLY TO HIM1 BUT SUDD5LY />T$ BACK1 & SAID3  0,!RE IS A BIG1 R$-HAIR$ MAN1 AS BIG AS ANY H]E1 BEH9D ?Y %\LD]4  ,IS HE ALSO A FRI5D8  ,:AT W\LD HE ) US80  

,SO ,HALLBLI! TURN$ AB\T1 & BEHELD ! ,PUNY ,FOX BESIDE HIM1 :O TOOK UP ! WORD & SPOKE1 SMIL+ AS A MAN 9 GREAT GLEE3  0,O MAID5 ( ! ,ROSE1 ,I AM ,HALLBLI!'S ?RALL1 & HIS S*OL>1 TO UNLE>N ! CRAFT ( LY+1 :]EBY ,I HAVE DONE AMISS T[>DS BO? HIM & !E4  ,:]E( ,I WILL TELL !E ALL ! TALE SOON4  ,BUT N[ ,I WILL SAY ?AT IT IS TRUE ?AT WE DEP>T TO-MORR[ = ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA1 ?\ & HE1 & ,I 9 COMPANY4  ,N[ ,I W\LD ASK !E1 ,HALLBLI!1 IF ?\ W\LD/ HAVE ME BE/[ ?IS GIFT ( ?9E 9 SAFE-KEEP+ TO-NI<T1 S9CE !RE IS AN 5D ( H] SITT+ 9 ! HALL LIKE A GRAV5 IMAGE3  & TO-MORR[ ! WAY WILL BE LONG & WE>ISOME1 ,:AT SAYE/ ?\80  

,SAID ! ,HO/AGE3  0,%ALL ,I TRU/ ?IS MAN & GO ) HIM80  

0,YEA1 ?\ %ALT TRU/ HIM10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0= HE IS TRU/Y4  ,& EV5 W]E HE NOT1 IT IS MEET = US ( ! ,RAV5 & ! ,ROSE TO DO AS \R WOR? BIDDE? US1 & NOT TO FE> ?IS FOLK4  ,& IT BEHOVE? US TO DO AFT] !IR CU/OMS S9CE WE >E 9 !IR H\SE40  

0,?AT IS SOO?10 %E SAID2 0BIG MAN1 LEAD ME \T ( ! HALL TO MY PLACE4  ,F>EWELL1 ,HALLBLI!1 = A LITTLE :ILE1 & !N %ALL !RE BE NO MORE SUND]+ = US40  

,!RE) %E DEP>T$ ) ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 & ,HALLBLI! W5T BACK TO ! HI<-SEAT & SAT D[N BY ! ,]NE1 :O LAU<$ ON HIM & SAID3 0,?\ HA/ TAK5 MY GIFT1 & ?AT IS WELL3  YET %ALL ,I TELL !E ?AT ,I W\LD NOT HAVE GIV5 IT TO !E IF ,I C\LD HAVE KEPT IT = MYSELF 9 SU* PLI<T AS ?\ WILT HAVE IT4  ,BUT ALL ,I C\LD DO1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX TO HELP )AL1 AVAIL$ ME NAU<T4  ,SO GOOD LUCK GO ) ?9E H&S4  ,N[ WILL WE TO B$1 & TO-MORR[ ,I WILL LEAD !E \T ON ?Y WAY2 = TO SAY SOO?1 !RE BE SOME H]E :O >E NOT WELL PLEAS$ ) EI!R !E OR ME2 & ?\ KN[E/ ?AT WORDS >E WA/$ ON WILLFUL M51 BUT ?AT DE$S MAY AVAIL SOME:AT40  

,!RE) HE CRI$ \T = ! CUP ( GOOD-NI<T1 & :5 IT WAS DRUNK51 ,HALLBLI! WAS %[N TO A FAIR %UT-B$2 EV5 ?AT :]E9 HE HAD LA9 A=ETIME2 & !RE HE W5T TO SLEEP 9 JOY1 & 9 GOOD LIK+ ) ALL M54  

O ,*APT] #bb 3 ,!Y ,GO ,FROM ,! ,ISLE ,( ,RANSOM ,& ,COME ,TO ,CLEVEL& ,BY ,! ,SEA 

,9 ! MORN+ E>LY ,HALLBLI! >OSE FROM HIS B$1 & :5 HE CAME 9TO ! MID-HALL1 !RE WAS ! ,PUNY ,FOX & ! ,HO/AGE ) HIM2 ,HALLBLI! KISS$ H] & EMBRAC$ H]1 & %E HIM2 YET NOT LIKE LOV]S LONG SUND]$1 BUT AS A MAN & MAID BETRO!D >E WONT TO DO1 = !RE W]E FOLK COM+ & GO+ AB\T ! HALL4  ,!N SPAKE ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,! ,]NE IS ABID+ US \T 9 ! MEAD[ YOND]2 = N[ NAU<T WILL S]VE HIM BUT HE MU/ NE$S GO UND] ! E>?-COLL> ) US4  ,H[ SAYE/ ?\1 IS HE 5\< ?Y FRI5D80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!1 SMIL+ ON ! ,HO/AGE3  0,:AT HA/ ?\ TO SAY TO IT1 BELOV$80  

0,NAU<T AT ALL10 %E SAID1 0IF ?\ >T FRI5D TO ANY ( !SE M54 ,I MAY DEEM ?AT ,I HAVE SOME:AT AGA9/ ! *IEFTA91 :]E( BELIKE ?IS BIG MAN MAY TELL !E H]EAFT]2 BUT EV5 SO MU* MESEEME? ,I HAVE AGA9/ ?IS MAN HIMSELF1 :O IS N[ BECOME ?Y FRI5D & S*OL>2 = HE ALSO /ROVE = MY BEGUILEM5T1 & ?AT NOT = HIMSELF1 BUT = ANO!R40  

0,TRUE IT IS10 SAID ! ,FOX1 0?AT ,I DID IT = ANO!R2 EV5 AS YE/]DAY ,I TOOK ?Y MATE ,HALLBLI! \T ( ! TRAP :]E9TO HE HAD /RAY$1 & COMPASS$ HIS DELIV]ANCE BY MEANS ( ! UNFAI?FUL BATTLE2 & EV5 AS ,I W\LD HAVE /OL5 !E = HIM1 ,O ,ROSE-MAID51 IF NE$ HAD BE52 YEA1 EV5 IF ,I MU/ HAVE SMITT5 9TO RU9 ! RO(-TREE ( ! ,RAVAG]S4  ,& H[ C\LD ,I TELL ?AT ! ,]NE W\LD GIVE !E UP UN/OL58  ,YEA1 ?\ SAYE? SOO?1 ,O NOBLE & SPOTLESS MAID52 ALL MY DE$S1 BO? GOOD & ILL1 HAVE ,I DONE = O!RS2 & SO ,I DEEM IT %ALL BE :ILE MY LIFE LA/E?40  

,!N ,HALLBLI! LAU<$ & SAID3  0,>T ?\ NETTL$1 FELL[-9->MS1 AT ! WORD ( A WOMAN :O KN[E? !E NOT8  ,%E %ALL YET BE ?Y FRI5D1 ,O ,FOX4  ,BUT TELL ME1 BELOV$1 ,I DEEM$ ?AT ?\ HAD/ NOT SE5 ,FOX BE=E2 H[ !N CAN HE HAVE HELP$ ! ,]NE AGA9/ !E80  

0,YET %E SAYE? SOO?10 SAID ,FOX1 0?IS WAS ( MY SLEI<T3  = :5 ,I HAD TO COME BE=E H]1 ,I *ANG$ MY SK91 AS ,I WELL KN[ H[2 !RE >E O!RS 9 ?IS L& :O CAN DO SO MU* AS ?AT4  ,BUT :AT SAYE/ ?\ CONC]N+ ! BRO!RHOOD ) ! ,]NE80  

0,LET IT BE SO10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0HE IS MANLY & TRUE1 ?\< MA/]FUL1 & IS MEET = ?IS L& ( HIS4  ,I %ALL NOT FALL \T ) HIM2 = SELDOM MESEEME? %ALL ,I SEE ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM40  

0,& ,I NEV] AGA910 SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX4  

0,DO/ ?\ LOA! IT1 !N10 SAID ! ,HO/AGE1 0BECAUSE ( ! EVIL ?\ HA/ DONE !RE980  

0,NAY10 SAID HE1 0:AT IS ! EVIL1 :5 H5CE=? ,I %ALL DO BUT GOOD8  ,NAY1 ,I LOVE ! L&4  ,BELIKE ?\ DEEME/ IT BUT DRE>Y ) ITS BLACK ROCKS & BLACK S&1 & TREELESS W9D-SWEPT DALES2 BUT ,I KN[ IT 9 SUMM] & W9T]1 & SUN & %ADE1 9 /ORM & CALM4 ,& ,I KN[ :]E ! FA!RS DWELT & ! SONS ( !IR SONS' SONS HAVE LONG LA9 9 ! E>?4  ,I HAVE SAIL$ ITS W9DIE/ FIR?S1 & CLIMB$ ITS /EEPE/ CRAGS2 & YE MAY WELL WOT ?AT IT HA? A FRI5DLY FACE TO ME2 & ! L&-WI<TS ( ! M\NTA9S WILL BE SORRY = MY DEP>TURE40  

,SO HE SPAKE1 & ,HALLBLI! W\LD HAVE ANSW]$ HIM1 BUT BY N[ W]E !Y COME TO A GRASSY HOLL[ AMID ! DALE1 :]E ! ,]NE HAD ALREADY MADE ! E>?-YOKE READY4  ,TO WIT1 HE HAD LOOS5$ A /RIP ( TURF ALL SAVE ! TWO 5DS1 & HAD PROPP$ IT UP ) TWO ANCI5T DW>F-WR\<T SPE>S1 SO ?AT AMIDMO/ !RE WAS A L9TEL TO GO UND]4  

,SO :5 HE SAW ?OSE O!RS COM+1 HE GAVE !M ! SELE ( ! DAY1 & SAID TO ,HALLBLI!3  0,:AT IS IT TO BE8 %ALL ,I BE LESS ?AN ?Y BRO!R-9->MS H5CE=W>D80  

,SAID ,HALLBLI!3  0,NOT A :IT LESS4  ,IT IS GOOD TO HAVE BRO!RS 9 O!R L&S ?AN ONE40  

,SO !Y MADE NO DELAY1 BUT CLAD 9 ALL !IR W>-GE>1 !Y W5T UND] ! E>?-YOKE ONE AFT] ! O!R2 !REAFT] !Y /OOD TOGE!R1 & EA* LET BLOOD 9 HIS >M1 SO ?AT ! BLOOD ( ALL ?REE M+L$ TOGE!R FELL D[N ON ! GRASS ( ! ANCI5T E>?2 & !Y SWORE FRI5D%IP & BRO!RHOOD EA* TO EA*4  

,BUT :5 ALL WAS DONE ! ,]NE SPAKE3  0,BRO!R ,HALLBLI!1 AS ,I LAY AWAKE 9 B$ ?IS MORN+ ,I DEEM$ ?AT ,I W\LD TAKE %IP ) !E TO ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA1 ?AT ,I MI<T DWELL !RE A :ILE4  ,BUT :5 ,I CAME \T ( ! HALL1 & SAW ! DALE LY+ GRE5 BETWIXT HILL- SIDE & HILL-SIDE1 & ! GLITT]+ RIV] RUNN+ D[N AMIDMO/1 & ! %EEP & K9E & HORSES FE$+ UP & D[N ON EI!R SIDE ! WAT]3  & ,I LOOK$ UP AT ! FELLS & SAW H[ DEEP BLUE !Y /OOD UP AGA9/ ! SN[Y PEAKS1 & ,I ?\<T ( ALL \R DE$S ON ! DEEP SEA1 & ! M]RY NI<TS1 9 YOND] ABODE ( M53  !N ,I ?\<T ?AT ,I W\LD NOT LEAVE ! K9DR$1 W]E IT BUT = A :ILE1 UNLESS W> & LIFT+ CALL$ ME4  ,SO N[ ,I WILL RIDE ) !E TO ! %IP1 & !N F>EWELL TO !E40  

0,IT IS GOOD10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0?\< NOT AS GOOD AS IT MI<T BE4 ,GLAD HAD WE BE5 ) !E 9 ! HALL ( ! ,RAV5S40  

,AS HE SPOKE DREW ANI< ! C>LES LEAD+ ! HORSES1 & ) !M CAME SIX ( ?OSE DAMSELS :OM ! ,]NE HAD GIV5 TO ,HALLBLI! ! NI<T BE=E2 TWO ( :OM ASK$ TO BE BR\<T TO !IR K9DR$ OV] SEA2 BUT ! O!R F\R W]E FA9 TO GO ) ,HALLBLI! & ! ,HO/AGE1 & BECOME !IR SI/]S AT ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA4  

,SO !N !Y GOT TO HORSE & RODE D[N ! DALE T[>D ! HAV51 & ! C>LES RODE ) !M1 SO ?AT ( WEAPON$ M5 !Y W]E A SCORE 9 COMPANY4  ,BUT :5 !Y W]E HALF-WAY TO ! HAV5 !Y SAW :]E H>D BY ?REE KNOLLS ON ! WAY-SIDE W]E M5 /&+ ) !IR WEAPONS & W>-GE> GLITT]+ 9 ! SUN4  ,SO ! ,]NE LAU<$ & SAID3  0,%ALL WE HAVE A WORD ) ,W>-BR& !N80  

,BUT !Y RODE /EADILY ON !IR WAY1 & :5 !Y CAME UP TO ! KNOLLS !Y SAW ?AT IT WAS ,W>-BR& 9DE$ ) A SCORE ( M5 AT HIS BACK2 BUT !Y /IRR$ NOT :5 !Y SAW ,]NE'S COMPANY ?AT IT WAS GREAT4  ,!N ,]NE LAU<$ AL\D & CRI$ \T 9 A BIG VOICE1 0,:AT1 LADS6 YE RIDE E>LY ?IS MORN+2 >E !RE FOEM5 ABROAD 9 ! ,ISLE80  

,!Y %RANK BACK BE=E HIM1 BUT A C>LE ( ?OSE :O WAS H9D]MO/ CRI$ \T3  0,>T ?\ COM+ BACK TO US1 ,]NE1 OR HAVE ?Y NEW FRI5DS B\<T !E TO LEAD !M 9 BATTLE80  

0,FE> IT NAU<T10 QUO? ,]NE1 0,I %ALL BE BACK BE=E ! %EPH]D'S NOON40  

,SO !Y W5T !IR WAYS & CAME TO ! HAV51 & !RE LAY ! ,FLAM+ ,SWORD1 & BESIDE H] A TRIM B>K1 NOT RI<T GREAT1 ALL READY = SEA3  & ,HALLBLI!'S SKIFF WAS MADE FA/ TO H] = AN AFT]- BOAT4  

,!N ! ,HO/AGE & ,HALLBLI! & ! SIX DAMSELS W5T ABO>D H]1 & :5 ! ,]NE HAD BIDD5 !M F>EWELL1 !Y CA/ (F ! HAWS]S & ?RU/ H] \T ?R\< ! HAV5-M\?2 BUT ]E !Y HAD GOT MIDMO/ ( ! HAV51 !Y SAW ! ,]NE1 ?AT HE HAD TURN$ AB\T1 & WAS RID+ UP ! DALE ) HIS H\SE-C>LES1 & EA* MAN'S WEAPON WAS %9+ 9 HIS H&3  & !Y WOND]$ IF HE W]E RID+ TO BATTLE ) ,W>-BR&2 & ,FOX SAID3  0,MESEEME? \R BRO!R-9- >MS HA? 9 HIS M9D TO GIVE ?OSE WAYLAY]S AN EVIL M9UTE1 & V]ILY HE IS ! MAN TO DO ! SAME40  

,SO !Y GAT !M \T ( ! HAV51 & ! EBB-TIDE DRAVE \T SEAW>D /RONGLY1 & ! W9D WAS FAIR = ,CLEVEL& BY ! ,SEA2 & !Y RAN SPE$ILY PA/ ! BLACK CLIFFS ( ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 & SOON W]E !Y HULL D[N BEH9D !M4  ,BUT ON ! AFT]NOON ( ! NEXT DAY !Y HOVE UP ! L& ( ! K9DR$S1 & BY SUNSET !Y BEA*$ !IR %IP ON ! S& BY ! ,ROLL]S ( ! ,RAV51 & W5T A%ORE )\T MORE ADO4  ,& ! /R& WAS EMPTY ( ALL M51 EV5 AS ON ! DAY :5 ,HALLBLI! FIR/ MET ! ,PUNY ,FOX4  ,SO !N 9 ! COOL ( ! EV5+ !Y W5T UP T[>D ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV54  ,?OSE DAMSELS W5T TOGE!R H& 9 H& TWO BY TWO1 & ,HALLBLI! HELD ! ,HO/AGE BY ! H&2 BUT ! ,PUNY ,FOX W5T ALONG BESIDE !M1 GLEEFUL & ( MANY WORDS2 TELL+ !M TALES ( HIS WILES & HIS CRAFT1 & HIS SK9-*ANG+4  

0,BUT N[10 QUO? HE1 0,I HAVE LEFT ALL ?AT BEH9D ME 9 ! ,ISLE ( ,RANSOM1 & HAVE BUT ONE %APE1 & ,I W\LD = Y\R BEHO( ?AT IT W]E A GOODLI] ONE3  & BUT ONE WISDOM HAVE ,I1 EV5 ?AT :I* DWELLE? 9 M9E [N HEAD-BONE4  ,YET IT MAY BE ?AT ?IS MAY AVAIL Y\ ONE TIME OR O!R4  ,BUT LO Y\6 ?\< ,I AM ?Y ?RALL1 HAVE ,I NOT ! LOOK ( A ?RALL-HUCK/] FROM OV] SEA LEAD+ UP MY W>ES TO ! *EAP+-/EAD80  ,!Y LAU<$ AT HIS WORDS & W]E M]RY1 & MU* LOVE !RE WAS AMONG !M AS !Y W5T UP TO ! ,H\SE ( ! ,RAV54  

,BUT :5 !Y CAME ?I!R !Y W5T 9TO ! G>?1 & !RE WAS NO MAN !RE91 = IT WAS N[ DUSK1 & ! W9D[S ( ! LONG HALL W]E YELL[ ) C&LE-LI<T4  ,!N SAID ,FOX3  0,ABIDE YE H]E A LITTLE2 = ,I W\LD GO 9TO ! HALL ALONE & SEE ! CONDITIONS ( ?Y PEOPLE1 ,O ,HALLBLI!40  

0,GO ?\1 !N10 SAID ,HALLBLI!1 0BUT BE NOT RA%4  ,I C\NSEL !E2 = \R FOLK >E NOT OV]-PATI5T :5 !Y DEEM !Y HAVE A FOE BE=E !M40  

,! ,PUNY ,FOX LAU<$1 & SAID3  0,SO IT IS !N ! WORLD OV]1 ?AT HAPPY M5 >E WILLFUL & MA/]FUL40  

,!N HE DREW HIS SWORD & SMOTE ON ! DOOR ) ! POMMEL1 & ! DOOR OP5$ TO HIM & 9 HE W5T3  & HE F\ND ?AT FAIR HALL FULL ( FOLK & BRI<T ) C&LES2 & HE /OOD AMID ! FLOOR2 ALL M5 LOOK$ ON HIM1 & MANY KNEW HIM AT ONCE TO BE A MAN ( ! ,RAVAG]S1 & SIL5CE FELL UPON ! HALL1 BUT NO MAN /IRR$ H& AGA9/ HIM4  ,!N HE SAID3  0,WILL YE HE>K5 TO ! WORD ( AN EVIL MAN1 A ROBB] ( ! FOLKS80  

,SPAKE ! *IEFTA9 FROM ! DAIS3  0,WORDS WILL NOT HURT US1 SEA- W>RIOR2 & ?\ >T BUT ONE AMONG MANY2 :]E=E ?Y MI<T ?IS EVE IS BUT AS ! MI<T ( A NEW-BORN BABY4  ,SPEAK1 & AFT]W>DS EAT & DR9K1 & DEP>T SAFE FROM AMONG US60  

,SPAKE ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,:AT IS GONE ) ,HALLBLI!1 A FAIR Y\NG MAN ( Y\R K9DR$1 & ) ! ,HO/AGE ( ! ,ROSE1 HIS TRO?-PLI<T MAID580  

,!N WAS ! HU% YET GREAT] 9 ! HALL1 SO ?AT Y\ MI<T HAVE HE>D A P9 DROP2 & ! *IEFTA9 SAID3  0,IT IS A GRIEF ( \RS ?AT !Y >E GONE1 & ?AT NONE HA? BR\<T US BACK !IR DEAD BODIES ?AT WE MI<T LAY !M 9 ! ,AC] ( ! ,FA!RS40  

,!N LEAP$ UP A MAN FROM ! 5D-LONG TABLE NI< TO ,FOX1 & CRI$ \T3  0,YEA1 FOLK6 !Y >E GONE1 & WE DEEM ?AT RUNAGATES ( ?Y K9DR$1 ,O NEW-COME MAN1 HAVE /OL5 !M FROM US2 :]E= !Y %ALL ONE DAY PAY US40  

,!N LAU<$ ! ,PUNY ,FOX & SAID3  0,SOME W\LD SAY ?AT /EAL+ ,HALLBLI! WAS LIKE /EAL+ A LION1 & ?AT HE MI<T TAKE C>E ( HIMSELF2 ?\< HE WAS NOT AS BIG AS ,I AM40  

,SAID ! LA/ SPEAK]3  0,DID ?Y K9 OR DID/ ?\ /EAL HIM1 ,O EVIL MAN80  

0,YEA1 ,I /OLE HIM10 QUO? ,FOX1 0BUT BY SLEI<T1 & NOT BY MI<T40  

,!N UPROSE GREAT UPRO> 9 ! HALL1 BUT ! *IEFTA9 ON ! HI<- SEAT CRI$ \T3  0,PEACE1 PEACE60 & ! NOISE ABAT$1 & ! *IEFTA9 SAID3  0,DO/ ?\ MEAN ?AT ?\ COME/ HI!R TO GIVE US ?9E HEAD = MAK+ AWAY ) ,HALLBLI! & ! ,HO/AGE80  

0,I MEAN TO ASK RA!R10 SAID ! ,FOX1 0:AT ?\ WILT GIVE ME = ! BODIES ( !SE TWA980  

,SAID ! *IEFTA93  0,A BOAT-LOAD ( GOLD W]E NOT TOO MU* IF ?\ %\LD/ LIVE A LITTLE LONG]40  

,QUO? ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,WELL1 9 ANYWISE ,I WILL GO & BR+ 9 ! BODIES A=ESAID1 & LEAVE MY REW>D TO ! GOODWILL ( ! ,RAV5S40  

,!RE) HE TURN$ AB\T TO GO1 BUT LO6 !RE ALREADY 9 ! DOOR /OOD ,HALLBLI! HOLD+ ! ,HO/AGE BY ! H&2 & MANY 9 ! HALL SAW !M1 = ! DOOR WAS WIDE4  ,!N !Y CAME 9 & /OOD BY ! SIDE ( ! ,PUNY ,FOX1 & ALL M5 9 ! HALL >OSE & %\T$ = JOY4  ,BUT :5 ! TUMULT WAS A LITTLE ABAT$1 ! ,PUNY ,FOX CRI$ \T3  0,O *IEFTA91 & ALL YE FOLK6 IF A BOAT-LOAD ( GOLD W]E NOT TOO MU* REW>D = ! BR++ BACK ! DEAD BODIES ( Y\R FRI5DS1 :AT REW>D %ALL HE HAVE :O HA? BR\<T BACK !IR BODIES & ! S\LS !RE980  

,SAID ! *IEFTA93  0,! MAN %ALL *OOSE HIS [N REW>D40  ,& ! M5 9 ! HALL %\T$ !IR YEASAY4  

,!N SAID ! ,PUNY ,FOX3  0,WELL1 !N1 ?IS ,I *OOSE1 ?AT YE MAKE ME ONE ( Y\R K9DR$ BE=E ! FA!RS ( OLD TIME40  

,!Y ALL CRI$ \T ?AT HE HAD *OS5 WISELY & MANFULLY2 BUT ,HALLBLI! SAID3  0,I BID Y\ DO = HIM NO LESS ?AN ?IS2 & YE %ALL WOT ?AT HE IS ALREADY MY SWORN BRO!R-9->MS40  

,N[ ! *IEFTA9 CRI$ \T3  0,O ,W&]]S FROM OV] ! SEA1 COME UP HI!R & SIT ) US & BE M]RY AT LA/60  

,SO !Y W5T UP TO ! DAIS1 ,HALLBLI! & ! ,HO/AGE1 & ! ,PUNY ,FOX & ! SIX MAID5S )AL4  ,& S9CE ! NI<T WAS YET Y\NG1 ! SUPP] ( ! M5 ( ! ,RAV5S WAS TURN$ 9TO ! W$D+-FEA/ ( ,HALLBLI! & ! ,HO/AGE1 & ?AT V]Y NI<T %E BECAME A WIFE ( ! ,RAV5S1 ?AT %E MI<T BE> TO ! ,H\SE ! BE/ ( M5 & ! FAIRE/ ( WOM54  

,BUT ON ! MORR[ !Y BR\<T ! ,PUNY ,FOX TO ! MOTE-/EAD ( ! K9DR$S ?AT HE MI<T /& BE=E ! FA!RS & BE MADE A SON ( ! K9DR$2 & ?IS !Y DID BECAUSE ( ! WORD ( ,HALLBLI!1 & BECAUSE !Y BELIEV$ 9 ! TALE :I* HE TOLD !M ( ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA9 & ! ,AC] ( ! ,UNDY+4  ,! F\R MAID5S ALSO W]E MADE SI/]S ( ! ,H\SE2 & ! O!R TWA9 W]E S5T HOME TO !IR [N K9DR$ 9 ALL HONOR4  

,( ! ,PUNY ,FOX IT IS SAID ?AT HE SOON LO/ & =GOT ALL ! LORE :I* HE HAD LE>N$ ( ! ANCI5T M51 LIV+ & DEAD2 & BECAME AS O!R M5 & WAS NO WIZ>D4  ,YET HE WAS EXCE$+ VALIANT & D\<TY2 & HE CEAS$ NOT TO GO ) ,HALLBLI! :]ESOEV] HE W5T2 & MANY DE$S !Y DID TOGE!R1 :]E( ! MEMORY ( M5 HA? FAIL$3  BUT NEI!R !Y NOR ANY MAN ( ! ,RAV5S CAME ANY MORE TO ! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 OR HE>D ANY TID+S ( ! FOLK ?AT DWELL !RE4  

,H,],E,) ,5,D,E,? ,! ,T,A,L,E4  

,*RONOLOGY 3 
,FEBRU>Y #b#e1 #bba 3 ,! ,/ORY ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 ,OR ,! ,L& ( ,LIV+ ,M5 -- ,ADD$4 
,JANU>Y #h1 #bbb 3 ,! ,/ORY ,( ,! ,GLITT]+ ,PLA91 ,OR ,! ,L& ( ,LIV+ ,M5 -- ,UPDAT$4 

 FILE G5]AT$ FROM 3  
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