By these grey walls we tell
The love that lived from out the fray,
The love that fought and fell.


When he was done they all said that he had sung well, and that the
song was sweet. Yet did Wild-wearer smile somewhat; and Bow-may said
outright: 'Soft is the song, and hath been made by lads and
minstrels rather than by warriors.'

'Nay, kinswoman,' said Wood-father, 'thou art hard to please; the
guest is kind, and hath given us that I asked for, and I give him all
thanks therefor.'

Face-of-god smiled, but he heeded little what they said, for as he
sang he had noted that the Friend looked kindly on him; and he
thought he saw that once or twice she put out her hand as if to touch
him, but drew it back again each time. She spake after a little and
said:

'Here now hath been a stream of song running betwixt the Mountain and
the Dale even as doth a river; and this is good to come between our
dreams of what hath been and what shall be.' Then she turned to
Gold-mane, and said to him scarce loud enough for all to hear:

'Herewith I bid thee good-night, O Dalesman; and this other word I
have to thee: heed not what befalleth in the night, but sleep thy
best, for nought shall be to thy scathe. And when thou wakest in the
morning, if we are yet here, it is well; but if we are not, then
abide us no long while, but break thy fast on the victual thou wilt