CHAPTERI：OFTHOSETHREEWHOCAMETOTHEHOUSEOFTHERAVEN
IthasbeentoldthattherewasonceayoungmanoffreekindredandwhosenamewasHallblithe：hewasfair，strong，andnotuntriedinbattle;hewasoftheHouseoftheRavenofoldtime。
ThismanlovedanexceedingfairdamselcalledtheHostage，whowasoftheHouseoftheRose，whereinitwasrightandduethatthemenoftheRavenshouldwed。
Shelovedhimnoless，andnomanofthekindredgainsaidtheirlove，andtheyweretobeweddedonMidsummerNight。
Butonedayofearlyspring，whenthedayswereyetshortandthenightslong，Hallblithesatbeforetheporchofthehousesmoothinganashstaveforhisspear，andheheardthesoundofhorse-hoofsdrawingnigh，andhelookedupandsawfolkridingtowardthehouse，andsopresentlytheyrodethroughthegarthgate;andtherewasnomanbutheaboutthehouse，soheroseupandwenttomeetthem，andhesawthattheywerebutthreeincompany：theyhadweaponswiththem，andtheirhorseswereofthebest;buttheywerenofellowshipforamantobeafraidof;fortwoofthemwereoldandfeeble，andthethirdwasdarkandsad，anddroopingofaspect：itseemedasiftheyhadriddenfarandfast，fortheirspurswerebloodyandtheirhorsesalla-sweat。
Hallblithehailedthemkindlyandsaid：\"Yeareway-worn，andmaybeyehavetoridefurther;solightdownandcomeintothehouse，andtakebiteandsup，andhayandcornalsoforyourhorses;andthenifyeneedsmustrideonyourway，departwhenyearerested;orelseifyemay，thenabideherenight-long，andgoyourwaysto-morrow，andmeantimethatwhichisoursshallbeyours，andallshallbefreetoyou。\"
Thenspaketheoldestoftheeldersinahighpipingvoiceandsaid：
\"Youngman，wethankthee;butthoughthedaysofthespringtidearewaxing，thehoursofourlivesarewaning;normayweabideunlessthoucansttrulytellusthatthisistheLandoftheGlitteringPlain：andifthatbeso，thendelaynot，leadustothylord，andperhapshewillmakeuscontent。\"
Spakehewhowassomewhatlessstrickeninyearsthanthefirst：
\"Thankshavethou！butweneedsomethingmorethanmeatanddrink，towittheLandofLivingMen。AndOh！butthetimepresses。\"
Spakethesadandsorrycarle：\"WeseektheLandwherethedaysaremany：somanythathewhohathforgottenhowtolaugh，maylearnthecraftagain，andforgetthedaysofSorrow。\"
Thentheyallthreecriedaloudandsaid：
\"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？\"
ButHallblithewondered，andhelaughedandsaid：\"Wayfarers，lookunderthesundowntheplainwhichliethbetwixtthemountainsandthesea，andyeshallbeholdthemeadowsallgleamingwiththespringlilies;yetdowenotcallthistheGlitteringPlain，butClevelandbytheSea。Heremendiewhentheirhourcomes，norknowIifthedaysoftheirlifebelongenoughfortheforgettingofsorrow;forI
amyoungandnotyetayokefellowofsorrow;butthisIknow，thattheyarelongenoughforthedoingofdeedsthatshallnotdie。AndasforLord，Iknownotthisword，forheredwellwe，thesonsoftheRaven，ingoodfellowship，withourwivesthatwehavewedded，andourmotherswhohaveborneus，andoursisterswhoserveus。AgainI
bidyoulightdownoffyourhorses，andeatanddrink，andbemerry;
anddepartwhenyewill，toseekwhatlandyewill。\"
Theyscarcelookedonhim，butcriedouttogethermournfully：
\"ThisisnottheLand！ThisisnottheLand！\"
Nomorethanthattheysaid，butturnedabouttheirhorsesandrodeoutthroughthegarthgate，andwentclatteringuptheroadthatledtothepassofthemountains。ButHallblithehearkenedwondering，tillthesoundoftheirhorse-hoofsdiedaway，andthenturnedbacktohiswork：anditwasthentwohoursafterhigh-noon。
CHAPTERII：EVILTIDINGSCOMETOHANDATCLEVELAND
Notlonghadheworkedereheheardthesoundofhorsehoofsoncemore，andhelookednotup，butsaidtohimself，\"Itisbuttheladsbringingbacktheteamsfromtheacres，andridingfastanddrivinghardforjoyofheartandinwantonnessofyouth。\"
Butthesoundgrewnearerandhelookedupandsawovertheturfwallofthegarththeflutterofwhiteraiment;andhesaid：
\"Nay，itisthemaidenscomingbackfromtheseashoreandthegatheringofwrack。\"
Sohesethimselfthehardertohiswork，andlaughed，allaloneashewas，andsaid：\"Sheiswiththem：nowIwillnotlookupagaintilltheyhaveriddenintothegarth，andshehascomefromamongthem，andleaptoffherhorse，andcastherarmsaboutmyneckasherwontis;anditwillrejoiceherthentomockmewithhardwordsandkindvoiceandlongingheart;andIshalllongforherandkissher，andsweetshallthecomingdaysseemtous：andthedaughtersofourfolkshalllookonandbekindandblithewithus。\"
Therewithrodethemaidensintothegarth，butheheardnosoundoflaughterormerrimentamongstthem，whichwascontrarytotheirwont;
andhisheartfell，anditwasasifinsteadofthemaidens’laughterthevoicesofthosewayfarerscamebackuponthewindcryingout，\"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？\"
Thenhelookeduphastily，andsawthemaidensdrawingnear，tenoftheHouseoftheRaven，andthreeoftheHouseoftheRose;andhebeheldthemthattheirfaceswerepaleandwoe-begone，andtheirraimentrent，andtherewasnojoyinthem。Hallblithestoodaghastwhileonewhohadgottenoffherhorse（andshewasthedaughterofhisownmother）ranpasthimintothehall，lookingnotathim，asifshedurstnot：andanotherrodeoffswiftlytothehorse-stalls。
Buttheothers，leavingtheirhorses，drewroundabouthim，andforawhilenonedurstutteraword;andhestoodgazingatthem，withthespoke-shaveinhishand，healsosilent;forhesawthattheHostagewasnotwiththem，andheknewthatnowhewastheyokefellowofsorrow。
Atlasthespokegentlyandinakindvoice，andsaid：\"Tellme，sisters，whatevilhathbefallenus，evenifitbethedeathofadearfriend，andthethingthatmaynotbeamended。\"
ThenspokeafairwomanoftheRose，whosenamewasBrightling，andsaid：\"Hallblithe，itisnotofdeaththatwehavetotell，butofsundering，whichmayyetbeamended。WewereonthesandoftheseanightheShip-steadandtheRollersoftheRaven，andweweregatheringthewrackandplayingtogether;andwesawaround-shipnightoshorelyingwithhersheetslack，andhersailbeatingthemast;butwedeemedittobenoneotherthansomebarkoftheFish-
biters，andthoughtnoharmthereof，butwentonrunningandplayingamidstthelittlewavesthatfellonthesand，andtheripplesthatcurledaroundourfeet。Atlasttherecameasmallboatfromthesideoftheround-ship，androwedintowardshore，andstillwefearednot，thoughwedrewalittleabackfromthesurfandletfallourgown-hems。Butthecrewofthatboatbeachedherclosetowherewestood，andcamehastilywadingthesurftowardsus;andwesawthattheyweretwelveweaponedmen，great，andgrim，andallcladinblackraiment。Thenindeedwereweafraid，andweturnedaboutandfledupthebeach;butnowitwastoolate，forthetidewasatmorethanhalfebbandlongwasthewayoverthesandtotheplacewherewehadleftourhorsestiedamongthetamarisk-bushes。Neverthelessweran，andhadgottenuptothepebble-beachbeforetheyraninamongstus：andtheycaughtus，andcastusdownontothehardstones。
\"Thentheymadeussitinarowonaridgeofthepebbles;andweweresoreafraid，yetmorefordefilementattheirhandsthanfordeath;fortheywereevil-lookingmenexceedingfouloffavour。Thensaidoneofthem：’WhichofallyoumaidensistheHostageoftheHouseoftheRose？’
\"Thenallwekeptsilence，forwewouldnotbetrayher。Buttheevilmanspakeagain：’Chooseyethenwhetherweshalltakeone，orallofyouacrossthewatersinourblackship。’Yetstillweothersspakenot，tillarosethybeloved，OHallblithe，andsaid：
\"’Letitbeonethen，andnotall;forIamtheHostage。’
\"’Howshaltthoumakeussurethereof？’saidtheevilcarle。
\"Shelookedonhimproudlyandsaid：’BecauseIsayit。’
\"’Wiltthouswearit？’saidhe。
\"’Yea，’saidshe，’IswearitbythetokenoftheHousewhereinI
shallwed;bythewingsoftheFowlthatseekeththeFieldofSlaying。’
\"’Itisenough，’saidtheman，’comethouwithus。Andyemaidenssityethere，andmovenottillwehavemadewayonourship，unlessyewouldfeelthepointofthearrow。Foryearewithinbowshotoftheship，andwehaveshotweaponsaboard。’
\"SotheHostagedepartedwiththem，andsheunweeping，butweweptsorely。Andwesawthesmallboatcomeuptothesideoftheround-
ship，andtheHostagegoingoverthegunwalealongwiththoseevilmen，andweheardthehaleandhowofthemarinersastheydrewuptheanchorandsheetedhome;andthenthesweepscameoutandtheshipbegantomoveoverthesea。Andoneofthoseevil-mindedmenbenthisbowandshotashaftatus，butitfellfarshortofwherewesat，andthelaughofthoserunagatescameoverthesandstous。
Sowecreptupthebeachtrembling，andthenrosetoourfeetandgottoourhorses，androdehitherspeedily，andourheartsarebrokenforthysorrow。\"
AtthatwordcameHallblithe’sownsisteroutfromthehall;andsheboreweaponswithher，towitHallblithe’sswordandshieldandhelmandhauberk。Asforhimheturnedbacksilentlytohiswork，andsetthesteelofthespearonthenewashenshaft，andtookthehammerandsmotethenailin，andlaidtheweapononaroundpebblethatwasthereby，andclenchedthenailontheotherside。Thenhelookedabout，andsawthattheotherdamselhadbroughthimhiscoal-blackwar-horsereadysaddledandbridled;thenhedidonhisarmour，andgirthisswordtohissideandleaptintothesaddle，andtookhisnew-shaftedspearinhandandshooktherein。Butnoneofallthosedamselsdurstsayawordtohimoraskhimwhitherhewent，fortheyfearedhisface，andthesorrowofhisheart。Sohegothimoutofthegarthandturnedtowardthesea-shore，andtheysawtheglitterofhisspear-pointaminuteovertheturf-wall，andheardtheclatterofhishorse-hoofsashegallopedoverthehardway;andthushedeparted。
CHAPTERIII：THEWARRIORSOFTHERAVENSEARCHTHESEAS
Thenthewomenbethoughtthem，andtheyspakeawordortwotogether，andthentheysunderedandwentonethiswayandonethat，togathertogetherthewarriorsoftheRavenwhowerea-field，orontheway，nighuntothehouse，thattheymightfollowHallblithedowntothesea-shoreandhelphim;afterawhiletheycamebackagainbyoneandtwoandthree，bringingwiththemthewrathfulyoungmen;andwhentherewasupwardofascoregatheredinthegartharmedandhorsed，theyrodetheirwaystothesea，beingmindedtothrustalong-shipoftheRavensoutovertheRollersintothesea，andfollowthestrong-thievesofthewatersandbringa-backtheHostage，sothattheymightendthesorrowatonce，andestablishjoyoncemoreintheHouseoftheRavenandtheHouseoftheRose。Buttheyhadwiththemthreeladsoffifteenwintersorthereaboutstoleadtheirhorsesbackhomeagain，whentheyshouldhavegoneupontotheHorseoftheBrine。
Thusthentheydeparted，andthemaidensstoodinthegarth-gatetilltheylostsightofthembehindthesandhills，andthenturnedbacksorrowfullyintothehouse，andsattheretalkinglowoftheirsorrow。Andmanyatimetheyhadtotelltheirtaleanew，asfolkcameintothehalloneafteranotherfromfieldandfell。Buttheyoungmencamedowntothesea，andfoundHallblithe’sblackhorsestrayingaboutamongstthetamarisk-bushesabovethebeach;andtheylookedthenceoverthesand，andsawneitherHallblithenoranyman：
andtheygazedoutseaward，andsawneithershipnorsailonthebarrenbrine。Thentheywentdownontothesand，andsunderedtheirfellowship，andwenthalfoneway，halftheother，betwixtthesandhillsandthesurf，wherenowthetidewasflowing，tillthenessesoftheeastandthewest，thehornsofthebay，stayedthem。
ThentheymettogetheragainbytheRollers，whenthesunwaswithinanhourofsetting。ThereandthentheylaidhandtothatshipwhichiscalledtheSeamew，andtheyranherdownovertheRollersintothewaves，andleaptaboardandhoistedsail，andranouttheoarsandputtosea;andalittlewindwasblowingseawardfromthegatesofthemountainsbehindthem。
Sotheyquarteredthesea-plain，asthekestreldoththewater-
meadows，tillthenightfellonthem，andwascloudy，thoughwhilesthewadingmoonshoneout;andtheyhadseennothing，neithersailnorship，noraughtelseonthebarrenbrine，savethewashingofwavesandthehoveringofsea-fowl。Sotheylay-tooutsidethehornsofthebayandawaitedthedawning。Andwhenmorningwascometheymadewayagain，andsearchedthesea，andsailedtotheout-skerries，andsearchedthemwithcare;thentheysailedintothemainandfaredhitherandthitherandupanddown：andthistheydidforeightdays，andinallthattimetheysawnoshipnorsail，savethreebarksoftheFish-bitersnightotheSkerrywhichiscalledMew-
stone。
SotheyfaredhometotheRavenBay，andlaidtheirkeelontheRollers，andsowenttheirwayssadly，hometotheHouseoftheRaven：andtheydeemedthatforthistimetheycoulddonomoreinseekingtheirvaliantkinsmanandhisfairdamsel。Andtheywereverysorry;forthesetwowerewell-belovedofallmen。Butsincetheymightnotamendit，theyabodeinpeace，awaitingwhatthechangeofdaysmightbringthem。
CHAPTERIV：NOWHALLBLITHETAKETHTHESEA
NowmustitbetoldofHallblithethatherodefiercelydowntothesea-shore，andfromthetopofthebeachhegazedabouthim，andtherebelowhimwastheShip-steadandRollersofhiskindred，whereonlaythethreelong-ships，theSeamew，andtheOspreyandtheErne。Heavyandhugetheyseemedtohimastheylaythere，black-
sided，icy-coldwiththewashingoftheMarchwaves，theirgoldendragon-headslookingseawardwistfully。Butfirsthadhelookedoutintotheoffing，anditwasonlywhenhehadlethiseyescomebackfromwheretheseaandskymet，andtheyhadbeheldnothingbutthewasteofwaters，thathebeheldtheShip-steadclosely;andtherewithhesawwherealittletothewestofitlayaskiff，whichthelowwaveofthetideliftedandletfallfromtimetotime。Ithadamast，andablacksailhoistedthereonandflappingwithslackenedsheet。Amansatintheboatcladinblackraiment，andthesunsmoteagleamfromthehelmonhishead。ThenHallblitheleaptoffhishorse，andstrodedownthesandsshoulderinghisspear;andwhenhecameneartothemanintheboathepoisedhisspearandshookitandcriedout：\"Man，artthoufriendorfoe？\"
Saidtheman：\"Thouartafairyoungman：butthereisgriefinthyvoicealongwithwrath。Castnottillthouhastheardme，andmaystdeemwhetherImaydoaughttohealthygrief。\"
\"Whatmaystthoudo？\"saidHallblithe;\"artthounotarobberofthesea，aharrierofthefolksthatdwellinpeace？\"
Themanlaughed：\"Yea，\"saidhe，\"mycraftisthievingandcarryingoffthedaughtersoffolk，sothatwemayhavearansomforthem。
Wiltthoucomeoverthewaterswithme？\"
Hallblithesaidwrathfully：
\"Nay，rather，comethouashorehere！Thouseemestabigman，andbelikeshallbegoodofthinehands。Comeandfightwithme;andthenheofuswhoisvanquished，ifhebeunslain，shallservetheotherforayear，andthenshaltthoudomybusinessintheransoming。\"
Themanintheboatlaughedagain，andthatsoscornfullythatheangeredHallblithebeyondmeasure：thenhearoseintheboatandstoodonhisfeetswayingfromsidetosideashelaughed。Hewaspassingbig，long-armedandbig-headed，andlonghaircamefromunderhishelmlikethetailofaredhorse;hiseyesweregreyandgleaming，andhismouthwide。
Inawhilehestayedhislaughterandsaid：\"OWarrioroftheRaven，thiswereasimplegamefortheetoplay;thoughitisnotfarfrommymind，forfightingwhenIneedsmustwinisnodullwork。Lookyou，ifIslayorvanquishthee，thenallissaid;andifbysomechancestrokethouslayestme，thenisthineonlyhelperinthismattergonefromthee。Nowtobeshort，Ibidtheecomeaboardtomeifthouwouldsteverhearanotherwordofthydamselbetrothed。Andmoreoverthisneednothindertheetofightwithmeifthouhastamindtoitthereafter;forweshallsooncometoalandbigenoughfortwotostandon。Orifthoulistesttofightinaboatrockingonthewaves，Iseenotbuttheremaybemanhoodinthatalso。\"
NowwasthehotwrathsomewhatrunoffHallblithe，nordurstheloseanychancetohearawordofhisbeloved;sohesaid：\"Bigman，I
willcomeaboard。Butlookthoutoit，ifthouhastamindtobewrayme;forthesonsoftheRavendiehard。\"
\"Well，\"saidthebigman，\"Ihaveheardthattheirminstrelsareofmanywords，andthinkthattheyhavetalestotell。Comeaboardandloiternot。\"ThenHallblithewadedthesurfandlightlystrodeoverthegunwaleoftheskiffandsathimdown。Thebigmanthrustoutintothedeepandhaledhomethesheet;buttherewasbutlittlewind。
ThensaidHallblithe：\"Wiltthouhavemerow，forIwotnotwhitherwardtosteer？\"
Saidtheredcarle：\"Maybethouartnotinahurry;Iamnot：doasthouwilt。\"SoHallblithetooktheoarsandrowedmightily，whilethealiensteered，andtheywentswiftlyandlightlyoverthesea，andthewaveswerelittle。
CHAPTERV：THEYCOMEUNTOTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Sothesungrewlow，anditset;thestarsandthemoonshoneawhileandthenitcloudedover。Hallblithestillrowedandrestednot，thoughhewasweary;andthebigmansatandsteered，andheldhispeace。Butwhenthenightwasgrownoldanditwasnotfarfromthedawn，thealiensaid：\"YounglingoftheRavens，nowshaltthousleepandIwillrow。\"
Hallblithewasexceedingweary;sohegavetheoarstothealienandlaydowninthesternandslept。AndinhissleephedreamedthathewaslyingintheHouseoftheRaven，andhissisterscametohimandsaid，\"Riseupnow，Hallblithe！wiltthoubeasluggardonthedayofthywedding？ComethouwithustotheHouseoftheRosethatwemaybearawaytheHostage。\"Thenhedreamedthattheydeparted，andhearoseandcladhimself：butwhenhewouldhavegoneoutofthehall，thenwasitnolongerdaylight，butmoonlight，andhedreamedthathehaddreamed：neverthelesshewouldhavegoneabroad，butmightnotfindthedoor;sohesaidhewouldgooutbyawindow;butthewallwashighandsmooth（quiteotherthanintheHouseoftheRaven，wherewerelowwindowsallalongoneaisle），norwasthereanywaytocomeatthem。Buthedreamedthathewassoabashedthereat，andhadsuchaweaknessonhim，thatheweptforpityofhimself：andhewenttohisbedtoliedown;andlo！therewasnobedandnohall;
noughtbutaheath，wildandwide，andemptyunderthemoon。Andstillheweptinhisdream，andhismanhoodseemeddepartedfromhim，andheheardavoicecryingout，\"IsthistheLand？IsthistheLand？\"
Therewithalheawoke，andashiseyesclearedhebeheldthebigmanrowingandtheblacksailflappingagainstthemast;forthewindhadfallendeadandtheywerefaringonoveralongsmoothswellofthesea。Itwasbroaddaylight，butroundaboutthemwasathickmist，whichseemednonethelessasifthesunwerereadytoshinethroughit。
AsHallblithecaughttheredman’seye，hesmiledandnoddedonhimandsaid：\"Nowhasthetimecomefortheefirsttoeatandthentorow。Buttellmewhatisthatuponthycheeks？\"
Hallblithe，reddeningsomewhat，said：\"Thenightdewhathfallenonme。\"
Quoththesea-rover，\"Itisnoshamefortheeayounglingtorememberthybetrothedinthysleep，andtoweepbecausethoulackesther。
Butnowbestirthee，foritislaterthanthoumayestdeem。\"
Therewiththebigmandrewintheoarsandcametotheafterpartoftheboat，anddrewmeatanddrinkoutofalockerthereby;andtheyateanddranktogether，andHallblithegrewstrongandsomewhatlessdowncast;andhewentforwardandgattheoarsintohishands。
Thenthebigredmanstoodupandlookedoverhisleftshoulderandsaid：\"Soonshallwehaveabreezeandbrightweather。\"
Thenhelookedintothemidmostofthesailandfella-whistlingsuchatuneasthefiddlesplaytodancingmenandmaidsatYule-tide，andhiseyesgleamedandglitteredtherewithal，andexceedingbighelooked。ThenHallblithefeltalittleaironhischeek，andthemistgrewthinner，andthesailbegantofillwithwindtillthesheettightened：then，lo！themistrisingfromthefaceofthesea，andthesea’sfaceripplinggailyunderabrightsun。Thenthewindincreased，andthewallofmistdepartedandafewlightcloudsspedoverthesky，andthesailswelledandtheboatheeledover，andtheseasfellwhitefromtheprow，andtheyspedfastoverthefaceofthewaters。
Thenlaughedthered-hairedman，andsaid：\"Ocroakeronthedeadbranch，nowisthewindsuchthatnorowingofthinemaycatchupwithit：soinwiththeoarsnow，andturnabout，andthoushaltseewhitherwardwearegoing。\"
ThenHallblitheturnedaboutonthethwartandlookedacrossthesea，andlo！beforethemthehighcliffsandcragsandmountainsofanewlandwhichseemedtobeanisle，andtheyweredeepblueunderthesun，whichnowshonealoftinthemidheaven。Hesaidnoughtatall，butsatlookingandwonderingwhatlanditmightbe;butthebigmansaid：\"Otombofwarriors，isitnotasifthebluenessofthedeepseahadheaveditselfupaloft，andturnedfromcolouredairintorockandstone，sowondrousblueitis？Butthatisbecausethosecragsandmountainsaresofaraway，andaswedrawnighertothem，thoushaltseethemastheyverilyare，thattheyarecoal-black;andyonderlandisanisle，andiscalledtheIsleofRansom。Thereinshallbethemarketfortheewherethoumaystcheapenthybetrothed。
Theremaystthoutakeherbythehandandleadherawaythence，whenthouhastdealtwiththechapmanofmaidensandhastpledgedtheebythefowlofbattle，andtheedgeofthefallowbladetopaythatwhichhewillhaveofthee。\"
Asthebigmanspoketherewasamockinginhisvoiceandhisfaceandinhiswholehugebody，whichmadetheswordofHallblitheuneasyinhisscabbard;butherefrainedhiswrath，andsaid：\"Bigman，thelongerIlook，thelessIcanthinkhowwearetocomeupontoyonderisland;forIcanseenoughtbutahugecliff，andgreatmountainsrisingbeyondit。\"
\"Thoushaltthemorewonder，\"saidthealien，\"thenigherthoudrawestthereto;foritisnotbecausewearefarawaythatthoucanstseenobeachorstrand，orslopingofthelandseaward，butbecausethereisnoughtofallthesethings。Yetfearnot！amInotwiththee？thoushaltcomeashoreontheIsleofRansom。\"
ThenHallblitheheldhispeace，andtheotherspakenotforawhile，butgaveashortlaughonceortwice;andsaidatlastinabigvoice，\"LittleCarrion-biter，whydostthounotaskmeofmyname？\"
NowHallblithewasatallmanandafellfighter;buthesaid：
\"BecauseIwasthinkingofotherthingsandnotofthee。\"
\"Well，\"saidthebigman，inavoicestilllouder，\"whenIamathomemencallmethePunyFox。\"
ThenHallblithesaid：\"ArtthouaFox？Itmaywellbethatthoushaltbeguilemeassuchbeastswillbutlooktoit，thatifthoudostIshallknowhowtoavengeme。\"
Thenroseupthebigmanfromthehelm，andstraddledwideintheboat，andcriedoutinagreatroaringvoice：\"Crag-nester，Iamoneofsevenbrethren，andthesmallestandweakestofthem。Artthounotafraid？\"
\"No，\"saidHallblithe，\"forthesixothersarenothere。Wiltthoufighthereinboat，OFox？\"
\"Nay，\"saidFox，\"ratherwewilldrinkacupofwinetogether。\"
Soheopenedthelockeragainanddrewoutthenceagreathornofsomehugeneatoftheoutlands，whichwasgirthedandstoppedwithsilver，andalsoagoldencup，andhefilledthecupfromthehornandgaveitintoHallblithe’shandandsaid：\"Drink，Oblack-fledgednestling！Butcallahealthoverthecupifthouwilt。\"SoHallblitheraisedthecupaloftandcried：\"HealthtotheHouseoftheRavenandtothemthatloveit！anilldaytoitsfoemen！\"Thenhesethislipstothecupanddrank;andthatwineseemedtohimbetterandstrongerthananyhehadevertasted。ButwhenhehadgiventhecupbackagaintoFox，thatredonefilleditagain，andcriedoverit，\"TheTreasureoftheSea！andtheKingthatdiethnot！\"Thenhedrank，andfilledagainforHallblithe，andsteeredwithhiskneesmeanwhile;andthustheydrankthreecupseach，andFoxsmiledandwaspeacefulandsaidbutlittle，butHallblithesatwonderinghowtheworldwaschangedforhimsinceyesterday。
Butnowwastheskyblownallclearofcloudsandthewindpipedshrillbehindthem，andthegreatwavesroseandfellaboutthem，andthesunglitteredontheminmanycolours。Fastflewtheboatbeforethewindasthoughitwouldneverstop，andthedaywaswaning，andthewindstillrising;andnowtheIsleofRansomuphovehugebeforethem，andcoal-black，andnobeachandnohavenwastobeseentherein;andstilltheyranbeforethewindtowardsthatblackcliff-
wall，againstwhichtheseawashedforever，andnokeeleverbuiltbymanmightliveforonemoment’twixtthesurfandthecliffofthatgrimland。Thesungrewlow，andsankredunderthesea，andthatworldofstoneswalloweduphalftheheavensbeforethem，fortheywerenowcomeverynighthereto;norcouldHallblitheseeaughtforit，butthattheymustbedashedagainstthecliffandperishinamomentoftime。
Stilltheboatflewon;butnowwhenthetwilightwascome，andtheyhadjustopenedupalongreachofthecliffthatlaybeyondahighness，Hallblithethoughthesawdownbytheedgeoftheseasomethingdarkerthanthefaceoftherock-wall，andhedeemeditwasacave：
theycamealittlenearerandhesawitwasagreatcavehighenoughtoletaround-shipgoinwithallhersailsset。
\"SonoftheRaven，\"quothFox，\"hearken，forthyheartisnotlittle。
YonderisthegateintotheIsleofRansom，andifthouwilt，thoumaystgothroughit。YetitmaybethatifthougoestashoreontotheIslesomethinggrievousshallbefallthee，atroublemorethanthoucanstbear：ashameitmaybe。Nowtherearetwochoicesforthee：eithertogoupontotheIsleandfaceall;ortodieherebymyhandhavingdonenothingunmanlyorshameful：Whatsayestthou？\"
\"Thouartofmanywordswhentimesopresses，Fox，\"saidHallblithe。
\"WhyshouldInotchoosetogoupontotheIslandtodelivermytrothplightmaiden？Fortherest，slaymeifthoucanst，ifwecomealiveoutofthiscauldronofwaters。\"
Saidthebigredman：\"Lookonthen，andnoteFoxhowhesteereth，asitwerethroughaneedle’seye。\"
Nowweretheyunderneaththeblackshadowoftheblackcliffandamidstthetwilightthesurfwastossedaboutlikewhitefire。Inthelowerheavensthestarswerebeginningtotwinkleandthemoonwasbrightandyellow，andaloftallwaspeaceful，fornocloudsulliedthesky。OnemomentHallblithesawallthishangingabovetheturmoilofthunderingwateranddrippingrockandthenexthewasinthedarknessofthecave，theroaringwindandthewavesstillmakingthunderabouthim，thoughofadifferentvoicefromtheharshhubbubwithout。ThenheheardFoxsay：\"Sitdownnowandtaketheoars，forpresentlyshallwebeathomeatthelandingplace。\"
SoHallblithetooktheoarsandrowed，andastheywentupthecavetheseafell，andthewinddiedoutintotheaimlessgustinessofhollowplaces;andforalittlewhilewasallasdarkasdarkmightbe。ThenHallblithesawthatthedarknessgrewalittlegreyer，andhelookedoverhisshoulderandsawastaroflightbeforethebowsoftheboat，andFoxcriedout：\"Yea，itislikeday;brightwillthemoonbeforsuchasneedsmustbewayfaringto-night！Ceaserowing，OSonofthecoal-bluefowl，forthereiswayenoughonher。\"
ThenHallblithelayonhisoars，andinaminutethebowssmotetheland;thenheturnedaboutandsawasteepstairofstone，anduptheslopingshaftthereofthemoonlitskyandthebrightstars。ThenFoxaroseandcameforwardandleaptoutoftheboatandmooredhertoabigstone：thenheleaptbackagainandsaid：\"Bearahandwiththevictuals;wemustbringthemoutoftheboatunlessthouwiltsleepsupperless，asIwillnot。Forto-nightmustwebegueststoourselves，sinceitisfartothedwellingofmypeople，andtheoldmanissaidtobeaskin-changer，aflit-by-night。Andastothiscave，itisdeemedtobenowisesafetosleeptherein，unlessthesleeperhaveadoubleshareofluck。Andthyluck，meseemeth，OSonoftheRaven，isasnowsomewhatlessthanasingleshare。Soto-
nightweshallsleepunderthenakedheaven。\"
Hallblitheyea-saidthis，andtheytookthemeatanddrink，suchastheyneeded，fromouttheboat，andclimbedthesteepstairnolittleway，andsocameoutontoaplainplace，whichseemedtoHallblithebareandwastesofarashesawitbythemoonlight;forthetwilightwasgonenow，andnoughtwasleftofthelightofdaysaveaglimmerinthewest。
ThisHallblithedeemedwonderful，thatnolessoutontheopenheathandbrowofthelandthanintheshut-incave，allthattumultofthewindhadfallen，andthecloudlessnightwascalm，andwithalittleairblowingfromthesouthandthelandward。
TherewithalwasFoxdonewithhisloud-voicedbraggartmood，andspokegentlyandpeaceablyliketoawayfarer，whohathbusinessofhistolooktoasothermen。Nowhepointedtocertainrocksorlowcragsthatalittlewayoffroselikeareefoutofthetreelessplain;thensaidhe：\"Shipmate，underneathyonderrocksisourresting-placeforto-night;andIpraytheenottodeemmechurlishthatIgivetheenobetterharbour。ButIhaveachargeovertheetobringtheesafethusfaronthyquest;andthouwouldstfindithardtoliveamongsuchhousematesasthouwouldstfindupyonderamongstourfolksto-night。Buttomorrowshaltthoucometospeechwithhimwhowilldealwiththeeconcerningtheransom。\"
\"Itisenough，\"saidHallblithe，\"andIthanktheeforthyleading：
andasforthyroughanduncomelywordswhichthouhastgivenme，I
pardontheeforthem：forIamnonetheworseofthem：forsooth，ifIhadbeen，myswordwouldhavehadavoiceinthematter。\"
\"Iamwellcontentasitis，SonoftheRaven，\"quothFox;\"Ihavedonemybiddingandalliswell。\"
\"Tellmethenwhoitishathbiddentheebringmehither？\"
\"Imaynottellthee，\"saidFox;\"thouarthere，becontent，asI
am。\"
Andhespakenomoretilltheyhadcometothereefaforesaid，whichwassometwofurlongsfromtheplacewheretheyhadcomefromoutofthecave。Therethentheysetforththeirsupperonthestones，andatewhattheywould，anddrankofthatgoodstrongwinewhilethehornbareout。AndnowwasFoxoffewwords，andwhenHallblitheaskedhimconcerningthatland，hehadlittletosay。AndatlastwhenHallblitheaskedhimofthatsoperiloushouseandthosewhomannedit，hesaidtohim：
\"SonoftheRaven，itavailsnotaskingofthesematters;forifI
telltheeaughtconcerningthemIshalltelltheelies。Onceagainletitbeenoughfortheethatthouhastpassedovertheseasafelyonthyquest;andamoreperilousseaitisforsooththanthoudeemest。Butnowletushaveanendofvainwords，andmakeourbedamidstthesestonesasbestwemay;forweshouldbestirringbetimesinthemorning。\"Hallblithesaidlittleinanswer，andtheyarrayedtheirsleepingplacescunningly，astheharedothherform，andlikemenwellusedtolyingabroad。
Hallblithewasverywearyandhesoonfellasleep;andashelaythere，hedreamedadream，ormaybesawavision;whetherhewereasleepwhenhesawit，orbetweensleepingandwaking，Iknownot。
Butthiswashisdreamorhisvision;thattheHostagewasstandingoverhim，andsheashehadseenherbutyesterday，bright-hairedandruddy-cheekedandwhite-skinned，kindofhandandsoftofvoice，andshesaidtohim：\"Hallblithe，lookonmeandhearken，forIhaveamessageforthee。\"Andhelookedandlongedforher，andhissoulwasravishedbythesweetnessofhislonging，andhewouldhaveleaptupandcasthisarmsabouther，butsleepandthedreamboundhim，andhemightnot。Thentheimagesmiledonhimandsaid：\"Nay，mylove，liestill，forthoumaystnottouchme：hereisbuttheimageofthebodywhichthoudesirest。Hearkenthen。Iaminevilplight，inthehandsofstrong-thievesofthesea，norknowIwhattheywilldowithme，andIhavenowilltobeshamed;tobesoldforapricefromonehandtoanother，yettobebeddedwithoutaprice，andtoliebesidesomefoe-manofourfolk，andhetocasthisarmsaboutme，willI，willInot：thisisahardcase。Thereforeto-morrowmorningatdaybreakwhilemensleep，Ithinktostealforthtothegunwaleoftheblackshipandgivemyselftothegods，thattheyandnottheserunagatesmaybemastersofmylifeandmysoul，andmaydowithmeastheywill：forindeedtheyknowthatImaynotbearthestrangekinlesshouse，andtheloveandcaressingofthealienhouse-
master，andthemockingandstripesofthealienhouse-mistress。
ThereforelettheHoaryOneoftheseatakemeandlooktomymatters，andcarrymetolifeordeath，which-sohewill。Thinnowgrowsthenight，butliestillalittleyet，whileIspeakanotherword。
\"Maybeweshallmeetaliveagain，andmaybenot：andifnot，thoughwehaveneveryetlaininonebedtogether，yetIwouldhavetheerememberme：yetnotsothatmyimageshallcomebetweentheeandthyspeech-friendandbed-fellowofthekindred，thatshallliewhereIwastohavelain。Yetagain，ifIliveandthoulivest，IhavebeentoldandhaveheardthatbyonewayorotherIamliketocometotheGlitteringPlain，andtheLandofLivingMen。Omybeloved，ifbyanywaythoumightestcomethitheralso，andwemightmeetthere，andwetwoalive，howgooditwere！Seekthatlandthen，beloved！seekit，whetherornoweoncemorebeholdtheHouseoftheRose，ortreadtheflooroftheRavendwelling。Andnowmusteventhisimageofmesunderfromthee。Farewell！\"
Therewithwasthedreamdoneandthevisiondeparted;andHallblithesatupfullofanguishandlonging;andhelookedabouthimoverthedrearyland，anditwassomewhatlightandtheskywasgrowngreyandcloudy，andhedeemedthatthedawnwascome。SoheleapttohisfeetandstoopeddownoverFox，andtookhimbytheshoulder，andshookhimandsaid：\"Faring-fellow，awake！thedawniscome，andwehavemuchtodo。\"
Foxsatupandgrowledlikeadog，andrubbedhiseyesandlookedabouthimandsaid：\"Thouhastwakedmefornought：itisthefalsedawnofthemoonthatshinethnowbehindthecloudsandcastethnoshadow;itisbutanhouraftermidnight。Gotosleepagain，andletmebe，elsewillInotbeaguidetotheewhenthedaycomes。\"Andhelaydownandwasasleepatonce。ThenHallblithewentandlaydownagainfullofsorrow：Yetsowearywashethathepresentlyfellasleep，anddreamednomore。
CHAPTERVI：OFADWELLINGOFMANONTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Whenheawokeagainthesunshoneonhim，andthemorningwascalmandwindless。Hesatupandlookedabouthim，butcouldseenosignsofFoxsavethelairwhereinhehadlain。Sohearosetohisfeetandsoughtforhimaboutthecranniesoftherocks，andfoundhimnot;andheshoutedforhim，andhadnoanswer。Thenhesaid，\"Belikehehasgonedowntotheboattoputathingin，ortakeathingout。\"Sohewenthiswaystothestairdownintothewater-
cave，andhecalledonFoxfromthetopofthestair，andhadnoanswer。
Sohewentdownthatlongstairwithamisgivinginhisheart，andwhenhecametothelaststeptherewasneithermannorboat，noraughtelsesavethewaterandthelivingrock。Thenwasheexceedingwroth，forheknewthathehadbeenbeguiled，andhewasinanevilcase，leftaloneonanIslethatheknewnot，awasteanddesolateland，whereitseemedmostlikeheshoulddieoffamine。
HewastednobreathormightnowincryingoutforFox，orseekinghim;forhesaidtohimself：\"Imightwellhaveknownthathewasfalseandaliar，whereashecouldscarcerefrainhisjoyatmyfollyandhisguile。Nowisitformetostriveforlifeagainstdeath。\"
Thenheturnedandwentslowlyupthestair，andcameoutontotheopenfaceofthatIsle，andhesawthatitwaswasteindeed，anddreadful：awildernessofblacksandandstonesandice-bornerocks，withhereandtherealittlegrassgrowinginthehollows，andhereandthereadrearymirewherethewhite-tuftedrushesshookinthewind，andhereandtherestretchesofmossblendedwithred-blossomedsengreen;andotherwherenoughtbutthewind-bittencreepingwillowclingingtotheblacksand，withawhitebleachedstickandaleafortwo，andagainastickandaleaf。Intheoffinglookinglandwardweregreatmountains，someverygreatandsnow-capped，somebaretothetops;andallthatwasfaraway，savethesnow，wasdeep-blueinthesunnymorning。Butabouthimontheheathwerescatteredrockslikethereefbeneathwhichhehadsleptthelastnight，andpeaks，andhammers，andknollsofuncouthshapes。
Thenhewenttotheedgeofthecliffsandlookeddownontheseawhichlaywrinkledandripplingontowardtheshorefarbelowhim，andlonghegazedthereonandallabout，butcouldseeneithershipnorsail，noraughtelsesavethewashingofwavesandthehoveringofseafowl。
Thenhesaid：\"WereitnotwellifIweretoseekthathouse-masterofwhomFoxspake？MighthenotflitmeatleasttotheLandoftheGlitteringPlain？Woeisme！nowamIofthatwofulcompany，andI
alsomustneedscryout，Whereistheland？Whereistheland？\"
Therewithheturnedtowardthereefabovetheirlair，butashewenthethoughtandsaid：\"Nay，butwasnotthisSteadalieliketherestofFox’stale？andamInotaloneinthissea-girtwilderness？
Yea，andeventhatimageofmyBelovedwhichIsawinthedream，perchancethatalsowasamerebeguiling;fornowIseethatthePunyFoxwasinallwayswiserthanismeetandcomely。\"Yetagainhesaid：\"AtleastIwillseekon，andfindoutwhethertherebeanothermandwellingonthishaplessIsle，andthentheworstofitwillbebattlewithhim，anddeathbypointandedgeratherthanbyhunger;oratthebestwemaybecomefriendsandfellowsanddelivereachother。\"Therewithhecametothereef，andwithmuchadoclimbedtothetopmostofitsrocksandlookeddownthencelandward：
andbetwixthimandthemountains，andbyseemingnotveryfaroff，hesawsmokearising：butnohousehesaw，noranyothertokenofadwelling。Sohecamedownfromthestoneandturnedhisbackupontheseaandwenttowardthatsmokewithhisswordinitssheath，andhisspearoverhisshoulder。Roughandtoilsomewastheway：threelittledaleshecrossedamidstthemountainnecks，eachonenarrowandbare，withastreamofwateramidst，runningseaward，andwhetherindaleoronridge，hewenteveramidstsandandstones，andtheweedsofthewilderness，andsawnoman，orman-tendedbeast。
Atlast，afterhehadbeenfourhoursontheway，buthadnotgoneveryfar，hetoppedastonybent，andfromthebrowthereofbeheldawidevalleygrass-grownforthemorepart，withariverrunningthroughit，andsheepandkineandhorsesfeedingupanddownit。
Andamidstthisdalebythestream-side，wasadwellingofmen，alonghallandotherhousesaboutitbuildedofstone。
ThenwasHallblitheglad，andhestrodedownthebentspeedily，hiswar-gearclashinguponhim：andashecametothefootthereofandontothegrassofthedale，hegotamongstthepasturinghorses，andpassedclosebythehorse-herdandawomanthatwaswithhim。Theyscowledathimashewentby，butmeddlednotwithhiminanyway。
Althoughtheyweregiant-likeofstatureandfierceofface，theywerenotill-favoured：theywerered-haired，andthewomanaswhiteascreamwherethesunhadnotburnedherskin;theyhadnoweaponsthatHallblithemightseesavethegoadinthehandofthecarle。
SoHallblithepassedonandcametothebiggesthouse，thehallaforesaid：itwasverylong，andlowasforitslength，notovershapelyoffashion，ameregabledheapofstones。Lowandstraitwasthedoorthereinto，andasHallblitheenteredstoopinglowly，andthefireofthesteelofhisspearthatheheldbeforehimwasquenchedinthemirkofthehall，hesmiledandsaidtohimself：\"Nowiftherewereoneanighwhowouldnothavemeenteralive，andhewithaweaponinhishand，soonwereallthetaletold。\"Buthegotintothehallunsmitten，andstoodonthefloorthereof，andspake：\"Theseleofthedaytowhomsoeverisherein！Willanymanspeaktothenewcomer？\"
Butnoneansweredorgavehimgreeting;andashiseyesgotusedtotheduskofthehall，helookedabouthim，andneitheronthefloororthehighseatnorinanyinglecouldheseeaman;andtherewassilencethere，saveforthecracklingoftheflickeringflameonthehearthamidmost，andtherunningoftheratsbehindthepanellingofthewalls。
Ononesideofthehallwasarowofshut-beds，andHallblithedeemedthattheremightbementherein;butsincenonehadgreetedhimherefrainedhimfromsearchingthemforfearofatrap，andhethought，\"Iwillabideamidstthefloor，andiftherebeanythatwoulddealwithme，friendorfoe，lethimcomehithertome。\"
Sohefelltowalkingupanddownthehallfrombutterytodais，andhiswar-gearrattleduponhim。Atlastashewalkedhethoughtheheardasmallthinpeevishvoice，whichyetwastoohuskyforthesqueakofarat。Sohestayedhiswalkandstoodstill，andsaid：
\"WillanymanspeaktoHallblithe，anewcomer，andastrangerinthisStead？\"
Thenthatsmallvoicemadeawordandsaid：\"Whypaceththefoolupanddownourhall，doingnothing，evenastheRavensflapcroakingaboutthecrags，abidingthewar-moteandtheclashofthefallowblades？\"
SaidHallblithe，andhisvoicesoundedbiginthehall：\"WhocallethHallblitheafoolandmockethatthesonsoftheRaven？\"
Spakethevoice：\"Whycomethnotthefooltothemanthatmaynotgotohim？\"
ThenHallblithebentforwardtohearken，andhedeemedthatthevoicecamefromoneoftheshut-beds，soheleanedhisspearagainstapillar，andwentintotheshut-bedhehadnoted，andsawwheretherelayalonginitamanexceedingoldbyseeming，sorewasted，withlonghairaswhiteassnowlyingoverthebed-clothes。
WhentheeldersawHallblithe，helaughedathincrackedlaughasifinmockeryandsaid：\"Hailnewcomer！wiltthoueat？\"
\"Yea，\"saidHallblithe。
\"Gothouintothebutterythen，\"saidtheoldcarle，\"andthereshaltthoufindonthecupboardcakesandcurdsandcheese：eatthyfill，andwhenthouhastdone，lookintheingle，andthoushaltseeacaskofmeadexceedinggood，andastoupthereby，andtwosilvercups;
fillthestoupandbringithitherwiththecups;andthenmaywetalkamidstofdrinking，whichisgoodforanoldcarle。Hastenthou！orIshalldeemtheeadoublefoolwhowillnotfaretofetchhismeat，thoughhebehungry。\"
ThenHallblithelaughed，andwentdownthehallintothebutteryandfoundthemeat，andatehisfill，andcameawaywiththedrinkbacktotheLong-hoaryman，whochuckledashecameandsaid：\"Fillupnowfortheeandforme，andcallahealthtomeandwishmesomewhat。\"
\"Iwishtheeluck，\"saidHallblithe，anddrank。Saidtheelder：
\"AndIwishtheemorewits;isluckallthatthoumaystwishme？
Whatluckmayanoutwornelderhave？\"
\"Wellthen，\"quothHallblithe，\"whatshallIwishthee？Wouldstthouhavemewishtheeyouth？\"
\"Yea，certes，\"saidtheLong-hoary，\"thatandnoughtelse。\"
\"YouththenIwishthee，ifitmayavailtheeaught，\"saidHallblithe，andhedrankagaintherewith。
\"Nay，nay，\"saidtheoldcarlepeevishly，\"takeathirdcup，andwishmeyouthwithnoidlewordstackedthereto。\"
SaidHallblitheraisingthecup：\"HerewithIwishtheeyouth！\"andhedrank。
\"Goodisthewish，\"saidtheelder;\"nowaskthoutheoldcarlewhatsothouwilt。\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Whatisthislandcalled？\"
\"Son，\"saidtheother，\"hastthouhearditcalledtheIsleofRansom？\"
\"Yea，\"saidHallblithe，\"butwhatwiltthoucallit？\"
\"Bynoothername，\"saidthehoarycarle。
\"Itisfarfromotherlands？\"saidHallblithe。
\"Yea，\"saidthecarle，\"whenthelightwindsblow，andtheshipssailslow。\"
\"Whatdoyewholivehere？\"saidHallblithe。\"Howdoyelive，whatworkwinye？\"
\"Wewindiversework，\"saidtheelder，\"butthegainfullestisrobbingmenbythehighhand。\"
\"IsityewhohavestolenfrommetheHostageoftheRose？\"saidHallblithe。
SaidtheLong-hoary，\"Maybe;Iwotnot;indiversewaysmykinsmentraffic，andtheyvisitmanylands。WhyshouldtheynothavecometoClevelandalso？\"
\"IssheinthisIsle，thouoldrunagate？\"saidHallblithe。
\"Sheisnot，thouyoungfool，\"saidtheelder。ThenHallblitheflushedredandspake：\"KnowestthouthePunyFox？\"
\"HowshouldInot？\"saidthecarle，\"sinceheisthesonofoneofmysons。\"
\"Dostthoucallhimaliarandarogue？\"saidHallblithe。
Theelderlaughed;\"ElsewereIafool，\"saidhe;\"therearefewbiggerliarsorbiggerroguesthanthePunyFox！\"
\"IshehereinthisIsle？\"saidHallblithe;\"mayIseehim？\"
Theoldmanlaughedagain，andsaid：\"Nay，heisnothere，unlesshehathturnedfoolsinceyesterday：whyshouldheabidethysword，sincehehathdonewhathewouldandbroughttheehither？\"
Thenhelaughed，asahencacklesalongwhile，andthensaid：\"Whatmorewiltthouaskme？\"
ButHallblithewasverywroth：\"Itavailethnoughttoask，\"hesaid;
\"andnowIamintwomindswhetherIshallslaytheeornot。\"
\"ThatwereameetdeedforaRaven，butnotforaman，\"saidthecarle，\"andthouthathastwishedmeluck！Ask，ask！\"
ButHallblithewassilentalongwhile。Thenthecarlesaid，\"Anothercupforthelongerafteryouth！\"
Hallblithefilled，andgavetohim，andtheoldmandrankandsaid：
\"ThoudeemestusallliarsintheIsleofRansombecauseofthybeguilingbythePunyFox：butthereinthouerrest。ThePunyFoxisourchiefestliar，anddothforusthemorepartofsuchworkasweneed：therefore，whyshouldweotherslie。Ask，ask！\"
\"Wellthen，\"saidHallblithe，\"whydidthePunyFoxbewrayme，andatwhosebidding？\"
Saidtheelder：\"Iknow，butIwillnottellthee。Isthisalie？\"
\"Nay，Ideemitnot，\"saidHallblithe：\"But，tellme，isitverilytruethatmytrothplightisnothere，thatImayransomher？\"
SaidtheLong-hoary：\"IswearitbytheTreasureoftheSea，thatsheisnothere：thetalewasbutalieofthePunyFox。\"
CHAPTERVII：AFEASTINTHEISLEOFRANSOM
Hallblitheponderedhisanswerawhilewithdowncasteyesandsaidatlast：\"Haveyeamindtoransomme，nowthatIhavewalkedintothetrap？\"
\"Thereisnoneedtotalkofransom，\"saidtheelder;\"thoumaystgooutofthishousewhenthouwilt，norwillanymeddlewiththeeifthoustrayestabouttheIsle，whenIhavesetamarkontheeandgiventheeatoken：norwiltthoubehinderedifthouhastamindtoleavetheIsle，ifthoucanstfindmeansthereto;moreoveraslongasthouartintheIsle，inthishousemaystthouabide，eatinganddrinkingandrestingwithus。\"
\"HowthenmayIleavethisIsle？\"saidHallblithe。
Theelderlaughed：\"Inaship，\"saidhe。
\"Andwhen，\"saidHallblithe，\"shallIfindashipthatshallcarryme？\"
Saidtheoldcarle，\"Whitherwouldestthoumyson？\"Hallblithewassilentawhile，thinkingwhatanswerheshouldmake;thenhesaid：
\"IwouldgotothelandoftheGlitteringPlain。\"
\"Son，ashipshallnotbelackingtheeforthatvoyage，\"saidtheelder。\"Thoumaystgoto-morrowmorn。AndIbidtheeabidehereto-
night，andthycheershallnotbeill。Yetifthouwiltbelievemyword，itwillbewellfortheetosayaslittleasthoumaysttoanymanhere，andthatlittleaslittleproudasmaybe：forourfolkareshortoftemperandthouknowestthereisnomightagainstmany。
Indeeditisnotunlikethattheywillnotspeakonewordtothee，andifthatbeso，thouhastnoneedtoopenthymouthtothem。AndnowIwilltelltheethatitisgoodthatthouhastchosentogototheGlitteringPlain。Forifthouwertotherwiseminded，Iwotnothowthouwouldestgettheeakeeltocarrythee，andthewingshavenotyetbeguntosproutonthyshoulders，raventhoughthoube。NowIamgladthatthouartgoingthywaystotheGlitteringPlainto-
morrow;forthouwiltbegoodcompanytomeontheway：andIdeemthatthouwiltbenochurlwhenthouartglad。\"
\"What，\"saidHallblithe，\"artthouwendingthither，thouoldman？\"
\"Yea，\"saidhe，\"norshallanyotherbeontheshipsavethouandI，andthemarinersthatwaftus;andtheyforsoothshallnotgoalandthere。WhyshouldnotIgo，sincetherearementobearmeaboard？\"
SaidHallblithe，\"Andwhenthouartcomealandthere，whatwiltthoudo？\"
\"Thoushaltsee，myson，\"saidtheLong-hoary。\"Itmaybethatthygoodwishesshallbeofavailtome。ButnowsinceallthismayonlybeifIlivethroughthisnight，andsincemyhearthathbeenwarmedbythegoodmead，andthyfellowship，andwhereasIamsomewhatsleepy，anditislongpastnoon，goforthintothehall，andleavemetosleep，thatImaybeassoundaseldwillletmeto-morrow。
Andasforthee，folk，bothmenandwomen，shallpresentlycomeintothehall，andIdeemnotthatanyshallmeddlewiththee;butifsobethatanychallengethee，whatsoevermaybehiswords，answerthoutohim，’THEHOUSEOFTHEUNDYING，’andtherewillbeanendofit。
Onlylookthoutoitthatnonakedsteelcomethoutofthyscabbard。
Gonow，andifthouwilt，gooutofdoors;yetartthousaferwithindoorsandnigheruntome。\"
SoHallblithewentbackintothemainhall，andthesunhadgottenroundnow，andwasshiningintothehall，throughtheclerestorywindows，sothathesawclearlyallthatwastherein。Andhedeemedthehallfairerwithinthanwithout;andespeciallyovertheshut-
bedsweremanystoriescarveninthepanelling，andHallblithebeheldthemgladly。Butofonethinghemarvelled，thatwhereashewasinanislandofthestrong-thievesofthewaters，andintheirveryhomeandchiefesthabitation，therewerenoshipsorseaspicturedinthatimagery，butfairgrovesandgardens，withflowerygrassandfruitedtreesallabout。Andtherewerefairwomenabidingtherein，andlovelyyoungmen，andwarriors，andstrangebeastsandmanymarvels，andtheendingofwrathandbeginningofpleasureandthecrowningoflove。Andamidstthesewaspicturedoftandagainamightykingwithaswordbyhissideandacrownonhishead;andeverwashesmilingandjoyous，sothatHallblithe，whenhelookedonhim，feltofbetterheartandsmiledbackonthecarvenimage。
SowhileHallblithelookedonthesethings，andponderedhiscasecarefully，allaloneashewasinthatalienhall，heheardanoisewithoutoftalkingandlaughter，andpresentlythepatteringoffeettherewith，andthenwomencameintothehall，ascoreormore，someyoung，someold，somefairenough，andsomehard-featuredanduncomely，butallabovethestatureofthewomenwhomhehadseeninhisownland。
Sohestoodamidstthehall-floorandabidedthem;andtheysawhimandhisshiningwar-gear，andceasedtheirtalkingandlaughter，anddrewroundabouthim，andgazedathim;butnonesaidaughttillanoldcronecameforthfromthering，andsaid\"Whoartthou，standingunderweaponsinourhall？\"
Heknewnotwhattoanswer，andheldhispeace;andshespakeagain：
\"Whitherwouldestthou，whatseekestthou？\"
ThenansweredHallblithe：\"THEHOUSEOFTHEUNDYING。\"
Noneanswered，andtheotherwomenallfellawayfromhimatonce，andwentabouttheirbusinesshitherandthitherthroughthehall。
Buttheoldcronetookhimbythehand，andledhimuptothedais，andsethimnexttothemidmosthigh-seat。Thenshemadeasifshewoulddooffhiswar-gear，andhewouldnotgainsayher，thoughhedeemedthatfoesmightbeanear;forinsoothhetrustedintheoldcarlethathewouldnotbewrayhim，andmoreoverhedeemeditwouldbeunmanlynottotaketherisksoftheguesting，accordingtothecustomofthatcountry。
Soshetookhisarmourandhisweaponsandborethemofftoashut-
bednexttothatwhereinlaytheancientman，andshelaidthegearwithinit，allsavethespear，whichshelaidonthewall-pinsabove;
andshemadesignstohimthatthereinhewastolie;butshespakenowordtohim。Thenshebroughthimthehand-washingwaterinabasinoflatten，andagoodlytoweltherewith，andwhenhehadwashedshewentawayfromhim，butnotfar。
Thiswhiletheotherwomenwerebusyaboutthehall;somesweptthefloordown，andwhenitwassweptstrawedthereonrushesandhandfulsofwildthyme：somewentintothebutteryandboreforththeboardsandthetrestles：somewenttothechestsandbroughtouttherichhangings，thegoodlybankersanddorsars，anddidthemonthewalls：
someboreinthestoupsandhornsandbeakers，andsomewenttheirwaysandcamenotbackawhile，fortheywerebusiedaboutthecooking。Butwhatevertheydid，nonehailedhim，orheededhimmorethanifhehadbeenanimage，ashesattherelookingon。Nonesavetheoldwomanwhobroughthimthefore-supper，towitagreathornofmead，andcakesanddriedfish。
Sowasthehallarrayedforthefeastveryfairly，andHallblithesattherewhilethesunwesteredandthehousegrewdim，anddarkatlast，andtheylightedthecandlesupanddownthehall。Butalittleafterthesewerelit，agreathornwaswindedclosewithout，andthereaftercametheclatterofarmsaboutthedoor，andexceedingtallweaponedmencamein，onescoreandfive，andstrodetwobytwouptothefootofthedais，andstoodthereinarow。AndHallblithedeemedtheirwar-gearexceedinggood;theywereallcladinring-
lockedbyrnies，andhadsteelhelmsontheirheadswithgarlandsofgoldwroughtaboutthemandtheyborespearsintheirhands，andwhiteshieldshungattheirbacks。Nowcamethewomentothemandunarmedthem;andundertheirarmourtheirraimentwasblack;buttheyhadgoldringsontheirarms，andgoldencollarsabouttheirnecks。Sotheystrodeuptothedaisandtooktheirplacesonthehigh-seat，notheedingHallblitheanymorethanifhewereanimageofwood。Neverthelessthatmansatnexttohimwhowasthechieftainofallandsatinthemidmosthigh-seat;andheborehissheathedswordinhishandandlaiditontheboardbeforehim，andhewastheonlymanofthosechieftainswhohadaweapon。
Butwhentheseweresetdowntherewasagainanoisewithout，andtherecameinathrongofmenarmedandunarmedwhotooktheirplacesontheend-longbenchesupanddownthehall;withthesecamewomenalso，whomostofthemsatamongstthemen，butsomebusiedthemwiththeserving：allthesemenweregreatofstature，butnonesobigasthechieftainsonthehigh-seat。
Nowcamethewomeninfromthekitchenbearingthemeat，whereofnolittlewasflesh-meat，andallwasofthebest。Hallblithewasdulyservedliketheothers，butstillnonespaketohimorevenlookedonhim;thoughamongstthemselvestheyspokeinbig，roughvoicessothattheraftersofthehallrangagain。
Whentheyhadeatentheirfillthewomenfilledroundthecupsandthehornstothem，andthosevesselswerebothgreatandgoodly。Buteretheyfelltodrinkinguprosethechieftainwhosatfurthestfromthemidmosthigh-seatontherightandcriedahealth：\"THETREASURE
OFTHESEA！\"Thentheyallstoodupandshouted，womenaswellasmen，andemptiedtheirhornsandcupstothathealth。Thenstoodupthemanfurthestontheleftandcriedout，\"DrinkahealthtotheUndyingKing！\"Andagainallmenroseupandshoutederetheydrank。
Otherhealthstheydrank，asthe\"ColdKeel，\"the\"WindwornSail，\"
the\"QuiveringAsh\"andthe\"FurrowedBeach。\"AndthewineandmeadflowedlikeriversinthathalloftheWildMen。AsforHallblithe，hedrankwhathewouldbutstoodnotup，norraisedhiscuptohislipswhenahealthwasdrunk;forheknewnotwhetherthesemenwerehisfriendsorhisfoes，andhedeemeditwouldbelittle-mindedtodrinktotheirhealths，lesthemightbedrinkingdeathandconfusiontohisownkindred。
Butwhenmenhaddrunkawhile，againahornblewatthenetherendofthehall，andstraightwayfolkarosefromtheendlongtables，andtookawaytheboardsandtrestles，andclearedthefloorandstoodagainstthewall;thenthebigchieftainbesideHallblithearoseandcriedout：\"Nowletmandancewithmaid，andbewemerry！Music，strikeup！\"Thenflewthefiddle-bowsandtwangedtheharps，andthecarlesandqueensstoodforthonthefloor;andallthewomenwerecladinblackraiment，albeitembroideredwithknotsandwreathsofflowers。Awhiletheydancedandthensuddenlythemusicfell，andtheyallwentbacktotheirplaces。Thenthechieftaininthehigh-
seataroseandtookahornfromhisside，andblewagreatblastonitthatfilledthehall;thenhecriedinaloudvoice：\"Bewemerry！Letthechampionscomeforth！\"
Menshoutedgleefullythereat，andstraightwayranintothehallfromoutthescreensthreetallmencladallinblackarmourwithnakedswordsintheirhands，andstoodamidstthehall-floor，somewhatononeside，andclashedtheirswordsontheirshieldsandcriedout：
\"ComeforthyeChampionsoftheRaven！\"
ThenleaptHallblithefromhisseatandsethishandtohisleftside，butnoswordwasthere;sohesatdownagain，rememberingthewarningoftheElder，andnoneheededhim。
Thentherecameintothehallslowlyandmournfullythreemen-at-
arms，cladandweaponedlikethewarriorsofhisfolk，withtheimageoftheRavenontheirhelmsandshields。SoHallblitherefrainedhim，forbesidesthatthisseemedliketobeafairbattleofthreeagainstthree，hedoubtedsomesnare，andhedeterminedtolookonandabide。
Sothechampionsfelltolayingonstrokesthatwerenochild’splay，thoughHallblithedoubtediftheedgesbit，anditwasbutalittlewhilebeforetheChampionsoftheRavenfelloneafteranotherbeforetheWildMen，andfolkdrewthembytheheelsoutintothebuttery。
Thenarosegreatlaughterandjeering，andexceedingwrothwasHallblithe;howbeitherefrainedhimbecauseherememberedallhehadtodo。ButthethreeChampionsoftheSeastroderoundthehall，tossinguptheirswordsandcatchingthemastheyfell，whilethehornsblewupbehindthem。
Afterawhilethehallgrewhushed，andthechieftainaroseandcried：\"Bringinnowsomesheavesoftheharvestwewin，weladsoftheoarandthearrow！\"Thenwasthereastiratthescreendoors，andfolkpressedforwardtosee，and，lo，therecameforwardastringofwomen，ledinbytwoweaponedcarles;andthewomenwereascoreinnumber，andtheywerebarefootandtheirhairhunglooseandtheirgownswereungirt，andtheywerechainedtogetherwristtowrist;yethadtheygoldatarmandneck：therewassilenceinthehallwhentheystoodamidstofthefloor。
ThenindeedHallblithecouldnotrefrainhimself，andheleaptfromhisseatandontotheboard，andoverit，andrandownthehall，andcametothosewomenandlookedtheminthefaceonebyone，whilenomanspakeinthehall。ButtheHostagewasnotamongstthem;nayforsooth，theynoneofthemfavouredofthedaughtersofhispeople，thoughtheywerecomelyandfair;sothatagainHallblithedoubtedifthiswereaughtbutafeast-hallplaydonetoangerhim;whereastherewasbutlittlegriefinthefacesofthosedamsels，andmorethanoneofthemsmiledwantonlyinhisfaceashelookedonthem。
Soheturnedaboutandwentbacktohisseat，havingsaidnoword，andbehindhimarosemuchmockingandjeering;butitangeredhimlittlenow;forherememberedtheredeoftheelderandhowthathehaddoneaccordingtohisbidding，sothathedeemedthegainwashis。Sospranguptalkinthehallbetwixtmanandman，andfolkdrankaboutandweremerry，tillthechieftainaroseagainandsmotetheboardwiththeflatofhissword，andcriedoutinaloudandangryvoice，sothatallcouldhear：\"Nowlettherebemusicandminstrelsyerewewendbedward！\"
Therewithfellthehubbubofvoices，andtherecameforththreemenwithgreatharps，andafourthmanwiththem，whowastheminstrel;
andtheharperssmotetheirharpssothattheroofrangtherewith，andthenoise，thoughitwasgreat，wastuneable，andwhentheyhadplayedthusalittlewhile，theyabatedtheirloudnesssomewhat，andtheminstrelliftedhisvoiceandsang：
ThelandliesblackWithwinter’slack，ThewindblowscoldRoundfieldandfold;
Allfolkarewithin，Andbutweavingtheywin。
Wherefromfingertofingertheshuttlefliesfast，Andtheeyesofthesingerlookfainonthecast，AshesingeththestoryofsummerundoneAndthebarleysheaveshoaryripeunderthesun。
ThenthemaidensstayThelight-hungsley，AndtheshuttlesbideBytheblueweb’sside，WhilehandinhandWiththecarlestheystand。
Buteretothemeasurethefiddlesstrikeup，Andtheeldersyettreasurethelastofthecup，Therestandtheya-hearkeningtheblastfromthelift，Ande’ennightisa-darkeningmoreunderthedrift。
TheresafeinthehallTheyblessthewall，Andtheroofo’erhead，Ofthevaliantstead;
AndthehandstheypraiseOftheoldendays。
Thenthroughthestorm’sroaringthefiddlesbreakout，Andtheythinknotofwarring，butcastawaydoubt，And，manbeforemaiden，theirfeettreadthefloor，Andtheirheartsareunladenofallthattheybore。
Butwhatwindsareo’er-coldFortheheartofthebold？
Whatseasareo’er-highFortheundoomedtodie？
Darknightanddreadwind，Butthehavenwefind。
Thenashoremidtheflurryofstone-washingsurf！
Cloud-houndsthemoonworry，butlightliestheturf;
Lothelongdalebeforeus！thelightsattheend，Thoughthenightdarkenso’erus，bidwhithertowend。
WhobeateththedoorBythefoot-smittenfloor？
WhatguestsaretheseFromovertheseas？
TakeshieldandswordFortheirgreeting-word。