Here we raised a Doom-ring and builded
us a Hall, wherein thou now sittest beside me, O friend, and we dwelt
here many seasons.
'We had a few sheep in the wilderness, and a few neat fed down the
grass of the Vale; and we found gems and copper in the rocks about us
wherewith at whiles to chaffer with the aliens, and fish we drew from
our river the Shivering Flood. Also it is not to be hidden that in
those days we did not spare to lift the goods of men; yea, whiles
would our warriors fare down unto the edges of the Plain and lie in
wait there till the time served, and then drive the spoil from under
the very walls of the Cities. Our men were not little-hearted, nor
did our women lament the death of warriors over-much, for they were
there to bear more warriors to the Folk.
'But the seasons passed, and the Folk multiplied in Shadowy Vale, and
livelihood seemed like to fail them, and needs must they seek wider
lands. So by ways which thou wilt one day wot of, we came into a
valley that lieth north-west of Shadowy Vale: a land like thine of
Burgdale, or better; wide it was, plenteous of grass and trees, well
watered, full of all things that man can desire.
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