Yet I would not have thee think of me as a Chooser of the
Slain, a warrior maiden, or as of one who hath no joy save in the
battle whereto she biddeth others. O friend, the many peaceful hours
that I have had on the grass down yonder, sitting with my rock and
spindle in hand, the children round about my knees hearkening to some
old story so well remembered by me! or the milking of the kine in the
dewy summer even, when all was still but for the voice of the water
and the cries of the happy children, and there round about me were
the dear and beauteous maidens with whom I had grown up, happy amidst
all our troubles, since their life was free and they knew no guile.
In such times my heart was at peace indeed, and it seemed to me as if
we had won all we needed; as if war and turmoil were over, after they
had brought about peace and good days for our little folk.
'And as for the days that be, are they not as that rugged pass, full
of bitter winds and the voice of hurrying waters, that leadeth yonder
to Silver-dale, as thou hast divined? and there is nought good in it
save that the breath of life is therein, and that it leadeth to
pleasant places and the peace and plenty of the fair dale.
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