And though I be called a chief and of
the blood of chiefs, yet shall I not be masterful to the goodman of
the Dale, but rather to my hound; for my chieftainship shall be that
I shall be well beloved and trusted, and that no man shall grudge
against me. Canst thou learn to love such a life, which to me
seemeth lovely? And thou? of whom I say that thou art as if thou
wert come down from the golden chairs of the Burg of the Gods.'
They were well-nigh out of the steep path by now, and the daylight
was bright about them; there she stayed her feet a moment and turned
to him and said:
'All this should I love even now, if the grief of our Folk were but
healed, and hereafter shall I learn yet more of thy well-beloved
face.'
Therewith she laid her face to his and kissed him fondly, and put his
hand to her side and held it there, saying: 'Soon shall we be one in
body and in soul.'
And he laughed with joy and pride of life, and took her hand and led
her on again, and said:
'Yet feel the cold rings of my hauberk, my friend; look at the spears
that cumber my hand, and at Dale-warden hanging by my side.
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