But the second bore on her roses done in
like manner, both blossoms and green leaves, wherewith her body was
covered decently, which else had been naked. The third was clad as
though she were wading the wheat-field to the waist, and above was
wrapped in the leaves and bunches of the wine-tree. And the fourth
was clad in a scarlet gown flecked with white wool to set forth the
winter's snow, and broidered over with the burning brands of the Holy
Hearth; and she bore on her head a garland of mistletoe. And these
four damsels were clearly seen to image the four seasons of the year-
-Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But amidst them stood a
fountain or conduit of gilded work cunningly wrought, and full of the
best wine of the Dale, and gilded cups and beakers hung about it.
So now Redesman fell to caressing his fiddle with the bow till it
began to make sweet music, and therewith the hearts of all danced
with it; and presently words come into his mouth, and he fell to
singing; and the damsels answered him:
Earth-wielders, that fashion the Dale-dwellers' treasure,
Soft are ye by seeming, yet hardy of heart!
No warrior amongst us withstandeth your pleasure;
No man from his meadow may thrust you apart.
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