Then went the damsels to that wine-fountain, and drew thence cups of
the best and brightest wine of the Dale, and went round about the
ring, and gave drink to whomsoever would, both of the chapmen and the
others; while the weaponed youth stood in the midst bearing aloft his
sword and shield like an image in a holy place, and Redesman's bow
still went up and down the strings, and drew forth a sweet and merry
tune.
Great game it was now to see the stark Burgdale carles dragging the
Men of the Plain, little loth, up to the front of the ring, that they
might stretch out their hands for a cup, and how many a one, as he
took it, took as much as he might of the damsel's hand withal. As
for the damsels, they played the Holy Play very daintily, neither
reddening nor laughing, but faring so solemnly, and withal so sweetly
and bright-faced, that it might well have been deemed that they were
in very sooth Maidens of the God of Earth sent from the ever-enduring
Hall to cheer the hearts of men.
So simply and blithely did the Men of Burgdale disport them after the
manner of their fathers, trusting in their valour and beholding the
good days to be.
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