'
Therewith he sat down, and in a little while came forth old Hall-ward
of the House of the Steer, and stood before the Alderman, and said:
'O Alderman, all we say: Since war is awake we will not tarry, but
will go meet our foes while it is yet time. The valiant men of whom
thou tellest shall be our fellows, were there but three of them. We
know no better War-leader than Face-of-god of the House of the Face.
Let him lead us.'
Therewith he went his ways; and next came forth War-well, and said:
'The House of the Bridge would have Face-of-god for War-leader, these
tall men for fellows, and the shortest way to meet the foe.' And he
went back to his place.
Next came Fox of Upton, and said: 'Time presses, or much might be
spoken. Thus saith the House of the Bull: Let us go meet the foe,
and take these valiant strangers for way-leaders, and Face-of-god for
War-leader.' And he also went back again.
Then came forth two men together, an old man and a young, and the old
man spake as soon as he stood still: 'The Men of the Vine bid me say
their will: They will not stay at home to have their houses burned
over their heads, themselves slain on their own hearths, and their
wives haled off to thralldom.
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