'
And there went up a murmur from all the Burgdalers yeasaying his
word.
But Folk-might took up the word again and spake:
'Men of Burgdale and the Sheepcotes, what ye say is both manly and
friendly; yet, since we look to see a road made plain through the
woodland betwixt Burgdale and Silver-dale, and that often ye shall
face us in the feast-hall, and whiles stand beside us in the fray, we
must needs pray you not to shame us by departing empty-handed; for
how then may we look upon your faces again? Stone-face, my friend,
thou art old and wise; therefore I bid thee to help us herein, and
speak for us to thy kindred, that they naysay us not in this matter.'
Then stood up Stone-face and said: 'Forsooth, friends, Folk-might is
in the right herein; for he may look for anger from the wights that
come and go betwixt his kindred and the Gods, if they see us faring
back giftless through the woods. Moreover, now that ye have seen
Silver-dale, ye may wot how rich a land it is of all good things, and
able to bring forth enough and to spare. And now meseemeth the Gods
love this Folk that shall dwell here; and they shall become a mighty
Folk, and a part of our very selves.
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