So early on the morrow was the Host astir; but ere they came to
Wildlake's Way, the Shepherd-folk turned aside westward to go home,
after they had bidden farewell to their friends and fellows of the
Dale; for their souls longed for the sheepcotes in the winding
valleys under the long grey downs; and the garths where the last
year's ricks shouldered up against the old stone gables, and where
the daws were busy in the tall unfrequent ash-trees; and the green
flowery meadows adown along the bright streams, where the crowfoot
and the paigles were blooming now, and the harebells were in flower
about the thorn-bushes at the down's foot, whence went the savour of
their blossom over sheep-walk and water-meadow.
So these went their ways with many kind words; and two hours
afterwards all the rest of the Host stood on the level ground of the
Portway; but presently were the ranks of war disordered and broken up
by the joy of the women and children, as they fell to drawing goodman
or brother or lover out of the throng to the way that led speediest
to their homesteads and halls. For the War-leader would not hold the
Host together any longer, but suffered each man to go to his home,
deeming that the men of Burgstead, and chiefly they of the Face and
the Steer, would suffice for a company if any need were, and they
would be easily gathered to meet any hap.
Pages:
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629