The Roots of the Mountains

little heed to the things about him. For whatever he thought of stra

house, whom he greeted kindly and she him again. He bade her bring the washing-water, and she did so and washed his feet and his hands. She was a fair maid enough, as were most in the Dale, but he heeded her little; and when she was done he kissed not her cheek for her pains, as his wont was, but let her go her ways unthanked. But he went to his shut-bed and opened hi

t wont to wear such attire, save on the feasts and high

is it? Hast thou been wedded there,

than myself. Now as to my raiment, needs must I keep it from the moth. And I am weary withal, and this kirtle is light and

ke the image of a God? and hath she not bidden thee thus to worship her to-ni

e the Gods and the Fathers. Nor saw I

shook his head; but a

or the wood

-mane angrily, k

to see the Westland merchants: after all, wilt thou not go hence wi

o mind to it, fosterer; c

long, and muttered: 'To the wood wilt thou go to-morro

ace greeted his son and said to him: 'Thou hast not hit the time to do on thy gay raiment, for the Bride wi

And as for my raiment, it is well; it is fo

mind not to go down to the Plain and the Cities: 'For,' said he, 'the morrow of to-morrow shall the merchant

Nay, father, it may not be: fear not, thou shalt see

few could mow a match with him in the hay-month and win it; or fell trees as certainly and swiftly, or drive as straight an