A Lay by Pellakal
Over the fertile fields of a noble land,
As the red sun sets, over mountain spires,
So her red light sets golden roof afire.
5 Then sound is heard, the stones murmur aloud:
�Hear now, oh Eotheod, that your hearts may be proud!
Of your fathers of old, that in this land remained,
�Tis the song of the Hall, of years with glory stained.
First came Eorl, bold, bright and young,
10 To help he rode, of that much is sung,
Friendship had he, and stayed true to his word,
In a ride full of glory, first were your horns heard,
Friendship was given, and faithfulness repaid,
For loathsome is he, who a trust will betray.
15 Then was Brego, who this mighty Hall built,
On foundation of rock, a realm none would stilt,
For, for man to survive, on this he must build,
A foundation firm, that storm may be stilled.
Of Aldor the Old, when your lands were laid bare,
20 No strength was withheld, your land did he spare,
For to save what one loves, then one must fight,
That peace may abound, and be still in the night.
Of Frea and Freawine, fair was their rule,
Of Goldwine the Just, peace was his tool,
25 For an honest man, both noble and true,
Will likewise be treated, make friends that be new.
Then Deor and Gram, in vain did they strive,
Against a foe, devoid of heart or pride.
Helm, the Hammerhand, no insult he took,
30 The brigand thrown out, dark was their look,
Evil days, but evil was withstood
In greatness and pride, in honour and good,
Horn that is blowing, fist that is strong,
Helm war-ready, spear that is long,
35 Greatness and pride, deep in you dwell,
In strength and wisdom, guide you through hell.
Frealaf Hildeson, valiant was he,
Risking his life, his people to free.
Brytta Leofa, wise and true,
40 Open hearted, swift but not cruel.
Walda the young, about him arrayed,
Valiant men, not from fear diswayed,
About him they fell, true to the end,
Black was the blood, of foes they did rend.
45 Folca the brave, victorious he led,
From wounds of beast, life he bled,
In pride he lived, in pride he fell,
Yet on field green did he dwell.
Folcwine the true, noble were his deeds,
50 And honoured the oaths, in hour of need.
Strength did he send, the strength of two sons,
Yet both sons fell, though the battle was won.
Faithfulness repaid, a rich weregild was sent,
Rings of gold, for sons that were spent.
55 Fengel the greedy, gold did he horde,
No love won, a drink of spite he poured.
Friends he lost, with lords he did contend,
Rings and food, not wisely did he spend.
Thengel the wise, in need did he come,
60 Gave counsel wise, and strength of the young.
Theoden King, last of his line,
A weapon old, yet hardy of strength.
A black was sent, long in length,
Out of shadow he came, in light he fell,
65 Glorious victory, and under no spell,
In age his honour proved, a valiant lord,
And over his grave, many a friend mourned.
These are the kinds, now their lessons you must learn,
In all things deal well, and tide of darkness will turn.
70 Shield-strong and sword-sharp,
These words keep you in your heart.