Friends of Nimrodel: Tapestry of Dreams

[Nurumaiel]

Liornung paused at Bellyn's word. She was, in a way, requesting him to sing another song not only for Ædegard but for herself, as well. Or did he merely flatter himself? Mellon, or rather Amroth, had not spoken much, and no matter what he desired Ædegard would not ask for a song. To have Bellyn request it of him, though, would be high praise. He searched back into the depths of his memory. He had once sung a very cheerful song that had made everyone about him dance, but it had been long since the words had fallen from his lips and he wondered if he dared venture to sing a song he did not remember well. Yet he would no betray the trust of Bellyn. She was young and was not accustomed to Ædegard's critical view of all things and people. It was indeed odd that the young man should expect so much of others yet not be willing to give equally as much himself.

Yes, the song was returning to him now. Liornung touched his heels against his horse and moved up closer to Ædegard so the latter might easily hear the song. He went through it once more in his mind as a precaution before singing aloud. When he did begin to sing the tune was merry and the words sung quickly enough to be a challenge to the singer but so slow that it might be understood. Liornung's eyes were sparkling and he patted his bay's neck in time to the music, smiling widely.

Come all you wanderers who travel this country o'er
take heed to my words, you that wander here and there,
take heed to my words, you that wander to and for
be you adventurous laddie or sweet lassie so fair.
Take heed and my words do not cast aside
for wanderers should hear all that which I will tell
from your first unsure step to your last stride
in all your merry greetings and all your sad farewells.

I left my home when day early in the spring
with adventure in my mind and song in my heart
I left when the world was young and fair as anything
and from my father and mother, sure I dared to part
for the open road did call me with beckoning so sweet
and lured with a smile full of strange mystery
and so I left on very lightly dancing feet
in the night, fair night when the moon shone clearly.

I stopped along the way at a little, pleasant inn
and there heard song that quickened heart's beat
and with my pleasant laughter many a kindly heart did win
and danced with many a lassie so graceful and fleet.
'Twas with a bit of sadness I bid to them farewell
but the road dispelled my sorrow as 'Onward!' it did call
and offered me many a song to buy and then to sell
to poor peasant man and king in his decked hall.

Well, first I met an old man as he hobbled along
hair as white as snow and eyes as blue as sky
muttering of all the things on that had been and were gone
the first being that, "No longer a young man am I!
But yet it is not so terrible being so old
for I have many grandchildren to dandle on my knee
and though my hair has lost its marvelous gold
still there is none so marvelous as me!"

Well, then I met a lassie and she was grieving sore
and a-moaning for a laddie who had gone away
and truly she didn't think she'd see him anymore
but to worry was no use for he came back that very day.
"Ah what a silly young girl was then I
to think that you would not return to me.
Sure, I thought my heard would break and I would die
but still you love your lassie and I love ye!"

Well, then I met a mother with her darling child
who tripped and who skipped by his mammy's side
and sure he was so bonny my heart he near beguiled
and the family fancied me and bid me awhile bide.
"Oh laddie fair is your face and so's that of my daughter
and if you'd stay awhile I know that you would love her
whether she's fair or ugly, what then does it matter?
You'll take her, surely, for no other man would have her."

Well, then I met the daughter, the bonny babe's sister
and she was sweet and fair and had kind manners
and I found no more delight than to sit and list' to her
for she knew of love and of war's unfurling banners.
She spoke so delightfully and knew so many tales
and had the sweetest smile that my heart was seized.
I stopped her as to the barn she went with her milking pails
and told her if she'd marry me I'd be right well pleased.

Well, then she went along with me and loved me well
she didn't mind my wanderings but said she'd go with me
and to her mother and her father she bid her farewell
and together we rode out under broad sky so free.
We didn't mind the rain and neither did we the snow
but travelled hand in hand from town to town
and over secret lanes often we did go
in the spring through grass green and in fall through brown.

Well, then I met a babe so bonny and so fair
if truth must be said, the laddie was my son
he had his mother's blue eyes and fair golden hair,
but with woeful heart I knew my traveling days were done.
I ceased to roam and wonder to build a little home
where my lassie would live, my son, and me
and I shan't mind the day when more babies come
like the old man my grandchildren I'll dandle on my knee!

As the last note faded away into the morning air and the birds took it up and carried it to their family and friends to be spread throughout the wilderness. Liornung laughed merrily and, gazing contentedly at Bellyn, bowed and said, "Have I pleased you, fair one? It was a long song, but it was indeed a merry one!"