Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/104

 And toward his host he turned and spake; 'Now for your son's long-suffering sake Blood ye may fetch enough, and take Wherewith to heal his hurt, and make Death warm as life.' Then rose a cry Loud as the wind's when stormy spring Makes all the woodland rage and ring: 'Thou hast slain my brother,' said the king, 'And here with him shalt die.'

'Ay?' Balen laughed him answer. 'Well, Do it then thyself.' And the answer fell Fierce as a blast of hate from hell, 'No man of mine that with me dwell Shall strike at thee but I their lord For love of this my brother slain.' And Pellam caught and grasped amain A grim great weapon, fierce and fain To feed his hungering sword.