Page:Wood Beyond the World.djvu/239

 '''CHAPTER XXXIII. CONCERNING THE FASHION OF KING-MAKING IN STARK-WALL'''.

EANWHILE the King spake to the elder, and said: Now tell me whereof I am become king, and what is the fashion and cause of the king-making; for wondrous it is to me, whereas I am but an alien amidst of mighty men.

Lord, said the old man, thou art become king of a mighty city, which hath under it many other cities and wide lands, and havens by the sea-side, and which lacketh no wealth which men desire. Many wise men dwell therein, and of fools not more than in other lands. A valiant host shall follow thee to battle when needs must thou wend afield; an host not to be withstood, save by the ancient God-folk, if any of them were left upon the earth, as belike none are. And as to the name of our said city, it hight the City of