So they went by ways which were nowise dreadful, though they
were void of men-folk, and in three days' time they were come
out of the mountains, and in three more the said mountains were
to behold but a cloud behind them, and the land was grown goodly,
with fair valleys and little hills, though still they saw no men,
and forsooth they went leisurely, for oxen are but slow-going nags.
But when they were gone eight days from the Valley of Sweet-chestnuts,
they came across a flock of uncouth-looking sheep on a green hill-side,
and four folk shepherding them, two carles to wit, and two queans,
like to their way-leaders, but scarce so goodly, and ruder of raiment.
These men greeted them kindly, and yet with more worship than fellowship,
and they marvelled exceedingly at their horses and weapons.
Thence they passed on, and the next day came into a wide valley,
well-grassed and watered, and wooded here and there; moreover there
were cots scattered about it. There and thenceforth they met men
a many, both carles and queans, and sheep and neat in plenty, and they
passed by garths wherein the young corn was waxing, and vineyards
on the hillsides, where the vines were beginning to grow green.
The land seemed as goodly as might be, and all the folk they met
were kind, if somewhat over reverent.
On the evening of that day they came into the town of that folk,
which was but simple, wholly unfenced for war, and the houses but low,
and not great.
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