The said Folk received them in all joy and triumph, and would have
them abide there the winter over. But they prayed leave to depart,
because their hearts were sore for their own land and their kindred.
So they abode there but two days, and on the third day were led
away by a half score of men gaily apparelled after their manner,
and having with them many sumpter-beasts with provision for the road.
With this fellowship they came safely and with little pain unto
Chestnut Vale, where they abode but one night, though to Ralph and Ursula
the place was sweet for the memory of their loving sojourn there.
They would have taken leave of the Innocent Folk in the said vale,
but those others must needs go with them a little further,
and would not leave them till they were come to the jaws
of the pass which led to the Rock of the Fighting Man.
Further than that indeed they would not, or durst not go;
and those huge mountains they called the Wall of Strife,
even as they on the other side called them the Wall of the World.
So the twain took leave of their friends there, and howbeit that they
had drunk of the Well at the World's End, yet were their hearts
grieved at the parting. The kind folk left with them abundant
provision for the remnant of the road, and a sumpter-ox to bear it;
so they were in no doubt of their livelihood. Moreover, though the turn
of autumn was come again and winter was at hand, yet the weather was
fair and calm, and their journey through the dreary pass was as light
as it might be to any men.
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