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many partings 1277
‘But first I will plead this excuse,’ said Éomer. ‘Had I seen
her in other company, I would have said all that you could
wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I
am ready to do battle on my own part with any who deny
me. Shall I call for my sword?’
Then Gimli bowed low. ‘Nay, you are excused for my
part, lord,’ he said. ‘You have chosen the Evening; but my
love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that
soon it will pass away for ever.’
At last the day of departure came, and a great and fair
company made ready to ride north from the City. Then the
kings of Gondor and Rohan went to the Hallows and they
came to the tombs in Rath Dínen, and they bore away King
Théoden upon a golden bier, and passed through the City in
silence. Then they laid the bier upon a great wain with Riders
of Rohan all about it and his banner borne before; and Merry
being Théoden’s esquire rode upon the wain and kept the
arms of the king.
For the other Companions steeds were furnished according
to their stature; and Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s
side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode
with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever
rode together upon Arod.
In that riding went also Queen Arwen, and Celeborn and
Galadriel with their folk, and Elrond and his sons; and the
princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien, and many captains
and knights. Never had any king of the Mark such company
upon the road as went with Théoden Thengel’s son to the
land of his home.
Without haste and at peace they passed into Anórien, and
they came to the Grey Wood under Amon Dîn; and there
they heard a sound as of drums beating in the hills, though
no living thing could be seen. Then Aragorn let the trumpets
be blown; and heralds cried:
‘Behold, the King Elessar is come! The Forest of Drúadan
he gives to Ghân-buri-Ghân and to his folk, to be their own