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the muster of rohan 1047
and beast must reach the end with strength to fight. A week
it may be from tomorrow’s morn ere you hear the cry of the
Sons of Eorl coming from the North.’
‘A week!’ said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you
are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now,
unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the
least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting
in the White Tower.’
‘At the least we will do that,’ said Théoden. ‘But I myself
am new-come from battle and long journey, and I will now
go to rest. Tarry here this night. Then you shall look on the
muster of Rohan and ride away the gladder for the sight, and
the swifter for the rest. In the morning counsels are best, and
night changes many thoughts.’
With that the king stood up, and they all rose. ‘Go now
each to your rest,’ he said, ‘and sleep well. And you, Master
Meriadoc, I need no more tonight. But be ready to my call
as soon as the Sun is risen.’
‘I will be ready,’ said Merry, ‘even if you bid me ride with
you on the Paths of the Dead.’
‘Speak not words of omen!’ said the king. ‘For there may
be more roads than one that could bear that name. But I did
not say that I would bid you ride with me on any road. Good
night!’
‘I won’t be left behind, to be called for on return!’ said
Merry. ‘I won’t be left, I won’t.’ And repeating this over and
over again to himself he fell asleep at last in his tent.
He was wakened by a man shaking him. ‘Wake up, wake
up, Master Holbytla!’ he cried; and at length Merry came out
of deep dreams and sat up with a start. It still seemed very
dark, he thought.
‘What is the matter?’ he asked.
‘The king calls for you.’
‘But the Sun has not risen, yet,’ said Merry.
‘No, and will not rise today, Master Holbytla. Nor ever