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Hearpwine pounded the table with his open palm and cried out with childlike glee at the conclusion of the song. “Wonderful! Wonderful! You do an ancient lay great credit!” he said.
Gil’s face fell somewhat. “You know it then?” he asked.
“Aye, indeed I do, very well, for it is ancient, sad, and concerned with matters of war – all things which recommend it to the tastes of my master and those who serve him. I am surprised to find you folk of the Shire singing of such things. In my land, you are spoken of as a people who delight not in battle, but in things of mirth.”
Falco drew himself up to his full height and replied with an edge to his voice. “We’re not the comical folk as we’re thought of elsewhere,” he said. “We’ve been known to put up a fight when needed.”
Hearpwine smiled broadly at the piper. “Indeed you have, and many the song there is in my land about your people’s bravery and indomitable spirit. My own King has bid me take his greetings to Master Meriadoc Brandybuck, man at arms of Rohan, and further to this, King Eomer has expressed a desire for a lay that celebrates the great victory of your people in the Battle of Bywater! If you have any such songs as these I would beg you to sing them for me.”
“Nay, master bard,” Gil said. “We’ve already sung one for you, and now it is your turn to do the same for us.”
Hearpwine laughed. “Very well – I have contested with others in song, but never until this moment have I traded in music. A sensible way to proceed it is! As you have sung to me of war and loss, I shall return the favour and sing to you of things that I deem are more fitting to the lives of the Shirefolk…notwithstanding your undoubted and remarkable courage and fortitude when in need!” He stood up and produced from beneath his cloak a small harp. He stroked it gently and a low music filled the room with a familiar melody. The bard continued in this way for a few minutes until the others, unable to resist the lure of his music, joined in and the melody swelled into a rollicking tune that set many a foot at the Inn to tapping.
As I was going to Banbury
Ri fol latitee O
As I was going to Banbury
I saw a line coddlin apple tree
With a ri fol latitee O
And when the coddlins began to fall
Ri fol latitee O
And when the coddlins began to fall
I found five hundred men in all
With a ri fol latitee O
And one of the men I saw was dead
Ri fol latitee O
And one of the men I saw was dead
So I sent for a hatchet to open his head
With a ri fol latitee O
And in his head I found a spring
Ri fol latitee O
And in his head I found a spring
And seven young salmon a learning to sing
With a ri fol latitee O
And one of the salmon as big as I
Ri fol latitee O
And one of the salmon as big as I
Now do you not think I am telling a lie?
With a ri fol latitee O
And one of the salmon as big as an Elf
Ri fol latitee O
And one of the salmon as big as an Elf -
If you want any more you must sing it yourself
With a ri fol latitee O
His voice as he sang was a near perfect mixture of vibrant talent and hard training. There was energy and youthfulness in his tone, but it was moderated with wisdom and tuned to catch the ear of those who heard it. By the end of the song there was no doubt amongst any who hearkened to it that here indeed was a singer who belonged in the courts of Kings. The music fell into silence and Hearpwine lowered his harp. “Well?” he cried “What think you of the song?”
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