Hall-Sun

Beside him sat the fair woman called the Hall-Sun; for she was his foster-daughter before men's eyes; and she was black-haired and grey-eyed like to her fosterer, and never was woman fashioned fairer: she was young of years, scarce twenty winters old.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

This lamp which burned ever was called the Hall-Sun, and the woman who had charge of it, and who was the fairest that might be found was called after it the Hall-Sun also.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

Otter set beside him; and the chiefs and leaders of the House took their places on the dais, those to whom it was due, and the Hall-Sun sat under the wondrous Lamp her namesake.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

So when she had heard the Hall-Sun she deemed that she knew but too well what her words meant, and what for love, what for sorrow, she grew sick at heart as she heard them.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

But the Hall-Sun answered in the same steady manner as before:

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

Said the lad; "My name is Ali the son of Grey, and I come with a message from the Hall-Sun and the stay-at-homes who are in the Woodland."

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

Slowly one by one the women went in by the Women's-door, and the Hall-Sun sat on a stone hard by, and watched them as they passed; and she looked keenly at all persons and all things.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

For the Hall-Sun hath had us at work cumbering it against the foe with great trees felled with limbs, branches, and all.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

But as she sat musing thus, came to her a woman exceeding old to look on, whom she knew not as one of the kindred or a thrall; and this carline greeted her by the name of Hall-Sun and said:

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865

Then all arose up with great joy, for they knew that the tidings were good, when they looked on the face of the Hall-Sun and beheld the pride of her beauty unmarred by doubt or pain.

The House of the Wolfings William Morris 1865