The Ancient Gods Pursuing 35

try where in the olden time vast armies had
passed with fire and sword; and now the
field had turned into wildwood and morass,
and the rich townsteads were barrows of
ruins and ashes overgrown with brambles,
and had been given for a lodging to the
savage beasts. ‘The name of this waste was
more terrible than the place, for the season
was sweet and gracious, and of birds and fish
and herbs and wild honey there was no
dearth. They were now no longer harassed
by the phantoms of the ancient gods, or by
the evil spirits of the unblessed earth. Thus
for many long leagues was their journey
made easy for them.

Now it chanced, when they had reached
the further edge of this region, that as they
went one night belated along a green riding,
which in the old time had been a spacious
paved causeway between rich cities, they
heard the music of a harp, more marvel-
lously sweet and solacing than any mortal
minstrel may make; and sweet dream-voices
sighed to them “ Follow, follow!” and they
felt their feet drawn as by enchantment; and
as they yielded to the magical power, a soft
shining filled the dusky air, and they saw