In a far-off forest, in a hidden hall
Fèhaglin faced him with unwilling eyes.
In his hands Cordil held the coronet,
His head tilting forward, his gaze to the ground,
His grey eyes glimmering
-- with sudden sheen, --
-- with silver shimmering. --

'I will not wear it. It is bought with blood.'
Her words then wavered; by will they went on:
'Five of our folk died to deliver it;'
'And how many men shall pay your price,'
'And fall at his hand
-- Because you have made --
-- Armor unbreakable by man?' --

A sad smile sat on her lovely lips
But her face was firm with cold conviction.
Turning he took the bright hard crown,
Laying it lovely in cushioned coffer,
Then closed the lid.
-- And there it lay, --
-- forever hid. --

'There is more to be mended,' he softly sighed.
'For dark years are dawning when Sauron will seek
'A world bowed to his will, and our forest fastness
'Lies exposed in the East, no haven from hunters.'
'Unless we would do as he bid,
-- We must enter a haven --
-- Forever hid. --

'I have had dark dreams,' she suddenly said,
'But in shadows there shone a vision unveiled,'
'A city encircled by mighty mountains
'Whose white walls stood secret but strong
'In a high but lonely place.'
-- Could we build such a city --
-- It would shelter our race!' --

'I know of a mountain,' he answered at once,
'Whose crystalline crown covers cavernous caves.'
'And the sun shining down through the secret stones
'Diffuses like dawn through the hollow hills.'
'That is a high but lonely place
-- safe for a city --
-- that would shelter our race.' --

Her head held high, she held out her hand;
His hand met hers; they stood face to face.
'Let us dream this dream, and dare to defy
'The Servant of Shadows!' - so he softly said.
Their eyes were wild
-- like eagles untamed --
-- And they suddenly smiled. --