Lay of Leithian Canto I

This first Canto of the Lay of Leithian tells of Elu Thingol, and Lúthien Tinúviel and Doriath. It runs to 98 lines, one of the shorter Cantos if not the shortest save the unfinished last one.

A king there was in days of old:

ere Men yet walked upon the mould

his power was reared in cavern’s shade,

his hand was over glen and glade.

His shields were shining as the moon,

his lances keen of steel were hewn,

of silver grey his crown was wrought,

the starlight in his banners caught;

and silver thrilled his trumpets long

beneath the stars in challenge strong;

enchantment did his realm enfold,

where might and glory, wealth untold,

he wielded from his ivory throne

in many-pillared halls of stone.

There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,

and metal wrought like fishes’ mail,

buckler and corslet, axe and sword,

and gleaming spears were laid in hoard–

all these he had and loved them less

than a maiden once in Elfinesse;

for fairer than are born to Men

a daughter had he, Lúthien.

Lines 1 – 22