FG-TG-03
The more I think about this, the less I think that we need to insert any further mention of the vigilance of the guards or of the eagles. The vigilance of the guards is indeed discussed here already. And the protection of the eagles is mentioned just a little bit later in the text. If we are to modify it at all, I suggest:
Quote:
of the guard without ceasing he was told, that was held there in arms and likewise at certain low places in the encircling mountains, and how watchers dwelt ever vigilant on the highest peaks of that range beside builded beacons ready for the fire; for never did that folk cease to look for an onslaught of the {Orcs} [Orks] did their stronghold become known. And <77no spy or creature out of Angband could come there because of the vigilance of the eagles, and Morgoth was thwarted in the fulfillment of his designs.>
Now however was the guard of the hills maintained rather by custom than necessity, for the {Gondothlim} [Gondolindrim] had long ago with unimagined toil levelled and cleared and delved all that plain about Amon {Gwareth} [Gwared], so that scarce Gnome or bird or beast or snake could approach but was espied from many leagues off, for among the {Gondothlim} [Gondolindrim] were many whose eyes were keener than the very hawks of Manwë Súlimo Lord of Gods and Elves who dwells upon Taniquetil; and for this reason did they call that vale {Tumladin} [Tumladen] or the valley of smoothness. Now this great work was finished to their mind, and folk were the busier about the quarrying of metals and the forging of all manner of swords and axes, spears and bills, and the fashioning of coats of mail, byrnies and hauberks, greaves and vambraces, helms and shields. Now 'twas said to Tuor that already the whole folk of Gondolin shooting with bows without stay day or night might not expend their hoarded arrows in many years, and that yearly their fear of the {Orcs} [Orks] grew the less for this.
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A simple insertion from the 77.
[ March 29, 2003: Message edited by: Aiwendil ]