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Hearpwine was stunned to have been left alone – and apparently in charge! – of the children. They all looked to him, their eyes growing wide as saucers as they took in his immense height. Even though the room they were in had been constructed with the Big Folk in mind, the rafters were still but a few inches above the Bard’s head, adding to the illusion of height. He had seen, once, a long time ago, an Ent striding toward his party across the fields of Rohan, and he imagined now that he must give something of the same impression: unnatural height!
He smiled at the comparison of himself to an Ent and distracted his mind from that an other musings by directing himself to the class. “Well, I do wish that Miz Bella had not told you all that I am all that stands between you and the close of the school day! I was never overly fond of my studies myself and would always wish to be outside than cramped beneath a desk. But still, perhaps we can make the time more lively with music!” And with that, he drew forth his harp and began a lively melody.
Woodman, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now.
'Twas my forefather's hand
That placed it near his cot:
There, woodman, let it stand,
Thy axe shall harm it not!
That old familiar tree,
Whose glory and renown
Are spread o'er land and sea,
And wouldst thou hew it down?
Woodman, forbear thy stroke!
Cut not its earth-bound ties;
Oh, spare that aged oak,
Now towering to the skies!
When but an idle boy
I sought its grateful shade;
In all their gushing joy
Here too my sisters played.
My mother kissed me here;
My father pressed my hand --
Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old oak stand!
My heart-strings round thee cling,
Close as thy bark, old friend!
Here shall the wild-bird sing,
And still thy branches bend.
Old tree! the storm still brave!
And, woodman, leave the spot:
While I've a hand to save,
Thy axe shall harm it not.
When he was finished the children burst into applause and Hearpwine, never one to miss the chance of acknowledging his skill, bowed deeply to accept it. Straightening up he addressed the students once more. “Miz Bella has told me that there is to be a Faire soon, and that she would like you all to learn a song to sing at that. It seems to me that the lay I just gave would be apt for such an occasion. But first, tell me your names so that I might know you all better – and do any of you know how to play any sorts of musical instruments?”
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