6

Twelve men beside him still there went, still faithful when all hope was spent. Their names are yet in elven-song remembered, though the years are long since doughty Dagnir and Ragnor, Radhruin, Dairuin and Gildor, Gorlim Unhappy, and Urthel, and Arthad and Hathaldir fell; since the black shaft with venomed wound took Belegund and Baragund, the mighty sons of Bregolas; since he whose doom and deeds surpass all tales of Men was laid on bier, fair Beren son of Barahir. For these it was, the chosen men of Bëor's house, who in the fen of reedy Serech stood at bay about King Finrod in the day of his defeat, and with their swords thus saved of all the Elven-lords the fairest; and his love they earned. And he escaping south, returned to Nargothrond his mighty realm, where still he wore his crowned helm; but they to their northern homeland rode, dauntless and few, and there abode unconquered still, defying fate, pursued by Morgoth's sleepless hate.