Tarnin Austa (Gates of Summer)
Upon a slope where greenest grasses grow,
Cloaked in midnight’s mantle, shadowed night,
Elves in silence stand and gaze below,
Where still, deep waters mirror starry light.
Solemn is their meditation there,
On summer’s eve they do their vigil keep,
And many think on Gondolin, once fair,
For what was lost they mourn, and softly weep.
Alas for Gondolin, of seven names,
Her secrets bared by treacherous Maeglin’s hand.
For on this very night, she fell in flames,
No more the flower blooms that guards the land.
First tendrils of dawn’s light soft kiss the sky,
And soon Hidhuinen’s waters golden glow,
And all who see, in awe and wonder sigh,
Voices raise in song, thanks to bestow.
Hark, hear the music of the waters sound!
See, all things living pulse and teem with life!
In Imaldris, where Elrond’s peace is found,
Let loose the light, extinguish dark and strife.
Remember as we celebrate this day
That blessed is the light that warms the earth!.
We should past sorrows in our reckoning weigh
Against the joys of new life and rebirth.
