Lament For Boromir

Aragorn sang

Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows

The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes

‘What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?

Have you seen Boromir the Tall by Moon or by starlight?

‘I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey

I saw him walk in empty lands until he passed away

Into the shadows of the North, I saw him then no more

The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor

‘O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar

But you came not from the empty lands where no men are. ’

Then Legolas sang

From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones

The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans

‘What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?

Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve

‘Ask not of me where he doth dwell – so many bones there lie

On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky

So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea

Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me! ’

‘O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south

But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea’s mouth’

Then Aragorn sang again

From the Gate of the Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls

And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls

‘What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?

What news of Boromir the bold? For he is long away. ’

‘Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought

His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought

His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest

And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast

‘O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze

To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days