Song of the Numenoreans by Himring

Song of the Numenoreans

We have seen their ship on the horizon. 

Drive the cattle up to the high pastures
so that the ship’s clerk cannot find them!
Send your daughters inside;
Numenoreans offer no marriage contracts! 

They have a long list of gifts they say they gave our fathers.
Who knew they were loans to be charged at high interest?
They have no record at all of gifts given in return.
Then why does the tallest among them wear grandfather’s gold around his neck?

How magnificent they are, how generous,
except for that small matter of taxes!
They come for a friendly visit
with a great many sharp blades at their belts. 

O gracious benefactors,
spare us today,
seek out another port!

Chapter End Notes

Prompt fill for the tolkienshortfanworks May prompt: taxes or similar charges.