The apotheosis of Boromir, or The dream of maturity.
.oOo.
TA. 3018, the companies of Gondor bivouac at Osgiliath. In recent days, Faramir has been dreaming strange premonitions. He mentions them to his older brother. Boromir, in turn, falls into an evocative dream, somewhat different from his younger's...
.o.
Glorious fanfares in western breeze,
Children of Gondor in a vengeful impulse,
Unfurl the banner where bloom white trees.
Fiery defender of Eärnur's scepter,
Victorious vigil, the Stewart conquers.
His male boldness exalts beyond fear,
Faithful companions in ardent battalions.
.o.
Seven pale stars of ancient banners
At the palace dome at last abloom.
Restored hopes shine at the frontispiece
Of wilted Osgiliath's relieved mansions.
.o.
The winged crown again commands Anduin.
The heir of Mardil, farsighted bailiff,
Ponders the schemes of glorious tomorrows.
In marred Ithilien his healing hand
Relieves vineyards, forests, cots and forts.
Dark Minas Morgul, docile to her winner
Regains honor with her former name.
.o.
Riders of Khand, princely chariots of Rhûn,
Lay down at his feet pledges of alliance.
Ever victor his sword decides the fate,
The pacified tribes implore his mercy.
.o.
The son of Denethor, among many hostages
Princesses conquered in distant Harad,
In the harbor of Umbar, marries the wisest.
The naves of Linhir on the serene shore
Revive the homage of Uinen's covenant.
Veiling the proud gaze of his recumbent father,
Accepts the fearless kings' inheritance.
.o.
His numenorean lineage perpetuates,
Under the silver flowers of a vigorous scion.
At the hallowed steles the crowd in procession,
With his blessed sword knights a captain,
Eldest sprout from the side of his queen.
.o.
On the verge of satisfying his dream of eternity,
The sacrilege illusion suddenly vanishes!
Rath Dinen rejects with authority
The ambition of an unholy old age :
.o.
The sword that was broken look for at Imladris!
The conclave of free people
Will forge a pact against Barad Dur.
The bane of Isildur that fears the west,
May seal our destiny with honor or infamy.
The Halfling's steps may shake
The basis of ancient powers. 1
.o.
A few weeks later, using his birthright, Boromir departs and searches for Imladris, supported by ambiguous hopes...
.oOo.
NOTES :
1 The genuine verses are :
Seek for the Sword that was broken
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the halfling forth shall stand