In Númenor the Isle of Gift beyond the flowing Sea,
The Westernmost of mortal lands, once haven of the free,
There darkness first its shadow cast by pride and folly driv'n,
And many now forgot the One whose blessing they'd been giv'n.

A lovely maid of Forostar in Óndosto did dwell,
The daughter of the city's lord, a King's Man high and fell;
But Lestilwen was taught by those who'd known his Faithful wife
And grew to grace in knowledge of the One she owed her life.

But by the King's decree this lord the Faithful ever sought,
And by his guile a huntsman, Altamir, he once had caught;
His daughter, now a lady, learned of this through servants' ears,
And for her father's sins she sorrowed long with many tears.

In wav'ring heart she wondered what the One would have her do
And prayed for wisdom, wishing she were not but one of few;
And yet she saw the righteous way, bring it her father's ire
For captured Faithful soon were burnt to Morgoth in the fire.

With stern resolve she set her plans and settled on her course;
With wit and charm she righted what by might she could not force;
And when the board was set in this elab'rate game of chess
She moved her pawn—and showed the spirit true of Westernesse.

So now she worked her plan that Altamir his doom avoid,
And when he learned she'd help him flee he thanked her, overjoyed,
For he'd thought to escape alone to Elendili find
But doubted the success of every plan that'd come to mind.

So shopping at the market she supplies and horses bought;
Stayed home Midwinter's Day by claiming she was "overwrought;"
The guards she sent on tasks she's planned before that they could tend
Assuring them with woman's laughter she's replacements send.

So Lestilwen and Altamir stole in the darkest night
Away from Óndosto, her father and the King's dread might;
At last they came through many guises to Andúnië
And met the Faithful there who to the One alone would pray.

When Atalantë's downfall Pharazôn's great pride had wrought,
And through the Sund'ring Sea's upheaval ships the Faithful brought,
Among them Altamir the huntsman, Lestilwen his wife,
There on the shores of Middle-earth they thanked the One for life.