But Tolkien doesn't ask the question: What was Aragorn's tax policy?

That was the way of this cold world, where men fished the sea and dug in the ground and died, whilst women brought forth short-lived children from beds of blood and pain.

If I look back I am lost.

The eunuch had looked death in the face, so near he might have kissed her on the lips.

The morning had dawned clear and cold, with a crispness that hinted at the end of summer.

Tyrion Lannister could not have been more astonished if Aegon the Conqueror himself had burst into the room, riding on a dragon and juggling lemon pies.

When you play a game of thrones you win or you die.