The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out, practically all references to anything like 'religion', to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism.

I want to be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.

Short cuts make long delays.

Fair speech may hide a foul heart.

Few can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end.

There is no ship now that can bear me hence

To think I should have lived to be goodmorninged by Belladonna Took's son, as if I was selling buttons at the door!