he was for long my only audience... Only from him did I ever get the idea that my ‘stuff’ could be more than a private hobby. But for his interest and unceasing eagerness for more I should never have brought The L. of the R. to a conclusion.

Splendid! They used to go up like great lilies and snapdragons and laburnums of fire and hang in the twilight all evening!

You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon.

We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.

I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history – true or feigned– with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse applicability with allegory, but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.

I will not walk backward in life.

I don't know, and I would rather not guess.