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.

Oh! That was poetry!" said Pippin. "Do you really mean to start before the break of day?

May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.

If you mean you think it is my job to go into the secret passage first, O Thorin Thrain’s son Oakenshield, may your beard grow ever longer,” he said crossly, “say so at once and have done!

Take now this Ring,' he said; 'for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in all it will support thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill.

If you sit on the doorstep long enough, I daresay you will think of something

Touching your cap to the Squire may be damn bad for the Squire, but it's damn good for you.