Never laugh at live dragons.

Many folk like to know beforehand what is to be set on the table; but those who have laboured to prepare the feast like to keep their secret; for wonder makes the words of praise louder.

In doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom.

Books ought to have good endings.How would this do: and they all settled down and lived together happily ever after?

The Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their imagination - not the small reach of their courage or latent power.

It is mine, I tell you. My own. My precious. Yes, my precious.

The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song.