I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.

I shall claim full amends for every fall and stubbed toe, if you do not lead us well.

I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations.

If your first Christmas tree is a wilting eucalyptus and if you're normally troubled by heat and sand... then, to have just at the age when imagination is opening out, suddenly find yourself in a quiet Warwickshire village, I think it engenders a particular love of what you might call central Midlands English countryside. Based on good water, stones and elm trees and small quiet rivers and so on, and of course, rustic people about.

There is no curse in Elvish, Entish or the tongues of Men for this treachery!

Sam, clinging to Frodo's arm, collapsed on a step in the black darkness. 'Poor old Bill!' he said in a choking voice. 'Poor old Bill! Wolves and snakes! But the snakes were too much for him. I had to choose, Mr. Frodo. I had to come with you.

I am dreading the publication, for it will be impossible not to mind what is said. I have exposed my heart to be shot at.