Frodo's Lament for Gandalf

Frodo's Lament for Gandalf was Frodo Baggins' attempt to put his grief at Gandalf's death into words while at Lórien. When he recited it to Sam Gamgee, it didn't seem as lovely as it had in his mind, when he was inspired by elven voices. Sam was enthusiastic about it, however, he thought a verse about Gandalf's fireworks should have been added. He composed the last verse, which is why its rhyme-pattern is different. In The Fellowship of the Ring (film), the last verse, spoken by Sam, is the only part that's included.


 * When evening in the Shire was grey
 * his footsteps on the Hill were heard;
 * before the dawn he went away
 * on journey long without a word.


 * From Wilderland to Western shore,
 * from northern waste to southern hill,
 * through dragon-lair and hidden door
 * and darkling woods he walked at will.


 * With Dwarf and Hobbit, Elves and Men,
 * with mortal and immortal folk,
 * with bird on bough and beast in den,
 * in their own secret tongues he spoke.


 * A deadly sword, a healing hand,
 * a back that bent beneath its load;
 * a trumpet-voice, a burning brand,
 * a weary pilgrim on the road.


 * A lord of wisdom throned he sat,
 * swift in anger, quick to laugh;
 * an old man in a battered hat
 * who leaned upon a thorny staff.


 * He stood upon the bridge alone
 * and Fire and Shadow both defied;
 * his staff was broken on the stone,
 * in Khazad-dûm his wisdom died.


 * The finest rockets ever seen:
 * they burst in stars of blue and green,
 * or after thunder golden showers
 * came falling like a rain of flowers.