The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3)

by J.R.R. Tolkien

A pale smile, like a gleam of cold sun on a winter’s evening, passed over the old man’s face;

‘Well, no need to brood on what tomorrow may bring.

‘The hasty stroke goes oft astray,’

side or the other it will bring the end of the game.’ Then he drew Andúril and held it up glittering in the sun. ‘You shall not be sheathed again until the last battle is fought,’ he said.

And Gandalf said: ‘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. And Aragorn himself waits for a sign.’

It is useless to meet revenge with revenge: it will heal nothing.