The Hobbit (Middle Earth, #0)

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.

though he could not do everything, he could do a great deal for friends in a tight corner.

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.

His rage passes description—the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but have never before used or wanted.

“Never laugh at live dragons,

While there’s life there’s hope!’

“Your own wisdom must decide your course;

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.