The Hobbit (Middle Earth, #0)

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Thorin, of course, was really the grandson of the King under the Mountain, and there is no knowing what a dwarf will not dare and do for revenge or the recovery of his own.

The only person thoroughly unhappy was Bilbo.

There was little grass, and before long there was neither bush nor tree, and only broken and blackened stumps to speak of ones long vanished. They were come to the Desolation of the Dragon, and they were come at the waning of the year.

They were at the end of their journey, but as far as ever, it seemed, from the end of their quest.

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

‘Every worm has his weak spot,’ as my father used to say, though I am sure it was not from personal experience.”

I am Ringwinner and Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider,”

“Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!”

“You aren’t nearly through this adventure yet,”

I wonder how many breakfasts, and other meals, we have missed inside that nasty clockless, timeless hole?”

The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more!”

I may be a burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an honest one, I hope, more or less.

So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of Five Armies, and it was very terrible.

I have heard songs of many battles, and I have always understood that defeat may be glorious. It seems very uncomfortable, not to say distressing. I wish I was well out of it.”

“I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate.”

“This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; and not a mountain of gold can amend it. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils—that has been more than any Baggins deserves.”

“There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

“If ever you are passing my way,” said Bilbo, “don’t wait to knock! Tea is at four; but any of you are welcome at any time!”

The dragon was dead, and the goblins overthrown, and their hearts looked forward after winter to a spring of joy.

“May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected!

“And I name you elf-friend and blessed. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)!

“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending!” said Bilbo, and he turned his back on his adventure. The Tookish part was getting very tired, and the Baggins was daily getting stronger. “I wish now only to be in my own armchair!” he said.

“But our back is to legends and we are coming home.

“There is a long road yet,” said Gandalf. “But it is the last road,” said Bilbo.

I am sorry to say he did not mind. He was quite content; and the sound of the kettle on his hearth was ever after more musical than it had been even in the quiet days before the Unexpected Party.

Surely you don’t disbelieve the prophecies, because you had a hand in bringing them about yourself?

You don’t really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit? You are a very fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!”