Frodo, who had also sat up, sat with his eyes closed as Bilbo sang the hymn in a tongue Frodo had never heard before. When he had finished, Frodo opened his eyes and Bilbo saw tears in them.

'Even though I couldn't understand the words, that song was beautiful, uncle,' Frodo said

'Please tell me, uncle, what the words mean?'

Bilbo smiled, and patted his shoulder. 'Someday, my boy, I hope to teach you the language of that particular song, which incidentally is called Sindarin. And when I have taught you Sindarin, you may translate the words to the hymn yourself.' At this, Bilbo invited him to lay back down on the blanket so that they could resume stargazing.

It was sometime later, after Bilbo had finished telling him about the Valar that Frodo pointed to the brightest star he saw in the sky and said, 'What's that star, uncle?'

'That, my boy, is Eärendil,' Bilbo answered. 'It is the star that is most precious to the Elves.' Frodo attempted to repeat the new name without much success and Bilbo spent a moment helping him to master the Elvish name before he moved on with the lesson.

'Eärendil, who was only half Elven because his father was of the race of Men, was also the greatest mariner to ever live in the history of Middle Earth. It was through his help and courage that the first Dark Lord of Middle Earth, Melkor, was defeated. For Eärendil sought to find a way to the land where the Valar dwelt which is called Aman but the way was hidden from mortal Men...'

Frodo was enthralled with the telling of the tale of Eärendil the Mariner, listening quietly as Bilbo told him of the escape of Eärendil's wife from the clutches of Melkor. He listened awestruck when Bilbo recounted the part where Elwing flew to her husband's ship as a white sea-bird bearing the magnificent jewel known as the Silmaril on her breast.

'It was through the power of the jewel, and his courage that Eärendil was able to at last find the Straight Road to Aman.'

Bilbo was about to continue with the lesson when Drogo came walking up with a lantern in his hands.

'Forgive the interruption,' he began, 'But I think it's time that Frodo was off to bed.'

'Awwww, Daddy! We were having fun!' Frodo moaned.

'Hold on, my lad,' Bilbo said, looking at his eldest nephew, 'Just what time is it, Drogo?'

'A little past ten o'clock,' Drogo replied.

'A little past ten? Good heavens! Have we really been out here that long, Drogo?' Bilbo said.

'I'm afraid so, uncle.'

'Well then, Frodo, it is time we were going inside. And before you start sulking, young man, I promise you we'll come back outside tomorrow night to do some more stargazing,' Bilbo said.

'Will you tell me more Elves' stories about the stars, uncle?' Frodo asked.

"Of course, I will,' Bilbo promised. 'Now, let's get up from here and get on inside.'

Drogo and Frodo helped Bilbo to get to his feet before the three of them headed back inside of the smial.

***

Translation of A Elbereth Gilthoniel:

O Elbereth Star-kindler

(white) glittering slants down sparkling like jewels

From [the] firmament [the] glory [of] the star-host!

To-remote distance far-having gazed

From [the] tree-tangled middle-lands,

Fanuilos, to thee I will chant

On this side of ocean, here on this side of the Great Ocean!