AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a song written in Minas Tirith by Menelcar the Minstrel, in honor of the four hobbits. It is taken from the last chapter of my LiveJournal serial, "Chance Encounter".
THE SMALLEST HANDS
We hearken to the harp and hear of deeds of Elves and Men; of Silmarils, Thangorodrim, and fallen Gondolin;
of Beren and of Lúthien; of Eärendil the Star; of Hurin who was sadly cursed, and Turin Turambar.
We sing of fallen Númenor, and faithful Elendil, who of his folk a remnant saved, to do the Valar’s will.
We tell of mighty Gil-galad, who led against the foe an army vast of Elves and Men to lay the Shadow low.
And by such things our hearts are stirred, to know these tales of yore; the dire deeds done and victories won by those who went before.
So we see then in our mind’s eye these heroes brave and tall with faces fell and mighty arms who answered to the call.
In such a way we measure them whose deeds we may admire, by strength of hand and height from ground, to such we may aspire.
There is a land so fair and green far to the north and west, where dwell a folk but half Men’s height, in peace and plenty blest.
They plow the ground, they till the earth, a simple folk, we find, who laugh and weep and live and love; with open hearts and kind.
Yet even there did Evil reach far to the west and north. Against the Shadow’s fearsome clutch were four who ventured forth.
Although in height but half as high full twice as large their hearts. When darkness threatened all they loved, they sought to do their parts.
Into a world grown grim and cold, where perils oft await, they wandered in their innocence toward an uncertain fate.
And two there were, who carried off by fell and fearsome foes, yet by their wits and strength of will they both struck mighty blows.
And two there were who went alone into the Shadow’s lair; where nothing good may there be found, and all is bleak despair.
Betrayed and beaten, whipped and cursed, they managed to endure. they struggled on through pain and thirst, where only death was sure,
and into malice Mercy cast, and Love and Grace prevailed. So Power and Pride did tremble then, And thus the Darkness failed.
Perhaps it was to humble us when Chance or Purpose called-- and into smallest hands did give the greatest deed of all.
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