"GL4" - читать интересную книгу автора (vol06)

would find out its hiding-place, and in the end he would come in
person.(25) I doubt whether Tom Bombadil, even on his own
ground, could withstand that power; but I am sure that we should
not leave him to face it. Besides, he lives too far away and the
Ring has come from his land only at great hazard. It would have
to pass through greater danger to return. If the Ring is to
be hidden - surely it is here in Rivendell that it should be kept:
if Elrond has might to withstand the coming of Sauron in all his
power?'
'I have not,' said Elrond.
'In that case,' said Erestor,(26) 'there are but two things for us to
attempt: we may send the Ring West over the Sea, or we may try
to destroy it. If the Ring had gone to the West long ago that would
have perhaps been well. But now the power of the Lord is grown
great again, and he is awake, and he knows where the Ring is. The
journey to the Havens would be fraught with the greatest peril. On
the other hand we cannot by our own skill or strength destroy the
Ring; and the journey to the Fiery Mountain would seem still
more perilous, leading as it does towards the stronghold of the
Enemy. Who can read this riddle for us?'
'None here can do so,' said Elrond gravely.(27) 'None can foretell
which road leads to safety, if that is what you mean. But I can
choose which road it is right to take, as it seems to me - and indeed
the choice is clear. The Ring must be sent to the Fire. The peril is
greater on the western road; for my heart tells me that is the road
which Sauron will expect us to take when he hears what has
befallen. And if we take it he will pursue us swiftly and surely,
since we must make for the Havens beyond the Towers. Those he
would certainly destroy, even if he found us not, and there would
be thereafter no way of escape for the Elves from the darkening
world.'

'And the Shire too would be destroyed,' said Trotter in a low
voice, looking towards Bilbo and Frodo.
'But on the other road,' said Elrond, 'with speed and skill the
travellers might go far unmarked. I do not say there is great hope
in the quest; but only in this way could any lasting good be
achieved. In the Ring is hidden much of the ancient power of
Sauron. Even though he does not hold it that power still lives and
works for him and towards him. As long as the Ring lives on land
or sea he will not be overcome. While the Ring lasts he will grow,
and have hope, and the fear lest the Ring come into his hand again
will ever weigh on the world. War will never cease while that fear
lives, and all Men will be turned to him.'
'I do not understand this,' said Boromir. 'Why should the Elves
and their friends not use the Great Ring to defeat Sauron? And I
say that all men will not join him: the men of Ond will never
submit.'
'Never is a long word, O Boromir,' said Elrond. 'The men of
Ond are valiant and still faithful amid a host of foes; but valour