"GL4" - читать интересную книгу автора (vol06)

The sweet syllables fell like clear jewels of mingled word and
sound, and he halted for a moment looking back.
'That is the opening of the chant to Elbereth,' said Bilbo. 'They
will sing that and other songs of the Blessed Realm many times
tonight.'
Bilbo led Frodo back to his upper room. There they sat for some
while, looking at the bright stars through the window, and talking
softly. They spoke no longer of the small and happy news of the
Shire far away, but of the Elves, and of the wide world, and its
perils, and of the burden and mystery of the Ring.

When Sam came to the door (at the end of the chapter in FR) Bilbo
said:

'Quite right, Sam! Though I never expected to live long enough
to be ordered about by Ham Gamgee's boy. Bless me, I am near
150 and old enough to be your great-grandfather.'
'No sir, and I never expected to be doing it.'
'It is Gandalf's fault, said Frodo. 'He chose Sam to be my
companion in adventure, and Sam takes his task seriously.'

This was replaced at the time of writing by the ending in FR. Bilbo was
in fact 128.

Both texts continue on briefly into what became 'The Council of
Elrond' in FR (the title that my father had given to the 'third phase' text
Chapter XII, p. 362, afterwards called 'Many Meetings', when he
anticipated that it would contain the Council as well as the 'many
meetings' that preceded it).

Frodo awoke early next day, feeling refreshed and well. Sam
brought him breakfast, and would not allow him to get up till he
had eaten it. Then Bilbo and Gandalf carne and talked for a while.
Suddenly a single bell rang out. [All the remainder of the text from
this point was struck out; see p. 399.]
'Bless me! ' said Gandalf. 'The council is in half an hour. That is
the warning. I must be off. Bilbo will bring you to the place, as
soon as you are ready. Sam had better come with you.'

The council was held in a high glade among the trees on the
valley-side far above the house. A falling stream ran at the side of
: the meeting place, and with the trickling and bubbling of the
water was mingled the sound of many birds. There were twelve
ю seats of carved stone in a wide circle; and behind them many other
:- smaller seats of wood. The ground was strewn with many red and
yellow leaves, but the trees above were still clothed with fading
green; a clear sky of pale blue hung high above, filled with the
light of morning.
When Bilbo, Frodo and Sam arrived Elrond was already seated,
and beside him, as at the feast, were Gandalf and Glorfindel.