Perky Ent gets credit for this one! He quoted Gandalf's letter, in the 'chapter by chapter' thread on Strider. Gandalf wrote to Frodo on Midsummer's day! I find this quite exciting. Gandalf, in essence, tries to start Frodo's quest a quarter-year earlier (writing the letter on Midsummer's Day, although Frodo wouldn't get it for at least five days, I think.) Check this out:
Quote:
THE PRANCING PONY, BREE. Midyear's Day, Shire Year, 1418.
Dear Frodo,
*** Bad news has reached me here. I must go off at once. You had better leave Bag End soon, and get out of the Shire before the end of July at latest. I will return as soon as I can; and I will follow you, if I find that you are gone. Leave a message for me here, if you pass through Bree. You can trust the landlord (Butterbur). You may meet a friend of mine on the Road: a man, lean, dark, tall, by some called Strider. He knows our business and will help you. Make for Rivendell. There I hope we may meet again. If I do not come, Elrond will advise you.
Yours in haste
** Gandalf.
PS. Do Not use It again, not for any reason whatever! Do not travel by night!
PPS. Make sure that it is the real Strider. There are many strange men on the roads. His true name is Aragorn.
All That is gold does not glitter,
not all those who wander are lost;
the old that is strong does not wither,
deep roots are not reached by the frost.
from the ashes a fire shall be woken,
a light from the shadows shall spring;
renewed shall be blade that was broken,
the crownless again shall be king.
PPPS. I hope Butterbur sends this promptly. A worthy man, but his memory is like a lumber-room: thing wanted always buried. If he forgets, I shall roast him.
Fare Well!
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Intriguing point: it is exactly one year from the writing of this letter that Strider marries Arwen, and his entire quest is fulfilled.