[Anguirel]

Lalaith, I too am a firm Cavalier. I believe Gimli qualifies as one, in the end.

Looks aren't everything. Charles II himself admitted "God's fish, I am an ugly fellow!" What matters is culture, chivalry, courtesy, wit. Gimli possesses these in unusual abundance.

He sings the song of Durin. He gallantly requests three of Galadriel's hairs; in the game of wooing he is strides ahead of the cold, formal Aragorn, and only slightly behind Faramir.

He knows the chivalrous choice is to rescue Merry and Pippin. He declines to sing of the East, showing great tact. Once in Rohan, he behaves with proper hauteur but is not too strict about grudges. He saves Eomer's life despite their quarrel. He takes part in a "joust" with Master Elf.

He conquers his fears and passes the Paths of the Dead with supreme knightly courage. And then there is his final, glorious, romantic altercation with Eomer-

(paraphrasing) "You have chosen the evening. But I prefer the morning, and I fear it may soon pass."

Well, it did, in the person of Lady Galadriel, but Gimli's still here, and I exhort that you vote for him. Sir Gimli-knight, gallant, cavalier, paragon of chivalry and oldie courtesie!