Still no correct answer.
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Originally Posted by Urwen
The verse 'you can't watch the water flowing' indicates that he can only watch the sea, whose waters don't flow.
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It does not refer to the Sea, but I much like the bolded part.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc
But somehow I still think I'm too far off. Right now I basically keep focused on places, and Gondor-related ones on top of that, because it sounds like the most plausible. And of those, Osgiliath/Ithilien sounded the best. But we'll see.
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Yeah, the subject is not even remotely related to Gondor. Aside from the fact that they are in the same universe...
There are some lines that could tip you off about the setting/event of the riddle, which would then help you identify the speaker.
From East to West.
Legate had some very good thoughts about this one.
Are they coming? Oh yes they are.
No more going. Why can't there be more going? The answer to this is not a sentimental one, but something very down-to-earth logical. Like 2+2=4.
You can't watch the water flowing! Again, why can't you? Yet another very logical and not sentimental answer.
And again, as I said, the riddle has two parallel "plots" in it. If I were to rearrange the stanzas chronologically, it would look like this:
From East to West
Many a success -
I shall list them
If you'll listen.
I could tell a dreadful story -
Death and darkness, fall from glory.
Are they coming? No more going.
You can't watch the water flowing!
For I am marred,
My skin is scarred;
I never will
From all this heal.
Will you take me?
I'm no beauty.
Will you keep me?
I'm not strong, see.
Will you bring me?
I'm not happy.
Will you give me?
Do not leave me!
The "Will you...me?" lines basically all take place at the same time. And they are a question for the future - will you take me now, so that later you will (perhaps) keep/bring/give me? The 4-line stanzas, on the other hand, all say what has happened in the past.
Also, regarding "heal" - the subject is partially recovered, but complete recovery is quite impossible.