Were the Istari Unable or Unwilling...

[Rhod the Red]

Originally Posted by Sardy

Gandalf states:

It would seem that the Valar, in sending the Istari forth, actually had curtailed and dimmed their memories of their true nature and essence... allowing (and necessitating) them to have a more "earthly (or Middle-earthly?) sympathy to their task at hand.

I would go so far as to think that we might readily replace, "...and only to those who are there shall I speak more openly." with "...and only to those who are there can I speak more openly."

Agreed, mild visions of the Undying lands and the necessity of the mission in Middle-earth left in their minds.