what if Sam had kept the ring?!!!!!

[Lyta_Underhill]

If only I could have my wish, my one wish,' he sighed, 'to go back and find him (Frodo)!'

--Samwise after he has left Frodo to pursue the Quest on his own at the Pass of Cirith Ungol

'They must understand that--Elrond and the Council, and the great Lords and Ladies with all their wisdom. Their plans have gone wrong. I can't be their Ringbearer. Not without Mr. Frodo.'

--Samwise as he made the decision to go back to Frodo a few minutes later.

I think these two small quotes from "The Choices of Master Samwise" illustrate his weakness and the desire the Ring would have played upon at the end. Sam did not place as much value on the Quest as he did on Frodo. The Ring would have played him cruelly at the end, I foresee, and I do not think he could have accomplished the quest alone, unless by some grace, such as Frodo was afforded at the end. That's my reasoning, anyway! Pure heart aside, Sam just doesn't have the insight and understanding to complete this particular quest. He might have made it to Mt. Doom, but I shudder to think of his possible fate at the Sammath Naur!

Cheers,
Lyta