'Hobbits are strange men' excerpt from the journal of Gandalf the Grey or The Pilgrim

I'll never understand these little men called Hobbits. I do not see what Bilbo was trying to pull by using the ring in such a fasion. Right in front of all those Hobbits! I couldn't believe that he'd used it so carelessly. It's not like him...In fact, he's not been like himself these past few days. Seems very strained. Very tired too. I was very worried about him and I wanted to catch him before he truly dissapeared. I hurried back to the house. I knew he had to pick up some things and I was sure I could stop him to have a few words.

I was right and I actually got to the house before him. He seemed surprised when he first saw me and then perhaps a little embarassed. He must have know that I knew he had mis-used the ring. I can still remember our conversation pretty clearly. At first, he was rather cheery at being able to leave. I knew that Hobbits usually preferred to settle down in one spot and not move till the ground opened it's mouth and swallowed them up but Bilbo had been changed by his adventure before. He had kept mentioning to me how much he missed the 'open road' and how lucky I was to be constantly on the move. He doesn't know that I've yearned for a hot bath and a warm and comfertable bed to call my own for some time now. Since I am always traveling, I am bearly home anymore and I do so miss it.

Anyway, he started getting antsy when I mentioned Frodo and the house. He said that he had left everything to Frodo but when I asked about the ring, he seemed to get defensive, as if doubting that he would ever take something like that with him. Then, his mannor changed and all of a sudden, his eyes got fierce and he started asking why he shouldn't get the ring. His voice got harsh and was unusually high-pitched as he screached that it was his in the first place and that I was wrong to suggest that he should give it to Frodo.

Then, he startled me by calling the ring, "My own. My precious. Yes, my precious".

"It has been called that before," I said, "but not by you."

Even to this, he took offense.

Finally I lost my patience and got stern. He seemed to change his attitude quickly. It was almost as if he'd come out of a trance and once again, I was reminded of all the power this ring contained. He immidiately apologised, saying he hadn't been himself. I knew it to be the ring; taking over, in a sense.

He then promised to leave it to Frodo with the rest of the things and turned to go.

"You have still got the ring in your pocket," I reminded him as he clutched the door.

"Well, so I have!" he said, trying to give it to me. But I refused. I would not touch that ring if my life depended on it. I have seen the evil that it posseses and I wish to have no part of that in me. So he left it for Frodo in an envelope on the mantle. He bid me farewell and, walking stick in hand, headed out of the door to the road that he'd met so many times in his dreams, I'm sure.

Soon after he'd gone, Frodo came. He was sullen and sad when I told him that Bilbo had already left but I did not have time for this. I was weary from the night of festivities and then my row with Bilbo and was very ready for bed.

I explained to Frodo that Bilbo had left him everything. When I adressed him about the ring I made it clear that he kept it secret, and kept it safe. I told him to do with it what he may but not to use it.

But I was too weary to talk any longer and went off to bed.

I truly hope Bilbo's path takes him straight to where he's going. Even if he's going no where, I wish him well. He is an old, dear friend of mine and we have been through a lot together. But I do know that he is probably old enough to look out for himself. I guess I shall have to stop worrying about him so much. Yet somehow, it seems like I never will till this whole mess about this ring is cleared up.

Bilbo's Speach

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins and my dear Tooks and Brandybucks, and Grubbs, and Chubbs, and Burrowses, and Hornblowers, and Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses and Proudfoots."
"PROUDFEET!"
"Proudfoots. Also my good Sackville-Bagginses that I welcome back at last to Bag End. Today is my one hundred and eleventh Birthday. I am eleventy-one today!"
"Huray! Hurray! Many Happy Returns!"
"I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am. I shall not keep you long. I have called you all together for a Purpose. Indeed, for Three Purposes!
First of all, to tell you that I am immensely fond of you all, and that eleventy-one years is too short a time to live amongh such excellent and admirable hobbits. I don't know half of you as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Secondly, to celebrate my birthday. I should say: OUR birthday. For it is, of course, also the birthday of my heir and nephew, Frodo. He comes of age and into his inheritance today.
Together we score one hundred and forty-four. Your numbers were chosen to fit this remarkable total: One Gross, if I may use the expression.
It is also, if I may be allowed to refer to ancient history, the anniversary of my arrival by barrel at Esgaroth on the Long Lake; though the fact that it was my birthday slipped my memory on that occasion. I was only fifty-one then, and birthdays did not seem so important. The banquet was very splended, however, though I had a bad cold at the time, I remember, and could only say 'thag you very buch'. I now repeat it more correctly: Thank you very much for coming to my little party.
Thirdly and finally, I wish to make an ANNOUNCEMENT. I regret to announce that-though, as I said, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to spend among you-this is the END. I am going. I am leaving NOW. GOOD-BYE!"

POOF!!!!!!!