The Amulet of Silmarillion

[Tom Bombadil]

<font color=green size=3><strong>Tom Bombadil rode on his pony past the gate of Bree, & waved to the old gate keeper. "I'm expecting some friends to meet me at the inn tonight. Have they come this way yet?"

"No, Tom, not yet," replied the gate keeper, "But I'll know where to be sending them when they do."

Tom thanked him, and rode on to the Prancing Pony. He sang a little tune as he approached the inn.

"Hop along, my little friends, up the Withywindle!
Tom's going on ahead candles for to kindle.
Down west sinks the Sun: soon you will be groping.
When the night-shadows fall, then the door will open,
Out of the window-panes light will twinkle yellow.
Fear no alder black! Heed no hoary willow!
Fear neither root nor bough! Tom goes on before you!
Hey now! merry dol! We'll be waiting for you!"

Nob took Tom's pony to the stables, when he reached the Prancing Pony, & Barliman Butterbur greeted him at the door, "Well now, if it isn't Tom Bombadil! It's been a long time since you've visited us here in Bree. I trust that you & Goldberry are in good health. Let me show you to a table. Will you be staying the night, or just dropping in for dinner & a drink?" He took Tom heartily by the arm, & led him inside, "We've a fair number of customers tonight : Elves & Dwarves from far off places, plus many of my regular customers, too. I'm really busy attending to everyone, two legs can only carry a man so fast, you know, but I'll see that Nob attends to all of your needs." He sat Tom down at a table in the corner which held a good view of the entire room, "And if you've a mind for it, we'd all enjoy hearing you sing. Barliman rushed off then, before Tom could tell him about the guests he was expecting, & began mixing in with the crowd.