The Hastiest Ent
Ents, known as Onodrim ('tree-hosts') to the Elves, are one of Middle Earth's most mysterious creatures. Concerned that the creations of Aulë, the Dwarves, would have no respect for things that grow, his wife Yavanna implored Manwë to help. In response, Manwë created the Ents, guardians of the trees.
This is an old song about the Ent whom the Elves call Bregalad, or 'Quickbeam'. It was sung by wandering woodland Elves in the late years of the Second Age, and has been translated here from Sindarin into the Common Tongue. It is 'lighthearted, quickworded, and soon over', just like all Elvish songs, as Fangorn, or 'Treebeard', once told two now-illustrious hobbits. Were it an Entish song, of course, it would take a considerably longer time to sing.
Within the realm of Fangorn wood the Onodrim do toil,
They herd the trees, guard those they should, between the sky and soil.
They know not rush, they know not speed, in leisure they are content,
Except for one, who's known indeed as Quickbeam the hastiest Ent
Upon this certain name he fell when asked by Willowbended
If he was feeling very well—and answered before she ended!
Partway into Willow's phrase the fast young lad broke in
The question could have gone for days, but for this interrupting sin.
'Ta-olla-lalla-rumba-loi,' was the brisk assent
That came from that most unusual boy, Quickbeam the hastiest Ent
Protector of the Rowan trees, he stands among their bowers,
And chants the names of all he sees for hours upon hours,
His duty done he basks in light, making old Birchseed swoon,
Quickbeam has done in a dozen nights what should take many a moon!
Who would speed through every task much faster than was meant?
How could anyone ever ask? 'Twas Quickbeam the hastiest Ent
His pace came to the attention of Treebeard old and knowing,
Who then had cause to mention that the young Ent must be slowing,
Advised of this admonishment, the lad hastily refused,
Much to the astonishment of his elders unamused.
Old tree-hosts of Yavanna's sacred pleading oft lament
The impetuousness of manner in Quickbeam the hastiest Ent
But when in Fangorn there is wrong, a plague, a drought, an orch,
Quickbeam acts before too long, while the others only talk,
On many times he routs the pest, when there's no time to waste,
He saves the day and shows the rest the usefulness of haste.
At times the elders may complain, but then are forced to consent
That their saviour time and time again has been Quickbeam the hastiest Ent
Home is what of Fangorn wood the Onodrim do call,
Among their unhurried number good, one stands apart from all.
Though faster than normal Entish rate, his time is time well spent,
A foil to his race's rate is Quickbeam the hastiest Ent