Merry men did gather there
Within the Prancing Pony's lair.
Song and drink were plentiful;
Seldom were the times there dull.
Weary walkers in Bree did stay
There at the Inn where footsteps sway.
Travelers welcome though beware
For it was most unwise to linger there
Where walls did listen without ear
To loosened tongues which held no fear.
They sat and drank all in cheer,
Recounting tales from yester-years.
A Halfling they say had once stayed
There at the Inn where footsteps swayed.
Underhill and underfoot to most
Though was ever thankful to his host.
He sat by as his companions cheered
And said his name for all to hear.
Frightened, hurried, he ran their way;
Slipping, stumbling, down to lay.
Two did fall, one not man.
Two did fall, not one did land.
The Ring had cloaked his clumsy spill
And so did vanish Underhill.
A silent man watched those fogged with drink
As they slowly turned from the startling feat.
He slunk away into the gloom.
Slipping into his counseling room
Cautioning them to be more wary.
So began the journey there of
The silent man, the crownless king,
And the Halfling that did bear the Ring.