Nerdanel's Lament
What have you become, my husband?
Once you were so kind, so fair,
Was it only youthful innocence then?
Are you now showing what you really are?
We were so happy, so content,
Our seven sons, the light of our lives.
You delighted in your craft, I in our love.
For a short while, you heeded my counsel
Forsaking the will of all others
Then you made those jewels, so radiant
But at what cost, my lord?
I had thought you selfless and wise.
Why then did you deny the Valar?
Has grief for your father driven you mad?
No, you had begun to change even before
The first blood was spilled in Aman.
You shut yourself away from me,
Ever laboring to create new works
Have you forgotten the works of our love,
Seven beautiful sons?
Ever were you and they the first in my heart
And now they leave with you
To leave everything they hold dear.
Do you know that you condemn them to death?
Would you have them die in a cold, friendless place?
Perhaps we shall be together again someday
When all the world is broken and remade
What then, dear husband?
Will you have seen the pain you caused those you love?
No, you will not.
All my hope and love for you has faded.