Chapter 20 Chapter Seven: The Mirror of Galadriel

The sun was gradually setting behind the mountains, and when they walked down the watchtower again, the shadows in the forest gradually deepened.They are now heading in the direction of dense trees.They didn't go far, and the night had completely fallen, and the elves immediately turned on the oil lamps they had carried. They came to an open meadow and found themselves standing under a sky dotted with few stars.Before them was a circular clearing without trees.Beyond the clearing were tiers of trees, hidden in shadow; on the other side was a knoll, on which grew many of the tallest mellon trees they had ever seen.They couldn't even guess how tall the trees were, and they looked like towers in the twilight.Among the boughs of these tall trees shone lights of all kinds, green, gold, and silver.Halda pointed to the scene in front of him and said to everyone:

"Welcome to Karas Galadon!" he said. "This is the City of the Tree People, and in it dwells Lord Seleborn and Queen Galadriel of Lorien. We must go round from the south, for the city is very large. , so the road is not close.” Beyond the jungle, there was a path paved with white stones, and they walked west along this road, watching the city on the left rising higher and higher, as if floating on a green cloud.As the night got darker, the lights became more and more, and finally the whole hill seemed to be hidden in the sea of ​​stars.At last they came to a white bridge, facing the gate of the city, which faced the southwest, and on both sides were strong walls with many lights hanging from them.

Halda knocked on the door, said a few words, and the door opened silently.Frodo saw no sign of the guards.A group of people walked into the city just like that, and the gate closed automatically.They walked the road between the two walls, and soon entered the city of trees.They saw no inhabitants, heard no footsteps, but heard many voices filling the air and floating over their heads.They could hear melodious laughter on the hills far away, falling like silver bells on the leaves. They walked a long way and climbed many flights of stairs until they came to a lawn and saw a sparkling fountain in front of them.The fountain, lighted by many oil lamps hanging from nearby branches, fell into a silver basin from which flowed a clear spring.On the south side of the lawn is the tallest of all god trees, its huge trunk gleaming like gray silk, stretching all the way up, until the first forked branches are hidden in a cloud of leaves until.There was a white staircase on the trunk of the tree, and three elves sat there, and when they saw someone approaching, they jumped up at once.Frodo noticed that they were all dressed in gray chain mail and long white cloaks.

"Here dwells Seleporn and Galadriel," said Haldar, "and they want you to go up and talk to them." One of the elf guards blew a clear voice with a small horn, followed by three replies. "I'll go first!" said Haldar. "Frodo next, Legolas next, and the others in whatever order you please. It's a long climb to the unaccustomed." for a period of time, but you can rest in the middle.” As Frodo climbed slowly up the rope-ladder, he passed many lookout-houses, all built in different places; some were built around tree-trunks, and the rope-ladder passed through them.When he reached a place high above the ground, he came to a large watchtower, as wide as the deck of a giant ship, and built a house on it, which was so large that it could be used as a great hall for humans on the ground.He followed Halda into it, and found himself standing in an oval hall with a huge melon trunk in the center; although it was almost at the top, the trunk of this tree was still magnificent from this point of view. .

The hall was filled with a soft light, and the walls were green and silver, and the roof was gold, and there sat many elves.There were two chairs near the trunk, covered with living leaves, on which sat Celeborn and Galadriel.The two stood up and greeted the guests according to the etiquette of the elves, and welcomed the expedition team with the same etiquette as receiving an emperor.They were very tall, and the Empress was not much taller than the Emperor; they were all very serious, and extremely beautiful.Both of them were dressed in white, the queen's hair was dark blonde, and Serepeng's was rich and bright silver.However, there is no trace of age on their faces, the only clue is in their eyes; both pairs of eyes are as sharp and gleaming as the tip of a gun in a moonlit night, but they also contain deep memories.

Haldar led Frodo up to them, and the Emperor welcomed the party in their language.Queen Galadriel said nothing, but looked into Frodo's eyes. "Frodo from the Shire, sit beside me!" said Celeborn. "When all are here, we shall have a good talk." Every member of the expedition was received cordially. "Welcome Aragorn son of Arathorn!" he said. "Thirty-eight years have passed in the blink of an eye. Judging from your appearance, these thirty-eight years are really heavy for you! But, whether it is good or bad, the end is coming soon. Put your Let go of the burden for now!"

"Welcome! Son of Thranduil! Our people in the north rarely come to visit." "Welcome, Gimli, son of Gloin! Calas Galadon has not seen his fellow Turin for a long time, and today we break a long-held law. May this be a darker but more united age The beginning is also the beginning of a new friendship between the two races!" Jin Li bowed deeply. After everyone was seated, the emperor looked at everyone again. "There are only eight here," he said. "According to the courier, there were nine members of the expedition. But perhaps there has been a change since then, but we have not heard of it. Elrond is so far away from us, and all around is full of demons who are watching. Shadow, it is natural for the message to be wrong.”

"No, Elrond's proposal has not changed," Queen Galadriel spoke for the first time, her voice as sweet as poetry, but very deep: "Gandalf the Grey set out with the expedition, but he Tell us where the other is, for I would very much like to talk to him. But I cannot see him unless he steps into Lothlorien's fence. There are mobs around him Gray mist, neither his steps nor his mind can be seen by me." "Alas!" said Aragorn mournfully, "Gandalf the Grey died under the Shadow, and he did not escape from Moria." Upon hearing this situation, all the elves in the hall became very surprised and excited. "This is the great Halda of Evil saying, 'Why am I completely ignorant of this?' He was using Elvish deliberately.

"We spoke not of this matter or our purpose to Haldar before," said Legolas; "at first we were weary, with danger at our heels, and later we walked in fair Lorien. , I almost forgot the grief in my heart.” "Our grief cannot be completely forgotten, nor can our loss be made up for," said Frodo. "Gandalf was our guide. He led us through Moria. Without his sacrifice, we would never have escaped Moria." Rhea." "Tell us the details!" said Selebone. Aragorn recounted what had happened in the Pass of Calahorras, referring to Balin and his Chronicles, and the battle in the Hall of the Chronicles and the flames and bridges and horrors that fell. "It seems to be a monster from ancient times. I have never seen it before!" Aragorn said with lingering fear. "It has the qualities of shadow and fire at the same time, and it exudes a strong evil spirit."

"That is the Balrog of Morgoth!" said Legolas. "Of all the enemies of the Elves, he is the deadliest danger except the Lord of the Dark Tower." "Indeed, what I saw on the bridge was a creature from a nightmare, and it is also what we call the Turin Slayer!" Gimli said in a low voice, with fear in his voice. "Alas!" said Celeporn, "we have long feared that there is an evil sleeping beneath Calahorras. If I knew that the dwarves had awakened this evil again, I would prevent you and all from entering the northern borders. I think so , What Gandalf has done this time is an unnecessary sacrifice, he is really wise, he should not have stepped into Moria in a moment of confusion!"

"It is too arbitrary to say that," said Galadriel solemnly, "Gandalf has never done unnecessary things in his life, and those who follow him do not know his plans, let alone think for him. Defence. However, whatever their guides, these people are innocent, do not take back your greetings to the dwarves. If we people of the trees are exiled from our home for many years, even if it becomes a dragon's lair, Don't you want to come back here again?" "The waters of Khaled-Sam are dark, the waters of Kibil-Nara are cold, and before the death of the Old King, the Hall of Pillars in Khasad-dum was beautiful..." She looked Gimli, who was sitting sullenly, smiled.As soon as the dwarf heard his own language spoken, he looked up and met Galadriel's eyes.Suddenly, he seemed to look into the heart of his enemy, and found love and understanding; the frost melted on his face, and a smile appeared. He stood up clumsily and saluted with dwarven etiquette: "But the land of Lorien is even more beautiful. Queen Galadriel is better than all the gems in the ground!" There was silence all around.After a long time, Sai Lepeng spoke again: "I didn't know you were in such a complicated and sad mood," he said, "Please forgive me for my gaffe, I made it because I was upset. I am willing to assist you as much as I can, following everyone's wishes, but especially the little one who is carrying a heavy burden. "We know your mission," Galadriel looked at Frodo: "but we will not discuss it openly." But perhaps you have come here for help, as Gandalf had originally planned, and the plan has not failed.For the Emperor of the Treemen is the wisest Elf in Middle-earth, and he has power to bestow on you gifts more precious than mortal kings.He has lived in the Western Realm since the beginning of the world, and I have lived with him for countless years.After the fall of Gondolin, I crossed the mountains, and stood with him against the world. "I was the first to convene the Holy White Council. If it wasn't for my mistake, the council should have been dominated by Gandalf the Grey, and everything would not be like this. However, even now, there is still hope for everything." Yes. I will not give you any advice, instruct you to do this, to do that, because I have no position to make any decisions and guidance, I am only responsible for knowing the past and present, and part of the future. But I have to tell you: your mission is walking on the edge of the blade, as long as there is a slight deviation, all will be lost, and the whole world will fall along with it.However, as long as every member of the expedition sticks to their faith, there is still hope for everything. As soon as she finished speaking, she glanced at each member of the expedition team.There was no one but Aragorn and Legolas who could bear her gaze, and Sam blushed quickly and bowed his head. Finally, Queen Galadriel released them from their gaze. "Don't worry!" she said. "You'll be safe tonight." Then, she sighed, they were suddenly very tired. Although they didn't say a word, the eye contact just now seemed like a long interrogation. "Leave!" said Sai Lepeng, "you have carried too much sorrow and responsibility, even if your mission has nothing to do with us, you should heal your wounds and relieve pain in our city. Now you should rest, we will not Discuss what you should do." All slept on the ground that night, much to the hobbit's satisfaction.The elves set up a tent for them near the fountain, and they placed gorgeous cushions inside, and bid them farewell with the melodious voice of the elves.The group discussed for a while about today's journey, the emperor and empress, and the experience in the tree, because they didn't want to look back at the past for a while. "Sam, why are you blushing?" Pippin said. "You seem to be breaking down. People around you must think you have a strong sense of guilt. I hope you are not trying to steal my blanket!" "I never thought about anything like that," Sam said now, not wanting to joke. "If you want to know, I felt like I was naked, and I didn't like that at all. She seemed to be asking me if I had What would I do if I had the opportunity to fly back to the Shire and have my own little garden." "That's weird!" Merry said. "It's pretty much what I feel, except... I guess I'd better not say more!" He stammered, changing the subject. All, it seems, go through the same experience.Everyone has been given two choices, one is the road through the dark place in front of them, and the other is the sweet dream they desperately want.As long as they give up the dark road in front of them and let others resist Sauron, they can get that dream. "It's the same for me," Kim Li said. "My choices are not shared with other people." "I'm even weirder," Boromir said. "Maybe it's just a trial, she wants to test our hearts, but I'm almost sure she's tempting us, trying to give us what she has no right to give. Of course , I refuse to listen to the words of temptation, we people of Minas Tirith do what we say." However, Boromir did not comment much on the temptation offered by the Queen. As for Frodo, although Boromir asked many questions, he refused to answer them all. "Lord of the Ring, the Empress seems to have been looking at you for a very long time," he said. "True," said Frodo, "but whatever I thought then, let it remain where it is." "Well, just be careful!" said Boromir, "I'm not sure about the intentions of this elf woman." "Don't slander Queen Galadriel!" Know what I say! There is no evil in her and this earth, unless one brings evil in himself. Then the man must be careful! But tonight, for the first time since I left Rivendell I can sit back and relax this time. I hope I can sleep deeply and forget the troubles in my heart for a while, I am exhausted physically and mentally." He lay down on the cushion and fell asleep immediately. Others soon followed suit.Sure enough, their slumber was not disturbed by any dream or sound.When they awoke, they found that the sun was already shining on the tent and the lawn, and the fountain was shining brightly in the daylight. They had lived in Lothlorien for some time, though how long they did not know.When they lived here, the sun was always clear, and even the occasional raindrops just made everything cleaner and clearer.The air was fresh and clean, as if it were early spring; but they felt that the still breath was the depths of winter.For several days, they seemed to eat, drink, rest, and walk in the forest every day, and that was enough. They did not see the Emperor and his wife again, and they seldom spoke to the other elves, for they hardly spoke any other language than Forest Elvish.Halda had bid them farewell, and returned to his old northern post.Since the news of the expedition and the changes in Moria, tighter guards have been placed there.Legolas was often among the Tree People, and after the first night he did not sleep with them on the ground, but came back now and then to dine and talk with them.Usually, he would travel around with Gimli, and others were very curious about his changes. Gandalf was mentioned when they walked, or when they sat and talked; and all his teachings and words and deeds came back to the minds of all.Although their physical fatigue has disappeared, the pain in their hearts has become more vivid.Often they heard the Elf singing, and they knew it was a hymn in memory of his death; for in the sweet voice they heard the name of Gandalf. Mithranda, so will the elves of Mithranda sing, O Pilgrim in the Grey!They prefer this title.But even if Legolas were with the crowd, he would not be willing to translate for the crowd.Because he said that he didn't have this skill, on the one hand, it was too personal pain for him, a tragedy that should be cried, and not a memory that should be praised with songs. It was Frodo who first turned this grief into words. He seldom wrote poems or songs because he was moved. Even when he was in Rivendell, he just listened and didn't sing.But now, as he sat by the fountain of Lórien, and listened to the Elf's song, his thoughts were in beautiful words; but, when he tried to repeat them to Sam, the words were in leaves, It is no longer as beautiful as it was then. As the evening drew near in the Charles, His footsteps came upon the hills, He was gone before dawn, Wordlessly on a long journey. From the wilderness to the west coast, From the Great Northern Wilderness to the Southern Low Hills, Through the secret door of the dragon's lair, Roam freely in the woods. A deadly sword, a pair of healing hands, a back bent by a load; The sound of the trumpet, the head of the flame; Weary pilgrims travel thousands of miles. king of wisdom, Fiery temper, love to laugh character; An old man in a broken hat Leaning on a royal scepter. He stood alone on the bridge, Resistance to phantom fire; The scepter was shattered, before the evil king could be defeated; Khasad-dum, his wisdom fell. "Wow, next time you'll pass Mr. Bilbo!" said Sam. "No, I'm afraid I can't," said Frodo. "That's all I can do," said Frodo. "Well, Mr. Frodo, if you have any other poems to commemorate him, remember to add some about his fireworks," said Sam, "like this one:" The most beautiful rocket: exploded among the blue-green stars; Like the golden shower after the thunder, A rain of flowers fell from the sky. "But this is far from his true strength." "No, I'll leave that part to you, or Bilbo. But, I don't want to. I can't imagine how to tell Bilbo such news." One evening, as Frodo and Sam were walking in the cool of the night, they both felt again some desire to leave the place.Frodo felt suddenly that it was time to go away, and he knew the time was near. "Sam, how do you feel about elves now?" he asked. "I asked the same question once before, which seems like a long time ago now, but you've seen a lot of things since then." "Indeed!" Sam said, "I began to know that there are all kinds of elves in this world. They are indeed all elves, but their personalities are very different. These elves don't seem to be the type that lives in the world, and they are more similar to us. ; they seem to belong here, as hobbits belong to the Shire. It is hard to say whether circumstances make them, or they shape the environment. It is very quiet here, everything seems to stand still, nothing moves, and no one thinks Things need to change. If there's magic here, then as far as I can see, it's really in the depths of things, not where I can judge." "You can feel the magic everywhere," said Frodo. "Let's put it this way," said Sam, "you can't see anyone doing magic, there's nothing like old Gandalf's display of fireworks, and we haven't seen the Emperor and Queen for a while. I presume she has a heart I should be able to do something, Mr. Frodo, I should really like to see elf magic!" "I don't," said Frodo, "I am satisfied, and I don't miss Gandalf's fireworks, but his bad temper, bushy eyebrows, and his voice." "You're right!" said Sam. "Don't think I'm picking faults. I've always wanted to see magic in ancient legends, but I've never heard of a more beautiful place than this. It's like people At home, it’s vacation time again, and I don’t want to leave. But again, I’m starting to feel like it’s best to get out of here and get this over with.” "The job that never starts takes the longest time, my dad used to say that. I don't think these people can help us, magic or not. I guess we'll start when we get out of here Really miss Gandalf." "I am afraid you are quite right, Sam," said Frodo, "but I wish to see the Queen of Elves once more before we go." While he was speaking, Queen Galadriel walked over as if responding to his request.Her beautiful figure in a white robe was walking under the tree. She didn't speak, but gestured to them. She turned and led the two of them to the southern slope of Calas Galadon, through a green fence and into a hidden garden.There are no trees growing there, it is open to the sky.The night stars have risen, shining over the western forests.The Queen went up a series of stairs into a deep green valley where a babbling brook flowed from a fountain outside the garden.At the side, there is a pedestal carved like a small tree, on which there is a silver basin, wide and shallow, and beside it is another silver jug. Galadriel filled the silver basin with water from the spring in the brook, and blew on it.When the ripples on the water had subsided, she spoke: "This is the Mirror of Galadriel," she said. "I have brought you here so that you may look into it, if you will." The atmosphere became stagnant, the valley became quite dark, and the figure of the elf woman was tall and pale. "What shall we seek, and what shall we see?" said Frodo in awe. "I can tell the mirror to show many different things," she replied. "For some people, I can make them see what they want to see, but the mirror can also show things they don't expect. If you let The mirror looks for anything by itself, and I don't know what the result will be, because it shows the past, the present, and the possible future. But even the wisest man cannot be sure what he sees .Do you want to see it?" Frodo made no answer. "What about you?" She turned to Sam, "Because I believe that's what your people call magic, but I don't really know what they mean. It's the Galatrix, if you will." Er's magic. Didn't you just say that you want to see elf magic?" "Indeed," Sam trembled, but also a little scared and curious: "Ma'am, if you want, I'd like to see it." "I don't mind seeing what has become of home either," he said, casting a glance at Frodo. "I have been away from home for a long time. But I may only see the stars, or something I don't understand." "Maybe!" The Queen smiled generously, "However, come on, you can watch whatever you want, and don't touch that water!" Sam walked over to the pedestal and looked down at the sink.The water looked very clear and dark, with many stars reflected in it. "Sure enough, just as I guessed, there are only stars in it." Sam was taken aback, as the stars began to fade.As if a dark veil was lifted, the things on it gradually disappeared, turned gray, and then became clear again. Inside was the earth illuminated by the sun and swaying trees.Before Sam had time to make up his mind, the picture suddenly changed again.The figure inside became Frodo, dead pale, lying on a dark cliff.And he seems to be climbing the never-ending stairs.He suddenly found that his image was eagerly looking for something, but he couldn't be sure what he was looking for for a moment.As if in a dream, he saw the trees again; but closer this time, he saw that the trees were not swaying, but were felled and fell to the ground. "Whoa!" Sam yelled angrily. "That's the miller cutting down trees! Those trees shouldn't be cut down, those are trees for the waterfront shade. I wish I could catch that guy and give him a good beating." he!" However, now Sam noticed that the old mill had disappeared, replaced by a huge red brick building, and many people were busy working.There was a huge chimney nearby, and black smoke seemed to fill the entire water. "There must be something wrong with the Shire," he said, "something must have happened when Elrond tried to send Merry back." Suddenly Sam sprang away, crying out, "I can't stay here !” he said hurriedly, “I gotta go home. They dug up the sidewalk and poor dad took his stuff all the way down the hill in a wheelbarrow. I gotta go home!” "You can't go home alone," said the Empress. "You don't want to let your master go home until you see what you see in the mirror, but you know then that something bad may have happened to the Shire. Remember, this side A mirror will show many things, many things may not have happened. Unless those who see it abandon their original path and want to stop it; some things will never happen. The mirror is not a good guide." Sam sat on the ground, cupped his head and said, "I wish I never came here, I don't want to see any more magic." He fell silent.After a moment, he spoke hoarsely, as if struggling with tears. "No, I'm going home with Mr. Frodo, or not at all," he said, choking back, "but I hope someday I can actually go home and see if these things are all right." Happened? If true, someone will pay for it!" Frodo, would you like to see it now? said Queen Galadriel, "You did not intend to watch elf magic before." "Would you advise me to see it?" asked Frodo. "No," she said, "I can't advise you on anything. I'm not your advisor. You may know something, and you may see something good or bad. It's never certain. Watching is what it is." A risky business. But, Frodo, I think you have enough courage to undertake this adventure, or I would not have brought you, so decide for yourself!" "I would like to see!" Frodo stepped up to the pedestal, and looked down into the basin.The mirror immediately became clear, allowing him to see a twilight land, the distant mountains lined against the black sky, a long gray path extending out of sight, and a figure walking slowly in the extreme distance Come; small figures at first, but slowly growing larger and clearer, and suddenly Frodo saw that it reminded him of Gandalf.When he was about to blurt out, he realized that the other party was not wearing a gray robe, but a white robe, a material that shone in the dark; moreover, he was holding a white cane in his hand.His head is very low, and his face can't be seen clearly from the screen.Then he turned a corner and disappeared into the mirror.Frodo began to feel uneasy. Was this a sign of Gandalf's journey many years ago, or of Saruman? The scene changed again now, and he saw Bilbo pacing restlessly about the room, the desk piled with various papers, and the rain beating on the windows. Then, suddenly, everything stopped, followed by a series of continuous images, which Frodo subconsciously knew were part of a larger history in which he was involved.When the fog cleared, he saw a sight he had never seen before, but knew immediately what it was: it was the sea.Darkness fell, the sea was met with a huge storm, and then he saw the sun set blood-red behind the clouds, a dilapidated giant ship sailed from the west, then a huge river crossed a metropolis, and then a city with seven floors A stronghold of towers, and then another ship with black sails.But now it was morning again, and the sea reflected golden light, and the sun shone on the banner of the emblem of a white holy tree growing in the sun.A gust of smoke that forewarned the war rose, and the sun once again fell into the gray mist with a blood-red face. A small boat sailed into the mist, dotted with many lights, and it gradually disappeared.Frodo sighed, and turned to leave. But suddenly the mirror went black, as if a black hole had opened before him, and Frodo stared Stare at this nothingness.Out of that bottomless abyss appeared a single eye that slowly grew larger until it was almost full of Filled the whole basin.Frodo was too frightened to move, could neither look away, nor utter a sound.That eye was shrouded in flames, and it itself emitted a yellow light like a demon cat, staring at everything carefully.And in the place of the pupil is a deep hole, leading to endless nothingness. Then the eye began to move, searching about; and Frodo knew with certainty that he was one of the targets.But he also knew that unless he thought about it, the other party couldn't see him.The Ring around his neck became very heavy, much heavier than a great stone, and his head began to be pulled forward.The magic mirror seemed to be boiling, and bursts of blue smoke rose... He was about to slip into the water. "Keep out of the water!" Queen Galadriel said softly.The image vanished, and Frodo found himself staring in a silver basin again, and he drew back tremblingly, and looked at Queen Galadriel. "I know what you saw last," she said, "for that was in my thoughts too. Fear not! But do not think that Lothlorien's only defense against the Enemy was the singing of the forest and the slender arrows.Even when I talk to you, Frodo, I can know the thoughts of the Dark Lord, or at least all his thoughts with regard to the Elves.And he still tried his best to see me and know my thoughts, but the door was still closed! " She raised her pure white jade arms and made a gesture of repulsion and rejection towards the east.Elendil, the most beloved evening star of the elves, shone brightly, and the blazing starlight even made the body of the elf queen cast a faint shadow on the ground.The light fell on a ring on her finger that looked like gold surrounded by silver, with a white gem in the center that shone like an evening star.Frodo looked at the ring in awe, for he suddenly understood everything. "Yes," she read his thoughts. "This is sealed knowledge, and even Elrond cannot disclose it. However, for the ring holder who has seen the magic eye, this is a secret that cannot be hidden. One of the three rings of the elves is hidden in the In the land of Lórien, on the finger of Galadriel—this is Nanya, the Diamond Ring, and I am its bearer!" "He does suspect that the ring is on my side, but he has not been able to confirm it. You should understand why your arrival is like the horn of doom? Because if you fail, we will be exposed to the devil's clutches. But , if you succeed, our strength will be weakened, Lothlorien will be lost, and the torrent of history will wash away this place. We must escape to the West, or we will become dwellers in caves or valleys. nation, forgetting everything, and being forgotten by everything.” Frodo bowed his head. "What do you want to do?" he said finally. "We cannot interfere with the destiny of history," she replied. "The elves' love for the land and their deeds is deeper than the sea, but we would rather give up everything than bow to Sauron. Because, we know that Sauron Ren's true face. You are not responsible for the fate of Lothlorien, only the success or failure of your mission. But, although it is not very useful, I can only hope that the Lord of the Rings was not created, or never. found out." "You are indeed wise, and fearless, and beautiful, Queen Galadriel," said Frodo; "if only you would ask, I will give you the One Ring, and that is too heavy a duty for me. " Galadriel laughed suddenly. "Perhaps Galadriel is very wise," she said, "but this one in front of me is not inferior! Your Excellency has tenderly repaid the trial I gave you when we first met, and your thoughts are very careful. I do not deny it." I really want to accept your proposal. I have been thinking about it for many years: If one day, the Ring of Command came into my hands, what would I do? Now it is in front of my eyes, no matter Sauron succeeds或是失败，当年铸造它的邪恶之力都没有丝毫的放松。如果我用暴力、或是恐惧的力量强夺走客人的宝物，这岂不正是向魔戒低头的行为？」 「现在，这机会终于来了。你愿意将魔戒送给我！你打倒了黑暗魔君，让女皇登基。而我将不会陷入黑暗之中，我将会美丽、伟大，如同晨曦和暮色一般！如同海洋、如同太阳、如同群峰间的白雪！像是暴风和闪电一样的恐怖！ 比大地还要坚牢！万民万物都将敬畏、尊敬我……」 她举起手，从她所戴著的魔戒上投射下一道光柱，让所有的一切陷入黑暗中，只剩光柱中的光芒。她站在佛罗多面前，身形高大得难以描述，美丽得超越生物极限，恐怖而又崇高。然后她放下手，让光芒消逝，突然间她又笑了， 咻地一声，她缩小了，恢复成原来那名纤瘦的精灵女子，穿著简单的白袍，声音带著温柔与感伤。 「我通过了试炼，」她说：「我愿意随历史消逝，遁入西方，继续保有凯兰崔尔的名号。」 他们沈默了很久很久。最后，女皇终于再度开口：「我们走吧！」她说：「你们明天一早就必须出发，因为我们刚刚已经做出了选择，命运的巨轮又再度开始运转。」 「在我们离开之前，我还有最后一个问题，」佛罗多说：「我在瑞文戴尔一直想要问甘道夫的问题，我获得配戴至尊魔戒的资格：为什么我不能看见、了解所有其他魔戒持有者的心思和身份？」 「那是因为你没有试过，」她说：「自从你继承魔戒之后，你只有戴过它三次。千万别贸然尝试！这会毁了你的。难道甘道夫没有告诉过你，魔戒赐与的力量是随著拥有者而改变的吗？在你可以使用魔戒前，你必须要变得更强大， 磨练自己的意志去操控他人。但即使没有这样，由于你戴过魔戒，你的所有感官能力都变得更为锐利，你比许多智者都要更清楚我内心的想法，你看到了控制九戒和七戒的魔王之眼。你不也是一眼就发现、认出了我手上的戒指吗？你看得见我的戒指吗？」她转过身面对山姆。 「不，女皇，」他回答道：「说实话，我一直搞不清楚你们在说些什么， 我看到有颗星辰停留在您的手上。但如果您容许我发言的话，我想说，我觉得我的主人说得对，我也希望您接下他的魔戒。你会导正一切的。你会阻止他们赶走我老爸，不会让他四处流浪，你会让那些犯错的人们付出代价！」 「我会的！」她说：「一开始都是这样的。但并不会以此做结束，唉！我们不要再讨论这个话题了。我们走吧！」