Page 210 - The Hobbit

Chapter 19

The Last Stage

It was on May the First that the two came back at last to the brink of the valley

of Rivendell, where stood the Last (or the First) Homely House. Again it was
evening, their ponies were tired, especially the one that carried the baggage; and
they all felt in need of rest. As they rode down the steep path, Bilbo heard the elves

still singing in the trees, as if they had not stopped since he left; and as soon as
their riders came down into the lower glades of the wood they burst into a song of
much the same kind as before. This is something like it:

The dragon is withered,
His bones are now crumbled;
His armour is shivered,
His splendour is humbled!
Though sword shall be rusted,
And throne and crown perish
With strength that men trusted
And wealth that they cherish,

Here grass is still growing,
And leaves are yet swinging,
The white water flowing,
And elves are yet singing
Come! Tra-la-la-lally!
Come back to the valley!

The stars are far brighter
Than gems without measure,
The moon is far whiter
Than silver in treasure:
The fire is more shining

On hearth in the gloaming
Than gold won by mining,
So why go a-roaming?
O! Tra-la-la-lally
Come back to the Valley.

O! Where are you going,