towers

the voice of saruman 759
effort that none that stood within hearing were unmoved. But
now the spell was wholly different. They heard the gentle
remonstrance of a kindly king with an erring but much-loved
minister. But they were shut out, listening at a door to words
not meant for them: ill-mannered children or stupid servants
overhearing the elusive discourse of their elders, and wondering
how it would affect their lot. Of loftier mould these two
were made: reverend and wise. It was inevitable that they
should make alliance. Gandalf would ascend into the tower,
to discuss deep things beyond their comprehension in the
high chambers of Orthanc. The door would be closed, and
they would be left outside, dismissed to await allotted work
or punishment. Even in the mind of Théoden the thought
took shape, like a shadow of doubt: ‘He will betray us; he will
go – we shall be lost.’
Then Gandalf laughed. The fantasy vanished like a puff
of smoke.
‘Saruman, Saruman!’ said Gandalf still laughing. ‘Saruman,
you missed your path in life. You should have been the king’s
jester and earned your bread, and stripes too, by mimicking
his counsellors. Ah me!’ he paused, getting the better of his
mirth. ‘Understand one another? I fear I am beyond your
comprehension. But you, Saruman, I understand now too
well. I keep a clearer memory of your arguments, and deeds,
than you suppose. When last I visited you, you were the jailor
of Mordor, and there I was to be sent. Nay, the guest who
has escaped from the roof, will think twice before he comes
back in by the door. Nay, I do not think I will come up. But
listen, Saruman, for the last time! Will you not come down?
Isengard has proved less strong than your hope and fancy
made it. So may other things in which you still have trust.
Would it not be well to leave it for a while? To turn to new
things, perhaps? Think well, Saruman! Will you not come
down?’
A shadow passed over Saruman’s face; then it went deathly
white. Before he could conceal it, they saw through the mask
the anguish of a mind in doubt, loathing to stay and dreading