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many partings 1283
yet? For I do not suppose that he will think you have
improved the view from his windows.’
Treebeard gave Gandalf a long look, almost a cunning
look, Merry thought. ‘Ah!’ he said. ‘I thought you would
come to that. Weary of Orthanc? Very weary at last; but not
so weary of his tower as he was weary of my voice. Hoom! I
gave him some long tales, or at least what might be thought
long in your speech.’
‘Then why did he stay to listen? Did you go into Orthanc?’
asked Gandalf.
‘Hoom, no, not into Orthanc!’ said Treebeard. ‘But he came
to his window and listened, because he could not get news
in any other way, and though he hated the news, he was
greedy to have it; and I saw that he heard it all. But I added
a great many things to the news that it was good for him to
think of. He grew very weary. He always was hasty. That was
his ruin.’
‘I observe, my good Fangorn,’ said Gandalf, ‘that with
great care you say dwelt, was, grew. What about is? Ishe
dead?’
‘No, not dead, so far as I know,’ said Treebeard. ‘But he
is gone. Yes, he is gone seven days. I let him go. There
was little left of him when he crawled out, and as for that
worm-creature of his, he was like a pale shadow. Now do
not tell me, Gandalf, that I promised to keep him safe; for
I know it. But things have changed since then. And I kept
him until he was safe, safe from doing any more harm. You
should know that above all I hate the caging of live things,
and I will not keep even such creatures as these caged beyond
great need. A snake without fangs may crawl where
he will.’
‘You may be right,’ said Gandalf; ‘but this snake had still
one tooth left, I think. He had the poison of his voice, and I
guess that he persuaded you, even you Treebeard, knowing
the soft spot in your heart. Well, he is gone, and there is no
more to be said. But the Tower of Orthanc now goes back