Extract of a longer letter written in a flowing, archaic hand ...
'... and I find Men all the fashion here at Imladris. One would think that memories would be longer than it seems they are. There is one Woman, dreadfully indulged by those within the House, who - no doubt overcome by the kindnesses thusfar given to her - seems to think it is now within her right to 'gift' us with her piercing 'insight' into the characters of those about her ! My dear, I am so torn between annoyance at her impertinance and amusement at her attempts to fathom minds and wills so far beyond her in understanding and intelligence ... thou wouldst laugh at me, I think - and that is a wicked thing to do unto me, for thou wouldst tease me so.
She is a mayfly in the summer, and what does an ephemeral mayfly know of the swan? Or a summer's day creature know of winter? I am always fair minded, as thou knowest. But I will own, it has been many, many years since I have taken such a swift dislike to one of that race. However, I treat her charmingly, for she is a guest within the House as am I. No doubt our good host rewards her for some small service, letting her abide awhile amongst such glory as we must appear to her.
But I fear, my dear, that this is some small manifestation of some growing dependence upon Men. One may not speak one's concerns in the hall for fear of pursed lipped recrimination from those who wish to clutch Men to their bosom. Stout Men make good allies, as I have known, and one should always extend a warm and willing hand thus. But to take them further, to admit them into one's more immediate and intimate company, to take them as chief counsellors - to treat them, as, dare I say, some manner of elven kin ... what disaster! Again and again history shows us what becomes of such folly - and always to our ruin. And for them, it seems, their brief lives end in such pain should they come too close ... hubris, one must conclude, for trying to fly more closely to the stars than they can bear.
I depart soon, amongst a host - or I would speak with Elrond about my concerns. However, he has always indulged Men ... one should not be greatly surprised, I own ... given his own history... '
