J. R. R. Tolkien(0/0)
Evil seems fair and feels foul
You have frightened me several times tonight, but never in the way that servants of the Enemy would, or so I imagine. I think of of his spies would–well, seem fairer and feel fouler, if you understand. (Frodo speaking with Strider about trusting him, though they’ve only just met.)
His power is shown in the division of all who oppose him
Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him. (Haldir in explanation to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli why they are treated with distrust in Lothlórien.)
In darkness and loneliness they are strongest
And in any case that is not their way. In dark and loneliness they are strongest; they will not openly attack a house where there are lights and many people–not until they are desperate, not while all the long leagues of Eriador still lie before us. But their power is in terror, and already some in Bree are in their clutch. They will drive these wretches to some evil work: Ferny, and some of the strangers, and, maybe, the gatekeeper too.…
Treason has ever been our greatest foe
In all the long wars with the Dark Tower treason has ever been our greatest foe. (Gandalf explaining to the Council why he closely held his dread that Bilbo had found the Ring of Power, that the news might slip into the Enemy’s hand.)
We have fought the long defeat
I have dwelt with [Celeborn] years uncounted; for ere the fall of Nargothrond or Gondolin I passed over the mountains, and together through ages of the world we have fought the long defeat. (Galadriel describing she and Celeborn’s activity in the land of Middle-Earth: i.e. the long defeat)