The Man in the Wood

The man in the wood had a silver sword
His coat was of green and gray
Without a sound he walked the ground
He'd come a weary way

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

A Halfling lad was camping near
To fish from the streams of the glade
He heard the screech and leapt to reach
His trusty hunting blade

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

The man dashed into the Hobbit camp
The Hobbit clutched his knife
He saw the silver sword now drawn,
Felt threatened for his life

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

This little lad had naught to fear
From the man with the silver sword
Who pushed him back and proudly stood
Like an ancient warrior lord

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

As darkness fell the sound came close
And crashing through the trees
A hooded thing with a golden ring
That'd make your blood to freeze

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

The man in the wood, though fear he felt
Did wield his sword while singing
Of ancient days and mighty ways
His sword with death was stinging

Alas the night was falling
When up ahead a-calling
Rose such a frightful bawling
He ne'er had heard before

The man in the wood, his battle done
Then turned and spoke to the boy
"Back to Bree; away with thee!
And live to know of joy!"

Alas the night was falling
And now with dinner a-calling
The Halfling turned to wave farewell
But the man in the wood was gone