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