Bilbo Baggins was a Hobbit,
a clever Hobbit, a stubborn Hobbit,
till Gandalf sought to goad the Hobbit
who lived there in Bag End.
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Oh, Bilbo Baggins went a-questing,
seeking fortune, testing courage.
With Dwarves and Wizard he went a-faring
and proved himself a friend.
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Beneath the mountains he knew capture,
fled from goblins, found a treasure.
In the dark he traded riddles,
there by Gollum’s lake.
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Oh, Bilbo Baggins flew with Eagles,
taunted spiders, haunted cellars,
stuffed Dwarves in barrels and rode the river
all for friendship’s sake.
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Our Bilbo Baggins teased a Dragon,
stole a cup and found a great gem,
chided Thorin and counseled wisdom,
and selfishness defied.
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With his sword he faced the goblins,
stood by Elf-lords, braved great danger.
He saw the vict’ry and wept by Thorin
as that Dwarvish hero died.
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Home he went with gold and silver,
sword and secret, confidence garnered.
Dwarf friend, Elf friend, loved by Wizards,
to Bag End he returned.
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The auction halted, he took possession,
ousted pretenders, irked his cousins.
His heart he found now sought for knowledge,
and his imagination burned.
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Then in time he found a true heir,
took him in and fed his ardor.
To Rivendell his way he wended;
the Ring he left behind.
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By Frodo’s side he rode to Mithlond,
boarded grey ship, one last adventure.
They sailed with Elves to Eressëa,
their healing for to find.
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In Elvenhome they both found comfort,
fulfillment knew, their Lights recovered.
And Bilbo smiled to see renewal
find his Frodo-lad once more.
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And he in peace at last looked Westward,
gave his thanks, his farewells taken,
eased in heart that Frodo lingered
upon that healing shore.
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And so at last he met his Maker,
his soul rejoiced, his songs he offered.
His heir possessed his soul in patience
as hope within him grew
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Until the day when with the dawning
another ship brought Sam to join him.
Treasure restored, they knew thanksgiving
till to Bilbo’s side they drew.
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Bilbo Baggins was a Hobbit,
a wise old Hobbit, a faithful Hobbit.
The Lights in Sam and Frodo he nurtured,
there within Bag End.