Lay of Leithian: Canto Thirteen

We are almost to the end of The Lay of Leithian as Beren and Lúthien make their way to the very throne room of Morgoth. A hideous place inhabited by Balrogs, Orcs, Wolves, and other beasts. But most intimidating of all, most lethal of all, was the Dark Lord himself. Almost instantly Morgoth recognized the two new arrivals were not what they seemed though his attention was riveted on the flittering bat. Morgoth exposed Lúthien for who she was and found himself in the presence of the fairest form in Middle-earth whom he had long desired. (There are several curious references in the Lay which recount Morgoth sending out a party of Orcs, led by Boldog, to find her when rumors circulated she was abroad). And though we will never know exactly what his intentions were Canto Thirteen gives us a glimpse of his thoughts:

"'And here of need thou shalt remain

now, Lúthien, in joy or pain--

or pain, the fitting doom for all,

for rebel, thief, and upstart thrall.

Why should ye not in our fate share

of woe and travail? Or should I spare

to slender limb and body frail

breaking torment? Of what avail

here dost thou deem thy babbling song

and foolish laughter? Minstrels strong

are at my call. Yet I will give

a respite brief, a while to live,

a little while, though purchased dear,

to Lúthien the fair and clear, 

a pretty toy for idle hour.

In slothful gardens many a flower

like the the amorous gods are used

honey-sweet to kiss, and cast then bruised,

their fragrance loosing, under feet.

But here we seldom find such sweet

amid our labours long and hard, 

from godlike-idleness debarred.

And who would not taste the honey-sweet

lying to lips, or crush with feet

the soft cool tissue of pale flowers,

eating like gods the dragging hours?

A! curse the Gods! O hunger dire,

O blinding thirst's unending fire!

One moment shall ye cease, and slake

your sting with morsel I here take!'"

(p. 299-300, The Lays of Beleriand). 

And with brazen hand he reached for her but she evaded him saying she first had a song for him. As she flitted and sang around the room all became drowsy and dropped into deep sleep. Last to fall was Morgoth himself who could not resist Lúthien's arts. His crown, with Silmarils three, rolled on the floor as he drifted into enchanted sleep. Spent from using all her magics Lúthien woke Beren who had snuck toward the throne and he cut one Silmaril from the throne. He tried for a second but his knife broke and struck Morgoth who groaned but did not wake. In fear they left that hideous place with the jewel Thingol had requested.