1. On His Stewardship
I understand that this was written as part of the ancient and honourable convention of "Loyal Steward" poetry. Denethor may even have intended it to be circulated, to a limited extent, among the more courtly circles in Minas Tirith. He may even have convinced himself that he believed it.
On his Stewardship
I hold this Staff for one of greater birth
At thought of this is Arrogance restrained
My banner pure as virgin of true worth,
The utmost sign of Loyalty unstained.
But Lands, like Sons, need Ruler's guiding hands;
Who but great Gondor stems the rising tide
Of Nameless Evil; Shadow's fear withstands?
Not lesser Men in arms and wars untried.
What Steward could refuse to greet his Lord
Should one return to Tower and Tree renew;
The light and line of Elendil restored
By dint of Right and Royal tokens true.
Till then I stand in place of Heir unknown
And mount the Steward's Chair not Kingly Throne.
Denethor II
On his Stewardship
I hold this Staff for one of greater birth
At thought of this is Arrogance restrained
My banner pure as virgin of true worth,
The utmost sign of Loyalty unstained.
But Lands, like Sons, need Ruler's guiding hands;
Who but great Gondor stems the rising tide
Of Nameless Evil; Shadow's fear withstands?
Not lesser Men in arms and wars untried.
What Steward could refuse to greet his Lord
Should one return to Tower and Tree renew;
The light and line of Elendil restored
By dint of Right and Royal tokens true.
Till then I stand in place of Heir unknown
And mount the Steward's Chair not Kingly Throne.
Denethor II
This is a work of fan fiction, written because the author has an abiding love for the works of J R R Tolkien. The characters, settings, places, and languages used in this work are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, and possibly New Line Cinema, except for certain original characters who belong to the author of the said work. The author will not receive any money or other remuneration for presenting the work on this archive site. The work is the intellectual property of the author, is available solely for the enjoyment of Henneth Annûn Story Archive readers, and may not be copied or redistributed by any means without the explicit written consent of the author.
