By J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 11 June 1998

Of Elwe and Melian

    Elwe, lord of the Teleri, went often through the great woods to seek out 
Finwe his friend in the dwellings of Noldor; and it chanced on a time that he 
came alone to the starlit wood of Nan Elmoth, and there suddenly he heard the 
song of nightingales.  Then an enchantment fell on him, and he stood still; and
afar off beyond the voices of the lomelindi (the nightingales) he heard the 
voice of Melian, and it filled all his heart with wonder and desire.  He forgot
then utterly all his people and all the purposes of his mind, and following 
the birds under the shadow of the trees he passed deep into Nan Elmoth and was 
lost.  But he came at last to a glade open to the stars, and there Melian stood;
and out of the darkness he looked at her, and the light of Aman (the Blessed 
Realm) was in her face.
    She spoke no word; but being filled with love Elwe came to her and took her 
hand, and straightway a spell was laid on him, so that they stood thus while 
long years were measured by the wheeling stars above them; and the trees of 
Nan Elmoth grew tall and dark before they spoke any word.