[Inside the Green Dragon, Hobbits are engaged in drinking and singing. Tankards in hand on the table-top, Merry and Pippin are dancing.]

Merry and Pippin (singing):

"Hey ho, to the bottle I go!
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow.
But there still be -
many miles to go!

Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain,
and the stream that falls from hill to plain.
Better than rain or rippling brook —
(Pippin finishes off solo) is a mug of beer inside this Took!"

[At a nearby table, some Hobbits are engaged in serious discussion.]

First Hobbit: "There's been some strange folk crossing the Shire. Dwarves, and others of a less than savoury nature."

Gaffer: "War is brewing. The mountains are fair teeming with goblins."

[He continues to expound on his theme of doom to the others. Sam, opposite, takes a pull of his pipe and looks at Rosie behind the bar. She gives him a huge smile.]

Second Hobbit: "Far-off tales and children's stories, that's all that is. You're beginning to sound like that old Bilbo Baggins. Cracked, he was."

Gaffer: "Young Mister Frodo, here, he's cracking!" (Laughs)

Frodo: "And proud of it! Cheers, Gaffer!"

Second Hobbit: "Well, it's none of our concern what goes on beyond our borders. Keep your nose out of trouble, and no trouble'll come to you."

[Frodo merely smiles and raises his tankard.]

[Frodo and Sam are preparing to leave. Rosie stands at the door, wiping a tankard.]

Rosie: "Goodnight, lads."

Sam: "Goodnight."

[Frodo and Sam continue on their way. Behind them, an intoxicated Hobbit gives Rosie an exaggerated bow.]

Intoxicated Hobbit: "Goodnight, sweet maiden of the Golden Ale!"

Sam: "Mind who you're sweet talking."

Frodo: "Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one."

Sam: "Does she?"

[Frodo and Sam stagger to Bag End and part ways.]

Frodo: "Goodnight Sam."

Sam: "Goodnight, Mister Frodo."