There are many throughout middle-earth,
an uncountable kindred, that we cannot
rightly account the variety or know their number— (1-3)

There are multitudes scattered widely
of fowl and beasts, stalking the earth
throughout the wide world and within it, (4-6a)

so the waters enclose
this bright bosom, the ocean roaring,
the surge of salty waves. (6b-8a)

We have heard spoken by certain men
a wondrous species of wild beast,
illustrious to men, in distant lands (8b-10)

guarding its territory,
enjoying its homeland
among the earthen caves. (11-12a)

That wild beast is called the Panther
by name, so the children of humanity,
wise-fast men, revealed in books (12b-14)

about this solitary stepper.
That one is friend to all,
gracious to the multitudes, (15-16a)

except to the dragon alone,
by whom he in all seasons
is enraged, by every sort
of evil that he can achieve. (16b-18)

That is a wondrous beast,
miraculously lovely,
of every hue—so heroes say, (19-20)

holy-spirited men, that Joseph’s
tunic was, of every branch
varying color, every sort (21-23a)

of that brightness,
in every way singular
shining for the other (23b-24)

children of the multitude,
so is that beast’s hue,
dazzling every color’s play, (25-26a)

brighter and more beautiful,
wondrously illumined,
so that all of the well-wrought (26b-28)

and lovely [hairs] shine forth
from the other ornaments,
singular besides, always the best. (29-30a)

He possesses a unique quality—
mild and moderate.
He is gentle and kind, (30b-32a)

loving and gracious,
not wishing to endure
anything loathsome, (32b-33a)

except the venomous harmer,
his ancient foe, that I mentioned before. (33b-34)

Always desiring repletion,
when it takes its meals—
after its feasting it seeks (35-36)

its rest in a secret place
within an earthen cave—
there the mighty fighter (36b-38a)

for three nights’ space
wends into slumber,
occupied by sleep. (38b-39)

Then the bravery-bold rises up again
bolstered in its majesty,
on the third day, (40-41)

swiftly from sleep.
Melodious sound emerges,
the most winsome of cries (42-43a)

through that wild beast’s mouth—
and after that voice
a scent comes forth (43b-44)

from that hollow,
a pleasant emanation,
sweeter and stronger (45-46a)

than any other fragrance,
the blooming of herbs
or forest flowerings, (46b-47)

every adornment
of this noble earth. (48)

Then from the cities
and from the citadels
and from the homely halls (49-50a)

many troops of men
venture upon the earth-ways,
in a multitude of peoples, (50b-51)

in the choicest company
hastily streaming forth,
players of the spear— (52-53a)

similarly wild beasts
come running in that smell,
after that calling. (53b-54)

Such is Lord God, Ruler of Joys,
mild unto the rest of creation
of every multitude— (55-57a)

except for the dragon alone,
the venomous origin. (57b-58a)

That is the ancient enemy
whom he bound
at the base of torments (58b-59)

and fettered in olden chains,
immured in constraints,
and on the third day, (60-61)

he arose from secrecy,
after he suffered death
for us for three nights, (62-63a)

Prince of Angels,
Granter of Victory.
That was the sweet odor, (63b-64)

lovely and pleasant
throughout the entire world.
Afterwards truth fast men (65-66)

throng in heaps from every side
unto that scent
across the entire turn of the earth. (66a-68)

So Saint Paul the wise man told:
“There are many across middle-earth
gracious with their goods (69-71a)

which the Almighty Father
shares with us in gift and salvation
and that is the solitary hope (71b-73a)

of all creation
above and below.”
That is a noble scent! (73b-74)