The whimsical novel by E. R. Eddison begins with these six verses of four lines each, including verse Three:

"True Thomas he pulld aff his cap,

And louted low down on one knee:

"Hail to thee, Mary, Queen of Heaven!

For thy peer on earth could never be."

Suggested discussion points:

-Sylvan myth as a folk thread through Tolkien to present

-Why the ancient order is expressed through the feminine queen?

-Nature and significance of the Eildon Tree?