"But this is terrible!" cried Frodo. "Far worse than the worst that I imagined from your hints and warnings. O Gandalf, best of friends, what am I to do? For now I am really afraid. What am I to do? What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!"
"Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need."
--J.R.R. Tolkien
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Then, after Frodo further argues that Gollum deserves to die, Gandalf answers:
"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?"
...One of the most powerful cautions in all of literature.
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