much lore he.taught me of the hidden seas , and the dark and trackless waters , and without this never had i found this sweetest land , or this dear town or the cottage of lost play -- yet it was not without long and grievous search thereafter , and many a weary voyage , that i came myself by the blessing of the gods to tol eressea at the last -- wherefore i now sit here talking to thee , veanne , till my words have run dry . '