'Have you ever seen such a disappointment, friend (your class)? The Men of this town are wearing armour of such low quality, I'm surprised they can come out in the daylight without embarrassment!

'If Bree-town is attacked, these guards could not hope to prevail. They are badly in need of better armour.

'If you know a metalsmith of any skill, impose upon him for the making of bronze scale-armour and a bronze buckler. It might not be much, but it's a start. Bring them to me and perhaps we will be able to turn these guards into a fighting force after all!'