346 From a letter to Lyie Leach

[A reply to a reader who had asked for Tolkien's help with an academic project concerning his works.]

13 December 1972

See Lord of the Rings Vol. I, p. 272: 'He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom' (/or she) – Gandalf. I should not feel inclined to help in this destructive process, even if it did not seem to me that this exercise was supposed to be your own private work without assistance. .... It is also said (I p. 93) 'Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.' I am sorry if this letter sounds grumpy. But I dislike analysis of this kind.