Laughing at Tyrants and Silly Rules
'What's all this?' said Frodo, feeling inclined to laugh. "This is what it is, Mr. Baggins,' said the leader of the Shirriffs, a two-feather hobbit: 'You're arrested for Gate-breaking, and Tearing up of Rules, and Assaulting Gate-keepers, and Trespassing, and Sleeping in Shire-buildings without Leave, and Bribing Guards with Food.'
'And what else?' said Frodo. 'That'll do to go on with,' said the Shirriff-leader. 'I can add some more, if you'd like it,' said Sam. 'Calling your Chief Names, Wishing to punch his Pimply Face, and Thinking you Shirriffs look a lot of Tom-fools.'
'There now, Mister, that'll do. It's the Chief's orders that you're to come along quiet. We're going to take you to Bywater and hand you over to the Chief's Men; and when he deals with your case you can have your say. But if you don't want to stay in the Lockholes any longer than you need, I should cut the say short, if I was you.' To the discomfiture of the Shirriffs Frodo and his companions, all roared with laughter. 'Don't be absurd!' said Frodo. 'I am going where I please, and in my own time.' (The Return of the King, 280)
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