There are the emblems of Durin!' cried Gimli.
'And there is the tree of the High
Elves!' said Legolas.
'And the Star of the house of Feanor,' said Gandalf. 'They are wrought of ithildin that mirrors only starlight and moonlight, and sleeps until it is touched by one who speaks words now long forgotten in Middle-earth. It is long since I heard them, and I thought deeply before I could recall them to my mind.'
'What does the writing say?' asked Frodo,
who was trying to decipher the inscription on the arch. 'I thought I knew the
elf-letters, but I cannot read these.'
'The words are in the Elven tongue of the West of Middle-earth in the Elder
Days,' answered Gandalf. 'But they do not say anything of importance to us.
They say only: The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria.
Speak, friend, and enter. And underneath small and faint is written: I, Narvi,
made them. Celebrimbor of Hollin drew
these signs.'
'What does it mean by speak, friend, and enter?' asked Merry.
'That is plain enough,' said Gimli. 'If you
are a friend, speak the password, and the doors will open, and you can enter.'