Though he did start reciting it in earnest, by the end of the poem Hythlodaeus struggles not to laugh, amused by his friend's embarrassment and attempts to pull him up so as to end the spectacle sooner. He gives in (this time), getting up with a laugh and a big grin on his face.

"Come now, I was merely answering your question! But I do admit 'tis adorable how you blush so."