I think that the first part was obviously a compliment. This we all agree on.
The second part, I think, was his acknowledgement that he didn't get along with many of his acquaintances, admirable hobbits though they may be. It didn't seem to me to be a compliment or an insult.
__________________
If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."
|