In the final reckoning at the end of the War of the Ring, Gandalf discussed terms with the Mouth of Sauron, Messenger of Mordor at the Black Gate. The Messenger produced evidence of the capture of Frodo Baggins, threatening to put the Hobbit to long torture if the Captains of the West did not surrender to Sauron.
Gandalf doubted these words, calling Sauron 'Base1 Master of Treachery' in recollection of his betrayals of the past, betrayals that had brought down both Eregion and Númenor, and wrought many other evils besides. Gandalf was right to doubt Sauron and his Messenger, for in fact Frodo had escaped his captivity and was approaching the Cracks of Doom as they spoke, in a final effort that would see the One Ring destroyed and bring about the final downfall of Sauron.
Notes
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'Base' in this context means 'morally low, ignoble'. It is generally considered archaic, but remnants are still seen in words like 'debased'.
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- Updated 29 March 2016
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