It was Sam who had told him about Boromir trying to take the ring, but Faramir had thought it prudent to keep his silence about it, not until Boromir had spoken about it first. Yet now that he did--

The denial that rose to his lips was too quick, at the mention of him doing Denethor proud. It had seemed before that there was naught that Faramir could have done to gladden Denethor's heart, and that even his death would mean nothing to him. The unfavored son, whom he wished had died instead of the beloved one. Faramir often wondered what would have happened if he was the one sent in Boromir's place; if he had brought Frodo and the ring to Gondor instead of letting them both go in Osgiliath. Would Denethor be happy with him then, though in so doing damn all the lands of Men?

And yet the knowledge that Boromir had willingly led them all to believe he was dead hurt, and he could not help but think it a foolish deed to do. "I see," he said slowly. "Better that you live in our memory as how you have left us instead of showing us who you've become, under the influence of the One Ring. Better to let us grieve and ache and long for the man whom all of Gondor loved, only so you'd be certain that your dignity is left untarnished."