...To sit with Elders of a gentle race

This world is seldom seen...

Talk and songs from tongues of lilting grace

whose sounds caress my ear.

But not a word could I relate.

The story was quite clear.

Elves are known to be the "gentle race" with musical voices. Those fortunate enough to hear their songs, much less meet them, are enchanted by the music and are able to understand the meaning regardless of the language they speak. This was the case of Frodo and his companions while journeying to Buckland, and especially in Rivendell where the days are spent in song.
(The Fellowship of the Ring Ch. 3, p.92; 245)