You would think such a day would tremble to begin . . .

Hannibal at eighteen was rooting for Mephistopheles and contemptuous of Faust, but he only half-listened to the climax. He was watching and breathing Lady Murasaki...

You know how cats do. They hide to die. Dogs come home.

Back at his chair he cannot remember what he was reading. He feels the books beside him to find the one that is warm.

And your dinner for the orchestra officials." "Haven't you ever had people coming over and no time to shop? You have to make do with what's in the fridge, Clarice. May I call you Clarice?

A census taker tried to quantify me once. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a big Amarone. Go back to school, little Starling.

The very air had screams smeared on it. He flinched from the noise in this silent room.