Beauty was too rare in the world to be wasted. — Harry Turtledove

Research seemed a more profitable way to spend his time than mourning.

“The Holy Spirit will guide the assembled fathers to the truth,” the magistrianos said confidently. Being a veteran of years of bureaucratic infighting, he added, “Of course, we may have to help things along a bit.”

“Mobs,” Corippus said scornfully. “The bravest bastards in the world, till somebody fights back.”