Mere abstention from a life of evil does not constitute a life devoted to good works. — Lin Carter

“Um,” said Kesrick in a small voice, looking remarkably foolish.

“Um, indeed!” said Dame Pirouetta tartly. “You will find, dear boy, on these chivalric adventures of yours, that manly courage and fortitude, even when bolstered by the fortunate possession of an enchanted sword such as Dastagerd, are not quite enough: one requires, as well, the use of logic, reason, deduction, and, in a word—intelligence!”

You will observe, I think, that repentance is seldom whole-hearted, and generally arises from such base and ignoble motives as feeling sorry for yourself in dire circumstances.

However, as one or another of the philosophers has probably noted ere now, the morning was not quite over yet.