Processions of priests and religiosi have been for several days past praying for rain; but the gods are… — Tim Powers

The church has become a more...exclusive club since the founder’s day, it’s clear. No doubt the Devil is more hospitable.

He was dizzy, and it occurred to him that Newton must have been right when he’d said that light consisted of particles, for today he could feel them hitting him.

He tried to put more conviction into his voice than he felt, and he mentally cursed any God that there might be, for having made this coming ordeal not only tremendously difficult and dangerous, but possibly pointless too.