Sometimes the assistance of the Devil or his demons was sought without the magician wishing to go so far as to give up his soul to the Evil One.

For a few moments he sat dazed, visualizing that dreadful waste near New Orleans where in the sand it was so easy for the star-crossed Chevalier to bury the idol of his heart.

Yes, Virginia, there is a presidential election in 1984—and it has begun: A former Vice President goes ice fishing and poses with a puny perch dangling from his line. A 68-year-old Senator dons athletic shorts and runs a 60-yd. dash in a San Francisco track meet. […] Such hijinks can mean only one thing: the quadrennial silly season has started again.

LUCIO: Is she your cousin? ISABELLA: Adoptedly, as schoolmaids change their names / By vain though apt affection.