For the first time, finocchio, or Florence fennel, has performed for me as it should and has swollen out into bulbous protrusions at the base of its leaf stalks.

and when one of larger dimensions was required, several of these were sewn finedrawn together with such care that no seams were discernible.

[T]he sculptor lifted it [a round block of stone], turned it hither and thither in his hands, brushed off the clinging soil, and finally placed it on the slender neck of the newly discovered statue. The effect was magical. It immediately lighted up and vivified the whole figure, endowing it with personality, soul, and intelligence.

The girl for whom he was beginning to nourish an extraordinary tenderness was at this time ensphered by the same harmonies [those of the church choir and organ] as those which floated into his ears; and the thought was a delight to him.