Collecting at its best is very far from mere acquisitiveness; it may become one of the most humanistic of occupations, seeking to illustrate, by the assembling of significant reliques, the march of the human spirit in its quest of beauty, and the aspirations that were [its] guide.

When lofty trees I see barren of leaves Which erst from heat did canopy the herd

It's not what you know but who you know, Shelby said, as she rummaged through a bag to find the business card he'd handed her.

I had a thousand liars, perjurers and villains call on me, and six genuine survivors of Lafitte's band; besides quite a delegation of widows and daughters and offspring of the late lamented pirate. No less than ten of his widows turned up; Jean must have been a hummer!