The repeated tactic of deus ex machina (without a deus) has a deplorable effect on both the plot and the dialogue.

The man was a fool to invest his money in such a rubbishing concern. They must have all been mad who did!

The putative force of hostageship as a form of surety lay in the threat to the life of the hostage in case of default; ties of blood magnified the threat, hence the prevalence of sons as hostages.

Usually known as 'tropes,' these interpolations consisted at first of but a few words; those of the Introit at the beginning of Mass on great festivals, however, often took the form of dialogues.