Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

[Note: this was assigned this date in th queue a few weeks ago. I decided not to reschedule it, but in light of recent events I thought it might be good to state that it is not meant as a commentary on those events.]

From Orion Shall Rise by Poul Anderson (1983, Timescape Books):

"Oh, you shall have [the information], whatever it is and whatever it may be worth. I've read my history books. Should I want Vineleaf screaming among ruins, the skin burned off her and her eyeballs melted? Only let me feed first." He gave hearty attention to his tray.

The dread that lay in the bones of every Maurai crawled out of Terai's and into his flesh. "How can you say ssomething like that," he mumbled, "and then sit and eat like that?"

Plik engulfed a forkful of ham. His answer was quasi-cheerful: "Why, I am a poet of sorts, and horror is the proper business of poets."