"chapter one. once upon a time, and a very good time it was,
There was a moo cow coming down along the road."


"so he came himself in weakness not in power
And he sent thee, a creature in his stead,
With a creatures comeliness and luster
Suited to our state.
And now thy very face and form dear mother,
Speak to us of the eternal;
Not like earthly beauty, dangerous to look upon,
But like the morning star which is thy emblem,
Bright and musical, breathing purity,
Telling of heaven and infusing peace.
O harbinger of day! o light of the pilgrim!
Lead us still as thou hast led.
In the dark night, across the bleak wilderness
Guide us on to our lord jesus, guide us home."


"tower of ivory? they used to say, house of gold?
How could a woman be a tower of ivory or a house of gold? "