May God preserve us from an honest pope. - Judith Tarr

"You weren't waiting up for me, were you?"
Gerbert shrugged. "You know how little I sleep. I was contemplating my sins."
"Sleep will do you more good."

In that instant, Gerbert hated him with a perfect hate. A monster, one could comprehend, and even forgive: one could see that a devil had possessed him. This flawless selfishness was beyond endurance.

So eager still! Do you never tire?
"Oh, yes, my Lord," said Gerbert. "But when I've struggled long and hard, and then at last I understand, I forget everything but that."