One does not want glory accepted as a matter of course. One wants to shock and astonish people with it. - Diana Wynne Jones

Tell me of this Wizard Howl of yours. Sophie's teeth chattered, but she said proudly, He's the best wizard in Ingary or anywhere else. If he'd only had time, he would have defeated that djinn. And he's sly and selfish and vain as a peacock and cowardly and you can't pin him down to anything. Indeed? asked Abdullah. Strange that you should speak so proudly such a list of vices, most loving of ladies. What do you mean — vices? Sophie asked angrily. I was just describing Howl.

Oh, thank goodness! he babbled. I didn't mean it - at least I did, but I don't mean it now, not any more! He flung one arm around Yam and twisted the other into Mordion's rolled cloak. They came. They rustled. Don't let them!

But she's too big! the anguished man said, still glaring at Vivian. This girl is not the right size! … She was six when she went away, Father, Jonathan said. He did not seem in the least alarmed. That was nearly six years ago. Think how much I've changed since then. So you have, said this alarming man, turning his glare on Jonathan as if he did not think the change was for the better. I see, he said. She grew.