I never said my wishes were supposed to do anyone any good, said the genie. In fact, I swore that they would always do as much harm as possible. - Diana Wynne Jones

People may wonder how Mitt came to join in the Holand Sea Festival, carrying a bomb, and what he thought he was doing. Mitt wondered himself by the end.

To love someone enough to let them go, you had to let them go forever or you did not love them that much.

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.