- [last lines]
- DS James Hathaway: You know what one of the Inklings is meant to have said when Tolkien started reading them 'Lord of the Rings'?
- DI Robert Lewis: Oh, spare me, Sergeant; I've had enough of imaginary worlds.
- DS James Hathaway: You'll like it, sir; I promise.
- DI Robert Lewis: Go on then.
- DS James Hathaway: They said: "Not more flipping elves!" Except they didn't say 'flipping'.
- DI Robert Lewis: [laughs] I like it. Home, James.
- DI Robert Lewis: Titus Burkhardt? What sort of name is that?
- DS James Hathaway: He was a Perennialist.
- DI Robert Lewis: What do they believe in... low maintenance gardening?
- [examining the scene of a murder - the victim has been hit over the head with a large mirror]
- Dr. Laura Hobson: The jugular vein and carotid arteries were sliced right through.
- DS James Hathaway: By a piece of the mirror?
- Dr. Laura Hobson: On reflection, yes.
- DS James Hathaway: [groans] It's too early for jokes.
- Professor Rutherford: Can't drink this.
- Pub Landlord: You've had a good try.
- DS James Hathaway: Pint of best, please.
- Professor Rutherford: I wouldn't risk the best if you value your taste buds; it's off.
- Pub Landlord: It is not off, sir. It is not off!
- Professor Rutherford: It is cloudier than a sad Sunday in Birmingham, and it tastes like a camel's armpit.
- DI Robert Lewis: [Referring to the murdered girl] Do you disapprove of the way she was living?
- Professor Hamid Jassim: More than you can imagine, I imagine.
- [first lines]
- Dorian Crane: Try the chapter on Peacock and the Romantics.
- Melanie Harding: Sure. Ah, good luck tonight.
- Dorian Crane: You'll be late for your lecture, Miss Harding.