“True New Yorkers do not really seek information about the outside world. They feel that if anything is not in New York it is not likely to be interesting.”

“When you leave New York you ain't going anywhere.”

“When you stop drinking, you have to deal with this marvelous personality that started you drinking in the first place.”

“Every true New Yorker believes with all his heart that when a New Yorker is tired of New York, he is tired of life.”

“You can do what you like, sir, but I'll tell you this. New York is the true capital of America. Every New Yorker knows it, and by God, we always shall.”

“There is no doubt about it, these animals are trying to destroy me mentally. Blows come in psychological form, ripping through my defences, tearing me apart internally. In the the face of this new but very effective game of destruction I cry like a child. Shattered!No injuries are apparent. What is going on, why?”

“She looked... She looked young, and- and--" I glanced down at Rossana gazing up at me, lips parted, eyes shining, her hair loose around her shoulders, and the next words I spoke were intended with no artifice at all. "She is almost as beautiful as you." There was laughter, and I looked up, confused. "If you wish to pay court to my daughter, Matteo, you must first speak to me," Captain dell'Orte said in mock severity. Rossana's face colored pink."Elizabetta is also very beautiful," I said quickly, thinking to cover any embarassment, but also because it was true. The adults roared with laughter. "Now Matteo seeks to woo both girls with one compliment.”