Good night, Veronica

A hundred thousand good-nights, dearly loved daughter Veronica. --Johannes Junius, the opening of a letter written in 1628 on the eve of Junius' execution by burning

Brillig

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe; all mimsy were the borogoves,and the mome raths outgrabe.
-- Lewis Carrol, "Jabberwocky"

To begin

To begin at the beginning: It is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black...
--Dylan Thomas, "Under Milk Wood"

Slavishly

124 was spiteful.
--Toni Morrison, "Beloved"