‘Take a large bowl,’ I said.  ‘Fill it with equal measures of fact, fantasy, history, mythology, science, superstition, logic, and lunacy.  Darken the mixture with bitter tears, brighten it with howls of laughter, toss in three thousand years of civilization, bellow kan pei – which means “dry cup” – and drink to the dregs.’

Procopius stared at me.  ‘And will I be wise?’ he asked.

‘Better,’ I said.  ‘You will be Chinese.’