I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know. A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or a newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt. The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.
Thunder is good, thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.
When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat. The jury system puts a ban upon intelligence and honesty and a premium upon ignorance, stupidity and perjury. Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.