Letter A
One should "know a few," never mind their names.
No need to have any notion of his philosophy, nor even to know the titles of his works. Just refer discreetly to his mutilation by Fulbert. The grave of Abelard and Heloise: if someone tells you it is apocryphal, exclaim: "You rob me of my illusions!"
If he had worn a wig, Joab could not have murdered him. Facetious name for a bald friend.
Extra-violent poison: one glass and you're dead. Newspapermen drink it as they write their copy. Has killed more soldiers than the Bedouin.
Run it down, but try to belong to it if you can.
Always "regrettable" or "unlucky"—as if a mishap might sometimes be a cause for rejoicing.
Add "fleet of foot": people will think you've read Homer.