'The Godfather, Part IV'

Classical Corleone

"Listen," the old Don said, "when your father went away to avenge your uncle after your aunt Helen was stolen by the nutso Trojans, this other guy fell in love with your mom, and when your dad came back, this guy was waiting and he killed your dad and your mom cut your dad's head off with an axe, and then she and the guy got married, O.K.?" He looked away toward his grape vines and the pool and the two men standing by the gate. "I want you to go whack that guy, Orestes."

"I was talking to an oracle today. She said it won't be easy."

"Sacrifices will have to be made," the Don said in a commanding and omniscient voice, popping a grape into his mouth, thinking darkly comic thoughts.

— Garrison Keillor, host of "Prairie Home Companion."