Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts.

We'll be as gentle or as forceful as we need to be, ... They have a right to protest, we respect their right to protest, we have every intention of allowing them to do that, as long as it doesn't interfere with the parade itself or the events that are associated with it.

Romesco with asparagus is simple and brilliant.

If I dropped a tear upon your hand, may it wither it up! If I spoke a gentle word in your hearing, may it deafen you! If I touched you with my lips, may the touch be poison to you! A curse upon this roof that gave me shelter! Sorrow and shame upon your head! Ruin upon all belonging to you!

Friend of my bosom, thou more than a brother, Why wert thou not born in my father's dwelling?

Shakespeare is one of the last books one should like to give up, perhaps the one just before the Dying Service in a large Prayer book.