> In Common Lisp, you can invoke the COMPILE function on a lambda expression that you cons up at runtime and that never is in a textual representation.

Ah, I see. This actually clarified some of the apparently contradictory stuff I have been reading, thanks.

> As a general rule, don't reimplement a Lisp except as a learning exercise

Oh, I am much too nuts for something as simple as that, I am actually planning to write a GPU-targeted language with ALGOL-syntax and Lisp-metaprogramming and REPL-driven-ish development. Wish me luck!