the title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head then like a tune, and has been running a lot in it ever since.

Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.

A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.

I am one of the people who love the why of things.

God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.