There are patterns in everything, in the whole of Nature, from the way the stars turn in the heavens to the whorl of a shell or the petals of a flower and the way leaves arrange themselves about a twig. There are forces, hidden forces. If I can discover what they are, how they operate, I will have my hands upon the levers of creation and can work them myself.

Legend gathered around him, swirling around him like a great black cloak.

You may wish me luck, or curse me for a damnable pirate, but do not look for me. I will be gone to parts beyond the sea.

Lies are not rooted in the mind in the way truth is.

In the town live witches nine: three in worsted, three in rags, and three in velvet fine.

It is no good wishing for what was not to be.

Don't fear tomorrow, till today's done with you.