Torn between the impulse to stroke his head, and the urge to cave it in with a rock, I did neither.

Overall, the library held a hushed exultation, as though the cherished volumes were all singing soundlessly within their covers.

Men would eat horse droppings, if ye served them wi' butter.

Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.

He [Brian Fraser] told me that a man must be responsible for any see he sows, for it's his duty to take care of a woman and protect her. And if I wasna prepared to do that, then I'd no right to burden a woman with the consequences of my own actions.

Hodie mihi cras tibi, said the inscription. Sic transit gloria mundi. My turn today, yours tomorrow. And thus passes away the glory of the world.

...still I dinna expect anything to happen to me. But if it should...If it does, then I want there to be a place for you; I want someone for you to go to if I am...not there to care for you. If it canna be me, then I would have it be a man who loves you.