Of all the reports that fly about the world, ill news is the surest of all to arrive!

To have faith in Divine protection is good, but even beter if backed by the pratical assistance heaven has a right to expect from sensible mortals.

Bitter though it may be to many, Cadfael concluded, there is no substitute for truth, in this or any case.

Beauty is a perilous gift.

Nothing is more pleasing and engaging than the sense of having conferred benefits. Not even the gratification of receiving them.

as roads go, the road home is as good as any.

Even a saint may take pleasure, in retrospect, in having been once desired