If I was bound for hell, let it be hell. No more false heaven. No more damned magic.

Stephan was secretive and a liar, but he was a very gentle and expert lover. She was the petted, cherished child, the desired mistress, the worshipped, perfumed goddess. She was all these things to Stephan - or so he made her believe.

Some must cry so that others may be able to laugh the more heartily. Sacrifices are necessary.

If she says goodbye perhaps adieu. Adieu - like those old time songs she sang. Always adieu (and all songs say it). If she too says it, or weeps, I'll take her in my arms, my lunatic. She's mad but mine, mine. What will I care for gods or devils or for Fate itself. If she smiles or weeps or both. For me.

Now I no longer wish to be loved, beautiful, happy or successful. I want one thing and one thing only - to be left alone.

very few people change after well say seven or seventeen. Not really. They get more this or more that and of course look a bit different. But inside they are the same.

I've been so ridiculous all my life that a little bit more or a little bit less hardly matters now.