An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.

When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.

I will always be as difficult as necessary to achieve the best.

Women are not pals enough with men, so we must make ourselves indispensable. After all, we have the greatest weapon in our hands by just being women.

It's a terrible thing to go through life thinking that you have a rock on your side when you haven't.

I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.

I was always too mature for my age - and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.