Sometimes, it is not the kings and queen who make for the most fascinating history but the shadowy souls who happen to be in the right place at the right time.

There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate. —MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

After all, that's why we read historical fiction-to be transported to another time, and to be astonished at ancient people's lives and traditions, just as they would probably be astonished at ours.

You can't change the desert. You can only take the fastest course through it. Wishing it's an oasis won't make it so.

Things change, and not always for the better.

...she refused to leave anything to someone else that she could do better herself.

You will never have to marry for money. You will never have to depend on anyne but yourself.