The lies we live will always be confessed in the stories that we tell.

Remember, the enemy's gate is down.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when the media are almost a monoculture.

He is dead, she thought bitterly, because we have forgotten him.

We need a Napoleon. An Alexander. Except that Napoleon lost in the end, and Alexander flamed out and died young. We need a Julius Caesar, except that he made himself a dictator, and died for it.

And if you're going to criticize me for not finishing the whole thing and tying it up in a bow for you, why, do us both a favor and write your own damn book, only have the decency to call it a romance instead of a history, because history's got no bows on it, only frayed ends of ribbons and knots that can't be untied. It ain't a pretty package, but then it's not your birthday that I know of so I'm under no obligation to give you a gift.

Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books.