Whatever happens, believe that the journey is worth taking, and then you will reach its end.
Susan CooperSo the shortest day came, and the year died, / And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world / Came people singing, dancing, / To drive the dark away.
Susan CooperWhen the Dark comes rising six shall turn it back; Three from the circle, three from the track; Wood, bronze, iron; Water, fire, stone; Five will return and one go alone. Iron for the birthday; bronze carried long; Wood from the burning; stone out of song; Fire in the candle ring; water from the thaw; Six signs the circle and the grail gone before. Fire on the mountain shall find the harp of gold Played to wake the sleepers, oldest of old. Power from the Green Witch, lost beneath the sea. All shall find the Light at last, silver on the tree.
Susan CooperSo the Dark did a simple thing. They showed the maker of the sword his own uncertainty and fear. Fear of having done the wrong thing--fear that having done this one great thing, he would never again be able to accomplish anything of great worth--fear of age, of insufficiency, of unmet promise. All such great fears, that are the doom of people given the gift of making, and lie always somewhere in their minds.
Susan CooperFunny,โ Will said, as they picked their way through. โThings are absolutely awful and yet people look much happier than usual. Look at them all. Bubbling.โ โThey are English,โ Merriman said. โQuite right,โ said Willโs father. โSplendid in adversity, tedious when safe. Never content, in fact. Weโre an odd lotโฆ.
Susan Cooper