The sudden disappointment of a hope leaves a scar which the ultimate fulfillment of that hope never entirely removes.

The smile on your mouth was the deadest thing alive enough to have strength to die. (from "Neutral Tones")

Everybody must be managed. Queens must be managed. Kings must be managed, for men want managing almost as much as women, and that's saying a good deal.

If an offense come out of the truth, better is it that the offense come than that the truth be concealed.

Pessimism is playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only view of life in which you can never be disappointed. Having reckoned what to do in the worst possible circumstances, when better arise, as they may, life becomes child's play.

O, you have torn my life all to pieces... made me be what I prayed you in pity not to make me be again!

Tis because we be on a blighted star, and not a sound one, isn't it Tess?