20 quotes
Evil people naturally assume that you will use that power exactly as they would use it.
Heartfire (1998)
“This is Alvin Smith,” said Cooper. “He’s a man of inestimable abilities, but only because nobody has cared enough to estimate them.”
Heartfire (1998)
Once you have the gallows, you'll find new reasons to hang people from it.
Heartfire (1998)
Around here, ma'am, if folks got they mouth open, if they ain't eating then they lying.
Heartfire (1998)
Denmark nursed that anger and it kept him free.
Heartfire (1998)
The Lord took twice the time making thee, Alvin Smith, cause it took that long to put the mischief in.
Heartfire (1998)
“I don’t have to be a gentleman,” said Balzac. “I am an artist.”
Heartfire (1998)
To expect wickedness from human beings is the best way I know of to avoid surprises. And when I am surprised, it's always pleasantly.
Heartfire (1998)
It wasn't so bad being a slave when your owner was yourself and stood up for you.
Heartfire (1998)
War was never so careful as to inflict suffering only where it was merited.
Heartfire (1998)
“Don’t press her,” said Cooper. “If someone decides to leave something unsaid, my experience is that everyone is happier if they don’t insist on his saying it.”
Heartfire (1998)
“Don’t you think it’s ironic that you have no idea what you’re supposed to do,” said Verily, “and yet so many people have gone to so much trouble to prevent you from doing it?”
Heartfire (1998)
When I am drunk I am at my best. It is the national knack of the French.
Heartfire (1998)
“I have no fear of war,” said Arthur Stuart. “That’s when kings get to show their mettle.”
“You’re thinking of chess,” said Margaret. “In war, everyone has their chance to bleed.”
Heartfire (1998)
My father always said that government is like watching another man piss in your boot. Someone feels better but it certainly isn’t you.
Heartfire (1998)
“Calvin, what kind of trouble are you planning to make?”
“No trouble at all,” said Calvin, annoyed. “Why do you think I want to cause trouble?”
“Because you are awake.”
Heartfire (1998)
“You,” said Purity, “have been long enough out of England to pick up some American brag.”
“But surrounded by Americans as I am,” said Cooper, “my brag is like a farthing in a sack of guineas.”
Heartfire (1998)
“I knew God had heard my prayer when I learned that it was you and no other who drew this case.”
“One judge is coughing his life out into bloody handkerchiefs and the other is burying his wife, and you think this is how God answers your prayers?”
Heartfire (1998)
The first of a thousand lies. Truth flowed to Micah Quill, was sucked in and disappeared, and emerged again looking ever so much like it used to, but changed subtly, at the edges, where none would notice, so that simple truth became a complicated fabric indeed, one that could wrap you up so tightly and close you off from the air until you suffocated in it.
Heartfire (1998)
“I always play with everybody,” said Honoré. “It is my vocation. God put me on the earth to do with people what cats do to mice. Play with them, chew the last bit of life out of them, them pick them up in my mouth and drop them on people’s doorsteps. That is the business of literature.”
Heartfire (1998)