“But our lives were not as they seemed, were they, Sophia? No one's life ever is.”

“People often vented their rage on those who were the victims of their neglect because they were in truth blaming themselves.”

“How stupid lovers can be! But if they were not, there would be no story.”

“Oh, the shame that I suffer now . . . the shame of a vanquished King.” And those were the last words of Henry Plantagenet.”

“They were seated at the banquet side by side, immediately good friends, their great attraction being that each of them knew there was nothing to fear from the other.”

“Nature was more merciful than men, providing for those who suffered great pain such blessedness as fainting; but men were cruel and brought their victims out of faints that the pain might start again. (On being tortured/The Tower.)”

“...his dearest wish was that he could have a quiet life free from his obligations.”