“If you must mount the gallows, give a jest to the crowd, a coin the hangman, and make the drop with a smile on your lips.”

“I always say, if you must mount the gallows, give a jest to the crowd, a coin to the hangman, and make the drop with a smile on your lips.”

“I will hate the man you choose because he isn't me, and love him if he makes you smile.”

“Do you believe a man must be hard?” she asked. She was taking a chance. “Or strong?” By her tone, she left no doubt she saw a difference.Again Sorilea touched the tray; the smallest of smiles might have quirked her lips for an instant. Or not. “Most men see the two as one and the same, Cadsuane Melaidhrin. Strong endures; hard shatters.”Cadsuane drew breath. A chance she would have scoured anyone else for taking. But she was not anyone else, and sometimes chances had to be taken. “The boy confuses them,” she said. “He needs to be strong, and makes himself harder. Too hard, already, and he will not stop until he is stopped. He has forgotten how to laugh except in bitterness; there are no tears left in him. Unless he finds laughter and tears again, the world faces disaster. He must learn that even the Dragon Reborn is flesh. If he goes to Tarmon Gai’don as he is, even his victory may be as dark as his defeat.”

“I've come to give you your gift back, Mordeth," Cauthon whispered. "I consider our debt paid in full.”

“Does it make you brave to stick your hand in a bear's mouth? Would you do it again just because you didn't die?”

“Nothing makes Semirhage weep. She gives tears to others, but she has none herself.”