“Ask for an omen, then stone it when it comes -- de essentia hominum.”

“Take these," said the old man, holding out a white stone and a black stone that had been embedded at the center of the breastplate. "They are called Urim and Thummim. The black signifies 'yes,' and the white 'no.' When you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question.”

“Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen, but his country's cause. ”

“When struck by a thunderbolt it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning of the omen.”

“As for omens, there is no such thing as an omen. Destiny does not send us heralds. She is too wise or too cruel for that.”

“In every country is a word which attempts the sound of cats, to match an inisolable portrait in the clouds to a din in the air. But the constant noise is not an omen of music to come.”