Our children await Christmas presents like politicians getting in election returns: there's the Uncle Fred precinct and the Aunt Ruth district still to come in.

Oh, I am fortune's fool!

William Shakespeare

This is a work of fiction. All the characters in it, human and otherwise, are imaginary, excepting only certain of the fairy folk, whom it might be unwise to offend by casting doubts on their existence. Or lack thereof.

Neil Gaiman

I explain to you, exactly and truly, how we are circumstanced. A greater portion of our means is unavailable, consisting of a house in S. Springfield and some wild lands in Iowa. Notwithstanding my great and good husband's life was sacrificed for his country, we are left to struggle in a manner...of life undeserved. Roving Generals have elegant mansions showered upon them, and the American people leave the family of the Martyred President to struggle as best they may! Strange justice this.refers to General Grant, a war hero, who was given homes in Galena, Philadelphia, and Washington

Mary Ann Todd Lincoln, August 17

Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!

Thomas A. Edison

The question is how to bring a work of imagination out of one language that was just as taken-for-granted by the persons who used it as our language is by ourselves. Nothing strange about it.

Robert Fitzgerald

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Sun Tzu

In dreams the truth is learned that all good works are done in the absence of a caress.

Leonard Cohen

I think it is important that we rebuild an atmosphere of forgiveness and civility in every aspect of our lives.

T. D. Jakes

Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you -- tripping on the tongue; but if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as Leif the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently; for in the very torrent, tempest, and as I may say, the whirlwind of your passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness.

William Shakespeare

Not being heard is no reason for silence.

Victor Hugo

Citizenship is what makes a republic; monarchies can get along without it

Mark Twain

Vocations which we wanted to pursue, but didn't, bleed, like colors, on the whole of our existence.

Honore de Balzac