Avram Davidson

Quotes

1. A querulous whine that was almost a question was succeeded by a deep gobble that was almost an answer.

2. 

   These precautions, perhaps because they had been taken, proved unnecessary.

3. 

   But the Red Man denied that time, though it must always be paid for, could always be paid for in money.

4. 

   Hmm...hmm. A stag hunt. To what elaborate lengths the equestrian classes go in order to draw out the simple business of butchering venison.

5. 

   Sorcery works against Nature, magic works with it.

6. 

   Surely you’ll at least see the Temple? Respect all religions, is my motto, believe in none. Sensible principle. Still, you know, must say, after all, two thousand beautiful priestesses! All ready, willing, able—and I must say—dextrous!— to do their best to inspire male worshippers with love for their goddess, hah-hah!

7. 

   The ceremony was long and intricate, probably none of them could have explained why half of it was done, and the explanations for the other half would probably have been thoroughly incorrect.

8. 

   “There may be someone here who knows less about all this than I do,” Clemens said, “but I can’t imagine who.”

9. 

   “Drew a knife on us,” one muttered, with the sullen rage of the bully who feels wronged when resisted.

10. 

    And then in that, admittedly magnificent, abrupt moment you saw what I concede without argument was the face of rather an attractive wench, and—Zeus! you weren’t thinking, man—you were simply reacting. It wasn’t your heart, it was your codpiece that the impulse came from!

11. 

    Where there is no bread, there is no philosophy.

12. 

    It is not in the nature of any people that it should willingly endure being ruled by another people, whether it is ruled ill or ruled well.