David D. Levine Quotes

Poor behavior reflects will upon one’s family and upon one’s station in life. Without family and station, one lacks influence. And without influence, little of consequence can be accomplished.

Princes and Admirals, she thought, did not seem to be subject to the same rules as the rest of society.

They think the privateer’s life one of nothing but adventure, violence, evasion, and escape. But, between letters of marque, bills of lading, rosters, inventories, and plunder contracts, it involves, in fact, more paperwork than any thing else.

Gambling is a wretched vice," Lady Corey replied with a sniff. "A snare for men of weak character.

Wordlessly she gestured downward, to the hidden lower limbs which seemed to hold some unearthly power over men’s minds.

Although I believe he is personally profiting from the proceedings, I hope that an appeal to his honor as a gentleman may bear fruit.

Do not underestimate the importance of personal resentment in even the largest decisions.

You are a most vexing young woman, you know." But his face bore a slight, whimsical smile.
"I know," she replied, feeling her own mouth curve into a matching expression.
He blew out a breath. "As your brother, I could forbid you to go. But you and I both know that, even if I did so, you would do whatever you wish regardless. I suppose I have no choice but to accede to your request.

It is a difficult question."
"All of the most interesting questions are difficult.

How quickly expectations can change one’s behavior, she thought.

She was deeply concerned about Richardson’s abilities in this area. The man was plainly more interested in maintaining his own authority than he was in the actual running of the ship.

That they cannot see beyond that limited horizon is the fault of society.

His eyes, as she had noted before, betrayed a keen intelligence but no emotion whatsoever—they might have been the eyes of some ancient tortoise, one who had seen a thousand empires rise and fall and cared nothing for any of them.

He took one step away, then turned back. “A kiss for luck?”
Arabella’s hesitation before complying was, upon reflection, rather indecently brief.

The man could be frightfully keen...except when he was utterly obtuse.