You see," she says slowly, "I was always desired. But now I am valued. And that is a different thing, I find. - Hilary Mantel

For what’s the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on what went before?

Norfolk approaches him. He stands far too close. His eyes are bloodshot. Every sinew is jumping. He says, “Substitute nothing, you misbegotten—” The duke stabs a forefinger into his shoulder. “You…person,” he says; and again, “you nobody from Hell, you whore-spawn, you cluster of evil, you lawyer.”

Imagination only comes when you privilege the subconscious, when you make delay and procrastination work for you.