Human Affairs
Confessions of a Nun
“Then Gudrun said, “I was worst to the one I loved the most.”“I think,” said Bolli, “that the truth has now been told.”” […]
Family
Human Affairs
The Coldest of Counsel
“You are remarkably unlike your noble kinsmen if you don’t want to avenge such a brother as Kjartan was. Your grandfather, Egil Skalla-Grimsson, would never have behaved like this. It is cruel to have such craven sons; and I for one believe it would have suited you better to have been your father’s daughters and been married off.” […]
History
A Society Built on War
“Their diet, daily exercise, and the freedom from restraint that they enjoy – for from childhood they do not know what compulsion or discipline is, and do nothing against their inclination – combine to make them strong and as tall as giants.” […]
Greek and Roman
Too Quick to Kill
“Fearful of awakening her, he softly entered the apartment and – perceiving two persons in bed – instantly concluded that his wife was disloyal. Without a moment’s pause, he unsheathed his sabre, and slew both.” […]
Greek and Roman
Divine Parricide
hese great Cronos swallowed as each came forth from the womb to his mother’s knees with this intent, so that no other of the proud sons of Heaven should hold the kingly office amongst the deathless gods. […]
Britons and Celts
Royal Brothers Bicker
“Thus Harold and Gurth disputed, till their words grew angry, and Gurth would have struck his brother, had he not spurred his horse on, so that the blow missed, and struck the horse behind the saddle, glancing along Harold’s shield. ” […]
Human Affairs
Glory or Family
“Then they wished their father and mother a good life and set off on their way, journeying until they reached King Hrolf.” […]
Human Affairs
A Retort for an Assassin
“Gizur said: ‘A great chieftain have we laid low now, and it has cost us dear, and his defence will be remembered as long as men live in this land!'” […]
Greek and Roman
To The Lazy Goes the Spoils
“Then,” answered the elder, “the kingdom must be mine; for I am so lazy, that sitting once by the fire, I burnt my legs, because I was too indolent to withdraw them.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Renaissance Don as a Loving Father
“My daughter, it was always my dearest wish that you should marry a man whom I considered worthy of you; and if you did indeed choose such a man, and he was pleasing to you, then I could have wished for nothing better.” […]