103 Quotes by Elizabeth Moon

...What I am saying, Marshal, is that you have known her but a short time; I have known her for years. You have seen her in one trouble; I have seen her in many. I know her as someone trustworthy in battle, in long campaigns, day after day. You see some flaw – some little speck on a shining ring – and condemn the whole. But I see the whole – the years of service, the duties faithfully performed– and that is good, Marshal. Is there one of us with no flaws? Are you perfect, that you indict her?

The test of a sword is not its polish but its temper

The things that were so bad, that hurt so. If I forget them, if I forget such things still happen, how can I help others? My scars prove that I know myself what others suffer.

Best stick to sword fighting, then""I'd rather, really. But [Ian] says -- ""I know what [Ian] says. Everyone should learn every conceivable weapon and unarmed combat, in case you lose your axe, sword, dagger, pike, spear, mace, bow, crossbow...

I like it that order exists somewhere even if it shatters near me.

Behind them the two cohorts marched along, the novices learning from Cracolyna's veterans how best to keep themselves comfortable in overnight bivouacs. And not to dice with veterans.

A tree is alive, and thus it is always more than you can see. Roots to leaves, yes-those you can, in part, see. But it is more-it is the lichens and moss and ferns that grow on its bark, the life too small to see that lives among its roots, a community we know of, but do not think on. It is every fly and bee and beetle that uses it for shelter or food, every bird that nests in its branches. Every one an individual, and yet every one part of the tree, and the tree part of every one.

The book answers questions other people have thought of. I have thought of questions they have not answered. I always thought my questions were wrong questions because no one else asked them. Maybe no one thought of them. Maybe darkness got there first. Maybe I am the first light touching a gulf of ignorance.Maybe my questions matter.

No, but a cello is the perfect string bass for an accordion. Works with it beautifully.