Sublime
An inspiration engine for ideas
but I think that I speak within bounds when I say that, though the birds of the air have their nests, and the foxes their holes, and the savages their wigwams, in modern civilized society not more than one half the families own a shelter.
Henry David Thoreau • Walden (AmazonClassics Edition)
As Isabel could live with thee forever.
Christopher Marlowe • Edward II Revised (New Mermaids)
don't refuse the poor things
Jane Collier • An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously Tormenting;: With Proper Rules for the Exercise of that Pleasant Art
‘Check the statute book, Professor. The Coroners and Justice Act 2009.’ ‘Refresh my memory.’ ‘Clearly prohibits any monetary gain by the description of a crime. Little thing called an “exploitative proceeds order”. Mainly ex-cons looking to cash in. But it comes in handy for us spooks now and then.’
Matthew Richardson • The Scarlet Papers: The Times Thriller of the Year 2023
Give us some wholesome young fellow of our own blood, who’ll play us none of these dusky old-world tricks. Painter as I am, I’ll never recommend a picturesque husband!’
Susie Boyt • The Turn of the Screw and Other Ghost Stories
Will was not without his intentions to be always generous, but our tongues are little triggers which have usually been pulled before general intentions can be brought to bear.
Rosemary Ashton • Middlemarch
Lord Canning had at first been quite open to the Chronicle’s suggestions, but was eventually, and reluctantly, persuaded not to order the levelling of the city. The man who persuaded him was John Lawrence.