No one can go on being a rebel too long without turning into an autocr — Lawrence Durrell

"the confluent smallpox – invented perhaps as the cruellest remedy for human vanity (II)"

"The sea is high again today, with a thrilling flush of wind. In the midst of winter you can feel the inventions of Spring. A sky of hot nude pearl until midday, crickets in sheltered places, and now the wind unpacking the great planes, ransacking the great planes… I have escaped to this island with a few books and the child — Melissa’s child. I do not know why I use the word ‘escape’. The villagers say jokingly that only a sick man would choose such a remote place to rebuild. Well, then, I have come here to heal myself, if you like to put it that way…."

"Old age is an insult. Its like being smacked."

"Its only with great vulgarity that you can achieve real refinement, only out of bawdry that you can get tenderness."

"Its unthinkable not to love — youd have a severe nervous breakdown. Or youd have to be Philip Larkin."

"Im trying to die correctly, but its very difficult, you know."