Quotes from Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove

At times he felt that he had almost rather not be in love with her, for it brought him no peace. What was the use of it, if it was only going to be painful?

It was something he had always done - moved apart, so he could be alone and think things or a little.

He ought to let the past keep its glow and not try to mix it with what he had in the present.

It seemed to him there was never much time with women. Before you could look at one twice, you were into an argument, and they were telling you what was going to happen.

It doesn't do to sacrifice for people unless they want you to.

You should marry me", he said. "I will be good to you. I am not like these men. I have manners. You would see how kind I would be. I would never leave you. You could have an easy life.

Once started, love couldn't easily be stopped.

The years would pass like weeks, and loves would pass too, or else grow sour.

It was something, what must go through men's mind where women were concerned, to cause them to behave so strangely.

It was a weakness, but he could not bear to disappoint women, even if it was ultimately for their own good.

The best to do with a death was to move on from it.

It's just that it's fearsome for a man to have a woman start thinking right in front of him. It always leads to trouble.

It's funny, leaving a place, ain't it?" he said. "You never do know when you'll get back.