Quotes from Lian Hearn

I believe the test of government is the contentment of the people.

She entered a state where prayer and poetry became one and the everyday world seemed full of holiness and significance.

Death comes suddenly and life is fragile and brief. No one can alter this either by prayers or spells.

It's what you do to yourself when you go mad with rage. You have no idea how much you can hurt yourself with your own strength.

It's like a spell. It's so strong I can't fight it. Is love always like this?

When illusions are shattered by truth, talent is set free.

Don't you know the man whose life you spare will always hate you?

I have no fear of death," Shigeru replied. "But it is wrong to say I am in love with it. Quite the opposite: I think I've proved how much I love life.

Cuando cruzamos el puente examiné la inscripción de Shigeru me había leído en su día: "El clan Otori da la bienvenida a los justos y los leales. Que los injustos y los desleales sean precavidos". "Los injustos y desleales". Como yo. Desleal a Shigeru, quien me había legado sus tierras; tan injusto como los miembros de la tribu, injusto y cruel.

It was as hot as ever, even the turn of the moon bringing no relief, and the cries of cicadas fell like showers around me.

Nunca he matado a un hombre desarmado y nunca he asesinado por placer.

I did not want to spend the night on the lonely plain. I was afraid of ten thousand ghosts, and of the ogres and goblins that dwelled in the forest around it. The murmur of a stream sounded to me like the voice of the water spirit, and every time a fox barked or an owl hooted I came awake, my pulse racing.

Todo joven comete errores -dijo Makoto-. Es nuestro destino tener que convivir con las consecuecias.

Los niños lloran la muerte, pero los hombres y mujeres nunca lloran: se sobre ponen a ella.

Si uno lucha desesperadamente, sobrevivirá. Si intenta sobrevivir, entonces morirá.

O los Otori consiuen la victoria, o bien serán derrotados definitivamente y desaparecerán. La paz no reinará mientras sian combatiendo en las fronteras.

El descubrira mi engaño y nunca más deseará verme.

The bonds between husband and wife spring from deep laws of destiny and should not be broken lightly.

Mi padre no volverá a mirarme a la cara", pensó. "Apartará sus ojos de mí, incluso me estará dando muerte.

Al igual que el río siempre está a la puerta, así está siempre el mundo de puertas afuera. Y es en ese mundo donde estamos obligados a vivir.

Power brings its own legitimacy.

La vida parece más bella y efímera que nunca, pues se puede perder en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.

Your lands will stretch from sea to sea,' she said finally. 'But peace comes at the price of bloodshed. Five battles will buy you peace, four to win and one to lose. Many must die but you yourself are safe from death, except at the hands of your own son.

Los perros ladran en la distancia y los gallos anunciaban la llegada del nuevo día.