1
Name one hero who was happy." I considered. Heracles went mad and killed his family; Theseus lost his bride and father; Jason's children and new wife were murdered by his old; Bellerophon killed the Chimera but was crippled by the fall from Pegasus' back." You can't." He was sitting up now, leaning forward." I can't."" I know. They never let you be famous AND happy." He lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you a secret."" Tell me." I loved it when he was like this." I'm going to be the first." He took my palm and held it to his. "Swear it."" Why me?"" Because you're the reason. Swear it."" I swear it, " I said, lost in the high color of his cheeks, the flame in his eyes." I swear it, " he echoed. We sat like that a moment, hands touching. He grinned." I feel like I could eat the world raw.Madeline Miller
2
Self talk and self prayer: When you audible the first and correctly interpret, the white coats correct you in a nuthouse. When you audible the second and misinterpret, the dinner coats swear you to an oath in the White House. Does this make you nuts too? Then outfit your sanity seeking political asylum at my house.Brian Spellman
3
No one, by swearing, makes themselves an ounce more honest; any more than a man makes himself wealthy by counting his gold. Oaths may make a liar a liar yet again, having lied about the oath as well. But it cannot alter the worth of an honest man's word.Jake Yaniak
4
Oaths are but words, and words are but wind.Samuel Butler