Sebastian Barry Quotes

This (white settlers) was the section of humanity that was favored in that place, the Indians had no place no more there. Their tickets of passage were rescinded and the bailiffs of God took back the papers of their soles.

It’s a dark thing when the world sets no value on you and your kin, and then Death comes stalking in, in his bloody boots”.

I am cold, even though the heat of early summer is adequate. I am cold because I cannot find my heart.

How is that for some people drinking is a short-term loan on the spirit, but for others a heavy mortgage on the soul?

There is such solace in the mere sight of water. It clothes us delicately in its blowing salt and scent, gossamer items that medicate the poor soul

I knew immediately something was terribly wrong, but you can know that and not allow the thought in your head, at the front of your head. It dances around at the back, where it can't be controlled. But the front of the head is where the pain begins.

In the darkness as we lie side by side John Cole's left hand snakes over under the sheets and takes a hold of my right hand. We listen to the cries of the night revellers outside and hear the horses tramping along the ways. We're holding hands then like lovers who have just met or how we imagine lovers might be in the unknown realm where lovers act as lovers without concealment.

Because it strikes me there is something greater than judgement. I think it is called mercy.