Timberlake Wertenbaker > Quotes

“The Greeks believed that it was a citizen's duty to watch a play. It was a kind of work in that it required attention, judgement, patience, all the social virtues."

"And the Greek were conquered by the more practical Romans, Arthur."

"Indeed, the Romans built their bridges, but they also spent many centuries wishing they were Greeks. And they, after all, were conquered by the barbarians, or by their own corrupt and small spirits.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker

“I'd forgotten how arrogant people are in the theater, I'm agreeing to starve for a year and he seems to think I should be pleased to have the part.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, The Break of Day

“When I say my prayers I have a terrible doubt. How can I be sure God is forgiving me? What if he will forgive me, but hasn't forgiven me yet? That's why I don't want to die, Sir. That's why I can't die. Not until I am sure. Are you sure?”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country's Good

“We begin here because no life ever has been untouched by war.

____ The Love of a Nightingale”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, The Love of the Nightingale

“Love, stealing with grace into the heart you wish to destroy, love, turning us blind with the bitter poison of desire, love come not my way. And when you whirl through the streets, wild steps to unchained rhythms, love, I pray you, brush not against me, love, I beg you, pass me by.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, The Love of the Nightingale

“It is very good, Wisehammer, it's very well written, but it's too-too-political. It will be considered provocative."

"You don't want me to say it."

"Not tonight. We have many people against us."

"I could tone it down. I could omit 'We left our country for our country's good.'"

"That's the best line.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker

“Being laughed at is excellent preparation for marriage.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, The Ash Girl

“This is a profligate prison for us all, it's a hellish hole we soldiers have been hauled to because they blame us for losing the war in America.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country's Good

“Why read poetry if you don't want to fall in love?”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, The Ash Girl

“Unexpected situations are often matched by unexpected virtues, are they not?”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country's Good

“Why are you so angry with your Duckling, harry? Don't you like it when I open my legs wide to you? Cross them over you - the way you like? What will you do when your little Duckling isn't there anymore to touch you with her soft fingertips, Harry, where you like it? First the left nipple and then the right. Your Duckling doesn't want to leave you, Harry."

"Duckling..."

"I need freedom sometimes, Harry.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country's Good

“Dawes? Dawes, do come back to earth and honour us with your attention for a moment.”
― Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country's Good