"Lying in bed, half-covered by the blankets, I would drowsily ask why he had come to my door that night long ago. It had become a ritual for us, as it does for all lovers: where, when, why? remember...I understand even old people rehearse their private religion of how they first loved, most guarded of secrets. And he would answer, sleep blurring his words, "Because I had to." The question and the answer were always the same. Why? Because I had to."

3 likes

Source: Margaret George (2010). “The Memoirs of Cleopatra: A Novel”, p.751, Macmillan

About the author

Margaret George

Author

Margaret George is a historical novelist known for her immersive storytelling and deep character exploration, particularly in works like 'The Autobiography of Henry VIII.'

All quotes by Margaret George →

Same author

More quotes by Margaret George

See all →

"I had a desire to see something besides my own shores, if only to be content to return to them someday. If I wish to live in my native land and love her, it should not be out of ignorance."

Read quote

"One always imagines that the days that change one’s life must be marked with something extraordinary in nature—storms and lightning, darkness at noon, and so on. In truth they are indistinguishable from any other, which is one reason we feel mocked, as if the world is telling us we are inconsequential."

Read quote

"It is only when our fate hangs in the balance, when our very life depends on something, that we see whether or not we trust that the rope to which we are clinging will support us. If we do not, then we let of of the ledge and swing on it with our full weight."

Read quote