Diana Gabaldon Quote

You're the best man I ever met, I said. I only meant...it's such a strain, to try and live for two people. To try to make them fit your ideas of what's right...You do it for a child, of course, you have to, but even then, it's dreadfully hard work. I couldn't do it for you - it would be wrong even to try.I'd taken him back more than a little. He sat for some moments, his face turned half away. Do ye really think me a good man? he said at last. There was a queer note in his voice, that I couldn't quite decipher.Yes, I said, with no hesitation. Then added, half jokingly, Don't you?After a long pause, he said, quite seriously, No, I shouldna think so.I looked at him speechless, no doubt with my mouth hanging open.I am a violent man, and I ken it well, he said quietly. He spread his hands out on his knees; big hands, which could wield a sword and dagger with ease, or choke the life from a man. So do you - or ye should.You've never done anything you weren't forced to do!No?I don't think so. I said, but even as I spoke, a shadow of doubt clouded my words. Even when done from the most urgent necessity, did such things not leave a mark on the soul? {Claire Fraser & Jamie Fraser. Drums of Autumn}