But he that dares not grasp the thorn
Should never crave the rose
Taken from the poem The Narrow Way by Anne Brontë (1820 – 1849), who died at the tragically early age of 29 from illness. Anne, whose writings included the novels Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, is also known for being the youngest member of the literary Brontë family.
Bottom line is, even if you see them coming, you’re not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So, what are we, helpless? Puppets? Nah. The big moments are gonna come, you can’t help that. It’s what you do afterwards that counts. That’s when you find out who you are.
Whistler (Max Perlich) in the superlative supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003). Though appearing in only two episodes, it shows how even the most unused of characters could have the best of dialogue.
General Allenby: You acted without orders, you know.
T.E. Lawrence: Shouldn’t officers use their initiative at all times?
General Allenby: Not really. It’s awfully dangerous.
Jack Hawkins and Albert Finney in Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
