The Baroque Cycle: Quicksilver, The Confusion, and The System of the World

by Neal Stephenson

you trust my judgment, the slender Puritan is the one to watch,” Eliza said. “But he has no vast territories in America, no money, no followers!” “That is why. I would wager he had a father who was very strong, probably older brothers, too. That he has been checked and baffled many times, never married, never enjoyed even the small homely success of having a child, and has come to that time in his life when he must make his mark, or fail. This has become all confused, in his thinking, with the coming rebellion against the English King. He has decided to gamble his life on it—not in the sense of living or dying, but in the sense of making something of his life, or not.” William winced. “I pray you never see that deep into me.” “Why? Perhaps ‘twould do you good.” “Nay, nay, you are like some Fellow of the Royal Society, dissecting a living dog—there is a placid cruelty about you.” “About me? What of you? To fight wars is kindness?” “Most men would rather be shot through with a broad-headed arrow than be described by you.”