The power behind the throne, the woman behind the power; an impulse moves the woman, and lo! how they clatter down.
But without woman, history would be poor reading.

The greatest battles in the world, could we but see behind, were fought for women.

Men are but footnotes, and unfortunately history is made up of footnotes.

But it is a fine thing to be a footnote; that is my ambition.
"Ah, if you but knew what a pleasure it is for an old man like me to have a finger in the game time plays! To meddle with affairs, directly or indirectly! Kingdoms are but judy shows, kings and queens but puppets; but we who pull the strings--Ah, that is it! To play a game of chess with crowns!" "There are exceptions; Madame seems to hold the strings in this instance." "Madame follows my advice in all she does." Maurice opened his eyes at this statement.
"Would you believe an old man like me could lay such a train?
All this was my idea.

It was difficult to get Madame to agree with my views.
War?
I am not afraid of it; I am suspicious of it.