My Prime Ministers keep acting surprised that I have opinions, as if the Crown is a decorative lamp and not the whole room. by Queen Victoria

Civilized is generous. It is more like a monthly hostage situation with better hats.

She writes one sharp note and suddenly the whole Cabinet is pretending to be civilized.

If either of you want the final word, submit it in writing and I will ignore it with royal efficiency.

Your Majesty, you have opinions, I have a stage name, and Mr. Gladstone has a sermon. We all cope differently.

Better flirt with policy than lecture it until the candles melt.

At last, someone understands the difference between governing and performing a very long sigh.

A sermon? Coming from the man who flirts with policy like it owes him money?