Quote of the Day

These cousins were all destined to marry each other to serve the political strategy of their parents, who had themselves been married in similar fashion: in the closest consanguinity. How many dispensations must be asked of the Pope that territorial interests might take precedence of the laws of religion and the most elementary considerations of health! How many cripples and madmen were there in prospect! The only difference between Adam's descendants and Capet's was that the latter had so far avoided incest between brothers and sisters.

- MAURICE DRUON, The Royal Succession (Canada, USA, Europe)