The question of religion was a matter for each individual's conscience and in a great many cases was the outcome of birth or residence in a certain geographical area.

When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I thought you can't teach poetry. This is ridiculous.

Just as I shall select my ship when I am about to go on a voyage or my house when I propose to take a residence so I shall choose my death when I am about to depart from life.