Erich Maria Remarque. Arch (№ 419994)

Nika of Samothrace did not know anything about morality. She was not tormented by any problems. She did not experience storms raging in blood. She knew only victory or defeat, not seeing almost any difference between them. She did not seduce, she beckoned. She did not float, she hovered carelessly. She had no secrets, and yet she worried much more than Venus, covering her shame to arouse desire. She was akin to birds and ships - wind, waves, horizon. She had no homeland. She did not have a homeland, thought Ravik. And she didn't need her. On any ship, she felt at home. Her elements were courage, struggle and even defeat: after all, she never despaired. She was not only the goddess of victory, but also the goddess of all romantics and wanderers, the goddess of emigrants, if only they did not lay down their arms.