“It is evil,” the Old Wise One said. “For very long we have walked carefree in the only paradise. It would be better if all here were to die.” The last Shadow child said firmly, “Nothing is worse than that I should die,” and something that had wrapped the world was gone.”

“It is evil,” the Old Wise One said. “For very long we have walked carefree in the only paradise. It would be better if all here were to die.” The last Shadow child said firmly, “Nothing is worse than that I should die,” and something that had wrapped the world was gone.”

— Gene Wolfe