Gentlemen can now only behave as such, or be tolerated as such, in circumstances that are manifestly contrived or unreal. - Simon Raven

In becoming the universe God abdicated. He destroyed himself as God. He turned what he had been, his true self, into nullity and thereby forfeited the Godlike qualities which pertained to him. The universe which he has become is also his grave. He has no control in it or over it. God, as God, is dead.

He replaced his glasses, which were now smeared with mucus, and manfully assumed what he liked to think was the cautious but enlightened manner of one born to high responsibility which only conscience forbade him abrogate as modesty suggested.

Rose girl, bearing your posies, </br> What are you coming to sell? </br> Is it yourself or your roses, </br> Or yourself and your roses as well?