Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3)

by Terry Pratchett

“I don’t regret it, you know. I would do it all again. Children are our hope for the future.” THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, said Death.

“Psst,” it said. “Not very,” said Rincewind, who was in a state of mind where he couldn’t resist it, “but I’m working on it.”

It was a shocking breach of etiquette in any case; no wizard should even think of touching another’s staff without his express permission. But there are people who can’t quite believe that children are fully human, and think that the operation of normal good manners doesn’t apply to them.

“Speaking as a poet,” said Conina carefully, “what would you say about this situation?” Creosote shifted uneasily. “Funny old thing, life,” he said. “Pretty apt.”