Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility.

It was sad music. But it waved its sadness like a battle flag. It said the universe had done all it could, but you were still alive.

When all else failed, she tried being reasonable.

I should have learned this, she thought. I wanted to learn fire, and pain, but I should have learned people.

"God does not play games with His loyal servants," said the Metatron, but in a worried tone of voice. "Whooo-eee," said Crowley. "Where have you been?"

Night poured over the desert. It came suddenly, in purple. In the clear air, the stars drilled down out of the sky, reminding any thoughtful watcher that it is in the deserts and high places that religions are generated. When men see nothing but bottomless infinity over their heads they have always had a driving and desperate urge to find someone to put in the way.

The city's full of people who you just see around.