“Keep quiet to avoid trouble? I was going to cause trouble!”

“I cannot be silent about injustice. And I shall keep doing so because I love life, and I love my fellow humans who inhabit this world.”

“Why was it always the adults who showed such blind hatred, while we children did our best to get along?”

“At the last moment, the fish and I exchange a troubled glance. The murrel seems to be demanding an explanation. Alas, I am in no position to start justifying the unusual treatment. What comes next is a new experience for both the fish and me.”

“I was no longer troubled when he pulled out a machete in a crowded bar, tried to pick up schoolgirls, or threatened to scalp us, then rip off our heads and scoop out our brains.”

“One day the Five Pirs appeared before him, and Ranjha bowed himself to the ground, and Hir was with him. And the Pirs said, ‘Children, we salute you. Remember God. Do not tarnish the world of love. Ranjha, you are Hir’s and Hir is yours. A pearl and ruby have come together. Your love will cause trouble and strife in the world. The world will taunt you, hut be brave and steadfast. Do not abandon love, and remember God day and night.”

“You can keep going on much less attention than you crave.”