Monsieur Hamil had often told me that Time comes slowly from dessert with its camel caravans and isn't in any hurry because it's carrying eternity on its back. But Time is always nicer to talk about than to see on the face of an old man who's sinking a little more every day, and if you want my honest opinion Time is just a thief.
Romain Gary, The Life Before Us, New Directions press