Er, what if . . . if I’m not in front of one when it tries to hit me?’ A. E. Pessimal said, hypnotized by the description and dropping the sword again. ‘What if it is in fact behind me?’ ‘Ah, well, I am afraid that in that case sir has to go back and start all over again, sir.’ ‘And, er, how do I do that?’ ‘Being born is traditionally the first step, sir,’ said Willikins, shaking his head.

― Terry Pratchett, Thud! (Discworld, #34)