“In the beginning was the word,” said a dry voice right behind him.

“It was the Egg,” corrected another voice. “I distinctly remember. The Great Egg of the Universe. Slightly rubbery.”

“You’re both wrong, in fact. I’m sure it was the primordial slime.”

A voice by Rincewind’s knee said: “No, that came afterwards. There was firmament first. Lots of firmament. Rather sticky, like candyfloss. Very syrupy, in fact -”

“In case anyone’s interested,” said a crackly voice on Rincewind’s left, “you’re all wrong. In the beginning was the Clearing of the Throat -” “-then the word -”

“Pardon me, the slime -”

“Distinctly rubbery, I thought -”

There was a pause. Then a voice said carefully. “Anyway, whatever it was, we remember it distinctly.”

(Picture found on Chris Brecheen‘s website – Paul Kidby artist)