Except from The Nose
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    Nikolai Gogol

But nothing in this world lasts long, and therefore joy, in the minute that
follows the first, is less lively; in the third minute it becomes still weaker,
and finally it merges imperceptibly with one's usual state of mind, as a ring
in the water, born of a stone's fall, finally merges with the smooth surface.
Kovalev began to reflect and realized that the matter was not ended yet: the
nose had been found, but it still had to be attached, put in its place.

"And what if it doesn't stick?"

At this question, presented to himself, the major blanched.