There's a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest, it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it finds one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to outcarol the lark and nightingale.

One superlative song, existence its price. But the whole world stills to listen and God in His heaven smiles.

For the best is only bought at the cost of pain... or so the legend says.