More Coetzee-quoting:

[letterblade]

'I read in an old Italian author of a man who visited, or dreamed he visited, Hell,' said Foe. 'There he met the souls of the dead. One of the souls was weeping. "Do not suppose, mortal," said this soul, addressing him, "that because I am not substantial these tears you behold are not the tears of a true grief."'

'True grief, certainly, but whose?' said I - 'The ghost's or the Italian's?'

Again, J. M. Coetzee, Foe. Absolutely brilliant book.