Who gathers the withered rose?

But something held him, as the fatalist can always be held: by curiosity, pessimism, by sheer inertia.

Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power

Negative.
"Mouth closed, politely.

We unify. We include."
"But humans like being individuals."
"We know," Rue said. He pushes off the ground with his foot, starting the swing into a slow sway. "We didn't understand-individuals like being lonely."
"It's not lonely." Hopefully he can't tell I'm lying.

Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay
And when it's morning again, they'll wash away
Here it's safe, here it's warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.