SHAKESPEARE: Well, my own fine words notwithstanding, life is no play. We meet people once, and never see them again. There is no shape to events, no point at which we turn to the audience for their praise. No time at which we step behind the stage, to see the actors changing their wigs, and painting their faces, and muttering their lines.

Neil Gaiman (b. 1960) British author, screenwriter, fabulist

Sandman, Book 10. The Wake, # 75 “The Tempest” (1996-02)
    (Source)

Speaking to Morpheus. Final issue of the series.