diff --git a/idl/SyntaxStateMachine.json5 b/idl/SyntaxStateMachine.json5
index 4cafd9c3..815fd18e 100644
--- a/idl/SyntaxStateMachine.json5
+++ b/idl/SyntaxStateMachine.json5
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
     ],
     types: [
         { name: "TypeDescr", doc: [ "reflected c++ type" ], definition: "xo::reflect::TypeDescr" },
+        { name: "AGCObject", doc: [ "gc-aware object" ], definition: "xo::mm::AGCObject" },
         // { name: string, doc: [ string ], definition: string },
     ],
     const_methods: [
@@ -107,7 +108,7 @@
         },
         {
             name: "on_parsed_expression",
-            doc: ["update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr"],
+            doc: ["update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr"],
             return_type: "void",
             args: [
                 {type: "obj<AExpression>", name: "expr"},
@@ -124,6 +125,15 @@
                 {type: "ParserStateMachine *", name: "p_psm"},
             ],
         },
+        {
+            name: "on_quoted_literal",
+            doc: ["update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit"],
+            return_type: "void",
+            args: [
+                {type: "obj<AGCObject>", name: "lit"},
+                {type: "ParserStateMachine *", name: "p_psm"},
+            ],
+        }
     ],
     router_facet_explicit_content: [ ],
 }
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/DSyntaxStateMachine.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/DSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
index 5851390b..b72a3e92 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/DSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/DSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
@@ -30,6 +30,19 @@ namespace xo {
         class DSyntaxStateMachine {
         public:
             using TypeDescr = xo::reflect::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::mm::AGCObject;
+
+            /** Explicit error path **/
+            void illegal_quoted_literal(obj<AGCObject> lit,
+                                        ParserStateMachine * p_psm)
+                {
+                    // starting with c++23 can use "this auto&& self" instead
+                    Derived & self = static_cast<Derived&>(*this);
+
+                    p_psm->illegal_quoted_literal(Derived::ssm_classname(),
+                                                  lit,
+                                                  self.get_expect_str());
+                }
 
             /** Default implementation for required SyntaxStateMachine facet method
              **/
@@ -148,6 +161,13 @@ namespace xo {
                                                             self.get_expect_str());
 
             }
+
+            /** Default impplementation for required SyntaxStateMachine facet method **/
+            void on_quoted_literal(obj<AGCObject> lit,
+                                   ParserStateMachine * p_psm)
+                {
+                    this->illegal_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+                }
         };
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ParserStateMachine.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ParserStateMachine.hpp
index bec90ae8..f8214a39 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ParserStateMachine.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ParserStateMachine.hpp
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ namespace xo {
             using TypeDescr = xo::reflect::TypeDescr;
             using AAllocator = xo::mm::AAllocator;
             using ArenaConfig = xo::mm::ArenaConfig;
+            using AGCObject = xo::mm::AGCObject;
             using DArena = xo::mm::DArena;
             using MemorySizeVisitor = xo::mm::MemorySizeVisitor;
             using ArenaHashMapConfig = xo::map::ArenaHashMapConfig;
@@ -272,6 +273,13 @@ namespace xo {
                                                       const Token & tk,
                                                       std::string_view expect_str);
 
+            /** report illegal quoted literal @p lit from nested ssm @p ssm_name.
+             *  Possibly unreachable.
+             **/
+            void illegal_quoted_literal(std::string_view ssm_name,
+                                        obj<AGCObject> lit,
+                                        std::string_view expect_str);
+
             /** report error - no binding for variable @p sym
              **/
             void error_unbound_variable(std::string_view ssm_name,
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ASyntaxStateMachine.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ASyntaxStateMachine.hpp
index 6b2976e1..b7fa0a92 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ASyntaxStateMachine.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ASyntaxStateMachine.hpp
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ public:
     using Opaque = void *;
     /** reflected c++ type **/
     using TypeDescr = xo::reflect::TypeDescr;
+    /** gc-aware object **/
+    using AGCObject = xo::mm::AGCObject;
     ///@}
 
     /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-methods **/
@@ -71,10 +73,12 @@ public:
     virtual void on_parsed_formal_with_token(Opaque data, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  = 0;
     /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
     virtual void on_parsed_formal_arglist(Opaque data, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  = 0;
-    /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+    /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
     virtual void on_parsed_expression(Opaque data, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  = 0;
     /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
     virtual void on_parsed_expression_with_token(Opaque data, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  = 0;
+    /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+    virtual void on_quoted_literal(Opaque data, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  = 0;
     ///@}
 }; /*ASyntaxStateMachine*/
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.hpp
index 8eb513c9..81d00656 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.hpp
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ namespace scm {
         /** integer identifying a type **/
         using typeseq = xo::facet::typeseq;
         using TypeDescr = ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+        using AGCObject = ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
 
         ///@}
         /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-any-methods **/
@@ -71,6 +72,7 @@ namespace scm {
         [[noreturn]] void on_parsed_formal_arglist(Opaque, DArray *, ParserStateMachine *)  override;
         [[noreturn]] void on_parsed_expression(Opaque, obj<AExpression>, ParserStateMachine *)  override;
         [[noreturn]] void on_parsed_expression_with_token(Opaque, obj<AExpression>, const Token &, ParserStateMachine *)  override;
+        [[noreturn]] void on_quoted_literal(Opaque, obj<AGCObject>, ParserStateMachine *)  override;
 
         ///@}
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.hpp
index eb9b10fa..75863bfc 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dapplyssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DApplySsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DApplySsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DApplySsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DApplySsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DApplySsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.hpp
index 8fee27fd..0191de54 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-ddefinessm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DDefineSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DDefineSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DDefineSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DDefineSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DDefineSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.hpp
index b452860f..a84ed1b1 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dexpectexprssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DExpectExprSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DExpectExprSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DExpectExprSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DExpectExprSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DExpectExprSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.hpp
index 466dce8b..4e924170 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dexpectformalargssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.hpp
index 571255f9..d1e388b2 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dexpectformalarglistssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.hpp
index d8367631..f39e2af3 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dexpectsymbolssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.hpp
index 87b5db71..ba997e28 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dexpecttypessm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DExpectTypeSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DExpectTypeSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DExpectTypeSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DExpectTypeSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DExpectTypeSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.hpp
index d1373a1a..b189bf87 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-difelsessm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DIfElseSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DIfElseSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DIfElseSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DIfElseSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DIfElseSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.hpp
index 3c945b94..9c97287f 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dlambdassm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DLambdaSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DLambdaSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DLambdaSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DLambdaSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DLambdaSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.hpp
index 19e4a89b..65cd1727 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dparenssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DParenSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DParenSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DParenSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DParenSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DParenSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.hpp
index 13a2d461..431892b9 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dprogressssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DProgressSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DProgressSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DProgressSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DProgressSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DProgressSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.hpp
index a692f79f..e5548af5 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dquotessm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DQuoteSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DQuoteSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DQuoteSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DQuoteSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DQuoteSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.hpp
index 7e0cfb42..448b296b 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dsequencessm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DSequenceSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DSequenceSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DSequenceSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DSequenceSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DSequenceSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.hpp
index 69a3c71f..9aa70c43 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.hpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ namespace xo {
             /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-dtoplevelseqssm-type-traits **/
             ///@{
             using TypeDescr = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+            using AGCObject = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
             using Copaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Copaque;
             using Opaque = xo::scm::ASyntaxStateMachine::Opaque;
             ///@}
@@ -66,10 +67,12 @@ namespace xo {
             static void on_parsed_formal_with_token(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, const DUniqueString * param_name, TypeDescr param_type, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** consume formal arglist emitted by nested ssm **/
             static void on_parsed_formal_arglist(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, DArray * arglist, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
-            /** update state machine for incoming parsed expression @p expr **/
+            /** update state machine for nested parsed expression @p expr **/
             static void on_parsed_expression(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             /** update state machine @p p_psm for incoming parsed expression @p expr followed by token @p tk **/
             static void on_parsed_expression_with_token(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
+            /** update state machine for nested quoted literal @p lit **/
+            static void on_quoted_literal(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm);
             ///@}
         };
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Xfer.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Xfer.hpp
index 30c87269..4a77f0c4 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Xfer.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/ISyntaxStateMachine_Xfer.hpp
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ namespace scm {
         /** integer identifying a type **/
         using typeseq = ASyntaxStateMachine::typeseq;
         using TypeDescr = ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+        using AGCObject = ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
         ///@}
 
         /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-xfer-methods **/
@@ -79,6 +80,9 @@ namespace scm {
         void on_parsed_expression_with_token(Opaque data, obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  override {
             return I::on_parsed_expression_with_token(_dcast(data), expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        void on_quoted_literal(Opaque data, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  override {
+            return I::on_quoted_literal(_dcast(data), lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
         ///@}
 
diff --git a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/RSyntaxStateMachine.hpp b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/RSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
index 8012b657..33321d14 100644
--- a/include/xo/reader2/ssm/RSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
+++ b/include/xo/reader2/ssm/RSyntaxStateMachine.hpp
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ public:
     using DataPtr = Object::DataPtr;
     using typeseq = xo::reflect::typeseq;
     using TypeDescr = ASyntaxStateMachine::TypeDescr;
+    using AGCObject = ASyntaxStateMachine::AGCObject;
     ///@}
 
     /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-router-ctors **/
@@ -85,6 +86,9 @@ public:
     void on_parsed_expression_with_token(obj<AExpression> expr, const Token & tk, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  {
         return O::iface()->on_parsed_expression_with_token(O::data(), expr, tk, p_psm);
     }
+    void on_quoted_literal(obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm)  {
+        return O::iface()->on_quoted_literal(O::data(), lit, p_psm);
+    }
 
     ///@}
     /** @defgroup scm-syntaxstatemachine-member-vars **/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.cpp
index 4fa59332..ccf69ca8 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_Any.cpp
@@ -83,6 +83,12 @@ ISyntaxStateMachine_Any::on_parsed_expression_with_token(Opaque, obj<AExpression
     _fatal();
 }
 
+auto
+ISyntaxStateMachine_Any::on_quoted_literal(Opaque, obj<AGCObject>, ParserStateMachine *)  -> void
+{
+    _fatal();
+}
+
 
 } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.cpp
index bcc672a4..f5cbb4e2 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DApplySsm::on_quoted_literal(DApplySsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.cpp
index dad9d0e8..be766921 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DDefineSsm::on_quoted_literal(DDefineSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.cpp
index 855135e6..d505b427 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectExprSsm::on_quoted_literal(DExpectExprSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.cpp
index 948a4fe2..50131470 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArgSsm::on_quoted_literal(DExpectFormalArgSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.cpp
index f56a90d2..982ce47a 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectFormalArglistSsm::on_quoted_literal(DExpectFormalArglistSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.cpp
index 77f0fd10..3701069f 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectSymbolSsm::on_quoted_literal(DExpectSymbolSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.cpp
index f5f650ae..e83c591a 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DExpectTypeSsm::on_quoted_literal(DExpectTypeSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.cpp
index d5a78844..fc28d9c9 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DIfElseSsm::on_quoted_literal(DIfElseSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.cpp
index f99ab05d..2ce18e6b 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DLambdaSsm::on_quoted_literal(DLambdaSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.cpp
index 0773ff3f..dcd49028 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DParenSsm::on_quoted_literal(DParenSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.cpp
index 0e1e4a4c..c9d1931c 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DProgressSsm::on_quoted_literal(DProgressSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.cpp
index c3264db0..9281d6f5 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DQuoteSsm::on_quoted_literal(DQuoteSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.cpp
index bc6ab823..5aa181bb 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DSequenceSsm::on_quoted_literal(DSequenceSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.cpp b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.cpp
index 6850aee1..698ccefc 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ namespace xo {
         {
             self.on_parsed_expression_with_token(expr, tk, p_psm);
         }
+        auto
+        ISyntaxStateMachine_DToplevelSeqSsm::on_quoted_literal(DToplevelSeqSsm & self, obj<AGCObject> lit, ParserStateMachine * p_psm) -> void
+        {
+            self.on_quoted_literal(lit, p_psm);
+        }
 
     } /*namespace scm*/
 } /*namespace xo*/
diff --git a/src/reader2/ParserStateMachine.cpp b/src/reader2/ParserStateMachine.cpp
index dee9e4b2..bade16dc 100644
--- a/src/reader2/ParserStateMachine.cpp
+++ b/src/reader2/ParserStateMachine.cpp
@@ -569,6 +569,32 @@ namespace xo {
             this->capture_error(ssm_name, errmsg);
         }
 
+        void
+        ParserStateMachine::illegal_quoted_literal(std::string_view ssm_name,
+                                                   obj<AGCObject> lit,
+                                                   std::string_view expect_str)
+        {
+            obj<APrintable> lit_pr
+                = FacetRegistry::instance().variant<APrintable,AGCObject>(lit);
+
+            /** TODO
+             *  problem here: we have pretty() support for obj<AExpression>,
+             *  but not "ordinary printing" support.  So expression doesn't get printed
+             **/
+            auto errmsg_string = tostr("Unexpected quoted literal",
+                                       xtag("lit", lit_pr),
+                                       xtag("expecting", expect_str),
+                                       xtag("ssm", ssm_name),
+                                       xtag("via", "ParserStateMachine::illegal_quoted_literal"));
+
+            assert(expr_alloc_);
+
+            auto errmsg = DString::from_view(expr_alloc_,
+                                             std::string_view(errmsg_string));
+
+            this->capture_error(ssm_name, errmsg);
+        }
+
         void
         ParserStateMachine::error_unbound_variable(std::string_view ssm_name,
                                                    std::string_view sym)