Message #32962

[VoraX]

10.

  This had Zarathustra said to his heart when the sun stood at
noon-tide. Then he looked inquiringly aloft,- for he heard above him
the sharp call of a bird. And behold! An eagle swept through the air
in wide circles, and on it hung a serpent, not like a prey, but like a
friend: for it kept itself coiled round the eagle's neck.
  "They are mine animals," said Zarathustra, and rejoiced in his
heart.
  "The proudest animal under the sun, and the wisest animal under
the sun,- they have come out to reconnoitre.
  They want to know whether Zarathustra still liveth. Verily, do I
still live?
  More dangerous have I found it among men than among animals; in
dangerous paths goeth Zarathustra. Let mine animals lead me!
  When Zarathustra had said this, he remembered the words of the saint
in the forest. Then he sighed and spake thus to his heart:
  "Would that I were wiser! Would that I were wise from the very
heart, like my serpent!
  But I am asking the impossible. Therefore do I ask my pride to go
always with my wisdom!
  And if my wisdom should some day forsake me:- alas! it loveth to fly
away!- may my pride then fly with my folly!"

  Thus began Zarathustra's down-going.