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 same time separation, of the lovers, and seems to hint at life in the underworld,[8] where he is united with all that once was dear to him, and yet cannot enjoy the happiness of reunion, because it is all shadows and unreal and devoid of life. Here the one who descends drinks the waters of innocence, the waters of childhood, the drink of rejuvenation,[9] so wings may grow, and, winged, he may soar up again into life, like the winged sun, which arises like a swan from the water ("Wings, to pass across and to return again"):

" So I spoke, and lo, a genie Carried me off, swifter than I had imagined, And farther than ever I had thought From my own house! It grew dark As I went in the twilight. The shadowy wood, And the yearning brooks of my home-land Grew vague behind me— And I knew the country no longer."

After the dark and obscure words of the introduction, wherein the poet expresses the prophecy of what is to come, the sun journey begins ("night journey in the sea") towards the east, towards the ascent, towards the mystery of eternity and rebirth, of which Nietzsche also dreams, and which he expressed in significant words:

"Oh, how could I not be ardent for eternity, and for the nuptial ring of rings—the ring of the return! Never yet have I found the woman from whom I wish children, unless she would be this woman whom I love; for I love thee, O eternity."