Page:Thus Spake Zarathustra - Alexander Tille - 1896.djvu/121

 OF LITTLE WOMEN OLD AND YOUNG

"Why stealest thou so timidly through the dawn, Zarathustra ? and what hidest thou so carefully under thy mantle ?

Is it a treasure that thou hast been given ? Or a child born unto thee ? Or dost thou now go thyself in the ways of thieves, thou friend of evil ? "

treasure that I have been given : a little truth it is I carry.
 * Verily, my brother ! " said Zarathustra, " it is a

But it is unruly like a little child; and if I hold not its mouth, it bawleth as loud as it can.

When I went on my way alone at the hour of sun- set this day I met an old little woman who thus spake unto my soul :

' Much hath Zarathustra said unto us women, but never hath he spoken unto us of woman.'

And I answered her : ' Of woman one must speak unto men only.'

' Speak also unto me of woman,' she said ; ' I am old enough to forget it at once.'

And I assenting thus spake unto the old little woman :

87

�� �