Page:Thus Spake Zarathustra - Alexander Tille - 1896.djvu/428

 394 THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, IV

" Thou hast well found me out," answered the voluntary beggar with his heart lightened. " I love honey, I also grind corn, for I sought what tasteth sweetly and maketh the breath pure.

I sought also what needeth a long time, namely a day's work and a month's work for gentle idlers and sluggards.

The highest point, it is true, hath been reached by these cows. They invented ruminating and lying in the sunshine. They also abstain from all heavy thoughts that cause flatulence in the heart."

"Go to!" said Zarathustra. "Thou shouldst see mine animals as well, mine eagle and my serpent. Their like doth not exist on earth this day.

Behold, in this direction leadeth the way unto my cave. Be this night its guest ! And speak with mine animals of the happiness of animals,

Until I return home myself. For now a cry for help calleth me away from thee in haste. Thou also wilt find fresh honey with me, golden honey with comb, as cold as ice. Eat it.

But now take swift farewell of thy cows, thou strange one, thou sweet one ! although it may be hard unto thee. For they are thy dearest friends and teachers ! "

" One excepted whom I love still more," answered the voluntary beggar. "Thou art thyself good, and better even than a cow, O Zarathustra ! "

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