Page:Thus Spake Zarathustra - Alexander Tille - 1896.djvu/441

 SALUTATION 407

the gallant. But in the midst of that sad company stood Zarathustra's eagle, its feathers ruffled and itself disquieted. For it had been asked to answer many questions for which its pride knew no answer. And the wise serpent hung round its neck.

At all this Zarathustra looked with great astonish- ment. Then he examined each of his guests with gracious curiosity, read the contents of their souls, and

was once more astonished. In the meantime they who had gathered there, had arisen from their seats and waited with reverence till Zarathustra should speak. And Zarathustra spake thus :

" Ye despairing ones ! Ye strange ones ! Then it was your cry for help I heard ? And now also I know where he is to be sought whom I this day sought for in vain : the higher man.

In mine own cave sitteth he, the higher man ! But why am I astonished ? Have not I myself allured him unto myself, by honey offerings, and cunning, enticing calls of my happiness?

But methinketh, ye are not very suitable to form a company, ye make each other's hearts angry, ye criers for help, when sitting together here ! One must first come

One who will make you laugh again, a good, gay clown, a dancer and a wind and romp, some old fool. What think ye?

Forgive me, ye despairing ones, that in your pres-

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