Page:Thus Spake Zarathustra - Alexander Tille - 1896.djvu/442

 4O8 THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, IV

ence I speak with such small words, unworthy, verily ! of such guests ! But ye find not out what maketh my heart wanton.

Ye yourselves do so, and your look, forgive me ! For every one becometh brave who looketh at a de- spairing one. To encourage a despairing one for that every one thinketh himself strong enough.

Unto myself ye have given this power, a good gift, my lofty guests ! An honest guest's gift ! Well then, be not angry at me now offering you something of what is mine also.

This here is my kingdom and my dominion. But whatever is mine shall be yours for this evening and this night. Mine animals shall serve you. My cave shall be your resting-place !

In mine own home and house no one shall despair. In my province I protect every one from his own wild beasts. And this is the first thing I offer you : se- curity !

But the second thing is my little finger. And if ye once have it, take the whole hand in addition, yea, and the heart with it ! Welcome here, welcome, my guests and friends ! "

Thus spake Zarathustra, laughing with love and wickedness. After this salutation his guests bowed again and were silent in reverence. And the king on the right answered him in their name.

" From the way, O Zarathustra, that thou offeredst

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