Page:Thus Spake Zarathustra - Alexander Tille - 1896.djvu/446

 412 THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, IV

legs, like you, wisheth above all (whether he knoweth it or hideth it from himself) to be spared.

But mine arms and my legs I spare not, my warriors I spare not. How could ye be fit for my warfare ?

By you I should spoil every victory of mine. And many a one of you would fall unto the ground on hearing the loud noise of my drums.

Besides ye are not beautiful and well-born enough for me. I need pure, smooth mirrors for my doctrines. On your surface even mine own image is distorted.

Your shoulders are pressed by many a burden, many a memory. Many an evil dwarf squatteth in your corners. There is hidden mob within even you.

And though ye be high and of a higher tribe, many things in you are crooked and misshapen. There is no blacksmith in the world to hammer you into shape and straightness.

Ye are only bridges. Would that higher ones would stride over you unto the other side ! Ye signify stairs. Then be not angry with him who riseth above you unto his own height !

From your seed one day there may spring unto me a genuine son and perfect heir. But that is remote. Ye yourselves are not those unto whom belong mine heirship and name.

Not for you wait I in these mounts ; not with you am I allowed to step down for the last time. Ye have

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