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