OF THE VIRTUOUS
"With thunder and heavenly fire-works one hath to speak unto languid and sleeping senses.
But the voice of beauty speaketh gently ; it stealeth only into the sprightliest souls.
To-day my shield trembled and laughed gently : that is the holy laughter and trembling of beauty.
Over you, ye virtuous, my beauty laughed to-day. And thus came its voice unto me : ' They wish to be
paid in addition ! '
Ye wish to be paid in addition, ye virtuous ! Ye wish reward for virtue, heaven for earths, and eternity for your to-day?
And now ye are angry at my teaching that there is no rewarder and pay-master. Nay, I do not even teach that virtue is its own reward.
Alas ! That is my trouble : reward and punishment have been deceitfully put into the foundation of things
and now even into the foundation of your souls, ye virtuous !
But like a boar's snout my word shall harrow the foundation of your souls. I would have you call me a plough.
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