OF OLD AND NEW TABLES
Therefore the enthusiasts and hypocrites whose very heart hangeth down, preach : 'The world itself is a filthy monster.'
For they are all of an unclean mind; in particular those who have neither quiet nor rest ; unless it be that they see the world from the back, those back- worlds-men !
I tell it to their face, although it doth not sound lovely : ' Therein the world resembleth man, that it hath a backside, thus much is true ! '
There is much filth in the world, thus much is trtie ! But for that reason the world itself is not yet a filthy monster !
It is wisdom therein, that much in the world smelleth ill. Loathing itself createth wings and well- divining powers !
In the best one even, there is something loathsome. And even the best one is a something that must be surpassed !
O my brethren, there is much wisdom in the fact that there is much filth in the world !
��Such sayings I heard pious back-worlds-men say unto their conscience, and, verily, without cunning or deceitfulness, although there is nothing more deceit- ful in the world, nor anything worse.
�� �
