322 THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, III
In order to speak again the word of the great noon of earth and man ; in order to proclaim again beyond- man unto man.
I have spoken my word ; I break from my word. Thus willeth mine eternal fate. As a proclaimer I perish !
The hour hath come now, when the perishing one blesseth himself. Thus endeth Zarathustra's de- struction.' '
The animals having said these words, were silent and waited to see whether Zarathustra would say anything unto them. But Zarathustra did not hear that they were silent. On the contrary: he lay still, with his eyes closed, like one asleep, although he did not sleep. For he was communing with his soul. But the serpent and the eagle finding him thus silent respected the great stillness round him and cautiously withdrew.
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