XLIV

The Stillest Hour

What hath happened unto me, my friends? Ye see me troubled, driven forth, unwillingly obedient, ready to go⁠—alas, to go away from you !

Yea, once more must Zarathustra retire to his solitude: but unjoyously this time doth the bear go back to his cave!

What hath happened unto me? Who ordereth this?⁠—Ah, mine angry mistress wisheth it so; she spake unto me. Have I ever named her name to you?

Yesterday towards evening there spake unto me my stillest hour : that is the name of my terrible mistress.

And thus did it happen⁠—for everything must I tell you, that your heart may not harden against the suddenly departing one!

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