And I answered: “They mocked me when I found and walked in mine own path; and certainly did my feet then tremble.

“And thus did they speak unto me: Thou forgottest the path before, now dost thou also forget how to walk!”

Then was there again spoken unto me without voice: “What matter about their mockery! Thou art one who hast unlearned to obey: now shalt thou command!

“Knowest thou not who is most needed by all? He who commandeth great things.

“To execute great things is difficult: but the more difficult task is to command great things.

“This is thy most unpardonable obstinacy: thou hast the power, and thou wilt not rule.”⁠—

And I answered: “I lack the lion’s voice for all commanding.”