“They are mine animals,” said Zarathustra, and rejoiced in his heart.

“The proudest animal under the sun, and the wisest animal under the sun⁠—they have come out to reconnoitre.

“They want to know whether Zarathustra still liveth. Verily, do I still live?

“More dangerous have I found it among men than among animals; in dangerous paths goeth Zarathustra. Let mine animals lead me!”

When Zarathustra had said this, he remembered the words of the saint in the forest. Then he sighed and spake thus to his heart:

“Would that I were wiser! Would that I were wise from the very heart, like my serpent!

“But I am asking the impossible. Therefore do I ask my pride to go always with my wisdom!