“On earth there is nothing greater than I: it is I who am the regulating finger of God”⁠—thus roareth the monster. And not only the long-eared and shortsighted fall upon their knees!

Ah! even in your ears, ye great souls, it whispereth its gloomy lies! Ah! it findeth out the rich hearts which willingly lavish themselves!

Yea, it findeth you out too, ye conquerors of the old God! Weary ye became of the conflict, and now your weariness serveth the new idol!

Heroes and honourable ones, it would fain set up around it, the new idol! Gladly it basketh in the sunshine of good consciences⁠—the cold monster!

Everything will it give you , if ye worship it, the new idol: thus it purchaseth the lustre of your virtue, and the glance of your proud eyes.