OF THE THREE METAMORPHOSES
"Three metamorphoses of the spirit I declare unto you : how the spirit becometh a camel, the camel a lion, and the lion at last a child.
There are many things heavy for the spirit, the strong spirit which is able to bear the load and in which reverence dwelleth : its strength longeth for the heavy and heaviest.
What is heavy ? asketh the spirit which is able to bear the load, and kneeling down like a camel wish- eth to be well-laden.
What is the heaviest, ye heroes ? asketh the spirit which is able to bear the load, that I may take it on me and rejoice in my strength.
Is it not : to humiliate one's self in order to give pain to one's haughtiness ? To show forth one's folly in order to mock at one's wisdom ?
Or is it : to part from our cause when it is cele- brating its victory ? To ascend high mountains in order to tempt the tempter ?
Or is it: to live on the acorns and grass of know- ledge and to starve one's soul for the sake of truth ?
Or is it : to be ill and send away the consolers
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