178 THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, II
They look well at each other's fingers and trust each other not over-much. Ingenious in little strata- gems, they wait for those whose knowledge walketh on lame feet; like spiders they wait.
I have seen them always prepare their poison with prudence ; and they always put gloves of glass on their fingers in so doing.
They also know how to play with false dice ; and I found them play so eagerly that they perspired from it.
We are strangers unto each other, and their virtues are still more contrary unto my taste than their false- hoods and false dice.
And when I lived among them I lived above them. Therefore they became angry at me.
They like not to hear of any one walking above their heads. Thus they laid wood and earth and filth between myself and their heads.
Thus they have deadened the sound of my steps ; and the most learned have heard me worst.
The fault and weakness of all human beings they laid between themselves and myself. ' False ceiling ' they call that in their houses.
But nevertheless I walk with my thoughts above their heads ; and even if I should walk on mine own faults, I should still be above them and their heads.
For men are not equal. Thus speaketh justice. And what I will they would not be allowed to will ! "
Thus spake Zarathustra.
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