OF THE NEW IDOL 63
evil; whatever it saith, it lieth, whatever it hath, it hath stolen.
False is everything in it ; with stolen teeth it biteth, the biting one. False are even its intestines.
Confusion of languages of good and evil. This sign I show unto you as the sign of the state. Verily, this sign pointeth to the will unto death ! Verily, it waveth hands unto the preachers of death !
Far too many are born : for the superfluous the state was invented.
Behold, behold, how it allureth them, the much- too-many ! How it devoureth, cheweth, and masti- cateth them !
' On earth there is nothing greater than I ; God's regulating finger am I,' thus the monster howleth. And not only those with long ears and short sight sink upon their knees !
Alas, even within you, ye great souls, the state whispereth its gloomy lies ! Alas ! it findeth out the rich hearts which are eager to squander themselves !
Ay, it findeth out even you, ye conquerors of the old God ! Ye got wearied in the battle, and now your weariness serveth the new idol.
The new idol would fain surround itself with heroes and honest men ! It liketh to sun itself in the sunshine of good consciences that cold monster !
It will give you anything if you adore it, the new
�� �
