“The air thin and clear, the danger nigh, and the spirit filled with a joyful mischief; these things go well together.
“I will have gnomes about me, for I am merry....
“I feel no more with you; these clouds which I see under me, these clouds black and heavy over which I laugh—just these are your storm-clouds.
“You gaze upward if you long for exaltation. I gaze downward because I am exalted.
“Who among you can both laugh and be exalted?
“Who climbs upon the highest mountains, he laughs at all sorrow-play and sorrow-reality.
“Bold, untroubled, mocking, full of power—so will wisdom have us; she is a woman and loves always but the warrior.
“You say to me: 'Life is hard to bear.' But for what had you your pride in the morning, and in the evening your submission?...
“I would believe only in a god who knew how to dance.
“And when I saw my devil, I found him earnest, profound, deep, solemn; he was the Spirit of Heaviness—through him fail all things.