Shrewd indeed are they, their virtues have shrewd fingers. But they lack fists: their fingers do not know how to creep behind fists.
Virtue for them is what maketh modest and tame: therewith have they made the wolf a dog, and man himself man's best domestic animal.
"We set our chair in the midst"—so saith their smirking unto me—"and as far from dying gladiators as from satisfied swine."
That, however, is—mediocrity, though it be called moderation. 206
Those teachers of submission! Wherever there is aught puny, or sickly, or scabby, there do they creep like lice; and only my disgust preventeth me from cracking them. 207
Too tender, too yielding: so is your soil! But for a tree to become great, it seeketh to twine hard roots around hard rocks! 208
Do ever what ye will—but first be such as can will. 208
Love ever your neighbour as yourselves—but first be such as love themselves. 208
Out of love alone shall my contempt and my warning bird take wing; but not out of the swamp!
In indulging and pitying lay ever my greatest danger; and all human hubbub wisheth to be indulged and tolerated. 226