The Nuptial Flight 



the entire truth lies captive within their 

 two hands. For the first have made 

 ample preparations to receive the truth, 

 have provided most hospitable lodging 

 within them ; and even though their eyes 

 may not see it, they arc eagerly looking 

 towards the beauty and grandeur where 

 its residence surely must be. 



We know nothing of nature's aim, 

 which for us is the truth that dominates 

 every other. But for the very love of 

 this truth, and to preserve in our soul the 

 ardour we need for its search, it behoves 

 us to deem it great. And if we should 

 find one day that we have been on a 

 wrong road, that this aim is incoherent 

 and petty, we shall have discovered its 

 pettiness by means of the very zeal its 

 presumed grandeur had created within us ; 

 and this pettiness once established, it will 

 teach us what we have to do. In the mean- 

 while it cannot be unwise to devote to its 

 327 



