Thus told Zarathustra. His disciples, however, hardly listened to him: so great was their eagerness to tell him about the sailors, the rabbits, and the flying man.

What am I to think of it! said Zarathustra. Am I indeed a ghost?

But it may have been my shadow. Ye have surely heard something of the Wanderer and his Shadow?

One thing, however, is certain: I must keep a tighter hold of it; otherwise it will spoil my reputation.

And once more Zarathustra shook his head and wondered. What am I to think of it! said he once more.

Why did the ghost cry: ‘It is time! It is the highest time!’

For what is it then—the highest time?

Thus spake Zarathustra.