TST :: Chapter II :: The old saint

Z journeys down the mountain alone symbolising his decision as being uniquely his own. The lack of reception indicating what he has to bring is not sought out by others. But he chances upon a religious old man. That has left his bed to gather roots [perhaps searching for the stuff of life].

The man recognises him but notes that Z is distinctly different from before. He notes his childlike appearance [perhaps naivety]. He also notes that Z has awakened enquiring his intentions among the "land of sleepers". This is indicative that Z has "awakened" to something which mankind has not.

Z indicates the reason he has decended is because of his love for man. The old man alludes to his own love of man as a vice given man is imperfect. Z corrects himself indicating that his actual intentions were to bring a gift.

The holy man insinuates that the only gift Z should bring would be the carrying of another's burden (if Z so desires) or the giving of charity (if pleaded for). Z indicates he is not poor enough to give charity. Z here appears to be alluding to poverty of Will.

If Z gives charitably to others he undermines and subverts the development of their own will to power. If Z was poor in his own will the temptation might be to give charitibly and in so doing compensate for their lacking.

This better frames Z's rationale for the downgoing. One could argue the downgoing is a kind of charity. But I dont think this is the case. It is not that he might undermine the will to power in others but that he might attain his own potential as one who promotes the development of such a will in others.

The Old man appears to misunderstand and laughs at Z suggesting that Z ensure his gift is recieved. He alludes to the mistrust of the hermit indicating popular perception of them as thieves rather than givers. The old man suggests that Z liken himself to those around him. This is somewhat ironic given the Old Man the does not do likewise. Z enquires after what the Old Man does and the man answers with activities that demonstrate devotion to God.

Z avoids the old mans own question as to the gift he brings. He can see that what he brings will only take from the old man. His gift is the knowledge of the death of God.