Hartmut Hecker : Hyperion to Diotima

I have it, dear Diotima!

My chest is light and my tendons are fast, ha! and the future excites me, as a clear depth of water excites us to jump into it and cool the exuberant blood in a fresh bath. But that's gossip. We love each other better than ever, my Alabanda and me. We are freer around one another and yet it is all the fullness and depth of life, as usual.

Oh, how right were the old tyrants to forbid friendships like ours! One is strong, like a demigod, and does not tolerate anything outrageous in one's area! -

It was the evening when I went into his room. He had just put his work aside, was sitting in a moonlit corner by the window, poring over his thoughts. I stood in the dark, he didn't recognize me, looked at me unconcerned. Heaven knows who he might take me for. Well how are you doing? he shouted. Pretty much! I say. But the hypocrisy was in vain. My voice was full of secret exultation. What's this? he started; is it you? Yes, you blind man! I called, and flew into his arms. Oh now! Alabanda finally shouted, now it's going to be different, Hyperion!

I think so, I say, shaking his hand happily.

Do you still know me, Alabanda continued after a while, do you still have the old pious belief in Alabanda? Magnanimous! I have never felt so well as when I felt in the light of your love.

How? I cried, asks Alabanda? That wasn't said proudly, Alabanda. But it is the sign of this time that the old heroic nature begs for honor, and the living human heart, like an orphan, cares for a drop of love.